Based on the information reviewed, IDPH concludes the former Indian Refinery site is a public
health hazard. The level of site-related contamination identified in nearby residential areas and
the acidity of the waste material poses a health concern for the surrounding population. The
extent of soil and groundwater contamination at and near the site has not yet been fully
characterized. Areas of visually noticeable contamination are located throughout the site;
however, access to the public is limited. Nearby residents were most likely exposed to airborne
contaminants during refining operations in the past. Past exposures cannot be quantified and
evaluated because no environmental sampling data are available for that time.
USEPA and Illinois EPA perform further soil, surface water, sediment, and groundwater
sampling to better characterize contamination both on and off the site. If sediments in the
river are contaminated at levels that can be taken up by fish, then fish should be sampled
at that time.
USEPA and Illinois EPA identify private wells downgradient of areas of groundwater
contamination and that IDPH collect samples for chemical analysis from any private wells determined to be in the path of groundwater flow.
USEPA and Illinois EPA identify any off-site areas where tar-like waste has moved to the surface and remediate or isolate these areas so they are inaccessible to the public.
IDPH will continue to give residents information on how to reduce exposure to site-related contaminants.
IDPH has undertaken public health actions to address issues and concerns about potential adverse
human health effects associated with contaminants present at the site. The actions taken and
recommended are described as follows:
Illinois EPA and USEPA have collected environmental samples from residential areas,
IDPH has reviewed all sample results and provided written explanations to the affected homeowners.
Illinois EPA and USEPA plan further environmental sampling, including collecting and
analyzing sediments from the river. If sediments contain contamination that could
accumulate in fish, then they will consider collecting and analyzing fish tissue.
IDPH and Illinois EPA provided community health education by conducting community
interviews with residents living near the Refinery.
In December 1996, IDPH developed a fact sheet in response to contamination found in
neighborhoods near the Refinery. The fact sheet was mailed to approximately 50
residents of Lawrenceville. In May 1999, in response to new environmental data, IDPH
updated the fact sheet.
In August 1997, in response to community concerns about cancer, IDPH Division of
Epidemiologic Studies initiated an assessment of the cancer incidence in Lawrenceville.
This assessment was updated in May 1999. At the time the health cancer data review was
completed, no association between cancer incidence and the site was identified.
On October 9, 1997, IDPH staff members participated in a public availability session in
Lawrenceville. Other participants included representatives from USEPA, Illinois EPA,
and Texaco. Approximately 30 community members were present.
On October 26, 1998, IDPH staff members participated in a public meeting held in Lawrenceville. Other agencies represented included USEPA, Illinois EPA, and Lawrence County Health Department. Approximately 60 community members were present.
On January 14, 1999, IDPH in cooperation with Illinois EPA collected water samples
from 11 private drinking water wells in Kirkwood Addition in Lawrenceville. No
contaminants of concern were identified.
On June 10, 1999, community health education was provided through a public
availability session offered by IDPH and Illinois EPA. Other agencies present were
ATSDR, USEPA, and the Lawrence County Health Department. Approximately 80
community members attended.
On June 10, 1999, IDPH staff members provided community health education by
speaking at the Lawrenceville Business and Professional Women's group monthly
meeting. Approximately 20 members were present.
IDPH will continue to give residents information on how to reduce exposure to site-related contaminants.
This Former Indian Refinery (a.k.a. Texaco Incorporated Lawrenceville Refinery) public health
assessment was prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health under a cooperative
agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. It is in accordance with
approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was begun.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Hazardous Waste Update Report for Indian Refining Company. August 1996.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Seal Order for Land Adjacent to the former
Indian Refinery, commonly known as Indian Acres, Lawrenceville, Lawrence County. June 1996.
Nisbet, Ian, LaGoy, Peter. Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs) for Polycyclic Aromatic
Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Regulatory Toxicology and Pharmacology 16, 290-300. 1992.
Lawrence County Health Department. Telephone conversation with Harley Brown, Division of Environmental Health. May 1997.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ATSDR Public Health Assessment
Guidance Manual. March 1992.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ATSDR Draft Update Toxicological
Profile for Creosote. August 1994.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ATSDR Draft Update Toxicological
Profile for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). October 1993.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. File data. Indian Refining Company. 1999.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Preliminary Public Health
Assessment for Ralph Gray Trucking Company. June 18, 1993.
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Comparison Values for Air, Drinking
Water, and Soil.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. File data. Indian Refining Company. 1999.
United States Environmental Protection Agency. Administrative Order by Consent for
Former Indian Refinery Site, Lawrenceville, Illinois. June 1999.
Illinois Department of Public Health. Incidence of Cancer in Zip Code 62439 of
Lawrenceville (Lawrence County, Illinois, 1990-1994. Division of Epidemiologic
Studies. August 1997.
Illinois Department of Public Health. Incidence of Cancer in Zip Code 62439 of Lawrenceville (Lawrence County, Illinois, 1987-1996. Division of Epidemiologic Studies. May 1999.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Community Relations Plan for the Former Lawrenceville Refinery Site. December 1998.
