PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INCORPORATE
BATON ROUGE, EAST BATON ROUGE PARISH, LOUISIANA
ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND OTHER HAZARDS
The tables in this section list the contaminants of concern. These contaminants are evaluated in the subsequent sections of the health assessment to determine whether exposure to the existing contaminants has public health significance. ATSDR and SEE select and discuss these contaminants based upon the following factors:
If a contaminant is listed in the data tables that follow, it does not necessarily mean that it will cause adverse health effects from exposure. Instead, it indicates which contaminants will be evaluated further in the health assessment. When selected as a contaminant of concern in one medium, a contaminant and its concentration will be reported in all other media. Appendix C contains a list and definitions of acronyms and terms used in the tables.
Comparison values for the health assessment are concentrations of existing contaminants in specific media that are used to select contaminants for further evaluation. These include the EMEG, RMEG and CREG values provided by the ATSDR. The EMEGs and RMEGs are comparison values derived for health effects with non-cancer end points, whereas, the CREG comparison values are estimated contaminant concentrations based on a one excess cancer in a million persons exposed over a lifetime. They are calculated from the EPA cancer slope factors. Comparison values are not intended to be used as predictors of adverse health effects or setting clean-up levels. Media concentrations below these levels are not likely to pose a health threat, however, levels above the comparison values do not necessarily mean a health threat is likely. It does not take into consideration highly sensitive or susceptible persons.
The PPI site is not included on the Toxic Chemical Release Inventory (TRI) reports. The four major industries located around the PPI site are Reynolds Metal Co., Schuylkill Metal Co., Rollins Industry, and Kaiser Aluminum Co. Only Schuylkill Metal Co. is listed in the 1989 or 1993 TRI report. Toxic substances such as sulfuric acid, aluminum (fume or dust), antimony compounds, lead compounds, and arsenic compounds were reported by Schuylkill Metal Co. The total release of these chemicals from this company in 1989 was 229,440 pounds. The breakdown of this total includes 7,068 pounds released in air, 293 pounds in water and 222,079 pounds onto land. In 1993, the release was for antimony compounds (41,814 lb), arsenic (16,726 lb), and lead (88,282 lb).
Brooklawn Area
As stated earlier, the Brooklawn area consists of three generally identifiable areas of waste disposal or contamination: (1) the bluff area, (2) the batture area which contains the upper and lower lagoons, and (3) the cypress swamp area.
The bluff waste disposal area contained about 18,500 cubic yards of industrial waste debris such as bulk rubbers and polymers, drums containing semi-solid wastes, empty drums, white chalky solids, black wet solids, metallic slag, and oily wastes.
The batture area (a batture is the land between a river at low water stage and a levee) has upper and lower lagoons which are within the Mississippi River flood plain. The upper lagoon contains about 28,000 cubic yards of sludge-like wastes, the lower lagoon contains about 12,500 cubic yards of similar materials. Wastes disposed of in the lagoons included drummed wastes, blocks of rubber, plastic wastes, cardboard materials, yellow white granular and rubber materials, and materials described as black, stringy, tar-like sludge.
Contamination beneath the lagoons has been detected to depths of 60 feet below grade. The lagoons are the areas containing the highest contaminant concentrations detected at the PPI site. Free phase liquid and dissolved contaminant groundwater plumes have been identified beneath the lagoons and adjacent batture areas, extending south of Hall Buck Road.
Soils and sediments in the cypress swamp area have been contaminated with black, oily wastes down to depths of 6.5 feet. The cypress swamp area is estimated to contain about 38,000 cubic yards of black oily, tar-like materials.
Soil
Analysis of soil samples from the bluff and the batture areas detected heavy contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) at levels that exceeded ATSDR comparison values. At the bluff area, contaminant distribution appeared to be heavy from 15 to 47 feet deep. In the batture area, contamination was detected from the surface down to a depth of 32 feet. Levels of contamination are presented in Table 1.
TABLE 1
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA, INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
ON-SITE SOIL CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUE (ppm) |
SOURCE
(ATSDR) |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 0.014->610 | 5.0 | CREG |
| Vinyl Chloride | 0.01-340 | 1.0 | EMEG |
| 1,1-dichloroethane | 0.014-200 | none | |
| 1,2-dichloroethane | 0.12->1,900 | 8.0 | CREG |
| 1,1,2-trichloroethane | 0.02-75,000 | 10.0 | CREG |
| 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane | 0.094-76,500 | 3.0 | CREG |
| Hexachloroethane | 31-2,820 | 50.0 | CREG |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 0.092-600 | 10.0 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) | 0.2-7,000 | 9.0 | CREG |
| Pentachlorobenzene | 0.1-2,040 | 600.0 | RMEG |
| Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) | 0.32-2,000 | 0.4 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications 6/30/95. Exposure assumptions: a child with a body weight of 10 kg, soil ingestion rate of 200 mg/day, pica child soil ingestion of 5000 mg/day.
Surface water
Surface water samples from the two waste lagoons located at the Brooklawn site, showed that the upper lagoon is more heavily contaminated with chlorinated hydrocarbons than the lower lagoon. In 1994, following removal of sludge and incineration off-site of free-phase organics, the upper lagoon was filled with clean soil and a two inch clay cap was placed as a cover. The major contaminants that were detected in the surface water from the lagoons are presented in Table 2.
During heavy rainfall in the past, the lagoons may have overflowed into Bayou Baton Rouge to
the southwest contaminating the bayou water. Currently, according to LDEQ, storm water is
continuously pumped from the open lower lagoon, treated by incineration, monitored and
released into the bayou.
TABLE 2.
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
ON-SITE SURFACE WATER CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUE (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| 1,1,2-trichloroethane | 100 | 0.0006 | CREG |
| 1,1-dichloroethane | 11,000 | none | |
| Trichloroethene | 2,330 | 0.003 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Groundwater
During December 1981, four monitoring wells were installed at the Brooklawn area. Drilling depth ranged from 32 to 53 feet. A very dark reddish-brown oily liquid was encountered at 53 feet from monitoring well BL-3, located at the south end of the lagoons (batture area) (Appendix A, Figure 3). The contaminants detected in well BL-3 included hexachlorobutadiene, hexachloroethane and various other chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Groundwater samples were also collected from wells located southwest of the lagoons and near the southeast corner of Cypress Swamp. These wells, screened at depths between 0 to 10 feet below mean sea level (MSL), indicated elevated concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbon compounds ranging from 50-500 ppm. Samples from monitoring wells screened between 10 and 30 feet below MSL indicated chlorinated hydrocarbon concentrations in the range of 500-5000 ppm. Groundwater sampled from wells in the 40 feet below MSL sand indicated chlorinated hydrocarbons at concentrations less than 5 ppm. The lateral extent of groundwater contamination as of 1988 appears to be confined to the southwest edge of the cypress swamp, abutting the western batture area and the lower batture area southeast of the lagoons. Table 3, presents the concentrations of the contaminants detected at the Brooklawn area from groundwater sampling in 1984.
