PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
PACKAGING CORPORATION OF AMERICA
FILER CITY, MANISTEE COUNTY, MICHIGAN
LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1. Site Location

Figure 2. Site Features
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Population of civil divisions near the Packaging Corporation site.
| Name | Population | Date | Reference/Comments | |||
| Manistee County | 21,265 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| City of Manistee | 6,734 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| East Lake | 473 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| Stronach Township(4) | 688 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| Stronach(5) | 250 | 1987 | Estimated from 3 | |||
| Filer Township(4) | 1,966 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| Filer City/Oak Hill(5) | 856 | 1980 | 3 | |||
| Filer City(5) | 170 | 1980 | Estimated from 3 | |||
| Oak Hill(5) | 680 | 1980 | Estimated from 3 | |||
| Manistee Township | 2,952 | 1990 | 7 | |||
| Chemical | Date | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Reference | Comparison Value (ppb) |
| ammonia | 1970 | 1,100 | 14 | 30,000A |
| 1973 | 440 | 15 | ||
| 4/83 | 65 | 16 | ||
| 6/83 | 72 | 16 | ||
| chloride | 2/57 | 3,450,000 | 13 | NA |
| 1958 | 1,780,000 | 15 | ||
| 1970 | 1,300,000 | 14 | ||
| 1973 | 130,000 | 14 | ||
| 1976 | 109,000 | 14 | ||
| 4/83 | 46,000 | 16 | ||
| 6/83 | 32,000 | 16 | ||
| sulfate | 4/83 | 16,000 | 16 | NA |
| 6/83 | 14,000 | 16 |
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases:
Table 3. Contaminants of concern at the Packaging Corporation of America site
| METALS AND INORGANIC CHEMICALS |
SEMI-VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS | ||
| ammonia | benzoic acid | ||
| antimony | bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | ||
| arsenic | 2-methylphenol | ||
| barium | 4-methylphenol | ||
| cadmium | phenol | ||
| chloride | |||
| chromium | POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs) | ||
| copper | |||
| lead | |||
| manganese | POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS | ||
| mercury | |||
| nickel | |||
| sodium | anthracene | ||
| sulfate | benzo(a)anthracene | ||
| vanadium | benzo(a)pyrene | ||
| zinc | chrysene | ||
| 2-methylnaphthalene | |||
| VOLATILE ORGANIC CHEMICALS | naphthalene | ||
| phenanthrene | |||
| tetrachloroethylene | |||
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppm) |
Comparison Values (ppm) |
|
| on-site | background | ||
| antimony | ND (44) | 9.4 | 0.8R |
| arsenic | ND (8.3) | 2.9 | 0.6E, 0.4C |
| barium | 163 | 30 | 100R |
| cadmium | 21 | 1.2 | 1E, carcinogen |
| calcium | 228,000 | 1,150 | NA |
| chromium | 8.1 | 3 | 2,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| copper | 173 | 3 | NA |
| lead | 128 | 12 | carcinogen |
| manganese | 231 | 183 | 200R |
| mercury | 2.2 | 0.1 | NA |
| nickel | 8.9 | 3.2 | carcinogen |
| sodium | 17,800 | 266 | NA |
| vanadium | 10 | 7.5 | NA |
| zinc | 2,080 | 24 | 600R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 90.J | 0.081J | 40R |
| phenol | 91 | ND | 1,000R |
| 4-methylphenol | 132 | ND | carcinogen |
Reference: 3
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected (with highest detection limit reported)
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases:E -- ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)
C -- ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)
R -- Concentration derived from U.S. EPA Reference Dose (Chronic) by Ingestion, assuming child exposure and pica behavior
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppm) |
Comparison Values (ppm) | |
| on-site | background | ||
| antimony | ND (8.4) | 8.9 | 0.8R |
| arsenic | ND (2.1) | 2.3 | 0.6E, 0.4C |
| barium | 6.3 | 20 | 100R |
| cadmium | ND (1.1) | 1.1 | 1E, carcinogen |
| calcium | 452 | 601 | NA |
| chromium | 2.5 | 2.7 | 2,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| copper | 4.8 | 2.9 | NA |
| lead | 1 | 4.7 | carcinogen |
| manganese | 11 | 86 | 200R |
| nickel | 2 | 1.9 | carcinogen |
