PUBLIC HEALTH ASSESSMENT
MONSANTO COMPANY/SOLUTIA INCORPORATED
[a/k/a ANNISTON PCB SITE (MONSANTO COMPANY)]
ANNISTON, CALHOUN COUNTY, ALABAMA
This public health assessment (PHA) was conducted to identify pathways of human exposure and to assess the public health implications of these exposures to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in selected environmental samples. The samples are limited to surface soil, subsurface soil, and sediment collected under Consent Order Number 96-054-CHW dated March 8, 1996. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), in coordination with the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry (ATSDR) prepared this PHA to document any potential health hazards.
Based upon this evaluation, ADPH concludes that:
The following activities are planned:
The following activities are recommended:
For more current information, please refer to recent health consultations by ATSDR.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH), through a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in Atlanta, Georgia, evaluates the public health significance of hazardous waste sites in Alabama. This public health assessment was conducted to evaluate on-site and off-site surface soil, subsurface soil, and sediment samples collected at the Monsanto Company/Solutia Inc. (Solutia) site in Anniston, Alabama, under Consent Order Number 96-054-CHW dated March 8, 1996. The purpose of this public health assessment is to evaluate environmental samples taken under the 1996 Consent Order and identify human exposure scenarios that could potentially affect public health.
In conducting the public health assessment, ADPH reviewed environmental data and solicited community health concerns. The environmental data were reviewed to determine whether (and how) people could come into contact with PCB-contaminated surface soil, subsurface soil, and sediment. If human exposures could occur, ADPH determined whether the exposure was at levels which might cause harm. Community health concerns were collected to determine whether health concerns expressed by community members could be related to exposure to chemicals released from the site.
This public health assessment presents conclusions about whether exposures are occurring, have occurred in the past, and if exposure could occur in the future. Based on exposure pathways and contaminant concentrations, conclusions are made about whether a public health hazard is present. In some cases, it is possible to determine whether exposures occurred in the past; however, a lack of appropriate historical data often makes it difficult to quantify past exposures. If it is found that a threat to public health exists, recommendations are made to stop or reduce the threat to public health.
The Solutia site is located one mile west of downtown Anniston on State Highway 202 in Calhoun County, Alabama. The manufacturing portion of Solutia consists of approximately 70 acres and is bordered on the south by Highway 202, on the east by the Clydesdale Avenue extension, on the west by First Avenue, and on the north by the Norfolk Southern and Erie Railroads. The area north of Solutia contains residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Residential properties are also located east and west of the site [1, 2, 4].
In 1917, Southern Manganese Corporation began manufacturing ferro-manganese, ferro-silicon, ferro-phosphorous compounds, and phosphoric acid at the site. In the late 1920s, production of biphenyls was initiated. In 1930, Southern Manganese Corporation became Swann Chemical Company. Monsanto purchased Swann Chemical Company in 1935, and manufactured PCBs, parathion, phosphorous pentasulfide, para-nitrophenol, and polyphenyl compounds. In the early 1970s, Monsanto ceased production of PCBs, and in the mid-1980s production of parathion and phosphorous pentasulfide ceased. In 1997, Monsanto renamed its chemical business to Solutia, Inc. Currently, para-nitrophenol and polyphenyl compounds are manufactured at Solutia's Anniston facility [2, 3].
Throughout the facility's history, hazardous and nonhazardous wastes were disposed of at two landfills located adjacent to Solutia's manufacturing facility, the West End Landfill and the South Landfill. The West End Landfill is a six-acre plot located on the southwest side of the manufacturing facility, north of Highway 202. The unlined landfill was used for disposal of all refuse from the facility from the mid-1930s until 1961. In November 1961, Monsanto Company and the Alabama Power Company conducted a property exchange that included the West End Landfill and an adjacent property. With the closure of the West End Landfill, Solutia began disposing of wastes at the South Landfill [1, 2].
The South Landfill is located southeast of the manufacturing facility, south of Highway 202. The landfill contains ten individual unlined cells, two of which previously received hazardous wastes from the plant. The landfill is situated on the lower northeast slope of Coldwater Mountain and is surrounded to the east, south, and west by undeveloped land [2]. A portion of a drainage ditch, known as the East Drainage Ditch, is located on the western edge of South Landfill [1, 2]. Operations at the South Landfill ended in 1988.
South Landfill
Investigations at the South Landfill began in 1980. During these investigations, organophosphorous pesticides were found to be present in groundwater and in catchment basins located adjacent to the landfill. In 1982, the catchment basins for the South Landfill were closed and interceptor wells were installed to capture affected groundwater. Additional interceptor wells, including two wells in the plant production area, were installed in 1987 when it was determined that the contaminated groundwater extended beyond the initial receptor wells. In 1989, Monsanto capped the two cells previously used for disposal of hazardous substances at the South Landfill [2, 3].
During precipitation events, the moderate-to-steep slopes, characteristic of Coldwater Mountain, contributed to significant quantities of surface-water flow across the South Landfill. Surface water flowed along the eastern and western sides of the Solutia site into various ditches, including the East Drainage Ditch that flowed through residential and commercial areas [1, 2]. In 1994, surface-water samples indicated the presence of PCBs in some of the outfalls from the South Landfill [2]. In 1997, Solutia began implementing measures to control the storm water runoff from the landfill. Solutia removed vegetation from the area, placed a low permeability cap over the western half of the landfill, and diverted storm water runoff to a retention and sedimentation pond [2]. In 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities at the South Landfill by diverting storm water run-on from unaffected areas upstream of the South Landfill, installing culverts for drainage, and closing the ditches with PCB contaminated sediment [2, 3].
West End Landfill
In April 1993, the Alabama Power Company detected PCBs in preliminary analysis of material found at the Anniston substation (formerly the West End Landfill). A thin protective covering of soil was placed over the toe of the landfill in late April. In December 1993, Solutia reacquired the property [2]. In 1996, Solutia completed construction of a multi-media cap on the West End Landfill and of a soil cover on the area immediately around the landfill [2, 3]. The cap included a minimum of six inches of compacted clay, a 60 millimeter thick high density polyethylene liner, a drainage fabric, 18 inches of cover soils, and a vegetative layer. Access has been restricted to the area with a fence. To control for storm water run-off from the West End Landfill, Solutia closed the drainage ditches in the area and installed hard piping to collect runoff from the area [3].
Off-Site Areas Sampled
On April 5, 1995, Solutia entered into a Consent Order with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) in which Solutia agreed to develop and implement a sampling plan to sample soils in the storm water drainage system in an area immediately east of the site (roughly bounded by Clydesdale Avenue, Eighth Street, Montrose Avenue and Highway 202) [2]. Solutia collected sediment samples throughout the reach of the drainage ditches and collected soil samples extending outward on both sides of the ditches. In addition, soil and sediment samples were also collected from Solutia's property and from north of Eighth Street. PCBs were detected at varying concentrations in sediment samples collected from drainage ditches flowing from the South Landfill area and flowing from Solutia's production area. PCBs were also detected at varying concentrations in soil samples collected near various drainage ditches in the area [2].
