ATSDR - PHA - Seneca Army Depot, Romulus, Seneca County, New York

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PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT

SENECA ARMY DEPOT
ROMULUS, SENECA COUNTY, NEW YORK

TABLES

TABLE 1. Geographic Areas of Seneca Army Depot Activity

Geographic Area Use History Acreage Status

Main Depot Area The area was used primarily for storage of munitions and general supplies, industrial and administrative activities, and military training. 6,691 acres Active.

North Depot and Special Weapons Area North Depot: This portion of the depot provided troop housing, troop support, and community services.
Special Weapons Area: From 1956 through 1963, this area was used for storing "special weapons." Many of the details regarding the special weapons mission at the depot remain classified. 180 acres
700 acres
Inactive (but housing may be reused in the future).

South Depot Area This area is the major administrative and support area for Seneca Army Depot Activity. It also contains medical-related facilities and family housing. 200 acres The area is still used for its administrative and support activities.

Airfield Area This area consisted of an airfield, buildings, and a training range. 520 acres (consisting of a 65-acre training range and a 460-acre airfield) The airfield is inactive, but the Army may transfer the property to the Seneca County Industry Agency in the future.

Lake Housing Area The Lake Housing Area consists of family housing, community facilities, and outdoor recreation areas. 200 acres Today, only six families live in the housing complex.

Coast Guard Area The U.S. Coast Guard maintains an installation consisting of a single building, an underground storage tank, and a transmitter antenna tower. 292 acres Active.

Source: Engineering Science, Inc., 1994; Seneca Army Depot Activity, 1999.

TABLE 2. Evaluation of Potential Public Health Hazards Associated with Operable Units at Seneca Army Depot Activity

Site Site Description/
Waste Disposal History Investigation Results/ Environmental Monitoring Results Current Status Evaluation of Public Health Hazards

SEAD-3
Incinerator Cooling Water Pond From 1974 to 1979, the pond was used to hold cooling water and fly ash generated from the scrubber of the solid waste incinerator. The ash was removed every 18 months and disposed at the Ash Landfill. Groundwater: Sulfates and possibly metals were detected (levels are unknown). The area is being investigated under the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) with SEADs 6, 8, 14, and 15. No public health hazard is likely to exist because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.

SEAD-4 Munitions Washout Facility From 1948 to 1963, operations at this facility included dismantling and removing explosives from munitions by steam cleaning; this operation produced explosive solids and wastewater. Today, this site is inactive. On-site workers may visit the area for security reasons only. Deer hunting is, however, conducted in this area during the fall. Groundwater: Metals, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and nitrate were detected (levels are unknown).
Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals and/or SVOCs were detected at levels above ATSDR's comparison values (CVs). No explosive compounds were detected.
The area is being investigated under an RI/FS. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is limited and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

SEAD-6
Abandoned Ash Landfill The approximately 4-acre landfill received ash from the refuse burning pits from 1941 until the late 1950s or early 1960s. Later, after the incinerator was built, ash was again disposed in the landfill. The refuse was dumped in piles and occasionally spread and compacted, but never covered. Currently, the area is covered with vegetation. Groundwater: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,2-dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride were detected at levels above CVs. These compounds are more likely related to the refuse burning pits or areas near the landfill rather than to the Ash Landfill contents.
Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals and/or SVOCs were detected at levels above CVs. No explosive compounds were detected.
The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 8, 14, and 15. To date, no public health hazards exist from direct contact/use of contaminated groundwater beneath the site. The site is presently accessed only by on-site workers, so direct contact with soil is limited and not likely to pose a public health hazard. The groundwater flows west to southwest across the landfill and toward three farmhouse wells (less than 1/4 mile downgradient from the edge of the VOC plume). Samples collected from the farmhouse wells, however, have met safe drinking water standards. Seneca Army Depot Activity will continue to monitor groundwater in the area of the private wells.

SEAD-8
Non-Combustible Fill Area Covering 3 acres, the fill area was used from 1974 to 1979 for burial of bulky items that could not be burned or incinerated. Currently, the area is closed and covered with vegetation. Groundwater: Explosive compounds and metals were detected; some explosive levels exceeded CVs. The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 14, and 15. No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.

SEAD-14
Refuse Burning Pits From 1941 to 1974, two 40 by 80 foot refuse pits were used to burn the depot's rubbish. The resulting ash was pushed into the adjacent landfill. Groundwater: Solvents and metals were detected (levels unknown). The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 8, and 15. No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.

SEAD-15
Abandoned Solid Waste Incinerator (Building 2207) The incinerator operated from 1974 to 1979 to burn the depot's domestic waste. Small munitions and asbestos were occasionally burned. The incinerator was destroyed by fire in 1979. Air: The furnace operated without air pollution device, and therefore pollutants may have escaped during incineration. Propellents were probably completely destroyed in the furnace, but metals (e.g., lead and barium) probably exited in fly ash or dust. The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 8, and 14. Without past air monitoring data, ATSDR cannot determined whether harmful levels of contaminants left the site. Since the incinerator is abandoned, no current or future public health hazard exists.

