PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
MARION PRESSURE TREATING COMPANY
MARION, UNION PARISH, LOUISIANA
On February 4, 2000, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) 
placed the
Marion Pressure Treating Company (MPTC) site in Marion, Union Parish, Louisiana, on the
National Priorities List (NPL). The NPL identifies uncontrolled waste sites that represent a
potential threat to the environment and are eligible for remediation under the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended (CERCLA),
commonly referred to as the Superfund law.
The now-defunct MPTC site used creosote-based wood preservatives to pressure-treat wood and wood products. Wastes containing creosote were disposed of on the site. Various chemicals were found in the tanks, pipes and other equipment left when the MPTC site closed. Visibly stained soils and sediments have been noted by the EPA. Chemicals of concern found at the site include creosote, which is a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals/Office of Public Health (OPH)/Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology (SEET) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) determined that the site currently poses an indeterminate public health hazard because of the absence of data on contaminated soils and sediments at and around the site. The completion of a 6-foot fence surrounding the MPTC site and contaminants on adjacent off-site property will minimize but not completely prevent current and future exposures. These conclusions are based on the Preliminary Assessment Report dated April 28, 1995, and the Remedial Investigation and Feasibility Study of the City of Marion Drinking Water Wells dated May 19, 2000, as well as conversations with the EPA Project Manager and EPA's consultant [1,2].
City water supply wells sampled during early inspections were not affected by chemicals from the site. It is not likely that polluted groundwater from the site will migrate to these wells in the future because they are located upgradient from the site.
The Office of Public Health/Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology recommend that the U.S. EPA: 1) continue to restrict access to the MPTC site, 2) treat the on-site consolidation area and cap to prevent off-site migration of contaminants which may lead to unnecessary exposures, 3) take all precautions necessary to protect public health during remediation activities, and 4) monitor groundwater and air during these activities. OPH also recommends that the city well water of Marion be sampled every three years for monitoring purposes. OPH Safe Drinking Water Program staff will undertake this responsibility.
On February 15, 2001, OPH staff conducted a public meeting to present the residents with the Public Health Assessment for the 30-day public comment period. Residents who attended the meeting expressed concerns regarding the incidences of cancer in Marion as well as the possibility of past exposure that may have been evidenced by odors existing throughout the community when the MPTC facility was operational.
In August 2001, the Office of Public Health/Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology administered a Needs Assessment to the residents living near the Marion Pressure Treating Company plant (MPTC) in Marion, LA. The participating heads-of-household were administered a two-page questionnaire. They were also asked to complete a shorter survey for a spouse who may have worked at the plant and another form for each household member. A total of nine households (24 participants) was surveyed: 18 (78.3%) African American, 3 (13.0%) White, 2 (8.7%) Hispanic, and 1 (4.2%) unreported. There were 12 females, 11 males, and 1 unreported. The age range of the participants was from 6 months to 95 years of age. The heads-of-household were asked about their health problems and about health conditions of other household members with 12 (50%) reporting no health problems. Five respondents reported seeing a doctor or hospital once within the past six months and one respondent reported seeing either a doctor or hospital three times within the same time frame. Three participants surveyed were former employees of Marion Pressure Treating Company, and six participants reported they had gotten creosote on their clothing. Nine participants (37.5%) were concerned about contamination around their homes, four (16.6%) were not concerned, and eleven (45.8%) did not respond.
The Office of Public Health (OPH), Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology at the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals is conducting this public health assessment (PHA) to ascertain the public health significance at the Marion Pressure Treating Company's (MPTC) site in Marion, Louisiana. OPH reviews available site-related information to enable us to better assess and define pathways of exposure in order to determine the likelihood of harmful health effects and take necessary action to mitigate.Also, this PHA contains recommendations to reduce or prevent site-related contact with chemicals of concern; that is, chemicals that could result in harmful health effects.
In 1986, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act (SARA) amended CERCLA to direct the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to conduct public health activities related to the sudden or uncontrolled releases from hazardous waste sites of harmful chemicals into the environment. Among other activities, ATSDR is authorized to conduct a PHA for each facility or site listed, or recommended to be listed, on the NPL within one year of listing. ATSDR is also authorized to conduct public health assessment activities for a facility or an uncontrolled release (e.g., an explosion or spill) when requested by a person or persons.