Based on the sampling data, Solutia began purchasing PCB-contaminated properties located immediately east and north of the main facility, including properties along the East Drainage Ditch and properties located south of Tenth Street, between Clydesdale Avenue and Montrose Avenue [2, 4]. By 1998, structures on the majority of the purchased properties were demolished and soil covers were constructed over areas with PCB contaminated soils [2, 3]. The covers consisted of a geotextile fabric over the existing ground surface and a minimum of 14 inches of cover soil which was then seeded [3]. In addition to cover construction, storm water flowing through the covered areas was isolated in pipelines and conveyed to a discharge structure constructed on Tenth Street [2, 3]. Solutia property ownership as of October 1999 is presented in Appendix B, Figure 1.
On March 8, 1996, Solutia entered into a second consent order (Consent Order Number 96-054-CHW) with ADEM. This Consent Order further expanded and defined the scope of Solutia's on-going investigation and remedial activities in areas in close proximity to the site. Under this Order, Solutia agreed to sample four additional areas for the presence of PCBs; to identify other areas potentially affected by PCBs and to propose and implement a sampling plan for such areas; to complete the upgrading of the cap on the West End Landfill in accordance with the earlier plan approved by ADEM; to submit a design and schedule for implementing storm water run-off controls for the area immediately east of the facility; to undertake additional efforts to relocate residents in the original sampling area east of the facility and efforts to mitigate exposure potential for those residents who chose not to relocate; and to offer weekly cleaning services to two churches in the area immediately east of the facility [2, 5].
As agreed to in the 1996 Consent Order, Solutia collected soil and sediment samples at various areas identified as having the potential for PCB contamination [2]. (The areas sampled under the 1996 Consent Order are presented in Appendix B, Figure 2.) A total of 550 samples was collected from residential and commercial properties in the areas identified as having the potential for PCB contamination. At least two samples were collected from each residential or commercial property in the areas sampled. Samples were also collected from the drainage ditches in the selected areas. Samples were field screened at a minimum detection limit of 5 parts per million (ppm). (Samples collected from Solutia's landfill were field screened at 10 ppm, in accordance with the 1995 consent order.) If PCBs were detected at concentrations at or above the minimum detection limit, the samples were sent to a certified laboratory for further analysis [6, 7]. The following is a description of the areas sampled. A more complete description of the areas, extent of contamination, and progress of remedial activities is provided in the section titled Evaluation of Environmental Contamination, Pathways of Exposure, and Public Health Implications.
Area A: Area A is a residential area located northeast of Solutia between Tenth Street and Eleventh Street extending from Pine Grove Road to McDaniel Avenue.
Area B: Area B is a residential area located east of Solutia along Zinn Parkway, north of Highway 202 and south of Moses Street.
Area BN: Area BN is a commercial area east of Solutia located north of Seventh Street, south of Tenth Street between Clydesdale Road and Crawford Avenue in the Boynton Street area.
Area C: Area C is a residential area north of Solutia that extends from the railroad tracks north to West Ninth Street and from Parkwin Avenue to Bancroft Avenue.
Area CP: Area CP is a commercial property northeast of Solutia located north of West Tenth Street, between Clydesdale Road and Pine Grove Road.
Area D: Area D is a residential area located west of Solutia along First Avenue between Jefferson Street and Adams Street.
Area E: Area E is a residential/commercial area north of Solutia located south of West Tenth Street between Duncan Avenue and Parkwin Avenue.
Area GASCO: Area GASCO consists of seven small Alabama Gas Company right-of-ways located east of Solutia.
Area LF: Area LF is the Solutia landfill (South Landfill) located south of Highway 202.
Line A: Line A is the portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch located northeast of Solutia that flows between the railroad tracks and Eleventh Street, beginning at Clydesdale Road and continuing to Snow Creek.
Area MDN: Area MDN is the median located south of Solutia on Alabama Highway 202 between First Avenue and Third Avenue.
Area NP: Area NP is Solutia property located north of the railroad tracks, south of West Ninth Street, and west of Bancroft Avenue.
Area XE: Area XE is a commercial area northeast of Solutia located south of West Tenth Street between Parkwin Avenue and Ferron Avenue, and includes the southwest corner of West Tenth Street and Duncan Avenue.
In addition to completing the environmental sampling agreed to under the 1996 Consent Order, Solutia finished upgrading the cap on the West End Landfill; implemented storm water run-off controls for the area immediately east of the facility; made additional efforts to relocate residents in the original sampling area east of the facility and to mitigate exposure potential for those residents who chose not to relocate; and offered weekly cleaning services to the two churches in the area immediately east of the facility [2, 7].
To further define the extent of contamination, Solutia has conducted additional sampling in areas surrounding the facility. At the request of local environmental groups, EPA collected additional surface soil samples and air samples from various properties near the Solutia site. These data are being reviewed by ATSDR and will not be evaluated in this public health assessment.
ADPH examined information about population demographics to identify the presence of sensitive populations, such as young children and the elderly, in the vicinity of the site. Demographics also provide details on residential history in a particular area--information that helps ADPH assess time frames of potential human exposure to contaminants.
Calhoun County is predominantly rural, especially to the north and west. The county, which has a total population of 115,000, encompasses an area of 610 square miles. The City of Anniston is an industrial and agricultural area of approximately 26,000 residents. Approximately 5,926 people live within a 1-mile buffer of the site, including 415 children ages 5 and younger and 889 people ages 65 and older [1].
A geographic information system (GIS) was used to estimate the population within one mile of the site. This information is based on the 1990 Census data. However, Solutia has purchased more than 50 residential properties in close proximity to the main facility from 1995 to present, resulting in a significant change in the population surrounding the site. Because current demographic estimates are not available, ADPH is unable to provide a more accurate description of the demographic breakdown of the area.
Many people in Calhoun County, including residents of Anniston, receive their water from the Anniston Water Works. (In addition, Anniston uses the Earl C. Knowlton Treatment Plant for stand-by services. This plant draws its water from Hillabee Lake [8].) The water works draws its water solely from the artesian Coldwater Spring, a groundwater source located approximately 10 miles southwest of the Solutia site. About 58,000 people (roughly 50% of the Calhoun County community) are served by the Anniston Water Works. Other Calhoun County residents use water from four smaller public water supply systems (i.e., Oxford Water System and Sewer Board, Calhoun Water System, Jacksonville Treatment Facility, and Weaver City Water Supply) or private wells. The four smaller public water supplies also obtain water from groundwater sources.
The majority of the surface water run-off in Calhoun County is westerly through many small tributaries of the Coosa River. The Coosa River forms most of the western boundary of the county. In the immediate area around the Solutia site, drainage is through ditches leading toward Snow Creek. Snow Creek eventually drains into Choccolocco Creek, which empties into Lake Logan Martin on the Coosa River [1, 2].
The near-site geology consists of two water-bearing zones; the residuum and the Shady Dolomite. The residuum consists of low permeability silts and clays that are the products of weathering. Locally, the residuum extends to a depth of more than 100 feet and acts as a semi-confining unit to the underlying Shady Dolomite. Water levels in the residuum reflect recent and seasonal variations in precipitation. The quality of groundwater in the residuum is highly variable and reflects surface and near-surface conditions. The predominant lateral groundwater flow direction within the residuum is to the north. This shallow groundwater flow system is influenced by the operation of Solutia's three groundwater corrective action systems which intercept known areas of affected groundwater and remove constituents from the subsurface for treatment [2].
Quality Assurance and Quality Control
In preparing this public health assessment, ADPH relied on information provided in the referenced documents and contacts. ADPH reviewed the data and found that standard EPA analytical methods were used. Therefore, ADPH found the quality of the data to be acceptable. The validity of the analyses and conclusions drawn in this document is determined by the reliability of the referenced information.
