PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
PADUCAH GASEOUS DIFFUSION PLANT (U.S. DOE)
PADUCAH, MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KENTUCKY
APPENDIX A: DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
ATSDR collects and analyzes demographic data as part of the health assessment process. We use this information to characterize the people who live in the communities affected by the site. A review of demographic data provides information about who lives in the community, how long people have lived there, and what the current population trends are. The data are generally obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, which conducts a nationwide census at the beginning of every decade. Data are available for different geographic units: county, city or town, census tract, and census block group. There are 15 census tracts in McCracken County, Kentucky [1]. The census tract containing PGDP consists of five census block groups. We analyzed the data for these different areas and looked for trends. Demographic information was also gathered during site visits and interviews with community members and local officials. These site visits and interviews were especially useful in that they gave us information on population trends within small geographic areas between Census dates (e.g., 1990 through 1997).
Knowing the number of children and elderly people in a community is particularly important, because these people tend to be more sensitive to environmental exposures than the general population. Similarly, knowing the average length of residence is important, since people who have lived in the area longer may be at greater risk of exposures over longer periods of time. Occupational information lets us know if people spend most of their time working at home. Educational attainment, poverty status, and household income indicate the socioeconomic status of the population. This gives us clues about access to health care, and subsistence fishing, hunting, or farming. Subsistence fishers, hunters, and farmers get the majority of their food supply from these activities and may be at greater risk for exposure to environmental contaminants.
This area of Kentucky is predominantly rural. However, information obtained from the Census Bureau and McCracken County Seat suggests that McCracken County's population is growing. The addition of new housing subdivisions west of Paducah City toward Ballard County characterizes the bulk of the growth. There is also an ongoing initiative to bring new industries into the area. These changes will undoubtedly affect the make-up of the population near the site. The following is a description of demographic trends in the communities closest to PGDP.
County Demographic Data
PGDP is located in northwestern McCracken County, Kentucky, near the border of Ballard County and across the Ohio River from Massac County, Illinois. The census data presented here cover all three counties. The analysis covers the years 1980, 1990, and 1996.
Population Data (Table A-1 [1,2])
McCracken County has the largest population of the three counties, at over 60,000, mostly due to the city of Paducah. McCracken was the only county to gain population from 1980 to 1990. The population estimates for 1996 show a population increase of 3.3% from 1990 [3]. None of the counties are densely populated; Ballard and Massac have well under 100 persons per square mile.
All three counties have populations that are around 90% or more white. There was very little change in the racial or ethnic structure of the area from 1980 to 1990. The percentages of the population under age 10 and age 65 or older are also similar for all three counties. There were more elderly people than children in the three counties, which is unusual (the 1990 national percentages are 14.7% under age 10 and 12.6% age 65 and older [4]) but not necessarily uncommon for a rural area--many younger people leave for larger cities in search of better economic opportunities.
Housing and Socioeconomic Data (Tables A-2 and A-3 [1,2,5,6,7])
In 1990, 20% to 25% of the residents in these three counties had lived in their current housing units for over 20 years. In Ballard County, Kentucky, and Massac County, Illinois, 37.2% of the residents had moved into their current housing units within the past 5 years; in McCracken County, Kentucky, that percentage jumps to 46.7. (See Table A-2.)
As is typical of areas with low percentages of children, there are relatively few persons per household in the three counties. (The national average is 2.63 [4], while the average for each of these counties is under 2.45). The vast majority of households in all three counties are owner-occupied, although there were slight increases in the percentages of renter-occupied households from 1980 to 1990. Again, this trend is typical of rural areas with static or declining populations. (See Table A-3.)
The percentage of the population age 25 and older with at least a high school education increased by 10% to 12% for the three counties from 1980 to 1990. That increase is consistent with a national trend toward higher educational levels as the technical skills needed for most jobs continue to become more complex. Median household income increased only modestly from 1980 to 1990, and 17% to 21% of the population lived below poverty level in 1990. Between roughly half and over seven-tenths of employed persons in the three counties worked in "white-collar" occupations in 1990 (managerial, professional, and administrative positions, as well as positions in the retail and service sectors). (See Table A-3.)
Most housing units in Massac and McCracken received municipal or private water. However, about half of all housing units in Ballard had water from other sources, mostly drilled wells. (See Table A-3.)
City or Town Demographic Data
The following is a description of the three major cities or towns near PGDP. Paducah (east of PGDP) is the largest city in the area. The city of Metropolis and the town of Joppa are across the Ohio River in Illinois.
Population Data (Table A-4 [1,2])
Paducah, Metropolis, and Joppa lost between 6% and 8% of their populations from 1980 to 1990. The vast majority of the residents in these towns are white, although in 1990 Paducah and Joppa had populations that were 20.9% and 14.2% black, respectively. There was little evidence of change in the racial and ethnic structure of these three towns during this 10-year period. In 1990 Paducah and Metropolis had many more persons age 65 and older than persons under age 10. In Joppa the percentages were much closer, but the data suggest that all three towns will continue to "grow older" in the future.
Housing and Socioeconomic Data (Tables A-5 and A-6 [1,2,5,6,7])
In all three towns, between 20% and 30% of householders have lived in their current homes for more than 20 years. Nearly half of Paducah's householders moved into their homes between 1985 and 1990, while less than 40% of the households in Joppa and Metropolis fell into that category. That trend is likely due to a larger percent of renter-occupied households in Paducah (renters tend to move more frequently than do homeowners). (See Table A-5.)
As expected in places with larger elderly populations, there are relatively few persons per household, especially in Metropolis and Paducah. While over 70% of Metropolis households were owner-occupied in 1990, Paducah and Joppa were both under 60%. Joppa declined from 74.5% in 1980 to 59.2% in 1990. (See Table A-6.)
