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1. ATSDR > Public Health Assessments & Consultations

II. POTENTIAL (INDETERMINATE) PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS-POSSIBLE EXPOSURE SITUATIONS

ATSDR concluded that two possible exposure situations present potential public health hazards (Table 5). In the first situation, suspected fish contamination in Brinson Creek, additional sampling is needed to determine the extent of mercury present in Brinson Creek fish and whether the levels present a public health hazard. In the second situation, suspected fish and shellfish contamination in Northeast Creek near the New River, sampling of fish and shellfish in this area has not been conducted and would be required to determine if the contamination from Sites 7, 16, and 80 presents a health hazard to people eating fish and shellfish caught in Northeast Creek. NCDEHNR is conducting additional fish sampling in late July 1997 to determine the public health implications of eating fish caught from both of these areas.

A. Exposure to Contaminated Fish and Shellfish from Brinson Creek (Sites 35 and 36)

ATSDR has evaluated the environmental data and land use information and determined that people who eat largemouth bass from Brinson Creek may be exposed to elevated levels of mercury. However, sampling results of only two fish caught in 1997 and two fish caught in 1994 may not represent the actual level of mercury present in fish. Therefore, NCDEHNR will conduct additional sampling in late July 1997 of several Brinson Creek species to ensure that the results accurately represent the environmental conditions. If mercury in fish tissue are at levels of health concern, NCDEHNR will take measures to ensure that the health of the public is protected through such possible actions as fish advisories and public education. ATSDR will support NCDEHNR in efforts to protect public health.

Table 5. Potential Public Health Hazard Situations

Background

Brinson Creek is located in the uppermost northwest portion of the base at Camp Geiger (see Figure 3). Brinson Creek runs along the base boundary and forms the eastern boundary of Sites 35 and 36. Groundwater flow in this area is toward the creek and New River. Although Sites 35 and 36 have contributed contaminants to surface water and sediment in Brinson Creek, the presence of mercury in fish in the creek may not have come from those sites. Mercury was not detected in any media, nor was it thought to have been disposed of at the sites. Because fish migrate and because mercury is accumulated by fish and builds up to higher levels in the food chain as small fish are eaten by bigger fish, it will be extremely difficult to identify the exact source of mercury contamination. Initially, fish from Brinson Creek were sampled as part of the routine environmental investigation to identify the extent of contamination caused by Sites 35 and 36.

Surface water and sediments in Brinson Creek and in the unnamed tributary entering Brinson Creek did contain other contaminants such as pesticides, PAHs, petroleum hydrocarbons, inorganics (i.e., metals), and VOCs (in the unnamed tributary only), and chemicals associated with fuels. These chemicals are consistent with the source being Sites 35 and 36. However, the levels of these contaminants in fish, surface water, or sediments do not present a health hazard to people who may exposed to them by eating the fish or through recreational activities (swimming, boating, or picnicking) in the Brinson Creek area.

Site 35 and Site 36 History and Use

Site 35-Camp Geiger Area Fuel Farm is located at Camp Geiger, which was constructed in 1945, 4 years after MCB Camp Lejeune was established. Site 35 refers primarily to five 15,000-gallon aboveground storage tanks, a pump house, a fuel loading/unloading pad, an oil/water separator, and a distribution island. The area included in the remedial investigation for Site 35 incorporated 40 acres surrounding the site, which is covered with vegetation, woods, roadways, buildings, former building foundations and parking areas, eight warehouses, five barracks, two large fields used for training and recreation, and an armory. Originally, Site 35 housed aboveground storage tanks containing No.6 fuel oil. No.6 fuel oil was pumped below ground to the former Mess Hall Heating Plant boiler (demolished in the 1960s), which fueled the Mess Hall (66).

Routine fuel leaks onto the ground and in the below ground lines were reported and subsequently sealed. However, the surface and subsurface soils show contaminants consistent with fuel products. Additionally, Brinson Creek and an unnamed tributary run adjacent to the site. Sediment and surface water samples from these water bodies contain petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants (66).

Figure 3.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation has proposed the construction of a six-lane highway that would run through this area. MCB Camp Lejeune has already removed the fuel farm tanks, thus removing this contaminant source (66).

Site 36-Camp Geiger Area Dump is located about 500 feet from New River, adjacent to the Camp Geiger Sewage Treatment Plant. Site 36 encompasses nearly 20 acres, mostly open fields and wooded areas. Site 36 is bordered to the north and east by Brinson Creek and woods, to the south by an unnamed tributary to the New River, and to the west by a coarse gravel road (67).

