EPA’S Community Engagement Goals

958874

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN 2020

CHEM CENTRAL SUPERFUND SITE TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1 Describes the purpose of this CIP and presents EPA’s community engagement goals.

THE SITE 3 This section presents a description and history of activities at the site.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT GOALS AND ACTIVITIES 9 Highlights EPA’s Goals, activities and timeline to keep residents and local officials informed and involved.

THE COMMUNITIES 19 Summarizes plans to engage community members regarding their concerns and provides a summary of the composition and history of the communities affected by the site.

COMMUNITY CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS 20 Plans for identifying community concerns and questions from the community.

COMMUNITY PROFILE 20 Provides a summary of the composition and history of the city of Wyoming and Kent County.

i APPENDICES 25 APPENDIX A · GLOSSARY/INITIALS/ACRONYMS 25 Definition of key words, initials, and acronyms (words are in bold throughout the document).

APPENDIX B · POTENTIAL COMMUNITY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS 31 Proposed questions for future community interviews.

APPENDIX C · COMMUNITY RESOURCES 33 Places where community members can find more information about the site and possible meeting locations.

APPENDIX D · LIST OF CONTACTS 35 List of federal, state, and local agencies and interest groups (current as of June 2020).

APPENDIX E · COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & THE SUPERFUND PROCESS 41 EPA’s step-by-step process to determine the best way to cleanup a contaminated site and opportunities for community involvement.

APPENDIX F · FACT SHEETS 43 Includes site-related fact sheets, and ATSDR ToxFAQ.

APPENDIX G · ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE 63 Explains EPA’s commitment to affected communities.

ii INTRODUCTION

Describes the purpose of this CIP and presents EPA’s community engagement goals.

A CIP is a working document that will evolve as the investigation and cleanup process continues and input is received from the community. It is intended to be flexible, adaptable and used as a guideline for our communication with the community.

The Chem Central Superfund Site is currently on the National Priorities List, and community involvement for the site is covered under the Superfund program. See Appendix E for more information on Superfund.

1 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prepared this Community Involvement Plan to inform, engage and support the community affected Words in bold by the Chem Central Superfund Site, located in Wyoming, Kent County, Michigan. Our community involvement effort is committed to promoting are defined in effective and meaningful communication between thepublic and the Appendix A. Agency. We want to make sure the community’s current concerns and information needs are considered as activities at the site progress.

This CIP was prepared to support environmental and investigation activities at the Chem Central Superfund Site. As we continue to adjust to the evolving COVID-19 situation, EPA is taking the necessary steps to ensure that decisions about ongoing activities at Superfund sites are made with the health and safety of communities, EPA staff, state and tribal partners, and contractors as the priority. Due to the Michigan Governor’s stay-at-home order, EPA was unable to conduct community interviews while preparing this document. Future iterations of this community involvement plan will include input from local community members.

EPA’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT GOALS

1. Broaden community awareness of the site.

2. Help community members understand their role in the decision-making process throughout the cleanup process.

3. Give the public accessible, accurate, timely and understandable information about the project as it moves forward.

4. Reflect and respond to community concerns, questions and information needs.

5. Ensure adequate time and opportunity for the public to give informed and meaningful input and for that input to be considered throughout the cleanup process.

This CIP describes EPA’s plan for addressing concerns and keeping residents informed and involved in investigation and oversight activities at the site. We will use this document as a guide to involve and communicate with residents, businesses and the local governments in the city of Wyoming and Kent County.

If you are interested in submitting comments or have questions or suggestions concerning this CIP, please contact:

Diane Russell Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) EPA Region 5 Community Information Office 1300 Bluff St., Suite 140 Flint, MI 48504 989-395-3493 [email protected]

2 THE SITE

This section presents a description and history of activities at the site.

Site Location

3 SITE LOCATION

The Chem Central Superfund site is situated in a mixed residential and commercial section the city of Wyoming, Michigan. It consists of a two-acre parcel of land owned by Univar USA Inc. (formerly ChemCentral Corporation); a rectangular piece of land owned by Consumers Power extending north of the Univar USA Inc. property; Cole Drain, a northerly flowing creek along the site’s western boundary; and any property beyond the Univar USA Inc. property where hazardous substances from the site are located. Contamination has been identified in soil andgroundwater at nine properties, including the Univar USA Inc. property. The adjacent properties north and south of the site are privately owned and occupied by commercial and light industrial facilities. The nearest residences are located 500 feet to the east of the property boundary, and two hotels with residential use are located within 800 feet of the site.

