ATSDR considers the proposed Murray Smelter NPL Site to be no apparent public health hazard.
This is based on finding no elevated blood lead or urine arsenic levels in an investigation of
children and adults from Grandview and Doc and Dell Mobile Home Park. These results indicate
that health effects due to arsenic, cadmium, and lead are unlikely due to limited exposure to these
metals. This conclusion is also based on a toxicological evaluation of worker exposure situations
which indicated that exposure levels were too low to result in health effects. However, if
exposure circumstances changed so that the amount of exposure increased significantly, health
effects would be possible. Therefore, remediation of contaminated soil should be done based on
the potential for health effects as indicated by the soil levels of these metals.
There is limited potential for human exposure to site-related contaminants in groundwater, fish
and sediments in Little Cottonwood Creek, and vegetables grown in area soils.
Surface water is eliminated as an exposure pathway because surface water near the site is not used
as drinking water and skin absorption of dissolved metals from surface water is unlikely to be
significant.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
A major purpose of a public health assessment is the identification of the actions needed to
protect public health, evaluate whether exposure is occurring or could occur, or identify whether
there are site-related health effects. We have identified the following public health actions.
Completed Public Health Actions
In October 1995, the Salt Lake City/County Health Department, ASARCO, and ATSDR tested
children and adults in the Grandview and Doc and Dell's mobile home parks for lead in blood and
arsenic in urine.
In 1995, ASARCO removed the contaminated material from the swing set area and other adjacent
areas with surface slag and potential smelter-derived materials in the Grandview Mobile Home
Park.
ASARCO monitored groundwater on site to determine water quality. ATSDR recommends that
the source of on-site arsenic contamination be identified and removed if feasible.
Ongoing Public Health Actions
EPA/ASARCO plans to evaluate whether further soil removals at Grandview Mobile Home Park
should occur.
Recommendation to Area Residents
We recommend that people consuming homegrown produce from gardens in contaminated areas
(Figures 3 and 4) use 2 feet of clean fill for their gardens.
Public Health Comment
The public health assessment was available for public review and comment in the Murray library
from October 10 to November 29, 1996. The public comment period was announced in local
newspapers. In addition, the public health assessment was sent to several individuals, federal,
state, and local agencies, and ASARCO. Comments were received only from a consultant for
ASARCO, PTI Environmental Services. Those comments and our responses are summarized in
Appendix 4 beginning on page 47.
PREPARERS OF REPORT
John R. Crellin, Ph.D.
Environmental Health Scientist
Superfund Site Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Laura Barr
Environmental Health Scientist
Superfund Site Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
ATSDR Regional Representative
Susan Muza
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region VIII
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