Site 36 was reported to have been used for the disposal of municipal and mixed industrial wastes including solvents, paints, and waste oils that were generated at the Marine Corps Air Station, New River, directly south of the site. The dump was active from the 1940s to the late 1950s. Most of the material was burned then buried; however, some unburned material was also buried, such as several 5- and 55-gallon drums found during the environmental investigations (67).

Soil and groundwater contain VOCs, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides, PCBs, and inorganic contaminants (i.e., metals). Inorganics were found in Brinson Creek and the unnamed tributary. VOCs were also present in the surface water of the unnamed tributary. Sediments were found to be contaminated with SVOCs, pesticides, and inorganics although mercury was not detected.

Fish Sampling

In 1994, as part of the remedial investigations for both sites, soil, groundwater, surface water, sediments, fish, shellfish, and macroinvertebrates were sampled. Three sampling stations in Brinson Creek were used to obtain 19 species consisting of 669 individual fish for Site 35. For Site 36, three additional stations in Brinson Creek were used to obtain 14 species consisting of 108 individual fish. Background samples taken from two stations in Webb Creek, four from Hadnot Creek, and three from Holland Mill Creek were used as comparisons (66).

The various species included pumpkinseed, bluegill, stripped mullet, white catfish, sheepshead minnow, summer flounder, pinfish, and largemouth bass, among others. Grass shrimp, blue crabs, American eel, and crayfish were also collected. Analysis was conducted on fish fillet and whole body fish. Crabs and shrimp were included in the fillet analysis. Eel and crayfish were included in the whole body fish analysis. Each individual fish was analyzed separately, which provides specific information on the contaminant body burden of each species and each size fish. This type of analysis allows for specific health recommendations, such as consumption limits, to be made for the species that contain contaminants at levels of health concern and allows the other, noncontaminated species to be eaten without limit.

Results show that of all the various species collected, only the largemouth bass contained contaminants at levels of health concern. The May 1994 results reported the two largemouth bass samples containing mercury at 1.2 ppm and 1.3 ppm. Levels of mercury were higher in largemouth bass than in any other species sampled, probably due to their eating smaller fish, thus concentrating such chemicals as mercury in their tissue. Levels of mercury in the Brinson Creek largemouth bass were much higher than those from the reference or background stations selected for comparison (66).

In 1997, the MCB Camp Lejeune contractors pointed out the elevated levels to the base and to state officials. NCDEHNR recommended that the base collect additional fish samples to confirm the results from 1994. Specifically recommended for additional sampling were those fish commonly ingested by humans and most likely to contain the highest mercury levels. The species and number of individuals recommended were six fish of each of the following species: largemouth bass, bowfin (commonly known as blackfish), bluegill, and sunfish. After 3 days of trying to catch the recommended number and species using gill nets and poles, Baker Environmental, Inc., the base contractors, were able to collect only two largemouth bass, two bowfin, one bluegill, and five pumpkinseed (68). Results showed levels of mercury in largemouth bass at 1.6 ppm and 0.82 ppm. The ATSDR health comparison value and NCDEHNR's action limit is 1.0 ppm (68). Because one fish had higher than the 1.0 ppm value and one lower, the results are not conclusive.

Additionally, because so few samples were collected at Brinson Creek, fish sample results may not accurately represent the level of mercury present in most fish tissue. For this reason, NCDEHNR has requested that their Water Quality Section conduct additional sampling of largemouth bass, bowfin, and pumpkinseed in Brinson Creek and the New River to confirm the previous sampling results before they issue a fishing/consumption advisory. Additional sampling of Brinson Creek by NCDEHNR is projected for late July 1997 (69).

Human Exposure Routes and Public Health Implications

Recreational fishermen use Brinson Creek within and outside the base boundary. Reportedly this area is not heavily fished or crabbed. People who eat fish caught from Brinson Creek would be exposed to the contaminants in those fish. ATSDR estimates the number of women and children exposed to be fewer than 50 individuals.