| sodium | 2,870 | 375 | NA |
| vanadium | 4 | 4.3 | NA |
| zinc | 8.9 | 17 | 600R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 0.14 | 0.16J | 40R |
Reference: 3Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected (with highest detection limit reported)
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not availableComparison Value Bases:
E -- ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)
C -- ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)
R -- Concentration derived from U.S. EPA Reference Dose (Chronic) by Ingestion, assuming child exposure and pica behavior
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Comparison Values (ppb) |
| arsenic | 49 | 3R, 0.02C |
| barium | 348 | 700R |
| chromium | 19 | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| copper | 28 | 1,300PM |
| lead | 16 | 15PL, carcinogen |
| manganese | 501 | 1,000R |
| mercury | 0.5 | NA |
| nickel | 27 | carcinogen |
| sodium | 1,050,000 | NA |
| vanadium | 28 | NA |
| zinc | 172 | 3,000R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 27 | 3C |
| 2-methylphenol | 32 | carcinogen |
| 4-methylphenol | 180 | carcinogen |
| benzoic acid | 1,300 | 40,000R |
Reference: 3
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not availableComparison Value Bases:
E -- ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)
C -- ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)
R -- Concentration derived from U.S. EPA Reference Dose (Chronic) by Ingestion, assuming child exposure
A -- U.S. EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory (Lifetime)
PL -- U.S. EPA Proposed Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water
PM -- U.S. EPA Proposed Maximum Contaminant Level under the Safe Drinking Water Act
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppm) |
Comparison Values (ppm) |
| barium | 633 | 100R |
| chromium | 29 | 2,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| copper | 139 | NA |
| lead | 112 | carcinogen |
| manganese | 2,200 | 200R |
| mercury | 0.32 | NA |
| nickel | 20 | carcinogen |
| sodium | 74,300 | NA |
| vanadium | 15 | NA |
| zinc | 563 | 600R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 8.1J | 40R |
| phenol | 40 | 1,000R |
| 2-methylphenol | 1.7J | carcinogen |
| 4-methylphenol | 32 | carcinogen |
| 2-methylnaphthalene | 3.4J | NA |
| phenanthrene | 0.83J | NA |
Reference: 3Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
J -- Estimated Value
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not availableComparison Value Bases:
E -- ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)
C -- ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)
R -- Concentration derived from U.S. EPA Reference Dose (Chronic) by Ingestion, assuming child exposure and pica behavior
| Chemical | Date | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Reference | Comparison Values (ppb) |
|
| Shallow | Deep | ||||
| arsenic | 10/87 | 709 | ND (10) | 3 | 3R, 0.02C |
| 11/88 | 924 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 458 | NR | 5 | ||
| barium | 10/87 | 1,110 | 288 | 3 | 700R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 2,360 | NR | 5 | ||
| cadmium | 10/87 | 10 | ND (4) | 3 | 7E, carcinogen |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (5) | NR | 5 | ||
| chloride | 10/87 | 97,000 | 9,300 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 11,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 190,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| chromium | 10/87 | 864 | 6.J | 3 | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| 11/88 | 779 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 348 | NR | 5 | ||
| copper | 10/87 | 148 | 16.J | 3 | 1,300PM |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (20) | NR | 5 | ||
| lead | 10/87 | 390 | 278 | 3 | 15PL, carcinogen |
| 11/88 | 69 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (40) | NR | 5 | ||
| manganese | 10/87 | 1,140 | 7.J | 3 | 1,000R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 131 | NR | 5 | ||
| nickel | 10/87 | 207 | ND (8) | 3 | carcinogen |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 120 | NR | 5 | ||