As expected, the percentages of persons with at least a high school education increased substantially from 1980 to 1990. Median household income for Joppa declined in that decade, which dramatically increased the number of persons below poverty level. Poverty also increased somewhat in Paducah and Metropolis. (See Table A-6.)
Nearly all housing units in all three towns are served by public or private-company water sources.
Census Tracts Surrounding Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
The following is a description of the census tracts that surround PGDP, an area of 5 to 10 miles of the site consisting of portions of Ballard, Massac, and McCracken counties.
Population Data (Table A-7 [1,2,8])
The area around the site gained just over 6% in total population between 1980 and 1990. No data are available for 1996 at this level, except for the area in McCracken County. From 1990 to 1996, population increased 3% in the area of McCracken County excluding the city of Paducah. Most of this increase occurred in the area near the Plant [3]. A possible reason for the growth is the movement of people from the city of Paducah to outlying areas that fall within those tracts. There was little change in the racial make-up of the area--95% of the population is white. As with the counties and cities in the area, there were more elderly residents than children under age 10; the gap between the two widened from 1980 to 1990.
Housing and Socioeconomic Data (Tables A-8 and A-9 [1,2,5,6,7])
In 1990, over 15% of the householders in the surrounding tracts had lived in their current housing units for more than 30 years. Just under 40% had lived in their housing units for 5 years or less. Between 1988 and 1990 there was approximately a tenfold increase in the number of electrical permits granted for single and mobile homes in McCracken County (excluding the city of Paducah) [9]. Most of the growth is occurring between Paducah and the Ballard County line; this is consistent with the idea that a number of persons may have moved from Paducah to outlying areas. Therefore, there are substantial numbers of both long-term residents and relative newcomers to the area. (See Table A-8.)
The number of persons per household dropped by over 7% during the 10-year period. Three-quarters of all households were owner-occupied, although there was a slight decline in that percentage from 1980 to 1990. There was a modest increase in the value of owner-occupied housing units during that period. (See Table A-9.)
Socioeconomic data were only available for 1990. In 1990, just over 70% of persons age 25 and older had at least a high school education. About 15% of households were below poverty level. One-third of employed persons were in blue-collar occupations. (See Table A-9.)
About one-quarter of housing units got their water from drilled or dug wells or another source other than from a public source or private company. The Department of Energy has offered to provide municipal water to residents of western McCracken County--in an area described in DOE's Water Policy [10]--who previously used private wells. (See Table A-9.)
Site Area
The following is a description of the immediate area containing the site: census tract 0315, block group 2, in McCracken County west of the city of Paducah.
Population Data (Table A-7 [1,2,8])
The site area experienced very moderate population loss from 1980 to 1990. The block group was over 90% white in both censuses and changed little in racial make-up. There were slightly more elderly persons than children under age 10 in 1990, as the percentage of children declined and the percentage of elderly people increased slightly during that time.
Housing and Socioeconomic Data (Tables A-8 and A-9 [1,2,5,6,7])
In 1990, nearly 19% of householders had lived in their current homes for over 30 years, nearly one-quarter had lived in their current homes for over 20 years, and over one-half had lived in their current homes for 5 years or less. Those numbers, together with the high percentage of owner-occupied housing units, suggests a relatively stable, non-transient population in the area; however, the population is now increasing significantly. (See Table A-8.)
Average persons per household declined substantially from 1980 to 1990, from over 2.8 to under 2.6. Nearly 90% of all households were owner-occupied in both decades, which is typical of many rural areas. Nearly one-quarter of all households were mobile homes in 1990; there was a 5% increase in mobile homes from 1980 to 1990. Median value of owner-occupied homes and median rent were both relatively low for both decades. However, there is evidence that the composition of the area may be rapidly changing. In an article in the Paducah Sun, McCracken County Engineer Van Newberry cites an increase in the development of new subdivisions in the area [11]. According to Mr. Newberry, much of the growth is occurring in western McCracken County from Concord to Kevil. There were 21 new subdivisions being developed in this area, between Cairo Road-Woodville Road and U.S. 62, in 1995. The prices of homes range from $120,000 to $150,000. The values of the residential lots have increased dramatically also. Virtually all of these new homes are being provided with public water. (See Table A-9.)
Socioeconomic data for the site area were only available for 1990. Over 71% of persons age 25 and older had at least a high school education. Under 13% lived below poverty level, which is relatively low for the area. Over three-quarters of housing units in the area had water from a public water source or private company. (See Table A-9.)