Because of a child's rapidly developing brain, children and the fetuses of pregnant women are more vulnerable to the harmful effects of mercury (70, 71, 72). Methylmercury primarily affects the nerve cells within the brain and spinal cord (72). The exact amount of mercury that would cause these effects are difficult to determine because the amount of mercury in all food and the amount of all contaminated food eaten by any individual is not known. However, there have been several studies of people who have accidentally eaten high levels of mercury-contaminated fish and grain. From these studies, health effects of lower levels of mercury, as found in the fish at Brinson Creek, have been estimated using mathematical formulas that incorporate many safety factors to account for variability and uncertainty (73). In this way, the 1.0 ppm action level is highly protective of human health, especially the most sensitive, children and fetuses.

Studies of children whose mothers were exposed to extremely high levels of mercury-contaminated food while pregnant have shown delayed walking and talking, inability to walk, crawl or talk, mental disturbances, speech retardation, cerebral palsy, and blindness. However, the levels of mercury in these studies were hundreds to thousands of times greater than even the maximum level of mercury detected in fish from Brinson Creek. The July 1997 sampling will allow specific public health recommendations to be made.

Summary and Follow-up

Although Brinson Creek is not heavily fished, people who eat fish caught in Brinson Creek are currently exposed to contaminants in those fish. Mercury levels in largemouth bass may pose a potential public health hazard to children and the fetuses of pregnant women. Therefore, additional sampling data are needed to determine if mercury levels in largemouth bass or other species could cause health problems for children and the fetuses of pregnant women who eat the fish from Brinson Creek. Fetuses and young children are especially sensitive to the neurological effects of mercury on the brain.

ATSDR plans to work in cooperation with the NCDEHNR and MCB Camp Lejeune to provide any assistance needed to protect public health if elevated contaminant levels are detected in Brinson Creek fish.

Conclusions and Public Health Action Plan
for Fish Contamination-Brinson Creek (Sites 35 and 36)

Conclusions: People who eat fish taken from Brinson Creek may be exposed to elevated levels of mercury found in the fish tissue. Confirmatory sampling is needed to determine the likelihood of exposure and any public health implications. NCDEHNR will be conducting additional confirmatory sampling in July 1997. Sampling results for fish species other than largemouth bass did not show contaminants at levels that would pose a health hazard.

Completed Action: MCB Camp Lejeune sampled various species of Brinson Creek fish in May 1994 and April 1997. Results indicate that only largemouth bass contain contaminants at levels that pose a health hazard. Data from 1994 showed that largemouth bass contained mercury at 1.2 ppm and 1.3 ppm. Data from 1997 showed the mercury levels in two largemouth bass to be 1.6 ppm and 0.82 ppm.

Planned Actions: Because the low numbers of samples collected may not accurately represent the contaminant levels in Brinson Creek fish, NCDEHNR is planning to conduct confirmatory sampling of largemouth bass, bowfin, and pumpkinseed from Brinson Creek and the New River before taking further action. Sampling is planned for July 1997. ATSDR is planning to work in cooperation with NCDEHNR and MCB Camp Lejeune to provide support needed to protect public health. ATSDR has requested NCDEHNR to provide future sampling results for our review. Recommended Action: No additional recommendations are needed at this time until confirmatory sampling results are available.

B. Suspected Fish and Shellfish Contamination in Northeast Creek near New River (Sites 16, 80, and 7)

ATSDR is concerned that fish and shellfish in Northeast Creek near the New River may be contaminated with hazardous substances at levels of health concern. Environmental sampling in this area has been conducted under the Remedial Investigation Program for each site or operable unit (Sites 16, 80, and 7). However, Northeast Creek fish and shellfish have not been included in the sampling at these sites. This area of the New River and Northeast Creek supports recreational as well as commercial fishing. Sampling results of soil, surface water, and sediments at these sites have shown elevated levels of metals, PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides. These chemicals are persistent in the environment and can reach higher levels when concentrated by fish and shellfish up the food chain. Levels in fish and shellfish can be ten to thousands of times greater than levels found in soil, sediments, or surface water. For this reason, ATSDR recommended that MCB Camp Lejeune analyze edible species and size fish and shellfish (i.e., crabs and mollusks/bivalves if present) for metals (mercury, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and chromium), PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides to determine if any recommendations are needed to protect public health in people who eat fish and shellfish caught in this area. Because these sites are in the remedial feasibility study phase, it would be prudent to analyze fish before the remediation alternative selection. North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources has agreed to include Northeast Creek in the July 1997 fish sampling area, based on ATSDR's recommendations.