| sodium | 10/87 | 3,160,000 | 52,700 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 1,300,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 3,440,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| sulfate | 10/87 | 200,000 | 2,200 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 600,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (100,000) | NR | 5 | ||
| vanadium | 10/87 | 6,280 | ND (7) | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 1,460 | NR | 5 | ||
| zinc | 10/87 | 107,000 | 6,600 | 3 | 3,000R |
| 11/88 | 17,900 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 1,250 | NR | 5 | ||
| tetrachloroethylene | 10/87 | 18 | NR | 3 | 0.7C |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | NR | NR | 5 | ||
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 10/87 | 10 | NR | 3 | 3C |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (5) | NR | 5 | ||
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected, with Detection Limit
NR -- Not Analyzed for, or not reported
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases :
E -- ATSDR Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)
C -- ATSDR Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)
R -- Concentration derived from U.S. EPA Reference Dose (Chronic) by Ingestion, assuming child exposure
A -- U.S. EPA Drinking Water Health Advisory (Lifetime)
PL -- U.S. EPA Proposed Action Level for Lead in Drinking Water
PM -- U.S. EPA Proposed Maximum Contaminant Level under the Safe Drinking Water Act
| Chemical | Date | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Reference | Comparison Values (ppb) | |
| Shallow | Deep | ||||
| antimony | 10/87 | ND (25) | ND (25) | 3 | 4R/strong>< |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 98 | NR | 5 | ||
| arsenic | 10/87 | 18 | ND (10) | 3 | 3R, 0.02C |
| 11/88 | 443 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 394 | NR | 5 | ||
| barium | 10/87 | 730 | 40.J | 3 | 700R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 4,690 | NR | 5 | ||
| cadmium | 10/87 | 10 | ND (4) | 3 | 7E, carcinogen/strong>< |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (5) | NR | 5 | ||
| chloride | 10/87 | 20,000,000 | 290,000 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 26,000,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 26,000,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| chromium | 10/87 | 128 | ND (4) | 3 | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| 11/88 | 246 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 883 | NR | 5 | ||
| copper | 10/87 | 148 | ND (6) | 3 | 1,300PM |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 130 | NR | 5 | ||
| lead | 10/87 | 390 | 6 | 3 | 15PL, carcinogen |
| 11/88 | 92 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 74.3 | NR | 5 | ||
| manganese | 10/87 | 1,100 | 91 | 3 | 1,000R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 1,400 | NR | 5 | ||
| nickel | 10/87 | 121 | ND (8) | 3 | carcinogen |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 305 | NR | 5 | ||
| sodium | 10/87 | 4,950,000 | 39,600 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 19,900,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 5,860,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| sulfate | 10/87 | 330,000 | 9,300 | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | 110,000 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND (100,000) | NR | 5 | ||
| vanadium | 10/87 | 64 | ND (7) | 3 | NA |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 5,090 | NR | 5 | ||
| zinc | 10/87 | 15,600 | 271 | 3 | 3,000R |
| 11/88 | 53 | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 29,600 | NR | 5 | ||
| phenol | 10/87 | 70,000 | NR | 3 | 6,000R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 13,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| 2-methylphenol | 10/87 | 6,200.J | NR | 3 | carcinogen |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 23,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| 4-methylphenol | 10/87 | 16,000 | NR | 3 | carcinogen |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | 17,000 | NR | 5 | ||
