WELLS G AND H
WOBURN, MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS
APPENDIX D
HEALTH ASSESSMENT
WELLS G. & H SITE
WOBURN, MASSACHUSETTS
April 25, 1989
Prepared by
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
for
Office of Health Assessment
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Public Health Service
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
I. Summary
The National Priority List (NPL) site, Wells G and H, is located about 10 miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. Woburn Municipal Wells G and H were used from 1964 to 1979 to supplement Woburn drinking water supplies. The ground water extracted from Wells G and H was found to be contaminated with volatile organic compounds in 1979. The predominant ground water contaminants are trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Five contaminated properties located on-site are known contributors to the ground water contamination. Ground water and both surface and subsurface soil contamination on-site is extensive and results from: liquid-waste spills on the ground, sludge disposal, buried and surface disposal of 55-gallon drums, and leaking tanks. Based on a 30-day aquifer test, Municipal Wells G and H were found to intercept, either entirely or partially, ground water from beneath these five contaminated properties. Wells G and H have not been used since 1979. As residences and industries are located both on-site and nearby, a potential exists for human exposure to contaminants by: (1) inhalation of fugitive dusts and vapors from surface soils, industrial use of contaminated well water, and migration of vapors from contaminated shallow ground water to the inside of buildings; 2) dermal contact with contaminated surface soils at Wildwood Conservation Corporation, New England Plastics Corporation, and Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation, sludge at Wildwood Conservation Corporation, and contaminated industrial well water at New England Plastics Corporation and John J. Riley Tannery; and 3) ingestion of fugitive dusts, surface soils, and, possibly, contaminated fish and contaminated industrial well water. In addition, contaminated sediments also pose a potential exposure source should direct contact occur. Based upon the information reviewed to date, we conclude that this site is of public health concern.
II. Background
A. Site Description
The Wells G and H Site is located within the City of Woburn, in Middlesex County, approximately ten miles north of Boston, Massachusetts. Based on the NUS Corporation's Remedial Investigation (RI) (1986) and Planning Research Corporation's Wetlands Assessment (1986), the 450-acre site is bordered by Interstate 95 to the north, Interstate 93 to the east, Cedar Street and Salem Street to the south, and Wildwood Avenue to the west (refer to Appendix A, Figure 1). This Health Assessment covers this area. The Aberjona River flows from north to south through the center of the site. Besides the river and associated wetlands, the site includes commercial and industrial parks. Surface water runoff from the site is directed through conduits and drainage ditches toward the Aberjona River and its tributaries. A residential development and several other residences are located within the defined perimeter of the site. Outside the site to the east, south and west, residential developments predominate.
Based on the NUS Corporation's RI (1986), this site is located on land which serves as a recharge area for the aquifer from which the Woburn Municipal Wells G and H drew water. The eastern and western site boundaries approximate the upland boundaries of the Wells G and H aquifer recharge area; however, the northern and southern boundaries do not encompass the entire recharge area delineated by the Aberjona River watershed. In May 1979, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering (DEQE) detected trichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, chloroform, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, tetrachloroethylene, and trichlorotrifluoroethane at levels up to 400 micrograms per liter (ug/l) in ground water samples from Wells G and H. This aquifer was used as a source of municipal drinking water intermittently from 1964 until both wells were shut down on May 21, 1979. In 1980, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) determined that a higher rate than expected of childhood leukemia incidence existed in Woburn. A subsequent hydrogeological and water quality study and site investigations of facilities in the area indicated the source(s) of contamination to be within one square mile of Wells G and H. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) placed this site on the NPL on December 21, 1982.
Five properties within the site have been determined to contain soil contamination and to contribute to the ground water contamination. These properties are:
1. UniFirst Corporation - formerly a dry cleaning facility when under the ownership of Interstate Uniform Service Corporation (IUSC) (1966-1983). From 1977-1982, a 5,000-gallon above-ground tank was used to store the dry-cleaning agent tetrachloroethylene. IUSC reported a 100-gallon spill on the concrete floor within the facility to the DEQE in 1979. IUSC cleaned up the spill themselves. In 1988 Ebasco Services Inc. reported the recovery of less than two liters of a dense nonaqueous phase liquid (DNAPL) from a monitoring well installed near the location of the removed storage tank. The liquid contained 19,000,000 ug/l of tetrachloroethylene.
2. Cryovac Division of W.R. Grace and Co. - a food wrapping manufacturer since 1961. W.R. Grace and Co. utilized degreasing agents such as trichloroethylene at its facility. W.R. Grace and Co. made use of a pit behind the plant for waste disposal, and discharged waste into the city's sewer system. In accordance with an EPA Administrative Order, the pit was excavated and six 55-gallon drums of liquid waste and contaminated soil were removed to a Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA)-approved disposal facility in June, 1983.
3. New England Plastics Corporation - a manufacturer of solid vinyl siding and various other plastic products. Prospect Tool and Die Company is also located within the same building. In December 1986, water from an industrial well which tapped the bedrock aquifer was found to be contaminated with various volatile organic compounds mostly tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene. The EPA included the New England Plastics Corporation property in a Supplemental RI for the site. In 1988, effluent from the New England Plastics Corporation was found to enter the Aberjona River via a drainage ditch.
4. Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation - an undeveloped parcel of land and a leased trucking terminal. The Hemingway Transport Co., which owned the property since 1980, had four underground storage tanks at the trucking terminal facility. Following transfer of property ownership to the Juniper Development Group in May 1983, a 6,280-gallon gasoline tank was found to be leaking, and was removed in July 1983. It is unknown when the tanks were installed and when the gasoline tank began leaking. Two new diesel fuel tanks were installed in 1983. No gasoline is currently stored on-site. The suspected gasoline contamination at this property as well as another one at the Weyerhaueser Lumberyard are being addressed by the Massachusetts DEQE. In March 1985, the property was sold to the current owners, Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation. In 1970, 200 to 500 five-gallon containers of arsenic trioxide were discovered on the undeveloped portion of the property. The containers were removed shortly after discovery. In September 1971, a drum was found on the current Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property near the intersection of Wildwood Avenue and Olympia Avenue. The DPH determined the drum to contain arsenic. In September 1985, the EPA found ten rusted 55-gallon drums and a pile of pesticide caps on the western side of the property near the railroad tracks. In accordance with an EPA Administrative Order, Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation had the drums, caps, and associated contaminated soil removed to a RCRA-approved landfill in December 1985.
5. Wildwood Conservation Corporation - an undeveloped parcel of land accessed by an unpaved road. John J. Riley sold the land to Beatrice Foods, Inc., in 1978, then rebought the property in 1983. He established the property as the Wildwood Conservation Corporation in 1985. Various trails leading from two neighboring facilities, Whitney Barrel Company and Murphy Waste Oil Company, to the property existed during the period 1966-1983. On the property, extensive contamination consisting of sludge, discolored soils, trash, 55-gallon drums, paint cans and debris piles has been documented. Following the additional discovery of high levels of contaminants in the soil and in the ground water, the EPA issued an Administrative Order in December 1985, requiring the property to be fenced and guarded to prevent unauthorized entry. John J. Riley Tannery has an industrial water supply well on the property.
For the location of these properties within the Wells G and H site refer to Appendix A, Figure 2. Besides ground water and soil contamination within this site, surface water and sediment contamination were found in the portion of the Aberjona River and its tributaries located within the site. To date, hydrogeological and soil RIs have been completed as well as a final Supplemental RI, draft Feasibility Study, final Endangerment Assessment, final Wetlands Assessment, and U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) aquifer test.
B. Site Visit
On August 23, 1988, a site visit was conducted by Louise House - a Region I Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) representative, Barbara Newman - the EPA Site Manager for Wells G and H, and Eileen Furlong - representing the DPH. Particular information obtained was incorporated into the text of the Health Assessment including information on recreational land use within and bordering the site, accessibility to the contaminated properties (children observed, fencing, bridges leading to contaminated property), and the uses of contaminated industrial well water (at the New England Plastics Corporation and the John J. Riley Tannery). In addition, the existence of other studies was discovered which addressed concerns described within the text (indoor air monitoring, 100-year floodplain boundaries, and soil and additional ground water monitoring at the UniFirst Corporation). The results of these studies have been or will be incorporated into the Health Assessment as they become available.
III. Environmental Contamination and Physical Hazards
Extensive sampling and analyses for contamination have been conducted for this site during the period 1983 to 1988. Ground water is the most extensively monitored medium followed by soil. Surface water, sediment, and air quality have also been monitored. At various properties within the site, appropriate samples from drainage ditches, excavated disposal pits, contents of 55-gallon drums, drainage pipes, sludge, soil near manhole covers, and sewage from a pipe running through the site have been analyzed. Media from the five known contaminated properties were analyzed on an irregular basis and to various extents by different investigators. The most commonly monitored analytes were volatile organic compounds, followed by `semi-volatile' compounds or acid/base/neutral extractable organic compounds. Pesticides, PCBs, dioxins, and inorganic compounds were analyzed for on a less frequent basis.
A. On-site Contamination
Extensive soil and ground water contamination exists at this site. Concentration values given in Table I are for the most prevalent or toxic compounds detected. Most of the data presented were obtained from 1985 to 1988 by various investigators. Some information was available for the time period 1983-1984, and all data for New England Plastics Corporation were obtained during 1987 and 1988.
Air contamination by volatile organic compounds was not detected unless soil was disturbed, such as during pit excavation or monitoring well installation.
Most ground water information was obtained during 1985 sampling rounds by the EPA RI Team and by consultants for the owners of the contaminated properties. Substantial additional ground water data were obtained during the Supplemental RI in 1987 and 1988. Five major areas of ground water contamination have been identified within the site. Originating from beneath the W.R. Grace and Company property, a plume of contaminants characterized by high levels of trichloroethylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene extends southwestward toward Wells G and H. Another plume originates from beneath the UniFirst Corporation facility and extends south-southwest towards Wells G and H. This plume has been found to contain mostly tetrachloroethylene. In addition, DNAPL consisting primarily of tetrachloroethylene (1.9%) was recovered from the shallow bedrock aquifer immediately beneath the UniFirst Corporation facility.
Ground water contamination beneath the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and Weyerhaueser Lumberyard contains components unique to gasoline contamination. In addition, arsenic, lead and chlordane have been detected in Olympia Nominee Trust Corp. ground water. Arsenic and lead were detected in ground water obtained from two monitoring wells. One well was located in the area near a disposal site of 55-gallon drums and contaminated soil, and contained 550 to 574 ug/l of arsenic and 188 to 224 ug/l of lead (unfiltered samples). A ground water sample obtained from the same monitoring well four months later and filtered with a 0.45 micrometer filter resulted in arsenic levels of 13.3 to 20.1 ug/l and lead levels less than 2 ug/l. The other monitoring well was located in the northern section of the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property and contained arsenic at 258 ug/l in an unfiltered ground water sample. The chlordane was detected in an area near the disposal site of 55-gallon drums, where associated contaminated soil contained high levels of chlordane and Aroclor-1260. Chlordane was detected in ground water in 1987 although the drums and contaminated soil were removed in 1985.
Ground water contamination beneath the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property is mostly trichloroethylene with localized high concentrations of tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, chloroform and xylene. In 1981, water from the John J. Riley Tannery production well located on the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property was determined to contain >300 ug/l of both trichloroethylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 100-200 ug/l of 1,1,1-trichloroethane. In April 1985, a water sample from this same well contained 220 ug/l of trichloroethylene, 26 ug/l of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, 28 ug/l of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 12 ug/l of tetrachloroethylene.
