Using available information, ATSDR considers the American Chemical
Services NPL site an indeterminate public health hazard. ATSDR needs
additional information on surface soil in the Kapica\Pazmey area to
determine whether there would be a health impact if individuals
contact potentially contaminated, on-site surface soil.
ATSDR found no evidence of current or past exposure of residents to
site-related contaminants. As long as waste material and
contaminated soil remain, however, the contaminants can migrate into
the groundwater. It is possible that the groundwater contamination
could migrate to residential wells. The site could become a public
health hazard in the future if residents are chronically exposed to
contaminants at concentrations currently detected in the off-site
monitoring wells.
One unused industrial supply well contained lead at levels of public
health concern (0.0417 mg/L). It is unlikely that the lead
contamination is related to the ACS; however, lead was not detected
in groundwater at or near the site and analyses of a sample from an
upgradient private well south of the contaminated private well did
not find lead.
Data are inadequate in the following areas:
ATSDR concludes that additional surface soil sampling (0 to 3
inches) should be conducted at the Kapica/Pazmey area. To
better characterize the extent of surface-soil contamination.
Environmental contamination at the Griffith Municipal Landfill
has not been fully characterized. Soil gas analysis should be
conducted to evaluate the extent of landfill gas generation and
migration.
Cancer incidence and cancer mortality data are limited by the
inability to identify cases occurring in the 8 block area of
concern to the petitioners. In addition, the numbers of
specific cancers and characteristics of the affected persons are
not available.
To prevent them from being exposed to site contaminants, workers
conducting remedial activities should follow appropriate Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards and National
Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommendations.
Dust and vapor control measures should be implemented to prevent on
and off-site exposure to site-related contaminants during excavation
of waste material and contaminated soil.
Site Characterization Recommendations
Monitoring for site-related contaminants should be conducted
quarterly at residential wells downgradient of the site. Appropriate
procedures should be used to prevent human exposure to off-site
migration of groundwater contamination.
Surface-soil sampling (0-3 inches) should be conducted to better
characterize the extent of contamination at the Kapica/Pazmey area.
Appropriate procedures should be used to prevent exposure to
potential surface soil contamination in the area.
The extent of landfill gas generation and migration from the Griffith
Municipal Landfill should be determined. Appropriate procedures
should be used to prevent people from being exposed to landfill
gasses. The landfill gas monitoring should be part of an overall
environmental monitoring and control program for the landfill (e.g.,
groundwater monitoring and control of contaminant migration).
Health Follow-up
When adequate cancer incidence data from the Indiana Cancer Registry
become available, an in-depth health statistics review should be
conducted to determine whether there is a high frequency of cancer
occurring within the 8-block area identified by the local citizens.
When indicated by public health needs, the evaluation of additional
relevant environmental data, health outcome data, and community
health concerns, if available, is recommended.
Health Activities Recommendation Panel Recommendations
The American Chemical Services NPL site, Griffith, Lake County, Indiana,
has been evaluated by the ATSDR Health Activities Recommendation Panel
(HARP) to determine future health-related activities ATSDR should conduct
at this site. Although there is no documentation indicating that people
are being exposed to site-related contaminants, there are public concerns
that should be addressed. HARP has made the following recommendation:
ATSDR should provide public health education during meetings with the
petitioners and the general public.
Public Health Actions
In response to community concerns, and based on the conclusions and
recommendations of the health assessors and HARP, the following actions
either have been or will be performed.
ATSDR in cooperation with the Indiana State Board of Health, will conduct
the following public health actions:
Discuss the findings of the public health assessment and community
health concerns with the petitioners.
Evaluate additional environmental data, health outcome data, and
community health concerns when indicated by public health need.
EPA, in cooperation with Indiana Department of Environmental Management
will conduct the following actions:
Ensure OSHA standards and NIOSH recommendations are used during site
remediation to protect workers from exposure to site contaminants.
