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The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, ATSDR, is an agency of the U.S. Public Health Service. It was established by Congress in 1980 under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), also known as the Superfund law. This law set up a fund to identify and clean up our country's hazardous waste sites. The Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and the individual states regulate the investigation and clean up of the sites.

Since 1986, ATSDR has been required by law to conduct a public health assessment at each of the sites on the EPA National Priorities List. The aim of these evaluations is to find out if people are being exposed to hazardous substances and, if so, whether that exposure is harmful and should be stopped or reduced. (The legal definition of a health assessment is included on the inside front cover.) If appropriate, ATSDR also conducts public health assessments when petitioned by concerned individuals. Public health assessments are carried out by environmental and health scientists from ATSDR and from the states with which ATSDR has cooperative agreements.

Exposure: As the first step in the evaluation, ATSDR scientists review environmental data to see how much contamination is at a site, where it is, and how people might come into contact with it. Generally, ATSDR does not collect its own environmental sampling data but reviews information provided by EPA, other government agencies, businesses, and the public. When there is not enough environmental information available, the report will indicate what further sampling data are needed.

Health Effects: If the review of the environmental data shows that people have or could come into contact with hazardous substances, ATSDR scientists then evaluate whether or not there will be any harmful effects from these exposures. The report focuses on public health, or the health impact on the community as a whole, rather than on individual risks. Again, ATSDR generally makes use of existing scientific information, which can include the results of medical, toxicologic and epidemiologic studies and the data collected in disease registries. The science of environmental health is still developing, and sometimes scientific information on the health effects of certain substances is not available. When this is so, the report will suggest what further research studies are needed.

Conclusions: The report presents conclusions about the level of health threat, if any, posed by a site and recommends ways to stop or reduce exposure in its public health action plan. ATSDR is primarily an advisory agency, so usually these reports identify what actions are appropriate to be undertaken by EPA, other responsible parties, or the research or education divisions of ATSDR. However, if there is an urgent health threat, ATSDR can issue a public health advisory warning people of the danger. ATSDR can also authorize health education or pilot studies of health effects, full-scale epidemiology studies, disease registries, surveillance studies or research on specific hazardous substances.

Interactive Process: The health assessment is an interactive process. ATSDR solicits and evaluates information from numerous city, state and federal agencies, the companies responsible for cleaning up the site, and the community. It then shares its conclusions with them. Agencies are asked to respond to an early version of the report to make sure that the data they have provided is accurate and current. When informed of ATSDR's conclusions and recommendations, sometimes the agencies will begin to act on them before the final release of the report.

Community: ATSDR also needs to learn what people in the area know about the site and what concerns they may have about its impact on their health. Consequently, throughout the evaluation process, ATSDR actively gathers information and comments from the people who live or work near a site, including residents of the area, civic leaders, health professionals and community groups. To ensure that the report responds to the community's health concerns, an early version is also distributed to the public for their comments. All the comments received from the public are responded to in the final version of the report.

Comments: If, after reading this report, you have questions or comments, we encourage you to send them to us. Letters should be addressed as follows:

Washington Navy Yard (WNY), an active military facility, encompasses 63.3 acres of land in southeastern Washington, DC It lies on the Anacostia River in a heavily urbanized area with industrial, commercial, residential, and vacant properties in the immediate vicinity. Since its inception in 1799, WNY has supported diverse functions, including shipbuilding (in the 1800s), ordnance research and construction (mid-1800s to 1945), and administrative duties (1945 to present). WNY employed nearly 25,000 on-site workers at its peak operation during World War II. Currently, approximately 5,400 military and civilian personnel work at WNY.

WNY was proposed for listing on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) National Priorities List in 1998, primarily because of contamination detected in the adjacent Anacostia River, on-site sediment, and on-site soil (USAF 1998). Past activities at WNY have also impacted groundwater underlying the property. The primary contaminants of concern are metals (metals in groundwater and lead in surface soil), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (in surface water, sediment, and fish), and dioxins (in sediment). These contaminants, as well as some petroleum hydrocarbons, pesticides, and other semi-volatile organic compounds, have been detected at levels above the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry=s (ATSDR) health-based comparison values.

ATSDR conducted site visits in February and September of 1999. ATSDR learned that local community members had expressed concern about the environmental quality of the Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity, but did not identify any specific community health concerns attributed to WNY.

ATSDR reviewed and evaluated groundwater data. Methylene chloride is the primary contaminant of concern, but chloroform and metals were also detected slightly above ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. There is, however, no public exposure to groundwater contaminants. Groundwater underlying WNY has not been used as a source of drinking water, nor will it be used for potable water in the future. WNY and the Washington, DC area receives its drinking water from a non-impacted area of the Potomac River, far upstream of the city. Because there is no public exposure to groundwater underlying WNY, ATSDR concludes that it does not pose a public health hazard.

To address community concerns about the environmental quality of the Anacostia River, ATSDR reviewed surface water and sediment quality data from both on- and off-site locations.

Although some contamination appears to originate from upstream, non-point sources, WNY storm drainage ditches and sewer outfalls also contribute to the river pollutant load. How much of the pollution originates from WNY operations is not known. Contaminants were detected primarily in sediments, both in the WNY storm drainage ditches and the Anacostia River. PCBs are the primary contaminant of concern, although polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, metals, pesticides, and dioxins were detected above ATSDR comparison values. More data are needed to fully characterize the nature and extent of surface water and sediment contamination. Minimal, if any, public exposure occurs to the surface water and sediment of the Anacostia River. Local residents do not swim or drink from WNY runoff, outfalls, or the Anacostia River. Incidental exposures to the contaminant levels detected in local surface water and sediment are not likely to pose a public health hazard. Therefore, ATSDR concludes that past, current, and future exposures to on- and off-site surface water and sediment pose no apparent public health hazards.

ATSDR also reviewed on-site soil data and evaluated potential public health exposure at 16 locations at WNY where past military operations resulted in contamination. At 15 of the 16 sites, ATSDR concluded that soil contaminants do not pose a public health hazard because: 1) contaminants in on-site soil were detected at levels that do not pose a public health hazard, and/or 2) contamination was located in areas where public exposure was infrequent or unlikely (e.g., subsurface soil, industrial areas, paved areas). The other site, Admiral=s Row (Site 10), contained surface soil lead concentrations above the ATSDR comparison value for soil. Due to insufficient historical data on the extent of and exposure to this lead contamination, the exact health implications from past exposures can not be assessed. Current and future exposures have been prevented by interim measures implemented by the Navy, including fencing, sign posting, land use restrictions, and public education efforts. ATSDR concludes that current and potential future exposures to on-site soil pose no apparent public health hazards. Past soil exposure to Admiral=s Row surface soil is a completed exposure pathway with the potential for adverse health effects to children, but, due to the lack of historical data, the health implications from past exposure can not be assessed.

The consumption of locally-caught fish is another completed exposure pathway in the WNY vicinity. Despite a fish consumption advisory issued by the Washington, DC Department of Public Health in 1989, some citizens continue to eat fish and eel caught from the lower Anacostia River near WNY. The Washington, DC Department of Public Health advises the general public not to eat catfish, carp, or eel and to limit consumption of largemouth bass, sunfish, and other fish. The fish advisory encourages the practice of catch-and-release. Fish in the lower Anacostia River have been impacted primarily by PCBs, although metals, pesticides, and dioxins were also detected in tissue samples. Detected concentrations of PCBs and the pesticide chlordane in local fish may pose a public health hazard if consumed in sufficient quantities. ATSDR concludes that a past, current, and future public health hazard could exist for fishers who routinely consume sufficient amounts of locally-caught fish; the fish consumption advisory for the Anacostia River should continue to be observed.

ATSDR concludes that groundwater, surface water, and sediment at WNY do not pose public health hazards. However, past exposure to on-site surface soil at Admiral=s Row is a completed exposure pathway with the potential for adverse health effects to children. ATSDR also concludes that consumption of locally caught fish could pose a Public Health Hazard in the WNY vicinity.