TABLE 3
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
ON-SITE GROUNDWATER CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Carbon tetrachloride | 0.01-14,000 | 0.0003 | CREG |
| Chloroform | <0.01-1,000 | 0.006 | CREG |
| Vinyl chloride | <0.01-180 | 0.0002 | EMEG |
| 1,1-dichloroethane | <0.01-2,500 | none | none |
| 1,2-dichloroethane | <0.01-110,000 | 0.0004 | CREG |
| 1,1,1-trichloroethane | <0.01-1,600 | 0.2 | LTHA |
| 1,1,2-trichloroethane | <0.01-130,000 | 0.0006 | CREG |
| Hexachloroethane | ND-8,300 | 0.003 | CREG |
| Trichloroethylene | <0.01-78,001 | 7.0 | EMEG |
| Tetrachloroethylene | <0.01-22,000 | 0.0007 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | <0.01-92,000 | 0.0004 | CREG |
| Benzene | <0.01-225 | 0.001 | CREG |
| Ethylbenzene | <0.01-100 | 1.0 | RMEG |
| Pentachlorobenzene | ND-9,800 | 0.008 | RMEG |
Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95). Exposure assumptions are for a child with a 10 kg body weight, water ingestion rate of one liter per day, for 70 year lifetime. LTHA is the lifetime health advisory for drinking water (EPA).
Air
The release of volatile contaminants into the air during the initial remedial activities in 1987 was a major concern. During this time, the NOAEL (no observed adverse effects level) fence line exposure limits were exceeded on 6 separate days in November and December along Brooklawn Road (Air Emissions Risk Assessment at the Petro-Processors Site, August 31, 1993, Addendum C to the Remedial Planning Activities Report). Air monitoring data from the waste mixing and solidification area showed that comparison values were routinely exceeded. Airborne contaminants were collected using glass sealed XAD-2 sorbent tubes and charcoal sorbent tubes. HCBD was the primary compound detected at elevated levels and it was considered to be one of the primary contaminants of concern (Table 4).
Samples collected during periods when no waste handling was being conducted indicated that all contaminants were at levels well below their comparison values. Data of air emissions from current incineration of waste at the Brooklawn site is being submitted by NPC for review and will appear in the Health Advisories Update.
TABLE 4
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
ON-SITE AIR CONTAMINATION DURING EXCAVATION
(November 1987-March 1988)
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Carbon tetrachloride | <0.0-102.6 | 0.011 | CREG |
| Chloroform | <0.1-5.16 | 0.008 | CREG |
| 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane | <0.1-15.06 | 0.003 | CREG |
| Hexachloroethane | <0.001-0.219 | 0.031 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | <0.0001-1,265 | 0.005 | CREG |
| Benzene | <0.1-4.45 | 0.031 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Scenic Highway Area
The Scenic Highway area consists of two main areas of waste disposal or contamination: 1) the bluff area, which was the initial primary disposal site and 2) the batture area a relatively small area of waste burial to the west of the bluff area, (Appendix A, Figure 4). As seen from the topographic features of the map, the batture area is further divided into the north, northwest, and southwest batture areas.
The bluff area contained rubber, plastic, wood and some drummed wastes. Soil samples obtained from this area were described as being stained black with oily material. Approximately 88,000 cubic yards of mixed industrial wastes were identified for excavation from the bluff area.
Contaminated soil in the batture area was detected to depths of approximately 14 feet. Free phase liquid and groundwater contaminant plumes appear to originate near the southern edge of the bluff area.
Soil
Surface soil (depth unknown) samples indicate relatively low to moderate contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons and chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons, HCB and HCBD. Soil core data indicate that chlorinated hydrocarbons persist throughout the subsurface at low levels of contamination. At the 35-37 foot depths, the number of compounds and their relative concentrations in the soil increase. However, chlorinated aromatic hydrocarbons were concentrated more near the surface at 5 to 7 feet than in the deeper soils sampled at 15-17 feet. Generally, soil contamination extends from the surface to a depth of 25 feet (Table 5).
Surface Water
The Scenic Highway site was capped in 1992 and contains a 2 inch clay cap. Bayou Baton Rouge runs along the western boundary of the Scenic Highway site.
TABLE 5
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
SCENIC HIGHWAY AREA
ON-SITE SOIL CONTAMINANTS
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Carbon tetrachloride | ND-1,200 | 5.0 | CREG |
| Vinyl chloride | <0.01-570 | 1.0 | EMEG |
| 1,2-dichloroethane | 0.01-2,800 | 8.0 | CREG |
| 1,1,2-trichloroethane | ND-5.8 | 10.0 | CREG |
| Tetrachloroethylene | 0.13-970 | 10.0 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 0.02-9,400 | 9.0 | CREG |
| Pentachlorobenzene | 5.5-137 | 40.0 | RMEG |
| Hexachlorobenzene | <0.2-1,400 | 0.4 | CREG |
Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95). Exposure assumptions are for a child with a 10 kg body weight, soil ingestion rate of 200 mg/day, pica child soil ingestion of 5000 mg/day, for a 70 year lifetime. Contaminants were detected at surface soil to a depth of 25 feet.
Groundwater
Results of the groundwater sampled from monitoring wells on-site indicate heavy contamination with chlorinated hydrocarbons. Groundwater was found to be contaminated in the vicinity of the bluff area and the north, northwest and southwest batture areas (Metcalf and Eddy, 1988). Well GM-7 (Appendix A, Figure 5), indicated chlorinated hydrocarbons at levels of 500-5000 ppm. Elevated concentrations of groundwater contaminants were also found in well GM-3 and GM-4 south of the batture area. Concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons ranged from 5-50 ppm. The contamination had migrated to a maximum depth of 40 feet below the surface elevation.
Groundwater in the shallow alluvial deposits flows southwest from the bluff area towards Bayou Baton Rouge. Some of the contaminants identified during 1988, are highly mobile in soils. Groundwater samples were collected from a shallow up-gradient well located in the northwest corner of the site, well S-UG-1, which is screened at about 40 feet below MSL. Data for groundwater samples from well S-UG-1, shows 96 ppb 1,2-dichloroethane, and 75 ppb 1,1 dichloroethane. Since the compounds observed in the well are highly mobile and soluble, this indicates that S-UG-1 is also situated in the leading edge of a contaminated plume. The degree of contamination that may be moving off-site toward Bayou Baton Rouge is currently under investigation by EPA.
Currently there are nine monitoring wells installed around the Scenic Highway area. Three of these wells are deep monitoring wells. One is deep up-gradient well screened at 128 to 290 feet below MSL, and two are deep gradient wells screened at 135 to 367 feet below MSL. Chemical analysis of groundwater from these wells did not indicate any contamination.
Air
Analysis of on-site air sampling at the Scenic Highway site showed above comparison value levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons, HCB and HCBD (Table 6).
TABLE 6
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
SCENIC HIGHWAY AREA
ON-SITE AIR CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Carbon tetrachloride | <0.1 | 0.011 | CREG |
| Chloroform | <0.1 | 0.008 | CREG |
| 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane | <0.1-1.02 | 0.003 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | <0.001-2.17 | 0.005 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobenzene | <0.001 | 0.0002 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Brooklawn Area
Soil
In February 1985, the field investigation team (FIT) from EPA Region VI, collected 35 soil samples from 23 locations at Devil's Swamp. These soil samples were collected to determine the nature and extent of possible contaminant migration from the Brooklawn facility into Devil's Swamp.