Ground water beneath the New England Plastics Corporation property is less contaminated than the other areas but does have elevated tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene levels. Two of three bedrock industrial wells on this property monitored in December 1987 revealed contamination characterized by 65 to 270 ug/l of tetrachloroethylene, 14 to 52 ug/l of trichloroethylene, 3 to 17 ug/l of 1,1,1-trichloroethane and none detected to 9 ug/l of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. Ground water from the three shallow overburden monitoring wells contained 9 to 96 ug/l of tetrachloroethylene, 27 to 41 ug/l of trichloroethylene, none detected to 26 ug/l of 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and 1 to 6 ug/l of trans-1,2-dichloroethylene. In several monitoring wells located west of the Boston and Maine Railroad tracks, levels greater than 100 ug/l of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (BEHP) were detected.
Monitoring of ground water from Wells G and H during two rounds of sampling in 1979 for volatile organic compounds and inorganic compounds indicated contamination with chloroform (`none detected'-11.8 ug/l), trichloroethylene (63.0-267.4 ug/l), tetrachloroethylene (9.0-28.0 ug/l), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (`none detected'-2.1 ug/l), dichloroethylene (`none detected'-28.0 ug/l), arsenic (1.5-2.0 ug/l), and lead (`none detected'). No information on contaminant levels prior to 1979 exists. Subsequent analyses of Wells G and H water in 1980, 1981, 1985 and 1986 indicated the presence of trichloroethylene (52-21 ug/l), tetrachloroethylene (`none detected'-270 ug/l) and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (11-53 ug/l). No information was available for the other chemicals.
Aberjona River surface water samples were analyzed in 1984 and 1985, and, then with samples from its tributaries, again in 1987. Low levels of volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, were detected. BEHP was detected in two of eight samples during the September 1987 sampling round. The highest level of BEHP was detected near the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property.
The Aberjona River and its tributaries were sampled for sediment contamination in 1987. Additional inorganic compound sediment monitoring was performed in June 1988. Sediment contamination occurred more in the Aberjona River than in its tributaries (except one tributary near the railroad tracks and running into the western branch of the Aberjona River), and consisted of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), BEHP, arsenic and lead.
Soil sampling was conducted on an irregular basis. Four consulting firms along with the Supplemental RI team monitored the soil from various properties at various times. The areas and years sampled are: central area (1987), New England Plastics Corporation (1987), Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation (1985, 1987), W.R. Grace and Co. (1983, 1985, 1987), UniFirst Corp. (1986, 1987), and Wildwood Conservation Corp. (1983, 1984, 1987).
Near Wells G and H at the Rifle Range, a small oil spill area was identified by the visual appearance of the soil. A horizontal surface soil composite from this spill revealed the presence of chlordane and lead. Surface soil (<6 inch depth) monitoring at the New England Plastics Corporation resulted in the detection of PAHs, Aroclor-1260, BEHP, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene.
At Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation, the highest levels of surface soil contamination were measured in the undeveloped portion of the property near a disposal area of 55-gallon drums and pesticide caps. The contaminated soil contained mostly chlordane and Aroclor-1260 as well as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, PAHs and BEHP. The contaminated soil, drums and caps were removed in 1985. Subsequent surface and subsurface soil monitoring in 1987 revealed low levels of soil contaminants, namely PAHs and arsenic. Liquid from a drum found on the property in September 1971 was determined by the DPH to contain 1000 milligrams per liter (mg/l) of arsenic.
Monitoring of soil at W.R. Grace and Co. revealed low levels of contaminants in an excavation pit that contained 55-gallon drums of liquid waste and sludge, and in trenches excavated to intercept drainage ditches and pipes. Very little surface soil contamination is apparent.
The UniFirst Corporation consultants conducted soil monitoring for select volatile organic compounds. Most samples were composites of soils taken from two to three foot depth ranges. Low levels of tetrachloroethylene were detected.
The Wildwood Conservation Corporation property contains substantial soil contamination. Surface soil samples contained mostly PAHs, chlordane, Aroclor-1254, Aroclor-1260, and lesser amounts of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), BEHP, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, arsenic and lead. Higher levels of the volatile organic compounds, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene, were detected in subsurface soil samples. Substantial surface disposal of sludge occurs on this property. The sludge samples contained lead, arsenic, BEHP, DDT, chlordane, PAHs, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene.
B. Off-Site Contamination
A limited amount of data for off-site contamination is available. Table II contains contamination values for off-site samples as well as on-site samples obtained near the boundaries of the site. Each value given represents only one to three sampling locations. Sampling rounds for the various media were conducted as follows: ground water (1984, 1985, 1987), surface water (1984, 1985, 1987), and sediments (1984, 1987). No off-site soil or air monitoring has been performed.
Very little ground water contamination has been detected in samples obtained north of the site (<10 ug/l of trichloroethylene or tetrachloroethylene). Ground water from the only monitoring well located south of the site and adjacent to the Aberjona River is contaminated by volatile organic compounds, especially trans-1,2-dichloroethylene (6-42 ug/l), trichloroethylene (47-140 ug/l), tetrachloroethylene (52-55 ug/l), and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (21-42 ug/l). The two monitoring wells located south of the site but upland relative to the Aberjona River contained little or no organic contamination. Surface water, both north and south of the site, contained low levels of volatile organic compounds (<20 ug/l total volatile organic compounds). Sediments south of the site contained more phthalates, PAHs, lead and arsenic than sediments north of the site.
C. Physical Hazards
Most contaminated property within this site is fenced to discourage unauthorized entry. During the site visit, specific properties were examined at their peripheries, except for Wells G and H and the Rifle Range which were accessed; hence, the presence of physical hazards was difficult to determine. Below is a list of physical hazards of potential concern.
Potential concerns:
| John J. Riley Tannery | two chromium lagoons hide piles |
| Wildwood Conservation Corporation | rusted 55-gallon drums debris piles |
| Aberjona Auto Parts | old cars and car parts |
IV. Demographics of Population at Risk
A. Populations at Risk
The 1980 U.S. Census indicated 36,636 individuals live within the City of Woburn. The population size decreased by 2.1% during the period 1970 to 1980. More information will be obtained from the ongoing adverse health outcomes study being conducted in Woburn by the DPH on behalf of ATSDR.
B. Land Use
The site includes numerous existing light industrial and manufacturing facilities, as well as one small residential development and several isolated residences. Some nonresidential properties are fenced to limit unauthorized access. The Wildwood Conservation Corporation property is fenced on three sides with barb wire on top of the fence. The side parallel to the Aberjona River is not fenced. A guard walks along the fence every four hours. Bordering the site to the east, south and west are extensive residential developments. Substantial development of land is occurring near the site, especially for residences just south of the site. Within the site, some of the upland industrial properties could be converted to residential use in the future.
A greenhouse for flower cultivation is located adjacent to the western boundary of the site. Residential gardens were evident during the site visit near the entrance to the rifle range and also just off-site to the south at the corner of Washington Street and Cedar Street. Also, adjacent to, but outside the boundary of, the site to the west is a pond which receives drainage from the Wildwood Industrial Park located on the western section of the site. Children have been observed playing in the pond. Fishing at the pond is known to occur. Children are known to dirt bike in the undeveloped portion of Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation. A youth was observed during the site visit at the Rifle Range near the small patch of contaminated soil. A trapper is known to set wet traps in the Aberjona River.
V. Evaluation
A. Data Needs and Evaluation
An extensive amount of environmental monitoring data is available for the Wells G and H site for the period 1983-1987. Monitoring was done during several investigations working at various times and areas within the site. Properties sampled were chosen following site investigations, historical reviews of land use, and an indication of local ground water contamination. Selection of properties to monitor was also based on whether ground water contamination originating from the property could impact Wells G and H drinking water; thus, the John J. Riley Tannery and other properties were dismissed although these properties lie within the site boundaries. The EPA eliminated the John J. Riley Tannery from the site, because the pumping of the tannery's number two production well (located on the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property) acts as a ground water divide blocking the diversion of ground water from the tannery to Wells G and H during operation of the municipal wells. The exact positions of subsurface soil and ground water sampling were selected based mostly on the visual appearance of soil, the results of soil gas analyses for volatile organic compounds, and, to a lesser degree, the results of magnetometer surveys and known locations of 55-gallon drums, tanks, spills, ditches and pits. In addition, monitoring well installation sites were selected based on information obtained from previously installed wells (ground water flow direction and contaminant levels). Surface soil sampling locations were selected based on the visual appearance of soil and known locations of surface disposal of 55-gallon drums, spills, sludge and sewer manholes.
Air sampling and analysis for volatile organic compounds were conducted during well installations and any pit or trench excavations, using an HNu photoionization detector or a Century organic vapor analyzer. Surface water and sediment sampling locations were chosen in areas of likely contamination, that is, in areas where stream flow was low and sediments might accumulate, in tributaries, and matched to surface water samples.
Field screening of soil, surface water, sediment and groundwater samples using a Century organic vapor analyzer or photovac 10A10 chromatograph was often done to select samples for further laboratory monitoring. The use of these instruments (HNu photoionization detector, Century organic vapor analyzer, and photovac 10A10 chromatograph) for field studies has inherent limitations. Generally, these instruments are not universal detectors but detect only select volatile organic compounds, are not very sensitive, and naturally occurring environmental constituents and certain climactic conditions interfere with the instruments' operations. The HNu photoionization detector cannot be used to discern individual contaminants, but measures total volatile compounds with ionization potentials within a narrow energy band. By using these instruments to determine which environmental samples to monitor, samples may be disregarded which contain nonvolatile contaminants, volatile contaminants not selected by these instruments, and levels of contaminants below the sensitivity limit of the instrument. At this time, these screening methods are state-of-the-art for selecting samples to monitor and are generally adequate for this site where the major contaminants are volatile organic compounds; however, these screening methods are not appropriate where arsenic contamination occurs if the arsenic is not associated with elevated levels of volatile organic compounds. Arsenic contamination may have occurred in the early 1970's when numerous containers containing arsenic were found on the present-day Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property.
Most soil samples were obtained during soil boring or well installation; thus, the samples are subsurface soil samples. Surface soil samples were usually a composite of soil from the 0-2 foot depth range. Only six known samples were obtained at depths less than six inches. Composites may overestimate or underestimate the actual level of contamination at the surface. Sampling of soils at a 1 or 2 centimeter (cm) depth (<1 inch) better represent actual surface soil contaminant levels, and is preferred by ATSDR for the purpose of determining the potential for human exposure. Little or no surface soil information was available for UniFirst Corporation, the trucking facility at Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation, the eastern portion of the New England Plastics Corporation property, nor in the wetlands bordering the Aberjona River where sedimentation of surface runoff particulates is likely to occur. Surface soil contamination (<1 inch) is not fully characterized for Wildwood Conservation Corporation, the western portion of New England Plastics Corporation, the undeveloped section of Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and the central area near Wells G and H. The inorganic contents are unknown of the 55-gallon drums and associated soils discovered on the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property in 1985. Sludge is present on the soil surface of the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property, and has been adequately characterized for the purposes of the Health Assessment.
An extensive amount of ground water monitoring data, especially of volatile organic compounds, is available for the site. Prior to 1985, only information for select volatile organic compounds is available. Lesser amounts of semi-volatile or extractable organic and inorganic compound monitoring have been done. Isolated incidences of elevated levels of ground water contamination by phthalates, arsenic and lead have been found, but have not been fully characterized. Monitoring wells found to contain elevated levels of phthalates in ground water samples were monitored once for semi-volatile organic compounds; therefore, although the samples may have been contaminated with plasticizers during sampling, it is not a certainty. These monitoring wells should be sampled again. Only one thorough round of ground water monitoring has been performed for the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and New England Plastics Corporation. During one monitoring round, ground water from one monitoring well located at Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation was filtered prior to analysis. No split unfiltered sample was analyzed for this sampling time. At UniFirst Corporation, DNAPL has been found beneath the facility. A study prepared by UniFirst Corporation's consultant, ERT Resource Engineering Company, addresses the DNAPL contamination beneath the property. Although, in general, ground water contamination originating at UniFirst Corporation has been well studied, the extent and spatial distribution of the DNAPL is not completely known but would be difficult to accomplish. Generally, several rounds of monitoring are done to fully characterize ground water contamination. Sufficient ground water monitoring at W.R. Grace and Co. and Wildwood Conservation Corporation has been performed.