The Washington Navy Yard (WNY) is an active military facility located on 63.3 acres of urban land bordering the Anacostia River in southeastern Washington, DC WNY began operations in 1799 as a shipbuilding facility (NFEC 1996). Today, it is the Navy=s oldest shore station and the longest continuously operated federal facility in the United States (NGF no date).

WNY operations and its primary role have evolved over the past two centuries. Shipbuilding dominated yard activities in the early 1800s, giving way to canon and large gun manufacturing for ships in the mid-1800s (NFEC 2001). Until the end of World War II, ordnance production was the principal WNY function (NGF no date). From 1945 to present, the primary activity of the WNY has been administrative.

As WNY=s function changed over the years, so did the yard=s physical size. Historically, additional property was added by filling a shallow embayment of the Anacostia River and Tiber Creek, a tributary entering the Anacostia River from the north. During World War II, at its largest, the yard occupied approximately 127 acres. As WNY=s role shifted from primarily manufacturing to administration, 63.5 acres of the facility were sold to the General Services Administration (GSA) for administrative purposes (NFEC 1996).

WNY has identified a number of potential waste sites that have resulted from historical and modern-day industrial operations. The primary contaminant of concern found on site is lead in surface soil from peeling lead-based paint that has flaked off of WNY buildings. Other contaminants have been detected in the adjacent Anacostia River and sediment, but are not necessarily associated with WNY operations. These off-site contaminants include metals (lead, arsenic, mercury, iron, beryllium), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs or Adioxins@). Most WNY contamination occurs in limited access areas, such as surface soil in Admiral=s Row, sediment in stormwater sewer outfalls and drainage ditches, and surface water in the Anacostia River.

Numerous WNY investigations have been conducted, are ongoing, or have been planned to determine the nature and extent of environmental contamination associated with yard activities. Investigations began in 1985, after WNY submitted a ANotification of Hazardous Waste Activity@ to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and identified itself as a generator of hazardous wastes (specifically PCBs). In 1988, the Naval Energy and Environmental Support Activity prepared a preliminary assessment (PA) report that indicated the presence of petroleum releases in soil and groundwater at WNY. The Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) prepared a follow-up PA report in 1993 using historical documents, personnel interviews, and consultations with state and federal agencies to identify 16 areas of concern at WNY requiring further study.

EPA Region III prepared a special sampling investigation (SSI) report in 1995 to determine which areas required no further action, additional investigation, or a removal action. In 1996, the final site investigation (SI) report presented the investigation results of 13 sites, 2 areas of concern, and the underlying groundwater. Samples were taken and analyzed from groundwater, surface water, surface soil, subsurface soil (more than 6 inches under the surface), and river sediments. The SI recommended six sites (Site 5, Site 6, Site 8, Site 10, Site 11, and Site 14) for further detailed investigation (NFEC 1996).

On the basis of the 1996 SI report, the Navy has conducted removal actions and/or Engineering Evaluations/Cost Analyses (EE/CA) at Site 6, Site 10, Site 14, and 16 (NFEC 2001). The Navy is in the process of completing the removal action on the WNY storm sewer system. The Navy conducted site removal evaluations at Sites 7, 11, and 13, which indicated that no removal actions were warranted. The requirement to perform the removal evaluations at these sites arose from a legal settlement between the Navy and the Earth Justice Legal Defense Fund (formerly the Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund). Known as the Earth Justice Consent Decree, this agreement was reached in 1998 after Earth Justice expressed concern about potential Anacostia River hazards and about the timeliness of Navy remediation activities. Based on the SI findings of no human health risk at Sites 7 and 13, however, these removal evaluations will probably not develop into remedial activities at these locations (Miller 1999).

The Navy and EPA signed a final Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) Consent Order, effective on July 16, 1997, to conduct a two-phase RCRA facility investigation (RFI) and perform a corrective measures study (CMS). The RFI will further investigate WNY sites, characterize contaminant sources, confirm contaminant releases, and assess environmental and human health impacts; the CMS will identify and evaluate site-specific remediation options, if necessary. Because of a recent and unexpected detection of free-phase mercury in subsurface soil underlying a parking lot, the Navy will perform an additional RFI at Site 16 (NFEC 1999). The Navy performed a time critical removal action at Site 16 when free phase mercury was discovered in a soil boring. Less than 5 cubic feet of soil containing small amounts of free-phase mercury was found and removed (NFEC 2001).

In 1998, EPA placed WNY on its National Priorities List (NPL) on August 27, 1998, part of EPA=s Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly known as ASuperfund.@ As a Superfund site, the RCRA Consent Order activities have been integrated into the Navy=s CERCLA remediation obligations. On June 30, 1999, EPA and Navy officials and the DC Mayors office signed a Federal Facilities Agreement (FFA). The FFA was signed to ensure that environmental impacts from past operations were thoroughly investigated and appropriate remedial actions are undertaken to protect people and the environment. Future cleanup activities at WNY will continue under the requirements of CERCLA and the Department of Defense Installation Restoration Program. Because WNY is in the early stages of the Superfund process, completed environmental investigations and available data are limited.

To characterize the population and identify the presence of sensitive subpopulations, such as young children, in the vicinity of WNY, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) examines the demographics of the nearby communities. This information also provides detail on residential history in a particular area that helps ATSDR assess time frames of potential human exposure to contaminants. The demographic and housing data for WNY and the surrounding areas, historically and at present, are outlined in this section. Current demographics are based on U.S. Census data from 1990 2). Based on the 1990 data, there are approximately 50,528 people residing within one mile of WNY.

WNY lies in an urban setting and adjacent land use varies considerably. Within less than a one mile radius of the facility there are industrial, commercial, residential, and vacant properties. WNY is bordered on the north by commercial and vacant commercial properties along M Street, on the east by an abandoned industrial area along 11th Street, on the west by the Southeast Federal Center owned by GSA, and on the south by the Anacostia River.

The WNY facility itself consists of administrative, supply, and storage buildings; residences; and training facilities. Approximately nine acres of WNY has been listed on the National Register of Historic Districts. The district includes a Naval museum that was opened to the public in 1993 (WNY 2001). Almost 95% of the WNY is covered by buildings, asphalt, and other impervious surfaces (CH2MHILL 1999). Two combined and two separate effluent outfall pipes owned by Washington, DC, underlie WNY and flow into the Anacostia River. Many of the former industrial and storage buildings have been converted to office buildings. Additional renovations are currently underway at several more buildings to create more office space for future employees.

Throughout its history, WNY has provided thousands of jobs for D.C.-area residents. At the turn-of-the-century, WNY employed approximately 2,000 individuals. When the facility was operating at its peak, during World War II, nearly 25,000 people worked at WNY. Today, WNY employs an average of 5,400 military and civilian personnel. Future plans to further expand the WNY employment base include relocating the Naval Sea Systems Command Headquarters from Crystal City, Virginia, to WNY by the year 2001 (Brief History Fact Sheet no date; ATSDR 1999a).

On-site residential areas have historically housed several hundred people and remain occupied today by Navy officers and their families. Designated Admiral=s Row (Site 10), the residential area consists of a group of buildings located along Warrington Avenue. Admiral=s Row includes approximately 20 quarters, three buildings, and a recreational park known as Leutze Park (CH2MHILL 1998). Leutze Park serves as the parade ground for official change of command and retirement ceremonies. The quarters and buildings are multi-storied residences with adjacent areas consisting of grass, pavement, concrete, and other buildings. Historically, Admiral=s Row facilities were painted with lead-based paint. It is unknown how many children (or what age children) lived in these residences in the past. Currently, one minor (17 years old) lives on site (ATSDR 1999a).