The minimum detection limit for all the samples collected under the 1996 Consent Order was set above screening levels used in this document to select areas for further evaluation. Therefore, all the areas sampled under the 1996 Consent Order were evaluated to determine the potential for adverse health effects.
Alabama Department of Public Health Involvement
Health Consultation: Monsanto Company, Anniston, Calhoun County, Alabama
As a result of the findings under the 1995 Consent Order, ADEM contacted the ADPH in March 1995 to discuss the sampling results and the possibility of human exposure. In April 1995, representatives from the ADPH conducted site visits and evaluated the environmental data to determine if the site posed a hazard to public health. In January 1996, the ADPH released a health consultation which evaluated the surface soil, sediment, and groundwater samples. ADPH determined that the concentrations of PCBs detected in the areas sampled posed a public health hazard. ADPH recommended additional environmental and biological samples to determine whether humans were exposed to PCBs [1].
Health Consultation: Cobbtown/Sweet Valley Community, Anniston Alabama
In October 1995, ADPH and ATSDR began an exposure investigation in the area identified as the Cobbtown/Sweet Valley Community (located near Snow Creek and the East Drainage Ditch adjacent to the Monsanto site). This residential area was selected because it received drainage directly off the site landfills, and residents had direct access to the water. Surface soil, sediment, surface water, and in-house dust samples were collected from different locations east and west of the Solutia facility. In addition, groundwater samples were collected from nearby municipal water supplies, Clyde A. Williams Well and Coldwater Springs. PCBs were not detected in any of the municipal water supplies. However, PCB concentrations exceeded comparison values in the surface soil, sediment, surface water, and dust samples [1, 4].
In October 1995, ADPH conducted a door-to-door census of 35 homes, made numerous telephone contacts, and conducted several mailings to the affected community (35 homes). As part of the exposure investigation, ADPH and ATSDR offered free biological testing to the residents of the Cobbtown/Sweet Valley to determine if they had been exposed to PCBs. Residents who participated in the exposure investigation were given a health education needs survey to determine their knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors.
A total of 103 residents of the Cobbtown/Sweet Valley community voluntarily participated in the biological testing. PCB concentrations ranged from undetectable to 303 parts-per-billion (ppb) in blood. Thirty-one people had undetectable levels (less than 3 ppb) of PCBs in their blood. Forty-six people had PCB blood levels exceeding 10 ppb. Of those 46 people, 28 had PCB blood levels exceeding 20 ppb, including 5 people whose PCB blood levels were greater than 100 ppb. The average concentration of PCBs detected was 24.5 ppb and the median concentration detected was 8.4 ppb. Blood levels were found to increase with age and with the length of time a person had lived at their current residence [4].
Those residents whose PCB blood levels exceeded 20 ppb were offered a medical examination at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic (UAB/OEM). Eight of the 28 people whose blood levels exceeded 20 ppb accepted the offer for the free examination at the clinic. Clinic physicians discussed each patient's occupational and environmental history and their blood PCB level. They also conducted a general physical examination to identify existing health problems and provided a follow up letter for each patient. The clinic conducted health professional education for 85 local health care providers to define the potential health effects of PCB exposure.
To ensure that resident's needs were met, ATSDR and ADPH distributed information about the exposure investigation to the residents involved as quickly as possible. Residents received results of the exposure investigation at a public meeting, where they also discussed sampling results with ADPH staff and PCB health effects with a physician from the UAB/OEM. A toll-free number was also provided to the residents to help them get answers to their questions. Residents involved in the exposure investigation received results of soil, in-house dust, and blood sampling by mail. ADPH released the second health consultation addressing the results of the exposure investigation in June 1996. Based on the environmental and biological sampling results, the ADPH classified the Cobbtown/Sweet Valley community as a public health hazard and recommended additional sampling[4].
Consent Order Number 96-054-CHW, March 8, 1996
Subsequent to ADPH's two health consultations, ATSDR and ADPH made recommendations to ADEM and EPA to protect the public's health. As a result, ADEM and the Monsanto Company entered into a consent decree that required Monsanto to enlarge their offer of relocation to include all residences within the exposure investigation area. Monsanto offered to purchase the 35 homes identified in the exposure investigation. For residents who did not agree to sell, Monsanto offered temporary relocation and remediation.
As a continuation of the assessment process, ADPH reviewed the environmental data collected under the 1996 Consent Order and prepared this PHA to address any potential public health hazards. Any environmental samples collected since the 1996 Consent Order was issued will not be evaluated in this public health assessment. Another report will be released by ATSDR evaluating any data collected subsequently to the 1996 Consent Order.
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
PCBs are a group of manufactured organic chemicals that contain 209 individual chlorinated chemicals (known as congeners). The acronym PCB is used in this document to refer to any commercial or environmental mixture of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or solids and are colorless to light yellow in color. They have no known smell or taste. There are no known natural sources of PCBs. Most commercial PCB mixtures produced in the United States are known by their industrial trade name, Aroclor [9].
PCBs were widely used in the past as coolants and lubricants in transformers, capacitors, and other electrical equipment. PCBs were released into the air, water and soil during the manufacturing process and during the use of the electrical equipment. Although banned from production and distribution in the late 1970's, PCBs remain in the environment. The highly chlorinated PCBs were prevalent in the 1996 Consent Order sampling. These PCBs are poorly metabolized and tend to accumulate in tissues and organs rich in fat (lipids) [9]. PCB residues have been found in soil, air, water, aquatic and marine sediments, fish, wildlife, and humans.
The information currently available on the human health effects of exposures to PCBs is inconclusive, so the evaluation of health effects is complicated by a number of factors. Some of these factors include small numbers of individuals in any single study, poorly defined individual exposure status, the presence of other risk factors and other possible exposures, and lag (latency) period from the time of the PCB exposure to the time of that the health effect can be detected. An additional potential complication is variation in specific congener composition of the PCB exposure. Individual congeners may vary in toxic potency and may be influenced by the presence of other congeners and impurities. Thus, the toxicity of the mixture may depend on the toxicity of the individual congeners and their interactions. Most of the available toxicity data does not deal with effects from specific individual congeners. Therefore, current studies of health effects may overestimate or underestimate the actual health hazard of the various PCB mixtures [9]. More research is needed to better define the human health effects from both exposures to PCBs and from body burdens of PCBs.
The toxic effects of PCBs have been studied extensively both in laboratory animals and wildlife. Reported toxic effects include damage to the liver, skin, brain, stomach, and thyroid gland [9]. There have also been reports of developmental (problems in learning and memory), reproductive (difficulty in becoming pregnant, small offspring), and immune (increased numbers of infections) problems [9]. The PCB-induced changes were dependent upon a number of factors including the age, sex, and species of the animal, the route of exposure, the duration of exposure, and the chlorine content of the PCB-mixture [10].
Animal studies are useful in determining possible adverse health effects from exposure to contaminants; however, in some cases the relevance of animal data to human health is unclear or inconclusive. Occupational data, in conjunction with animal data, have suggested that there is a potential for certain effects on the thyroid gland, the liver, the skin, the eyes, the blood, and the immune system. There are also reports of neurodevelopmental and reproductive effects in humans exposed to PCBs [9].