SEAD-16
Abandoned Deactivation Furnace
(Building S-311) The furnace was used for incinerating obsolete small-arms munition. The furnace contained no pollution or dust control devices. Air emissions from the furnace combined with wind dispersion may have caused deposition of particulates containing explosive compounds and/or metals to the soil. Surface Soil: SVOCs were infrequently detected at levels above CVs. The area is being investigated under an RI/FS. No public health hazard exists because direct contact with contaminants in surface soil is limited.

SEAD-17
Existing Deactivation Furnace
(Building 367) Since 1962, the furnace has been used to safely detonate ammunition. The residue from the furnace is transferred by a conveyor to an approved hazardous water container, cooled, and then transferred to the Defense Reutilization and Market Office. Groundwater: Metals and/or explosives were detected; concentrations of some compounds exceeded CVs.
Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals, SVOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and nitrate were detected. Some metal levels exceeded CVs.
The area is being investigated under an RI/FS. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water and therefore unlikely to pose a public health hazard.

SEAD-23
Open Burning Ground From the late 1950s to 1986 or 1987, the open burning ground was used for burning munitions waste. The area consists of nine burning pads covering approximately 30 acres. The pads are constructed of broken shale. Groundwater: Metals, nitrate, and/or explosives were detected; concentrations of some compounds exceeded CVs. The public comment period on the proposed remedial action plan extended from December 1, 1997, through January 10, 1998. The record of decision was finalized in June 1999. Soil with greater than 500 ppm of lead will be excavated and disposed of off site. Soil with less than 500 ppm of lead with be covered and vegetated. No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.

SEAD-24 Abandoned Powder Burning Pit During the 1940s and 1950s, the burning pit was active, though the operating practices are unknown. The primary source of contaminants considered for this site, however, are black powder, M10 and M16 solid propellants, and probably explosive-containing sawdust. Groundwater: No VOCS were detected. Iron and manganese were found, but they were attributed to high turbidities in the samples.
Surface and Subsurface Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected, but generally at levels below CVs. Explosive compounds (2,4-dinitrotoluene) exceeded CVs.
This area was investigated under the ESI at the high priority AOCs. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

SEAD-25
Fire Training and Demonstration Pad Starting in the 1960s, this area was used for fire control training. Currently the pad is not used. Groundwater: VOCs and SVOCs were detected; some concentrations exceeded CVs. Iron, manganese, and sodium were detected but are not directly associated with site activities. Total petroleum hydrocarbons were also present (no CVs currently exist for this group of compounds).
Surface and Subsurface Soil: VOC, primarily benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, were present in the surface soil. High levels of lead were also found in samples containing high VOCs and SVOCs. Metals and pesticides were detected at levels above CVs.
The area is being investigated under an RI/FS. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers and the groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

SEAD-26
Fire Testing Pit Since 1977, the area has been used one or two times each year for fire fighting training exercises, which involve igniting and extinguishing fuels. The area around the pit was used to store burned vehicles and fuel drums. Groundwater: No VOCs, pesticides, PCBs, or explosive compounds were detected in the groundwater samples. SVOCs were infrequently detected but at levels below CVs Metals (arsenic, beryllium, lead, and zinc) were detected but were possibly caused by high turbidity.
Surface and Subsurface Soil: SVOCs were detected at levels exceeding CVs.
The area is being investigated under an RI/FS. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

SEAD 45
Open Detonation Grounds Since 1941, the Army detonated munitions in the open detonation grounds. Groundwater: Metals and pesticides were detected at levels above CVs.
Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals, SVOCs, and explosive compounds were detected; levels of some compounds exceeded CVs.
This area was investigated under the ESI at the high priority AOCs. The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

Sources: Engineering Sciences, Inc., 1994; Woodward-Clyde, 1997; Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1995a; Absolom, 1999.

TABLE 3. Exposure Pathways Evaluation Table

Pathway Name Source of
Contamination Environmental Medium Point of Exposure Route of Exposure Exposed Population Comment

Private off-site wells TCE: Ash Landfill Groundwater Private residences Ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation Private residents (estimated 8-20 individuals) Past and Current:
• No exposure has occurred, nor is exposure occurring. A VOC plume extends beyond the site's western boundary. No contamination has been detected in the three farmhouse wells just downgradient of the leading edge of the plume.
Future:
• Seneca Army Depot Activity will continue to monitor groundwater and private wells downgradient of the plume.

On-site water supply ells Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity Groundwater Seneca Army Depot Activity Ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation Workers or future visitors to the site Past and Current:
• No exposure has occurred or is occurring.
Future:
• Upon receipt, ATSDR will evaluate radiologic data to assess future hazards.

On-site surface soil Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity Soil Areas of exposed soil Dermal contact Seneca Army Depot Activity workers and hunters Past, Current, and Future:
• Site-related contaminants exist in on-site soil. Workers in the contaminated areas should not experience health effects because they most likely wore and continue to wear protective clothing and/or have had only brief, infrequent contact with contaminated soil. Upon receipt of data, ATSDR will review radiologic data to assess hazards under future land uses.

