PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
CPS CHEMICAL/MADISON INDUSTRIES
OLD BRIDGE TOWNSHIP, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NEW JERSEY
On the basis of the information reviewed, the ATSDR and NJDOH have concluded that the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site poses no apparent public health hazard. The available data do not indicate that humans are being exposed or have been exposed to levels of contamination that would be expected to cause adverse health effects. In addition, all of the soluble organic contamination found is within the capture zone of the existing ground water recovery system. The NJDEP has abandoned plans to recharge treated groundwater into the Runyon Watershed aquifer. This eliminates the possibility that reinjected soluble organics would contaminate the municipal water supply wells.
The Perth Amboy public water supply wells (Supply Wells #5 and #6) have been affected by contaminants from the CPS/MI site. VOC's are present in Supply Well #6; however, only chlorobenzene was detected in finished or treated water. The maximum concentration of chlorobenzene was below it's MCL of 4 ppb. Perth Amboy well #5 has been contaminated with high levels of zinc and is utilized as a backup supply and is not currently in service.
The zinc contamination in Perth Amboy Supply Well # 5 appears to have a continuing source. There is an indication that there may be more than one source of zinc contamination. The most likely sources are surface waters and sediments in Prickett's Brook and Pond.
A toxicological evaluation was conducted of a human exposure scenario of residents drinking untreated groundwater from contaminated supply wells. Potential exposure to contaminants found in the Perth Amboy municipal water supply before treatment (eg., benzene and chlorobenzene) did not indicate estimated exposure doses where adverse health outcomes would be expected. Similarly, there was no significant increase in expected lifetime excess cancer risk calculated for residents of Perth Amboy.
Former and current workers at the CPS/MI site have probably been exposed to heavy metals through the ingestion of dusts and other small particles in the air and on work surfaces in and outside of the buildings and from VOC's from operations and previous spills. Future exposures of site workers to site contaminants are also possible.
A review of the site data indicates that, because of past and current treatment and blending of the potable water, it is unlikely that residents were exposed to VOC's at concentrations above the NJMCL's or the ATSDR comparison values for these chemicals.
A review of the most recent data concerning the remediation of the volatile organic (VOC's) contamination in the ground water, indicates that the continued operation of the recovery wells are currently providing hydraulic control of VOC's in the contaminant plume.
There is evidence of an upgradient source of contamination (VOC's and metals) that are contributing to the groundwater contamination at the CPS/MI site.
The on-site metal sludge piles were removed from the site in August 1995. Any past migration off-site (hydraulically and atmospherically) could have caused adverse impact on off-site soil and other surface media, and may have posed a potential risk of exposure to humans (residents and employees) through inhalation and dermal contact.
There are several off-site areas of stressed vegetation which appeared to receive runoff water from unimproved areas MI property via rain channels. Trespassers on these stressed areas site are unlikely to come in contact with site contaminants at levels of health concern. Further analysis into the cause of the vegetative stress is currently underway and the results will be included in the final Phase II RI Report.
A review of the cancer incidence for the municipality of Perth Amboy (1979 through 1991) found cancer rates were not elevated, with respect to New Jersey State rates.
New environmental, toxicological, health outcome data, or changes in conditions as a result of implementing the proposed remedial plan, may determine the need for other additional actions at this site.
HEALTH ACTIVITIES RECOMMENDATION PANEL
(HARP) RECOMMENDATIONS
The data and information developed in the Public Health Assessment for the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site, Old
Bridge Township, New Jersey, has been evaluated by ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) for
appropriate follow-up with respect to health activities. The panel was concerned over exposure to workers at the Madison
Industries site; therefore, this concern and PHA will be referred to the appropriate occupational agency(ies).
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the CPS Chemical/Madison Industries site contains a description of the actions to be taken by ATSDR and/or NJDOH at or in the vicinity of the site subsequent to the completion of this Public Health Assessment. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this health assessment not only identifies public health hazards, but provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Included, is a commitment on the part of ATSDR/NJDOH to follow up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented. The public health actions to be implemented by ATSDR/NJDOH are as follows:
A. Public Health Actions Taken
B. Public Health Actions Planned
ATSDR will reevaluate and expand the Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) when needed. New environmental, toxicological, health outcome data, or the results of implementing the above proposed actions may determine the need for additional actions at this site.
Preparer of Report:
ATSDR Regional Representative:
ATSDR Technical Project Officer:
Any questions concerning this document should be directed to:
This Health Consultation was prepared by the Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the health consultation was begun.
David Hutchins
Technical Project Officer
Superfund Site Assessment Branch (SSAB)
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation(DHAC)
ATSDR
The Divsion of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this health consultation and concurs with its findings.
Richard Gillig
Chief, SPS, SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR
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