Access to the entire site is restricted by a perimeter wall. Security guards are stationed at gate entrances. Individuals with direct access to the site include on-site employees, on-site residents, and on-site workers under contract with the Navy to conduct various building and lawn maintenance activities. Adult and child visitors and recreational users may also pass through security clearance. Bus tours are conducted on site and the Navy Museum (Building 76) receives visitors daily (except holidays). (As of January 2000, the Navy Museum building was closed for renovations. During renovations, visitors could view the exhibits at the Navy Museum Annex [Building 70] and at the Navy Art Gallery [Building 67]). Two parks located at WNY are visited by the public. Luetze Park, located in the north-central part of the site, is an unfenced recreational area that is used for public access. Luetze Park is the only substantial on-site vegetated area. In the future, there may also be additional residential development on site (NFEC 1996). Willard Park, across from the Navy Museum on the banks of the Anacostia River, displays naval ordnance used in battle from the Civil War to the Vietnam era (WNY 2001).

WNY lies on the banks of the Anacostia River in a historically natural wetlands area that has been filled to accommodate urban development expansions. Prior to 1800, approximately one-third of WNY property was covered by a shallow embayment, but wetlands no longer exist in the WNY vicinity. Upstream from WNY and outside of Washington, DC, agricultural and forested areas remain and drain into the large Anacostia River watershed. Less than two miles downstream from WNY, the Anacostia River merges with the Potomac River and flows into the Chesapeake Bay.

Local groundwater is not used as a drinking water source in Washington, DC, nor is surface water from the Anacostia River. Washington, DC, receives its drinking water from a non-impacted area of the Potomac River, far upstream of the city. WNY is connected to the Washington, DC, drinking water system. There are no private wells in the vicinity or other sources of drinking water at WNY (Miller 1999).

Many groups have been formed to protect the natural resources of the Anacostia and other water bodies in the area. In 1999, the Anacostia Watershed Toxics Alliance was formed to review existing research data and evaluate the entire watershed.

In July 1998, ATSDR published a Health Consultation for the Anacostia River Initiative, Washington, DC (ATSDR 1998). This Health Consultation did not specifically address environmental contamination issues related to WNY, but evaluated the safety of consuming fish caught in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. ATSDR concluded that the reported concentrations of chemical residues in fish from the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers could pose a public health hazard for sport fishers.

In February 1999, ATSDR conducted a site visit at WNY. ATSDR viewed on-base sites and remediation efforts, as well as off-base residential areas, the GSA property, and both sides of the Anacostia River. ATSDR met with representatives from the Naval District Washington, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, the Naval Research Laboratory, EPA Region III, and the Washington, DC, Department of Public Health. ATSDR did not identify any specific community health concerns attributed to WNY, but learned that local community members had expressed concern about the environmental quality of the Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity (ATSDR 1999a).

Due to changes in technical staff, ATSDR conducted a follow-up site visit in September 1999. No additional public health issues or community concerns were identified by ATSDR during the site visit. In June 2000, ATSDR met with the Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) and presented an overview of ATSDR and the public health assessment process. Prior to the RAB, we met with representatives of the DC Department of Health and others agencies to let them know of our activities. Navy representatives gave ATSDR an off-site tour of areas surrounding WNY.

ATSDR held public availability sessions on September 26 and 27, 2000 to obtain community concerns. The sessions were held at the Van Ness Elementary School and the Anacostia Park Pavilion. Although the general public did not attend these sessions, ATSDR spoke with representatives of the National Park Service and The Student Conservation Association, Inc. and fishermen fishing in Anacostia Park.

In preparing this public health assessment, ATSDR reviewed and evaluated information provided in the referenced documents. Documents prepared for the CERCLA program must meet specific standards for adequate quality assurance and control measures for chain-of-custody procedures, laboratory procedures, and data reporting. The environmental data presented in this public health assessment are from Navy remedial site investigations, Anacostia River monitoring data; municipal drinking water reports; and other information provided primarily by Navy, EPA, and Washington, DC Department of Public Health reports. Based on our evaluation, ATSDR determined that the quality of environmental data available in most site-related documents for WNY is adequate to make public health decisions.

In this section, exposure pathways are evaluated to determine whether people accessing or living near WNY could have been (past scenario), are (current scenario), or will be (future scenario) exposed to site-related contaminants. In evaluating exposure pathways, ATSDR determines whether exposure to contaminated media has occurred, is occurring, or will occur through ingestion, dermal (skin) contact, or inhalation of contaminants. If the contamination is located in an area where exposure is not likely, no public health hazard will be expected to occur (for instance, where contaminated soil is located in an area that is fenced and access is restricted). Exposure to contaminants does not necessarily result in adverse health effects. For a health hazard to be possible, the contaminants must be present in large enough amounts to cause harm, and the exposure must be for a long enough time for the effect to be possible. To determine whether completed pathways pose a potential health hazard, ATSDR compares contaminant concentrations to health-based comparison values.

Comparison values are calculated from available scientific literature on exposure and health effects. These values, which are defined for each of the different media, reflect the estimated maximum contaminant concentration for a given chemical that is not likely to cause adverse health effects, given a standard daily ingestion rate and standard body weight. If contaminant concentrations are above comparison values or background concentrations, ATSDR further analyzes exposure variables (for example, duration and frequency) and the toxicology of the contaminant.

ATSDR evaluated available information on underlying groundwater, local surface water, the WNY investigation sites, and locally-caught fish to determine if they pose any past, current, or potential future public health hazards. After fully evaluating potential human exposure pathways at WNY, ATSDR concluded that public exposures (past, current, and future) to groundwater, surface water, sediment, and most soil are not likely to result in adverse human health effects because contamination in these media is below levels of health concern and/or there is no public exposure to contamination in these media. ATSDR identified past exposure to on-site Admiral=s Row surface soils and the consumption of locally-caught fish as completed exposure pathways. Information on the various contaminated media, exposure pathways, and exposure doses is summarized in Table 1, Appendix A, Appendix B, Appendix C, and the following text. Appendix D provides a glossary to explain related key words and terms.

The following discussion evaluates community concerns about potential human exposure via contaminated groundwater, surface water, sediment, soil, and locally-caught fish. ATSDR=s conclusions regarding the past, current, and potential future exposures to various environmental media on and in the vicinity of WNY are based on an evaluation of information gathered from site investigations, groundwater monitoring data, surface water investigations, and observations compiled during site visits.

Hydrogeology
Although groundwater underlying Washington, DC, generally occurs in unconfined conditions, the fill and underlying clay at WNY result in semi-confined conditions (CH2MHILL 1999). On a small scale, the heterogeneous nature of the fill material likely influences the direction of groundwater flow beneath WNY. Due to WNY topography, the underlying watertable level varies, from approximately 55 feet above sea level in the northeast corner to slightly above sea level along the waterfront (NFEC 1996). The Anacostia River is believed to be the ultimate discharge point for groundwater (CH2MHILL 1999).

Groundwater Use
Groundwater is not used, and never has been used, as a drinking water source in Washington, DC WNY and the surrounding community obtain drinking water from a routinely-monitored municipal source that meets all Washington, DC, and federal and state drinking water standards (e.g., EPA=s maximum contaminant levels [MCLs]). Current and future exposures to contaminated groundwater are unlikely because the groundwater will not be used for domestic water supplies. There are no future plans to place potable wells in the area (ATSDR 1999a). WNY and the surrounding community will continue to receive water from the Washington, DC, municipal drinking water system (ATSDR 1999a).

Groundwater Quality
Past activities at WNY affected groundwater underlying military property. VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected in groundwater underlying WNY, most at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for drinking water. Methylene chloride (detected up to 17 parts per billion [ppb]) and chloroform (up to 12 ppb), were the only VOCs exceeding their respective ATSDR comparison values for drinking water (5 ppb and 6 ppb, respectively) (NFEC 1996, NFEC 1999). Methylene chloride also exceeded EPA=s MCL of 5 ppb. Acetone, 1,2-dichloroethene (total), acenaphthene, fluorene, butylbenzylphthalate, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, and di-n-octylphthalate were frequently detected at concentrations at or below ATSDR comparison values. Seventeen metals were detected in the groundwater. Metals detected at levels above ATSDR comparison values included aluminum, arsenic, barium, beryllium, iron, lead, manganese, and vanadium. Lead in groundwater underlying WNY exceeded the federal action level of 15 ppb at the following sites: 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, Building 201, and the Navy Yard monitoring wells (NFEC 1996).