Figure A-1. Site Information Map
Table A-1. County population data table
| McCracken County, Ky | Ballard County, Ky | Massac County, Il | |||||||
| 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | |
Total persons Total area (in square miles) Persons per square mile |
61,310 251.14 244 |
62,879 251.14 250 |
2.6
2.5 |
8,798 251.2 35 |
7,902 251.2 31 |
-11.3
-11.4 |
14,990 239.05 63 |
14,752 239.05 62 |
-1.6
-1.6 |
% white % black % other races |
89.5 9.9 0.5 |
89.4 10.1 0.6 |
-0.1 0.2 0.1 |
96.2 3.5 0.3 |
96.7 3.0 0.4 |
0.5 -0.5 0.1 |
93.5 6.1 0.3 |
93.6 5.9 0.6 |
0.1 -0.2 0.3 |
% under age 10 % age 65 and over |
14.4 14.3 |
13.1 16.2 |
-1.3 1.9 |
14.0 17.3 |
11.7 18.1 |
-2.3 0.8 |
13.9 16.9 |
12.6 19.3 |
-1.3 2.4 |
| Sources: [1,2] | |||||||||
Table A-2. Length of residence in current
household, 1990: Ballard, McCracken, and Massac Counties
| Ballard | Massac | McCracken | |
| Total households |
|
|
|
|
Percent householders moving into current
housing unit by time period 1985-1988 1980-1984 1970-1979 1960-1969 Before 1960 |
14.1 23.1 12.8 24.2 11.1 14.7 |
13.2 24.0 14.3 20.9 12.0 15.6 |
19.0 27.7 12.8 20.0 9.2 11.3 |
| Source: [5] | |||
Table A-3. County housing and socioeconomic
data
| McCracken County, KY | Ballard County, KY | Massac County, IL | ||||
| 1980 | 1990 (% change) |
1980 | 1990 (% change) |
1980 | 1990 (% change) |
|
| Total households* | 23,459 | 25,625 (9.2) | 3,267 | 3,191 (-2.3) | 5,731 | 5,908 (3.1) |
| Persons/household | 2.58 | 2.41 (-6.6) | 2.66 | 2.44 (-8.3) | 2.57 | 2.44 (-5.1) |
| % households owner-occupied | 71.1 | 68.2 (-2.9) | 85.0 | 82.3 (-2.7) | 79.7 | 77.6 (-2.1) |
| Persons 25 and older | 38,187 | 42,531 (11.4) | 5,521 | 5,328 (-3.5) | 9,449 | 10,068 (6.6) |
| % with at least a high school diploma | 62.9 | 73.1 (10.2) | 53.4 | 64.2 (10.8) | 53.1 | 65.3 (12.2) |
| Median income, $ | 15,172 | 22,606 (49.0) | 12,492 | 19,371 (55.1) | 13,144 | 19,632 (49.4) |
| % below poverty level | NA | 17.2 | NA | 21.0 | NA | 18.2 |
| Employed persons 16 and older | NA | 27,571 | NA | 3,222 | NA | 5,757 |
| % in blue-collar jobs | NA | 29.0 | NA | 45.1 | NA | 36.0 |
| % in white-collar jobs | NA | 71.0 | NA | 54.9 | NA | 64.0 |
| Housing units | 28,312 | 27,581 (-2.6) | 3,528 | 3,553 (0.7) | 6,188 | 6,446 (4.2) |
| % with water supplied from a public source or private company | 89.9 | 91.9 (2.0) | 51.9 | 51.1 (-0.8) | 80.3 | 80.4 (0.1) |
| % with water supplied from a drilled or dug well or other source | 10.1 | 8.1 (-2.0) | 48.1 | 48.9 (0.8) | 19.7 | 19.6 (-1.0) |
| * A household is an occupied housing unit, but the term does not include group quarters such as military barracks, prisons, and college dormitories. | ||||||
| Sources: [1,2,5,6] | ||||||
Table A-4. City or town population data
table
| Paducah, KY | Metropolis, IL | Joppa., IL | |||||||
| 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) |
1980 | 1990 | Change (%) |
1980 | 1990 | Change (%) |
|
| Total persons
Total area (in square miles) Persons per square mile |
29,315
17.56 1,669 |
27,256
17.56 1,552 |
-7.0
---- -7.0 |
7,171
4.91 1,460 |
6,734
4.91 1,371 |
-6.1
---- -6.1 |
535
0.49 1,092 |
492
0.49 1,007 |
-8.0
---- -7.8 |
| % white
% black % other races |
80.6
18.7 0.6 |
78.4
20.9 0.7 |
-2.2
2.2 0.1 |
92.3
7.3 0.4 |
91.9
7.4 0.7 |
-0.4
0.1 0.3 |
85.0
14.6 0.4 |
85.4
14.2 0.4 |
0.4
-0.4 0.0 |
| % under age 10
% age 65 and over |
13.3
19.4 |
13.0
22.2 |
-0.3
2.8 |
11.6
22.1 |
11.7
25.6 |
0.1
3.5 |
15.7
13.5 |
14.8
16.1 |
-0.9
2.6 |
| Sources: [1,2] | |||||||||
Table A-5. Length of residence in current
household, 1990: cities of Paducah, Metropolis, and Joppa
| Paducah, KY | Metropolis, IL | Joppa, IL | |
| Total households | 11,955 | 2,889 | 202 |
| Percent householders moving into current housing unit
by time period
1989-1990 1985-1988 1980-1984 1970-1979 1960-1969 Before 1960 |
20.6 28.3 13.1 16.9 10.0 11.1 |
14.4 23.5 14.8 19.3 11.1 16.8 |
21.3 17.3 11.4 20.8 12.4 16.8 |
| Source: [5] | |||
Table A-6. City or town housing and socioeconomic
data
| Paducah, KY | Metropolis, IL | Joppa, IL | |||||||
| 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) | |
| Total households1
Persons/household % owner-occupied |
12,050
2.37 59.2 |
11,955
2.21 54.4 |
-0.8
-6.8 -4.8 |
2,892
2.39 75.9 |
2,889
2.24 71.9 |
-0.1
-6.3 -4.0 |
204
2.62 74.5 |
201
2.45 59.2 |
-1.5
-6.5 -15.3 |
| Persons 25 and older
Median income, $ % below poverty |
19,003
11,848 18.7 |
19,007
17,196 24.4 |
0.0
45.1 5.7 |
4,799
11,753 15.9 |
4,776
16,954 17.4 |
-0.5
44.3 1.5 |
318
11,667 24.1 |
309
10,313 43.5 |
-2.8
-11.6 19.4 |
| Employed persons 16 and older
% blue-collar jobs % white-collar jobs |
NA
NA NA |
10,489
75.2 24.8 |
-----
----- ----- |
NA
NA NA |
2,478
27.2 72.8 |
-----
----- ----- |
NA
NA NA |
129
34.9 65.1 |
-----
----- ----- |
| Housing units
% with water supply % with water from drilled or dug well |
12,749
99.7 0 .3 |
13,150
99.8 0.2 |
3.1
0.1 -0.1 |
3,085
99.6 0 .4 |
3,137
99.8 0.2 |
1.7
0.2 -0.2 |
229
98.7 1.3 |
222
100 0.0 |
-3.1
1.3 -0.3 |
| 1 A household is an occupied housing
unit, but the term does not include group quarters such as military barracks,
