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PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT ADDENDUM

MOTCO, INCORPORATED
TEXAS CITY, GALVESTON COUNTY, TEXAS


ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND OTHER HAZARDS

The environmental media sampling program at MOTCO began with two EPA-sponsored studies by Black And Veatch in 1981 and 1982. Additional sampling was conducted by Woodward and Clyde in 1984 and 1986, and by CH2M Hill in 1984 and 1985. The types of environmental media sampled included surface and subsurface soil, shallow and deep ground water, surface water, sediments, and aquatic biota (fish and crabs). The pit wastes were also sampled. The samples were analyzed for Hazardous Substances List (HSL) metals and copper, volatile and semi-volatile compounds (HSL organics), pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Appendix C shows the locations of the monitoring wells, borings, and pits. Appendix D lists the chemical compounds that were analyzed in the laboratory.

We selected and discussed these contaminants based upon the following factors:

  1. Concentrations of contaminants on and off the site.


  2. Field data quality, laboratory data quality, and sample design.


  3. Comparison of on-site and off-site concentrations with background concentrations, if available.


  4. Comparisons of on-site and off-site concentrations with ATSDR Health Comparison (HAC) values for noncarcinogenic endpoints.


  5. Community health concerns.

In the data tables that follow under on-site contamination and off-site contamination, the listed contaminant does not mean that it will cause adverse health effects from exposures. Instead, the list indicates which contaminants will be evaluated further in the Health Assessment. When selected as a contaminant of concern in one medium, that contaminant will be reported in all media.

The data tables include the following acronyms:

ATSDR Health Assessment Comparison (HAC) values are contaminant concentrations in specific media that are used to select contaminants for further evaluation. These values include Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs) and other relevant guidelines. EPA's Reference Dose (RfD) is an estimate of the daily exposure to a contaminant that is unlikely to cause adverse health effects.

We conducted a search of the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) for the zip code area containing the MOTCO site. The TRI did not list any facilities having chemical releases in this area for 1987-1989. Industries in the zip code area adjacent to MOTCO reported 59 releases in 1987, 55 releases in 1988, and 47 releases in 1989. Several chemicals included in these reported releases are the same as those identified as MOTCO site contaminants.

A. On-Site Contamination

1. Soil Contamination

The on-site soil investigation was divided into three general areas of sampling: (1) topsoil (0-6 feet); (2) shallow subsurface (depths to 50 feet); and (3) deep subsurface (depths below 50 feet).

In 1983, 11 surface (0.5-1.0 foot) soil samples were obtained along the northwest, southeast and southwest perimeter dikes at locations that showed visible evidence of dike leakage and five surface soil samples were obtained at locations with no evidence of dike leakage. Woodward-Clyde Consultants screened these samples for volatile and non-volatile organic compounds and metals. Metals, volatile and aromatic compounds were detected in field tests. Metals in the surface soils were further analyzed in the laboratory. Table 1 shows the maximum levels of metals detected in the on-site surface (0.5-1.0 foot) soils. None exceeded available health assessment comparison values.

TABLE 1. ON-SITE TOP SOIL
Contaminant
Maximum Concentration (ppm)
Sample Depth (feet)
Reference
HAC Values (ppm)
HAC Source

Metals (Indicator)
Arsenic NA NA NA 50 EMEG
Barium 87.0 0.5-1.0 WCC 3,500 RfD
Cadmium 0.5 0-2 WCC 200 EMEG
Chromium 7.5 0.5-1.0 WCC 200 EMEG
Lead 25.0 0-2 WCC NONE NONE
Manganese 0.5 0.5-1.0 WCC 5,000 RfD
Mercury NA NA NA 40 EMEG

WCC = Woodward - Clyde Consultants 10/83
NA = Not Analyzed

The major contaminants in shallow subsurface soil samples were semi-volatile compounds (semi-VOCs). (See Table 2.) Semi-VOC contamination was detected as far down as 50 feet. The Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) fluorene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were detected at depths greater than 50 feet.

The highest volatile organic compound (VOC) levels were located at depths greater than four feet. Benzene, 1,1,2- trichloroethane, and 1,2-dichloroethane were detected at maximum levels of 15 ppm, 640 ppm, and 1200 ppm, respectively.