Surface water/sediment Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity Surface water or sediment Creeks and lakes Dermal contact, possible ingestion Various groups Past, Current, and Future:
• No public health hazards from chemical contamination exist. Upon receipt of data, ATSDR will assess radiologic hazards under future uses.

Biota Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity Game and fish On-site Ingestion Consumers of game and fish Past, Current, and Future:
• ATSDR determined that the game and fish are not likely to accumulate contaminants at levels associated with adverse health effects.

TABLE 4. Summary of Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Groundwater (Ash Landfill)

Contaminant

Concentration (ppb)
Comparison Value
(ppb)

Maximum Mean

1,2-Dichloroethene (total) 130,000 2,656
5 NY DWQS
70 MCL(cis)

1,1,1-Trichlroethane 2,100 28
5 NY DWQS
200 MCL

Trichloroethylene 51,0000 1,431
5 NY DWQS
5 MCL

Vinyl chloride 23,0000 649
0.7 CREG
2 MCL

Aluminum 306,000 20,713
50 NY DWQS

Cadmium 65 3
10 MCL
5 NY DWQS

Chromium 418 31
5 MCL (VI)
10 NY DWQS (VI)

Lead 147 11
15 NY DWQS

Nickel 622 43
100 MCL
100 NY DWQS

Sources: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1996a.

Key: CREG= ATSDR's cancer risk evaluation guide; MCL= EPA's maximum contaminant level; NY DWQS= New York state drinking water quality standard.

TABLE 5. Summary of Radiological Constituents in On-Site Groundwater

Radiological Constituent Concentration (pCi/L) Comparison Value (pCi/L)

Range

Radiation Levels

Gross alpha 4 - 130 15 MCL

Gross beta 7 - 130 50 MCL

Radionuclides¹

Radium-226 ² 97 - 167.4 5 MCL

Lead-214 22.4 - 57.5 10,600 MCL³

Bismuth-214 58.9 - 96 13,500 MCL³

Uranium-235 44 - 68.8 no value

Hydrogen-3 (Tritium) 60 - 900 20,000 MCL

Sources: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1995b, 1996c, and 1998a

¹ Expressed values are the average of multiple analyses of the radionuclide using different spectral lines from the gamma spectroscopy system.
² For radium, EPA's MCL is for radium-226 plus radium-228.
³ EPA's MCLs for lead and bismuth were estimated using an ingestion rate of 2 liters of water per day for a year and the dose conversion factors from ICRP 68.

Key: MCL= EPA's maximum contaminant level; pCi/L=picocuries per liter.

TABLE 6. Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Surface Soil¹

Contaminant Maximum Concentration
(ppm) Locations of Maximum Detection Comparison Value
(ppm)

Arsenic 56.8 Abandoned Powder Burning Pit
(SEAD-24) 0.5 CREG
20 EMEG-child

Barium 34,400 Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23) 4,000 RMEG

Cadmium 14.3 Deactivation Furnace (SEAD-17) 10 EMEG-child

Chromium 4,870 Munitions Washout Area (SEAD-4) 300 RMEG-child

Lead 58,700 Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23) no value

Manganese 120,000 Fire Training Pit (SEAD-26) 7,000 RMEG-child

PAHs (benzo(a)pyrene) 9 Ash Landfill (SEAD-) 0.1 CREG

DDE 0.83 Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23 ) 2 CREG

DDT 2.8 Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23) 2 CREG

Dieldrin 0.5 Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23) 0.04 CREG
3 EMEG-child

Source: Engineering Science, Inc., 1994; Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1995a.

Key: CREG = ATSDR's cancer risk evaluation guide; RMEG =ATSDR's reference dose media evaluation guide; EMEG=ATSDR's environmental media evaluation guide.

¹ Based on environmental monitoring data collected for the highest priority areas.

TABLE 7. Summary of Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Surface Water

Contaminant Concentrations (ppb) Comparison Value
(ppb)

Reeder Creek Kendaia Creek

Maximum Maximum.

Trichloroethylene 5.0 12
3 CREG
5 MCL

Arsenic 1.9 2.90
0.02 CREG
3 EMEG-child
50 MCL

Beryllium 1.4 1.2
0.008 CREG
50 RMEG-child
4 MCL

Manganese 236 16,700
50 RMEG

Sources: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1996a, 1997c.

Key: CREG= ATSDR's cancer risk evaluation guide; RMEG=ATSDR's reference dose media evaluation guide; MCL= EPA's maximum contaminant level.

TABLE 8. Summary of Contaminant Concentrations in On-Site Sediment

Contaminant Concentrations (ppm) Comparison Value
(ppm)

Reeder Creek Kendaia Creek

Maximum Maximum.

Benzo(a)pyrene 490 3,600
0.1 CREG

Arsenic 7.4 12
0.5 CREG
20 EMEG-child

Beryllium 0.7 1
0.2 CREG
300 RMEG-child

Copper 2,380 59
16 NYSDEC Sediment Guideline

Lead 332 219
31 NYSDEC Sediment Guideline

Sources: Parsons Engineering Science, Inc., 1994; 1997c.

Key: CREG = ATSDR's cancer risk evaluation guide; RMEG = ATSDR's reference dose media evaluation guide; NY DEC= New York Department of Environmental Conservation.