prisons, and college dormitories. Source: [1,2,5,6] |
|||||||||
Table A-7. Census tract population data
| Census Tracts Surrounding PGDP1 | McCracken County, Census Tract 315, Block Group 2 | |||||
| 1980 | 1990 | Change (%) |
1980 | 1990 | Change (%) |
|
| Total persons
Total area (in square miles) Persons per square mile |
23,733
366.13 65 |
25,177
366.13 69 |
6.1
----- 6.1 |
1,383
30.12 46 |
1,366
30.12 45 |
-1.2
----- -2.2 |
| % white
% black % other races |
94.9
4.7 0.4 |
95.0
4.5 0.5 |
0.1
-0.2 0.1 |
91.4
8.5 0.2 |
92.9
6.9 0.2 |
1.5
-1.6 0.0 |
| % under age 10
% age 65 and older |
14.1
15.8 |
12.5
17.4 |
-1.6
1.6 |
16.1
11.5 |
12.4
13.0 |
-3.7
1.5 |
| 1 Census tracts surrounding PGDP include 9501 in Ballard County; 9701, 9702, and 9704 in Massac County; and 314 and 315 in McCracken County. | ||||||
| Sources: [1,2] | ||||||
Table A-8. Census tracts: length of residence
in current household, 1990
(percent householders moving into current housing unit by time period)
| Census Tracts Surrounding PGDP | McCracken County, Census Tract 315, Block Group 2 | |
| Total households | 11, 619 | 519 |
| Years householder moved into current housing
unit
1989-1990 1985-1988 1980-1984 1970-1979 1960-1969 Before 1960 |
14.5 24.9 12.9 22.1 10.4 15.2 |
8.1 26.5 15.3 26.1 5.3 18.7 |
| Source: [5] | ||
Table A-9. Census tract housing and socioeconomic
data, 1990
| Census Tracts Surrounding PGDP1 | McCracken County, Census Tract 315, Block Group 2 | |
| Total households2
Persons per household % households owner-occupied |
10,008
2.47 78.7 |
531
2.57 88.5 |
| Persons age 25 and older
% with at least a high school diploma Median income, $ % below poverty level |
17,105
70.1 22,630 15.2 |
927
71.4 27,560 12.7 |
| Employed persons age 16 and older
% in blue collar jobs % in white collar jobs |
10,872
36.7 63.3 |
673
38.6 61.4 |
| Housing units
% with water supplied from a public source or private company % with water supplied from drilled or dug well or other source |
10,840
75.6 24.4 |
580
75.7 24.3 |
| 1 Census tracts 9501 in Ballard
County; 9701, 9702, and 9704 in Massac County; 314 and 315 in McCracken
County. 2 A household is an occupied housing unit, but the term does not include group quarters such as military barracks, prisons, and college dormitories. |
||
| Source: [5] | ||
References
APPENDIX B: DESCRIPTION AND TABULATION OF COMMUNITY HEALTH CONCERNS
ATSDR identified community concerns about the PGDP through written correspondence, telephone conversations, informal meetings, and public availability sessions. We divided all these concerns into five general categories, and further into sub-categories. For instance, "Health Concerns" is a general category; one of its sub-categories is non-distinct health outcomes. This sub-category is made up of specific outcomes--for example, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.
To tabulate the concerns, we counted the number of times each general category was mentioned. We also counted mentions of sub-categories, and of specific components of those sub-categories. Since several people mentioned more than one general, sub-category, and specific component per concern, there may be fewer general concerns than the combined number of specific concerns. For example: non-distinct health outcomes were mentioned eight times, but some people mentioned more than one of the specific outcomes. Of the eight times that non-distinct outcomes were mentioned, headaches were mentioned four times, dizziness once, aches twice, pain three times, nausea three times, sinus problems three times, fatigue twice, and other problems five times.
General Areas of Health Concern
Cancer
Concern over cancer was mentioned the most in our correspondence and conversations with community members. Some of the people were concerned about several particular types of cancer, while others did not identify any specific type. Unspecified cancer was mentioned the most, with breast cancer second. There were nine concerns about death from cancer.
Non-Cancer
Non-cancer concerns were documented several times. As with cancer, some people mentioned more than one type of health outcome in this category. Cardiovascular and respiratory problems were cited the most, followed by unspecified conditions. There were two concerns over death from non-cancer health conditions.
Non-Distinct
Non-distinct health concerns were also mentioned. The most common specific complaint was of headaches, followed by pain, nausea, and sinus problems. Most of the concerns in this category were non-specific, for example, "viral-like problems."
Trauma
There was one reference to trauma, which indicated that the person suffered from "burning and blisters." No more detail was given on the nature or specific cause of the problem.
General Areas of Exposure Concern
Media
The overwhelming majority of concerns involved exposure to contaminated drinking water and breathing contaminated air. Exposure to surface water and soil/sediment was also mentioned. Concern about eating contaminated fish, game, fruits, and vegetables also was listed.