HCBD and HCB were detected in all but five of the soil sample locations. The HCBD concentrations ranged between 300 and 460 ppm and HCB between 5.6 and 54 ppm (Table 7). Seventeen of the 23 soil samples showed heavy metal contamination. The most significant contamination indicated concentrations of lead that ranged from 22-319 ppm.
In 1992, EPA conducted an Expanded Site Investigation on Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. Sediment and water were sampled throughout the Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge area. Soil was not sampled.
TABLE 7
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
OFF-SITE SOIL CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 300-460 | 9.0 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobenzene | 5.6-54 | 0.4 | CREG |
| Lead | 22-319 | none |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Sediment
In August 1985, data on sediment samples from Devil's Swamp indicated the presence of HCB, HCBD and PCB (Table 8).
Sediment samples taken from the northeastern end of Devil's Swamp near the entrance of the Rollins Environmental Inc. discharge ditch, showed PCB's at concentrations of up to 4 ppm. The Water Pollution Control Division (WPCD) of LDEQ considers a level of 0.020 ppm of PCB's in sediments as an upper limit for background levels. Additional sampling was undertaken in March 1986. The analytical results of sediment samples taken in the wastewater effluent ditch on the Rollins property indicated PCB's in the sediment. PCB levels ranged from 0.11 ppm to 14.2 ppm. The PCB data indicates that Devil's Swamp is acting as a reservoir for these compounds which are persistent in the environment.
According to the EPA Expanded Site Investigation on Devil's Swamp in 1992, thirty-six sediment samples were collected from four locations in Devil's Swamp: (1) northern Devil's Swamp which encompasses NPC/Ewell property, (2) north central Devil's Swamp which extend from NPC/Ewell property to Devil's Swamp, (3) southern Devil's Swamp which includes the area from Devil's Swamp lake to the re-emerging channel of southern Bayou Baton Rouge, and (4) southern Bayou Baton Rouge. Chemical analysis of sediment samples collected north of the NPC/Ewell property line detected the highest concentration of HCBD (12,000 ppm), HCB (120 ppm), and lead (310 ppm). Concentrations of PCB's were highest (6.4 ppm) in sediment samples collected west of the Rollins outfall. These levels exceeded ATSDR comparison values.
TABLE 8.
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
OFF-SITE SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUNDS | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Hexachlorobenzene | 10-470 | 0.4 | CREG |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 15-10,000 | 9.0 | CREG |
| PCB | 0.11-14.2 | 0.09 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Surface Water
In 1985, the FIT collected water samples from 23 locations in Devil's Swamp to determine the nature and extent of possible contaminant migration from the Brooklawn facility into Devil's Swamp. HCBD and HCB were the only compounds detected in significant concentrations in the water samples.
In 1992, EPA collected water samples from four locations in Devil's Swamp: (1) northern Devil's Swamp, (2) north central Devil's Swamp, (3) southern Devil's Swamp, and (4) southern Bayou Baton Rouge. Chemical analysis of surface water detected 1,2 dichloroethane and HCBD at levels that did not exceed ATSDR comparison values.
Air
During waste excavation activities in June 1987, elevated levels of volatile contaminants escaped from the Brooklawn area. HCBD was the primary toxic compound detected at elevated levels. At both the Schuylkill fence line and the Reynolds fence line, the levels detected exceeded ATSDR comparison values (Table 9). All waste handling operations involving excavation were stopped at this time and other remedial alternatives for the site were reviewed. A different remedial plan which did not involve excavation was later adopted.
TABLE 9
PETRO-PROCESSORS OF LOUISIANA INC.
BROOKLAWN AREA
OFF-SITE AIR CONTAMINATION
| COMPOUND | CONCENTRATION (ppm) |
COMPARISON VALUES (ppm) |
SOURCE |
| Hexachlorobutadiene | 0.001-0.029 | 0.005 | CREG |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Fish
From the Fall of 1986 through the Spring of 1987, the LDEQ analyzed a series of fish samples from Devil's Swamp for residues of observed chemicals in edible tissues (fillets). The tissue results indicated that the levels of HCB and HCBD exceeded the guidelines of the LDHH and LDEQ. The comparison value level for both HCB and HCBD is 0.06 ppm, applicable only to edible tissues. The HCB and HCBD levels detected in fish sampled in 1987 are presented in Table 10. As a result of this study and earlier sediment screening, the Louisiana Water Pollution Control Division of LDEQ and LDHH posted signs on October 29, 1987, advising the public against swimming or taking and consuming fish or other aquatic organisms from Devil's Swamp Lake.
In March 1993, additional fish and crawfish sampling was conducted at Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. HCB and HCBD were detected at above comparison value levels in finfish. The HCB concentration in fish fillets ranged from 0.02-5.4 ppm and HCBD from 0.014-3.6 ppm. Analyses of crawfish data did not detect any HCB or HCBD contamination levels that would pose adverse health effects. As a result of the elevated levels of HCB and HCBD in fish, LDHH and LDEQ recommended to the public that consumption of all fish species from these waters be limited to two meals per month. A meal is considered to be one-half pound of fish. This health advisory is based on fish samples taken from Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. It is designed to include sensitive populations such as children and pregnant women. However, the area of concern extends beyond the sampled area to include all of Thomas Point east from the Baton Rouge Harbor west to the Mississippi River and extends from Hall Buck Marine Road south to the Mississippi River. When additional data become available for review, the boundaries of the advisory may change to reflect current conditions and data. Other biota sampling was also conducted which included raccoon, deer and squirrel. Contaminants detected in these tissues were at levels that pose no health risk.
TABLE 10.
1987 FISH TISSUE ANALYSIS (EDIBLE PORTION)
DEVIL'S SWAMP LAKE
| Sample/Species | Hexachloro- benzene (ppm) (HCB) |
Hexachlorobutadiene (ppm) (HCBD) |
Comparison Value (LA health guideline) (ppm) |
| Large mouth bass | 0.024-0.122 | 0.021-0.224 | 0.06 |
| Channel Catfish | 0.0-0.035 | 0.0-0.014 | 0.06 |
| Big mouth buffalo | 0.0-0.006 | 0.0-0.028 | 0.06 |
| Small mouth buffalo | 0.0-0.015 | 0.0-0.026 | 0.06 |
| White bass | 0.0-0.019 | 0.0-0.011 | 0.06 |
| White crappie | 0.01-0.015 | 0.013-0.039 | 0.06 |
Comparison Values were obtained from the Health Guidelines for evaluating public health implications (6/30/95).
Scenic Highway Area
Sediment
In 1992, EPA collected twenty-two sediment samples from different locations in Bayou Baton Rouge. Contamination was detected from 250 feet upstream of the NPC northern property boundary at the Scenic Highway site to 500 feet downstream of NPC's barrow pit bridge. Chemical analysis of the sediment samples detected concentrations of 49 ppm HCB, 65 ppm HCBD and 1410 ppm of lead. These levels exceed ATSDR comparison values.
Surface water
In 1992, EPA collected three surface water samples from different locations in Bayou Baton Rouge. Chemical analysis did not show any contamination.
Ground water
A contaminated groundwater plume exists approximately 50 feet below mean sea level (about 110 feet below the surface), that crosses the railroad tracks in the direction of U.S. Highway 61. (Metcalf and Eddy report 1988).