Potential Sources

The potential sources of contamination are Sites 16, 80, and 7. Site 16 is the Montford Point Burn Dump within Camp Johnson. It is approximately 4 acres and is located in the northern central part of the base near Montford Point. Northeast Creek is about 400 feet from the study area and flows in a southeasterly direction toward and into the New River. Camp Johnson is a restricted training area within MCB Camp Lejeune; there are residential barracks areas at this location. Site 16 opened in 1958 as a burn dump and closed in 1972. Not much information is available on the details of the waste that was burned there. Typically, the debris was burned and then graded to the perimeter of the disposal area to make room for more debris to be dumped and burned (74).

Remedial investigations began in 1994 to 1995, and sampling consisted of surface and subsurface soil, groundwater, surface water, and sediment from Northeast Creek. Sampling results show elevated levels of metals in sediment or surface water, and elevated levels of PCBs, mercury, and pesticides in soil. No fish or shellfish samples were collected. Commercial and recreational fishing is known to occur throughout the year near Montford Point.

Site 80, referred to as the Paradise Point Golf Course Maintenance Area, is about 1 acre and contains a machine shop, a concrete wash pad where golf course maintenance equipment is cleaned, and a sump. The sump is used to collect water and oil that then travels into an oil/water separator located a few feet from the wash pad (75). Sites 80 and 7 are grouped into OU 11 due to their proximity. Information on the history of the maintenance facility, such as when it began, was not available. However, it is still being used. A drainage ditch runs from the southeast corner of the wash area toward the north/northeast to Northeast Creek. No contaminants were detected in the ditch, which receives intermittent water during rain (75). Soil, groundwater, sediments, and surface water from the drainage ditch were sampled. Results of soil analysis show elevated levels of PCBs and pesticides. No fish samples taken from Northeast Creek.

Site 7-Tarawa Terrace Dump is approximately 5 acres and public access is not restricted. Site 7 is located on the northern bank of Northeast Creek and Site 80 on the southern bank of Northeast Creek. Two unnamed tributaries are within the Site 7 boundary and flow southerly to Northeast Creek. These tributaries and Northeast Creek are influenced by tides. Reports and visual inspections have identified paint cans, motor oil cans, and other debris, but mainly construction debris. Site 7 is a former dump that was used during the construction of the Tarawa Terrace base housing. Precise years of operation are unknown. However, the housing area was built in the 1950s, and reports indicate the dump was closed in 1972 (76).

Site 7 sampling and analysis of soil, groundwater, sediments and surface water from four surface water bodies including Northeast Creek were taken as well as from the drainage ditch. Benthic macroinvertebrates were sampled, and gill nets were used in an attempt to determine if large fish were entering the Western Tributary. Although gill nets were set for 3 days, no large fish were caught; hence, no fish tissue samples were analyzed from the Western Tributary nor from Northeast Creek (76). Pesticides and PCBs were detected at elevated levels in soil. PAHs, pesticides, and metals were detected in sediment samples.

Summary and Follow-up

Due to the nature of chemicals detected at Sites 16, 80, and 7, their toxicity and persistence in the environment, and the proximity of these sites to Northeast Creek, ATSDR suspects that the levels of contaminants in edible fish could be at levels of health concern. Therefore, we recommend that fish and shellfish (if present) of edible species and size (a minimum of five individuals for each species) be analyzed for metals, PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides. NCDEHNR has agreed to conduct the sampling in July 1997. ATSDR will review the results of the sampling when available and work with NCDEHNR and MCB Camp Lejeune to ensure that measures are taken to protect public health.

Conclusion and Public Health Action Plan
for Suspected Fish and Shellfish Contamination in Northeast Creek near the New River

Conclusion: Soil, surface water, and sediments samples collected during remedial investigations of Sites 16, 80, and 7 detected elevated levels of metals, PCBs, PAHs, and pesticides. However, no fish or shellfish tissues were collected. Therefore, ATSDR cannot determine whether fish and shellfish from Northeast Creek near the New River are safe to eat.

Completed Action: MCB Camp Lejeune has sampled soil, surface water, and sediments from Sites 16, 80, and 7 during the remedial investigations.

Planned Action: Based on ATSDR recommendations, the North Carolina Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources is planning to conduct sampling of Northeast Creek near the New River in July 1997. Recommended Action: When sampling results are available, ATSDR will work with NCDEHNR, and MCB Camp Lejeune to ensure that public health is protected.

