PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

FIRST PIEDMONT ROCK QUARRY
BEAVER PARK, VIRGINIA

CONCLUSIONS

After a review of the available information, ATSDR and VDH has determined that the site poses no apparent public health hazard. Access to the site has been restricted, and completed exposure pathways have been identified at the site. Groundwater at the site is contaminated, but groundwater flow is away from private wells in the area.

Surface water in the upper Southern Drainage area are elevated relative to comparison values. People are not known to be exposed to contaminants in that area, but access is possible, although unlikely. Although the environmental levels are high, the duration of any possible exposures is unknown. Therefore, health effects resulting from possible exposure cannot be evaluated.

Shallow groundwater on site and downgradient of the site is contaminated, but no drinking water wells are downgradient of the site.

Several private wells in the area have relatively high iron, lead, or manganese concentrations, but these are not considered to be site-related. However, the maximum amount of lead found in one private well was of public health concern. More recent sampling indicates that only iron was detected at levels above comparison values in one well. Other constituents tested were below comparison values. However, the community is still concerned about the safety of their water supply.

A ROD has been signed that details the preferred remediation for the site. The preferred remedial alternatives are protective of public health. The Remedial Design for the site is expected to be completed in the summer of 1994. The design will have to be approved before a schedule for implementation is developed.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The following recommendations are made to reduce or prevent the potential for people living near the FPRQ site to be exposed to contaminants:

1. Sample residential drinking water wells periodically because of community concern.
   
   
2. Determine the source of contamination in the private wells.

Additional information will be evaluated as it becomes available.

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), as amended, requires ATSDR to determine public health actions needed at hazardous waste sites. To determine if public health actions are needed, ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) evaluated the data and information developed in the First Piedmont Rock Quarry Public Health Assessment. Site trespassers, if any, may have been exposed to contaminants. If trespassers were exposed to contaminants, there is a possibility that exposures may cause illness or disease; however, the possible exposures cannot be evaluated because the duration of exposures has not been determined. One well was contaminated with lead at levels that may cause illness or injury, although the contamination does not appear to be site-related. Therefore, HARP determined that community health education is needed. If information becomes available documenting site-related exposure at levels of concern, ATSDR will evaluate that information to determine what actions, if any, are necessary.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The public health action plan (PHAP) for the FPRQ site contains a description of actions to be taken (or that have been taken) by ATSDR and/or other governmental agencies at and in the vicinity of the site subsequent or prior to the completion of this public health assessment. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that this public health assessment not only identifies public health hazards, but provides a plan of action designed to mitigate and prevent adverse human health effects resulting from exposure to hazardous substances in the environment. Included is a commitment on the part of VDH and ATSDR to follow up on this plan to ensure that it is implemented. The public health actions planned for the site are as follows:

Actions Taken

Site access has been restricted by fencing.

Private wells are monitored periodically.

A ROD has been signed that, when implemented, will protect public health. The design phase of the ROD is underway and is expected to be complete in late 1994.

Actions Planned

Education efforts from involved agencies will be coordinated with the Pittsylvania/Danville Health District, who in turn will assess public reaction and requirements for further educational efforts.

The Pittsylvania/Danville Health District will assist in collecting samples for residential wells within the site vicinity in coordination with other monitoring efforts. Should the monitoring reveal any change in the information already gathered, ATSDR and EPA will be made aware of the findings so that actions to prevent human exposure can be taken.

PREPARERS OF THE REPORT

Peter C. Sherertz, Ph.D.
Project Coordinator
Bureau of Toxic Substances, VDH

Connie K. Webb, M.P.H.
Toxic Substances Information Specialist
Bureau of Toxic Substances, VDH

Jerry Grimes
Geologist
Bureau of Toxic Substances, VDH

ATSDR REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVE

Jack Kelly
Regional Services
Office of the Assistant Administrator, ATSDR

ATSDR TECHNICAL PROJECT OFFICER

Gail Godfrey
Technical Project Officer
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Remedial Programs Branch

CERTIFICATION

The First Piedmont Rock Quarry Site Public Health Assessment has been prepared by the Virginia Department of Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was initiated.

Gail D. Godfrey
Technical Project Officer, SPS, RPB, DHAC

The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health assessment and concurs with its findings.

Robert C. Williams, P. E., DEE
Director, DHAC, ATSDR

REFERENCES

1. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Aluminum (Draft). October 1990. 126 pages.
   
   
2. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Antimony (Draft). October 1990. 128 pages.
   
   
3. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Arsenic (Update Draft). October 1991. 175 pages.
   
   
4. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Barium (Draft). October 1990. 136 pages.
   
   
5. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Lead (Update Draft). October 1991. 275 pages.
   
   
6. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Manganese (Draft). October 1990. 134 pages.
   
   
7. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Zinc. December 1989. 121 pages.
   
   
8. CDM Federal Programs. Final Report: Remedial Investigation / Feasibility Study, Work Plan. First Piedmont Rock Quarry. October 19, 1987.
   
   
9. Goodman, L.S., Gilman, A.G., Rall, T.W. and Murad, F. The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics. Seventh Edition. 1985. McMillan, New York. 1839 pages.
   
   
10. Parmeggiani, L. Encyclopedia of Occupational Health and Safety. Third Revised Edition. Vol. 1. 1983. International Labor Office. Geneva. p. 423.
    
    
11. Sittig, M. Handbook of Toxic and Hazardous Chemicals and Carcinogens. Second Edition. 1985. Noyes, New Jersey. 950 pages.
    
    
12. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ambient Water Quality Criteria Document: Lead. 1984. p. C1-9.
    
    
13. Westinghouse Environmental and Geotechnical Services, Inc. Remedial Investigation Report, First Piedmont Rock Quarry. February 1990, missing Appendices A-M.
    

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