FIGURES

Figure 1. Area Map

Figure 2. Site Map

Figure 3. ATSDR's Exposure Evaluation Process

Figure 4. VOC Plume Associated with the Ash Landfill

APPENDIX A. GLOSSARY

Absorption:

How a chemical enters a person's blood after the chemical has been swallowed, has come into contact with the skin, or has been breathed in.

Acute Exposure:

Contact with a chemical that happens once or only for a limited period of time. ATSDR defines acute exposures as those that might last up to 14 days.

Additive Effect:

A response to a chemical mixture, or combination of substances, that might be expected if the known effects of individual chemicals, seen at specific doses, were added together.

Adverse Health Effect:

A change in body function or the structures of cells that can lead to disease or health problems.

Antagonistic Effect:

A response to a mixture of chemicals or combination of substances that is less than might be expected if the known effects of individual chemicals, seen at specific doses, were added together.

ATSDR:

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. ATSDR is a federal health agency in Atlanta, Georgia that deals with hazardous substance and waste site issues. ATSDR gives people information about harmful chemicals in their environment and tells people how to protect themselves from coming into contact with chemicals.

Background Level:

An average or expected amount of a chemical in a specific environment. Or, amounts of chemicals that occur naturally in a specific environment.

Biota:

Used in public health, things that humans would eat - including animals, fish and plants.

CAP:

See Community Assistance Panel.

Cancer:

A group of diseases which occur when cells in the body become abnormal and grow, or multiply, out of control

Carcinogen:

Any substance shown to cause tumors or cancer in experimental studies.

CERCLA:

See Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act.

Chronic Exposure:

A contact with a substance or chemical that happens over a long period of time. ATSDR considers exposures of more than one year to be chronic.

Completed Exposure Pathway:

See Exposure Pathway.

Community Assistance Panel (CAP):

A group of people from the community and health and environmental agencies who work together on issues and problems at hazardous waste sites.

Comparison Value (CVs):

Concentrations or the amount of substances in air, water, food, and soil that are unlikely, upon exposure, to cause adverse health effects. Comparison values are used by health assessors to select which substances and environmental media (air, water, food and soil) need additional evaluation while health concerns or effects are investigated.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA):

CERCLA was put into place in 1980. It is also known as Superfund. This act concerns releases of hazardous substances into the environment, and the cleanup of these substances and hazardous waste sites. ATSDR was created by this act and is responsible for looking into the health issues related to hazardous waste sites.

Concern:

A belief or worry that chemicals in the environment might cause harm to people.

Concentration:

How much or the amount of a substance present in a certain amount of soil, water, air, or food.

Contaminant:

See Environmental Contaminant.

Delayed Health Effect:

A disease or injury that happens as a result of exposures that may have occurred far in the past.

Dermal Contact:

A chemical getting onto your skin. (see Route of Exposure).

Dose:

The amount of a substance to which a person may be exposed, usually on a daily basis. Dose is often explained as "amount of substance(s) per body weight per day".

Dose / Response:

The relationship between the amount of exposure (dose) and the change in body function or health that result.

Duration:

The amount of time (days, months, years) that a person is exposed to a chemical.

Environmental Contaminant:

A substance (chemical) that gets into a system (person, animal, or the environment) in amounts higher than that found in Background Level, or what would be expected.

Environmental Media:

Usually refers to the air, water, and soil in which chemical of interest are found. Sometimes refers to the plants and animals that are eaten by humans. Environmental Media is the second part of an Exposure Pathway.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):

The federal agency that develops and enforces environmental laws to protect the environment and the public's health.

Epidemiology:

The study of the different factors that determine how often, in how many people, and in which people will disease occur.

Exposure:

Coming into contact with a chemical substance.(For the three ways people can come in contact with substances, see Route of Exposure.)

Exposure Assessment:

The process of finding the ways people come in contact with chemicals, how often and how long they come in contact with chemicals, and the amounts of chemicals with which they come in contact.

Exposure Pathway:

A description of the way that a chemical moves from its source (where it began) to where and how people can come into contact with (or get exposed to) the chemical.

ATSDR defines an exposure pathway as having 5 parts:

Source of Contamination,

Environmental Media and Transport Mechanism,

Point of Exposure,

Route of Exposure; and,

Receptor Population.

When all 5 parts of an exposure pathway are present, it is called a Completed Exposure Pathway. Each of these 5 terms is defined in this Glossary.

Frequency:

How often a person is exposed to a chemical over time; for example, every day, once a week, twice a month.

Hazardous Waste:

Substances that have been released or thrown away into the environment and, under certain conditions, could be harmful to people who come into contact with them.

Health Effect:

ATSDR deals only with Adverse Health Effects (see definition in this Glossary).

Indeterminate Public Health Hazard:

The category is used in Public Health Assessment documents for sites where important information is lacking (missing or has not yet been gathered) about site-related chemical exposures.

Ingestion:

Swallowing something, as in eating or drinking. It is a way a chemical can enter your body (See Route of Exposure).

Inhalation:

Breathing. It is a way a chemical can enter your body (See Route of Exposure).