Aerial View, 2009

WATER SUPPLY

The City of Wyoming has been using Lake Michigan as a source of drinking water since 1966. The City’s water supply system currently services a population of approximately 230,000 people in Wyoming and various wholesale customers.

No residents are currently using the groundwater down-gradient of the Site. One commercial well is located at the C.D. Osborn facility, which is side-gradient to the Site.

“Aerial View, 2009” by brewbooks (CC BY-SA 2.0) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wyoming,_Michigan_aerial_2009.jpg 4 creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ Institutional controls in the form of deed restrictions, which prohibit the installation of water wells in the site area and any future development that might disturb contaminated soils, have been, or will be filed for the site and some surrounding impacted properties.

SITE HISTORY

The site has continuously operated as an industrial chemical distribution facility since it was constructed in 1957. The property was undeveloped prior to that time. The facility was first operated by ChemCentral Corporation, which was later succeeded by Univar USA, Inc.

Hazardous substances entered the ground at the site through a construction error in a T-arm pipe used to transfer liquid products from bulk storage tanks to small delivery trucks, sometime between 1957 and 1962. After losses in chemical inventories were noticed, the construction flaw was discovered and then repaired. It is possible that accidental spills also caused hazardous substances to enter the ground.

The site was discovered in 1977 during a routine biological survey of Plaster Creek, when oils and concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and metals were detected in a ditch draining into Cole Drain, located immediately north of 28th Street and the Univar USA, Inc. property.

Between 1978 and 1986, EGLE and EPA focused their efforts on finding and eliminating the source of the ditch contamination through extensive investigations of the area soil, groundwater, and surface water. Results indicated that groundwater and soil surrounding and north of the ChemCentral Corporation facility were contaminated with volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.

In December 1982, the property was proposed for inclusion on the National Priorities List (NPL) and finalized on the list in 1983.

In 1984, the court ordered the ChemCentral Corporation undertake clean-up activities that included: (1) defining the extent of contamination; (2) designing, constructing, and operating a groundwater collection and treatment system until court-ordered clean-up standards were met; and (3) cleaning up contaminated soils in the ditch. Consequently, between 1984 and 1985, three groundwater extraction wells, an interceptor trench, and a treatment system using an air stripper were installed. The ditch was also dewatered, contaminated materials were removed, and was backfilled with clean material. An underdrain was installed in 1986 to prevent contaminated groundwater from entering Cole Drain.

In June 1987, pursuant to an administrative order by consent with EPA, ChemCentral Corporation conducted a Remedial Investigation from August 1988 through January 1989, and Feasibility Study from 1989 through 1991, pursuant to an administrative order by consent with EPA.

The Remedial Investigation identified approximately 35 different organic compounds in the groundwater. Low concentrations of chlorinated compounds were detected

5 up-gradient from the property, originating from an unknown source. Groundwater contamination was detected in a plume extending north of the property down-gradient to the Cole Drain near Mart Street. Contaminated groundwater was not flowing into Cole Drain based on the results of surface water samples collected from the drainage.

The Feasibility Study was completed on June 21, 1991. EPA issued the Record of Decision on September 30, 1991, which selected a remedy for contamination onsite soil, contaminated offsite soil surrounding and north of the plant, and the contaminated plume emanating northward from the facility. Contaminates of concern effecting the soil and groundwater are:volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE), and toluene; and other organics including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and PCBs.