Other Issues
Other categories of concern were hazards from waste materials, waste storage (especially depleted uranium stored on site), transportation of waste, cleanup and treatment of contaminated media, monitoring/sampling off site, and future use of this land.
General Areas of Procedural Concern
Issues
There were concerns about "procedural issues" that may or may not have been directly related to health concerns. The most common complaint was the "lack of trust" of the major players involved at the site (Lockheed-Martin Energy Systems, Inc., and the U.S. Department of Energy). The concerns mentioned an information gap and referred to "politics" as a hindrance to community members. Unreliability of data was mentioned, as well as lack of follow-up regarding a community member's specific concern.
Agency
Several agencies were mentioned under "procedural concerns." Lockheed-Martin was mentioned the most, followed by DOE. ATSDR was also mentioned, as (though less often) was EPA. The local health department was mentioned once. There were no references to the State agencies.
General Areas of Population-Level Concern
Of the people who were concerned about specific neighborhoods, the overwhelming majority mentioned Bradford Road, describing it as an area which has a possible cancer cluster. Other populations mentioned included a household, a region larger than the county, the city of Paducah, another neighborhood, and McCracken and Ballard Counties.
General Areas of Subpopulation-Level Concern
Most people who specified a subpopulation were concerned about children. People were concerned about pregnant/lactating women and women of childbearing age, as well as infants and fetuses. People also expressed concern over pets, farm animals, and wildlife.
Health Concerns
| Cancer | |||
| Death = 9 | Musculoskeletal = 2 | Lymphoreticular = 2 | Unspecified = 39 |
| Respiratory = 1 | Hepatic = 0 | Neurological = 3 | Other cancer = 1 |
| Cardiovascular = 0 | Renal/urinary = 0 | Developmental = 0 | Breast = 4 |
| Gastrointestinal = 1 | Dermal = 0 | Reproductive = 0 | Bladder = 0 |
| Hemopoietic = 0 | Ocular = 0 | Endocrine = 0 | |
| Non-Cancer | ||||
| Death = 2 | Musculoskeletal = 0 | Immunological = 0 | Physical = 0 | Genotoxic = 0 |
| Respiratory = 3 | Hepatic = 0 | Neurological = 1 | Low birth wt. = 0 | Other = 3 |
| Cardiovascular = 4 | Renal/urinary = 0 | Learning = 1 | Reproductive = 0 | Metabol. disorder = 2 |
| Gastrointestinal = 1 | Dermal = 0 | Behavioral = 0 | Miscarriage = 0 | Endocrine = 0 |
| Hemopoietic = 0 | Ocular = 0 | Developmental = 0 | Infertility = 0 | Lymphoreticular = 0 |
| Non-Distinct | |||
| Headaches = 4 | Aches = 2 | Sinus = 3 | Body weight = 0 |
| Dizziness = 1 | Pain = 3 | Eye irritation = 0 | Other = 5 |
| Loss of appetite = 0 | Nausea = 3 | Fatigue = 2 | |
| Trauma | |||
| Laceration = 0 | Concussion = 0 | Chemical burn = 0 | Other = 1 |
| Cut = 0 | Other blunt trauma = 0 | Thermal burn = 0 | |
Exposure Concerns
| Media | ||
| Air = 39 | Surface water = 20 | Biota = 20 |
| Soil/sediment = 17 | Groundwater = 39 | Waste materials= 3 |
| Other Issues | |||
| Unspecified other = 12 | Monitoring/sampling = 5 | Cleanup/treatment = 4 | Future land use = 1 |
| Transp. of wastes = 1 | Waste storage = 4 | Emergency response = 0 | Site access = 0 |
Procedural Concerns
| Issues | |||
| Lack of trust = 18 | Unreliable data = 8 | No response/followup= 6 | Don't know what they are doing = 1 |
| Don't listen = 7 | Information gap = 9 | Politics = 9 | Others = 10 |
| Agency | |||
| DOE = 21 | Contractors = 22 | State health dept. = 0 | Other = 2 |
| ATSDR = 4 | EPA= 3 | Local health dept. = 1 | |
Population-Level Concerns
| County = 1 | Neighborhood = 44 | Household = 8 |
| City = 3 | Block = 2 | Regional/beyond county = 8 |
Subpopulation-Level Concerns
| Men = 1 | Children = 5 | Compromised organ = 0 | Alcohol users = 0 |
| Pets/farm animals = 2 | Women = 4 | Elderly = 0 | Altered metabolism = 0 |
| Workers = 5 | Women of childbearing age = 2 | Cigarette smokers = 0 | Other = 0 |
| Cleanup workers = 0 | Pregnant/lactating women = 2 | Low nutrition = 0 | On medication = 0 |
| Wildlife = 3 |
Samples of Individual Concerns
This compilation represents the range of concerns we received about PGDP. We made a conscious effort to remove any personal identifiers.
Health Concerns
Cancer
There is a possible cancer cluster in a residential community approximately two miles east of the plant (Bradford Road area).
I now have cancer, lymphoma. I would like to know if the cause is from this plant? I'm very concerned about the high rate of cancer in this area (Metropolis Lake Road). My husband died. He worked for Union Carbide for several years. In the past three years three other close neighbors died of cancer also.
Are there other [cancer] hot spots other than the Bradford Road area?
I would like to ask why there is so much cancer in the neighborhood of House Road and Ragland Community?
I have lived on Bradford Road all my life. I have developed a lung problem during the last 24 months that seemingly was caused by what I had breathed. I DON'T SMOKE!!
I am concerned about cancer and other health problems on Bradford Road:
I have lived 43 of my 45 years within five miles of the plant. Also, I have worked at the plant. I would be interested in the results of the possible cancer cluster in the Bradford Road area as my son's dad lived there and died of cancer, and my step-father, who moved there years ago, currently has cancer.