Surface water and sediment sampling of the Aberjona River occurred during three sampling rounds in April, May and June 1985 and, again with its tributaries, in September 1987. Additional sediment sampling occurred in June 1988. Sampling in April and September approximately correlates with anticipated times of high and low discharge volumes, respectively; however, not enough sampling data and hydrological information are available to determine the influence of ground water infiltration on contaminant levels. No information is available on the influence of episodic events, such as rainfall, on surface water contaminant levels. Also, only a little information is available on sediment contamination in the portion of the Aberjona River near areas of substantial surface soil contamination, namely east and south of the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property and the undeveloped portion of the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property. Whether fishing occurs in the Aberjona River (off-site or on-site) is unknown, but no fish contamination information is available.
No volatile organic compounds were detected in ambient air, unless the soil was first disturbed. No measurements of ambient air quality based on binding of nonvolatile contaminants to airborne particulates or to less volatile compounds has been done. Areas of surface soil contamination may contain elevated levels of air contaminants.
Various areas near and within the site have not been characterized. A review of the historical use of property within the site may reveal which additional properties present an exposure risk. In addition, the extent of past contamination in these areas is unknown. Specific areas not characterized are:
1. A Site Investigation at the John J. Riley Tannery located in the southwest corner of the site (based on the NUS Corporation's description of the site boundaries in their RI) revealed the presence of two chromium lagoons and a pile of hides. The contaminants within the lagoons are not known, and whether the lagoons are leaking contaminants to neighboring soil or water is not known. However, tanneries utilize a variety of different chemicals including many known to be toxic. See the Section entitled "Sampling Strategy" as to why the EPA did not consider the tannery as part of the site. Although Wells G and H may not have intercepted ground water which originated at the tannery during the period of Wells G and H operation, the fact that (1) the tannery is located within the RI's (1986) defined boundaries, (2) environmental pathways are likely contaminated (lagoons, contaminated soil, sludge, hides and ground water), and (3) potential human exposure pathways do exist (production well no. one is located at the tannery, workers and trespassers are or could be present) indicate that further attention to the tannery is warranted.
2. Weyerhaueser Lumberyard is located in the northwest corner of the site. One well located on the downgradient section of the property has high levels of gasoline constituents in its ground water. The gasoline contamination originating at the lumberyard is being investigated by DEQE.
3. The presence of contamination in the section of the site west of the Boston and Maine Railroad tracks has not been well studied.
(b) Two man-made pools (located outside the site boundaries) drain the Wildwood Industrial Park (located inside the site boundaries) then to the Aberjona River via an unnamed stream. Children have been observed fishing in one of these ponds. No surface water, sediment, or fish sampling have been done in these ponds.
4. No indoor air quality information is available. Residences and industries located on-site that may have elevated levels of indoor air contamination are:
(b) UniFirst Corporation and W. R. Grace and Co. facilities because of volatile organic compound contamination in shallow ground water (<8 feet) beneath these properties.
(c) John J. Riley Tannery and New England Plastics Corporation because of the use of production wells which draw contaminated water from beneath the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property and New England Plastics Corporation property, respectively. In the final Endangerment Assessment, a model was used for predicting indoor air contaminant levels from the use of industrial well water at both facilities. According to Appendix C of the Endangerment Assessment, the ground water contaminant values used for predicting indoor air levels at the John J. Riley Tannery were obtained from the monitoring wells located in the non-source central area. The actual monitoring data used are not known. The tannery has two production wells. One well (S46) is reported in the Endangerment Assessment to be located in the central area; however, this well is located on the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property. An aquifer test performed on this well indicated that the well diverts ground water from beneath a substantial portion of this property. The second production well is located on the tannery property just west of the railroad track and southwest of the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property. Whether this well diverts ground water from beneath the Wildwood Conservation Corporation is unknown. Using ground water contamination values from the Wildwood Conservation Corporation monitoring wells would result in a more conservative, and, perhaps, a more accurate estimate of indoor air levels.
5. Arsenic contamination has not been adequately characterized at the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property and in the area bordering the property to the south and southeast, including the Aberjona River and associated wetlands and the area immediately adjacent to Well H. The present-day Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation was the site of known arsenic disposal during the early 1970's. The quantity of arsenic present in the 200 to 500 five-gallon containers discovered in 1970 and containing arsenic trioxide is unknown. If the drums discovered in 1985 contained arsenic is unknown, because no inorganic compound monitoring were done of the drum contents or associated soils; however, ground water samples from nearby shallow monitoring wells contained elevated levels of arsenic. Also unknown is whether the containers ruptured or leaked. The exact locations of disposal of the arsenic-containing five-gallon containers and 55-gallon drum are unknown. The selection of samples to monitor was based, at least in part, on the results of soil gas analyses for select volatile organic compounds; therefore, the selection for arsenic containing samples was not optimal. The highest on-site ground water (in two samples) and soil (in one sample) arsenic levels were present at this property. A subsequent ground water sample which was filtered prior to analysis had much lower arsenic levels; however, no split unfiltered sample was monitored for comparison. Because drinking water from domestic wells is often not treated to remove turbidity, ATSDR requires unfiltered samples to determine health implication. In addition, high ground water arsenic levels were detected in one monitoring well (elevated at both depths sampled) located just south of Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation in the wetlands adjacent to the Aberjona River. Elevated ground water arsenic levels were detected in a monitoring well located between Wells G and H. Sediment contamination in the portion of the Aberjona River located just down stream of Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and immediately adjacent to Well H contained high levels of arsenic (>3,000 mg/kg). The wetlands located on the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property and south of the property and west of Well H have not been sampled for arsenic contamination.
6. Past exposure to contaminants in Wells G and H drinking water is known to have occurred (1979 data), but has not been fully characterized. Whether retrospective exposure quantitation for Wells G and H drinking water for the period 1964 to 1979 is feasible is uncertain, but the possibility might exist.
7. The portion of the Aberjona River watershed supplying water to the Wells G and H Site substantially extends past the northern boundary of the site. Landfills, dumps and industries are common in this area. For this portion of the watershed, contamination to the ground water and the Aberjona River or its tributaries from contaminated lagoons, ditches, leachates and so forth has been documented. From a historical perspective, surface water contamination originating from this area is of more concern, because it would travel to the site faster than would ground water contamination. Except for the IndustriPlex NPL Site, the extent that this upgradient off-site source contributed to on-site contamination, especially during operation of Wells G and H, is unknown. The properties contaminated in this area and the extent of contamination are unknown.
8. Besides off-site data needs already mentioned, off-site soil and wetland monitoring have not been performed.
In general, contamination in some areas of the site is well characterized, and in other areas is either partially or not characterized.
Recreational use of the land on-site and off-site has not been defined, except that fishing in a drainage pond to the west of the site has been observed, dirt bike riding occurs on the undeveloped portion of the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property, and trapping in the Aberjona River is done by an individual. What is caught in the traps and whether it is consumed is unknown. Fishing in the Aberjona River within or near the site as well as any other recreational use of the river must be defined to determine potential exposure. Because many residences border the Aberjona River wetlands to the south, it is likely the river is used especially by children for recreational purposes such as fishing, wading and tadpoling. The extent of gardening or any other agricultural activity near the site or in the portions of Woburn receiving drinking water from Wells G and H during the period 1964-1979 is unknown, but residential gardens are known to exist at and near the site. Whether private residential and industrial wells (except the three on-site industrial wells) intercept the contaminated ground water is also unknown.
To fully assess the public health significance, the permanent and transient (e.g., worker and student) population sizes are needed for the site and within one-quarter mile of the site, as is the number that received Wells G and H drinking water from 1964 to 1979. This information will be obtained by the DPH as a result of the ongoing adverse health outcomes study. In addition, the age and sex distribution, and the socioeconomic, occupational, and ethnic makeup will help to identify potentially high risk subpopulation groups (e.g., children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and people with compromised immune systems).
Numerous investigators monitored different locations of the site at various times. Most environmental data considered here have passed the EPA's Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) Quality Assurance and Quality Control (QA/QC) guidelines. Data gathered by consultants for the owners of the contaminated properties passed the CLP QA/QC guidelines or else a limited QC review. The remaining studies, mostly performed as RIs on behalf of the EPA, passed the CLP QA/QC guidelines.
The conclusions presented in this Health Assessment are based on the data reviewed. The validity of these conclusions is dependent on the quality of the data provided.
B. Environmental Pathways
Because the Wells G and H Site is complicated with regards to contaminants present at various properties and the influence of hydrogeology at the site, this section is divided into three parts to facilitate understanding of the environmental pathways.
Many chemicals were detected on-site, therefore only the chemicals identified as contaminants of concern are considered here. These chemicals were chosen based on prevalence, toxicity, and accessibility for human contact. Because of the variety of chemicals, the environmental pathways of each chemical were considered separately.
Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260 are highly chlorinated (54% and 60%, respectively) mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PCBs, especially when highly chlorinated, tend to be poorly soluble in water. PCBs absorb strongly to sediments, soils, as well as atmospheric and water column particulates. Leaching from soil does not readily occur unless the soil also contains organic contaminants. Dissolved PCBs can volatilize from surface waters as indicated by moderate vapor pressures. PCBs tend to be stable in the various environmental media. The Aroclor bioconcentration factors in aquatic species have been found to range from 26,000 to 660,000. Because the Aroclors are actually mixtures of various PCB compounds, the differing tendencies of these compounds to cycle through the environment and to degrade merits consideration.
Arsenic in soil is usually in an insoluble form and adsorbed to soil components, especially to clay. Reduction and methylation by soil microorganisms can lead to volatile forms of arsenic being released to the atmosphere (e.g., arsine or methyl arsine), and various transformation processes result in soluble forms being released to ground water (e.g., sodium arsenite and arsenic acid). In surface water, arsenic is transformed by many processes. In ground water, arsenic may travel with ground water flow, become volatilized, change oxidation states depending on water and soil conditions, and become bound to clays and organic matter or complexed with iron or aluminum. Arsenic may bioconcentrate in algae and lower invertebrates, but does not become appreciably biomagnified. Under certain conditions, plants accumulate arsenic by root uptake.
BEHP tends to strongly bind to organic and inorganic components of soils and sediments. BEHP occurs more in surface water than in ground water. Volatilization from water to air is probably negligible because of its low vapor pressure. Studies indicate a degradation half-life of about 14 days under aerobic conditions in freshwater-laden soils. Anaerobic degradation is much slower than aerobic degradation. BEHP tends to bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, even though it can be degraded or metabolized by microorganisms, invertebrates and fish.
Chlordane, a pesticide, is applied into subsurface soils. Chlordane binds tightly to soils and sediments, and leaches very slowly. It persists in the environment because of its resistance to chemical and microbial degradation. The half-life of chlordane in soil was determined to be four years (EPA, 1987). Chlordane has the potential to bioaccumulate in fish.
Chloroform present in surface waters readily volatilizes into the atmosphere. In soil, chloroform either volatilizes into the atmosphere or leaches to ground water. Atmospheric chloroform exists mostly in the vapor phase. Chloroform does not readily adsorb to sediments, soils or particulates. In ground water, chloroform tends to persist as chemical or microbial degradation processes are very slow. Chloroform does not generally bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms.
Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene: Environmental fate information has mostly been estimated based on the behavior of similar compounds in the environment. Trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to readily volatilize into the air, and once there to degrade rapidly. In addition, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is expected to leach rapidly to ground water. In some ground waters, bacterial flora biograde 1,2-dichloroethylenes to vinyl chloride. Bioaccumulation factors in plants and animals are expected to be low.