The highest metal concentrations were located at depths greater than 33 feet below ground surface (BGS). The shallow subsurface soil samples containing the highest levels of contamination were located northeast of Pit 7 and east of Pit 2.

Only a few compounds were detected in the deep subsurface soil. (See Table 3.) In general, the highest concentrations of contaminants in deep subsurface soil occurred at a depths of 53-55 feet. The samples containing the highest concentrations of contaminants were located east of Pit 2 and northeast of Pit 7.

TABLE 2. ON-SITE SHALLOW SUBSURFACE SOIL
Contaminant
Maximum Concentration ppm
Sample Depth feet
Reference
HAC Value ppm
HAC Source

Metals (Indicator)
Arsenic
14
48-50
WCEA
50
EMEG
Barium
202
33-35
WCEA
3,500
RfD
Cadmium
8.8
3-6
WCEA
200
EMEG
Chromium
14
6-8
WCEA
200
EMEG
Lead
44.7
48-50
WCEA
None
None
Manganese
180
22
BVII
5,000
RfD
Mercury
ND
10-30
BVII
40
EMEG
Volatile Organic Compounds
Benzene
15
4-6
WCEA
30
EMEG
Chloroform
0.41
4-6
WCEA
1,000
EMEG
1,1-dichlorethane
ND
10-50
BVII/MMFS
5,000
RfD
1,1-dichloroethene
66
48-50
WCEA
400
EMEG
1,2-dichloroethane
1200
48-50
WCEA
200
EMEG
1,2-dichloropropane
ND
10-30
MMFS
3,000
EMEG
1,3-dichloropropylene
NA
NA
None
None
None
Methylene Chloride
0.072
10
BVII
2,000
EMEG
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
ND
10-30
BVII
10,000
RfD
Toluene
21.0
4-6
MMFS
10,000
RfD
1,2-transdichloroethylene
ND
3+
WCEA
1,000
RfD
1,1,2-trichloroethane
640
4-6
WCEA
2,000
EMEG
Trichloroethylene
1.0
4-6
BVII
100,000
EMEG
Vinyl Chloride
ND
10-50
BVII/MMFS
50
EMEG
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
Acenaphthene
54
48-50
WCEA
3,000
RfD
Acenaphthylene
110
48-50
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Anthracene
55
48-50
WCEA
15,000
MRL
Benz (a) anthracene
0.79
43-45
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Benzo (a) pyrene
0.7
28-30
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Benzo (b) fluoranthene
0.32
43-45
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether
610
30+
WCEA
1,000
EMEG
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
ND
48-50
MMFS
1,000
RfD
Chrysene
0.7
28-30
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Fluoranthene
6.8
4-6
WCEA
2,000
RfD
Fluorene
100
6-8
WCEA
2,000
RfD
Naphthalene
830
6-8
WCEA
66,500
MRL
Phenanthrene
260
6-8
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Pyrene
120
6-8
WCEA
1,500
RfD

ND = not detected
NA = not analyzed
BVII = Black & Veatch Initial Investigation, Dec. 1981
MMFS = Management Migration Feasibility Study, Vol.2, May 1988
WCEA = Woodward & Clyde Endangerment Assessment, May 1989


TABLE 3. ON-SITE DEEP SUBSURFACE SOIL
Contaminant
Maximum Concentration ppm
Sample Depth feet
Reference
HAC Value ppm
HAC Source

