Based on the information reviewed, the Ramapo Landfill site near the Village of Hillburn,
Rockland County, poses an indeterminate public health hazard. The available data do not
indicate that humans are being or have been exposed to levels of contamination that would be
expected to cause adverse health effects. However, insufficient and/or incomplete data for
certain environmental media creates uncertainty as to the presence of contaminants which may
cause adverse health effects. Data inadequacies include the following:
The number of shallow soil samples collected may not be sufficient to provide data indicative
of overall site conditions.
No ambient air data exist on hydrogen sulfide concentrations at on-site and off-site receptor
locations. Also, no air data exist to determine the specific source of the landfill odors off-site,
and its public health implications.
Due to QA/QC violations, pesticides and PCB data are unavailable for the on-site leachate
seep samples, for the on-site subsurface soil sample MW5-SB, and for three of six off-site
subsurface soil samples collected during the RI.
Insufficient data exist to confirm vinyl chloride contamination found in an upstream surface
water sample from Torne Brook.
Air monitoring activities were performed over a one or two day period and do not represent the
quality of ambient air over time.
No data exist to determine the extent of contamination, if any, in surface water and sediments
in the Ramapo River at the recreation area referred to as "Flat Rock".
On-site and off-site groundwater monitoring wells are contaminated with volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds and selected metals at concentrations that exceed comparison values
and under certain exposure scenarios could pose an increased risk of adverse health effects. To
date, migration of these contaminants to two nearby residential wells and public drinking water
supply wells has not been identified and therefore no known exposure is occurring. Testing of
the on-site baler building well has not indicated any contamination.
The potential for on-site exposure to contaminated surface water and related media is limited
to leachate seeps. Exposure to leachate at the on-site leachate holding pond and in the subsurface
leachate collection system is not expected to occur since access is controlled. Leachate seeps are
contaminated with metals which could present a public health risk, especially to children who
could play in these areas on a frequent basis.
Limited ambient air sampling on-site indicates a potential for exposure to methane gas. A
public health threat exists with methane due to the potential for explosive levels of methane to
migrate and accumulate inside the baler building and weigh station. Off-site ambient air has not
been sampled to determine if site related contaminants are migrating to the residential area near
Torne Brook Road.
Past recreational use of Torne Brook stream and the Ramapo River is unlikely to result in any
adverse health effects due to contamination with metals from landfill leachate. Current and
future use of these waters is not expected to cause any adverse health effects since on-site
leachate is no longer discharged to the Ramapo River.
Cancer incidence and mortality data reviewed for the years 1978-1982 found no significant
excess in cancer or cancer of any of 17 common sites of cancer when compared to the mortality
and cancer incidence rates of New York State excluding New York City.
Various health concerns have been raised by the local community. These concerns have been
addressed in the Public Health Implications section of this document.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Private and public groundwater wells downgradient of the site and the on-site baler building
well should be routinely monitored, whether they have exhibited contamination in the past or not.
Groundwater quality needs to be monitored downgradient from the site and in the general path of
groundwater flow. New and selected existing monitoring wells should be used to identify any
encroaching contamination that may affect downgradient private and public wells. Residents
with wells in which contamination has consistently been found should be provided with a
permanent, alternate water supply.
Measures should be taken to restrict public access onto the landfill sections and within the
surface water collector installed at the base of the landfill.
The safety of on-site remedial workers and the surrounding community should be addressed
during activities which may disturb the existing soils. Optimal dust control measures should be
used and perimeter monitoring (for presence and transport of soil vapor) should be implemented
during remedial activities to ensure the safety of nearby residents. Appropriate protective
clothing and respiratory protection should be worn by workers during activities involving
removal or disturbance of soils. On-site remedial workers should follow relevant Occupational
Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
guidelines.
The potential for contaminants to affect indoor air quality at nearby residences and at the on-site baler building and weigh station warrants the need to conduct additional ambient air
monitoring. Measurement locations should be focused particularly at locations at the edge of the
landfill to evaluate potential human exposures to volatile organic compounds or explosive
hazards from methane. Measures should be taken to control and monitor gas emissions from the
landfill.
Remediation should address the landfill's role as an on-going source of contamination to
surface water and surface water sediments.
Implement institutional controls to prevent the installation of drinking water wells at the site.
Additional investigations should be conducted to confirm the vinyl chloride contamination
found in an upstream surface water sample from Torne Brook.
Additional surface water/sediment sampling should be conducted in the Ramapo River at the
area referred to as "Flat Rock."
Health Activities Recommendation Panel (HARP) Recommendations
The data and information developed in the public health assessment for the Ramapo Landfill,
Ramapo, New York, has been reviewed by ATSDR's Health Activities Recommendations Panel
for appropriate follow-up with respect to health actions. The panel agrees that the community
health education performed by the NYS DOH was appropriate. No other follow-up health
actions were determined appropriate for the site.
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS
The Public Health Action Plan (PHAP) for the Ramapo Landfill site contains a description of
actions to be taken by the US EPA, ATSDR and/or the New York State Department of Health
(NYS DOH) at and near the site subsequent 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 the ATSDR/NYS DOH to follow-up on this plan to ensure that it is
implemented. The public health actions to be implemented are as follows:
The US EPA Record of Decision includes the construction of a permanent landfill cap on the
site and improvements to the existing leachate collection system. Capping will prevent direct
contact exposure to any contaminated soils and leachate seeps. This action will also reduce
human exposure due to migration of contaminants from the site into soil gas and groundwater
where these media may be contacted by nearby workers and residents. Exposure to groundwater
contamination will be further reduced through groundwater pumping and off-site treatment.
US EPA's selected remedy calls for posting and fencing of the landfill. This action will reduce
the frequency of trespassers on the landfill property thereby preventing on-site exposure to
contaminated media, including leachate seeps and landfill gas.
Air monitoring for VOCs and landfill gases will be included under this remedy, and landfill
gases will be vented to the atmosphere or controlled, as needed to ensure the safety of nearby
residents and workers. The selected remedy also includes deed restrictions with respect to the
future use of the site, and the prohibition of on-site groundwater extraction for potable use.
The US EPA Record of Decision includes the collection of groundwater samples from nearby
private and public drinking water supply wells and from new and selected existing monitoring
wells. If increases are noted through this monitoring program at or immediately upgradient of
the residences, New York State and the US EPA will make a determination as to the need for appropriate action (i.e., extension of a public water line) to remedy the situation.
All site activity will be conducted under a prepared health and safety plan. These plans will
include provisions for air monitoring to assure that nearby residents are not exposed to
significant concentrations of site-related contaminants.
The ATSDR and NYS DOH will coordinate with the appropriate agencies regarding actions to
be taken in response to those recommendations provided in this public health assessment for
which no plan of action has yet been developed.
The ATSDR will provide an annual follow-up to the PHAP, outlining the actions completed
and those in progress. This report will be placed in repositories that contain copies of this Public
Health Assessment, and will be provided to persons who request it.
CERTIFICATION
The Public Health Assessment for the Ramapo Landfill site was prepared by the New York State
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.
Gregory V. Ulirsch
Technical Project Officer, SPS, RPB, DHAC
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC), ATSDR, has reviewed this
Public Health Assessment and concurs with its findings.
Robert C. Williams, PE, DEE
Division Director, DHAC, ATSDR
PREPARERS OF THE REPORT
John M. Olm
Sr. Public Health Sanitarian
Bureau of Environmental Exposure Investigation
New York State Department of Health
ATSDR Regional Representative
Arthur Block
Regional Services
Office of the Assistant Administrator
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Technical Project Officer
Greg Ulirsch
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Remedial Programs Branch
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
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