DDT and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) tend to bind to soils and sediments, and may be transported in air or water in this form. Volatilization from water can occur but does not readily occur in soils. In soils, DDT biodegradation is slow under aerobic conditions but rapid under anaerobic conditions resulting in the formation of DDD. DDD is more readily biograded than DDT. DDT and DDD can be taken up by crops and bioaccumulated in aquatic organisms and livestock.
Lead tends to bind to soils and organic matter thus reducing its water solubility. In acid soils, lead tends to be present in the hydroxide or hydroxyphosphate form, and, in calcareous soils, tends to be present as a carbonate. Lead in the soluble form can be taken up by plants; however, it is usually in the insoluble form.
PAHs (carcinogenic only): Carcinogenic PAHs detected on-site are benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo(k)flouranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenz(a,h)anthracene and indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene. As a group, PAHs occur following both natural and anthropogenic combustion processes, although man-made sources contribute the most PAHs environmentally. High levels of PAHs also typically occur at waste sites. PAHs are not readily soluble in water and tend to accumulate in soils and sediments; however, the presence of other chemicals, such as at a waste site, can increase the leaching of PAHs from soils. Biodegradation is slow and may be further retarded by the presence of other waste chemicals, such as at hazardous waste sites, that adversely affect the microbes present. Metabolism of PAHs by fish and other aquatic organisms may result in metabolic products more toxic than the original PAH itself.
Tetrachloroethylene volatilizes readily to the atmosphere from surface water and soil. In air, tetrachloroethylene has a relatively long half-life. Tetrachloroethylene in soil also tends to leach to ground water. In ground water, tetrachloroethylene persists because chemical microbial degradation is slow; however, degradation to trichloroethylene, dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride has been reported. Bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms is not expected to be appreciable.
1,1,1-Trichloroethane volatilizes readily from soil and surface water, and tends to leach from soil to ground water. In air, 1,1,1-trichloroethane degrades slowly. Bioaccumulation is not expected to be appreciable.
Trichloroethylene readily volatilizes to the atmosphere from both soil and surface waters. In the atmosphere, trichloroethylene tends to be short-lived. In addition, trichloroethylene in soil tends to leach to ground water. In ground water, under certain conditions, degradation to dichloroethylene and vinyl chloride has been reported. Trichloroethylene does not appreciably bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, except, perhaps, if exposure duration is long.
Vinyl chloride in the atmosphere is short-lived. In soil, vinyl chloride will either volatilize to the atmosphere or leach to ground water. In surface water, vinyl chloride is mostly removed by volatilization, but, in waters high in humic materials (photosensitizers), photodegradation may be marked. Vinyl chloride tends not to readily bioaccumulate to any extent in aquatic organisms.
Xylenes volatilize readily from surface water to the atmosphere, and once there degrade rapidly. Xylenes bind moderately to soils and leach slowly to ground water. Xylenes in soil and surface water are readily biodegraded, but tend to persist in ground water.
Wells G and H are located in the Aberjona River watershed (drainage basin). A bedrock valley with a south to north axis underlies the site. The valley walls within the site slope gradually to the west but are very steep to the east. In areas, fractures (troughs) exist in the bedrock, probably caused by weathering. The unconsolidated material (overburden) overlying the bedrock is characteristic of glacial activities. In upland areas, till overlies the bedrock and occurs by direct deposit from glacial contact. In the valley, the overburden tends to be stratified gravel, sand, silt and clay, as would occur by selective deposition from glacial outwash. Alluvial deposits (peat, organic silt) associated with the Aberjona River system overlie the lower elevation of the valley. The depth to bedrock varies from about 135 feet in the valley to surface levels in parts of the highlands.
The Aberjona River flows through the site roughly following the bedrock valley axis. The direction of flow is from north to south as the land within the valley floor grades very gently towards the south. Wetlands surround the entire stretch of the river within the site boundaries. Within the site, the Aberjona River increases in discharge volume as it travels to the south, because of the presence of tributaries which intercept the river within the site and because of infiltration of ground water. Within the site, the Aberjona River's 100-year floodplain encompasses most of the undeveloped properties present including the Wildwood Conservation Corporation and Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation properties.
Overburden and bedrock aquifers exist at the site and are hydraulically connected to each other. Depth to ground water tends to be shallow throughout the site mostly within 10 feet of ground surface, but ranges from surface level at the river and wetlands to about 20 feet below ground surface level in some portions of the highlands. The direction of ground water flow within the valley is also from north to south. From the highlands, overburden ground water flows toward the river and toward the south. For example, ground water from the northeast highland flows westerly becoming more southerly as it approaches the valley floor. Information on the recharge boundaries for the Wells G and H aquifer are presented in the next section.
A 30-day aquifer test was performed by the USGS on Wells G and H from December 1985 to January 1986 to determine from beneath which contaminated properties can Wells G and H divert water. Although results from this test provide useful information, several factors influenced these results. First, pumping was done under one set of conditions (each well was pumped at a given rate, below normal precipitation, with a low water table, and the ground was frozen). In addition, the John J. Riley Tannery production well located on the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property was pumped intermittently during this aquifer test. The pumping rate and schedule of the industrial well during this test are unknown. The effect of this well on Wells G and H under a variety of conditions is unknown. A second John J. Riley Tannery production well is located on the tannery property. The influence of this well and not pumping either well on Wells G and H are unknown. The effect of these two wells on diversion of ground water to Wells G and H is not expected to vary dramatically under different pumping schedules and rates and hydrogeologic characteristics. According to report of the USGS aquifer test of Wells G and H, the ground water divide for the production well and municipal wells exists within the Wildwood Conservation Corporation; therefore, the shifting of the divide within this property could effect the extent contaminated water is captured by either type well. Finally, the effect of the Wells G and H pumping on the extreme western part of the site could not be determined as not enough monitoring wells were located west of the railroad tracks.
Generally, the area of influence of Wells G and H is dynamic, that is it would change depending upon the pumping rate and duration, the John J. Riley Tannery production well pumping schedule, and hydrological characteristics of the site at a given time. This aquifer test was performed at a time of low water and below normal precipitation; therefore, the area of influence would probably encompass an area larger than that at a time of normal precipitation and water table levels.
During this aquifer test, Wells G and H diverted overburden ground water from beneath much of the contaminated land on-site. Ground water, as characterized by contaminant plumes originating from UniFirst Corporation and W.R. Grace and Co., travels from these upland areas towards Wells G and H where it would intercept the area of influence. The area of influence was oblong in shape with the long axis parallel to the Aberjona River Valley. The area encompassed a region just south of Olympia Avenue extending downgradient to just south of Salem Street, and eastward to the bedrock incline located just east of the wells. The area of influence stretched west of the railroad tracks, and intercepted ground water beneath Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and the northern portion of the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property. Ground water beneath the remaining southern portion of Wildwood Conservation Corporation was diverted by the John J. Riley Tannery production well or traveled off-site to the south. The New England Plastics Corporation industrial well would probably not affect the Wells G and H's area of influence as it is a low-yielding bedrock well. New England Plastics Corporation overburden ground water travels west and south where it would encounter the area of influence or travel off-site to the south.
Wells G and H also diverted ground water from infiltrating the Aberjona River and its associated wetlands. The wells also diverted surface water from the river and wetlands by induced infiltration. The Aberjona River's discharge volume decreased and the wetlands dried up within a few hours from the start of the test. To what extent this diversion of water from the river and wetlands would happen at times of average water table levels is unknown.
The ground water recharge areas (refer to Appendix A, Figure 3) for the Wells G and H aquifer encompass the highland areas located on-site as well as the portion of the Aberjona River watershed area extending substantially north and upgradient of the site, and include Aberjona River surface water derived from surface runoff and ground water infiltration occurring north of the site.
The predominate contaminated media within the Wells G and H site, as determined from the extent of contamination, are soil and ground water and, to a lesser degree, surface water and sediment. Information about contamination of air, fish, game animals, consumable wild plants, crops and livestock are not available. The pathways of contaminant migration are dealt with by property containing contamination.
W. R. Grace and Company:
Soil: At present little known soil contamination exists on this property. Six drums that were
originally buried in 1974 were excavated in 1983 and found to contain high levels of volatile
organic compounds such as trichloroethylene, vinyl chloride, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and
o-xylene. At that time, the excavation pit had water which was more contaminated than the soil.
Similarly, water from trenches excavated in 1985 contained more contamination than did the
soil. Soils are probably not an environmental pathway of concern.
Ground water: Ground water contamination beneath the property contained high levels of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, vinyl chloride, dichloroethylene, xylenes, and BEHP. Levels of contamination have dropped during the period 1985 to 1987 probably by ground water flow away from the property and to some extent through degradation. A plume of contamination originates at this property and exists downgradient to the southwest to Wells G and H. Water table levels change from 2.4 feet beneath ground level to the north and east to 20.0 feet to the south and west. The contaminant plume follows ground water flow towards Wells G and H to the southwest.
Indoor Air: Because ground water levels are shallow and extensive ground water contamination occurs here, elevated levels of volatile organic compounds may exist in the air inside the facility, but this has not been documented.
Ambient Air: Much of the property grounds are paved; thus, ambient air contamination is not expected to be substantial, except, perhaps, during remediation (ground water treatment) or soil excavation activities.
Other media: On this property surface soil contamination was not appreciably evident. Whether consumable plants and animals are present on this property is unknown; however, because the property is developed for industrial purposes, their presence is unlikely.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for this property are ground water and, perhaps, indoor air.
Wildwood Conservation Corporation: The Wildwood Conservation Corporation property is an undeveloped parcel of land that contains extensive surface soil, sludge and ground water contamination.
Soil: Surface sludge contains high levels of lead, DDT, chlordane, arsenic, tetrachloroethylene, and PAHs. Surface soil contamination was usually assessed on composites of the first two feet of soil; however, soil composites do not adequately represent actual surface soil contamination levels present. These soils contained elevated levels of chlordane, PAHs, Aroclor-1254, Aroclor-1260, arsenic and lead. Ground cover on this property is extensive, but less so in the winter and early spring. Transport of contaminants by generation of fugitive dusts probably is not of concern; however, transport by surface runoff may be substantial in winter and early spring.
Surface water and Sediments: Because the Aberjona River's 100-year floodplain includes most of this property, extensive flooding may release contaminants bound to soil or in solution, which may be transported off-property and off-site, especially to the Aberjona River and associated wetlands. If sediments or surface water of the wetlands on this property are contaminated is unknown, because no sampling has been done in this marshy area. Immediately downstream of this property in one location in the Aberjona River, seven sediment samples were monitored for inorganic compounds and results showed an elevation in arsenic levels (113-4,650 mg/kg; median of 442 mg/kg).
Ambient Air: Volatile organic compounds or contaminated fugitive dusts may originate from the sludge and contaminated soil located on this property. Because this property is highly vegetated, the likelihood of excessive amounts of fugitive dusts or volatile organic compounds is low. Levels may be higher in winter and early spring when groundcover is diminished. Ambient air contamination could be elevated during remediation activities, such as, soil excavation and removal or ground water treatment.
Ground water: Soil levels of volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene are higher at depths of 2-4 feet than at 0-2 feet. Because the water table elevation beneath this property is shallow and is located only 2 to 8.7 feet beneath the surface, leaching of contaminants to ground water occurs. Ground water contamination is extensive and consists mostly of trichloroethylene with localized areas of high concentrations of xylenes, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, chloroform, vinyl chloride and chlordane. Levels of lead were also found to be elevated. The John J. Riley Tannery has a production well located on this property. Following an aquifer test, the well was determined to draw water from beneath this contaminated property, and, from 1981 data, it is known to contain elevated levels of trichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane. Another production well is located at the tannery facility immediately southwest of the Wildwood Conservation Corporation property. Whether this well would divert contaminated ground water from the Wildwood Conservation Corporation is unknown. If the production well located on Wildwood Conservation Corporation were turned off, the above-described diversion might occur. Contamination levels for this well were not available.