| benzoic acid | 10/87 | 240,000 | NR | 3 | 40,000R |
| 11/88 | NR | NR | 3 | ||
| 9/92 | ND | NR | 5 | ||
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected, with Detection Limit
NR -- Not Analyzed for, or not reported
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases :
| Chemical | Date | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Reference | Comparison Values (ppb) |
| arsenic | 12/88 | 4.5J | 3 | 3R, 0.02C |
| 9/92 | 216 | 5 | ||
| barium | 12/88 | NR | 3 | 700R |
| 9/92 | 6,010 | 5 | ||
| chloride | 12/88 | 28,000,000 | 3 | NA |
| 9/92 | 14,000,000 | 5 | ||
| chromium | 12/88 | 110 | 3 | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| 9/92 | 284 | 5 | ||
| copper | 12/88 | NR | 3 | 1,300PM |
| 9/92 | 42.6 | 5 | ||
| lead | 12/88 | 2.7J | 3 | 15PL, carcinogen |
| 9/92 | ND (40) | 5 | ||
| manganese | 12/88 | NR | 3 | 1,000R |
| 9/92 | 1,830 | 5 | ||
| nickel | 12/88 | NR | 3 | carcinogen |
| 9/92 | 85.9 | 5 | ||
| sodium | 12/88 | 2,270,000 | 3 | NA |
| 9/92 | 10,400,000 | 5 | ||
| sulfate | 12/88 | 32,000 | 3 | NA |
| 9/92 | 320,000 | 5 | ||
| vanadium | 12/88 | NR | 3 | NA |
| 9/92 | 1,190 | 5 | ||
| zinc | 12/88 | 1,320 | 3 | 3,000R |
| 9/92 | 8,690 | 5 |
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
J -- Estimated Value, less than Contract Required Detection Limit but above Instrument Detection Limit
ND -- Not Detected, with Detection Limit
NR -- Not Analyzed for, or not reported
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases :
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Comparison
Values (ppb) | |
| Residential | Industrial | ||
| arsenic | ND (2) | ND (2) | 3R, 0.02C |
| chloride | 83,000 | 6,300 | NA |
| chromium | ND (4) | ND (4) | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| lead | ND (2) | ND (2) | 15PL, carcinogen |
| sodium | 11,300 | 8,600 | NA |
| sulfate | 28,000 | ND (1,000) | NA |
| zinc | 634 | 6.J | 3,000R |
Reference: 3
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected, with Detection Limit
NR -- Not Analyzed for, or not reported
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases:
| Chemical | Date | Maximum Concentration (ppm) |
Reference | Comparison Values (ppm) |
| arsenic | 8/73 | 5 | 15 | 0.6E, 0.4C |
| barium | 6/81 | 330 | 17 | 100R |
| cadmium | 8/73 | 2.92 | 15 | 1E, carcinogen |
| 6/81 | 2.5 | 17 | ||
| chromium | 8/73 | 42.8 | 15 | 2,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| 6/81 | 230 | 17 | ||
| copper | 6/81 | 220 | 17 | NA |
| lead | 8/73 | 178 | 15 | carcinogen |
| 6/81 | 460 | 17 | ||
| manganese | 6/81 | 3,200 | 17 | 200R |
| mercury | 8/73 | 1.39 | 15 | NA |
| 6/81 | 1.1 | 17 | ||
| nickel | 8/73 | 39.2 | 15 | carcinogen |
| 6/81 | 150 | 17 | ||
| sodium | 6/81 | 24,000 | 17 | NA |
| vanadium | 6/81 | 33 | 17 | NA |
| zinc | 6/81 | 260 | 17 | 600R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 6/81 | 1.9 | 17 | 40R |
| PCBs (total) | 8/73 | 2.4 | 15 | 0.4E, 0.09C |
| 6/81 | 0.777 | 17 | ||
| benzo(a)pyrene | 6/81 | 8.16 | 17 | 0.1C |
| benzo(a)anthracene and chrysene | 6/81 | 33.5 | 17 | carcinogen |
| naphthalene | 6/81 | 6.7 | 17 | NA |
| anthracene and phenanthrene | 6/81 | 5.1 | 17 | 600R (anthracene) NA (phenanthrene) |
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed.
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases:
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppb) |
Comparison Values (ppb) |
| arsenic | 34.8B | 3R, 0.02C |
| barium | 2,930 | 700R |
| cadmium | 0.16 | 7E, carcinogen |
| chloride | 200,000 | NA |
| chromium | 59.9 | 10,000R (III) carcinogen (VI) |
| lead | 1.6 | 15PL, carcinogen |
| manganese | 2,240 | 1,000R |
| nickel | 137 | carcinogen |
| sodium | 837,000 | NA |
| sulfate | ND (100,000) | NA |
| vanadium | 215 | NA |
| zinc | 1,320 | 3,000R |
| bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate | 83 | 3C |
Reference: 5
Contaminants of concern that were not detected in this medium are not listed
Shaded chemicals exceed comparison values.