PCBs have been reported to cause certain cancers in animals, including liver cancer, leukemia/lymphoma, and stomach cancer [11]. While PCBs are suspected of being carcinogenic to humans, current available data is still somewhat controversial. Studies of workers exposed to PCBs have reported an increased number of deaths due to cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, the rectum, the liver, the brain, the blood (leukemia and lymphoma) and skin (malignant melanoma) [12]. However, these cancers have not been observed consistently across studies. In a recent study of individuals with non-work-related (environmental) exposures, PCBs were linked to an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) [13].
Based on the cancer in animals, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has stated that PCBs may reasonably be anticipated to be carcinogens. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has determined that PCBs are probably carcinogenic to humans. The EPA has proposed that PCBs are probable human carcinogens. A detailed review of the carcinogenic potential of PCBs by EPA demonstrates that some PCBs mixtures in the environment (e.g., those typically found in fish or in soil) are likely to be more carcinogenic than others (e.g., those typically found in water or air) [14].
Environmental Contamination and Exposure Pathways
Substances released into the environment do not always result in human exposure. Human exposure to a hazardous substance can occur only if humans come in contact with the substance either by ingestion (eating or drinking a substance containing the chemical), inhalation (breathing air containing the chemical), or dermal absorption (skin contact with a substance containing the chemical). ADPH staff members try to determine whether people working or living near the Solutia site could have been (past scenario), are (current scenario), or will be (future scenario) exposed to PCBs in on-site or off-site soils and sediments. A glossary of terms used in this document is provided in Appendix A.
An exposure pathway consists of five elements: a source of contamination, transportation of environmental media, point of exposure, a route of human exposure, and a receptor population. Exposure pathways are categorized as either completed, potential, or eliminated pathways. For an exposure pathway to be completed, all elements of the pathway must be present. Potential pathways are those where there is not sufficient evidence to show that all the elements are present now, could be present in the future, or were present in the past. Eliminated pathways are those where exposure is not present now, was not present in the past, and will not be present in the future.
If exposure was or is possible, ADPH staff members then consider whether PCBs are present at levels that might affect public health. PCB concentrations are compared to ATSDR comparison values; comparison values are media specific concentrations of contaminants that are considered to be safe levels of exposure. Exceeding a given comparison value does not mean that adverse health effects are expected to occur. The comparison value used in this document to determine the potential for non-cancerous health effects is the cancer risk evaluation guide (CREG) for PCBs in soil. CREGs are non-enforceable health-based comparison values developed by ATSDR. CREGs are estimated contaminant concentrations expected to cause no more than one excess cancer in a million persons exposed over a lifetime (70 years). The CREG for PCBs is 1 ppm.
Generally, a contaminant is selected for further evaluation if it is detected at a concentration that exceeds its comparison value. Since the minimum detection limits were set above ATSDR's comparison value for PCBs in all the samples collected under the 1996 Consent Order, the potential for a public health hazard was evaluated for all the areas sampled. The results of the environmental sampling conducted under the 1996 Consent Order are presented below in Tables 1 through 3. Each table identifies the area sampled, the number of samples collected, the range of PCB levels detected, and the average concentration of PCBs detected in the area.
Table 1. PCB concentrations detected in surface soil (0-3" deep).
| Location | Number of samples | Concentration Range (ppm) | Average concentration* |
| Area A | 38 |
<5.0 - 12.4
|
4.4 |
| Area B | 35 |
<5.0 - 10.5
|
2.9 |
| Area BN | 18 |
<5.0 - 9.9
|
3.7 |
| Area C | 29 |
<5.0 - 33.8
|
6.7 |
| Area CP | 43 |
<5.0 - 710
|
29.4 |
| Area D | 20 |
<5.0 - 28.0
|
6.1 |
| Area E (Residential) | 35 |
<5.0 - 112.5
|
12 |
| Area E (Commercial) | 32 |
<5.0 - 384
|
51.5 |
| Area GASCO | 16 |
<5.0 - 56.9
|
8.1 |
| Area LF | 69 |
<10.0 - 41.0
|
6.2 |
| Area MDN | 4 |
<5.0
|
2.5 |
| Area NP | 60 |
<5.0 - 1850
|
64 |
| Area XE | 61 |
<5.0 - 2810
|
130.4 |
| Line A | 26 |
<5.0 - 450
|
60.9 |
Table 2. Contaminant Concentrations in Sediment Samples
(0-3" deep).
| Location | Number of samples | Concentration Range (ppm) | Average concentration* |
| Area A | 3 | <5.0 | 2.5 |
| Area C | 11 | <5.0 - 369 | 71.7 |
| Area CP | 38 | 3.7 - 1193 | 130.6 |
| Area E (Commercial) | 9 | 17.4 - 209 | 65.3 |
Table 3. Contaminant Concentrations in Subsurface Soil Samples.
| Location | Number of samples | Depth (inches) | Concentration Range (ppm) | Average concentration* |
| Area A | 2 | 12-15" | <5.0 - 3.4 | 3.0 |
| Area BN | 1 | 6-9" | 6.6 | 6.6 |
| Line A | 4 | 12-15" | <5.0 - 7.1 | 4.6 |
| 1 | 26-29" | <5.0 | -- |
Determining Public Health Implications
Health effects are related to a variety of characteristics, including age, sex, nutritional habits, health status, lifestyle, and family traits. All of these characteristics may influence how PCBs are absorbed (taken up by the body), metabolized (broken down by the body), and excreted (eliminated from the body). If completed or potential exposure pathways have been identified, and a contaminant has been detected at levels exceeding ATSDR comparison values, then ADPH staff members consider those physical and biological factors and evaluates the potential for adverse cancerous and non-cancerous health effects.
To evaluate the possible cancer risk associated with the exposures that occurred to people working or living in the areas sampled under the 1996 Consent Order, ADPH calculated the theoretical upper bound cancer risk using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cancer slope factor for PCBs. A cancer slope factor is an estimate of a chemical's potential for causing cancer. If adequate information about the level, frequency, and length of exposure to a particular carcinogen is available, an estimate of excess cancer risk associated with the exposure can be calculated using the cancer slope factor for that carcinogen. These upper bound calculations are only used as a guide and must be used in combination with the evaluation of the mechanism of toxicity of the carcinogen and the strength and weight of evidence of the laboratory and epidemiologic studies. The true risk could be as low as zero; however, ADPH and ATSDR have taken a "weight of evidence" approach to the assessment of hazards associated with the PCBs in the Anniston area.
Cancer risk calculations attempt to estimate exposures to a "reasonably highly exposed individual" for the particular exposure pathways being considered. Most individuals in the exposure pathway would have estimated risks below this estimate. For example, we do not expect that exposures occurred continuously over 30 years in all individuals. Furthermore, our cancer risk calculations make "protectively conservative" assumptions about how toxic PCBs are, and generally do not assume that our bodies can avoid cancer through natural immunity. Also, cancer risk calculations generally do not assume humans are less sensitive to carcinogens than test animals. Some researchers have argued that exposure to carcinogens at levels similar to that which occurred at this site may not necessarily result in cancer.