3.1 Site Description and History
From 1964 to 1989, the now-defunct Marion Pressure Treating Company (MPTC) site used a creosote injection process to treat wood and wood products such as bridge pilings, railroad ties, fence posts, and utility poles. The property on which it operated is now known as the MPTC site.
The MPTC site is a 10-acre tract of land in the city of Marion, Union Parish, Louisiana, along State Highway 551, approximately 0.5 miles north of the junction of State Highways 551 and 33. The waste, however, has migrated off site so that possibly a 20-acre tract of land has been impacted. The site is mostly rural, bound to the north, east and south by pine forest, and to the west by State Highway 551 (Appendix A, Figure 1). Overall, the site has little recreational value and is not attractive to young children or other trespassers, but a past report did identify a deer hunting blind near the northeastern site boundary [1].
Wood treatment facilities such as the MPTC site are the largest source of creosote in the environment. Creosote is a synthetic chemical which contains many compounds, particularly polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The MPTC site comprises a former processing area, consolidation area, tank product storage area, and drainage ditches on the east and west sides of the former processing area. The processing area contained hazardous materials within and on structures and equipment integral to the operation and maintenance of the facility. Such hazardous materials were found in drums, above ground storage tanks, pressure vessels, and in miscellaneous debris.
In November 1996, EPA funded the removal and off-site disposal of four loads of creosote
sludge from on-site tanks. As part of the removal action, EPA also funded the excavation,
consolidation, and capping of creosote-tainted soil and debris from the southern, northwestern, and eastern areas of the site in the former processing area.
On September 28, 2000, OPH staff visited the MPTC site, accompanied by a representative of TetraTech, an EPA contractor. TetraTech's inspection noted a former office building and an open shed remained on the site, and large amounts of debris remained scattered in the site's wooded areas. About 95 barrels of waste sealed in drums were present, resting on an extensively eroded cap over excavated material. The cap was installed by EPA as part of the 1994-1997 emergency removal action. According to EPA, the site conditions remain fundamentally unchanged since this last visit.
The site has been accessed by trespassers. According to the EPA contractor, drug paraphernalia was found on site. A deer hunting blind sits on the EPA-installed cap. But trespassing is now unlikely because the site is continuously guarded. Also, a 6-foot fence has been installed to restrict access to all areas of observed, known, or suspected contamination, both on and off the property. EPA's contractor cleared trees, vegetation and debris from areas to be fenced.
In order to investigate areas of potential anomalies and delineate the extent of free phase contamination, on-site groundwater monitoring wells have been installed at depths greater than originally anticipated. Also, as a result of contaminant migration off site, the current areas of concern extend beyond the original 10 acres, to now include a total of more than 20 acres.
3.3 Demographics, Land Use and Natural Resources
Marion has a reported population of approximately 775 people. According to an EPA contractor, approximately 46 residences and 11 businesses are located within 0.50 miles of the site. Most of the city's residents (665 people) live within 1 mile of the site. No on-site residents have been identified. Big Creek, a small surface water with an intermittent flow, is approximately 500 feet east-southeast of the site. Big Creek empties into Bayou de Loutre, some 7.5 miles to the south. Bayou de Loutre is classified as a natural and scenic stream and is used for recreational fishing for catfish, white perch, panfish, and bass. However, recreational uses are not possible within the reaches of Big Creek near the MPTC site because the depth of the water is very shallow.
4.1 Environmental Contamination
This section discusses the contaminants at the site. These contaminants are evaluated in the subsequent sections of the public health assessment (PHA) to determine whether exposure to the existing contaminants has public health significance. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, Office of Public Health, Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology (OPH) select and discuss these contaminants based upon the following factors:
The only analytical data reviewed for this PHA was the City of Marion's drinking water supply data, which was not contaminated. The City of Marion's drinking water results were compared to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCL). The MCL is an enforceable drinking water standard. It is considered protective of health over a lifetime (70 years) for individuals consuming 2 liters of water per day.