Appendix A summarizes sampling results for each site. Groundwater samples were collected from Sites 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 14, Building 201, and the Navy Yard monitoring wells. No groundwater samples were collected from Sites 1, 8, 11, 12, or 13.

Evaluation of Potential Public Health Hazards
Even though groundwater contamination has been detected, there is no public exposure to groundwater underlying or in the vicinity of WNY. Private wells are not located in the WNY vicinity and local residents receive water from the Washington, DC, municipal drinking water system. Because there is no exposure, ATSDR concludes that groundwater poses no public health hazard.

Could exposure to surface water and sediment contaminants in the WNY vicinity result in adverse health effects for local employees, residents, or visitors?

Surface Water Hydrology and Sediment Characteristics
Numerous hydrologic factors influence the Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity. Agricultural areas, forested land, and heavily urbanized zones feed surface water runoff into the river, and groundwater underlying WNY also appears to discharge into the river (CH2MHILL 1999). Less than 2 miles downstream of WNY, the flow of the Anacostia River slows as it joins the Potomac River. Because of its proximity to the Chesapeake Bay, the Anacostia River is also tidally influenced. Local urbanization and loss of wetland and forested areas in the Anacostia watershed have changed hydrology patterns and reduced the river=s natural capacity to filter stormwater, thereby facilitating chemical contaminant transport via sediment movements.

Much of the WNY property bordering the Anacostia River is filled land. Because of the fill=s flat topography, water tends to flow slowly, especially at the mouth of the Anacostia River. This sluggish movement, coupled with the fact that the river in the WNY area is tidally influenced, creates an environment in which pollutants linger instead of being washed out by quickly moving water. On average, it takes materials in the lower Anacostia River 20 to 40 days (and over 100 days in times of drought) to reach the Chesapeake Bay (Interstate Commission 1996, USACE 1990). This flow pattern appears to deposit and concentrate significant amounts of upstream contaminants and sediments in the WNY vicinity (EPA and Chesapeake Bay Program Office 1999).

Historically, many industries were based along the banks of the Anacostia River and have had some impact on surface water and sediment quality. Other contaminant sources include mercury from the production of alkaline batteries, PCBs from power utilities, and arsenic from pesticides (EPA 2000).

Approximately 450 storm sewer outfalls owned by the Washington, DC, Water and Sewer Authority discharge storm water runoff directly into the area=s local surface waters. Of these, 136 storm water outfalls discharge into the Anacostia watershed. During large rain storms, 15 combined sewer overflow (CSO) outfalls discharge raw sewage and stormwater directly to the DC portion of the tidal Anacostia River. One hundred and ten storm sewer outfalls discharge into the tidal Anacostia River. Four outfallsCtwo CSO and two storm sewer outfallsCunderlie WNY property and have discharged to the River. Washington, DC, has not yet tested or monitored its municipal outfalls, but the Navy recently conducted some preliminary sampling.

Surface Water Use
No one drinks surface water from the Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity. Local fishers and boaters use the Anacostia River for recreational purposes. There is a small boat yard and two yacht clubs immediately upstream from WNY. Across the river is a public park accessed by fishers. Park visitors and local residents do not normally swim in the Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity, but swimming in this area is not prohibited.

Surface Water and Sediment Quality
The Anacostia River=s health is impacted by a number of interrelated forces, including urban development, the input of untreated sewage from combined sewer overflows, non-point source surface runoff from agricultural activities and storm drains, and the release of chemical contaminants from industrial and federal facilities (Washington, D.C.RA 1996). Over the course of decades of Washington, DC, urbanization and demographic changes, the lower Anacostia River in the WNY vicinity has experienced growing problems with erosion, sedimentation, and the delivery of excess nutrients. For example, during wet weather conditions, the combined sewers in the municipal Washington, DC, system carry both wastewater and storm water in excess of the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant=s peak flow capacity of 740 million gallons per day. This results in overflow events occurring 40 to 50 times per year, discharging approximately 1.3 billion gallons of untreated wastewater into the Anacostia River and other adjacent waters (MWCOG 1997).

More often than not, the specific types and amounts of pollution contributed by WNY activities remain unknown, largely because point sources of chemical contaminants to the Anacostia River are virtually impossible to trace. Few industries or other point sources currently discharge effluent to the lower Anacostia River. Most river contamination appears to stem primarily from off-site non-point sources, past discharges, and/or continuing releases from storm and combined sewers. It is unlikely that surface water and sediment contamination in the vicinity results from current Navy activities, which are primarily administrative at WNY. Several localized WNY sites, however, may have historically been sources of certain contaminants. Sediments in the stormwater sewer lines and outfalls appear to have trapped these historically-released contaminants. Further monitoring of WNY sediment and stormwater discharges, however, is necessary to isolate the larger sources of chemical contaminants. The extent to which WNY sediment and stormwater lines currently contribute to the Anacostia River pollutant load remains unknown.

Recent surveys of the sediments in the Anacostia River (Velinsky et al. 1994, Wade et al. 1994) reveal significant concentrations of PCBs, PAHs, metals, and the pesticide chlordane (Velinsky et al. 1992). Long-term military, agricultural, and industrial activities on the banks of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers are potential sources of these contaminants. Most of the major contaminants in the river adhere to particles, indicating that they likely originated from upstream sources and traveled to WNY via sediment transport. The highest concentrations of many contaminants have been located in the sediments at the lower reaches of the Anacostia River near the confluence with the Potomac River, adjacent to WNY.

During the Navy=s Surface Investigation, six sediment samples were collected from the Anacostia River adjacent to WNY and one sediment sample was collected upstream to serve as a background sediment sample. Methylene chloride (up to 3 parts per million [PPM]), acetone (up to 100 PPM), and toluene (trace amounts) were the only VOCs detected in the seven sediment samples, all at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for soil (no comparison values exist for sediments). A total of 24 SVOCs were detected in the sediment samples collected from the Anacostia River, all at concentrations below ATSDR comparison values for soil (NFEC 1996). In general, the SVOC concentrations appear to be increasing downstream. Metals detected in the sediment samples included copper (up to 260 PPM), lead (up to 234 PPM), nickel (up to 40.7 PPM), and zinc (up to 415 PPM). Pesticides were not detected in the seven sediment samples. However, PCBs (Aroclor 1260) were detected in all the sediment samples with the exception of the background sediment sample. The concentrations of PCBs ranged from 0.085 PPM to 12 PPM and appear to be increasing downstream (NFEC 1996). ATSDR does not have a comparison value for Aroclor 1260, so the maximum detected concentration was screened against the most conservative Aroclor compound comparison value for soil, which is Aroclor 1254. Detected PCB levels slightly exceeded the Aroclor 1245 comparison value of 10 PPM for an adult and 1 PPM for a child. The highest PCB concentrations in sediment were measured adjacent to and downstream from WNY.

During another investigation, concentrations of PAHs in Anacostia River sediment in the WNY vicinity ranged from 5.6 to 28.3 PPM (Wade et al. 1994). These concentrations exceed upstream Anacostia River and typical urban background concentrations, both reported in the range of ppb rather than PPM (ATSDR 1995). The elevated PAH concentrations in the lower Anacostia River likely result from sediment transport and deposition in the WNY vicinity rather than from WNY activities (Wade et al. 1994; Coffin et al. 1998; ATSDR 1999a).

During a 1996 sediment removal action from two stormwater sewer lines (outfall 5 and outfall 10, the Navy found that the stormwater line sediments contained high levels of metals (arsenic [up to 52.6 PPM], lead [up to 567 PPM], mercury [up to 1.2 PPM]) and PCBs (Aroclor 1260 [up to 38 PPM]). Elevated levels of PAHs were also detected in the sediment (see Appendix A for details). Sediment samples collected at the WNY waterfront in 1996 contained lower contaminant concentrations. The contamination in the outfalls may have originated from Sites 4 and 6 or from the off-site Southeast Federal Center (SEFC), which formerly was part of WNY during its industrial period. Surface water samples were then collected at Sites 6 and 14, both of which contained metals (arsenic [up to 65.4 ppb], cadmium [up to 7.2 ppb], iron [up to 42,000 ppb], and lead [up to 305 ppb]) and PCBs (Aroclor 1260 [up to 2.2 ppb]) (NFEC 1996). Even though the maximum detected contaminant concentrations occurred in close proximity to WNY, the portion attributable to WNY activities is unknown. Contaminant deposition is concentrated in the WNY area due to the natural flow, tidal, current, and mixing patterns of the river (Coffin et al. 1998).

