PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
INDIAN REFINERY - TEXACO LAWRENCEVILLE
(a/k/a. TEXACO INCORPORATED LAWRENCEVILLE REFINERY)
LAWRENCEVILLE, LAWRENCE COUNTY, ILLINOIS
Table 1. Completed Exposure Pathways
| Pathway Name | Source | Medium | Exposure Point | Exposure Route | Receptor Population | Time of Exposure | Exposure Activities | Estimated Number Exposed | Chemicals |
| Waste material off the site | Acidic site-related waste Soil |
Waste Soil |
Yards | Dermal Ingestion Inhalation |
Nearby residents | Past Present Future |
Outdoor recreation; Gardening |
100 | PAHs |
| On-site waste material | Waste; Soil/dust; Petroleum products |
Waste Surface soil |
Soil, Waste, Debris on the site |
Dermal Ingestion Inhalation |
On-site workers; Trespassers |
Past Present Future |
Working or trespassing on the site | 50 | PAHs |
| Contaminated Air | Refinery operations | Air | Emissions from refinery operations | Inhalation Dermal |
On-site workers; Nearby residents |
Past | Working, breathing outdoors |
1,500 | VOCs PAHs Asbestos |
Table 2. Potential Exposure Pathways
| Pathway Name | Source | Medium | Exposure Point | Exposure Route | Receptor Population | Time of Exposure | Exposure Activities | Estimated Number Exposed | Chemicals |
| Groundwater | Refinery | Ground-water | Private wells | Dermal Ingestion Inhalation |
Nearby residents | Past? Future |
Drinking, Bathing, & Other Uses | 100 | Refinery solvents |
| Fish | Embarrass River | Fish | Eating fish | Ingestion | Fishers | Past Present Future |
Eating contaminated fish | 50 | PAHs |

Figure 1. Approximate Location of former Indian Refining Co. Site

Figure 2. Approximate Location of former Refinery, Indian Acres, Land Farm, and Tank Farms
Comparison Values Used In Screening Contaminants For Further Evaluation
Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs) are developed for chemicals based on their toxicity, frequency of occurrence at National Priority List (NPL) sites, and potential for human exposure. They are derived to protect the most sensitive populations and are not cut-off levels, but rather comparison values. They do not consider carcinogenic effects, chemical interactions, multiple route exposure, or other media-specific routes of exposure, and are very conservative concentration values designed to protect sensitive members of the populations.
Reference Dose Media Evaluation Guides (RMEGs) are another type of comparison value derived to protect the most sensitive populations. They do not consider carcinogenic effects, chemical interactions, multiple route exposure, or other media-specific routes of exposure, and are very conservative concentration values designed to protect sensitive members of the population.
Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs) are estimated contaminant concentrations based on
one excess cancer in a million persons exposed to a chemical over a lifetime. These are also very
conservative values designed to protect sensitive members of the population.
IDPH Responses to Comments Received During the Public Comment Period
MEMORANDUM
To: Ken Runkle, Illinois Department of Public Health
From: Carol Fuller, Community Relations Coordinator
Date: October 28, 1999
| Subject: | Comments about the Public Health Assessment for the Former Indian Refining- Texaco Lawrenceville Superfund Site |
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the updated health assessment for
the Indian Refining Company site. Below are comments in order of pages/paragraphs.
| P. 1, Summary | In the second paragraph, it says that sampling of off-site
groundwater (residential wells) has not identified the presence of site-related
contaminants. While this is true for the most part, remember that we did
find levels of arsenic in two off-site wells during the July 1996 samples.
One was at 58.2 ug/L and the other was at 60.ug/L. Arsenic has also been
found in site soils at various levels, We don't know yet whether the arsenic
in the off-site wells came from the site or is naturally-occurring. |
| Response #1: | Although the arsenic in the two wells may be related
to the site, IDPH believes that the arsenic is more likely naturally occurring.
The arsenic levels detected in these two wells are consistent with levels
of naturally occurring arsenic found in similar wells elsewhere in the state.