A Remedial Investigation/Feasibility Study (RI/FS), which will contain the data on soils, sediments, biota, and groundwater was not available for evaluation at this time. Therefore, conclusions have been drawn from the description of the operational history, on-site sources which EPA observed during previous investigations and conversations with EPA and its consulting staff. RI/FS data is expected in the near future, at which time, it will be analyzed and findings will be presented in the form of a health consultation.
To determine whether nearby residents are exposed to contaminants migrating from the site, OPH and ATSDR evaluate the environmental and human components that lead to human exposure. This pathway analysis consists of five elements: a source of contamination, transport through an environmental medium, a point of exposure, a route of human exposure, and a receptor population.
ATSDR categorizes an exposure pathway as a completed or potential exposure pathway if the exposure pathway cannot be eliminated. Completed pathways require that the five elements exist and indicate that exposure to a contaminant has occurred in the past, is currently occurring, or will occur in the future. Potential pathways, however, require that at least one of the five elements is missing, but could exist. Potential pathways indicate that exposure to a contaminant could have occurred in the past, could be occurring now, or could occur in the future.
An exposure pathway can be eliminated if at least one of the five elements is missing and will never be present. Appendix B, Table 1 and Table 2 identify the completed and potential exposure pathways. The discussion that follows incorporates only those pathways that are important and relevant to the site.
4.2.1 Completed Exposure Pathways
On-site air
In 1996, the EPA removed creosote sludge from on-site open tanks. In the
past, persons on the site would have been exposed via inhalation to contaminants
volatilizing from the open tanks. Due to the absence of historical information,
assessing historical air related pathways is not possible.
On-site soil
A completed exposure pathway to on-site soils existed in the past for employees
of MPTC who worked at the wood treatment plant when it was operational, as well
as individuals who trespassed onto the site. Exposure to site-related contaminants
would have occurred through incidental ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact,
as creosote is known to bind to soil. The level of occupational exposure is
a function of the particular job duty performed and the degree to which personal
protective equipment was utilized.
The MPTC site is surrounded by a 6-foot fence and continuously guarded by security. Therefore, current exposure to trespassers is unlikely.
4.2.2 Potential Exposure Pathways
On-site groundwater
Exposure to groundwater is a potential exposure pathway even though the
information available to-date show no use of the on-site groundwater. Exposure,
either by dermal contact or by ingestion, could occur in the future if a well
were to be installed into the shallow on-site groundwater which lies 10 to 20
feet below ground surface.
On-site soil
In the past, before a fence was erected around the contaminated areas that
include the MPTC site and parts of neighboring properties, residents and others
could have been exposed to contaminated soils from the site. Exposure could
have occurred by inhalation, incidental ingestion, or skin contact.
The MPTC site is now surrounded by a 6-foot fence, preventing soil contact. Occupational exposure could occur if future workers needed access to the site.
Off-site soil
Currently and in the future, there is a slight chance that windblown contaminated
soils could migrate from within the fenced MPTC site to off-site locations,
granting exposure to neighboring residents and visitors. Exposure may occur
by inhalation, incidental ingestion, or dermal contact of contaminated soils.
On-site air
As previously mentioned, in 1996 EPA removed creosote sludge from open tanks
at the MPTC site. If subsurface soils are excavated in the future, workers and/or
trespassers could be exposed via inhalation to volatile creosote constituents
that may be released to on-site air.
Off-site air
In the past, there was a potential for residential exposure through inhalation
of volatile constituents of creosote that may have migrated off-site via air.
Approximately 46 residences and 11 businesses are located within one-half mile
of the MPTC site, and most of the city's residents live within one mile of the
site. Exposure may occur in the future if on-site excavation of subsurface soils
occurs, as volatile creosote constituents have the potential to be released
into air and migrate off-site, affecting neighboring residents and visitors
near the site. This pathway does not exist at the present time, as there is
no current activity at the site.
On-site and off-site surface water
Residents, persons fishing in nearby waters, and casual trespassers could
all be exposed to contaminated surface water from the site, or from Big Creek.
Exposure could occur either by skin contact with water or incidental ingestion.
Because of insufficient data on contaminants and their levels, this pathway
is classified as potential.