In July 1998, the Navy issued an addendum to the Final Interim Measures Work Plan to address dioxin concerns. One sediment sample was collected for each of the storm sewers leading to outfalls 1 and 5 which release into the Anacostia River. Sediment from two storm sewers lines, at outfalls 1 and 5, contains dioxin. The toxicity equivalency factors for dioxin were detected above EPA=s residential screening level. Currently, however, the exact nature and concentration of the dioxin remain unknown. At present, the Navy is investigating the storm sewer lines and outfalls to fully characterize the extent of the contamination.

Evaluation of Potential Public Health Hazards
The outfalls underlying WNY are buried underground and discharge into the Anacostia River at locations where there is no public access. Therefore, no one is exposed to on-site surface water or sediment. Although the public is not exposed to on-site surface water or sediment, ATSDR identified several short-term exposure scenarios in the surrounding WNY vicinity (e.g., fishing and boating in the Anacostia River).

Currently, insufficient data exist to fully characterize the extent and nature of contamination in the Anacostia watershed. However, people do not swim or drink from WNY runoff, outfalls, or the Anacostia River; therefore, exposure to contaminated surface water and sediment is minimal and limited to infrequent dermal contact that might occur during fishing, boating, or other recreational activities. In addition, most of the contaminants detected above ATSDR comparison values (e.g., metals) are not easily absorbed through the skin. ATSDR concludes that such infrequent, short-duration exposure to chemical contaminants in surface water and sediment near WNY does not pose any apparent public health hazards.

Could exposure to surface soil at WNY result in adverse health effects for local employees, residents, or visitors?

Topography
WNY lies on terrace deposits and filled areas of the Anacostia River and slopes generally from the northern part of the facility southward to the river. The ground surface elevation ranges from a high of approximately 55 feet above mean sea level in the northeast part of the facility to just above mean sea level along the bulkhead adjacent to the Anacostia River. The soil appears to consist primarily of poorly sorted silt, sand, and gravel, mixed with variable amounts of construction materials, such as brick, concrete, and wood (CH2MHILL 1999).

Admiral=s Row (Site 10) is the area of primary concern for surface soil contamination (CH2MHILL 1998, NFEC 1996). Admiral=s Row lies along Warrington Avenue and consists of a group of residential buildings and Luetze Park. Surrounding areas consist of grass, pavement, concrete, and other buildings. Some Admiral=s Row residences have fenced yards and gardens. Luetze Park is the only non-paved area accessible to public visitors and WNY residents.

Nature and Extent of Soil Contamination
The main source of surface soil contamination at WNY is lead paint from buildings (Navy 1999). Because most other sites were paved, WNY surface soil samples were only collected and analyzed for lead from the yards of the residences located on Admiral=s Row. The maximum detected lead concentration in surface soil (up to 18,700 PPM) exceeded EPA=s residential soil level of 400 PPM (Navy 1999).

Ten surface soil samples were taken from Luetze Park located on Admiral=s Row. The maximum detected lead concentration in Luetze Park was 441 PPM, which slightly exceeded EPA=s residential soil level of 400 PPM The other nine samples contained detected lead levels below 400 PPM In all Luetze Park samples, the testing laboratory indicated that analytes were present, that the reported values may be biased high, and that the actual lead values are expected to be lower. Therefore, actual lead levels are likely below 400 PPM

Building 292 (Site 14) surface soil, collected below pavement and/or beneath the building, was analyzed for PCBs. Aroclor 1260 was detected at a maximum concentration of 20 PPM, which exceeds ATSDR=s comparison values of 10 PPM (adult) and 1 PPM (child) for Aroclor 1254 (NFEC 1996). (ATSDR does not have a comparison value for Aroclor 1260, so the maximum detected concentration of 20 PPM was screened against the most conservative Aroclor compound comparison value, which is Aroclor 1254).

The Navy found visible liquid mercury in subsurface soil in a confined area at Site 16, approximately 5 or 6 feet below ground surface and very close to the water table. Site 16 is a paved parking lot. In June 1999, the mercury contaminated soil was removed.

Evaluations of Potential Public Health Hazards
The likelihood that workers in their routine responsibilities (e.g., landscaping, gardening, or construction), or residents and visitors during their infrequent access to Admiral=s Row soils, will contact the most contaminated soil for an extended period is remote. If workers or trespassers do contact contaminated soil, exposure most likely is intermittent and brief. Moreover, workers entering these areas must wear protective clothing, which further reduces exposure and any associated health effects. Such minimal, infrequent exposure to on-site contaminants, if it occurs at all, would not be expected to result in adverse health impacts. Appendix A provides a detailed evaluation of potential public health hazards associated with soil contamination at each WNY site. All sites, except for Admiral=s Row, are not associated with any known public health hazards because: 1) no site-related contaminants are present where exposure to the public could occur; 2) contaminant concentrations detected are too low to pose a health hazard; and/or 3) past and current exposures to the general public have been prevented. In addition, most WNY sites (including Admiral=s Row) are surrounded by perimeter fencing and covered surfaces (e.g., vegetative growth, paved areas)Cboth of which prevent and/or reduce potential exposure to contaminated soil. In other locations, contamination occurs in inaccessible subsurface soils where exposure is not possible.

Admiral=s Row surface soil is a completed past exposure pathway for on-site workers, residents, and visitors. Historically, public contact with Admiral=s Row surface soil was not deterred or restricted. Therefore, dermal contact with and incidental ingestion of lead concentrations above EPA=s residential soil level of 400 PPM likely occurred. Because all age groups have accessed WNY, either as residents or museum visitors, ATSDR evaluated potential health hazards at WNY for both adult and child past exposures (Appendix C). Based on ATSDR=s estimated exposure doses, past blood lead levels for children living at WNY may have been elevated above the recommended action level of 10Fg/dl in blood. Due to conservative assumptions in the calculation made by ATSDR, this estimated dose likely overestimates actual past exposure levels. Due to insufficient historical data on the extent of and exposure to this lead contamination, the exact health implications from past exposures can not be assessed.

To deter people from contacting contaminated surface soils at Admiral=s Row, the Navy currently enforces several interim measures. The Navy has constructed yard and garden fences surrounding contaminated areas of soil, posted signs warning the public about the contaminated surface soils, and implemented and enforced stringent land use restrictions to stop residents and the general public from contacting yard and garden soils. Only trained contractors following Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety requirements and wearing protective gear are currently permitted to dig, garden, and/or landscape in the Admiral=s Row vicinity. The Navy also initiated a public education program. This lead-awareness initiative alerts WNY construction workers, employees, and residents about the hazards of working and living in a 200-year old military base. These interim measures have effectively deterred WNY residents, employees, and visitors from contacting Admiral=s Row contaminated surface soils (ATSDR 1999a).

ATSDR concludes that current and potential future exposures to on-site soil pose no apparent public health hazards. Past soil exposure is a completed exposure pathway with the potential for adverse health effects to children, but, due to the lack of historical data, the health implications from past exposure can not be assessed.

Will eating fish caught from the lower Anacostia River near WNY cause adverse health effects?