ND -- Not Detected (with detection limit)
NA -- Not Available
carcinogen -- Carcinogen (proven, probable, or possible), but CREG is not available
Comparison Value Bases:
Table 14. Concentrations of chemical contaminants in fish collected from Manistee Lake, 1991
| Chemical | Maximum Concentration (ppm) |
MDPH Level of Concern(6) (ppm) | |
| Smallmouth Bass | Walleye | ||
| mercury | 0.310 | 0.320 | 0.5 |
| dieldrin | 0.024 | 0.034 | 0.3 |
| hexachlorobenzene | 0.002 | 0.002 | NA |
| PCBs (total) | 0.438 | 0.491 | 2.0 |
| total chlordane isomers | 0.059 | 0.091 | 0.3 |
| toxaphene(7) | 0.1J | 0.125J | 5.0 |
| 4,4'-DDD | 0.017 | 0.023 | 5.0(8) |
| 4,4'-DDE | 0.144 | 0.189 | |
| 4,4'-DDT | 0.018 | 0.023 | |
| heptachlor epoxide | 0.005 | 0.007 | 0.3 |
Reference: 20
J -- Estimated concentration
NA -- Not Available
| Year | Age Group | ||||||
| < 45 | 45-54 | 55-64 | 65-74 | 75-84 | 85+ | All ages | |
| 1980 | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||
| 1981 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 7 | ||
| 1982 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 8 | ||
| 1983 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | ||
| 1984 | 2 | 1 | 3 | ||||
| 1985 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 | |||
| 1986 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 6 | |||
| 1987 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | ||
| 1988 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 9 | ||
| 1989 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | |||
| 1990 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | ||
| 1991 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 7 | ||
| All years | 3 | 5 | 16 | 19 | 17 | 9 | 69 |
| Cancer Site | '80 | '81 | '82 | '83 | '84 | '85 | '86 | '87 | '88 | '89 | '90 | '91 | All years |
| Trachea, Bronchus, or Lung | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 18 | |
| Colon | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |||||||
| Breast | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 5 | ||||||||
| Prostate | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| Pancreas | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| Lymphoma | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| Rectum | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| Ovaries | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | |||||||||
| Leukemia | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| Brain | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||
| Skin | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Myeloma | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| Uterus | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Cervix | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Reticulosarcoma | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Kidney | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Gall Bladder | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Bladder | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Larynx | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Pharynx | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Bone | 1 | 1 | |||||||||||
| Not Specified | 1 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||||
| All sites | 2 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 5 | 5 | 7 | 69 |
| Age | Male | Female | Total |
| < 45 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 45-54 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| 55-64 | 7 | 9 | 16 |
| 65-74 | 7 | 12 | 19 |
| 75-84 | 8 | 9 | 17 |
| 85+ | 5 | 4 | 9 |
| All ages | 30 | 39 | 69 |
Table 18. Number of New Cases of Cancer Observed and Expected for Zip Code 49660, 1985-1990.
| ZIP | Year | Observed(9) | Expected(10) | Obs./Exp. |
| 49660 | 1985 | 57 | 58.0 | 0.98 |
| 1986 | 69 | 69.1 | 1.00 | |
| 1987 | 52 | 71.7 | 0.73 | |
| 1988 | 72 | 70.7 | 1.02 | |
| 1989 | 68 | 69.8 | 0.97 | |
| 1990 | 76 | 72.9 | 1.04 | |
| 1985-1990 | 394 | 412.2 | 0.96 |
Reference: 29
| Primary Site | ZIP Code 49660 | Michigan | ||
| Number | Rate | Number | Rate | |
| Colon | 42 | * | 21,770 | 35.5 |
| Larynx | 5 | * | 2,962 | 5.2 |
| Lung & Bronchus | 54 | 51.2 | 34,191 | 58.5 |
| Brain & CNS | 6 | * | 3,324 | 5.8 |
| All Sites | 394 | 354.2 | 220,572 | 369.2 |
Reference: 29
* Rate is considered statistically unreliable, due to small number of cases.
Includes cases diagnosed between 1985 and 1990 and reported to the Michigan Department of
Public Health by December 31, 1991.
| ZIP | Site | Observed(11) | Expected(12) | Obs./Exp. |
| 49660 | Colon | 42 | 43.2 | 0.97 |
| Larynx | 5 | 5.4 | 0.93 | |
| Lung & Bronchus | 54 | 64.1 | 0.84 | |
| Brain & CNS | 6 | 5.5 | 1.09 |
Reference: 29
The MDPH released a draft of this Public Health Assessment for public comment on March 29, 1995. The public comment period was open until April 28, 1995. MDPH received comments from the Environmental Manager for PCA (Reference 10) and from the MDNR site manager. Those comments, with MDPH's responses, are repeated below. Page and paragraph references are to the Initial Release of the Assessment.
Comments from the Environmental Manager for the Packaging Corporation of America:
Comment: We note that the six conclusions are matched by six recommendation that pertain to the same respective subject matter, and therefore we will comment on these six items in order:
The ATSDR conclusion seems to be based on (a) the belief that surface samples were taken from just below the surface instead of "actual surface material" and (b) the test results showed elevated levels of some chemicals of concern in lagoon #1, and to a lesser extent in lagoons #2 and #3.