LOAEL:

Lowest Observed Adverse Effect Level. The lowest dose of a chemical in a study, or group of studies, that has caused harmful health effects in people or animals.

Malignancy:

See Cancer.

MRL:

Minimal Risk Level. An estimate of daily human exposure - by a specified route and length of time -- to a dose of chemical that is likely to be without a measurable risk of adverse, noncancerous effects. An MRL should not be used as a predictor of adverse health effects.

NPL:

The National Priorities List. (Which is part of Superfund.) A list kept by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the most serious, uncontrolled or abandoned hazardous waste sites in the country. An NPL site needs to be cleaned up or is being looked at to see if people can be exposed to chemicals from the site.

NOAEL:

No Observed Adverse Effect Level. The highest dose of a chemical in a study, or group of studies, that did not cause harmful health effects in people or animals.

No Apparent Public Health Hazard:

The category is used in ATSDR's Public Health Assessment documents for sites where exposure to site-related chemicals may have occurred in the past or is still occurring but the exposures are not at levels expected to cause adverse health effects.

No Public Health Hazard:

The category is used in ATSDR's Public Health Assessment documents for sites where there is evidence of an absence of exposure to site-related chemicals.

PHA:

Public Health Assessment. A report or document that looks at chemicals at a hazardous waste site and tells if people could be harmed from coming into contact with those chemicals. The PHA also tells if possible further public health actions are needed.

Plume:

A line or column of air or water containing chemicals moving from the source to areas further away. A plume can be a column or clouds of smoke from a chimney or contaminated underground water sources or contaminated surface water (such as lakes, ponds and streams).

Point of Exposure:

The place where someone can come into contact with a contaminated environmental medium (air, water, food or soil). For examples:
the area of a playground that has contaminated dirt, a contaminated spring used for drinking water, the location where fruits or vegetables are grown in contaminated soil, or the backyard area where someone might breathe contaminated air.

Population:

A group of people living in a certain area; or the number of people in a certain area.

PRP:

Potentially Responsible Party. A company, government or person that is responsible for causing the pollution at a hazardous waste site. PRP's are expected to help pay for the clean up of a site.

Public Health Assessment(s):

See PHA.

Public Health Hazard:

The category is used in PHAs for sites that have certain physical features or evidence of chronic, site-related chemical exposure that could result in adverse health effects.

Public Health Hazard Criteria:

PHA categories given to a site which tell whether people could be harmed by conditions present at the site. Each are defined in the Glossary. The categories are:

Urgent Public Health Hazard

Public Health Hazard

Indeterminate Public Health Hazard

No Apparent Public Health Hazard

No Public Health Hazard

Receptor Population:

People who live or work in the path of one or more chemicals, and who could come into contact with them (See Exposure Pathway).

Reference Dose (RfD):

An estimate, with safety factors (see safety factor) built in, of the daily, life-time exposure of human populations to a possible hazard that is not likely to cause harm to the person.

Route of Exposure:

The way a chemical can get into a person's body. There are three exposure routes:
- breathing (also called inhalation),
- eating or drinking (also called ingestion), and
- or getting something on the skin (also called dermal contact).

Safety Factor:

Also called Uncertainty Factor. When scientists don't have enough information to decide if an exposure will cause harm to people, they use "safety factors" and formulas in place of the information that is not known. These factors and formulas can help determine the amount of a chemical that is not likely to cause harm to people.

SARA:

The Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act in 1986 amended CERCLA and expanded the health-related responsibilities of ATSDR. CERCLA and SARA direct ATSDR to look into the health effects from chemical exposures at hazardous waste sites.

Sample Size:

The number of people that are needed for a health study.

Sample:

A small number of people chosen from a larger population (See Population).

Source (of Contamination):

The place where a chemical comes from, such as a landfill, pond, creek, incinerator, tank, or drum. Contaminant source is the first part of an Exposure Pathway.

Special Populations:

People who may be more sensitive to chemical exposures because of certain factors such as age, a disease they already have, occupation, sex, or certain behaviors (like cigarette smoking). Children, pregnant women, and older people are often considered special populations.

Statistics:

A branch of the math process of collecting, looking at, and summarizing data or information.

Superfund Site:

See NPL.

Survey:

A way to collect information or data from a group of people (population). Surveys can be done by phone, mail, or in person. ATSDR cannot do surveys of more than nine people without approval from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Synergistic effect:

A health effect from an exposure to more than one chemical, where one of the chemicals worsens the effect of another chemical. The combined effect of the chemicals acting together are greater than the effects of the chemicals acting by themselves.

Toxic:

Harmful. Any substance or chemical can be toxic at a certain dose (amount). The dose is what determines the potential harm of a chemical and whether it would cause someone to get sick.

Toxicology:

The study of the harmful effects of chemicals on humans or animals.

Tumor:

Abnormal growth of tissue or cells that have formed a lump or mass.

Uncertainty Factor:

See Safety Factor.

Urgent Public Health Hazard:

This category is used in ATSDR's Public Health Assessment documents for sites that have certain physical features or evidence of short-term (less than 1 year), site-related chemical exposure that could result in adverse health effects and require quick intervention to stop people from being exposed.