III. NO APPARENT PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS

ATSDR concluded that three situations were no apparent public health hazards: (1) groundwater contamination on base, (2) exposure to contaminated fish from several locations on base and (3) soil contamination at Site 69. In these situations, people are using these areas and contamination could be present. However, in each situation, certain conditions exist (e.g., the levels of contamination are low, and long-term monitoring is being conducted to ensure that people do not come in contact with contaminants at levels that cause health problems, or an area was covered with clean fill, making human exposure unlikely.

A. Groundwater Contamination (Basewide)

Previously, ATSDR had concerns that base drinking water wells might be at risk for contamination. MCB Camp Lejeune is taking action to identify, assimilate, track, and predict groundwater contamination migration through several programs. These programs are intended to protect the drinking water supply and to ensure that people do not drink contaminated groundwater. In some areas, contaminant plumes have been identified and groundwater is being treated to reduce groundwater contamination. Investigations are ongoing to identify and treat groundwater contamination through the Underground Storage Tank and Remedial Investigation studies. To prevent people from drinking contaminated water, ATSDR recommended that MCB Camp Lejeune initiate a semi-annual wellhead monitoring program (ATSDR Public Health Assessment Public Comment Release for MCB Camp Lejeune, January 6, 1995). As a result of our recommendations, an "annual program to monitor the active supply wells" was implemented by the base in 1996 (77). Under this program, (Sampling Analysis of Groundwater Wells at the Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune) drinking water supply wells are sampled at the wellhead. The annual sampling of groundwater wells was initiated by the base to protect the drinking water supply and the people who drink that water. This program is not required by law and is not under the jurisdiction of any off-base agency. Since this program was initiated, six drinking water supply wells have been closed because either contamination was detected at levels above drinking water standards or well locations are in close proximity to contaminated wells (7).

Sampling

In 1996, VOCs were detected in one well at levels slightly above drinking water standards. That well was immediately taken off line. Two other wells were also taken off line in 1996 due to potential contamination, because they were down gradient and near contaminated groundwater detected by monitoring wells installed during site remedial investigations (77).

The base policy for assessing contamination from the wellhead is that any well exceeding a primary drinking water standard will be taken offline. Since this program was initiated, six drinking water supply wells have been closed because either contamination was detected at levels above drinking water standards or well locations are in close proximity to contaminated wells (7).

Although a total of 17 wells (approximately 20%) have been closed since 1985 because of groundwater contamination with VOCs and fuels, approximately 69 additional wells are still in operation on-base. These wells provide an average of 8.3 million gallons of water daily to MCB Camp Lejeune. Approximately 20 other wells are not in use due to low water pumping volume (28, 29). Almost all of these wells tap a tertiary sand and limestone aquifer that is permeable to contamination (54). For this reason, MCB Camp Lejeune has initiated several programs to protect the drinking water supply from contamination.

Five programs have been initiated. Three of these programs have been initiated since 1996. MCB Camp Lejeune currently conducts long-term monitoring of groundwater monitoring wells in conjunction with the Installation Restoration Program and Underground Storage Tank Program. Groundwater under this program is sampled at least annually and is reevaluated every 5 years. Additionally, MCB Camp Lejeune is working with the state of North Carolina to implement institutional controls such as land use restrictions and also deed restrictions should the base be turned over civilian jurisdiction.

On the basis of ATSDR recommendations, the base enacted an annual program - Sampling Analysis of Groundwater Wells at Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, which monitors all drinking water supply wells at the wellhead. Results from all the sampling programs are assessed two ways. Data from the base and regional groundwater data collected by United States Geological Survey (USGS) is used in a three-dimensional computer model to determine the impact of groundwater withdrawal from the base's various groundwater treatment systems on regional groundwater conditions (78). This information will also be used in the Envrionmental Geographic Information System, which utilized maps and global positioning to determine exact geographic locations to track and predict groundwater migration. This system is scheduled to be on-line in summer 1997.

Summary and Follow-up

Implementation of the five groundwater programs at MCB Camp Lejeune will enable contaminated groundwater to be monitored and tracked for the purposes of predicting future impact and thus protecting the groundwater drinking water supply. These measure will ensure that MCB Camp Lejeune workers, residents, and visitors will not be exposed to contaminated drinking water in the future.

Conclusions and Public Health Action Plan
for Groundwater Contamination (Basewide)

Conclusions: MCB Camp Lejeune has several programs in place to protect people from drinking contaminated groundwater. These programs will allow for detecting contamination before the on-base drinking water supply has been affected, thereby preventing exposure of people to contaminated drinking water. The base still complies with the Safe Drinking Water Standards monitoring program. Groundwater contamination on base does not appear to pose a threat to the safety of off-base county and community water wells at this time. Groundwater contamination on base has not been found to have migrated off base. The typical groundwater flow direction would be toward the New River and the Atlantic Ocean and away from community wells.