Off-site groundwater
The city of Marion obtains its water from two wells in Union Parish, Louisiana,
located less than 1/4 mile north of the intersection of State Highway (SH) 551
and SH 33. Both of these wells are located 1 mile upgradient of the MPTC site.
They draw from depths of 624 feet and 895 feet below ground surface (bgs). The
pumped water is treated with chlorine at the pump and again in a water storage
tank.
In January 2000, the Marion water supply wells were sampled and analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, metals and cyanide. Both Marion water system wells met water quality criteria and standards established by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals/Office of Public Health.
As evidenced by the current water quality conditions, chemicals at the MPTC site are not endangering the Marion water system. It is unlikely that contaminants will migrate from the MPTC site soils or shallow groundwater in the direction of or to the depth of the city wells. The city wells are upgradient of the MPTC site, and extend to depths greater than 600 feet.
They are further protected from contaminants in soils or shallow groundwater by a clay layer. Furthermore, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which make up about 75% of creosote, are not water soluble, and are absorbed in soil, so migration is limited. However, creosote is a mixture of many compounds and some are more water soluble than others.
Because the hydrogeology of the area and connections between shallow groundwater and the aquifer in which the wells are located have not been adequately characterized, this pathway is also classified as potential, though highly unlikely.
On-site consolidation area
The consolidation area built during EPA's 1996 removal action has begun
to erode, thereby threatening the integrity of the cap. The liner covering the
contaminated soil is exposed at several locations. The erosion of the cap could
result in further spread of contamination. EPA's future plans include treatment
of the area and cap to prevent off-site migration of contaminants.
On-site sediment
Sediments in the creek adjacent to and upgradient of the wetlands, as well
as Big Creek and an unnamed tributary, could contain creosote-related organic
compounds. Two on-site ditches lead from the eastern and western sections of
the former processing area and drain toward Big Creek and the unnamed tributary.
Black creosote stains have been observed in both of the on-site ditches [1].
Past exposure to the potentially contaminated areas may have occurred via incidental ingestion or skin contact by MPTC workers or those who may have trespassed on the site.
Off-site sediment
Sediment has been transported from on-site ditches to off-site ditches.
Incidental ingestion of sediment and skin contact with contaminated sediments
in the unnamed tributary and in Big Creek could expose recreational visitors
and trespassers to contaminants from the site.
Biota
Historical information suggests Big Creek biota includes catfish, white
perch, panfish, and bass. Isolated pools along Big Creek that are inadequate
for recreational fishing support only a few mosquitofish, sunfish, and catfish
(length of fish ranged from 2 to 3 inches). However, because data regarding
the contaminants which biota absorb or ingest is currently inadequate, this
pathway must also be classified as potential.
4.3 Public Health Implications
4.3.1 Toxicological Evaluation
To evaluate health effects, ATSDR has developed minimal risk levels (MRLs) for contaminants commonly found at hazardous waste sites. The MRL is an estimate of daily human exposure to a contaminant below which non-cancer, adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. The MRLs are developed for each route of exposure, such as ingestion and inhalation, and for length of exposure, such as acute (less than 14 days), intermediate (15 to 364 days) and chronic (greater than 365 days). The ATSDR presents these MRLs in Toxicological Profiles. These chemical specific profiles provide information on health effects, environmental transport, human exposure, and regulatory status. When MRLs are not available, reference doses (RfDs) provided by the EPA are used for comparative purposes.
The health effects, which result from the interaction of an individual with a hazardous substance in the environment, depend on several factors. One is the route of exposure, which includes whether the chemical is breathed, consumed with food or water, or contacts the skin. Another factor is the dose to which a person is exposed, and the amount of the exposure dose that is actually absorbed into the body. Mechanisms by which chemicals are altered in the environment or absorbed into the body, are also important. Many variations in these mechanisms exist from one individual to another.
The Remedial Investigation Report which describes the levels of contaminants currently in soils, sediments and groundwater at MPTC site has not yet been released by the EPA. Based on knowledge that the MPTC site was a creosote wood preserving facility and the description of specific sources on the property in the Preliminary Assessment, such as tanks, pipelines and stained soils, we know that creosote and PAHs are the likely site contaminants. PAHs are discussed in the following paragraphs [1].