Indoor Air: The industrial well water is stored in vessels or drums inside the tannery, and any volatile organic compounds present in the water can volatilize into the indoor air of the tannery. The concentration of volatile organics present in the indoor air is unknown. In the Endangerment Assessment, a model is used to predict the concentration of volatile organic compounds originating from the well water and volatilizing to the indoor air. The data used was from limited monitoring of the industrial wells (data not given) or from monitoring wells located in the less contaminated central (non-source) area, and not located in the more contaminated Wildwood Conservation Corporation property; therefore, the real values may be higher than the predicted values. Compounds which may be present in the indoor air of the tannery are trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, and trichloroethylene.
Other media: Because this property is located in an undeveloped area, fish, game animals and wild plants are likely to be present; however, whether wildlife is contaminated on this property has not been determined.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for this property are soil and sludge, ground water, and, perhaps, ambient (volatile organic compounds and fugitive dusts) and indoor (volatile organic compounds) air.
New England Plastics Corporation: Surface soils and ground water are contaminated on this property.
Soil: Composites of the first 6 inches of soil were found to contain BEHP, Aroclor-1254, lead, PAHs, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. Soil composites do not adequately represent actual contaminant concentrations present in surface soil. Whether the two volatile organic compounds increase in concentration at greater depths beneath the surface soil samples is unknown, but is highly probable. The groundcover over this property has not been characterized; therefore, transport of contamination by surface runoff following rainfall or snowmelt, possible generation of contaminated fugitive dusts, and volatilization of the volatile organic compounds should be considered. In addition, soil contaminants may be transported attached to the clothing or shoes of workers at the facility, off-site and into the workers' homes.
Ground water: The water table beneath the property occurs at 10.5 to 14 feet. The percolation of rainwater through the soil and into the ground water results in the infiltration of volatile organic compounds into the ground water. Ground water contamination by tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene occur in both the overburden and bedrock aquifers. Three low-yielding industrial, bedrock water wells exist on this property and are known from 1987 data to contain tetrachloroethylene, trichloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane.
Indoor Air: Open troughs are present in the facility and contain constantly flowing water which originates from the industrial wells; therefore, volatilization of organic compounds from the water is possible. Based on the modelling done in the Endangerment Assessment, the compounds potentially present and their average and maximum indoor air concentrations, respectively, are: trans-1,2-dichloroethylene [not applicable and 2.2x10-4 milligrams per meter cubed (mg/m3)], tetrachloroethylene (6.8x10-4 and 5.2x10-3 mg/m3), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1.1x10-4 and 3.6x10-4 mg/m3), and trichloroethylene (2.6x10-4 and 1.1x10-3 mg/m3).
Ambient Air: Ambient air may contain contaminated fugitive dusts and volatile organic compounds, especially during remediation or soil excavation events.
Other media: Discharge of contaminated process effluent into a drainage ditch and ultimate discharge into the Aberjona River was discovered in 1988. The characterization of the sediment and surface water contamination at this drainage ditch is unknown. Because this property is the location of an industrial facility, it is unlikely that consumable game animals and wild plants are present.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for this property are soils, ground water, and, perhaps, indoor air, ambient air, sediment and surface water.
UniFirst Corporation:
Soil: Little soil contamination has been detected on this property (less than 200 ug/kg of acetone
or tetrachloroethylene within 6 feet of the surface); therefore, soil is probably not an
environmental pathway of concern here.
Ground water: The facility is situated on property characterized by a shallow overburden with bedrock close to the surface. Contamination, predominately by tetrachloroethylene, occurs in the bedrock ground water beneath the facility. In 1988, approximately two liters of DNAPL containing 1.9% tetrachloroethylene was removed from the surface of the bedrock aquifer in this area. Six to 21 feet below ground level and in the bedrock aquifer, tetrachloroethylene was detected at 840,000 ug/l, above its solubility of 150,000 ug/l at 25oC. In addition, other volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethylene (63,000 ug/l), dichloroethylene (76,000 ug/l), 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,700 ug/l) and xylenes (2,900 ug/l) were detected. A contaminant plume originating from this source in the highlands exists in the overburden and bedrock aquifers downgradient towards Wells G and H to the south, and also in the bedrock aquifer to the southeast and downward following a fracture plane in the bedrock. Because bedrock fractures can be quite convoluted particularly in deep bedrock, the direction of ground water flow, thus contaminant migration, is difficult to determine. The bedrock aquifer is highly contaminated, but appreciable contamination also occurs in the overburden aquifer.
Indoor Air: The extent of contamination in the air of the facility due to volatilization of contaminants from the shallow ground water is unknown.
Ambient Air: No contaminated media is in contact with ambient air; therefore, ambient air is probably not an environmental pathway of concern. During remediation activities at this property, particularly ground water treatment, volatile organic compounds may be released into the air.
Other media: No surface water or sediment are present at this property. Because the property is an industrial facility, it is unlikely that edible game animals or wild plants are present.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern at this property are ground water and, perhaps, indoor air.
Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation:
Ground water: Contaminated soil containing mostly chlordane and Aroclor-1260, associated
drums and caps were removed in 1985; however, in 1987, near this disposal area, 1.2 ug/l of
chlordane was detected in ground water screened at 4-9 feet. Ground water monitoring in 1987
showed contamination by trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, xylenes, arsenic and lead.
(Note: The filtered data were not used, because many domestic wells do not have treatment
conditions present which would remove turbidity.) The depth to the water table was measured at
2.3 to 7 feet.
Soil: Soil monitoring in 1987, following the removal of drums and associated contaminated soil in 1985, revealed little additional contamination, except for some PAHs and arsenic contamination.
Surface water and sediments: Because the Aberjona River's 100-year floodplain includes much of this property, contaminants bound to particulates or in solution could be transported off-property during flooding events. In fact, sediment samples from a portion of the Aberjona River located within the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property contained some of the highest PAH and BEHP levels detected in on-site sediment samples, and, just south and downstream of the property, arsenic contamination of the sediment was very high.
Ambient air: Fugitive dusts originating from this property may be contaminated with PAHs and arsenic. The property is heavily vegetated, thus reducing the likelihood of fugitive dust generation, except, perhaps, during the winter and spring; however, dirt bike riding on this property is known to occur and would favor the localized generation of dusts. Soil excavation and remediation events, such as ground water treatment, would increase ambient air contamination.
Other media: Because a portion of this property is undeveloped land located within and near a wetland area, game fish, game animals and wild plants may be present. The extent of contamination of wildlife on this property is unknown.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for this property are soils, sediments, ground water and ambient air.
Central Area Near Wells G and H: Together with the description of the environmental pathways from the Aberjona River and its tributaries, this description defines the environmental pathways for the portion of the site not comprised of one of the five contaminated properties.
Ground water: A 30-day aquifer test for Wells G and H by the USGS indicated that wells G and H can divert ground water from much of the known contaminated property at the Wells G and H Site, although that diversion would vary depending on hydrological characteristics of the site at the time as well as other factors. Wells G and H can also draw water downward from the Aberjona River wetlands which could influence ground water quality if surface water is contaminated. Wells G and H operation could influence surface water contaminant levels, especially the portion present due to ground water infiltration. In addition, overburden contaminant plumes originating from UniFirst Corporation and W.R. Grace and Company extend to Wells G and H even without the wells pumping. The contaminant plumes travel beneath an area which contains residences (Dewey Avenue area) and an industrial complex (West Cummings Park). The water table levels beneath these properties are variable as a steep bedrock incline is present, but a portion of the area has a shallow water table (<10 feet). Whether organic vapors migrate from the ground water to these buildings is unknown, but may occur especially in early spring when the water table tends to be elevated and buildings are still enclosed and heated.
Soil: A small, apparent oil spill on soil in the central area near Wells G and H was found to contain chlordane and lead. Whether the wetlands bordering the Aberjona River are contaminated is unknown; however, as this area is within the 100-year floodplain boundaries, transportation of contaminants to this area may have occurred. For example, the sediments within the Aberjona River lying just south of Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property and adjacent to Well H contain high levels of arsenic. In addition, ground water contamination by arsenic underlying this wetland area is also high. As a result of these two observations, it appears possible that the neighboring wetlands may also be contaminated.
Other media: If the wetlands are contaminated, game animals and edible wild plants may be contaminated.
Ambient Air: Ambient air is probably not appreciably contaminated unless from fugitive dusts originating from Wildwood Conservation Corporation or Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation (unlikely except, perhaps, during winter and early spring and during soil excavation and remedial events), or from volatile organic compounds discharging from ground water into the Aberjona River or accompanying wetlands.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for this section of the site are ground water during Wells G and H use (1964 to 1979, and possibly in the future), and soil.
Aberjona River and Its Tributaries:
Surface water: Surface water contamination of the Aberjona River and its tributaries includes
low levels of volatile organic compounds such as trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene and
1,1,1-trichloroethane. 1,1,1-Trichloroethane exists in both upstream and downstream locations at
about the same levels. The levels present of the remaining volatile organic compounds vary by
location. Contamination occurs probably from infiltration of ground water and surface runoff
following snowmelt or precipitation. The effect of episodic surface runoff events on contaminant
levels has not been fully examined.
Ambient air: These contaminants readily volatilize to the atmosphere, where tetrachloroethylene and 1,1,1-trichloroethane can persist for long periods.
Sediments: Sediments from the Aberjona River contained high levels of compounds that tend to be relatively water insoluble and nonvolatile, namely arsenic, lead, BEHP, PAHs and, to a lesser extent, DDD. Levels are somewhat higher just downstream of the site than on-site or upstream. Arsenic is an exception. The highest arsenic levels were detected immediately downstream from the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation and the Wildwood Conservation Corporation properties. The higher levels at the downstream location possibly result from surface runoff of contaminated soils on-site and the flushing action of the river itself. Contamination of fish or other aquatic animals and plants by any of these compounds is of potential concern, particularly by PAHs, BEHP and DDD. Consumption of these organisms, if contaminated, could result in contaminated terrestrial animals. If any of the river's tributaries are intermittent such that sediments become dry either along the banks or in the channel itself is unknown; however, if sediments become dry, fugitive dusts could occur. In addition, sediment contamination serves as a potential source of future surface water contamination either by dissolution into water or resuspension of contaminated particulates.
In summary, the environmental pathways of concern for the Aberjona River and its tributaries are surface water, sediments, fish, and ambient air (volatile compounds are more likely than fugitive dusts).
C. Human Exposure Pathways
Actual historical and potential human exposure pathways to contaminants in the various media at the Wells G and H Site are presented below and are summarized in Table III. The human exposure pathways are dealt with by contaminated property because each property is unique.
Remediation events such as soil excavation and removal as well as ground water pumping and treatment could increase the likelihood of the exposures discussed below, especially to remediation workers.
W.R. Grace and Company: Workers are present on this property. As no water well is located on the property, human exposure to the contaminated ground water beneath the property is not likely at this time; however, should a drinking water well be installed in the future and ground water contamination is still present, human exposure would occur. Inhalation of volatile organic vapors originating from the shallow ground water, if present in the indoor air of the facility, would occur. As the presence of these vapors has not been defined, the likelihood of human exposure cannot be determined but is of potential concern. Because surface soil and probably ambient air do not appear to be contaminated on this property, human exposure to soil contaminants is not a concern here, except during soil excavation and remediation activities. Contaminated surface water, sediment, edible plants and edible animals are probably not human exposure concerns, because these environmental pathways are not generally present on this property.