Because cancer risk is a conservatively protective estimate of the likelihood, or chance, of getting cancer, ADPH uses this to support decisions about whether and where to take action. Our cancer risk estimate is a "worst case" estimate. Our estimate of cancer risk is not intended to suggest that cancer will occur, nor should it be interpreted as a statement that a certain cancer rate has occurred or will occur. The general public has a "background risk" of about one in two or three chances of getting cancer, and a one in four or five chances of dying of cancer [15]. In other words, in a million people, it is expected that about 400,000 would get cancer from a variety of causes at some time in their lifetime, and about 250,000 would die from cancer. If we say there is a "one-in-a-million" excess cancer risk from a given exposure to a contaminant, we mean that if one million people are exposed as highly as a "reasonably highly exposed" individual for this site, then our worst case estimate is that one cancer above the background chance, or the 400,001st cancer, may appear over the lifetimes of those million persons from that particular exposure.
Chemical exposure may result in adverse health effects other than cancer. Such effects may be acute (resulting from a short-term exposure of less than 14 days), intermediate (resulting from an exposure of more than 14 but less than 365 days), or chronic (resulting from a long-term exposure, at least a year's duration). For each area sampled, we calculated estimated exposure doses for adults, children, and/or workers to evaluate the potential for adverse health effects from short-term, intermediate, and/or long-term exposure to PCBs. The maximum concentration of PCBs detected in an area and/or property was used to calculate the estimated exposure dose for short-term exposures. The average concentration of PCBs detected in an area and/or property was used to calculate the estimated exposure dose for intermediate and long-term exposures (ADPH replaced those samples field screened at less than 5 ppm with the value of half the detection limit [2.5 ppm] to calculate average concentrations for each area). These estimated exposure doses were compared to the documented findings from animals studies and from studies of people exposed to PCBs in the workplace. Appendix D provides the exposure frequencies and ingestion rates used to calculate estimated exposure doses.
Evaluation of Environmental Contamination, Pathways of Exposure, and Public Health Implications
Summary: As a result of site visits and a review of the available data, ADPH concluded that PCBs in surface soils and sediments in various areas surrounding the Solutia site presents a public health hazard. In the past, local residents and employees of businesses in the area may have been exposed to contaminated surface soils located in their yards or near their place of business that could have resulted in an increased risk of adverse health effects. Solutia has completed remediation activities at many of the areas with contaminated surface soils; however, some residents have not provided access to Solutia to conduct remedial activities. In the absence of remediation, trespassers, adults, and children could remain exposed to PCBs in surface soils via incidental ingestion of soil through normal hand-to-mouth contact. In addition, there is insufficient information from the sampling conducted under the 1996 Consent Order to determine whether dust containing PCBs is present in the air of buildings in the areas containing contaminated surface soils. Consequently, a potential exposure pathway may exist via inhalation of PCB-contaminated dust. Furthermore, air exposures due to volatilization of PCBs (i.e., PCB vapor caused by evaporation of PCBs) have not been evaluated in this PHA, nor have exposures to PCBs from ingestion of fish, game, and local produce. These pathways will be evaluated in future health consultations, as sufficient data become available.
The following sections summarize ADPH's analyses of exposure pathways and the public health implications of exposure for each area sampled under the 1996 Consent Order. The areas of contamination are divided into on-site and off-site areas. Off-site areas are further divided into residential and commercial areas.
The Nature and Extent of On-Site Soil Contamination
Area LF
Area LF is the Solutia landfill (South Landfill) located south of Highway 202. As part of the 1996 Consent Order, Solutia collected surface soil samples from the landfill. PCBs were detected at concentrations ranging from less than 10.0 ppm to 41 ppm [6].
Solutia has completed remediation activities at the landfill. Vegetation was removed from the area, a low permeability cap was placed over the western half of the landfill, and storm water runoff has been diverted to a detention basin to reduce storm water flow and flooding downstream [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area LF)
Since Solutia has completed remedial actions, current and potential future exposure to PCB-contaminated surface soil is not likely. ADPH has determined that a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for workers and neighboring residents to contaminated surface soil at Area LF. The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area LF is believed to have been minimal. The landfill was used for disposal of waste from the Solutia site. Workers were at the landfill only to dispose of waste and were not there on a regular basis. Therefore, past exposure by workers and by neighboring residents, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soil at Area LF was likely to be brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil from normal hand-to-mouth behavior. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse noncancerous or cancerous health effects.
Area NP
Area NP is Solutia property located near a residential area. The property is located north of the railroad tracks, south of West Ninth Street, and west of Bancroft Avenue. A portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch (NDD) is also located in the area. (The NDD consists of a series of ditches that run along the northern boundary of the Solutia facility.) Previous investigations detected PCBs in sediment samples collected from the NDD. As part of the 1996 Consent Order, Solutia collected surface-soil samples from Area NP. PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 1850 ppm [6].
In November 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities in Area NP. Solutia removed all structures from the property and restricted access to the area with a fence. The contaminated soils were covered with a geosynthetic liner, a layer of soil (minimum of 18" deep), and seeded to minimize soil erosion. To reduce the migration of PCB contaminated soil and sediment from the NDD, Solutia closed the portion of the NDD in the area and installed storm water piping [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area NP)
ADPH determined that a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for neighboring adults and children to contaminated surface soil at Area NP. Current and potential future exposures are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions and restricted access to the area with a fence.
The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area NP is believed to be minimal. Exposure by neighboring adults and children, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soil in Area NP in the past was likely to be brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil from normal hand-to-mouth behavior. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse non-cancerous or cancerous health effects for adults. However, incidental ingestion of surface soil from Area NP could have resulted in an increased risk of adverse health effects for children. This assessment is supported by studies of animals who ingested similar doses of PCBs, and experienced changes in behavior, deficits in memory and learning function, and hyperactivity [9]. Other effects observed in animals exposed to similar doses of PCBs include: skin irritation, swelling and/or reddening of the eyelids, reduced resistance to infection, and alterations in the liver and thyroid function [9].
The Nature and Extent of Off-site Soil Contamination
The following is ADPH's evaluation of the off-site sampling data and information collected pursuant to the 1996 Consent Order and examination of potential exposure pathways of concern. The off-site areas sampled include both residential and commercial areas.
Residential Areas
Area A
Area A is a residential area located northeast of Solutia between Tenth Street and Eleventh Street extending from Pine Grove Road to McDaniel Avenue. Several private residences, two churches, and three commercial businesses are located in the area. Surface soil, subsurface soil, and sediment samples were collected from the area. PCBs were not detected above the field screening assay detection limit in any samples collected from the seven residential properties in the area. In addition, no PCBs were detected above the screening assay detection limit in the sediment samples collected from the area. PCBs were detected in several surface-soil samples and in one subsurface-soil sample collected near a drainage ditch located on property owned by the First Missionary Baptist Church. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from less than 5.0 ppm to 12.4 ppm in surface-soil samples collected [5, 6]. PCBs were detected in one of the subsurface soil samples at a concentration of 3.4 ppm [6].
In October 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities in Area A. Solutia removed contaminated soil from the drainage ditch area where PCBs were detected above the screening assay detection limit. Excavation of contaminated soil occurred in layers; after removal of a layer of soil, soil samples were collected from the bottom of the excavation and screened for PCBs. Excavation of soil layers continued until analytical results verified that PCBs did not exceed the detection limit of 5 ppm. The excavated area was backfilled with clean clay material and covered with topsoil and sod.
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area A)
No pathway of exposure exists to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil. While PCBs were detected in subsurface soil samples in the area, it is unlikely that adults, children, or workers would have come into contact with subsurface soil. Exposure to contaminants in soil and sediment usually occurs in the top several inches (0-3 "). Even if adults or children were exposed to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil in Area A, no adverse health effects would be expected from exposure to the levels detected.