Air
No excavation of the wastes at the Scenic Highway area took place, therefore, no off-site air samples were collected. The area was capped in 1992 and contains a two inch clay cover.
Soil
Soil was not sampled during the Expanded Site Investigation of 1992.
C. Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC)
Various types of environmental samples were collected periodically, by different methods and at several different times and locations. Comparisons were difficult due to the numerous methods of analysis performed using different detection limits. Results were reported in different units and levels of QA/QC have varied from study to study. No documentation of sample handling and preservation is available. The analysis of air samples includes data on blanks but not on the analysis of duplicates, split samples, or standards. No discussion of recovery efficiency or analysis is included. Although some monitoring data gathered, analyzed, and validated by regulatory agencies appear to have undergone laboratory QA/QC procedures, no QA/QC information has been provided for most of the analytic data received. In particular, data before 1985 have no QA/QC documentation.
The site itself is fenced and there are guards on duty 24 hours a day. The only physical hazards present are those associated with construction activities.
Exposure pathways are identified by examining environmental and human components that lead to contact with contaminants. A pathway analysis considers five elements: a source of contamination, transport through an environmental medium, a point of exposure, a route of exposure, and an exposed population. The environmental component consists of the first three elements, i.e., source of contamination, transport medium, and point of exposure. The human exposure component consists of the last two elements, i.e., route of human exposure and the receptor population. ATSDR categorizes an exposure pathway either as completed or as a potential exposure pathway if the exposure pathway cannot be eliminated. Completed pathways require that the five elements exist and indicates 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. The discussion that follows incorporates only those pathways that are important and relevant to the site.
Source of Exposure
The Petro-Processors Inc. Site, is located in an industrial corridor, north of Baton Rouge. It served as a toxic waste dump from approximately 1965-1980. Contaminants at both the Brooklawn and the Scenic Highway sites were located within the air, soil, surface water and groundwater. Past sources of exposure included air, surface water, and soil. Contamination on-site as well as off-site has probably occurred due to the various transport mechanisms acting such as; wind, surface water runoff, flooding, excavation, construction and dust from vehicular traffic. Exposure to air contaminants on-site occurred when initial remediation practices began. To date, the sites are contained within a fenced and secured area. Air monitoring as well as shallow and deep ground water monitoring is occurring at the Brooklawn site. The upper lagoon at the Brooklawn site has been capped, while the lower lagoon is being treated on site by pumping and incineration of surface water and sediment. The treated water that is discharged is monitored. A clay cap has been placed at the Scenic Highway site, and no remediation is occurring at this time. A potential source of exposure presently and in the future is from contaminated groundwater moving in a plume off-site of the facilities. In addition, a source of potential exposure presently and in the future off-site includes exposure to contaminated soil, sediment, surface and ground water, and ingestion of fish. This source of exposure includes portions of Devils Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. No samples of residential soil or water has been tested at this time.
A. Completed Exposure Pathways
Soil
Past exposure pathways are likely from contamination of surface and subsurface soil at both the sites. Soil ingestion and dermal contact are considered routes of exposure, particularly for remedial workers on-site. Workers on-site must follow precautionary environmental guidelines defined by EPA. Many of the lagoons and major areas containing hazardous contaminants have been covered and potential exposures have been minimized. Residents are unlikely to get exposed on-site because the site is secured and guarded 24 hours. However, limited information is available on current and future sources of soil exposure to the general population off-site.
Sediments
Past exposure may have occurred, current and future exposure is possible from the contaminated sediments detected in Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge.
Devil's Swamp: Past exposure to contaminated sediments could have occurred through dermal contact and ingestion of fish and water by residents who use Devil's Swamp for fishing and swimming. In 1993 and presently, a health advisory exists, warning against sediment and water contact at Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge (Appendix E). The potential for present and future exposures exists for persons who do not follow the health advisory.
Bayou Baton Rouge: Past, present and future exposure pathways are possible from contaminated sediment at Bayou Baton Rouge through ingestion and dermal contact. The bayou flows by both the Brooklawn and Scenic Highway areas. Prior erosion of the bank may have caused waste material to directly enter the waterway. However, erosion control has been initiated. The health advisory recommends no sediment or water contact for Bayou Baton Rouge as well as Devil's Swamp.
Fish
Past, current and future exposure pathways were/are likely from contamination of fish in Devil's Swamp. Fish in Devil's Swamp accumulated HCB and HCBD either directly by ingesting contaminated water and sediment or indirectly by consuming other fish. The LDEQ and the LDHH posted an advisory for Devil's Swamp Lake on October 29, 1987. The advisory was updated and expanded in 1993. The LDHH and LDEQ advised that consumption of all fish species from the Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge area be limited to two meals per month, consisting of one-half pound of fish per meal (Appendix E). These areas are sites of recreational activity such as hunting and fishing. Present and future exposure to contaminated fish may continue if the health advisory is not heeded.
Air
Past exposure has occurred through inhalation of contaminated ambient air and volatiles. On-site and off-site air data show that air was a route of migration of HCBD from the site during excavation activities. Levels of HCBD monitored at the fence line were exceeded on several occasions. HCBD was released at elevated levels into the air from the excavation of contaminated soil and other materials on-site. The exposed populations were residents living on Springfield Road, workers at neighboring industries within 400 yards of the site, and workers on-site.
Present and future exposures through inhalation are unlikely to occur because EPA is continuously supervising air monitoring activities to ensure compliance with the threshold action levels.
Surface water
Past exposures may have occurred from flooding and surface water contamination at Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. Present and future exposures may also occur from surface water contamination and flooding in the area.
Bayou Baton Rouge: At the Brooklawn area, there were two waste lagoons that were several feet above the natural drainage. During high rainfall the lagoons overflowed into Bayou Baton Rouge to the southwest contaminating the bayou water. One lagoon has been remediated and the other is being monitored. Currently at the Brooklawn site, storm water flow into the remaining lagoon is prevented and the water level is monitored; when the level becomes too high, it is pumped off and incinerated.
At the Scenic Highway area, the only surface water is the bayou bordering the contaminated site on the east and flowing southward. Surface water flowing over and through the Scenic Highway area drains to this bayou. The current health advisory recommends no contact with surface waters at Bayou Baton Rouge because of elevated levels of metals and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Devil's Swamp: Past exposure existed through ingestion of fish and through dermal contact and ingestion of water during swimming in contaminated water. The current health advisory recommends no contact with surface waters at Devil's Swamp due to elevated levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, HCB, and HCBD (Appendix E).
B. Potential Exposure Pathways
Soil
Past, present, and future exposure pathways are likely to occur from contamination of surface and subsurface soil at the residential yards of people on Springfield Road and residents living directly across Scenic Highway. Contamination of the points of exposure has probably occurred because of several environmental transport mechanisms. These mechanisms include; transport of site contaminants by wind, surface runoff, flooding, and excavation. Bayou Baton Rouge is adjacent to the property of the people living on the northern side of Springfield Road.
Soil ingestion and dermal contact are considered to be routes of exposure. Residents on Springfield Road and residents living directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area may be exposed to soil contaminants but since sampling data on residential yards are lacking the degree of exposure cannot be assessed.