Metals (Indicator)
Arsenic
7.6
158-160
WCEA
50
EMEG
Barium
151
158-160
WCEA
3,500
RfD
Cadmium
0.92
63-65
WCEA
200
EMEG
Chromium
18.8
53-55
WCEA
200
EMEG
Lead
27.6
138-140
WCEA
None
None
Manganese
NA
NA
NA
5,000
RfD
Mercury
0.3
58-60
WCEA
40
EMEG
Volatile Organic Compounds
Benzene
0.01
53-55
MMFS
30
EMEG
Chloroform
ND
53-160
MMFS
1,000
EMEG
1,1-dichlorethane
ND
53-160
MMFS
5,000
RfD
1,1-dichloroethene
9.2
53-55
WCEA
400
EMEG
1,2-dichloroethane
58
53-55
WCEA
200
EMEG
1,2-dichloropropane
ND
53+
WCEA
3,000
EMEG
1,3-dichloropropylene
NA
NA
NA
None
None
Methylene Chloride
0.016
58-60
MMFS
2,000
EMEG
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
ND
53-160
MMFS
10,000
RfD
Toluene
0.053
53-55
MMFS
10,000
RfD
1,2-transdichloroethylene
NA
NA
NA
1,000
RfD
1,1,2-trichloroethane
0.12
53-55
WCEA
2,000
EMEG
Trichloroethylene
NA
NA
NA
100,000
EMEG
Vinyl Chloride
ND
53-160
MMFS
50
EMEG
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
Acenaphthene
ND
53+
WCEA
3,000
RfD
Acenaphthylene
ND
53+
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Anthracene
ND
53+
WCEA
15,000
MRL
Benz (a) anthracene
ND
53+
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Benzo (a) pyrene
ND
53+
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Benzo (b) fluoranthene
ND
53+
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether
ND
53+
WCEA
1,000
EMEG
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
ND
53-160
MMFS
1,000
RfD
Chrysene
ND
53+
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Fluoranthene
ND
53+
WCEA
2,000
RfD
Fluorene
0.36
53-55
WCEA
2,000
RfD
Naphthalene
1.0
53-55
WCEA
66,500
MRL
Phenanthrene
1.3
53-55
WCEA
5,000
MRL
Pyrene
0.38
53-55
WCEA
1,500
RfD

ND = not detected
NA = not analyzed
BVII = Black & Veatch Initial Investigation, Dec. 1981
MMFS = Management Migration Feasibility Study, Vol.2, May 1988
WCEA = Woodward & Clyde Endangerment Assessment, May 1989

2. Ground-Water Contamination

Eight on-site monitoring wells were sampled. Six of the monitor wells were screened in the shallow aquifer (transmissive zones 1, 2, and 3) and two monitor wells were screened in the deeper aquifer (Upper Chicot). Seven of the wells were located in the eastern part of the site, with one well located northeast of Pit 1.

The majority of the ground-water contamination in the shallow aquifer consists of VOCs although some semi-VOCs and metal contamination were also detected. (See Table 4.) Contaminants with the highest concentrations were 1,2-dichloroethane (3500 ppm), 1,1,2-trichloroethane (250 ppm), vinyl chloride (116 ppm), and benzene (40.45 ppm). In addition, methylene chloride was detected at a concentration of 0.5 ppm. The highest VOC concentrations were found southeast of Pit 7. Low levels of PAHs were detected in the shallow ground water; however, bis(2-chloro-ethyl)ether was detected at 3300 ppm. The highest levels were found in the well located southeast of Pit 7. The highest ground-water metal concentrations were detected northeast of Pit 7 and close to the plant's main entrance. Metals considered contaminants of concern were manganese (9.2 ppm), chromium (0.56 ppm), cadmium (0.48 ppm), and lead (0.45 ppm).

Only two on-site wells draw water from the deeper aquifer. Both wells are located northwest of Pit 7. Contamination in the wells is limited primarily to VOCs, although a few semi-VOCs and metals are present at low levels (see Table 5). The VOCs with the highest concentrations are vinyl chloride (0.68 ppm), 1,2- dichloroethane (0.5 ppm), and 1,1-dichloroethene (0.091 ppm). In addition, benzene was detected at 0.052 ppm.

3. Waste-Pit Contamination

The majority of the on-site wastes at MOTCO are contained in seven unlined waste pits. The maximum pit depth is between 15 and 20 feet, and together the pits cover approximately 4.6 acres. Primary contaminants associated with the waste pits include chlorinated and aromatic hydrocarbons and PAHs. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals are also contained in the waste pits. (See Tables 6, 7, and 8.)

4. Air Contamination

Air quality monitoring was conducted at the MOTCO site in September 1981, to evaluate the necessary levels of respiratory protection for initial site remediation work. An organic vapor analyzer (OVA) was used. No contaminants of concern were identified as a result of on-site air quality sampling.