Creosote
Creosote is a complex mixture of organic compounds produced through
coal tar distillation. The composition of coal tar and creosote vary, but PAHs
constitute about 75% of creosote [3]. Creosote is an EPA Group B1 (probable)
human carcinogen.
Exposure to creosote vapors can cause respiratory tract irritation. Exposure or direct contact with skin can cause sun sensitivity and skin damage. Coal tar creosote is considered a probable human carcinogen. Creosote and coal tar products have caused skin cancer in animals.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Because the MPTC site was a creosote wood preserving facility, polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are likely to be present in the soils and sediments
on and off the site. Thus, in the past, exposure to PAHs through soil ingestion
could have occurred to adults who worked at the site and to trespassers who
might have wandered onto or played at the site.
PAHs are a group of chemicals formed during burning and are often found in the environment in smoke, tobacco, creosote, soot, coal and charbroiled meat. PAHs usually occur as complex combinations of chemicals rather than single compounds. More than 100 different PAHs exist. Generally, PAHs are not water soluble, but are readily absorbed in soil, so migration is limited. PAHs can be divided into noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic compounds [5].
Noncarcinogenic PAHs
Noncarcinogenic PAHs include acenaphthene, anthracene, fluoranthene,
fluorene, and pyrene. This is based on the fact that there is no human data
available and inadequate data from animal bioassays. Acenaphthene, anthracene,
and fluorene are chemical intermediates in dyes, plastics, pesticides, explosives,
and chemotherapeutic agents.
Noncarcinogenic PAHs are ubiquitous in soil. Data from national background soil concentrations reveal that generally, urban areas experience higher levels of noncarcinogenic PAHs than do agricultural and rural areas. Noncarcinogenic PAHs (and particularly, lower weight PAHs such as acenaphthene, anthracene, and fluorene) can volatilize or leach from soil.
Carcinogenic PAHs
Studies show certain PAHs can cause cancer in animals. No studies have
been identified establishing a direct association between human skin exposure
to single PAHs and cancer. However, reports of skin tumors among individuals
exposed to PAH mixtures do exist [5]. These reports suggest a potential of PAH
carcinogenicity. Animal studies have documented the ability of benzo(a)anthracene,
benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, chrysene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene
to induce skin tumors following intermediate skin exposure [5]. These contaminants
are considered to be carcinogenic.
ATSDR's Child Health Initiative recognizes the unique vulnerabilities of infants and children demand special emphasis in communities faced with water, soil, air, or food contamination. Children are at greater risk than adults from certain kinds of exposures to hazardous substances emitted from waste sites and other uncontrolled releases. They are more likely to be exposed because they play outdoors and they can carry food into contaminated areas. They are usually 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 usually depend on adults for housing, risk identification, management decisions, and medical care. Although this PHA has been affected by a lack of data, several exposure pathways exist to which a child would be sensitive.
In August 2001, the Office of Public Health/Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology conducted a Needs Assessment of the residents living near the Marion Pressure Treating Company plant (MPTC) in Marion, LA. The summary of the findings is presented in Appendix C.
On February 15, 2001, OPH staff conducted a public meeting to present the public comment version of this public health assessment. The following two comments were noted:
-Residents expressed concern over seemingly excess incidences of cancer.
Residents of Marion requested that a health statistics review be conducted for the MPTC site to determine if there is a causal relationship between site-related creosote contaminants at the MPTC site and the incidences of cancer in Marion.
OPH attempted to perform a preliminary screen of cancer cases for Union Parish as ascertained by the Louisiana Tumor Registry. The findings were intended to be presented in the form of a Health Consultation. If upon conclusion of the preliminary review, cancer cases were not comparable to statewide norms, a further investigation was to be undertaken.
However, upon receipt of the Louisiana Tumor Registry data for Union Parish, OPH staff determined that the data was not well suited for a health statistics review. The majority of cases in Marion are indexed by rural route and do not correspond to a physical street address, therefore lacking an exact location of disease. Without this vital information, a health statistics review cannot be completed that indicates cancer incidence as related to proximity to the MPTC site.