Completed Exposure Pathways
| Pathway Name | Time | Type | ||||
| Environmental Media |
Point of Exposure |
Route of Exposure |
Exposed Population |
|||
| Soil | Soil | Site, nearby residential yards | Dermal contact, ingestion | Workers, Residents | Past and Present | Completed |
| Sediment | Sediment | Devil's Swamp Bayou Baton Rouge |
Dermal contact | Workers, Residents, Visitors | Past and Present | Completed |
| Surface water | Surface water | Devil Swamp Bayou Baton Rouge |
Dermal contact, ingestion | Residents, Visitors | Past | Completed |
| Air | Air | Nearby residential and industrial corridor | Inhalation | Workers on-site and nearby Industries Residents | Past | Completed |
| Fish | Fish | Devil's Swamp Bayou Baton Rouge |
Ingestion | Fish eaters | Past and Present | Completed |
Production Water Wells
There are 12 known production water wells (industrial usage) within a one-mile radius of both the Brooklawn and Scenic Highway areas that are pumped from the "400-foot" aquifer. Future exposure pathways are possible since the waste sources at the site pose a threat to the "400-foot" aquifer. Currently, the deepest water contamination found at Brooklawn site is about 40 feet below mean sea level or 70 feet below the surface elevation. This occurs in one isolated pocket between Bayou Baton Rouge and south of the lower lagoon. The contamination has migrated laterally approximately 500 feet from the lagoon boundaries. Four monitoring wells at a depth of 32-53 feet indicated high levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons.
At the Scenic Highway area the contamination has migrated to a maximum depth of 40 feet below the surface elevation and averages 25 feet deep. The contamination has stayed within the limit of the waste deposit area, except in an area composed of a layer of light-gray fine sand, where it has migrated off-site about 50 feet from the waste deposit area.
Users of these production wells represent the potentially exposed populations. If the 400-foot aquifer becomes contaminated, then exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons may occur through inhalation and dermal contact.
Residential wells
In the area of north Baton Rouge, specifically Baker, Scotlandville and Zachary, the upper, shallow aquifer are not used for public water supply. Potable water is pumped from the "2000-foot" aquifer. Contaminant migration to this aquifer is unlikely at present. The nearest public drinking water supply is more than one mile from the site. According to the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development Water Well Registration System, there are no registered private drinking water wells within 1/4 mile of the site. However, there is no current restriction on using the "400-foot" aquifer. Therefore, an individual could purchase property near the Brooklawn or Scenic Highway areas and install a well at any depth, thus creating a potential future exposure pathway through ingestion, inhalation and dermal contact with water from these wells. More information on the number of residential wells and their exact depth and location is needed to characterize the future migration potential of contamination to these wells.
Potential Exposure Pathways
| Pathway Name | Time | Type | ||||
| Environ- mental Media |
Point of Exposure |
Route of Exposure |
Exposed Population |
|||
| Soil | Soil | Site, nearby residential yards | Ingestion Dermal contact |
Workers, Residents | Future | Potential |
| Sediment | Sediment | Devil's Swamp, Bayou Baton Rouge | Dermal contact | Workers, Residents | Future | Potential |
| Air | Air | Nearby residential and industrial corridor | Inhalation | Workers on-site and nearby Industries Residents | Future | Potential |
| Production wells | Groundwater | Industries | Inhalation dermal contact |
Users of wells | Future | Potential |
| Residential wells | Groundwater | Residences | Ingestion | Users of wells | Future | Potential |
| Fish | Fish | Devil's Swamp Bayou Baton Rouge |
Ingestion | Fish eaters | Future | Potential |
Introduction
In this section we shall discuss the health effects from completed exposure pathways to specific contaminants, evaluate state and local health databases, and address specific community health concerns. To evaluate health effects, ATSDR has developed a minimal risk level (MRL) for contaminants commonly found at hazardous waste sites. The MRL is an estimate of daily human exposure to a contaminant, below which non-cancerous adverse health effects are unlikely to occur. MRLs are developed for each route of exposure, such as ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation, and for the length of exposure, such as acute (less than 14 days), intermediate (15 to 364 days), and chronic (greater than 365 days). In the absence of the MRL, EPA's Reference Dose (RfD) was used whenever it was available. The Reference Dose is an estimate of the daily level of human exposure that is likely to be without an appreciable risk of adverse health effects during a portion of a person's lifetime. For carcinogenic effects, an excess cancer risk was calculated using the Cancer Potency Factor (CPF). For the consumption of fish, an acceptable risk of 1x 10-5 used by Louisiana State Agencies for issuing fish advisories was adopted. This represents the risk of one excess cancer in a population of 100,000.
The health effects which result from the interaction of an individual with a hazardous substance in the environment depends on several factors. One is the route of exposure, whether the chemical is inhaled, consumed with food or water, or contacts the skin. Another factor is the dose to which a person is exposed, and the mechanisms by which chemicals are altered in the environment, or inside the body once absorbed. Variations in these mechanisms exist between individuals.
Exposure doses were estimated for all completed exposure pathways. For calculation of inhalation exposure doses the assumptions used were: 1) an adult intake rate of 23 cubic meters (m3) of air per day, 2) a body weight of 70 kilograms, and 3) a 70 year life span. For a child, the inhalation rate of 8 cubic meters of air per day and a body weight of 10 kilograms.
For estimating the exposure dose from soil ingestion, the assumptions used were: 1) an adult ingestion rate of 50 mg of soil per day and a body weight of 70 kg and 2) a pica child ingestion rate of 5000 mg of soil per day and a body weight of 10 kg. For a non-pica child the ingestion rate of 200 mg of soil per day and a body weight of 10 kg.
ATSDR does not provide a MRL for skin exposure, since there is no available method for determining the amount of absorption of a chemical through the skin. It is therefore difficult to determine the health effects from skin exposure.
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
1,1,2-Trichloroethane was detected in soil surface water and groundwater on site at Brooklawn. It was also detected in soil on site at Scenic. Soil is considered a completed exposure pathway. Exposure to soil through ingestion and dermal contact probably occurred in the past, is probably occurring presently and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers at neighboring industries within 400 yards of the site and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations include the residents living on Springfield Road and residents living directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area. Using the highest concentration in soil (75,000 ppm), the ingestion exposure for an adult does not exceed ATSDR's intermediate MRL, but it does exceed EPA's RfD.
1,1,2-Trichloroethane can cause temporary stinging and burning when it contacts the skin. There is no other information on the health effects of this chemical in humans. Introducing high doses of 1,1,2-trichloroethane by mouth to animals over a long period of time caused liver cancer. We do not know whether humans exposed to this chemical would develop cancer. Since it has a carcinogenic potential, we estimate that an individual exposed through ingestion of soil at this level would have a moderately increased risk of developing cancer. Some uncertainty exists in this risk estimate because it is based on extrapolation from animal studies.
1,2-Dichloroethane
1,2-Dichloroethane was detected at elevated levels in soil and ground water on-site at Brooklawn and Scenic Highway. Soil is considered a completed exposure pathway. Exposure through ingestion and dermal contact probably occurred in the past, is probably occurring currently and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are the residents living on Springfield Road and those directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
ATSDR does not have an MRL nor does EPA have an RfD for 1,2-dichloroethane. 1,2-Dichloroethane can cause nervous system disorders and liver and kidney disease. We do not know what levels cause these effects. Exposure to 1,2-dichloroethane has so far not been associated with cancer in humans. However, cancer was seen in laboratory animals who were fed large doses of the chemical.