Completed Actions: MCB Camp Lejeune has identified on-base groundwater contamination. In some areas, contaminant plumes have been delineated. MCB Camp Lejeune operates several groundwater treatment facilities to clean up groundwater contamination. MCB Camp Lejeune monitors groundwater contamination caused by underground storage tanks and Installation Restoration Program sites to prevent on- or off-base water supplies from being adversely affected. As a result of ATSDR's recommendations to routinely monitor individual supply wells to prevent contamination of water distribution systems and to protect people from exposure to contaminated drinking water, MCB Camp Lejeune implemented an annual program to monitor active supply wells in 1996. Six wells have been taken off line because of detected or potential contamination. MCB Camp Lejeune will be implementing a Basewide Remediation Assessment of Groundwater Study to model the impact of groundwater treatment operations on regional groundwater. MCB Camp Lejeune has initiated an Environmental Geographic Information System and will be implementing a Basewide Remediation Assessment of Groundwater Study to map and track sampling data of all monitoring and drinking water wells.

Planned Actions: Investigations to define and characterize groundwater contamination at MCB Camp Lejeune are ongoing. MCB Camp Lejeune is planning to drill additional wells to help supply the base with drinking water. Recommended Action: ATSDR has no further recommendations at this time.

B. Exposure from Eating Fish from Wallace Creek, Bear Head Creek, Cogdels Creek, Orde Pond, Everett Creek, and the New River near Sites 28, 69, and 48

Levels of contaminants detected in fish and shellfish from the previously specified locations on base were low and therefore do not present a health hazard to people (children, pregnant women or other adults) who eat them. ATSDR evaluated fish consumption based on an 8-ounce meal for adults and a 4-ounce meal for children. We assumed that people would eat no more than one meal per week of fish from these areas containing the maximum detected contaminant levels. Because these assumptions are conservative, they are protective of even the most sensitive fish consumers. Fishing is permitted at all these locations with a North Carolina state fishing license. For fishing at Orde Pond or any other on base pond, a MCB Camp Lejeune fishing permit is required.

Fish Contamination at Wallace and Bear Head Creeks (Sites 6, 9, and 82)

Site 6-Storage Lots 201 and 203, Site 9-Fire Fighting Training Pit at Piney Green Road, and Site 82-Piney Green Road VOC Site have all been identified as having soil and groundwater contamination that has most likely migrated to adjacent surface water bodies of Wallace Creek and Bear Head Creek. Both creeks are designated as Class SB surface waters by NCDEHNR. This ranking indicates that these creeks or rivers are suitable for fish and wildlife habitats; aesthetically pleasing; suitable for recreational boating and, in some places, for swimming. Fishing is a popular sport in the area; therefore, we are particularly concerned about fish contamination.

MCB Camp Lejeune sampled sediment, surface water, and fish from Wallace and Bear Head Creeks. TCE, PCE, and other VOCs; PAHs; pesticides; and PCBs were detected at low levels in sediment, surface water, and fish of Wallace Creek and Bear Head Creek and may be attributable to surface water and possibly groundwater discharge from Sites 6, Site 9, and Site 82 (OU 2), which are contaminated with pesticides, solvents, paints, and various types of construction debris (79). Fish collected by electroshock, seines, and lines were of edible size and species (except the gar) (30). Levels of contaminants in fish would not present a health hazard to people who eat the fish from this area.

Fish Contamination at Cogdels Creek, Orde Pond, and New River at Site 28

Site 28-Hadnot Point Burn Dump, was a 23-acre burn dump that operated from 1946 to 1971. Solid wastes, including mixed industrial waste, trash, oil-based paints, pesticides and other refuse, were brought to the dump to be burned in an open pit to reduce waste volume. When the site was closed in 1971, the ashes were covered with dirt brought in from other areas on base. The volume of fill dirt was estimated to be between 185,000 and 379,000 cubic yards (80). The ground was then graded and planted with grass (3). The site is currently known as Orde Pond Recreational Area, a park for base personnel, their families, and their guests. The park includes Orde Pond, a 3-acre fishing pond, a playground and picnic areas. Cogdels Creek runs within the site and discharges into New River at Site 28 near the domestic wastewater treatment plant located adjacent to the park and environmental investigation area. Bluegill, sunfish, and bass were stocked in the pond (81). Only military employees, their dependents, and their guests are allowed to fish at the pond. The pond is used for recreational fishing and not subsistence fishing.