-Residents expressed concern over possible past exposure that may have been evidenced by odors, and smells existing throughout the community when the facility was operational.
Past exposure to on-site workers presents an indeterminate health risk due to the absence of historical information, therefore, assessing historical air related pathways is not possible. For those residents that live nearby, although noxious odors may have been a nuisance, and may have been irritating to certain sensitive populations in the past, currently the site poses no health threat though air exposure.
The 6-foot fencing is now constructed around the 20-acre site which includes both the original on-site area and the off-site area believed to be contaminated because of visibly stained soils and sediments. When the fence was completed, the 24-hour security was discontinued.
The EPA performed additional sampling in the spring of 2001, more than originally planned for the Remedial Investigation (RI), due to the discovery of creosote waste in the municipal sewerage treatment pond and the discovery of a free phase dense non-aqueous liquid in the shallow on-site groundwater. The RI report is expected to be released in the near future by EPA, at which point, the findings will be presented to the public in the form of a health consultation. As of November 2002, OPH has not received a final Remedial Investigation Report with the data in a useable format.
OPH and ATSDR conclude that insufficient data are available to determine the public health impact of the Marion Pressure Treating Company (MPTC) site. This finding results in classification of the site as an indeterminate public health hazard. Historical data do not characterize the extent or duration of human exposure to sediments, surface soil, subsurface soil, surface water, air or biota, and no current information exists by which these media can be so characterized. Finally, current data is insufficient to determine whether the site could have had, or could in the future have, an adverse impact on human health. This conclusion is based on a preliminary site assessment and conversations with the Environmental Protection Agency.
EPA informed OPH that shallow groundwater on the site is contaminated; however, the wells from which the City of Marion draws its drinking water currently meet existing federal and state safe drinking water standards.
As documented by EPA, some on-site waste sources have been removed, therefore eliminating some potential exposure sources. A fence which surrounds the original 10-acre property and the additional 10 acres of contaminated off-site soils and sediments was completed in October 2000. Exposure to site contaminants by nearby residents or trespassers is much less likely now that the fence has been completed.
The area is not attractive to recreational fishermen because the water in Big Creek is very shallow. If conditions change, then reevaluation would be needed, as this evaluation was based on limited data.
The following describes the actions taken by ATSDR and/or OPH/SEET at the Marion Pressure Treating Company (MPTC) site and the surrounding community. The purpose is to ensure that this public health assessment has not only identified public health hazards, but provided a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. The public health actions which have been implemented by ATSDR/SEET are as follows:
Actions Planned
Actions Taken
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals
Office of Public Health
Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology
Telephone Number: (504) 568-8537 or toll-free (888) 293-7020
Darcie Olexia, M.S.P.H.
Kimberly M. Gallo, M.S.P.H.
Erica M. Caesar, M.S.P.H.
Margaret Metcalf, Sc.D.
Sharee M.. Rusnak, M..S.P.H.
Kabrina Smith, M.S.
ATSDR Senior Regional Representative
George Pettigrew
Regional Operations, Region VI
ATSDR Technical Project Officer
Tammie McRae, M.S.
Environmental Health Scientist
This Marion Pressure Treating Company Public Health Assessment was prepared by the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals 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 of its preparation.
Alan W. Yarbrough
for Tammie McRae, MS
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health assessment and concurs with the findings.