Using the highest concentration of 1,2-dichloroethane in soil (2,800 ppm) the ingestion exposure for an adult does not exceed the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level). Therefore, no health effects are expected. Since 1,2-dichloroethane is a potential carcinogen, we have estimated its carcinogenic potential and found that an individual exposed through ingestion of soil would have no apparent increased risk of developing cancer. Exposure to the levels of 1,2-dichloroethane detected at Petro-Processors is unlikely to cause health effects.
Vinyl Chloride
Vinyl chloride was detected at elevated levels in soil and groundwater at Brooklawn and in soil on-site at Scenic. Completed exposure pathways exist through ingestion and dermal contact with soil. Exposure probably occurred in the past, is probably occurring currently and may occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Using the highest concentration detected in soil (570 ppm), the ingestion exposure for adults exceeds ATSDRs chronic MRL. Long-term exposure to vinyl chloride at this level is likely to cause health effects. Studies showed that people exposed to vinyl chloride over several years have developed changes in the structure of their livers. People who have worked with vinyl chloride have developed nerve damage and immune reaction. Exposure to vinyl chloride over long periods of time can cause cancer of the liver, brain, lung and some cancers in the blood. Vinyl chloride does not have a cancer potency factor. For this reason, it was difficult to determine the excess cancer risk from soil exposure.
Carbon Tetrachloride
Carbon tetrachloride was detected at elevated levels in soil, groundwater, and air during remediation on-site at Brooklawn. It was also detected in soil and air samples on-site at the Scenic Highway. Completed exposure pathways exist through inhalation of air and by ingestion and dermal contact with soil. Exposure to contaminated soil probably occurred in the past, and may occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Exposure through inhalation has occurred in the past during excavation. The estimated inhalation exposure dose to carbon tetrachloride at 102.6 ppm exceeds ATSDR's intermediate or acute MRL but it does not exceed EPA's RfD. Exposure at this level may cause health effects. Excessive exposure to carbon tetrachloride may result in kidney and liver damage, however, these effects may disappear after exposure stops. Both organs can repair damaged cells. Several animal studies have shown that carbon tetrachloride can cause cancer of the liver Carbon tetrachloride is a probable human carcinogen, exposure through inhalation is unlikely to cause cancer because exposure was for a short period of time during excavation. There is no current exposure and future exposure is unlikely due to continuous air monitoring by EPA during remediation.
Using the highest concentration of carbon tetrachloride detected in soil (610 ppm), the ingestion exposure for adults does not exceed ATSDR's MRL nor does it exceed EPA's RfD. Using these animal studies we estimate that residents and workers who may be exposed through soil ingestion would have no apparent increased risk of developing cancer.
Chloroform
Chloroform was detected at elevated levels in groundwater from the on-site monitoring wells and in air during remediation at the Brooklawn site. It was also detected in air samples at the Scenic Highway site. A completed exposure pathway exists through air. Exposure through inhalation had probably occurred in the past and it may occur in the future. Exposed populations include workers on-site, workers in the neighboring industries, and residents living on Springfield Road and residents directly across Scenic Highway.
The maximum level of chloroform detected in the air during excavation was 5.16 ppm. The calculated exposure dose exceeds ATSDR's chronic and acute MRL as well as EPA's RfD. Health effects at this level may occur. Chloroform affects the central nervous system, liver, and kidneys. Short term exposure to high concentrations of chloroform in the air causes tiredness, dizziness, and headaches. Long term exposure to high levels of chloroform in the air or in the food and drinking water can effect liver and kidney function.
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
Hexachlorobenzene was detected at levels above ATSDRs Comparison Values in soil on-site and in soil and sediment off-site at Brooklawn. HCB was also detected in soil and air at the Scenic Highway site. In addition, HCB was detected in the edible portion of fish tissue sampled in Devils Swamp Lake (Table 10) and Bayou Baton Rouge. Completed exposure pathways exist through soil ingestion and dermal contact and through ingestion of fish from Devil's Swamp. Exposure through ingestion and dermal contact with soil and ingestion of fish has probably occurred in the past, is probably occurring presently and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries, workers on-site and residents, who do not follow the health advisory by eating fish from or swimming in Devil's Swamp. The populations potentially exposed through soil ingestion are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Using the highest concentration of HCB in soil (2000 ppm), the ingestion exposure for adults does not exceed ATSDRs chronic or intermediate MRL's or EPAs RfD. HCB remains in the environment for a long time and when it enters the body, accumulates in many tissue types, especially fat tissue.
HCB can cause skin disorders, weight loss, enlargement of the thyroid and lymph nodes and abnormal increase of body weight. HCB was determined to be a possible human carcinogen. Only animal studies have shown that HCB can cause liver cancer. Using these animal studies, we estimate that an individual exposed through ingestion of soil would have a low increased risk of developing cancer.
Ingestion of fish from Devil's Swamp by residents could cause health effects. The levels of HCB detected exceed the Louisiana Health Guidelines for fish consumption. Residents are advised to limit their consumption of all fish species from Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge to two meals per month. A meal is considered one-half pound of fish.
No animal or human studies are available on health effects via dermal exposure to HCB, therefore, potential health effects from exposure to the elevated levels detected in the sediments can not be evaluated. The health advisory issued in 1993 by LDEQ and LDHH, advises against water or sediment contact with Devil's Swamp and/or Bayou Baton Rouge.
Hexachloroethane (HCE)
HCE was detected at levels above ATSDR Comparison Value, on-site in groundwater, soil (on and off-site), and in air samples taken during excavation. The completed exposure pathways exist through air and soil. Exposure through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact may have occurred in the past, may be occurring currently and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Exposure through inhalation has occurred in the past during excavation at levels of 0.219 ppm. The estimated inhalation exposure dose from HCE exceeds EPA's RfD. Exposure to HCE at this level may cause health effects. Inhaled HCE vapors can cause irritation to the nasal cavity and other tissues of the lungs. Animal studies have shown the kidney and liver to be the primary targets of HCE. Neurological effects were observed in animals given high doses. Based on animal studies, EPA has classified HCE as a possible human carcinogen, however, it may not have the same effect in humans. While HCE has carcinogenic potential, exposure through inhalation is unlikely to cause cancer, due to the short period of exposure occurring during excavation. There is no current exposure and future exposure is unlikely due to continued air monitoring by EPA during remediation.
Using the highest concentration of HCE detected in soil (2820 ppm) at Brooklawn, the exposure dose for adults does not exceed EPA's RfD. We estimate that residents who live near the PPI site and the workers on-site who are exposed through soil ingestion would have no increased risk of developing cancer.
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane
1,1,2,2-Tetrachloroethane was detected at levels above Comparison Values, for soil and air during excavation, at Brooklawn. It was also detected in air samples taken on-site at Scenic Highway. Completed exposure is through inhalation and ingestion. Exposure may have occurred in the past and could occur in the future. The exposed population is workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are neighboring industries and residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
ATSDR does not have an MRL nor does EPA have an RfD for 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane. At amounts high enough to smell, breathing or ingesting 1,1,2,2 -tetrachloroethane may cause liver damage, stomach aches, or dizziness. Information is not available to determine whether exposure to 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane can cause cancer in humans.
