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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

LONGHORN ARMY AMMUNITION PLANT
KARNACK, HARRISON COUNTY, TEXAS

COMMUNITY HEALTH CONCERNS/ CHILD HEALTH INITIATIVE/HEALTH OUTCOME DATA

Community Health Concerns

To obtain community health concerns related to the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, we contacted several different agencies and individuals by telephone. The regional offices of both the Texas Department of Health (TDH Region 4) and the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC Region 5) were contacted in April of 1997. In addition to state agencies we contacted local health department staff, local citizens, former employees, the mayor from the town of Uncertain, the Uncertain Audubon Society, and the Caddo Lake Association Clean Rivers Program. We received the following health concerns.

1. Has TDH done studies on the health effects of past activities at the site?

No. Such studies have not been considered for this site. Based on available information, we were not able to identify any exposure situations through which the public would have come into contact with site contaminants in sufficient amounts to be of public health concern. In the absence of an identifiable exposure pathway, a study on the health status of the community would not be useful in establishing cause and effect relationships between specific conditions and past site activities.

2. Foremen that worked at the plant died of cancer and were not really in the areas where workers handled chemicals. Could there have been something in the water at the plant?

During the time that Longhorn was an actively operating facility, the public water supply was from Cypress Bayou and was treated at a surface water treatment plant on the Longhorn facility. Contaminants were not found in this public water supply. In examining the number of cancer deaths for Harrison County between 1987 and 1996, the number of cancer deaths was lower than or comparable to what was experienced in the State of Texas as a whole [20, 21].

3. People in town, including children, have breathing problems. Could this be due to Longhorn?

There are many reasons why people may develop breathing problems (viral infections, allergies). Due to the lack of air sampling data collected at Longhorn during the time it was operating we could not evaluate this concern. However, because the facility is no longer operating, it is not likely to be contributing to breathing problems currently being experienced by people in town.

Child Health Initiative

ATSDR's Child Health Initiative recognizes that the unique vulnerabilities of infants and children demand special emphasis in communities faced with contamination of their water, soil, air, or food. Children are at greater risk than adults from certain kinds of exposures to hazardous substances emitted from waste sites and emergency events. They are more likely to be exposed because they play outdoors and they often bring food into contaminated areas. They are shorter than adults, which means they breathe dust, soil, and heavy vapors close to the ground. Children are also smaller, resulting in higher doses of chemical exposure per body weight. The developing body systems of children can sustain permanent damage if toxic exposures occur during critical growth stages. Most importantly, children depend completely on adults for risk identification and management decisions, housing decision, and access to medical care.

ATSDR evaluated the likelihood for children living in the vicinity of the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant site to be exposed to site contaminants at levels of health concern. ATSDR did not identify situations in the past in which children were likely to have been exposed to site contaminants. Because site access is currently restricted, children are not likely to be exposed to contaminated surface water, soil, or sediments from the site. Children currently are not likely to be exposed to site contaminants in groundwater unless the extent of the contamination spreads to water wells which are being used by families with children.

Health Outcome Data

Health outcome data (HOD) record certain health conditions that occur in populations. These data can provide information on the general health of communities living near a hazardous waste site. They also can provide information on patterns of specified health conditions. Some examples of health outcome databases are tumor registries, birth defects registries, and vital statistics. Information from local hospitals and other health care providers also may be used to investigate patterns of disease in a specific population.

TDH and ATSDR look at health outcome data when there is a completed exposure pathway or community concern. Due to a lack of completed exposure pathways, a review of health outcome data is not warranted.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION PLAN

Conclusions

1. ATSDR concluded that the Longhorn site poses no apparent public health hazard, either because people are not likely to come into contact with site contaminants or because institutional controls are sufficient to protect human health. Although site-related contaminants have been detected on the site in various environmental media, currently the contaminants are not accessible on or off site at levels of public health concern. Based on available information, the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant site does not pose a threat to public health at this time. If site access continues to be restricted, Longhorn is not likely to pose a threat to public health in the future. Due to the lack of appropriate environmental data during the time that Longhorn was in full operation, we are unable to assess the past public health significance of operations at Longhorn.