APPENDIX B. COMPARISON VALUES

Comparison values are media-specific contaminant concentration that are used to select contaminants for further evaluation. The conclusion that a contaminant concentration exceeds the comparison does not mean that it will cause adverse health effects.

Cancer Risk Evaluation Guides (CREGs)

CREGS are estimated contaminant concentrations that would be expected to cause no more than one excess cancer in a million (10^-6) persons exposed over lifetime. ATSDR's CREGs are calculated from EPA's cancer potency factors.

Environmental Media Evaluation Guides (EMEGs)

EMEGs are based on ATSDR minimal risk levels and considers body weight and ingestion rates. An EMEG is an estimate of daily human exposure to a chemical (in mg/kg/day) that is likely to be without noncarcinogenic health effects over a specified duration of exposure to include acute, intermediate, and chronic exposures.

Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL)

The MCL is the drinking water standard established by EPA for the maximum permissible level of a contaminant in water that is delivered to a free-flowing outlet. MCLs are considered protective of public health over a lifetime (70 years) for individuals consuming 2 liters of water per day.

Reference Media evaluation guides (RMEGs)

ATSDR derives RMEGs from EPA's oral reference doses. The RMEG represents the concentration in water or soil at which daily human exposure is unlikely to result in adverse noncarcinogenic effects.

Table of Contents

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, 1825 Century Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30345
Contact CDC: 800-232-4636 / TTY: 888-232-6348

Department of Health and Human Services

Geographic Area	Use History	Acreage	Status
Main Depot Area	The area was used primarily for storage of munitions and general supplies, industrial and administrative activities, and military training.	6,691 acres	Active.
North Depot and Special Weapons Area	North Depot: This portion of the depot provided troop housing, troop support, and community services. Special Weapons Area: From 1956 through 1963, this area was used for storing "special weapons." Many of the details regarding the special weapons mission at the depot remain classified.	180 acres 700 acres	Inactive (but housing may be reused in the future).
South Depot Area	This area is the major administrative and support area for Seneca Army Depot Activity. It also contains medical-related facilities and family housing.	200 acres	The area is still used for its administrative and support activities.
Airfield Area	This area consisted of an airfield, buildings, and a training range.	520 acres (consisting of a 65-acre training range and a 460-acre airfield)	The airfield is inactive, but the Army may transfer the property to the Seneca County Industry Agency in the future.
Lake Housing Area	The Lake Housing Area consists of family housing, community facilities, and outdoor recreation areas.	200 acres	Today, only six families live in the housing complex.
Coast Guard Area	The U.S. Coast Guard maintains an installation consisting of a single building, an underground storage tank, and a transmitter antenna tower.	292 acres	Active.