Soil, groundwater, surface water, sediments, and fish were collected from Site 28. Fish fillet and whole body fish were analyzed for a full range of chemicals Target Compound List (TCL) organics and Target Analyte List (TAL) inorganics. Sediment and fish samples from Cogdels Creek and Orde Pond contained slightly elevated levels of metals, PAHs, and pesticides. Fish samples collected from the New River were similarly analyzed and contained slightly elevated levels of pesticides, PAHs, and metals. Fish samples from Cogdels Creek, Orde Pond, and the New River at Site 28 did not contain any contaminant at levels of health concern.

Fish Contamination at Everett Creek and the New River at Site 69

Site 69-Rifle Range Chemical Dump is a 6-acre site in a heavily wooded area east of the intersection of Range Road and Sneads Ferry Road. From the early 1950s to 1976, all hazardous materials generated or used at the base were deposited here in unlined trenches or pits; at least 12 disposal events are documented for the site. Various pesticides, pentachlorophenol, TCE, gas cylinders, PCBs, chloroacetophenone gas, and numerous other hazardous materials were buried at this site. Everett Creek runs adjacent to Site 69 and into the New River approximately 500 feet from the site (82).

Soil, groundwater, surface water, sediments, fish, oysters, and blue crab were collected from Site 69. Shellfish (oysters and crab), fish fillet, and whole body fish were analyzed for a full range of chemicals (TCL organics and TAL inorganics). Sediment, fish, and shellfish samples from Everett Creek and the New River contained slightly elevated levels of metals, PAHs, and pesticides. Fish samples collected from the New River were similarly analyzed and contained slightly elevated levels of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and metals. However, none of the fish, oysters, or blue crab from either Everett Creek or the New River at Site 69 contained contaminants at levels that would pose a health hazard to people eating those fish or shellfish.

Fish Contamination at New River near Site 48

The Site 48 (OU 3) study area covers approximately 4 acres and contains three buildings, one of which was used as a photographic laboratory from 1955 to 1990. The site is bordered by the New River to the east, a tributary of the river to the north, building AS 811 to the south, and Longstaff Road to the west. Mercury from the lab was reportedly disposed of at the site (83).

MCB Camp Lejeune conducted Remedial Investigations of Site 48. Soil and groundwater samples were collected near the buildings. New River sampling included fish, sediment, and surface water. Soil and groundwater samples did not show any detectable mercury. However, sediment and surface water sampling data from the New River near Site 48 showed low levels of mercury, possibly indicating that mercury was disposed of in the river and not on the ground near the buildings. Three fish were collected from different locations in the river, but none were collected near the detected mercury. The fish showed low levels of pesticides, PAHs, VOCs, and metals (mercury levels were below health standards) and do not present a health hazard to people who would be eating them.

Summary and Follow-up

Using the maximum contaminant concentrations detected in fish to estimate exposures, ATSDR concluded that no adverse health effects, either cancerous or noncancerous, would be expected for people ingesting fish or shellfish from Wallace Creek, Bear Head Creek, Cogdels Creek, Everett Creek, and the New River near Sites 28, 48, and 69. Fish tissue samples taken from the creeks and river showed low levels of VOCs, PCBs, PAHs, metals, and pesticides at which adverse health effects are have not been reported. Therefore the sites currently pose no apparent public health hazard.

Conclusion: Contaminants detected at low levels in fish from Wallace Creek, Bear Head Creek, Cogdels Creek, Orde Pond, Everett Creek, and from New River adjacent to Sites 28, 69, and 48 are not expected to cause any adverse health effects (cancerous or noncancerous) in people who routinely eat fish from those creeks or the New River at these locations.

Completed Actions: MCB Camp Lejeune has completed the Remedial Investigation and a Supplemental Aquatic Survey for Sites 6, 9, and 82 (Operable Unit 2), including detailed fish sampling results for Wallace and Bear Head Creeks. MCB Camp Lejeune has completed the Remedial Investigation for Sites 28, 69, and 28.

Planned Action: No additional actions are planned at this time. Recommended Action: ATSDR is not recommending any additional actions at this time.