2. There are several public water supply wells, north and northwest of Longhorn, upgradient from areas of known contamination. In the past, low concentrations of contaminants were reported in water from on-site perimeter monitoring wells in this area; however, these data are suspect and likely are due to field or laboratory cross-contamination. Based on available information, it is unlikely that contaminants are migrating towards the public water supply wells.



3. ATSDR's previous recommendation to monitor water from the on-site creeks is still valid. Although surface water from Caddo Lake has not been analyzed for site contaminants, sampling data from Goose Prairie Creek and Harrison Bayou provide evidence that contaminants from Longhorn are not migrating towards Caddo Lake in quantities sufficient to pose a public health threat, with the possible exception of perchlorate. Remediation of the sources of perchlorate and continued quarterly sampling of surface water from Goose Prairie Creek and Harrison Bayou will help ensure that the likelihood of potential future exposures is removed.

Actions Planned

1. Continued investigation and remediation of on-site contaminants by the U. S. Army.

Actions Ongoing

1. The U.S. Army will maintain institutional controls to restrict possible access to contaminated areas on the site, particularly if other uses, such as the proposed wildlife management area, are considered for the Longhorn property in the future.



2. The U.S. Army will continue to sample water from Goose Prairie Creek and Harrison Bayou for appropriate site contaminants including perchlorate.



3. As the monitoring data from the Phase III investigation and perchlorate sampling become available, ATSDR/TDH will review those data to evaluate their impact on public health.

Actions Recommended

1. In order to minimize their exposure to site contaminants, hunters, Caddo Lake Institute Scholars and other researchers, utility workers and other visitors to Longhorn should be clearly informed by the Army, when they check in at the gate, which areas on the facility are contaminated and should be avoided (perhaps by map or diagram).



2. Although it is unlikely that contaminants from the site are migrating towards the public water supply wells, it would be prudent to periodically test water from these wells for site-related contaminants, including perchlorate. It would be prudent to resample both on-site public water supply wells for perchlorate, as well as to sample Well Number 2 for volatile organic compounds, semivolatile organic compounds, pesticides, and PCBs.



3. The effluent from the groundwater treatment system at Burning Ground Number 3 and the Unlined Evaporation Pond should be treated to remove perchlorates prior to being discharged to Harrison Bayou.



4. The U.S. Army should take measures to keep perchlorate from entering Goose Prairie Creek from the source area at Building 25C.

PREPARERS OF THE REPORT

John F. Villanacci, Ph.D.
Director
Health Risk Assessment and Toxicology Program

Susan L. Prosperie, M.S., R.S.
Environmental Specialist
Health Risk Assessment & Toxicology Program

Dixie Davis
Administrative Technician I
Health Risk Assessment and Toxicology Program

Elena G. Capsuto, M.S.
Epidemiologist
Health Risk Assessment and Toxicology Program

ATSDR Regional Representatives

George Pettigrew, P.E.
Senior Regional Representative
ATSDR - Region 6

Jennifer Lyke
Regional Representative
ATSDR - Region 6

ATSDR TECHNICAL PROJECT OFFICER

Jeff Kellam
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation

CERTIFICATION

This Health Assessment was prepared by the Texas 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 Assessment was initiated.

Technical Project Officer, DSB, FFAB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this Public Health Assessment and concurs with its findings.

Chief, DSB, FFAB, DHAC, ATSDR

REFERENCES

1. Sverdrup Environmental, Inc. Field Summary Report. Phase 2, Group 2 Sites. Remedial Investigation Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Texas. July, 1996.



2. Sverdrup Environmental, Inc. Site Characterization Investigation Report. Phase 2, Group 5 Sites. Remedial Investigation Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Texas. October, 1996.



3. Documentation Records for Hazard Ranking System (HRS). Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Texas. Revised March 1, 1989.



4. Texas Almanac. Dallas Morning News. 1996-1997. Page 298.



5. U.S. Bureau of the Census. "Census of Population and Housing, Summary Tape File 3a. (Texas, City of Uncertain)." 1990.