Roberta Erlwein
Chief, Superfund Site Assessment Branch, DHAC, ATSDR
Table 1. Completed Exposure Pathways
| Media |
Exposure Pathway Elements |
Time |
||||
|
Source |
Environmental Media |
Point of Exposure | Route of Exposure | Exposure Population | ||
| Air | Volatilization of Site Contaminants | Air | On-site air | Inhalation | Trespasser | Past |
| Soils Sediment |
MPTC site | Soils | On-site soil | Incidental ingestion Inhalation Skin contact |
Trespasser MPTC workers |
Past |
Note: MPTC site = Marion Pressure Treating Company
Table 2. Potential Exposure Pathways
| Media |
Exposure Pathway Elements |
Time |
||||
| Source | Environmental Media | Point of Exposure | Route of Exposure | Exposure Population | ||
| Air | MPTC site | Air | On-site air | Inhalation | Trespassers Future Workers |
Future |
| Off-site air | MPTC workers Residents/Visitor Trespassers |
Past Future |
||||
| Soil | MPTC site | Soil | On-site soil | Inhalation Incidental ingestion Skin contact |
Off-site residents Visitors Trespassers Future workers |
Past Present Future |
| Off-site soil | Off-site residents Visitors |
Present Future |
||||
| Surface Water | MPTC site | Surface Water Sediment Biota |
On-site surface water Off-site Big Creek |
Incidental ingestion Skin contact |
Off-site fisher Off-site resident Trespasser |
Past Present Future |
| Shallow Groundwater | MPTC site | Shallow groundwater | On-site shallow groundwater | Incidental ingestion Skin contact |
Trespasser | Past Present Future |
| Groundwater | MPTC site | Off-site groundwater | Residential Tap | Ingestion Skin contact |
Off-site residents | Past Present Future |
| Sediment | MPTC site | Sediment | On-site sediment | Incidental ingestion Skin contact |
MPTC workers Trespassers |
Past Present Future |
| Sediment | MPTC site | Sediment | Off-site fishing | Incidental ingestion Skin contact |
Off-site fisher Off-site wader Off-site swimmer |
Past Present Future |
| Biota | MPTC site | Fish | Fish consumption | Fish consumption | Off-site resident Off-site fisher |
Past Present Future |
Note: MPTC site = Marion Pressure Treating Company
APPENDIX C: NEEDS ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Executive Summary of Responses to the
Needs Assessment/Questionnaire on a
Community living near the
Marion Pressure Treating Company
EPA FACILITY ID: LAD 008473142
September 13, 2001
On a rainy day on Saturday, August 18, 2001, five staff members from the Office of Public Health, Section of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology conducted a Needs Assessment on the residents living near the Marion Pressure Treating Company plant (MPTC) in Marion, LA. A two-prong approach was used having one staff member stationary at the Town Hall to complete and collect questionnaires from residents, while two teams of two staff members each went door-to-door to the houses within one-half mile of the MPTC site.
The heads-of-household were administered a two page questionnaire and completed a shorter survey for a spouse who may have worked at the plant and another form for each household member. A total of nine households (24 participants) was surveyed: 18 (78.3%) African American, 3 (13.0%) White, 2 (8.7%) Hispanic, and 1 (4.2%) unreported. There were 12 females, 11 males, and 1 unreported. The age range of the participants were from 6 months to 95 years of age. The residents surveyed lived in the area from 6 months to 40 years. The age of the houses ranged from 7 years to 50 years.
The heads-of-household were asked about their health problems and about the health conditions of other household members. The majority, 12 (50.0%), reported no health concerns. Some other conditions reported were allergies, skin problems, high blood pressure, heart problems, cholesterol, congenital eye cataracts, and thyroid conditions.
Data was analyzed regarding whether or not the heads-of-household visited a doctor or hospital and whether or not they had visited either within the last six months. Five respondents reported seeing a doctor or hospital once within the past six months and one respondent reported seeing either a doctor or hospital three times within the same time frame. The doctors who the households visited are Doctors Burns, Uncle, and Zeigler. The majority of respondents visited either the Louisiana State University Medical Center in Monroe or the North Monroe Hospital.
The heads-of-household were also asked if they or anyone in their household were former employees of Marion Pressure Treating Company. Three participants surveyed were former employees with job responsibilities such as laborer, posts peeler, and treater of wood. Six participants reported they had gotten creosote on their clothing and removed it by such means as soap and water, gasoline, just wearing out, or did nothing. Respondents, other than workers, had gotten creosote on their clothes.
Eleven of the participants lived within one-half mile of the plant. They have lived there from a range of 7 years to 40 years. There were ten no-responses to this question. The overwhelming response of the residents that reported living in close proximity of the plant reported a constant smell during its operational period.
Finally, nine (37.5%) of the participants were concerned about contamination around their homes. A total of four (16.6%) was not concerned and eleven (45.8%) did not respond. The locations where the majority expressed concern were the front yards and all land areas. Other areas of concern were city water supply and land near the site.