C. Soil Contamination (Site 69)

Site 69-Rifle Range Chemical Dump is a 6-acre site in a heavily wooded area east of the intersection of Range Road and Sneads Ferry Road. From the early 1950s to 1976, hazardous materials generated or used at the base were deposited here in unlined trenches or pits; at least 12 disposal events are documented for the site. Various pesticides, pentachlorophenol, TCE, gas cylinders, PCBs, chloroacetophenone gas, and numerous other hazardous materials were buried at this site. The total amount of waste present on this site is estimated at 93,000 cubic yards; However, the waste was covered with clean fill dirt and the site is now fenced (85). It is unlikely that contaminated soil from Site 69 could migrate off-base because the contaminated soil is buried. However, contamination was detected in groundwater monitoring wells at the site. MCB Camp Lejeune is considering groundwater treatment actions at this time. An elementary school is located within 2 miles. Because exposure to soil is unlikely to occur at this site, MCB Camp Lejeune recommends that the soil remain in place.

Conclusion and Public Health Action Plan
for Soil Contamination at Site 69

Conclusion: The remote wooded location of the site, the fence prohibiting access, and the plans not to dig up soil prevent people from coming into contact with buried contamination.

Completed Action: MCB Camp Lejeune installed a fence around this site to prevent exposures to contaminants.

Planned Action: MCB Camp Lejeune is considering groundwater treatment operations to clean up contaminated groundwater and to protect base supply wells. Recommended Action: ATSDR does not recommend any further actions at this time.

IV. NO PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARD

ATSDR concluded that two other situations were not public health hazards they are: 1) suspected soil contamination at Site 28 and 2) physical hazards and possible soil contamination at Site 43.

A. Suspected Soil Contamination (Site 28)

Site 28-Orde Recreational Area was previously known as Site 28-Hadnot Point Burn Dump, a 23-acre burn dump that operated from 1946 to 1971. Solid wastes, including mixed industrial waste, trash, oil-based paints, pesticides, and other refuse, were brought to the dump to be burned in an open pit to reduce waste volume. When the site was closed in 1971, the ashes were covered with dirt brought in from other areas on base. The volume of fill dirt was estimated to be between 185,000 and 379,000 cubic yards (80). The ground was then graded and planted with grass (3).

Today, the area is a recreational park for base personnel, their families, and their guests. The park includes Orde Pond, a 3-acre fishing pond, and playground and picnic areas. The pond is not used for swimming and the steep bank prevents toddlers from playing in the sediments. Surface soil contamination in the recreational area is unlikely because of the amount of fill that covers the waste. MCB Camp Lejeune conducted surface soil sampling here that confirmed that contaminants were not at levels of health concern. Therefore, this area is safe for recreational purposes.

Conclusion: Site 28-Orde Pond Recreational Area does not pose a public health hazard because sampling data of surface soil of the playground area do not show contamination.

Completed Action: MCB Camp Lejeune completed a Remedial Investigation for this site. The Record of Decision proposed that no further action be conducted at this site.

Planned Action: None. Recommended Action: None.

B. Physical Hazards and Possible Soil Contamination (Site 43)

ATSDR had concerns that Site 43 presented both a physical hazard and a potential health hazard due to soil contamination. However, in 1996, MCB Camp Lejeune removed the above ground debris and contaminated surface soil at the site. Therefore, removing both the physical hazards and health hazards associated with contaminated soil exposure. Site 43 does not pose a physical or potential hazard because children in the adjacent housing area are not able to come in contact with potential hazards at the site because the hazards have been removed. MCB Camp Lejeune has issued a No Further Action Proposal for this site in the Record of Decision. ATSDR does not recommend any further action be taken by MCB Camp Lejeune.

Site 43-Agan Street Dump is located near the old wastewater treatment plant and covers an area of about 20 acres. Boards, trash, fiberglass, an old tank, and wastewater treatment plant sludge were disposed of on the ground surface. The years of operation are not known (85). Family housing units are approximately 500 feet from the site.

Conclusion: This site no longer poses a physical or chemical hazard to children walking onto the site from the nearby family housing area because MCB Camp Lejeune has removed the trash and various debris scattered in the woods and surface soil contamination at this site.

Completed Actions: MCB Camp Lejeune has removed various debris and surface soil contamination from this site. MCB Camp Lejeune has completed the Remedial Investigation for this site. The Record of Decision proposes that no further action be taken.

Planned Action: None Recommended Action: None

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1825 Century Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30345
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348 

Department of Health and Human Services