6. U.S. Bureau of the Census, "Census of Population and Housing, 1990: Summary Tape File 1A (Texas)." 1991.



7. Longhorn Installation Restoration Program Status Summary December 11, 1997 and March 4, 1997. Received from USACOE Longhorn Project Manager: Yolane Hartsfield.



8. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Health Consultation for Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Harrison County, Texas. Cerclis Number TX6213820529. April 26, 1996.



9. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, NPL Site Narrative at Listing, Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. August 30, 1990. www.epa.gov/oerrpage/superfnd/web/oerr/impm/products/npl/nar801.htm.



10. ATSDR Health Assessment Guidance Manual. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry: Atlanta, Georgia 1992.



11. Sverdrup Environmental, Inc. Sampling and Data Results Report. Phase 2, Group 2 Sites (12, 16, 17, 18/24, 29, and 32). Remedial Investigation Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, Texas. March, 1996.



12. Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant (LHAAP) Background Groundwater Report, Final, June 21, 1995.



13. Darville, Roy G., Ph.D., Clean Rivers Program--Cypress Creek Basin. Sediment and Surface Water Sampling Data. TDH Personal communication. December 15, 1998.



14. Texas Department of Health Record of Communication File for Longhorn. Telephone conversation between Chris Villarreal EPA Region 6 RPM for Longhorn and Susan Prosperie of Texas Department of Health Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology Division. Regarding perchlorate sampling results from Harrison Bayou and proposed sampling of public water supply for perchlorate. May 7, 1999.



15. Texas Department of Health Record of Communication File for Longhorn. April 1999 perchlorate sampling of Harrison Bayou by the USACOE. Results and map received from Cliff Murray of the USACOE in Tulsa. May 10, 1999.



16. Environmental Protection Systems, Inc. Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant Contamination Survey. Prepared for Thiokol Corporation/Longhorn Division and Commander Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. U.S. Army Toxic and Hazardous Materials Agency. June 1984.



17. Texas Department of Health Record of Communication File for Longhorn. From Chris Villarreal EPA Region 6 RPM for Longhorn to Susan Prosperie of Texas Department of Health Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology Division. Perchlorate sampling results for Blanchard, Louisiana public water supply. May 14, 1999.



18. USACOE Perimeter Well Sampling Results for Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. Received from Project Manager Yolane Hartsfield. April 17, 1997.



19. Texas Department of Health Miscellaneous File for LHAAP: Chemical analysis data received from the TNRCC for public water supplies in the vicinity of LHAAP (Caddo Lake PWS, Karnack WSC, and Caddo Lake State Park Water Supply).



20. Texas Department of Health. Letter from Barry Wilson of the Cancer Registry Division to a citizen regarding cancer occurrence in Harrison County during the period 1987-1996. November 3, 1997.



21. Texas Department of Health. Letter from Tim Rainbolt of the Cancer Registry Division to a citizen regarding cancer mortality in Marshall, Texas between 1981 to 1988. September 27, 1990.



22. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Department of the Army. RCRA Facility Investigation, Scope of Work Plan. 25 July 1990.



23. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant. Draft Final Remedial Investigation Report. Group 1 Sites. Prepared for Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, Karnack, TX. April 1996.



24. Texas Department of Health Record of Communication File for Longhorn. Site visit notes from April 9, 1997 site visit to the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant.



25. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Chemical Specific Consultation for Perchlorate. Prepared by Mike Allred, Ph.D. October 8, 1998.

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

APPENDIX B: DEFINITIONS

APPENDIX C: STATUS OF SITES AT LONGHORN ARMY AMMUNITIONS PLANT

APPENDIX D: AREAS OF KNOWN OR SUSPECTED CONTAMINATION AT LONGHORN

APPENDIX E: AREAS OF SUSPECTED CONTAMINATION AT LONGHORN INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED TO REQUIRE NO FURTHER ACTION BY USATHMA

APPENDIX F: PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY CHEMICAL TEST RESULTS

APPENDIX G: PERCHLORATE FACT SHEET [25]

The Division of Toxicology of ATSDR has prepared this fact sheet to summarize the current state of toxicological knowledge pertaining to perchlorates.