The surface samples were "actual surface material". The Remedial Investigation report states on page 45 that "Surficial soil samples were collected with trowels after organic litter (grass, leaves and roots) were removed by shovel and gloved hand." Thus surface samples were taken from the true surface soil, with only the natural organic material removed because this would have affected the analysis of the soil for organic chemicals. Therefore, there is no need for additional samples and tests to characterize the surface soil.
The Baseline Risk Assessment (BRA) concluded that the level of chemicals that were present in the surface sampled did not pose a risk to human health. Both Trespasser and Hunter scenarios were evaluated and no Hazard Index (HI) exceeded 0.04. The EPA agreed with this conclusion, stating in the Declaration of the Record of Decision (ROD): "EPA has determined that conditions at the site pose no current or potential unacceptable risk to human health or to the environment."
Moreover, the ongoing "Landfill Closure" of lagoons #1, 2, and 3 has reduced risks even more. Lagoons #2 and 3 are being eliminated according to the "Preliminary Closure Plan for PCA Landfill" that had been approved by both the EPA and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The cellulose fiber sludge is being removed from lagoon #2 and in several years it will be revegetated and restored to its original condition. Lagoon #3, the landfill lagoon, will be capped with an impervious membrane and covered with 3 ft. of a clean soil vegetative layer. About 25% of it is already capped.
In lagoon #1, all of the "soap skimmings" residue referred to on page 5 have already been removed.
While this work is going on, access to lagoons #2 and #3 is controlled by the fence and gates mentioned in the ATSDR report.
Lagoons #4 through 8 are not a concern because, as the ATSDR report says on page 10, "The RI contractors reported that residues from the wastes were not detected in lagoons 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8."
| Response: | The description of the "surficial soil" samples collected during the RI has been changed to agree with the description in the RI report. The description, however, leaves open the question of how much organic material was removed. The reference to roots raises the possibility that soil as well as loose litter may have been removed in the process of collection. The information on the removal of "soap skimmings" in Lagoon #1 has been added to the assessment. |
| -- | The Michigan Department of Public Health has forbidden the drilling of any new wells in any area above the plume. |
| -- | PCA owns most of the land above the plume and we have no objection to placing a deed restriction on it to complement the Department of Health's proscription. |
| -- | There already are deed restrictions on the property owned by the Village of Eastlake and on the former Stronach Township property (which PCA has recently acquired), that limit the use of this property to park and recreational. |
| -- | Martin Marietta has place a deed restriction on their property that prohibits the drilling of water wells as a result of negotiations with PCA. |
| Response: | The MDPH has no authority to forbid drilling of wells. The assessment has been revised to include the information on the deed restrictions in place. |
In September, 1994, PCA submitted a "Work Plan for Groundwater and Surface Water Monitoring" to the EPA and it was approved on October 17, 1994. It calls for annual sampling of 6 residential or municipal wells, and 15 [monitoring] wells in the plume or between the plume and private and municipal wells, for the parameters listed in the ROD. The first sampling will take place in June, 1995, and it will continue indefinitely -- perhaps for 60 years or more.
| Response: | Thank you for the information. |
We certainly share your desire to insure the safety of private and municipal wells, but we believe this is being accomplished by the comprehensive groundwater monitoring program described in item #3.
Additional facts further attest to the security of private and municipal wells.
| -- | The groundwater modeling that was done for the RI report shows that the plume reached its maximum extent some time ago. Approximately ninety percent of the contaminant mass has already vented into Manistee Lake and the plume will only decrease in size and concentration over the next 60 years. |
| -- | Both modeling and other data from the RI indicate that Manistee Lake is an effective barrier to prevent contaminants from migrating to the west side of the Lake, and any private or municipal wells on the west side will not be impacted. Aquifer testing and modeling show that wells on the west side of Manistee Lake would have been impacted many years ago if the Lake were not an effective barrier. |
| -- | This is supported by test data on monitoring well #106 that has been taken since 1978. This well is on the south edge of the plume where it is the closest to private residences. It shows that the plume is retreating and not spreading. |
SUMMARY OF ARSENIC AND COLOR CONCENTRATIONS IN MONITORING WELL #106
| Date | Arsenic (ppb) |
Color (APHA units) |
| October 20, 1978 | 1,300 | |
| October 25, 1979 | 700 | |
| January 14, 1980 | 14 | 550 |
| September 7, 1983 | < 10 | |
| November 11, 1983 | 7.7 | 150 |
| October 7, 1987 | ND (10.J) | 32 |
| November 15, 1990 | 5.B | 55 |
Thus, arsenic has declined from 14 ppb in 1980 to 5 in 1990, and color declined from 1,300 APHA units in 1978 to 55 in 1990. This indicates that the edge of the plume is retreating.