Site	Site Description/ Waste Disposal History	Investigation Results/ Environmental Monitoring Results	Current Status	Evaluation of Public Health Hazards
SEAD-3 Incinerator Cooling Water Pond	From 1974 to 1979, the pond was used to hold cooling water and fly ash generated from the scrubber of the solid waste incinerator. The ash was removed every 18 months and disposed at the Ash Landfill.	Groundwater: Sulfates and possibly metals were detected (levels are unknown).	The area is being investigated under the remedial investigation and feasibility study (RI/FS) with SEADs 6, 8, 14, and 15.	No public health hazard is likely to exist because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.
SEAD-4 Munitions Washout Facility	From 1948 to 1963, operations at this facility included dismantling and removing explosives from munitions by steam cleaning; this operation produced explosive solids and wastewater. Today, this site is inactive. On-site workers may visit the area for security reasons only. Deer hunting is, however, conducted in this area during the fall.	Groundwater: Metals, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and nitrate were detected (levels are unknown). Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals and/or SVOCs were detected at levels above ATSDR's comparison values (CVs). No explosive compounds were detected.	The area is being investigated under an RI/FS.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is limited and not likely to pose a public health hazard.
SEAD-6 Abandoned Ash Landfill	The approximately 4-acre landfill received ash from the refuse burning pits from 1941 until the late 1950s or early 1960s. Later, after the incinerator was built, ash was again disposed in the landfill. The refuse was dumped in piles and occasionally spread and compacted, but never covered. Currently, the area is covered with vegetation.	Groundwater: Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), primarily trichloroethylene (TCE), 1,2-dichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride were detected at levels above CVs. These compounds are more likely related to the refuse burning pits or areas near the landfill rather than to the Ash Landfill contents. Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals and/or SVOCs were detected at levels above CVs. No explosive compounds were detected.	The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 8, 14, and 15.	To date, no public health hazards exist from direct contact/use of contaminated groundwater beneath the site. The site is presently accessed only by on-site workers, so direct contact with soil is limited and not likely to pose a public health hazard. The groundwater flows west to southwest across the landfill and toward three farmhouse wells (less than 1/4 mile downgradient from the edge of the VOC plume). Samples collected from the farmhouse wells, however, have met safe drinking water standards. Seneca Army Depot Activity will continue to monitor groundwater in the area of the private wells.
SEAD-8 Non-Combustible Fill Area	Covering 3 acres, the fill area was used from 1974 to 1979 for burial of bulky items that could not be burned or incinerated. Currently, the area is closed and covered with vegetation.	Groundwater: Explosive compounds and metals were detected; some explosive levels exceeded CVs.	The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 14, and 15.	No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.
SEAD-14 Refuse Burning Pits	From 1941 to 1974, two 40 by 80 foot refuse pits were used to burn the depot's rubbish. The resulting ash was pushed into the adjacent landfill.	Groundwater: Solvents and metals were detected (levels unknown).	The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 8, and 15.	No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.
SEAD-15 Abandoned Solid Waste Incinerator (Building 2207)	The incinerator operated from 1974 to 1979 to burn the depot's domestic waste. Small munitions and asbestos were occasionally burned. The incinerator was destroyed by fire in 1979.	Air: The furnace operated without air pollution device, and therefore pollutants may have escaped during incineration. Propellents were probably completely destroyed in the furnace, but metals (e.g., lead and barium) probably exited in fly ash or dust.	The area is being investigated under the RI/FS with SEADs 3, 6, 8, and 14.	Without past air monitoring data, ATSDR cannot determined whether harmful levels of contaminants left the site. Since the incinerator is abandoned, no current or future public health hazard exists.
SEAD-16 Abandoned Deactivation Furnace (Building S-311)	The furnace was used for incinerating obsolete small-arms munition. The furnace contained no pollution or dust control devices. Air emissions from the furnace combined with wind dispersion may have caused deposition of particulates containing explosive compounds and/or metals to the soil.	Surface Soil: SVOCs were infrequently detected at levels above CVs.	The area is being investigated under an RI/FS.	No public health hazard exists because direct contact with contaminants in surface soil is limited.
SEAD-17 Existing Deactivation Furnace (Building 367)	Since 1962, the furnace has been used to safely detonate ammunition. The residue from the furnace is transferred by a conveyor to an approved hazardous water container, cooled, and then transferred to the Defense Reutilization and Market Office.	Groundwater: Metals and/or explosives were detected; concentrations of some compounds exceeded CVs. Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals, SVOCs, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and nitrate were detected. Some metal levels exceeded CVs.	The area is being investigated under an RI/FS.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water and therefore unlikely to pose a public health hazard.
SEAD-23 Open Burning Ground	From the late 1950s to 1986 or 1987, the open burning ground was used for burning munitions waste. The area consists of nine burning pads covering approximately 30 acres. The pads are constructed of broken shale.	Groundwater: Metals, nitrate, and/or explosives were detected; concentrations of some compounds exceeded CVs.	The public comment period on the proposed remedial action plan extended from December 1, 1997, through January 10, 1998. The record of decision was finalized in June 1999. Soil with greater than 500 ppm of lead will be excavated and disposed of off site. Soil with less than 500 ppm of lead with be covered and vegetated.	No public health hazard exists because the groundwater beneath the site is not used for drinking water.
SEAD-24 Abandoned Powder Burning Pit	During the 1940s and 1950s, the burning pit was active, though the operating practices are unknown. The primary source of contaminants considered for this site, however, are black powder, M10 and M16 solid propellants, and probably explosive-containing sawdust.	Groundwater: No VOCS were detected. Iron and manganese were found, but they were attributed to high turbidities in the samples. Surface and Subsurface Soil: VOCs, SVOCs, and metals were detected, but generally at levels below CVs. Explosive compounds (2,4-dinitrotoluene) exceeded CVs.	This area was investigated under the ESI at the high priority AOCs.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.
SEAD-25 Fire Training and Demonstration Pad	Starting in the 1960s, this area was used for fire control training. Currently the pad is not used.	Groundwater: VOCs and SVOCs were detected; some concentrations exceeded CVs. Iron, manganese, and sodium were detected but are not directly associated with site activities. Total petroleum hydrocarbons were also present (no CVs currently exist for this group of compounds). Surface and Subsurface Soil: VOC, primarily benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes, were present in the surface soil. High levels of lead were also found in samples containing high VOCs and SVOCs. Metals and pesticides were detected at levels above CVs.	The area is being investigated under an RI/FS.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers and the groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.
SEAD-26 Fire Testing Pit	Since 1977, the area has been used one or two times each year for fire fighting training exercises, which involve igniting and extinguishing fuels. The area around the pit was used to store burned vehicles and fuel drums.	Groundwater: No VOCs, pesticides, PCBs, or explosive compounds were detected in the groundwater samples. SVOCs were infrequently detected but at levels below CVs Metals (arsenic, beryllium, lead, and zinc) were detected but were possibly caused by high turbidity. Surface and Subsurface Soil: SVOCs were detected at levels exceeding CVs.	The area is being investigated under an RI/FS.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.
SEAD 45 Open Detonation Grounds	Since 1941, the Army detonated munitions in the open detonation grounds.	Groundwater: Metals and pesticides were detected at levels above CVs. Surface and Subsurface Soil: Metals, SVOCs, and explosive compounds were detected; levels of some compounds exceeded CVs.	This area was investigated under the ESI at the high priority AOCs.	The site is presently accessed occasionally by workers. The groundwater is not used for drinking water, so public exposure is remote and not likely to pose a public health hazard.