ADPH determined that current and potential future exposures to PCB-contaminated surface soil and subsurface soil are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions and restricted access to the area with a fence. A potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for neighboring adults and children to contaminated surface soil at Area A. However, the potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area A is believed to be minimal. The area where PCBs were detected is set away from the church and is adjacent to a main road (Tenth Street). It is unlikely that adults or children frequented this area. Such exposure, if any, would not be expected to result in adverse health effects.
Area B
Area B is a residential area located east of Solutia along Zinn Parkway, north of Highway 202 and south of Moses Street. Surface-soil samples were collected from 14 residential properties in the area. PCBs were detected above the screening assay detection limit at two properties, at maximum concentrations of 10.5 ppm in one property and 9.0 ppm in the other property [6].
In October 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities in Area B at the property with the detected PCB concentration of 10.5 ppm. Solutia excavated the contaminated soil from the property. Excavation of contaminated soil occurred in layers. After removal of a layer of soil, soil samples were collected from the bottom of the excavation and screened for PCBs. Excavation of soil layers continued until analytical results verified that PCBs did not exceed the detection limit of 5 ppm. The excavated property was backfilled with clean clay material and covered with topsoil and sod [3]. Solutia was not allowed access to the second property to conduct remedial actions. The maximum concentration of PCBs detected in surface soil at this property is 9.0 ppm [6].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area B)
ADPH determined that no pathway of exposure exists to PCB-contaminated surface soils at the property where Solutia completed remediation activities. However, a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for adults and children to contaminated surface soils at the property. In addition, a current completed pathway of exposure exists for adults and children to PCB-contaminated surface soil in the yard of the property owner who has not had their property remediated. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs at either property would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Exposure to the concentrations of PCBs detected at either property would not be expected to result in adverse health effects for adults.
If children deliberately ingested surface soil (pica behavior) in the past from the property that has been remediated, they could have experienced an increased risk of adverse health effects. Studies of animals who ingested similar doses of PCBs experienced changes in behavior, deficits in memory and learning function, and hyperactivity [9].
There is insufficient information to determine whether dust containing PCBs is present on floors or in the air of the home in Area B where the PCB-contaminated surface soils have not been remediated. Consequently, potential exposure pathways may also exist via inhalation or ingestion of PCB-contaminated dust.
Area C
Area C is a former residential area north of Solutia that extends from the railroad tracks north to West Ninth Street and from Parkwin Avenue to Bancroft Avenue. Twenty-nine surface-soil samples were collected from 16 private residences in the area. PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 33.8 ppm at eight properties. PCBs were not detected above the screening assay detection limit of 5.0 ppm in surface soil-samples collected at the remaining properties. In addition, 11 sediment samples were collected from the portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch located in Area C. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from less than 5.0 ppm to 369 ppm in sediment [6].
In November 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities at all but one property in Area C. Remedial activities included purchasing the properties, removing all structures, covering the contaminated soils with a geosynthetic liner, and restricting access to the purchased properties with a fence. In addition, Solutia closed the drainage ditch in the area and installed piping to capture storm water [3].
The one property at which Solutia was denied access for remedial purposes had a PCB concentration of 19.4 in surface soil. The owner has not restricted public access to the site or conducted any remedial actions. No one currently lives on the property or in the remaining portion of Area C.
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area C)
ADPH determined that a potential pathway of exposure currently exists for trespassers to PCB-contaminated surface soil located at the property in the area where access has been denied to conduct remedial activities. Exposure by trespassers would likely be brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure is through incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil from normal hand-to-mouth behavior. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse health effects.
However, adults and children could have come in contact with PCB-contaminated surface soil in the past at Area C. Again, the most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of contaminated surface soil. It is unlikely that such exposure would have resulted in adverse non-cancerous or cancerous health effects for adults. However, pre-school children could have experienced an increased risk of adverse health effects after exposure to PCB-contaminated surface soil in the area. Dermal effects and immunological effects have been observed in animal studies [9].
If children deliberately ingested surface soil (pica behavior) from Area C, they could have experienced an increased risk of adverse health effects. Studies of animals who ingested similar doses of PCBs experienced changes in behavior, deficits in memory and learning function, and hyperactivity. Other effects observed in animals exposed to similar doses of PCBs include: skin irritation, swelling and/or reddening of the eyelids, reduced resistance to infection, and alterations in the liver and thyroid function[9].
Past exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated sediment in the portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch located in the area was likely to have been brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of contaminated sediment through normal hand-to-mouth contact. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse health effects for adults or children.
Area D
Area D is a residential area located west of Solutia along First Avenue between Jefferson Street and Adams Street. Twenty surface soil-samples were collected from four homes in Area D. PCBs were detected at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 28 ppm [6]. All the samples with concentrations of PCBs above the detection limit were detected on one property in the area. Solutia has not been allowed access to this property to conduct remedial activities. PCBs were not detected above the screening assay detection limit of 5.0 ppm in surface-soil samples collected at the remaining three properties.
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area D)
A completed exposure pathway exists for adults and children to contaminated surface soil at Area D. PCBs were detected in one residential yard in the area. The most likely route of exposure is through incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil from normal hand-to-mouth behavior.
ADPH determined that it is unlikely that incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil in Area D would result in an increased risk of adverse health effects for adults. However, pre-school children could experience an increased risk of adverse health effects after exposure to PCB-contaminated surface soil at Area D. Dermal and immunological effects have been observed in animal studies [9].
If children deliberately ingest soil (pica behavior) from Area D, they could experience an increased risk of adverse health effects after exposure of less than a year. Studies of animals who ingested similar doses of PCBs experienced changes in behavior, deficits in memory and learning function, and hyperactivity. Other effects observed in animals exposed to similar doses of PCBs include: skin irritation, reduced resistance to infection, and alterations in the liver and thyroid function. These effects are supported by animal studies [9].
There is insufficient information to determine whether dust containing PCBs is present in the air of the home in Area D where the PCB-contaminated surface soils have not been remediated. Consequently, a potential exposure pathway may also exist via inhalation of PCB-contaminated dust.
Area E - Residential
Area E is a former residential/commercial area north of Solutia located south of West Tenth Street between Duncan Avenue and Parkwin Avenue. A total of 76 environmental samples was collected from the area. PCBs were detected at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 112.5 ppm at in the residential portion of Area E [6].
In November 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities in the residential portion of Area E. Solutia purchased all the properties in the area, removed the structures, and restricted access to the area with a fence. The contaminated soils were covered with a geosynthetic liner, a layer of soil (a minimum of 18" deep), and seeded to prevent migration and future exposures. In addition, Solutia closed the drainage ditch in the area and installed piping to capture storm water [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area E - Residential)
ADPH determined that since Solutia has completed remediation actions and no one currently lives in the area, current and potential future exposures to PCB-contaminated surface soil in residential Area E are not likely. However, a completed exposure pathway did exist in the past for adults and children to contaminated surface soil in residential yards in the area.
ADPH determined that it is unlikely that incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated surface soil in residential Area E would have resulted in an increased risk of adverse health effects for adults. However, pre-school children could have experienced an increased risk of adverse health effects after exposure to PCB-contaminated surface soil at residential Area E. The most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil through normal hand-to-mouth contact. Dermal effects and immunological effects have been observed in animal studies [9].