We expect the monitoring program will continue to show a gradually diminishing plume.
| Response: | The plume is apparently diminishing because it is being washed into Manistee Lake and the source has been eliminated. There are other possible routes for the dispersal of the contaminant plume, and we do not agree that the available data is sufficient to eliminate them from consideration. |
Conclusion #5 recommends additional sampling of sediments and surface water in Manistee
Lake. We believe there is value in some continued monitoring of Lake conditions and we well
be conducting continued lake water testing as described in the "Work Plan for Groundwater and
Surface Water Monitoring". Lake water tests, together with bioaccumulation factors will track
effects on fish. However, if recommendation #5 means that PCA should carry on the
DNR-contractor study, we believe that this is not appropriate for the reasons stated in our June 30, 1993 comments.
| Response: | The specific actions in response to Public Health Assessment recommendations for environmental actions such as monitoring are left to the environmental agencies to determine. |
| Response: | Thank you for your support. |
Additional minor corrections or explanations:
a. On page 2, 4th paragraph, wastewater flowed through lagoons #1 through #7 in numerical
order, but lagoon #8 was an alternate destination to lagoons #4-5-6-7 for wastewater pumped out
of lagoon #3.
| Response: | The assessment has been revised to include this information. |
b. On page 2, last paragraph, lagoon #2 was not pumped out in the early 1970s because it was full
of cellulose fiber sludge, not liquor that would seep into the ground.
| Response: | The assessment has been revised to include this information. |
c. On page 3, first paragraph, approximately one-third of lagoon #3 was capped in 1994, not
mid-August, 1993.
| Response: | The assessment has been revised to include this information. The original statement was based on observations made during the MDPH visit to the site on August 10, 1993. |
d. On page 3, first paragraph, lagoon #2 now contains cellulose fiber sludge with a little
rainwater, not the "black liquor" that was originally l agooned.
| Response: | The assessment has been revised to include this information. |
e. On page 8, last paragraph, the 1 lb. of PCB in 1988 was a leak from a transformer into a moat
that surrounded it. It was properly cleaned up and disposed of in accordance with all applicable
regulations. No PCB got onto the ground at the Filer Mill. This also applies to page 9, second
paragraph.
| Response: | The assessment has been revised to include this information. |
Comments from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources site manager:
| Comment: | Page 16, Potential Exposure Pathways, Surface Water: The last sentence states that dilution of groundwater as it discharges to surface water will likely reduce the concentrations of contaminants to below levels of concern. In our estimation, the data available to date is insufficient to be able to reach strong conclusions regarding the human health risks posed by groundwater discharging to surface water. We do know that the groundwater discharge poses significant ecological risks, as evidenced by the high toxicity of groundwater to Ceriodaphnia dubia, and by the abnormal distribution and numbers of pollution tolerant benthic organisms present in the area of plume discharge. It remains to be determined to what degree these ecological impacts signify human health impacts. Several data gaps remain: volatiles and semivolatiles in groundwater had very high detection limits; no surface water measurements have been made; very few of the tentatively identified compounds in the groundwater have been positively identified; the cause of the extreme groundwater toxicity is unknown; and no fish from Manistee Lake have been sampled to look for bioconcentration of site indicator compounds. These data gaps may be addressed by the site monitoring studies required in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Record of Decision. |
| Response: | The text has been revised to reflect these uncertainties. |
| Comment: | Page 22, Recommendations, number 6: The assessment states that the current MDPH advisory on consumption of fish from Manistee Lake is sufficiently protective of human health. We recommend awaiting the results of the post-ROD monitoring studies before making a final assessment of the risks posed by consumption of fish from the lake. In our meeting ... you expressed similar sentiments regarding the need for additional data. If your agency has specific recommendations regarding additional data necessary to move from an indeterminate to a more specific overall health assessment, please provide these suggestions to the EPA or us for possible inclusion in the monitoring plan for this site. |
| Response: | After internal review of the assessment and discussions with the MDNR, the text of the recommendation has been changed to provide for evaluation of new data on fish from the lake and reconsideration of the advisory. |