Pathway Name	Source of Contamination	Environmental Medium	Point of Exposure	Route of Exposure	Exposed Population	Comment
Private off-site wells	TCE: Ash Landfill	Groundwater	Private residences	Ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation	Private residents (estimated 8-20 individuals)	Past and Current: • No exposure has occurred, nor is exposure occurring. A VOC plume extends beyond the site's western boundary. No contamination has been detected in the three farmhouse wells just downgradient of the leading edge of the plume. Future: • Seneca Army Depot Activity will continue to monitor groundwater and private wells downgradient of the plume.
On-site water supply ells	Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity	Groundwater	Seneca Army Depot Activity	Ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation	Workers or future visitors to the site	Past and Current: • No exposure has occurred or is occurring. Future: • Upon receipt, ATSDR will evaluate radiologic data to assess future hazards.
On-site surface soil	Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity	Soil	Areas of exposed soil	Dermal contact	Seneca Army Depot Activity workers and hunters	Past, Current, and Future: • Site-related contaminants exist in on-site soil. Workers in the contaminated areas should not experience health effects because they most likely wore and continue to wear protective clothing and/or have had only brief, infrequent contact with contaminated soil. Upon receipt of data, ATSDR will review radiologic data to assess hazards under future land uses.
Surface water/sediment	Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity	Surface water or sediment	Creeks and lakes	Dermal contact, possible ingestion	Various groups	Past, Current, and Future: • No public health hazards from chemical contamination exist. Upon receipt of data, ATSDR will assess radiologic hazards under future uses.
Biota	Operations at Seneca Army Depot Activity	Game and fish	On-site	Ingestion	Consumers of game and fish	Past, Current, and Future: • ATSDR determined that the game and fish are not likely to accumulate contaminants at levels associated with adverse health effects.

Contaminant	Concentration (ppb)		Comparison Value (ppb)
Contaminant	Maximum	Mean	Comparison Value (ppb)
1,2-Dichloroethene (total)	130,000	2,656	5 NY DWQS 70 MCL(cis)
1,1,1-Trichlroethane	2,100	28	5 NY DWQS 200 MCL
Trichloroethylene	51,0000	1,431	5 NY DWQS 5 MCL
Vinyl chloride	23,0000	649	0.7 CREG 2 MCL
Aluminum	306,000	20,713	50 NY DWQS
Cadmium	65	3	10 MCL 5 NY DWQS
Chromium	418	31	5 MCL (VI) 10 NY DWQS (VI)
Lead	147	11	15 NY DWQS
Nickel	622	43	100 MCL 100 NY DWQS

Radiological Constituent	Concentration (pCi/L)	Comparison Value (pCi/L)
Radiological Constituent	Range	Comparison Value (pCi/L)
Radiation Levels
Gross alpha	4 - 130	15 MCL
Gross beta	7 - 130	50 MCL
Radionuclides¹
Radium-226 ²	97 - 167.4	5 MCL
Lead-214	22.4 - 57.5	10,600 MCL³
Bismuth-214	58.9 - 96	13,500 MCL³
Uranium-235	44 - 68.8	no value
Hydrogen-3 (Tritium)	60 - 900	20,000 MCL

Contaminant	Maximum Concentration (ppm)	Locations of Maximum Detection	Comparison Value (ppm)
Arsenic	56.8	Abandoned Powder Burning Pit (SEAD-24)	0.5 CREG 20 EMEG-child
Barium	34,400	Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23)	4,000 RMEG
Cadmium	14.3	Deactivation Furnace (SEAD-17)	10 EMEG-child
Chromium	4,870	Munitions Washout Area (SEAD-4)	300 RMEG-child
Lead	58,700	Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23)	no value
Manganese	120,000	Fire Training Pit (SEAD-26)	7,000 RMEG-child
PAHs (benzo(a)pyrene)	9	Ash Landfill (SEAD-)	0.1 CREG
DDE	0.83	Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23 )	2 CREG
DDT	2.8	Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23)	2 CREG
Dieldrin	0.5	Open Burning Grounds (SEAD-23)	0.04 CREG 3 EMEG-child

Contaminant	Concentrations (ppb)		Comparison Value (ppb)
	Reeder Creek	Kendaia Creek
	Maximum	Maximum.
Trichloroethylene	5.0	12	3 CREG 5 MCL
Arsenic	1.9	2.90	0.02 CREG 3 EMEG-child 50 MCL
Beryllium	1.4	1.2	0.008 CREG 50 RMEG-child 4 MCL
Manganese	236	16,700	50 RMEG

Contaminant	Concentrations (ppm)		Comparison Value (ppm)
	Reeder Creek	Kendaia Creek
	Maximum	Maximum.
Benzo(a)pyrene	490	3,600	0.1 CREG
Arsenic	7.4	12	0.5 CREG 20 EMEG-child
Beryllium	0.7	1	0.2 CREG 300 RMEG-child
Copper	2,380	59	16 NYSDEC Sediment Guideline
Lead	332	219	31 NYSDEC Sediment Guideline