Wildwood Conservation Corporation: Dermal absorption and ingestion of contaminated soils and sludges could occur. In addition, inhalation and ingestion of contaminated dusts and inhalation of volatilized contaminants originating from the soils and sludges could occur, especially during soil excavation and remediation activities. The potential for exposure by these pathways is reduced as the property is both fenced and guarded; however, the property is fenced on only three sides and is accessible from the Aberjona River side. Because this property is partially located in wetlands, ingestion and dermal absorption of contaminated sediments and surface water may be human exposure concerns; however, not enough information is available to determine if these exposure pathways are of concern. Similarly, insufficient information is available regarding the presence of contaminated game animals or wild plants to determine if ingestion of edible wildlife is a human exposure concern.
As a water well located on this property traps contaminated ground water for use at the John J. Riley Tannery, exposure to workers within the facility may occur by dermal absorption and ingestion of contaminants following contact with the water, and, especially, inhalation of vapors originating from the well water. Exposure is possible because open vats are used to soak hides in aqueous solutions containing well water and open vessels are used to store the well water within the facility. The extent of air contamination within the facility due to volatilization of water-borne contaminants is unknown; however, exposure to vapors by inhalation and to water-bound contaminants by dermal absorption is likely.
New England Plastics Corporation: Human exposure to soil contaminants by dermal absorption or ingestion is likely as workers are present on this property, and the area containing contaminated soil is not fenced. Similarly, exposure to contaminated fugitive dusts by inhalation or ingestion, and to volatile contaminants by inhalation may occur. Exposure of the workers' families to soil contaminants by ingestion or dermal absorption may occur if soil is transported home. Young children playing on the floors of the homes are particularly apt to be exposed, as soil attached to shoes may be deposited on the floors. Because the property is not fenced, children may access the property; however, whether children live near this property is not known. Ingestion and dermal absorption of contaminants in process effluent is possible because the effluent is discharged into a drainage ditch. The extent and type of contamination are unknown. Human ingestion of contaminated wildlife is unlikely because the property is developed and would support little wildlife.
As a water well draws water from the contaminated bedrock aquifer beneath the property for use within the facility, exposure to vapors originating from the well water and to water-borne contaminants following contact with water could occur by the same pathways as for the John J. Riley Tannery water well described above. Exposure is likely because open troughs of well water are used in the manufacturing process.
UniFirst Corporation: As no water well accesses the contaminated ground water beneath this property, exposure to ground water contaminants is unlikely at this time; however, should a potable water supply well be installed in the future, human exposure to ground water contaminants originating from the DNAPL may occur. Because volatile contaminants may migrate from the shallow ground water into the facility, exposure to volatile contaminants by inhalation of air within the facility is possible. Even though workers are present within the facility, the likelihood of exposure is not known because indoor air has not been characterized. Human exposure to soil and ambient air are not of concern, because soil contaminants are not appreciably present and ambient air is not in contact with any contaminated media. Human ingestion of contaminated wildlife is unlikely, because the property is developed and would support little wildlife.
Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation: Human exposure to ground water contaminants beneath the property is unlikely as no water well accesses the ground water, but should a water supply well be installed in the future, human exposure to ground water contaminants would occur. Exposure to soil contaminants by dermal absorption or ingestion may occur. Exposure to contaminated sediments is less likely unless the overlying water dries as during periods of low water table and precipitation or during Wells G and H operation. Ingestion or dermal absorption of contaminants in the Aberjona River could occur, although the contaminants are present at low levels and tend to be volatile. Inhalation of volatile contaminants originating from the Aberjona River, and inhalation and ingestion of contaminated dusts originating from soil (mostly during soil excavation activities and dirt bike riding) and sediments may occur. Ingestion of any edible wildlife may be possible, because the property is undeveloped; however, insufficient information is available to determine if human exposure to property contaminants might occur by this route. The portion of the property characterized as contaminated is undeveloped. The property is accessible to children who dirt bike here and to the trucking terminal workers as a bridge crosses the Aberjona River connecting the two portions of the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property. The property is not fenced. The extent of contamination on the trucking terminal portion of the property has not been characterized sufficiently to determine human exposure potential, but is being addressed by the DEQE.
Central Area Near Wells G and H: Human exposure to soil contaminants in this area may occur by ingestion and dermal absorption as the contaminated soil is not capped or fenced; however, the area of known contaminated soil is very small. Inhalation or ingestion of contaminated fugitive dusts from the soil may also occur. Because not enough information is available regarding the presence of contaminated wildlife in this area, whether ingestion of edible plants or animals is a human exposure route of concern is unknown. Because residences including the Dewey Avenue residential development, which contains children, are located nearby, the likelihood of exposure is appreciable. In fact, a youth was observed near the contaminated soil during the site visit. Whether active wells downgradient of the contaminant plume leaving the site are present is unknown; however, if present, exposure by the pathways described above could occur.
Exposure to ground water contaminants is known to have occurred through use of two municipal wells accessing the contaminated overburden aquifer in this area on the basis of 1979 data, the last year the wells were used as a municipal water source. Exposure to ground water contaminants during the remaining years of Wells G and H operation (1963 to 1978) is not characterized, but is considered likely. Based on the results of a water distribution model described by Murphy (1986), exposure to Wells G and H water is expected to have occurred throughout most of the City of Woburn particularly in east Woburn. This area of east Woburn was predicted to have received up to 3,000 days of exposure during the years 1964 to 1979 based on the water distribution model and the number of days the wells were pumped. The exposure pathways of concern are ingestion, dermal absorption, and inhalation of contaminated vapors generated during processes such as showering and washing dishes or clothes. Present exposure to ground water contaminants from this area does not occur as Wells G and H have not been used since May 1979, but could occur again if this aquifer is used as a potable water source and the ground water contaminants are still present.
If contaminated vapors migrate from nearby ground water contaminant plumes to Dewey Street residences or the West Cummings Park complex, exposure to contaminants by inhalation may occur. Although the presence of vapors inside these buildings has not been determined, the presence of children and other permanent residents in the dwellings as well as a worker population at the West Cummings Park complex make the potential for exposure of concern.
Aberjona River and Its Tributaries: Human exposure to contaminants in the surface water of the Aberjona River and its tributaries could occur by ingestion or dermal absorption. In addition, inhalation of volatile contaminants originating from the contaminated surface water is possible. Exposure to sediment contaminants is less likely unless the overlying water dries and the sediments become accessible. Sediment contaminants may be found in fish and other aquatic life; therefore, ingestion of aquatic life or consumption of terrestrial animals which feed on aquatic life is also of potential concern. Fish and other aquatic life (both plants and animals) contamination has not been characterized. Also, whether fishing occurs in the Aberjona River is not known, but fishing by youths has been observed in a man-made drainage pond located just west of the site. A trapper is known to set wet traps in the Aberjona River; however, if the catch is consumed is unknown. Within the site, the Aberjona River is accessible by traversing through the wetlands east of the river, although the abundance of vegetation in the wetlands would act to discourage access. The river is accessible to individuals downstream of the site where contaminants have been detected.
VI. Public Health Implications
The Public Health Implications Section of this Health Assessment is presented in two parts. Part A defines the contaminants of concern for each contaminated area within the site that are at concentrations likely to be of human health concern, and what those risks might be. Part B reviews the available epidemiological studies for the City of Woburn.
A. Potential Toxic Effects of Contaminants
Because each contaminated area within the site is unique with regards to contaminants present, exposure pathways and target populations, each area will be assessed individually for potential human health effects.
W.R. Grace and Company: Workers are present at the facility. The lack of indoor air monitoring precludes a judgement of the human health threat present at the property; however, vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene are present at very high levels in the shallow ground water beneath the property, and may serve as a source of vapor contaminants within the facility. Future use of the ground water at this property at the present level of contamination for potable water supplies would result in exposure to vinyl chloride, trichloroethylene, and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene at levels of public health concern. Vinyl chloride is a known human carcinogen, and the two other compounds are probable human carcinogens. Occupational exposure to trichloroethylene has been reported to result in hepatotoxicity. Occupational exposure to vinyl chloride has resulted in liver cancer (particularly angiosarcoma), genotoxicity (chromosomal aberrations of peripheral lymphocytes), developmental toxicity in both sexes, and many other target organ effects.
Wildwood Conservation Corporation: Surface soil contamination and sludge present on this property contains levels of tetrachloroethylene, PAHs, chlordane, Aroclor-1254, Aroclor-1260, DDT, arsenic and lead which constitute a threat to human health following ingestion or dermal absorption of the contaminants.
Tetrachloroethylene is a probable human carcinogen and by the inhalation and oral routes is neurotoxic, hepatotoxic and renal toxic. PCBs, such as Aroclor-1254 and Aroclor-1260, increase the hepatotoxic effects of tetrachloroethylene by increasing metabolism to its epoxide.
The PCBs themselves are probable human carcinogens. Inhalation or ingestion of PCBs can result in chloracne and porphyria. Oral ingestion of cooking oil containing PCBs, as in the Yusho incident occurring in Japan and a similar incident in Taiwan, has resulted in delayed development, deformed nails and discolored skin in infants born to exposed mothers (Miller, 1985; Rogan et al., 1988). In the Taiwan incident, the children of exposed mothers were also shorter and lighter than children of mothers who were not exposed, and had psychological developmental delays as determined from standard psychological tests (Rogan et al., 1988). The extent of in utero exposure compared to exposure due to contaminated breast milk is unknown. From the Yusho incident, preliminary data indicates a relationship between exposure to PCB-laden cooking oil and a significant increase in liver cancers in males (Ikeda et al., 1986). The more potently toxic polychlorinated dibenzofurans are known to have been contaminants of the PCBs in both incidents.
Lead levels in the sludge are as high as 10,000 mg/kg. This level has been reported by researchers to be sufficient to increase lead levels in children living near a soil contamination source, even when direct ingestion of the contaminated soil did not occur. Lead is a neurotoxicant. Arsenic and other toxic metals are known to increase the neurotoxic effects of lead (e.g., aggressive behavior and intellectual abilities) in children.
Arsenic may be a human carcinogen, although the available epidemiological studies cannot determine arsenic's human carcinogenicity. Increases in skin, bladder, liver and lung cancers may be associated with arsenic ingestion, and lung and liver cancer may be associated with arsenic inhalation; however, the available evidence is preliminary at best. Smoking and arsenic inhalation had a synergistic effect on lung cancer mortality in smelter workers. Evidence indicates arsenic inhibits one or more DNA replication or repair enzymes; thus, supporting the view that arsenic acts as a promoter, rather than as an initiator, of lung cancer. Dermal contact with arsenic dusts can cause local inflammation and vesiculation. Chronic inhalation of arsenic at levels >0.2 mg/m3 has been reported to cause hoarseness, irritated mucous membranes, and perforation of the nasal septum. Chronic oral ingestion of arsenic can result in hepatic cirrhosis with resultant portal hypertension.
PAHs are present as a mix of compounds including the probable human carcinogens benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene. PAHs have been demonstrated to be carcinogenic by dermal contact, inhalation, and oral exposures.
Chlordane is also a probable human carcinogen. Dermal and inhalation exposures have lead to blood disorders such as anemia and acute leukemias in humans. Central nervous system toxicity can occur following ingestion of chlordane. Another pesticide, DDT, is present at high levels in the sludge. DDT is a probable human carcinogen. Any other synergistic or antagonistic effects, other than the above-mentioned effects, following exposure to this group of chemicals are currently unknown.
Because monitoring of ambient air for contaminated fugitive dusts and volatile contaminants was not performed at this property, human health hazards resulting from inhalation of contaminants cannot be assessed. However, as extensive soil contamination is present on this property, airborne contamination may occur.
Exposure to soil contaminants at this site is reduced because the property is fenced on three sides and on the fourth side access is somewhat restricted by the presence of the Aberjona River and heavy vegetation, and also, the property is guarded. The property is accessible on the fourth side to adventurous individuals willing to cross the wetlands or enter the Aberjona River by wading or canoe. Past exposure to contaminants on this undeveloped property, by trespassers, seems likely. Access to this property as during remediation activities could result in a serious health threat from these soil contaminants, especially if soil excavation or removal activities were done.