TABLE 4. ON-SITE SHALLOW GROUND WATER*
Contaminant
Maximum Concentration ppm
Reference
HAC Value ppm
HAC Source

Metals (Indicator)
Arsenic
0.044
WCEA
0.01
EMEG
Barium
0.670
WCEA
0.7
RfD
Cadmium
0.480
WCEA
0.005
EMEG
Chromium
0.56
WCEA
0.05
EMEG
Lead
0.45
WCEA
None
None
Manganese
9.2
BVII
1
RfD
Mercury
0.002
WCEA
0.008
EMEG
Volatile Organic Compounds
Benzene
40.45
WCEA
0.007
EMEG
Chloroform
0.034
BVII
0.2
EMEG
1,1-dichlorethane
0.267
BVII
1
RfD
1,1-dichloroethene
3.2
WCEA
0.09
EMEG
1,2-dichloroethane
3,500
WCEA
0.05
EMEG
1,2-dichloropropane
0.275
BVII
0.07
EMEG
1,3-dichloropropylene
0.024
BVII
None
None
Methylene Chloride
0.509
BVII
0.5
EMEG
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
0.291
BVII
2
RfD
Toluene
10.15
BVII
2
RfD
1,2-transdichloroethylene
1.255
BVII
0.2
RfD
1,1,2-trichloroethane
250
WCEA
0.4
EMEG
Trichloroethylene
0.098
BVII
20
EMEG
Vinyl Chloride
116
WCEA
0.01
EMEG
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
Acenaphthene
0.054
BVII
0.6
RfD
Acenaphthylene
0.338
BVII
1.0
MRL
Anthracene
ND
MMFS
3.0
RfD
Benz (a) anthracene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Benzo (a) pyrene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Benzo (b) fluoranthene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether
3,300
WCEA
0.02
EMEG
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
0.106
BVII
0.2
RfD
Chrysene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Fluoranthene
ND
MMFS
0.4
RfD
Fluorene
0.102
BVII
0.4
RfD
Naphthalene
18.4
WCEA
13.3
MRL
Phenanthrene
0.2
WCEA
1.0
MRL
Pyrene
ND
MMFS
0.3
RfD

*Transmissive Zones 1,2,&3
ND = not detected
BVII = Black & Veatch Initial Investigation, Dec. 1981
MMFS = Management Migration Feasibility Study, Vol.2, May 1988
WCEA = Woodward & Clyde Endangerment Assessment, May 1989


TABLE 5. ON-SITE DEEP GROUND WATER*
Contaminant
Maximum Concentration ppm
Reference
HAC Value ppm
HAC Source

Metals (Indicator)
Arsenic
0.003
WCEA
0.01
EMEG
Barium
0.225
WCEA
0.7
RfD
Cadmium
ND
MMFS
0.005
EMEG
Chromium
0.009
WCEA
0.05
EMEG
Lead
0.051
WCEA
None
None
Manganese
NA
NA
1
RfD
Mercury
0.0001
MMFS
0.008
EMEG
Volatile Organic Compounds
Benzene
0.052
WCEA
0.007
EMEG
Chloroform
ND
MMFS
0.2
EMEG
1,1-dichlorethane
0.039
WCEA
1
RfD
1,1-dichloroethene
0.091
WCEA
0.09
EMEG
1,2-dichloroethane
0.5
WCEA
0.05
EMEG
1,2-dichloropropane
ND
MMFS
0.07
EMEG
1,3-dichloropropylene
NA
NA
None
None
Methylene Chloride
ND
MMFS
0.5
EMEG
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane
ND
MMFS
2
RfD
Toluene
0.19
WCEA
2
RfD
1,2-transdichloroethylene
NA
NA
0.2
RfD
1,1,2-trichloroethane
ND
MMFS
0.4
EMEG
Trichloroethylene
ND
MMFS
20
EMEG
Vinyl Chloride
0.68
WCEA
0.01
EMEG
Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds
Acenaphthene
ND
MMFS
0.6
RfD
Acenaphthylene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Anthracene
ND
MMFS
3.0
RfD
Benz (a) anthracene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Benzo (a) pyrene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Benzo (b) fluoranthene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Bis(2-chloroethyl)ether
0.009
WCEA
0.02
EMEG
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate
ND
MMFS
0.2
RfD
Chrysene
ND
MMFS
1.0
MRL
Fluoranthene
ND
MMFS
0.4
RfD
Fluorene
ND
MMFS
0.4
RfD
Naphthalene
0.019
WCEA
13.3
MRL
Phenanthrene
0.002
WCEA
1.0
MRL
Pyrene
ND
MMFS
0.3
RfD