Perchlorates are oxygen containing acids of chlorine that contain chlorine in its highest (+7) oxidation state. Although perchlorates in pure form are stable at room temperatures, they are potent oxidizers and are used in fireworks, matches, explosives, and jet and rocket fuels.

Health effects that may occur as a result of acute exposures include the following: upper respiratory tract irritation, sneezing, coughing, difficulty breathing and chest pain with inhalation exposures to perchlorate containing mists or particulates; skin, eye, and mucous membrane irritation with direct contact exposures to perchlorates in liquid form or in mists or particulates; nausea, vomiting diarrhea, abdominal pain, cyanosis (deficient oxygenation causing purplish skin and mucous membranes), absence of urine formation, confusion, and convulsions with ingestion exposure. Health effects seen with chronic exposures are similar to those seen with acute exposures but may also include loss of appetite and weight loss.

Perchlorates may cause hemolysis (breakdown of blood cells) which may lead to hemoglobinuria (presence of hemoglobin in the urine), disseminated intravascular coagulation (clotting of blood in small blood vessels), and nephrotoxicity (kidney toxicity). Disseminated intravascular coagulation and formation of methemoglobin (oxidized hemoglobin that is incapable of reversibly binding to oxygen) may lead to tissue hypoxia (deficiency of oxygen reaching tissues), and acute kidney failure which can lead to coma and death within a few hours.

The potassium and sodium salts of perchlorate have been used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Normal production and secretion of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine or T3 and tetraiodothyronine or T4) are controlled by iodide levels in the thyroid and by a feedback mechanism involving the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by the anterior pituitary. TSH causes the thyroid to initiate new thyroid hormone synthesis. TSH production by the pituitary gland responds to blood levels of thyroid hormones. When circulating levels of thyroid hormones decrease, the production of TSH in the pituitary increases. Conversely, increased levels of circulating thyroid hormones lead to decreased pituitary production of TSH. Hyperthyroidism or Grave's Disease is a condition where the thyroid synthesized and secretes excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. In the early 1950s, physicians began treating Grave's Disease patients with perchlorate when it was discovered that perchlorate would control excessive synthesis and release of thyroid hormones. The use of perchlorate to treat Grave's Disease has been associated with skin rashes, sore throat, and gastrointestinal irritation. Use of perchlorate to treat Grave's Disease was discontinued in the 1960s when aplastic anemia and other irreversible hematological side effects were observed in treated patients.

The toxicological data base for perchlorate is incomplete. Efforts to develop health guidance values that can be used to evaluate exposures have resulted in different values because of the use of different Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Levels (LOAELs) and No Observed Adverse Effect Levels (NOAELs) and different uncertainty and modifying factors. The range of Provisional Reference Doses (RfDs; a Reference Dose is an estimate, with uncertainty spanning perhaps an order of magnitude, of a daily exposure to the human population, including sensitive subgroups, that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of deleterious effects during a lifetime) developed by various groups is 0.0001 to 1.2 mg/kg/day. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed the most conservative reference dose range of 0.0001 to 0.0005 mg/kg/day which yields safe drinking water values for perchlorate of 0.001 to 0.005 mg/L for a 10 kg child ingesting one liter of water per day and 0.0045 to 0.0175 mg/L for a 70 kg adult ingesting two liters of water per day.

The EPA has evaluated the potassium and sodium salts of perchlorate for carcinogenicity and has assigned them both a weight-of-evidence classification of B2, probable human carcinogen. However, because of the inadequacies of the toxicological data base for perchlorate, EPA has not developed a quantitative estimate of perchlorate carcinogenicity.

Research is currently under way to fill the data gaps in the toxicological data base for perchlorate. Proposed research includes neurobehavioral, developmental, pharmacokinetic, genotoxic, reproductive, immunotoxic, and 90-day toxicological studies.

Although ATSDR has not developed a Toxicological Profile or Minimal Risk Level (MRL; a Minimal Risk Level is an estimate of daily human exposure to a dose of a chemical that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse noncancerous effects over a specified duration of exposure) for it, perchlorate is currently under consideration.

Anyone having questions about perchlorate toxicity should call the Division of Toxicology of ATSDR at 404/639-6300.

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