If children deliberately ingested soil (pica behavior) from residential Area E, they could experience and increased risk of adverse health effects after less than a year of exposure. Studies of animals who ingested similar doses of PCBs experienced changes in behavior, deficits in memory and learning function, and hyperactivity. Other effects observed in animals exposed to similar doses of PCBs include: skin irritation, reduced resistance to infection, and alterations in the liver and thyroid function. These effects are supported by animal studies [9].
Commercial Areas
Area BN
Area BN is a commercial area east of Solutia located north of Seventh Street, south of Tenth Street between Clydesdale Road and Crawford Avenue in the Boynton Street area. One subsurface soil sample (6-9" deep) and 18 surface-soil samples were collected from three businesses in the area. PCBs were detected at a concentration of 6.6 ppm in the subsurface-soil samples and at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 9.9 ppm in the surface-soil samples [6].
In Area BN, Solutia has completed remediation activities at all of the properties to which it has been allowed access. Excavation of contaminated soil occurred in layers; after removal of a layer of soil, soil samples were collected from the bottom of the excavation and screened for PCBs. Excavation of soil layers continued until analytical results verified that PCBs did not exceed the detection limit of 5 ppm. The excavated area was backfilled with clean clay material and covered with topsoil and sod [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area BN)
While PCBs were detected in subsurface-soil samples in the area, it is unlikely that adults, children, or workers would have come into contact with subsurface soil. Exposure to contaminants in soil and sediment usually occurs in the top several inches (0-3 "). No pathway of exposure exists to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil. If exposure to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil in Area BN did occur, an increased risk of adverse health effects would not be expected.
ADPH determined that current and potential future exposures to PCB-contaminated subsurface and surface soils are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions in the area. A potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for workers in Area BN to contaminated surface soil. However, the potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area BN is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soil was likely brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs in Area BN would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in an increased risk of adverse health effects.
Area CP
Area CP is a former commercial area northeast of Solutia located north of West Tenth Street, between Clydesdale Road and Pine Grove Road. Forty-three surface-soil samples were collected from three properties in the area (eastern side: Anniston Concrete and City of Anniston; western side: Miller property). Thirty-eight sediment samples were collected from the portion of the East Drainage Ditch located in the central portion of Area CP. PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 710 ppm in surface soil and from less than 5.0 ppm to 1193 ppm in sediment [6].
By November 1999, Solutia had purchased the property and removed all but one of the structures, contained and covered the contaminated soils on the eastern end and central area of the Area CP with a geosynthetic liner and a layer of soil (minimum of 12" deep). They had constructed a fence to restrict access to the eastern side of Area CP. Remedial activities on the western end included excavation of the contaminated soil. The excavation occurred in layers. After removal of a layer of soil, soil samples were collected from the bottom of the excavation and screened for PCBs. Excavation of soil layers continued until analytical results verified that PCBs did not exceed the detection limit of 5 ppm. The excavated area was backfilled with clean clay material. Access to the western end of Area CP is also restricted by a fence [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area CP)
ADPH determined that current and potential future exposures are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions and restricted access to the area with a fence. However, a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for workers of Anniston Concrete (located on the eastern portion of Area CP) to PCB-contaminated surface soil. Exposure to contaminated sediment in the portion of the EDD in Area CP was not likely, since the ditch ran through the central portion of Area CP, an area that was wooded and relatively inaccessible. In addition, exposure to contaminated surface soils on the western portion of Area CP was also not likely, since the area was used as a junkyard and people did not frequent the area.
The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil on the eastern portion of Area CP is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soils was likely to have been brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs in Area CP would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse noncancerous or cancerous health effects for workers on the eastern portion of Area CP.
Area E
Area E is a former residential/commercial area north of Solutia located south of West Tenth Street between Duncan Avenue and Parkwin Avenue. A total of 76 environmental samples was collected from the area (35 surface-soil samples from the residential area, 32 surface-soil samples from the commercial area, and 9 sediment samples from the portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch located in commercial Area E). PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 384 ppm in surface-soil samples and from 17.4 ppm to 209 ppm in sediment samples collected from Area E [6].
In November 1998, Solutia completed remediation activities in Area E. Solutia purchased and removed all but one structure in the area and restricted access to the area with a fence. The contaminated soils were covered with a geosynthetic liner, a layer of soil (a minimum of 18" deep), and seeded to prevent migration and future exposures. In addition, Solutia closed the drainage ditch in the area and installed piping to capture storm water [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area E - Commercial)
ADPH determined that current and potential future exposures to PCB-contaminated surface soil or sediment in commercial Area E are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions and restricted access to the area with a fence. However, a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for workers in Area E to contaminated surface soil and sediment.
Adults and children could have come in contact with PCB-contaminated surface soil in the past at Area E. Again, the most likely route of exposure would have been through incidental ingestion of contaminated surface soil. It is unlikely that such exposure would have resulted in an increased risk of adverse health effects for adults. However, pre-school children could have experienced mild adverse health effects after long-term exposure to PCB-contaminated surface soil in the area. Dermal effects and immunological effects have been observed in animal studies [9].
The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil and sediment at commercial Area E is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soils or sediment located in commercial Area E was likely to have been brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs in commercial Area E would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in an increased risk of adverse h ealth effects for workers in commercial Area E.
Area GASCO
Area GASCO consists of seven small Alabama Gas Company right-of-ways located east of Solutia. (A description of each right-of-way is provided below.) A total of 16 surface-soil samples was collected from the seven right-of-ways.
GASCO #1 is along Clydesdale Road between West Eighth Street and the northernmost railroad tracks. Access is restricted by a fence.
GASCO #2 is south of West Tenth Street and east of Moses Street. Access is not restricted.
GASCO #3 is south of West Tenth Street and west of Zinn Parkway. Access is not restricted.
GASCO #4 is on the western side of Montrose Avenue just north of the intersection of Montrose Avenue and West Moses Street. Access is not restricted.
GASCO #5 is east of the intersection of Boynton Street and West Tenth Street. Access is not restricted.
GASCO #6 is at the intersection of West Sixth Street and Ferron Avenue. Access is not restricted.
GASCO #7 is at the intersection of West Seventh Street and Clydesdale Road. Access is not restricted.
Only two of the seven right-of-ways had PCB detections, GASCO #5 and GASCO #6. PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 56.9 ppm in surface soil from GASCO #5 and from less than 5.0 ppm to 3.7 ppm in surface soil from GASCO #6 [6]. Solutia has conducted remediation activities at the two Alabama Gas Company right-of-ways. Remediation activities included covering the contaminated soils at the two right-of-ways with geosynthetic liners [3].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area GASCO)
ADPH determined that current and potential future exposures are not likely since Solutia has completed remediation actions in the area. Future exposures are not likely if the remedy is maintained, and future workers do not conduct excavation activities in the area. However, a potential pathway of exposure existed in the past for workers in Area GASCO to contaminated surface soil. The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area GASCO is believed to be minimal. Alabama Gas Company workers do not work at the right-of-ways on a regular basis. They respond to service requests and work at the right-of-ways when new service is being installed or if a repair is to be made.
The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area GASCO is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soil was likely to have been brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs in Area GASCO would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in adverse health effects.
Area MDN
Area MDN is the grass-covered median, with limited access, located southwest of Solutia on Alabama Highway 202 between First Avenue and Third Avenue. The median divides Highway 202. Access to the median is not restricted. Four surface-soil samples were collected from the median. None of the samples detected PCBs above the minimum detection limit of 5 ppm [6].