Using the highest concentration detected in air during excavation at Brooklawn, the estimated inhalation exposure dose does not exceed the RfC (Reference concentration). Using the highest concentration in soil, the estimated exposure dose for adults does not exceed the LOAEL (Low Observed Adverse Effect Level). Therefore health effects are unlikely to occur from inhalation exposure to 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane.
Pentachlorobenzene
Pentachlorobenzene was detected at levels above Comparison Values in soil and groundwater on-site at Brooklawn and also in soil on-site at Scenic Highway. Completed exposure pathways are through ingestion and dermal contact with soil. Exposure probably occurred in the past and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Experimental testing on rats indicates that pentachlorobenzene can produce developmental effects and decreased body weights. There is no information as to whether it has carcinogenic effects. Using the highest concentration detected in soil (2040 ppm), the estimated soil ingestion exposure dose for adults does not exceed EPA's RfD, thus health effects are unlikely to occur.
Benzene
Benzene was detected on-site, at Brooklawn, in soil, groundwater and air samples taken during excavation. Completed exposure pathways are through air inhalation, soil ingestion, and dermal contact. Exposure probably occurred in the past, and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries and workers on-site. The potentially exposed populations are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
ATSDR does not have an MRL nor does EPA have an RfD for benzene, since a "no exposure level" is acceptable. Benzene is a human carcinogen which may cause blood disorders that could result in leukemia. Long term exposure to benzene may cause harmful effects to the bone marrow, resulting in decreased normal blood production and important blood components. Exposure to benzene can be harmful to the immune system, increasing the chance for infection and lowering the body's defense against tumors.
Using the highest concentration of benzene detected in soil (72 ppm), the ingestion exposure dose for adults and pica children are below the NOAEL (no observed adverse effect level). Health effects from exposure to benzene at this site are unlikely to occur.
We have estimated that residents who live near the PPI site and the workers on-site who are exposed through soil ingestion would have no increased risk of developing cancer. For the maximum levels detected in air (4.45 ppm), the estimated exposure dose does not exceed the RfC for acute or intermediate exposure, therefore, no health effects are expected. Long-term exposure is unlikely to happen due to continued air monitoring by EPA during remediation.
Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD)
Hexachlorobutadiene was detected at above safe comparison values in the soil, groundwater and air on-site, at both the Brooklawn and Scenic Highway sites. Off-site, HCBD has been detected in the soil, sediment and water, as well as fish samples taken from Devils Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. Completed exposure pathways are through air inhalation, soil ingestion and dermal contact, and ingestion of fish. Exposure probably occurred in the past, is probably occurring currently, and could occur in the future. The exposed populations are workers in the neighboring industries, workers on-site, and residents who do not follow the fish consumption advisory. The potentially exposed populations are residents living on Springfield Road and directly across Scenic Highway from the Scenic Highway area.
Exposure through inhalation has occurred in the past during excavation. Inhalation exposure to HCBD at the maximum level detected (1265 ppm) on site at Brooklawn, exceeds the ATSDR intermediate MRL. Exposure to HCBD may result in health effects. HCBD is a possible human carcinogen, but exposure through inhalation is unlikely to cause cancer since the exposure was for a short period of time during excavation. There is no current exposure and future exposure is unlikely due to continued air monitoring by EPA during remediation.
Using the highest concentration detected in soil (9400 ppm) on-site at Scenic Highway, the estimated ingestion exposure for an adult does not exceed EPA's RfD but it does exceed ATSDR's intermediate MRL.
Animal studies have shown that ingested HCBD caused damage to the kidneys and liver in exposed rats and mice. HCBD causes a decrease in fetal body weight in rats. Although studies have shown that HCBD can cause liver cancer in animals, HCBD is determined by EPA to be a possible human carcinogen, due to lack of sufficient human data.. Using the animal data, we estimate that an individual exposed through ingestion of soil would have a low increased risk of developing cancer.
Ingestion exposure to HCBD from contaminated fish has probably occurred in the past and is probably occurring now for residents who do not heed the advisory posted at Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. Detected levels of HCBD in fish samples collected from the swamp exceeded the Louisiana Health Guidelines for fish consumption. Therefore, since the amount of HCBD ingested by individuals who are eating contaminated fish from the area exceeds these guidelines, health effects may occur. Residents are advised to limit their consumption of all fish species from Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge to two meals per month. A meal is considered one-half pound of fish.
No animal or human studies are available on health effects via dermal exposure to HCBD. Therefore, potential health effects from exposure to elevated levels detected in the sediment can not be evaluated.
B. Health Outcome Data Evaluation
The health outcome data evaluated in this section, includes the possible health effects from exposure to site-related contaminants and the health concerns of local residents. The main community concerns were directed towards exposure pathways, remediation plans, local evacuation plans, odors, respiratory problems, and cancer. The health outcome to be reviewed in this section is cancer.
Based on the data available, human exposure could have occurred during the entire period of operation of the site, from approximately 1964 until 1987 or beyond. Thus, the time period for cancers to occur would include the period beginning 15 years following initial exposure and onset of disease and extending 15 or more years beyond activities linked to exposure.
Cancer incidence rates for Alsen including the block groups 0041-1, 0042032 and 0042034 (Appendix A, Figures 6 and 7) and for all of East Baton Rouge Parish were calculated. Population figures for 1990 were obtained for all 65 census tracts within East Baton Rouge Parish and all 31 zip code delivery zones within these census tracts.
The site population was defined as areas within the census block groups 0041-1, 0042032 and 0042034 (Appendix A, Figures 6 and 7). Defining the site population as such, the evaluation of data coded by census tract and/or block group could be accomplished to better address the population exposed. Additionally, data could be evaluated for a smaller and more accurate site population because populations geographically distant from the site but within zip code delivery zones could be eliminated. East Baton Rouge Parish was used as a comparison population to evaluate if differences in cancer rates exist in the site population. Data for the site and the comparison population were gathered in a similar manner which allows for comparability of the populations.
Cancer incidence data was used to evaluate possible health outcomes. Cancer cases, diagnosed by anatomic site and age in the town of Alsen (block groups 0041-1, 0042032 and 0042034) and East Baton Rouge Parish, were obtained from the Louisiana Tumor Registry (LSU Medical Center) from 1983 to 1990. When we compare cancer incidence rates of two small populations including Alsen and East Baton Rouge Parish, caution must be used in its interpretation. Rates may change dramatically due to small changes in cancer occurrence. The following cancer site statistics were examined for statistical significance based on community concerns:
- Cancers of the trachea, bronchus and lung; International Classification of Disease (ICD) codes 162.0, 162.2 -162.9
- Cancers of the urinary system: bladder, kidney, renal pelvis, urethra and other urinary organs; ICD codes 188.0 - 189.9
- Cancer of the liver, gallbladder and bile duct; ICD code 155.0, 156.0, 156.1, 156.9
- Malignant melanoma; ICD code 172
- All-sites cancers
- Leukemia
Descriptive data for the exposed community including Alsen and for East Baton Rouge Parish are presented in Appendix C. For each age group the number of observed cases, the population and the case rates per 100,000 are presented. These are age specific rates. Using the rates from East Baton Rouge as a reference, the expected number of cases in Alsen were calculated. The Standardized Cancer Incidence Ratios (SIR) are the ratios of the total observed cases over total number of expected cases. A SIR lower than 1, shows that Alsen had fewer cases than expected, conversely a ratio higher than 1 shows that Alsen had more cases than expected. The Chi Square was calculated to test for significance of the SIR. A p-value less than 0.05 indicates that there is a very low probability that the difference observed is due to chance alone.