I used to live on Bradford Road, but now live in Florida. Since the plant came to Western Kentucky, we have lost 14 people to cancer. Three, who have cancer of the breast, are still living, and several people have lung problems on Bradford Road. I lost my son and husband.
I am concerned with the amount of cancer in this area. During the eight years we lived [elsewhere], we hardly knew of anyone with cancer. Here, in western Kentucky, every family has been plagued by this disease. I do think more research should be done to see what connection, if any, there is.
Not only has Bradford Road been affected by *many cases of cancer*, you can include Ogden Landing Road, Metropolis Lake Road and Woodville Road which surround the plant.
Last, but not least, I had surgery for cancer. I believe I was directly affected by the waste materials and releases from PGDP and their lack of concern for many years about this problem.
We do have concerns with all the plants in and around Paducah and Calvert City. We have heard that our area has an unusually high cancer rate.
A relative retired from Union Carbide with a disability. He died from cancer and asbestosis. One of his doctors asked him if he had been around uranium. Check to see how many more people died who worked at this plant and lived nearby it.
Several of my relatives died of cancer.
Please check out the cancer rate within a ten mile radius of the plant, especially La Center, Kentucky.
At a certain point within less than a mile, we can taste a chemical, and it does affect the throat. Could this be a respiratory or cancer problem?
In Ballard County, Kentucky, there is a very large number of cancer cases, especially among women--breast cancer, brain tumor, etc. A thorough study should be conducted by a private concern.
His father died of cancer. It is unclear which cancer ended up killing him but he suffered from cancer of the bone, lymph, and prostate. It is unknown as to whether one of these sites had primary cancer which metastasized to other areas or if all these cancers originated in the affected organs.
He knew of breast cancer in this area but also indicated that there are some others. There are also some people with "respiratory problems."
In Princeton, Kentucky, there were three deaths in the same family. The father died of stomach cancer, the grandfather died of bone cancer; and people have thyroid cancer.
There are a couple of people with brain cancer. They all go to Nashville to be treated at Vanderbilt. Two fellows who worked in maintenance for the plant died of cancer in their 40's.
Non-Cancer
I have been a resident of Bradford Road for several years. I'm now blind in my left eye and have seizures and never feel good anymore.
My wife has high blood pressure and has mini strokes since 11/94. I developed a heart problem. Our medical bills have run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, so you can't tell me I haven't been exposed.
What percentage of birth defects and mental retardation occurring within the region may be considered related to radiation exposure from contaminated air and water supplies?
This person has lived in the city of Paducah for the past 29 years. The person complained of high blood pressure and sinus problems.
This person has lived near the Plant for the past 49 years (except for two years "in the service"). This person knew people with "respiratory problems."
Health Concern: respiratory problems, i.e., bronchitis, allergies, nose and throat burning when exposed to hair spray, cigarette smoke, and raking leaves.
Health Concerns: diabetes and blood pressure problems but doesn't think it's related to the site.
Health Concerns: respiratory problems; the whole time she worked at the plant she smelled chlorine; strong colognes or hair spray causes her nose and throat to "shut down." When she worked at the plant, she could smell the fluoride releases when they happened. She would get a sore throat, her sinuses would swell, she would get headaches and allergies.
Non-Distinct
My neighbor has also been affected. The symptoms he reported to his doctor were non-specific "viral like" problems which included fatigue and headaches.
He also had various non-distinct health problems including a rash which affected other family members.
Workers at the plant are under a lot of stress for the following reasons:
a - they are dismissed more easily for making a honest mistake
b - the training is inadequate
A person complained of high blood pressure and sinus problems. Also, throat burning when exposed to hair spray, cigarette smoke, and raking leaves.
Health Concerns: respiratory problems the whole time she worked at the plant and ever since. Sore throats, sometimes temperatures, and bronchitis. She would get a sore throat, her sinuses would swell, and she would have headaches. (Most of her fellow employees complained of headaches and allergies.)
I have had various non-distinct health problems including a rash which affected other family members.
Trauma
I have been bothered by skin burning and blisters for the past five years.
Exposure Concerns
Air
Possible inhalation exposures due to past air releases of radioactive and non-radioactive contaminants.
With TVA Fly Ash fall out--this will shorten my life by 10 years.
Possible inhalation exposures due to past air releases of radioactive and non-radioactive contaminants due to lack of "heard warnings."
Why so much smoke from plant, especially when there are low clouds over the area?
Present exposures to air releases of radioactive and non-radioactive contaminants.
The air we breath is absolutely unbelievable. The odors and pollution are really bad.
What do current and past air and water quality monitoring of the region surrounding these sites and the rivers indicate about radiation levels and pollution from other potentially harmful chemicals?
C310 stack vented uranium, and individual is concerned that emissions are not controlled and may be released to the environment.
Soil
They are worried about radionuclides in the soil and water. They eat a lot of food from their garden.
The public needs to know numbers/names of heavy metals, chemicals, radioactive substances, cubic yards of contaminated soil, etc. that are in and around the plants.
Surface Water
Possible exposure to contaminated surface water and sediments in ditches and streams.
We are concerned about toxic waste being dumped in the Little Bayou Creek and being put in the landfill. When we complained about the smell, they said it was chicken manure and in another case they said the smell was caused by bovine manure.
They have a pond around their house that they use and they drink from a private drinking well.
What do current and past air and water quality monitoring of the region surrounding these sites and the rivers indicate about radiation levels and pollution from other potentially harmful chemicals?
Now there are lots of concern with the contamination of the rivers. He is concerned about the feeder plant in Illinois. He wants to know the extent and the type of container breaks.