An industrial water well located on this property supplies water to the John J. Riley Tannery. The limited amount of monitoring of the water from this well indicates trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene at levels likely to constitute a human health threat. Ground water levels of contaminants beneath Wildwood Conservation Corporation are elevated, and the industrial well may also contain chloroform, vinyl chloride, chlordane and lead at levels sufficient to be toxic. Both chloroform and 1,1,1-trichlorethane are probable human carcinogens. Ingestion of chloroform can cause hepatitis and nephrosis. Inhalation of chloroform at 2 to 205 parts per million (ppm) for 1 to 4 years has been reported to cause hepatomegaly and hepatitis. Ethanol and food deprivation increases chloroform's hepatic metabolism and toxicity; therefore, alcoholics are at increased risk. The other chemicals have been discussed previously. A human health threat is possible as open vats and vessels are used during the tanning process. Monitoring data for indoor air quality following volatilization of these water-borne contaminants is not available, but has been predicted using a model in the Endangerment Assessment. Although the predictions are not estimates that are conservative for health risk purposes (ground water contamination data were obtained from the less contaminated non-source area rather than from the Wildwood Conservation Corporation area), tetrachloroethylene and trichloroethylene may be present in the indoor air at levels to be of health concern. Future use of the ground water at this property for potable purposes would result in exposure to trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, chloroform, vinyl chloride, chlordane and lead at levels of public health concern.
New England Plastics Corporation: Workers at New England Plastics Corporation and Prospect Tool and Die Company can be exposed to both soil and well water contaminants. Soil contaminants present at levels likely to pose a health threat are trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, PAHs, Aroclor-1260, and BEHP. BEHP is a probable human carcinogen. The remaining compounds have been reviewed previously. An important consideration is the possibility for potentiation of trichloroethylene's and tetrachloroethylene's hepatic toxicity by PCBs (Aroclor-1260). In addition, chlordane and PAHs have known toxicities following dermal exposure.
No ambient air monitoring of contaminated fugitive dusts and volatile contaminants is available for consideration; however, airborne contaminants probably do occur though to an unknown extent. Should the workers transport some of the contaminated soil home attached to their shoes or clothing, their families (especially young children) may be exposed to toxic chemicals such as the PCBs and Aroclor-1260. As residences are located nearby, access to the contaminated soil by neighboring children may occur. The contaminated soil poses a health threat to workers at the facility, their families especially young children, and to neighboring children.
Industrial well water contains appreciable levels of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene. Because water is used in an open system and indoor air monitoring data are not available, predictions were made on the contribution by the industrial well water to indoor air contamination in the Endangerment Assessment. Predictions indicate very low levels of chemicals are expected to be present in the indoor air. This source of exposure does not constitute a human health concern, except that the workers could be exposed to other contaminants by other pathways at this property and, hence, this source of contamination would contribute to the overall health impact. Future use of the ground water at this property for potable supplies would result in exposure to trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene at levels of public health concern.
UniFirst Corporation: Workers are present at the facility. The lack of indoor air monitoring data at the property precludes a judgement of the human health threat at the property from this pathway. The presence of high concentrations of trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, and 1,1,1-trichloroethane in shallow ground water beneath the property may serve as a source for vapor contamination within the facility. Future use of the ground water at this contaminated area for potable water supply purposes would be of public health concern unless remediation removes contaminants to levels below those of concern. The toxic effects of these four compounds have been reviewed previously. Based on the limited amount of soil monitoring data (select volatile organic compounds only), soil contamination does not appear to be an appreciable threat to human health.
Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation: As the ground water beneath this property is not accessed (e.g., by a water well) the ground water contamination does not presently pose a threat to human health. Should a well (especially a shallow well) be developed on this property, ground water contaminants such as trichloroethylene, chlordane, arsenic and lead would constitute a human health threat. In particular, epidemiologic studies of arsenic in drinking water in Taiwan have associated arsenic with gangrene occurring from peripheral vascular disease with a 50% mortality (400 to 600 ug/l), myocardial infarction, arterial thickening and death in children (600 ug/l), diarrhea and anorexia (400 ug/l), dermal abnormalities such as hyperkeratoses and hyperpigmentation (>400 ug/l), and skin, bladder, lung and liver cancers (>350 ug/l). Similar studies in the United States (U.S.) suggest that arsenic-associated skin cancer from exposure to arsenic in drinking water may not be a common problem here. In fact, differing characteristics of the exposed Taiwanese population and exposed U.S. population (e.g., dietary and socioeconomic differences) may account for the observed differences in arsenic toxicity. As mentioned previously, the possibility that arsenic acts as a promoter of cancer is worthy of note.
Of present known soil contaminants, PAHs and arsenic are at levels likely to pose a health threat following oral and dermal exposures. The toxic effects of these contaminants have been reviewed previously. Past exposure to these same contaminants plus chlordane, Aroclor-1260, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene may have occurred. Because no ambient air monitoring was performed, inhalation exposure to airborne contaminants and consequent potential toxic effects could not be assessed; however, dirt bike riders may be exposed to contaminants in locally generated dusts at levels sufficient to be of health concern. Accessibility to the soil contamination by trespassers, especially children, on this undeveloped property occurs. Whether employees at the trucking terminal portion of the property are exposed to the above-mentioned soil contaminants (although a foot bridge connects the two portions of the property) or to gasoline constituents in ground water below the trucking terminal is unknown and the potential public health impact cannot currently be assessed.
Central Area Near Wells G and H: Soil contamination information is limited; however, soil monitoring at the rifle range indicated a level of chlordane likely to pose a threat to human health. The area of soil contamination is very small; however, it is a bare patch of soil in a grassy area and may be enticing to a child. Although soil contamination is not as marked as at other properties, children from the nearby Dewey Avenue development constitute a population likely to be exposed to contaminants.
The indoor air quality of the Dewey Avenue residences and West Cummings Avenue buildings are unknown. Vapor originating from the nearby ground water contaminant plumes contain high levels of the same contaminants as in the W.R. Grace and Company and UniFirst Corporation ground water. Because there is no monitoring information available, assessing the human health threat is currently not possible.
Wells G and H supplied part of the municipal drinking water for the City of Woburn during the period 1964 to 1979. Contaminant levels in the drinking water are unknown except for some 1979 monitoring data. From this data, trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene were found to be present at levels likely to pose a risk to human health. Whether other chemicals were present at levels likely to pose a human health threat is unknown, because monitoring was limited to select chemicals. Evidence indicates arsenic contamination may have been present on the Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation property during the period of Wells G and H operation. Diversion of arsenic contaminated ground water by the municipal wells may have occurred during this period; however, the actual levels that were present are unknown and the health impact cannot be assessed. Should this aquifer be used as a drinking water source in the future without remediation, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, trans-1,2-dichloroethylene, arsenic and lead are currently present at levels in monitoring wells near Wells G and H that may pose human health concerns. Currently, the ground water contaminants from this area are unlikely to pose any threat to human health; however, many residents of Woburn, especially east Woburn residents to whom exposure to Wells G and H drinking water was most extensive, have been exposed to ground water contaminants in the past. Future use of this aquifer for potable water supplies without methodologies designed to lower contaminant levels would result in exposure to these ground water contaminants at health compromising levels.
Aberjona River and Its Tributaries: Currently because of the low levels of contaminants present, surface water contamination is unlikely to pose a threat to human health. Sediment contaminants would pose a threat to human health if direct contact occurred (ingestion or dermal exposure), because of the high levels of PAHs, arsenic, lead and lesser amounts of DDD present in Aberjona River sediments both on-site and off-site. This exposure is unlikely unless the sediments became exposed (e.g., during dry stream bed conditions), or during wading or setting of wet traps. The health threat from fish consumption is currently not known as data concerning fish contamination levels and the actual amount of fishing in the Aberjona River are not known. Trapping is known to occur in the Aberjona River, but whether the trapped animal is consumed or contaminated is unknown; therefore, the risk to human health cannot be assessed.
B. Epidemiological Studies of Woburn
The human health impact of the Woburn environment has been of great concern since the late 1970's. A number of investigations have been conducted by the DPH, the Centers for Disease Control and Harvard University. The initial health problems suspected of being related to environmental exposures are the serious elevations in both total and male childhood leukemia incidence. For the period 1969-1978, childhood (aged 0-14 years) leukemia incidence was significantly elevated for males (9 observed, 3.1 expected), but not for females (3 observed, 2.2 expected). The ratio of male to female incidence was three to one. For the area of Woburn near Wells G and H (census tract # 3334), childhood leukemia incidence in males was 12 times higher than expected (5 observed, 0.4 expected, p<0.001). The remaining census tracts in Woburn did not have a significant increase in childhood leukemia incidence for either sex. During the period 1979-1981, three cases of childhood leukemia were diagnosed in males. Childhood leukemia was not diagnosed in females during this same period. For the period 1982-1987, six additional cases of childhood leukemia occurred in Woburn, from which the ratio of male (4 cases) to female (2 cases) incidence is two to one. Four of the six cases were diagnosed during the period 1982 to 1983. Although the focus of the cancer concerns has been childhood leukemia, kidney cancer mortality is also significantly elevated (Standard Mortality Ratio = 145, 21.3 expected cases, 31 observed cases, p = 0.05) for the period 1969-1986. No causal link has been established between cancer incidence or mortality and the Woburn environment. This has partly been due to the small number of cancer cases as well as difficulty in trying to characterize past exposures.
The DPH convened a panel of experts from throughout the United States to assist in determining if a link exists between environmental contamination originating from this site and health problems in the vicinity of the site. The panel's strongest recommendations included more studies of the environment and the development of a system of non-invasive watchfulness focused on reproductive outcomes. It was hoped that reproductive outcomes would serve as a more sensitive indicator of an environmental problem, and, in addition, yield sufficient statistical power to allow for an environmental association, if warranted.
The ATSDR has recently awarded funds to the State of Massachusetts in support of a proposal which was designed to address the concerns of the panel. This investigation began in the fall of 1988, and will look at reproductive outcomes both prospectively and retrospectively.
VII. Conclusions and Recommendations
1) Based upon information reviewed, we conclude that this site is of public health concern because of the risk to human health resulting from the indicated exposure to hazardous substances at concentrations that may result in adverse health effects. As noted in Section V and VI above, human exposure to trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, PAHs, Aroclor-1260, and BEHP is currently occurring via soil contamination for New England Plastics workers and trespassers, and human exposure to trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, 1,1,1-trichloroethane and trans-1,2-dichloroethylene is currently occurring via contaminated well water for John J. Riley Tannery workers. Also, human exposure to trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene has occurred in the past via contaminated municipal drinking water.
In accordance with the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended, the Wells G and H Site has been evaluated for appropriate follow-up with respect to health effects studies. Because adverse health outcomes (childhood leukemia and other cancer types) are suspected of being related to environmental contamination within the City of Woburn, ATSDR has awarded to the State of Massachusetts funds to study adverse reproductive outcomes in relation to environmental contamination. The study is currently in process. Following completion of the study, the Epidemiology and Medicine Branch, Office of Health Assessment, ATSDR, will determine if additional follow-up public health actions or studies are appropriate for this site.
2) Wells G and H supplied supplemental drinking water to Woburn residents during the time period 1964-1979. Computer modelling predicted that an area of east Woburn received as much as 3,000 days of exposure to this water. Although no data exist of contaminant levels at taps throughout the distribution system during this time period, 1979 screening of water from Wells G and H indicated excessive levels of trichloroethylene and tetrachloroethylene are present at the source.
3) Use of ground water at the Wells G and H Site for potable water supply purposes should be restricted by some institutional constraint unless remediation removes contaminant levels below those of public health concern.