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area MDN)
The potential for exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area MDN is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure and exposure by neighboring adults or children, if any, to PCBs in surface soil at Area MDN would likely be brief and infrequent and is not expected to result in an increased risk of adverse health effects.
Area XE
Area XE is a commercial area northeast of Solutia located south of West Tenth Street between Parkwin Avenue and Ferron Avenue, and includes the southwest corner of West Tenth Street and Duncan Avenue. Fill material from the West End Landfill may have been used in this area. A total of 61 surface-soil samples was collected from nine properties in Area XE. PCBs were detected in surface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 2810 ppm [6].
As of November 1999, Solutia has purchased all but one of the properties in Area XE. Five of the properties have primarily gravel and/or paved surfaces, and the remaining three properties have restricted access secured by a fence and/or gate [3]. No remediation activities have been conducted at any of the properties. No businesses are in operation in the area. The one property that has not been purchased is partially paved and is no longer in operation.
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Area XE)
ADPH determined that a potential exposure pathway currently exists for trespassers to the one property in Area XE that has not been remediated or secured. The potential for exposure to contaminated surface soil at this property is believed to be minimal. Exposure, if any, by trespassers to PCB-contaminated surface soils located at this property is likely to be brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs would be through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in an increased risk of adverse health effects for trespassers.
A potential exposure pathway existed in the past for workers in Area XE to PCB-contaminated surface soil. The potential for past exposure to contaminated surface soil at Area XE is believed to be minimal. Worker exposure, if any, to PCB-contaminated surface soil was likely to have been brief and infrequent. The most likely route of exposure to PCBs in Area XE would have been through incidental ingestion of surface soil. Such exposure would not be expected to result in an increased risk of adverse health effects for workers in Area XE.
Line A
Line A is the portion of the Northern Drainage Ditch located northeast of Solutia that flows between the railroad tracks and Eleventh Street, beginning at Clydesdale Road and continuing to Snow Creek. The ditch is open for approximately 40 yards then flows through underground culverts. A total of 30 environmental samples was collected from the drainage ditch, 26 sediment samples and 4 subsurface-soil samples (3 samples 12-15" deep and 1 sample 26-29" deep). PCBs were detected in sediment at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 450 ppm and in subsurface soil at concentrations ranging from less than 5.0 ppm to 7.1 ppm [6]. Currently, Solutia is working with ADEM for closure of the ditch in 1999-2000.
Past, Present, and Potential Future Exposures (Line A)
While PCBs were detected in subsurface-soil samples in the area, it is unlikely that adults and/or children would come into contact with subsurface soil. No pathway of exposure exists to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil. Exposure to contaminants in soil and sediment usually occurs in the top several inches (0-3 "). Even if adults or children are exposed to PCB-contaminated subsurface soil in Line A, no adverse health effects would be expected.
A completed exposure pathway currently exists for adults and children to contaminated sediment in Line A. The most likely route of exposure would be through incidental ingestion of PCB-contaminated sediment from normal hand-to-mouth behavior. However, the potential for exposure to contaminated sediment at Line A is believed to be minimal. It is unlikely that adults or children walk or play in the ditch on a regular basis. Exposure by adults and/or children, if any, to the PCB-contaminated sediment is likely to be brief and infrequent. It is unlikely that adults or children would experience an increased risk of adverse health effects from incidental ingestion of sediment from Line A.
Health concerns have been brought to ATSDR's attention through the public health assessment process at the Solutia site. Through public meetings and interviews, community members expressed concerns about environmental conditions and potential health hazards at Solutia.
Following are several concerns, stated by community members, regarding contamination and health effects associated with the Solutia site.
In August 1993, ADEM conducted a fish study in the Choccolocco Creek watershed. Tributaries included in the study were Choccolocco Creek, Jackson Creek, Hillabee Creek, Dry Branch, Snow Creek, and Coldwater Creek. PCBs were detected at concentrations above the Food and Drug Administrations tolerance level of 2 ppm in fish. In November 1993, the ADPH issued a "no consumption fish advisory" for all species of fish caught between the confluence of Snow Creek and Choccolocco Creek south of Oxford, downstream to where Choccolocco Creek flows into Lake Logan Martin. ADEM continues to sample these areas yearly. The fish advisory is still in effect.
It is important to note that contaminated groundwater only poses a public health hazard if it is consumed. Residents of Anniston who are connected to a public water supply, or who have had their wells tested, can be confident that their water meets the stringent standards of the Safe Drinking Water Act. This act requires public water suppliers (such as those for Calhoun County) to test their water regularly for harmful contaminants and specifies that concentrations of these contaminants must not exceed their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). The MCLs are enforceable drinking water regulations that are protective of public health. Should a contaminant, such as PCBs, be detected above its MCL, the supplier is required to switch to an alternative drinking water source or to purify the contaminated water. Anniston public water supplies are tested and they meet safe drinking water standards. Concerned residents of Anniston who have not had their private drinking water wells tested can call the ADPH for help in identifying laboratories that test drinking water.
ATSDR recognizes that infants and children may be more sensitive to environmental exposure than adults in communities faced with contamination of their water, soil, air, or food. This sensitivity is a result of the following factors: 1) children are more likely to be exposed to certain media (e.g., soil or surface water) because they play and eat outdoors; 2) children are shorter than adults, which means that they can breathe dust, soil, and vapors close to the ground; and, 3) children are smaller; therefore, childhood exposure results in higher doses of chemical exposure per body weight. Children can sustain permanent damage if these factors lead to exposure during critical growth stages. ADPH is committed to evaluating their special interests at sites such as Solutia, as part of the ATSDR Child Health Initiative.
ADPH evaluated the likelihood that children living near the Solutia site may have been or may be exposed to contaminants at levels of health concern. ADPH identified several exposure pathways in which children may be or may have been exposed to PCBs at levels that could result in an increased risk of adverse health effects. See the section titled Environmental Contamination, Pathways of Exposure, and Public Health Implications for the complete discussion of exposure pathways and the potential for adverse health effects.
The purpose of the public health action plan (PHAP) is to ensure that this public health assessment goes beyond presenting ADPH's conclusions and recommendations about public health issues at the Monsanto Company/Solutia Inc. Site. The PHAP describes actions that are designed to prevent exposure to hazardous substances at the site and reduce any harmful health effects.
Numerous PHAP activities occurred during the course of ADPH's investigation of the site. For instance, ADPH collected blood samples from adults and children living near the site in November 1995. In addition, ADPH and ATSDR have conducted educational activities during several public meetings and public availability sessions to educate people about the hazards of PCBs, about the remedial activities, and the results of several environmental sampling events and the blood testing. ADPH has also been involved in reviewing activities conducted by Monsanto Company/Solutia Inc. at the site to ensure that remedial activity is timely and protective of public health.
Yvonne Barnett
Epidemiologist II
Alabama Department of Public Health
This Solutia Inc./Monsanto Company Public Health Assessment was prepared by the Alabama Department of Public Health under a cooperative agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). It is in accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health assessment was begun.
Alan W. Yarbrough
Technical Project Officer
State Programs Section
Superfund Site Assessment Branch (SSAB)
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation (DHAC)
ATSDR
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this health consultation, and concurs with its findings.
Richard Gillig
Chief, State Programs Section,SSAB, DHAC, ATSDR
Next Section Table
of Contents