|
| P.1, third paragraph | It states that the RI "will not be completed until all aboveground
structures are removed." Both U.S. EPA and Illinois EPA have made the point
with Texaco that the RI/FS work should begin in some areas right away and
will not be dependent upon the demolition work being complete. The RI work
may not be final until after the removal of both above ground and below
ground structures. However, some operable (remediation) units may have been
completed by then. |
| Response #2: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P.1, fourth paragraph | Direction of groundwater flow: We can say that the flow "generally"
appears to be south-southeast at the near surface, but there may be local
variations." |
| Response #3: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P.2, second paragraph | Re: logistics of the refinery. Language- here refers to the
refinery as being in a "light industrial and residential area." Is this
statement referring to county zoning? If so, it would be better to state
that the "site sits in an area zoned to be"... It is otherwise misleading
to call a refinery site "light industrial" and may elicit negative responses
from residents who live near the site. |
| Response #4: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 2, third paragraph | Instead of saying "the Refinery wraps around several residential
neighborhoods," perhaps it would be more accurate to say that "the Refinery
borders..." Figure 2 is referred for reference of the neighborhoods. Could
you add some street names to the map in Figure 2? It would provide clarity
and orientation to the reader. The last sentence of that paragraph, add
after "Lawrence Addition," Indian Creek and Meadow Lake Heights, other residential
areas, are approximately..." |
| Response #5: | IDPH made appropriate changes to the text. We feel
street names would clutter Figure 2 and distract from the purpose of showing
the different areas of the site. |
| P.2. | Under "Site History," you may want to add that American Western
Refining Acquisitions, L.C. is a company created by and is a joint venture
between Clark Oil Trading Company and Blastco Services Co. AWR Acquisitions
purchased all aboveground structures and equipment during the bankruptcy
auction in 1998. American Western, L.P. owns the land upon which the aboveground
structures rest. |
| Response #6: | IDPH does not believe the addition of this information
is necessary for the purposes of a public health assessment. |
| P.3, third paragraph | after "Illinois EPA issues a seal order," you may want to
add "in June 1996." |
| Response #7: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P.3, fourth paragraph | Suggest you begin the third sentence with "Acidic tar-like
waste was excavated ..." In the fourth sentence, add after "subsequently
purchased" all but one, and after "Hickory Streets," add as well as some
properties on the south side of Hickory Street between Third and Fifth Streets.
|
| Response #8: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 3, last paragraph | In the second line it states "contained elevated levels of
naturally-occurring arsenic." We haven't actually established whether the
arsenic is naturally-occurring or may be site-related. |
| Response #9: | See response #1. |
| P. 4 - under "Demographics" | Where did you get the figure of 7,900 people? We have been
told by the mayor and others in Lawrenceville that the population is less
than 5,000. Do census data disagree with that? In the second sentence, if
you state 300 homes, that would be within ½ mile of the site. Within one
mile from the site would be more like 800 homes or apartments. When we mailed
the residential survey for soil sampling, we used streets from Hickory north
to Maple and from Third west to 14th Street. The mailing list was 797 residences.
|
| Response #10: | IDPH changed the document to reflect more current
demographic data. |
| P. 4 | The last sentence under "Demographics" says that many residents
near the site have spent most of their lives in that area. That is not really
correct. While we have some residents within four or five blocks to the
north of the site that have lived there 30 or 40 years, most of the population
close to the site (in the trailer community) is more transient in nature.
Many people have lived where they presently reside less than a year or from
one to three years. You could say, "The Refinery was a major source of employment
for many local citizens. Some residents who live within one-half mile of
the site have spent most of their lives in that general area." |
| Response #11: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 4 | Under "Discussion," in the second paragraph, you talk about
"thresholds of toxicity." That is a tough concept for most citizens. Could
you say instead - "The comparison values are used only to screen for contaminants
that should be evaluated further. Contaminants found at levels greater than
these values do not mean that adverse health effects will result." |
| Response #12: |
IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 4 - Last paragraph | After "environmental medium," add (e.g, soil, water or air).
After "3) a point of exposure," add (contact). |
| Response #13: | IDPH does not believe these changes are necessary
to convey the message. |
| P.5 - Fourth sentence, second paragraph | After "on-site demolition activity," add current owner hired
"licensed asbestos abatement contractors." Delete "have been on the site,"
and leave "to remove the ACM." |
| Response #14: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 5 - Groundwater section, first paragraph | You are saying that no sediment samples have been taken at
the river. Illinois EPA took a few sediment samples during December 1996.
Also, a few samples of the river (surface water) have been taken at the
City's storm sewer outfall. Instead of saying "biota samples," could you
say fish or other wildlife? |
| Response #15: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 5 - 2nd paragraph under Groundwater | You may want to add "four" in front of "private wells." After
"Many wells are shallow, sand-point wells ranging in depth from 10 to 18
feet," add (new sentence) "Others ranged from 60 to 120 feet deep." At the
end of the paragraph add (new sentence) "Most residents in the Indian Creek
and Meadow Lake Heights subdivisions also have private drinking water wells."
|
| Response #16: |
IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 6 - First paragraph under "Soil" | The statement is not correct about "Most sampling activities
were conducted off the site to identify any impacts to soils in nearby residential
areas." Off-site samples were taken at the City-owned property find the
sediments along the river as well as in residential yards. Additionally,
the statement may lead readers to assume that no on-site sampling has been
performed. Most of the samples taken for HRS Scoring purposes for the National
Priorities List were taken on the site. |
| Response #17: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 6 - Last paragraph, fourth sentence | After "Exposure was," add also. Toward the bottom of the last
paragraph, you are saying that "trespassing would probably be rare." It
is actually easy to access the site from the river side, which is unfenced.
One may also walk across the river on the railroad trestle onto the site.