4) Because of the potential for vapor migration of volatile organic compounds from shallow ground water nearby, air quality determinations inside Dewey Street residences, UniFirst Corporation, W. R. Grace and Company and West Cummings Park would be valuable to determine possible health risks from this exposure.
5) Surface soil contamination at New England Plastics Corporation and Wildwood Conservation Corporation properties is likely to pose health risks because of the presence of workers and the extreme extent of contamination, respectively. Although the Wildwood Conservation Corporation is fenced on three sides and guarded, the property is accessible to adventurous individuals on the fourth side, and, thus, access should be restricted on this fourth side.
6) The amount of fishing on-site or off-site in the Aberjona River is unknown, but, because the sediments are highly contaminated, fish contaminant levels should be determined. Children should be restricted from using the portions of the Aberjona River containing high sediment contamination because direct contact with the sediments may pose a health risk. In addition, fishing by juveniles has been observed in a man-made pond located off-site just west of Wildwood Avenue. This pond as well as another nearby pond serve as drainage ponds for the Wildwood Industrial Park located on-site. These ponds drain to the Aberjona River via an unnamed creek. Water, sediment and fish contaminant levels should be determined for these two ponds and if warranted also for the drainage ditches and creek connected to the two ponds to determine if contamination levels are sufficiently high to be likely to pose a health risk.
7) To determine the full threat to human health that is likely because of contaminants originating at the Wells G and H Site, additional sampling and monitoring should be conducted for:
b) BEHP levels west of the Boston and Maine railroad tracks, because of high levels of BEHP detected in several wells in this area. (Whether this contamination originates on-site is unknown; but, although BEHP tends to bind to soil and particulates, it is detected in the ground water near its solubility limit. Therefore, an area of high levels of BEHP contamination may exist on-site such that a health risk may exist. The presence of BEHP may be due to contamination from plastics during monitoring; however, each of the affected wells have been monitored only once. Additional monitoring is recommended.)
c) Surface soil sampling of the first inch of soil to determine better the exposure hazard by dermal contact, fugitive dust generation and surface soil runoff.
d) Surface soil/sediment sampling in the Aberjona River wetlands, because flooding or surface water runoff may have contaminated these areas.
e) Soil and ground water sampling at New England Plastics Corporation and Olympia Nominee Trust Corporation as only one extensive round of monitoring has been done for both of these properties. To help to evaluate the possible change in contaminant levels with time, another round of sampling is desirable.
8) The John J. Riley Tannery property contains two chromium waste lagoons and hide piles. The contents of the two lagoons, nearby soil contamination, and the potential for human exposure and possible public health impacts should be determined.
9) Off-site contamination information is limited; therefore, to assess off-site human exposure and potential public health impact, contaminant levels should be determined for any existing residential or industrial wells intercepting the ground water contaminant plume exiting the site. The presence of crops and livestock either on-site or nearby should be documented, then the potential determined for contamination through soils or ground water.
10) Land use and demographic characteristics of the site and surrounding local as well as of the population which received Wells G and H drinking water during the years of well operation (1964-1979) are needed to assess fully the human exposure hazard. As part of the funded health effects study, this information will be obtained.
11) The site boundaries do not adequately represent the recharge area of the Wells G and H aquifer. The recharge area encompasses the site, the portion of the Aberjona River watershed upgradient of the site to the north, and a small section downgradient beyond the southern boundary (Salem Street). Because land use upgradient of the site is known to include past contamination by industries, dumps and landfills, extending the site beyond the present boundaries should be considered.
12) Ideally to integrate environmental exposure dose to the results of the adverse health effects study, retrospective information about the exposure to Wells G and H drinking water is needed. As the data is not available, further information on the hydrogeology of the site is needed. The feasibility of constructing a retrospective model of contaminant plume transport to Wells G and H will be assessed during the ongoing study on adverse reproductive outcomes. The model would utilize migration direction and rate of ground water transport, land use and available environmental monitoring data in the aquifer recharge area to estimate contaminant levels in Wells G and H water during the period of municipal wells operation (1964 to 1979). If feasible, development of such a retrospective model is recommended.
13) The draft Feasibility Study for Wells G and H was reviewed. The remedial alternative requiring no action for source control or management of contaminant migration does not adequately protect human health.
14) This Health Assessment will be modified by amendment should additional pertinent information become available.
VIII. Preparers of the Report
| Health Effects Reviewer: | Suzanne K. Condon, Division of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology, Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
| Regional Representative: | Marilyn DiSirio and Louise House, Region I ATSDR Regional Representatives |
| Typist: | Siu Ling Wong and Maryette Guerra (Massachusetts State ATSDR Administrative Assistant), Division of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology, Massachusetts Department of Public Health |
IX. References
1. NUS Corporation. 1986. Wells G and H Site Remedial Investigation Report. Part I. Woburn, Massachusetts.
2. Planning Research Corporation. 1986. Wells G and H Remedial Investigation. Part II. Final Report.
3. Ebasco Services Incorporated. 1988. Final Supplemental Remedial Investigation for Feasibility Study Wells G and H Site. Woburn, Massachusetts. December, 1988.
4. Myette, C.F., Olimpio, J.C., and Johnson, D.G. 1987. Area of Influence and Zone of Contribution to Superfund Wells G and H, Woburn, Massachusetts. U.S. Geological Survey, Boston, Massachusetts.
5. Murphy, P.J. 1986. Water Distribution in Woburn, Massachusetts. The Environmental Institute, University of Massachusetts at Amherst, Office Research and Standards, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Quality Engineering, Publication No. 86-1.
6. EPA. 1985. Health Assessment Document for Trichloroethylene, EPA 600/8-82-006f. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Health and Environmental Assessment, Washington, D.C.
7. Ebasco Services Incorporated. 1988. Final Endangerment Assessment for the Wells G and H Site. Woburn, Massachusetts. December, 1988.
8. Parker, G.S. and Rosen, S.L. 1981. Woburn: Cancer Incidence and Environmental Hazards 1969-1978. Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
9. Memorandum from Chronic Diseases Division, Center for Environmental Health to the Director of the Center for Disease Control. 1981. Regarding, Cancer in Woburn, Massachusetts. EPI-80-37-2. Centers for Disease Control, Atlanta, GA.
10. Telles, N.C. 1981. Cancer Mortality in Woburn: A Three Decade Study (1949-1978). Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
11. Memorandum from Andrew M. Freide, M.D. to John L. Cutler, M.D., Ph.D. 1984. Regarding, Childhood Leukemia, Woburn, MA; An Update, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA.
12. Woburn Advisory Panel. 1985. Final Report of the Woburn Advisory Panel to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health.
13. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Arsenic. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
14. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Selected PCBs (Aroclor-1260, -1254, -1248, -1242, -1232, -1221, and -1016). Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
15. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
16. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Chloroform. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
17. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Vinyl Chloride. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Atlanta, GA; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
18. EPA. 1987. Drinking Water Health Advisories for Chlordane, Trans-1,2-Dichloroethylene, Tetrachloroethylene, Xylenes, 1,1,1-Trichloroethane, Trichloroethylene and Vinyl Chloride. Office of Drinking Water, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
19. IARC. 1984. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans, Volume 34; Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds, Part 3, Industrial Exposures. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
20. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Dibenz(a,h)anthracene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
21. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Chrysene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
22. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Benzo(a)pyrene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
23. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Benzo(d)fluoranthene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
24. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Dibenz(a,h)anthracene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
25. Ebasco Services Inc. 1988. Draft Feasibility Study Report. Wells G and H Site, Woburn, Massachusetts.
26. ATSDR. 1987. Draft Toxicological Profile for Tetrachloroethylene. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry; U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
27. Geo Trans, Inc. 1987. Review of EPA Report titled: "Wells G and H Site Remedial Investigation Report, Part 1, Woburn, Massachusetts." Prepared for: W.R. Grace & Co. July, 1987.
28. Lagakos, S.W., Wessen, B.J. and Zelen, M. 1986. An Analysis of Contaminated Well Water and Health Effects in Woburn, Massachusetts.
29. IARC. 1981. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Volume 25: Wood, Leather and Some Associated Industries. International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France.
30. MDPH. 1988. Effects of Environmental Exposures on Reproductive Outcomes in Woburn, MA. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Epidemiology and Toxicology.
31. Clapp, D. 1988. Memorandum on Additional Woburn Data, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Division of Health Statistics and Research.
32. Planning Research Corporation. 1986. Wells G and H Wetlands Assessment Final Report.
33. Rogan, W.J., Gladen, B.C., Hung, K.-L., Koong, S.-L., Shih, L.-Y., Taylor, J.S., Wu, Y.-C., Yang, D., Ragan, N.B. and Hsu, C.-C. 1988. Congenital poisoning by polychlorinated biphenyls and their contaminants in Taiwan. Science 241: 334-336.
34. Ikeda, M., Kuratsune, M., Nakamura, Y. and Hirohata, T. 1986. A cohort study on mortality of Yusho patients - a preliminary report. Fukuoka Acta Med. 78: 297-300.
35. Miller, J.W. 1985. Congenital PCB poisoning: a reevaluation. Environ. Health Perspect. 60: 211-214.
36. ERT, A Resource Engineering Company. 1988. Summary of Investigation, UniFirst Site, Woburn, Massachusettes. Document Number D495-004. Prepared for: UniFirst Corporation, Wilmington, MA. February, 1988.
37. Ebasco Services Incorporated. 1988. Field Operations Plan for Additional Groundwater and
Sediment Sampling at the Wells G and H Site, Woburn, MA.
Table II: OFF-SITE CONTAMINATION BY MEDIA
The following section was not available in electronic format for conversion to HTML at the time of preparation of this document. For a hard copy, please contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Attn: Chief, Program Evaluation, Records, and Information Services Branch,
E-56
1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30333
| TABLE III: HUMAN EXPOSURE PATHWAYS | ||
| Source | Location | Exposure Pathways |
| Drinking Water | 1) 1964-1979: Municipal drinking water source for Woburn residents, especially east Woburn 2) residential wells downgradient - existence unknown 3) future well development and usage | for 1-3: a) ingestion b) dermal absorption c) inhalation of volatilized contaminants (eg. shower, dishwasher) |
| Industrial Water | 1) John J. Riley Tannery and New England Plastics Corporation | a) dermal absorption
b) inhalation of volatile organic compounds |
| Surface Water | 1) Aberjona River and tributaries, man-made drainage ponds | a) dermal absorption
b) ingestion (less likely) |
| Sediments | 1) Aberjona River and tributaries, man-made drainage ponds, drainage ditches | for a-c: especially if drainage ditches or tributaries become dry
a) dermal absorption b) ingestion |
| Surface Soils | 1) Wildwood Conservation Corporation, Olympia Nominee Trust, New England Plastics, Central Area | a) dermal absorption
b) ingestion, especially by children |
| Food | 1) Fish from Aberjona River and drainage ponds 2) crops and livestock exposed to ground water or soils | a) ingestion (unknown potential) a) ingestion (unknown potential) |
| Air: Indoor | 1) Residences, especially in Dewey Ave. development,
2) West Cummings Park buildings, Unifirst Corp., W.R. Grace Co., J. Riley Tannery and New England Plastics Corporation | a) inhalation of indoor contaminants following migration of vapors from ground water into buildings and from contaminated well water (unknown potential) |
| Air: Ambient | 1) Wildwood Conservation Corporation, New England Plastics, Olympia Nominee Trust, Central area
2) Aberjona River | a) ingestion of contaminated fugitive dusts
b) inhalation of volatile contaminants and contaminated fugitive dusts a) inhalation of volatile contaminants |
Figure 3 was not available in electronic format for conversion to HTML at the time of preparation of this document. For a hard copy, please contact:
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Attn: Chief, Program Evaluation, Records, and Information Services Branch,
E-56
1600 Clifton Road NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30333