Nine cases of lung cancer were observed for a population of 2812 (Table 11). The number of lung cancer cases observed in Alsen was lower than the number expected (a ratio of 0.69). No cases of cancer of the liver, gallbladder or leukemia was observed. These differences in such small populations, have little meaning, because the difference may be due to chance alone. Cancers of the urinary tract were lower than expected, 1 case compared with 29 expected (SIR = 0.21, Table 12); cancers from other sites were 30 compared with 75.3 cases expected (SIR = 0.40, Table 13). These differences were not significant, since they may be due to chance alone. For cancers at all sites, the rate observed in Alsen is less than half of those expected for a population the size of 2812 (SIR = 0.43, Table 14).
The principal limitation inherent with this type of descriptive evaluation is the lack of adjustment for all established risk factors and the small number of cases observed or expected in a small population.
Exposure to the volatile chlorinated hydrocarbons and aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbons (HCB, HCBD) at high concentrations, may have caused acute health problems such as headaches and other nervous system effects (dizziness, weakness, vertigo, irritability, depression or confusion). The populations at highest risk for these effects are the workers on the site and workers in the neighboring industries 400 yards from the site. Due to a lack of data, it is difficult to draw valid conclusions regarding the occurrence and frequency of these particular types of effects.
C. Community Health Concerns Evaluation
We have addressed each of the community concerns about health as follows:
Most likely the workers at this company will not have health effects due to the remediation. In 1987 the initial remediation plan that was chosen caused the airborne release of certain organic vapors that exceeded safe levels beyond the Brooklawn site boundary. This caused eye, nose, and throat irritation, foul odors, and nausea for some workers at the Reynolds Plant. The remediation was halted until a safer plan was found. In March of 1988, NIOSH conducted a hazard investigation in response to a request from the Aluminum, Brick, and Glass Workers International Union. The investigation indicated that the initial remediation plan of excavation and "solidification" released airborne concentrations of HCBD up to five times higher than the TLV (threshhold limit value). NIOSH will evaluate the remediation proposals with particular attention to potential employee exposure levels, monitoring programs, and emergency notification and response procedures.
The current remediation strategy is hydraulic containment and incineration of organic material. There will be stringent monitoring of air emissions. Air emissions data from the incineration process were scheduled to be available in 1995. Contaminated groundwater will be treated on site and discharged in accordance with a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit which is issued by EPA.
There is a health advisory that recommends limiting consumption of fish from the area to two meals per month. The public is also advised not to swim in or come in contact with sediments in Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. Sampling data on raccoon, deer and small mammals (squirrels) detected contamination at levels that pose no health risk.
Not necessarily. Some of these conditions could result as a consequence of exposure to the contaminants at the site, however many other types of exposure such as pollen, infections, etc. might also cause these problems.
Cancer incidence rates were calculated for the Alsen community (Springfield Road is within this community) and East Baton Rouge Parish. In general, cancer rates are lower in this area. Please refer to the Health Outcome Data Evaluations section of the Health Assessment.
Surface water from Devil's Swamp is contaminated with elevated levels of HCB, HCBD, arsenic, lead and mercury. The drinking water aquifer at 400 feet below mean sea level is not contaminated at present. Adverse health effects are difficult to assess.
No, the Public Health Assessment (PHA) is site specific. Within the document, chemicals released from operations that occurred on the site are discussed in detail including health effects related to them. The PHA also includes a section on TRI that list all the industries near the site that contribute the release of chemicals into the environment. However, TRI data does not evaluate the potential health effects, only the amount of chemical released.
Yes, there is an emergency evacuation plan which includes releases of hazardous substances for the whole East Baton Rouge parish, and for the Alsen community. Further information can be requested by calling Emergency Preparedness (504) 389-3035 or the Baton Rouge City Parish Government (504) 389-3000.
Chlorinated hydrocarbons, HCB, and HCBD have breached the site. They were detected in soil samples from Devil's Swamp. HCB and HCBD were detected in sediment in Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge. The drinking water aquifer at 400 feet below mean sea level is not contaminated at present.
No, TLVs do not consider exposures of 24 hours per day. A TLV is the exposure level for a contaminant above which a worker should not be exposed over the course of an eight hour day, due to possible adverse health effects. The conditions under which workers can be exposed to contaminants are different and not comparable to off site exposure.
Additional Community Concerns
On February 8, 1994, the Coalition for Community Action, a citizens group near the site, held a meeting and stated a number of additional concerns. These concerns are addressed below.
LOPH has been working with LDEQ and DOTD since August of 1993 to arrange to have additional signs posted around the contaminated swamp area. LOPH purchased 20 signs that read:
WARNING
CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION
THIS AREA IS UNDER A HEALTH ADVISORY FOR:
FISH CONSUMPTION
SEDIMENT AND WATER CONTACT
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
LA OFFICE OF PUBLIC HEALTH 504-342-1742
LA DEPT. OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY 504-765-0634
The signs will be located mainly around the perimeter of the swamp with a few signs in the main water channels. Having signs posted for low and high water levels is an LOPH priority and should be accomplished within a few months.
LOPH has spoken with some community members about public education. Several articles have been written and a fact sheet is currently being prepared. We plan on working with the Community Assistance Panel for Petro-Processors to develop a way to reach all segments of the population and will invite everyone in the Coalition to participate in this process. We also contacted schools and attempted to conduct grand rounds at area hospitals.
LOPH put a Public Service Announcement in the Baton Rouge Advocate July 15, 1993 about the health advisory for Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge (Appendix D). In addition, mass mailings to area Physicians have been distributed. If this did not reach the members of the Coalition we need to determine a better way to reach their community.
LOPH worked with LDEQ to identify the landowners in the contaminated portion of Devil's Swamp. Individual letters were sent to the landowners on July 6, 1993. If any citizen is aware of other landowners that are not aware of the advisory, please notify LOPH in order to get this information out to them. Individual letters were also sent to inform the landowners about the posting of signs in the area.
The health advisory for the Devil's Swamp and Bayou Baton Rouge area recommends limiting consumption of all species of fish to two meals per month due to contamination by HCB, HCBD, and mercury. This is not a ban. We want to educate the community regarding consumption. Analysis of samples of crawfish from the swamp did not demonstrate levels of contamination with mercury, lead, arsenic, HCB, or HCBD, that poses a health threat. Preliminary analysis of PCB has indicated no contamination. LOPH has recommended to LDEQ further PCB analysis of fish and crawfish. The wildlife sampled (raccoon, duck, deer, and small mammals) also did not indicate contamination. According to these samples there is no need at this time to eliminate hunting, crawfishing, or fishing; it is recommended to limit fish consumption to no more than two meals per month. Hunting and fishing activities may continue.
Please note that the advisory is not just for fishing. High levels of arsenic, lead, mercury, HCB, and HCBD are in the water and sediment. LOPH recommends no swimming nor other water or sediment contact in the contaminated area (Appendix D).
Next Section Table of Contents