The Anacostia River is a popular recreational fishing spot for Washington, D.C.-area anglers, particularly in the vicinity of Hains Point (at the confluence of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers). Most anglers fishing along the river practice catch and release fishing (82%), although some anglers still cook and eat their catches. Of the fish species inhabiting the river, catfish and bass are the most commonly caught species (DC Department of Health 1999). A public park (Anacostia Park) lies across the lower Anacostia River from WNY with posted signs to warn anglers against cleaning their catch on the picnic benches. During the site visit, however, ATSDR noted that public signs warning anglers against eating their catch are not readily apparent. We recommend that the National Park Service improve the fishing advisory signs so that they are more easily seen in Anacostia Park. The Washington, DC, Department of Public Health (DC Health Department) has posted signs in the area since it issued a fish consumption advisory for the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers in July 1989. We recommend additional fish advisory warning signs in visible locations along the lower reaches of the Anacostia River.

As noted in the Surface Water and Sediment discussion, the Anacostia River water quality and the sediment have been impacted by a number of pollutant sources, including urban development, untreated sewage from combined sewer overflows, non-point source surface runoff from agricultural activities and storm drains, and the release of chemical contaminants from industrial and federal facilities (Washington, D.C.RA 1996). Today, most river contamination stems primarily from off-site non-point sources, continued releases from past discharges, and/or continuing releases from storm and combined sewers. Because of a number of possible pollutant sources, the extent to which WNY has or currently contributes to the Anacostia River contamination remains unknown.

Even though the levels of chemical contaminants in surface water or sediment of the Anacostia River are relatively low, the levels of contaminants in fish tissue are high enough to pose health concerns to people who eat fish. The contaminants build up in fish over time as a result of a very slow rate of elimination. Larger, older fish tend to accumulate the highest levels of contaminants (EPA 1994).

In 1989, the Washington, DC, Department of Health issued a public health advisory, urging anglers to limit their consumption of channel catfish, carp, and eel caught in the DC waters of the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. This advisory was primarily based on elevated levels of PCBs and chlordane in fish (see Fish Tissue Data section below). These species were targeted because they generally have a high body fat content that readily bioaccumulates contaminants and because they are bottom feeders in frequent contact with contaminated sediments. The Washington, DC, Department of Health advised citizens to consume no more than one locally caught meal (one-half pound) per week and to eat only skinless, boneless fillets. The advisory discouraged women of childbearing age, nursing mothers, and pre-schoolers from eating any locally caught fish (DC DCRA 1994a).

Based on annual fish tissue data gathered by the Washington, DC, Environmental Regulation Administration (DC ERA), the Washington, DC, Department of Health reviewed and updated their fish consumption advisory with stronger language in 1994 (Interstate Commission 1996). The upgraded advisory called for a total ban on the consumption of locally caught catfish, carp, and eel (bottom-feeding species). Additionally, it advised citizens to eat only one-half pound per week of sunfish, one-half pound per month of largemouth bass, and 1 to 4 meals per month of other fish from the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. The Washington DC, Department of Health advised people to choose younger and smaller fish of legal size and encouraged catch-and-release fishing over consumption (DC DCRA 1994b). According to Washington, DC, Department of Health officials, the vast majority of the public adheres to these posted warnings, but some community members continue to eat fish and eel caught from the lower Anacostia River.

Fish Tissue Data
A number of fish tissue studies have been conducted by various agencies and groups to assess trends in contaminants concentrations in the fish from both the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Many studies report contaminant levels above action or tolerance levels designed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to protect consumers of commercial fish. The two primary contaminants of concern are PCBs and chlordane (Velinsky and Cummins 1994, Sommerfield and Cummins 1989). FDA=s action or tolerance levels, used by ATSDR as screening values and referenced in the following discussion, are (all wet weight): PCBs, 2.0 PPM; chlordane, 0.3 PPM; dieldrin, 0.3 PPM; 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), 5.0 PPM; and mercury, 1.0 PPM

Many of the available studies report findings of contaminants in fish samples collected from various points along the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers and in more than one fish sample type (i.e., fillet, carcass, and whole fish). For the purposes of this public health assessment, ATSDR was most interested in assessing data for fish most likely affected by WNY-related contaminants and for fish types most relevant to local population=s eating habits. Therefore, ATSDR evaluated:

Between 1987 and 1992, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1987), DC ERA (1989), the DC Environmental Control Division (1991), and Velinsky and Cummins (1989 to 1992) conducted studies to characterize chemical residues in fish from the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Fish, predominantly channel catfish, common carp, largemouth bass, brown bullhead, sunfish, and American eel, were collected and analyzed for PCBs and pesticides; selected samples were analyzed for metals, VOCs, SVOCs, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. In addition to fillet (skinned and deboned) samples, certain studies also analyzed whole body and carcass samples for contaminant concentrations (Velinsky et al. 1992; Velinsky and Cummins 1994).

In general, the 1987-1992 data indicate that detectable levels of many chemicals were present in edible, as well as whole body and carcass, samples of fish from the Anacostia River. The chemicals ranged from trace levels of metals, such as mercury and lead, to higher levels of organic compounds, such as pesticides and PCBs. In fact, in each study PCBs and the pesticide chlordane exceeded their respective FDA action or tolerance levels. The highest levels of contaminants tended to be in bottom feeding fish, such as channel catfish and American eel. PCBs and chlordane were detected at levels up to 2.4 PPM and 0.622 PPM, respectively, in channel catfish caught from the lower Anacostia River. [Higher PCB levels were reported for whole body (2.4 PPM) and carcass (2.9 PPM) samples.] Top level predators typically accumulate less PCBs and other organic compounds, owing to less body fat. Based on the fish tissue data, it was clear that PCBs and chlordane were present at concentrations of public health concern (Velinsky and Cummins 1994).

As of 1996, Velinsky and Cummins had collected and analyzed 20 fish sample composites. The composites were obtained from the DC=s Environmental Regulation Administration (DC ERA) archived inventories of samples collected in 1993, 1994, and 1995. Not all species were collected from the same location each year. The samples were analyzed for more than 129 chemical contaminants. PCBs, chlordane, dieldrin, DDT, and mercury were detected in one or more species of fish, but generally at concentrations below FDA action or tolerance levels. Based on their fish tissue data, however, Velinsky and Cummins still concluded that PCBs and chlordane were present in fish tissue at concentrations of public health concern (Velinsky and Cummins 1996). Table 2 summarizes the maximum contaminant concentrations detected in fish fillet samples collected from the lower Anacostia River.

In the fall 2000, DC ERA and EPA conducted a fish tissue study along the Anacostia River. Findings of this study will not become final until mid-2001. Preliminary results, however, appear to confirm previous historical findings, mainly that PCB and chlordane are the primary contaminants of concern and are repeatedly detected at concentrations above FDA action levels, especially in bottom-dwelling fish species such as the channel catfish, carp, and American eel (Anacostia River Watershed Database and Mapping Project, NOAA 1999; Velinsky 2000). Based on results from the anticipated fish tissue study, the DC Health Department will revise its Anacostia River fish consumption advisory as necessary (Bekele 2000). ATSDR will also review these data as soon as they become available.

In summary: (1) historical fish tissue data (1987-1992) for the lower Anacostia River indicate that the FDA action or tolerance levels for PCBs and chlordane have been exceeded in fillet samples of channel catfish, carp, and American eel, thus prompting the Washington, DC, Department of Health to issue a fish consumption advisory for the lower Anacostia River; (2) more recent fish tissue data (1993-1995) show lower PCB and chlordane concentrations, at levels generally below the FDA action or tolerance levels but still of public health significance; and (3) additional fish tissue data for the lower Anacostia River will become final in May 2001.

Evaluation of Potential Public Health Hazards
Of all contaminants detected in fish from the lower Anacostia River, only PCBs and chlordane exceeded their respective FDA action or tolerance levels. These FDA action or tolerance levels served as preliminary screening values, but ATSDR did not consider them to be very conservative for several reasons: (1) the FDA action levels apply only to fish sold in interstate commerce, (2) the FDA action levels factor in economic considerations and are not as conservative as health-based action levels, and (3) fish consumption rates for sport anglers could be higher than those assumed for the consumption of commercially bought fish. Therefore, ATSDR conservatively estimated exposure doses for individuals who eat fish contaminated with PCBs and chlordane from the lower Anacostia River. Appendix C describes the method and conservative assumptions ATSDR used to estimate exposure doses and potential health effects. The estimated exposure dose for PCBs exceeded levels considered acceptable for the general population. Based on current, available information, ATSDR concludes the consumption of local fish could pose a public health hazard and the no fish consumption advisory for the Anacostia River should continue to be observed. Additional signs urging people to adhere to the advisory may be needed at key public access points along the Anacostia River.