Groundwater
Past exposure to and health effects from ingestion of contaminated drinking water (Tc-99, TCE) via private wells.
Is there contaminated ground water west of plant?
I am very concerned about the contaminated drinking water. I am of the belief that groundwater has been monitored closely in the past and strongly hope that it will continue to be.
Why is the well water not checked around here [Kevil] for anything that could be dangerous to our health?
We have a private well that we use "daily," and we fear that we could very well be drinking contaminated water.
I wonder how safe our drinking water really is.
We are on well water, which was fine when we had it thoroughly tested thirty years ago by the health department. Since all the problems at the plant, I have had it tested numerous times, and they said it had a high salt content. How did the salt get there after all these years? The only time it happened was after they drilled test wells about one mile east of my house. I am sure they are putting something in those wells that made my water salty, as well as smells.
Everything travels in all directions, not just east (referring to the groundwater plume).
What are the potential health effects from drinking contaminated water or breathing air following radioactive releases from PGDP and documented groundwater contamination?
He and his family were exposed to contaminated drinking water emanating from the site.
They are worried about wells on the other side of Metropolis being contaminated. They want to know if Metropolis wells were monitored.
They are concerned about the size and location of the plume. They want to know if the plume is to the river or on the other side of the river.
What steps have been undertaken to protect existing underground aquifers and ground water from additional contamination; how are current contamination problems being handled? Is this program adequate?
Biota
Adverse health effects from consumption of contaminated fish and game from the West Kentucky Wildlife Management Area.
Adverse health effects from consumption of contaminated deer over past years.
Exposure to contaminated vegetables and fruit.
We have a garden and grow most of our food here next to the plant. I'm concerned what contaminants we may be exposed to from our food.
Subsistence fisherman/hunter, concerned about health effects of eating animals he catches. He catches and eats crappies, bluegill, some largemouth bass (but not from KOW), and buffalo carp. His wife eats raccoon once or twice/year, and rabbit and he eats squirrel once/year. He use to eat soft shell turtles but he can't find them anymore. He eats about 6 to 7 pounds of fish/month. Location of fishing: Barkley Lake, another fish and wildlife area nearby, KOW at this site, and sometimes pond to right of main gate.
They are also concerned about plutonium in the deer.
She had been on the site to fish from time to time. She fished for several different kinds of fish at various places. Made at least one meal a month from the fish she caught. Locations for fishing: the game reserve; the lake north of the game reserve; lakes near Martin Marietta; north in Barkley County; and in Noah Lake, when it is not drained to be cleaned. Also, the West Paducah Coon Hunters Club and near the TVA plant. Types of fish: Crappie, *Bluegills, Bass, Buffalo, Carp (*most common). Also has cooked turtle once. If the fish is too fatty she will not clean or eat it.
She did not hunt but would eat what was given to her which included: rabbits, ground hog, squirrels, possum, raccoon and turtle. Her concerns:
Waste Materials
We are especially concerned about current/future exposure to radioactive and [other] contaminants that could be released from the 100s or 1000s of barrels of waste stored on site. Those barrels cannot last forever. What can safely be done with their contents?
I believe I was directly affected by the waste materials and releases from PGDP and their lack of concern for many years about this problem.
Another thing that bothers me is the transportation of hazardous waste to and from the plant, and what we would be exposed to in case of an accident.
Other Issues
Are there more serious cumulative impacts that should be investigated and documented that result from multiple exposures to radionuclides and other chemicals to residents in the four-state region surrounding PGDP and the industrial plants?
What harm has been caused by recent releases from the PGDP?
The Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant has operated here since the 1950's. It and its feeder plant in Southern Illinois have created some pollution.
They are concerned about Dioxin.
He was familiar with the Site Specific Advisory Board (SSAB) and the impact of other industry on the area contributing to environmental problems.
Procedural Concerns (including Agency)
When a release was made, in the past, they used pounds or kilograms. One pound does not sound bad, but when spread in the atmosphere, one pound is a lot. Why not use cubic feet of ____________ released?
My only request would be that if any releases are encountered that would affect the nearby community, immediate notice be given via TV & radio.
I am of the belief that groundwater has been monitored closely in the past and strongly hope that it will continue to be. I believe there is a need for this facility to be monitored closely.
Why is the well water not checked around here [Kevil] for anything that could be dangerous to our health?
We are on a fixed income. The Water District does not need the exorbitant amount proposed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Public Health Service Commission. Please don't impose unnecessary expense on our water district. After all--you should be working to "protect" us "not punish"!
Now they claim they are making headway in correcting these problems. Do I believe that? NO! Please LISTEN. I speak for this whole community. Talk is cheap and that's about all we've had around here.
I appreciate you concerns, however our complaints have fallen on deaf ears.
I have complained about my well water being ruined, but nothing is being done. They will not hook me on to city water, even though they have others very near me. If you have any power, please use it to help us out. However, I figure I have wasted my time replying to this letter, as it will just be some more government propaganda paperwork, as has been with this environmental group at the plant now. Nothing is ever accomplished.
We are on well water, which was fine when we had it thoroughly tested thirty years ago by the health department. Since all the problems at the plant, I have had it tested numerous times and they said it was a high salt content. How did the salt get there after all these years? The only time it happened was after they drilled test wells about 1 mile east of my house. I am sure they are putting something in those wells that made my water salty, as well as smells.
We are concerned about all of the health concerns affiliated with PGDP. We have eaten game from the WKWMA for the past 20 years, and we feel we should be kept informed of all exposures to waste material and any and all releases from the PGDP.
Concern: Lack of trust in reports from PGDP.