* Upper Chicot Aquifer
NA = not analyzed
ND = not detected
BVII = Black & Veatch Initial Investigation, Dec. 1981
MMFS = Management Migration Feasibility Study, Vol.2, May 1988
WCEA = Woodward & Clyde Endangerment Assessment, May 1989


TABLE 6. Pit Surface Water Contaminants
CONTAMINANTS CONCENTRATION (ppm)

aluminum 10,000-130,000
arsenic P
chromium TR-450
copper TR-2420
cyanides TR-12,000
iron 10,000-40,000
lead TR-4300
mercury P
nickel TR-220
zinc 300-1840
sodium 100,000-300,000
calcium 30,000-100,000
magnesium 10,000-50,000
chloroform 65
1,1-dichloroethane 310
1,2-dichloroethane 5400
1,1,2-trichloroethane 1900
vinyl chloride 430
methylene chloride 350
diphenylacetamide 1100
bis(2-chloroethyl)ether 112

P = present
TR = trace


TABLE 7. Pit Waste - Inorganic Contaminants
CONTAMINANTS
ORGANIC LIQUIDS (ppm)
TARS/SLUDGE (MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION) (ppm)

aluminum
2-5,000
12,000
antimony
ND-3
-
arsenic
ND-3
30
barium
ND-10
200
boron
ND-5
20
cadmium
ND-920
920
calcium
20-800
8,000
chromium
ND-100
500
cobalt
ND-10
10
copper
3-500
45,000
iron
40-400
> 6,000
lead
ND-500
46,000
lithium
ND-1.0
55
magnesium
ND-220
2,000
mercury
ND-5
-
molybdenum
ND-5
30
nickel
ND-15
150
platinum
ND-1
6
potassium
ND-500
4,000
silicon
10-30
320
sodium
30-1,350
2,500
strontium
ND-10
20
tin
ND-20
600
titanium
ND-50
200
vanadium
ND-5
22
zinc
1-30
750
zirconium
ND-3
35

ND = not detected


TABLE 8. PIT WASTE - ORGANIC CONTAMINANTS
CONTAMINANTS CONCENTRATION (ppm)

VOLATILES:
benzene ND-5,440
chlorobenzene ND-400
ethylbenzene ND-6,000
chloroform ND-800
1,1-dichloroethane ND-3,200
1,2-dichloroethane 38-41,5000
1,1,2-trichloroethane ND-61,000
1,1,1-trichloroethane ND-220
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane ND-4,000
1,1-dichloroethylene ND-10,000
1,2-trans-dichloroethylene ND-11,200
trichloroethylene ND-400
methylene chloride ND-90
toluene ND-3,200
vinyl chloride ND-7,600
1,2-dichloropropane ND-300
1,3-dichloropropylene ND-200
tetrachloroethylene ND-900
2-chloropropane ND-25,700
methyl ethyl benzene ND-16,000
hexane ND-1,800
xylene ND-3,000
PESTICIDE/PCB:
pcb (total) ND-100
dieldrin ND-17
SEMI-VOCs:
bis(2-chloroethyl)ether ND-3,900
bis(2-chloroisopropyl)ether ND-500
naphthalene ND-36,000
2-methylnaphthalene ND-4,000
biphenyl ND-5,000
styrene ND-22,000
methylnaphthalene ND-18,000
phenylnaphthalene ND-7,000
propylenebenzene ND-11,000
ethenylidenebisbenzene ND-8,000
n-nitroso diphenyl-amine ND-4,700
PAHs:
acenaphthalene ND-6,000
fluorene ND-4,500
phenanthrene ND-7,200
anthracene ND-8,430
fluoranthene ND-1,300
pyrene ND-3,000
benzo(a)anthracene ND-3,000
pentachlorophenol ND-670

ND = not detected

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