The community surrounding WNY has concerns regarding the Anacostia River=s surface water quality. No public health hazards were specifically attributed to local surface water contamination, nor were WNY operations implicated as the primary source of Anacostia River pollutants. The public, however, expressed a desire for WNY to immediately address the issue by implementing remediation efforts to improve local surface water quality. The status of the various sites at WNY and remediation projects are outlined in the Public Health Action Plan section and Appendix A of this report.

On September 26 and 27, 2000, ATSDR held sessions for the public to express their health and environmental concerns with respect to WNY. Our public sessions were held at Van Ness Elementary School and the Anacostia Park Pavilion. During these sessions, ATSDR spoke with representatives from the National Park Service, the Student Conservation Association, Inc., and the Navy. ATSDR also spoke with eight fishermen in Anacostia Park on September 27. Three fishermen said they were catching-and-releasing while 5 others indicated they eat the fish sometimes and were not aware of consumption advisories.

ATSDR recognizes that infants and children may be more sensitive to exposures than adults in communities with contamination in their water, soil, air, or food. This sensitivity is a result of a number of factors. Children are more likely to be exposed to soil or surface water contamination because they play outdoors and often bring food into contaminated areas. For example, children may come into contact with and ingest soil particles at higher rates than adults do; also, some children with a behavior trait known as Apica@ are more likely than others to ingest soil and other nonfood items. Children are shorter than adults, which means they can breath dust, soil, and any vapors close to the ground. Also, they are smaller, resulting in higher doses of chemical exposure per body weight. The developing body systems of children can sustain permanent damage if toxic exposures occur during critical growth stages. Because children depend completely on adults for risk identification and management decisions, ATSDR is committed to evaluating their special interest at sites such as WNY, as part of the ATSDR Child Health Initiative.

ATSDR has attempted to identify populations of children in the vicinity of WNY and any completed exposure pathways to these children. During the 1999 ATSDR site visit, one adolescent child under the age of 18 lived on WNY property. The community surrounding WNY contains residential neighborhoods with children and schools, but children cannot easily trespass on to WNY property due to perimeter fencing and military security measures. Children, however, may infrequently visit WNY during group tours and visits to the on-site museum. The tours and museum do not expose WNY visitors to contaminated areas or public health hazards.

Residential and visiting children may access Luetze Park, but not Admiral=s Row gardens and house lawns which contain lead levels above 400 PPM Access to Admiral=s Row is prevented by site fencing and land use restrictions. Luetze Park is grass covered and contains surface soil lead concentrations too low to pose a public health hazard to children.

In the past, prior to Naval land use restrictions, there may have been limited child exposure to the lead-contaminated surface soil. Currently, all child exposures to on-site contaminants are prevented because children do not drink the underlying groundwater, contact Admiral=s Row surface soils, access subsurface soils, or come into contact with any other known contaminated areas.

The Anacostia River has been impacted by chemical pollutants released into the river from a variety of sources. Children should not come into prolonged direct contact with the pollutants since children do not swim in the Anacostia River. Children may eat fish from the river, however, if parents do not follow the Washington, DC, fish consumption advisory for the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. If children do eat locally-caught fish, the chemical residues in the fish could pose a public health hazard for children. ATSDR recommends that children and parents observe the Washington, DC, fish consumption advisory. We also recommend raising awareness about the fishing advisory among residents and health care providers.

ATSDR concludes that past, current, and future exposures to groundwater, surface water, and sediment do not pose a public health hazard for children because exposure is minimal, if it occurs at all. Past exposure to lead in surface soil at Admiral=s Row is a completed exposure pathway with the potential to have adversely affected child health. The consumption of local fish poses a potential child health hazard and children should not eat fish caught in the lower reaches of the Anacostia River.

Based on an evaluation of available information, ATSDR has reached the following conclusions:

The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for WNY contains a description of actions taken and those to be taken, as necessary, by ATSDR, the Navy, EPA, EPA Region III, and Washington, DC, Department of Public Health at and in the vicinity of the base subsequent to the completion of this public health assessment. The purpose of the PHAP is to ensure that the 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. The public health actions that are completed, being implemented, or planned are as follows:

On the basis of the 1996 Site Investigation report, the Navy has conducted removal actions and/or Engineering Evaluations/Cost Analysis at five sites:

Laura Frazier
Environmental Health Scientist
Federal Facilities Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation

Gary Campbell, Ph.D.
Environmental Health Scientist
Federal Facilities Assessment Branch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation

Tom Stukas
Regional Representative
ATSDR Region 3

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ATSDR. 1998. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Health Consultation, Anacostia River Initiative, Washington, District of Columbia, July 8, 1998.

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Bekele, J. 2000. Phone conversation between Jerusalem Bekele, Office of Water Quality, Washington, DC Department of Health and ERG, regarding recent Anacostia River water quality and fish tissue studies. ATSDR Record of Communication. July 28, 2000

Block, E. 1990. Organochlorine Residues and Histopathological Examination of Fish from the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers, Washington, DC, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Annapolis, MD.

CH2MHILL. 1998. Final Engineering Evaluation/Cost Analysis (EE/CA) Admiral=s Row - Site 10, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC, Department of the Navy, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. CTO-0040. June 1998.

CH2MHILL. 1999. Final Update One Corrective Action Management Plan for RCRA Facility Investigation and Removal Actions, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC, Department of the Navy, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. CTO-58. January 1999.

Coffin, R., M. Orr, L. Cifuentes, and J. Pohlman. 1998. Contaminant Distribution and Fate in Anacostia River Sediments: Particulate Transport Survey. Naval Research Laboratory. NRL/MR/6115B98-8139. February 27, 1998.

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Miller, P. 1999. Paul Miller of the Navy, ATSDR record of communication with Eastern Research Group, regarding a site update and data gaps. July 28, 1999.

MWCOG. 1997. Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. Draft Anacostia Watershed Restoration Progress and Conditions Report 1990-1996. Washington, DC 1997.

Navy. 1999. Draft Final Site Management Plan Fulfilling Submission Requirements for: Final Corrective Action Management Plan (CAMP). Department of the Navy, Atlantic Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (Contract No. N62470-95-D-6007 CTO-58). Norfolk, Virginia. July 1999.

NFEC. 1996. Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Department of the Navy Chesapeake Division. Final Site Investigation, Washington Navy Yard, Washington, DC, Volume 1 of 111, Text. CTO-0289. September 1996.

NFEC. 1999. Draft final management plan. Fulfilling submission requirements for: Final corrective action management plan (CAMP). Department of the Navy. Atlantic Division. Naval Facilities Engineering Command. July 1999.

NFEC. 2001. Personal correspondence from Lance Laughmiller, Installation Restoration Section, Naval Facilities Engineering Command. April 24, 2001.

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NOAA. 1999. Developed by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Response and Restoration, Coastal Protection and Restoration Division. Anacostia River Watershed Database and Mapping Project. Release One. November 1999. CD-Rom database provided to ATSDR June, 2000. Contains water quality, sediment, and fish tissue data from EPA, NOAA, and state departments.

Pinkney, A.E., W.H. Burton, L.C. Scott, and J.B. Frithsen (1993) An Assessment of Potential Effects of the January 1992 Oil Spill in the Anacostia River, Versar, Inc., Columbia, MD.

Pinkney, A., J.C. Harshbarger, E.W. May, and M. Melancon. 2000. Tumor prevalence and biomarkers of exposure and response in Brown Bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from the Tidal Potomac River Watershed. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. CBFO-C99-04. March 2000.

Sommerfield, M. and J.D. Cummins. 1989. Statistical Analysis of Fish Tissue Toxics Data Collected by the District of Columbia. Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin, Rockville, MD.

