HEALTH CONSULTATION
Soil Sampling Review
LANDMARK FARM AND GARDEN, INCORPORATED
NORTH HAVEN, NEW HAVEN COUNTY, CONNECTICUT
CERCLIS NO. CT0001910694
March 27, 1998
Prepared by
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Under Cooperative Agreement with
The Agency For Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
The conclusions and recommendations in this Health Consultation are based on the data and
information available to the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). The CT DPH and ATSDR will
incorporate additional information if it becomes available. The incorporation of additional data
could require changes in the conclusion and recommendation presented in this document.
BACKGROUND AND STATEMENT OF ISSUES
On December 4, 1997, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requested that the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) review the chemical contaminant data from soil samples collected outside the main building at the Landmark Farm and Garden Center site in North Haven, Connecticut [1]. The samples were analyzed for pesticide contaminants. The purpose of this health consultation is to determine whether the concentrations of pesticides in the surface soil samples present a public health hazard to trespassers.
The Landmark Farm and Garden Center is located at 444 Sackett Point Road, North Haven, Connecticut. This facility was a warehouse and retail center for garden supplies until 1994. The warehouse had stored fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and other dry chemicals. The pesticides stored inside the warehouse, as well as the contaminated dust in the building, were a public health hazard [2]. This information was discussed in a health consultation by the CT DPH and ATSDR in September of 1997. The pesticides and dust in the warehouse have been remediated.
Because the Landmark Farm and Garden Center structure is a wooden building, there is concern about the possibility of fire. The primary concern is that a fire could cause the combustion of residual pesticides that would expose nearby residents and workers to ambient air levels of contaminants high enough to require evacuation [3]. Because of the fire and chemical hazards, EPA has stationed a 24-hour security guard at the facility.
Concern has been raised about the proximity of the warehouse to a pet grooming facility (Clip and Dip). Data from soil samples outside and dust samples inside the pet grooming facility were previously evaluated, and a report was issued on June 18, 1997 [4]. The results of those samples indicated that the levels of pesticides in those limited locations presented no public health hazard. Because EPA was conducting remediation efforts near the pet grooming shop, the shop was relocated [1].
The current health consultation will evaluate the contaminant levels measured in the surface soil
outside the warehouse of the Landmark Farm and Garden Center.
DISCUSSION
Samples Collected
EPA coordinated the collection of 36 surface soil samples (surface soil is 0-3 inches below the surface) throughout the site. The samples were collected in two phases: June 19, 1997, and October 29, 1997.
Table 1 presents the maximum concentrations detected above health comparison values for the 36 samples. The analysis indicated that two of the soil pesticides, chlordane and dieldrin, were detected at levels above their respective health comparison values. In general, exposures higher than the health comparison values do not necessarily result in health effects. The maximum chlordane concentration was 2,500 parts per billion (ppb). This maximum concentration was detected in only one location: near the railroad car on the western side of the building. A total of three samples had chlordane concentrations above the health comparison value of 500 ppb. The sample locations and maximum chlordane concentrations are presented in Figure 1.
Table 1
Pesticides detected at levels above health comparison values in soil collected outside the
warehouse at the Landmark Farm and Garden Center in North Haven [1].
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Comparison Value | CT Remediation Standards (ppb) | ||
| (ppb) | Sources | Residential | Industrial/Commercial | ||
| chlordane | 2,500.00 | 500.00 | CREG | 490.00 | 2,200.00 |
| dieldrin | 52.00 | 40.00 | CREG | 38.00 | 360.00 |
CREG: Cancer risk evaluation
guide
ppb: parts per billion
Toxicological Evaluation
Exposure to chlordane and dieldrin on the Landmark site may have occurred in the past, and exposure may be occurring to persons who trespass on the site and contact the contaminated soils. Although trespassers have not been observed at the site, the potential exists, with one reason being that there are students in a school only one-half mile from the site.
Trespassing on this site could result in exposure to contaminants in the soil through ingestion or dermal contact. Children's exposure to contaminated soil may be the matter of most concern. The amount of chlordane ingested per kilogram of body weight was calculated for adults and children.
Chlordane and dieldrin have been classified by EPA as probable human carcinogens, carcinogenic and
noncarcinogenic health risks were evaluated. Using these guidelines,a child or adult trespassing on the
Landmark site would not be exposed to levels of chlordane or dieldrin that would pose a carcinogenic
or noncarcinogenic health threat.
CONCLUSION
RECOMMENDATION
Preparer of Health Consultation:
Gary D. Perlman, MPH
Epidemiologist
Environmental Epidemiology and Occupational Health
Connecticut Department of Public Health
ATSDR Region I Representative:
Louise House, RN, MA
ATSDR Technical Project Officer:
Tina Forrester, PhD
Superfund Site Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
CERTIFICATION
The Review of Soil Sampling at the Landmark Farm and Garden Center Site Health Consultation was prepared by the Connecticut Department of Public 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 initiated.
Tina Forrester
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this Health Consultation and concurs with its findings.
Richard Gillig
Chief, SPS, SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR
Figure 1. Surface Soil: Sample Locations and Maximum Chlordane Concentrations