Additionally, the gates to the City property are open during the day. Children
or others may walk onto that property and around the treatment plant to
access contaminated areas. |
| Response #18: |
No change was made. IDPH believes accessing the site from the
river or the railroad trestle would not be a common activity. When the
city property is open during the day, employees should be present, so
access to this area by the general public should be controlled.
|
| P. 7, second paragraph | After "Individuals stated that the ash etched the paint on
houses and cars and caused skin irritation," suggest add (new sentence)
"The ash emissions also led to respiratory irritation including asthma events."
|
| Response #19: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 7, third paragraph | "Material containing elevated levels of PAHs has been identified
in four yards..." End of third sentence - replace "area" with "properties."
|
| Response #20: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 7, fourth paragraph | Second sentence: Instead of "Shallow," you may want to say,
"Some shallow (sandpoint wells, 10 - 1 8 feet deep) and some deeper wells
(50 to 120 feet deep) are near the south side of the Refinery and near the
tank and land farms west of Highway 1." In the third sentence, change "released"
to "releasing," since the release is ongoing, and it is being actively captured
or intercepted. Last sentence - once again, we are saying private wells
do not contain site-related contaminants. However, the arsenic could be
site- related. (U.S. EPA CERCLA document on acceptable data for risk assessment,
quality assurance, sampling methods, etc. Appendix II, "Common Pollutants
Generated by Seven Industries." Under Industry 7: Petroleum Refining, we
find arsenic listed as compound ranked 86 and found in air, water, and soil.
|
| Response #21: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 8, second paragraph, fourth sentence | When you say "IDPH assumes..." do you mean that IDPH performed
risk assessment screening calculations for the contaminants found to date
and took children into account for the exposure scenario? |
| Response #22: | Yes. |
| P. 8, third paragraph | suggest replace "pH" with "nature." |
| Response #23: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 8, last paragraph, third sentence | After "PAHs can accumulate in," suggest add "human and animal"
before "fat tissue..." Near the bottom of that paragraph, after "No good
human data are available about," suggest delete "how and." The sentence
continues, "how much PAH exposure causes disease in humans," suggest add
"or in precisely what way." |
| Response #24: | IDPH does not believe these changes are necessary
to the convey the message. |
| P. 9, Under Health Outcome Data, last sentence
|
Suggest add at the end, "for the population size." |
| Response #25: |
IDPH does not believe this change is necessary. |
| P. 9, Under Community Health Concerns, first sentence |
Suggest replace "several times" with "numerous times." Under
#2, Middle of the paragraph - After "Contact with," suggest add "some of"
before "the material." |
| Response #26: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 10 #4 - Middle of first paragraph | After "and in the workplace may contribute to cancer," suggest
add "in a very small way -or- "to a small extent." |
| Response #27: | IDPH does not believe this change is necessary.
|
| P. 10 #6 - First sentence | After "biochemical changes in the brain," suggest replace
"because" with "due to." Third from last sentence - "Odors associated with
current demolition activities at the Refinery should be minimal." In light
of the recent problems with release of caustic odors/gases, perhaps it would
be best to leave this sentence out. Since Labor Day, we have had another
rash of complaints about odors. On 10/26/99, the Bureau of Air received
a letter and petition signed by citizens of Lawrenceville complaining about
the odors/fumes emanating from the City's storm water storage lagoon. |
| Response #28: | The IDPH response to concern #6 refers to current
odors at the Refinery. We are not referring to the city sewage
treatment plant. No changes were made. |
| P. 11, first full paragraph under #7 |
Suggest replace "Outside of the workplace" with "Except for
workplace-related exposures." |
| Response #29: | IDPH believes the sentence as written is clear. No
change was made. |
| P. 11, #9, third sentence | Replace "could be taken" with "were Permitted to be taken."
Next sentence, replace "When odor complaints began" with "After numerous
citizen complaints and at two fish kills." |
| Response #30: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 11, last paragraph, first sentence | Replace "dilution rate should be crated" with "dilution rate
should occur in the storm water storage lagoon (20 million gallons)." (Perhaps
there should be something about the permit having been issued based on the
sampling data for the caustic water that was submitted with the permit application?)
At the end of the same sentence, replace "allowable limits" with "the City's
permitted limits." In the last sentence add "in May 1999" after air sampling
screening instrument. |
| Response #31: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 12, "Conclusions" last sentence |
Add "sampling" between environmental and data. |
| Response #32: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |
| P. 12, "Recommendations" - First bullet |
Add "or the responsible party(ies)" after USEPA and Illinois EPA. |
| Response #33: | IDPH did not change this recommendation. Although
the responsible parties may actually be tasked to perform the sampling activities,
it is the responsibility of USEPA and Illinois EPA to provide oversight
to ensure the activities are done properly. |
| P. 14, first bullet | Delete the "d" in "included." |
| Response #34: | IDPH changed the document accordingly. |