USACE. 1990. United States Army Corps of Engineers. Anacostia River and Tributaries, District of Columbia and Maryland, Reconnaissance Report. USACE Baltimore District, Baltimore, MD.

Velinsky, D.J., H.C. Haywood, T.L. Wade, and E. Reinharz. 1992. Sediment Contamination Studies of the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers Around the District of Columbia, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Report # 94-2, Rockville, MD.

Velinsky, DJ, B. Gruessner, and C. Haywood. 1994. Determination of the Volume of Contaminated Sediments in the Anacostia River: District of Columbia (Draft Report). Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Consumer & Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Regulation Administration. 1994.

Velinsky, DJ and JD Cummins. 1994. Distribution of Chemical Contaminants in Wild Fish Species in Washington, DC, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Report # 94-1, Rockville, MD.

Velinsky, DJ and JD Cummins. 1996. Distribution of Chemical Contaminants in 1993-1995 Wild Fish Species in Washington, DC, Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin Report # 96-1, Rockville, MD. July 1996.

Velinsky, DJ 2000. David J. Velinsky of the Academy of Natural Sciences, ATSDR record of communication with Eastern Research Group, regarding a site update and data gaps. August 21, 2000.

Wade, TL, DJ Velinsky, E. Reinharz, and C.E. Schlekat. 1994. Tidal River Sediments in the Washington, DC Area. II. Distribution and Sources of Organic Contaminants. 1994.

Washington, D.C.RA. 1996. Washington, District of Columbia, Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs Environmental Regulation Administration. Anacostia River Toxics Management Action Plan (Draft). April 8, 1996.

Washington Navy Yard (WNY). 2001. The Naval Center. Washington Navy Yard web page. http://www.history.navy.mil.branches/nhcorg8.htm. January 2001.

Key: BB = brown bullhead; CC = channel catfish; COC = common catfish; AE = American eel. Bolded values exceeded FDA action or tolerance levels.

¹ In addition to presenting new data (1993-1995), Velinsky and Cummins (1996) summarized data for three other studies: Block 1990; Sommerfield and Cummins 1989; and Velinsky and Cummins 1994.

² Higher PCB (up to 17 PPM) and chlordane (2.456 PPM) concentrations in lower Anacostia River fish were reported by Pinkney et al. (1993), a study which was initiated after a January 1992 oil spill unrelated to WNY operations. It is unclear why fish tissue contaminant concentrations reported in the Pinkney study are much higher than those reported by other studies. A close examination of the methods used and quality assurance and quality control results produced no specific causes. Fish collected for the Pinkney study may have been old, large, and from locations of higher pollutant load, factors that greatly influence fish tissue contaminant concentrations.

Table 1. Exposure Hazards Summary, Washington Navy Yard
Exposure Scenario	Time Frame	Exposure Yes/No	Hazard	Actions Taken/Recommended
Exposure to groundwater underlying WNY.	Past Current Future	Past, current, and future: No	No hazard	$ No actions are necessary to protect public health.
Dermal contact with surface water and sediments, both on- and off-site.	Past Current Future	Past, current, and future: Minimal exposure, if any, to surface water and sediment. Local residents do not swim or drink from WNY runoff, outfalls, or the Anacostia River.	No apparent hazard	$ The Navy and Washington, DC, Department of Public Health will sample storm sewer outfalls. $ The Navy=s removal action of contaminated sediments from the WNY storm sewer system is ongoing.
Dermal contact with surface soil at Admiral=s Row (Site 10).	Past Current Future	Past: Yes Current, and future: No	Past: possible health hazard for children Current and future: No apparent hazard	$ It is not known whether or not children were exposed to hazardous soil lead levels in the past, but current exposure is prevented by Navy interim actions (fencing, sign posting, and land use restrictions). $ The Navy initiated an education awareness program to further reduce risks. $ The Navy has or will remove contaminated soils, including those from Admiral=s Row.
Consumption of contaminated fish caught in the lower reaches of the Anacostia River.	Past Current Future	Past, current, and future: Yes	Past, current, and future: Hazard	$ Anacostia River fish toxicity is a regional issue. $ Washington, DC, Department of Public Health has instituted an advisory against eating fish caught from the Anacostia River. The advisory was reviewed and updated with stronger language in 1994. $ Washington, DC, Department of Public Health will post additional fish advisory warning signs and continue its public outreach programs. We recommend that the National Park Service improve the fishing advisory signs so that they are more easily seen in Anacostia Park.

Contaminant	Study/Database	Maximum Concentration (PPM)	Date Sample Collected	FDA Action or Tolerance Level (PPM)
Mercury	Pinkney et al. 1993 Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database	0.144 (Carp) 0.091 (COC) 0.164 (AE)	1992 1994 1980-1995	1
Lead	Pinkney et al. 1993 Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database	0.037 (Carp) 0.254 (Sunfish) 2.0 (LMB)	1992 1993 1980-1995	no value
PAHs, total	Pinkney et al. 1993 Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database	0.306 (Carp) 3.4265 (CC) no data	1992 1993 ---	no value
Naphthalene	Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database	0.052 (CC) no data	1993 ---	no value
PCBs, total ²	Pinkney et al. 1993 Anacostia Watershed Database Bullhead Study 2000	17.951(CC) 2.4 (CC) 0.907 (BB)	1992 --- 1997	2
DDT, total	Pinkney et al. 1993 Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database Pinkney et al. 2000	2.048 (Carp) 0.177 (CC) 0.501 (CC) 0.160 (BB)	1992 1993 --- 1997	5
Chlordane ²	Pinkney et al. 1993 Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Pinkney et al. 2000	2.456 (Carp) 0.182 (CC) 0.622 (CC) 0.187 (BB)	1992 1993 --- 1997	0.3
Dieldrin	Velinsky and Cummins 1996¹Anacostia Watershed Database Pinkney et al. 2000	0.0254 (CC) 0.052 (CC) 0.183 (BB)	1993 --- 1997	0.3

PATHWAY NAME	POTENTIAL SOURCE OF CONTAMINATION	ENVIRON-MENTAL MEDIUM	POINT OF EXPOSURE	ROUTE OF EXPOSURE	TIME OF EXPOSURE	EXPOSED POP.	COMMENTS
Groundwater (on-site)	WNY activities have affected groundwater underlying military property, with methylene chloride, chloroform, and metals being the main contaminants of concern.	Groundwater	! None Groundwater underlying WNY has never been used as a source of domestic water, nor will it be used for potable water in the future.	! None	Past, Current, and Future: ! No exposures have or will occur. Underlying groundwater does not supply on-site drinking water.	Past, Current, and Future: ! None	Past, Current and Future: ! All on- and off-site residents receive drinking water from a municipal source which meets all federal and state drinking water standards (e.g., EPA=s MCL). Groundwater underlying WNY poses no public health hazards because there is no exposure.
Surface Water and Sediment (on- and off-site)	PCBs, PAHs, metals, and pesticides from numerous unidentified point and nonpoint sources in the Anacostia watershed, potentially including WNY activities and on-site storm drainage network.	Surface water and sediment	Off-site exposure to surface water and sediment (Anacostia River)	Dermal contact	Past, Current and Future: ! Minimal exposure, if any, to surface water and sediment will occur. Local residents do not swim or drink from WNY runoff, outfalls, or the Anacostia River.	Past, Current and Future: ! Local residents	Past, Current and Future: ! Most of the contamination in the WNY vicinity occurs in WNY drainage ditches and the Anacostia River sediment. There is minimal, if any, public exposure to these sediment. ! No one drinks local surface waters so there is no public exposure to this water. ! Incidental exposure to sediment is not likely to present a public health hazard. Past, current, and future exposures to on- and off-site surface water and sediment pose no apparent public health hazards
Soil (on-site)	Admiral=s Row (Site 10) surface soils contained lead concentrations (up to 18,700 PPM) above ATSDR comparison values for residential areas. The primary contamination source is lead paint peeling from WNY buildings.	Soil	Past: ! On-site surface soil at specific residential houses on Admiral=s Row. Current and Future:

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