On cleaning the groundwater, this is one of the biggest rip-offs I've ever seen. Take water, clean it, and put it back in a dirty container? How stupid can people be? The company doing this is just getting rich at the taxpayer's expense.
We were told our water would be checked in a 6 mile radius 3 to 4 years ago, and we are still waiting.
We have no say in what is buried in the landfill they are building--this is not right.
How can citizens gain better access to data on recent releases from the PGDP and more importantly, to appropriate interpretations of these data in terms of both possible short and long-term effects?
To what extent are local health departments participating in the monitoring of air and water quality for the region surrounding these sites and the rivers? If they are not, how can citizens pressure them to become more involved with this issue?
He believes that the DOE is insensitive to the concerns of citizens affected by the site, specifically people exposed to contaminated water and workers exposed on site. He also believes that their environmental data are unreliable, especially concerning past releases into the atmosphere.
He thinks the DOE and Lockheed Martin are insensitive to the concerns of citizens who are affected by the contamination. He also thinks that DOE is covering up other environmental problems that may be ongoing.
Some complaints about Lockheed-Martin Energy Systems:
They were concerned about the plant increasing capacity since it was privatizing and were worried about how the new owners would be regulated.
He is concerned with the change in ownership (of the plant).
Noticed that there is more train traffic in/out of Plant recently. Sirens are not loud enough for when inside house with TV playing.
Wants owner of plant to be responsive to citizens, get large volumes of a report to citizens when it is available in the library. Make reports available on computer diskettes for citizens, libraries, and schools that have PC computers.
There is confusion among citizens on the relationships between DOE, Lockheed-Martin Energy Systems, NRC, KY Federal Facilities Oversight Unit, KY Department of Health Services, ATSDR, USEPA, etc.
With the Avlis technology imminent, the present level of each contaminant needs to be known. Then a plan needs to be formulated as to how these pollutants can be cleaned up and who will clean them up.
The public needs to know numbers/names of heavy metals, chemicals, radioactive substances, cubic yards of contaminated soil, etc. that are in and around the plants. Murray State University and/or Southern Illinois University could assist in the testing. Until it is known just exactly what we are dealing with and who created the problems, we are just jousting with windmills.
Numbers and cleanup plans are needed. Will all the pollution problems be left to our local economy? Or will the governing agency who created the problems be held responsible for their waste management?
They were familiar with the Calvert City study and thought the results were swept under the rug about the elevated levels of acetone. They would like to see more cooperation with the Illinois side of the community.
Need to build trust with the community--vision of non-trusted government agency. No longer subject to FOIA, ending comment period of NEPA regulations which exclude small waste sites and transportation.
For years there was no enforcement of workers regarding wearing personal protective equipment (PPE). Since 1991, PPE has been required for the same job. The following concerns fall out of this:
How much waste is stored; what happens if a container breaks?
Population-Level Concerns
Possible cancer cluster in residential community ~ 2 miles east of plant (Bradford Road area).
I'm very concerned about the high rate of cancer in this area (Metropolis Lake Road).
The cancer cluster on Bradford Road is of concern to us as well.
Possible problems of residents nearer the plant.
I would like to ask why there is so much cancer in the neighborhood of House Road and Ragland Community?
Why is the well water not checked around here [Kevil] for anything that could be dangerous to our health?
I and my immediate household, probably have less concern for potential health problems than others. Nevertheless, I would be interested in the results of the possible cancer cluster on Bradford Road.
Not only has Bradford Road been affected by *many cases of cancer*, you can include Ogden Landing Road, Metropolis Lake Road and Woodville Road which surround the plant.
We do have concerns with all the plants in and around Paducah and Calvert City. We have heard that our area has an unusually high cancer rate.
Several other neighbors and relatives, young and old . . . someone nearly every week (gets cancer).
Please check out cancer rate within a ten mile radius of the plant, especially La Center, KY.
In Ballard County, KY there is a very large number of cancer cases, especially among women--breast, brain tumor, etc.
How were residents downstream of PGDP affected?
How were the residents downstream from Calvert City been affected?
Other people in his neighborhood have also been affected.
Subpopulation-Level Concerns
Children
I am very concerned about past, present, and future exposures and health outcomes (cancer and non-cancer) for my neighbors, children, and grandchildren.
What are the potential health effects on children whose parents have worked at PGDP or who have been exposed to contaminated air and water supplies?
What percentage of birth defects and mental retardation occurring within the region may be considered related to radiation exposure from contaminated air and water supplies?
Workers
What health impacts may have been initiated by PGDP operations during the period 1944 to the present? How were workers affected? How were workers' families affected?
Is the drinking water used in the plant treated for chemical contaminants (since it comes from the Ohio River)? Why do management people use bottled water? Can ATSDR have someone check water used for drinking on-site?
Workers are under a lot of stress for the following reasons:
Wildlife
I am concerned about the wildlife (especially in the game reserve). I think you should keep a closer watch on that aspect--concern about wildlife.
To what extent are animals (including fish, game, and cattle) affected by radionuclide levels in the water and in regional plants?
Why was deer found with plutonium in the muscle?
He noticed there are no grasshoppers, frogs, or snakes on the farm. Also, there are few birds and insects. The reduction in these animal and insect populations happened about 3 or 4 years ago.
He never observes live or dead fish in the creek. In 1993 or 1994, over 20 deer were found dead near Spring Bayou Church. The plant was told of the dead deer and did investigate.
Pets/Farm Animals
Cattle look older than they should. In 1994, a calf was born dead with a deformed jaw. Coffee Animal Clinic in LaCenter, Kentucky examined the calf; then the Plant took the calf. Presently has 40 head of cattle including calves. In 60 years, there was only the one deformity.
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