The site achieved remedy construction completion with the signing of the Preliminary Closeout Report on September 19, 1995. The remedy includes:

• Continued operation of the existing groundwater collection and treatment system;

• Installation, operation and maintenance of an expansion of the current off- property groundwater collection system, either by extending the interceptor trench or installing additional extraction wells;

• Installation, operation and maintenance of an extraction well at the deep location of contaminated groundwater identified in theRemedial Investigation;

• Collection of oil in the extraction wells and disposal of the oil at the off-site facility in accordance with applicable federal and state regulations;

• Installation, operation and maintenance of a soil vapor extraction system for soils on property as well as two off-property locations just north of the Chem Central property;

• Institutional controls, such as deed restrictions, to prohibit the installation of water wells in the site area and any future development that might disturb contaminated soils; and

• Implementation of a groundwater monitoring program capable of demonstrating the effectiveness of the groundwater capture system.

Operations, maintenance and monitoring of these remedies continues today. EPA expects further work will be needed at the site including an assessment of the extent of contaminated groundwater and vapor intrusion.

6 A vapor intrusion assessment is currently in progress at the site and certain surrounding properties. EPA continues to evaluate the impact of vapor intrusion in this area. For additional information regarding vapor intrusion, see the Vapor Intrusion Update for the Chem Central Superfund fact sheet in Appendix F.

Vapor Intrusion Diagram

This is a depiction of the migration of vapors in soil gas from contaminated soil and groundwater into buildings. Vapors in soil gas are shown entering buildings through cracks in the foundation and openings for utility lines. Atmospheric conditions and building ventilation are shown to influence soil gas intrusion.

For more detailed information regarding the site’s remedy, refer to the Fifth Five-Year Review Report for the site, available here: semspub.epa.gov/work/05/572919.pdf

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8 COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT GOALS AND ACTIVITIES

Highlights EPA’s goals, activities and timeline to keep residents and local officials informed and involved.

9 When establishing the objectives for a site-specific community involvement program, we consider several factors including federal requirements and EPA policy that assess the nature and extent of known or perceived site contaminants and known community concerns and requests.

To be effective, our community involvement program is designed to meet the community’s need to know, give information in a timely manner and accommodate the community’s interests and its willingness to participate in decision-making processes. We must also share information in an understandable and usable format.

EPA designated Diane Russell as the community involvement coordinator, or CIC for the site. The role of a CIC is to be a primary liaison between the community and EPA to ensure prompt, accurate, and consistent responses and information are disseminated about the site as well as to provide information to EPA about community needs. For technical site issues, Diane coordinates with EPA’s remedial project manager, or RPM, for the site, Matthew Ohl. Current contact information for the project staff will be included on all written and electronic information and the community will be notified of any contact information changes.

Diane Russell Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) 989-395-3493 [email protected]

Matthew Ohl Remedial Project Manager (RPM) 312-886-4442 [email protected] OUTREACH GOALS AND METHODS

EPA has or will put in place the activities described on the following pages to provide meaningful and active engagement with the community in decisions regarding the investigation and cleanup of the Chem Central Superfund Site. The following plan provides opportunities for communication between the community and EPA to address key concerns and questions anticipated from the community.

10 Maintain point of contact COMPLETED

Share site information on the internet COMPLETED UPDATE AS NEEDED Establish and maintain a site-specific information COMPLETED repository and administrative record UPDATE AS NEEDED

Develop a Community Involvement Plan COMPLETED UPDATE AS NEEDED

Create and maintain the site mailing list ONGOING UPDATE AS NEEDED

Prepare and distribute fact sheets and site updates PREPARE AS NEEDED Write and distribute news releases and public notices PREPARE AS NEEDED Hold public meetings and open house sessions CONDUCT AS NEEDED Participate in meetings of local community groups AS IDENTIFIED Solicit input during public comment periods AS REQUIRED Prepare and issue a responsiveness summary AS REQUIRED Provide information about technical resources AS IDENTIFIED

PERIODICALLY THROUGHOUT Evaluate community engagement and outreach CLEANUP PROCESS efforts and make adjustments as warranted. UPDATE AS NEEDED

POINTS OF CONTACT INFORMATION REPOSITORY

Diane Russell Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) 989-395-3493 Toll Free Number: [email protected] 312-621-8431

Matthew Ohl Website: Kent District Library Kent District Library Remedial Project Manager epa.gov/superfund/chem-central Wyoming Branch Grandville Branch 312-886-4442 3350 Michael Ave. SW 4055 Maple St. SW [email protected] Wyoming, MI 49509 Grandville, MI 49418

11 SPECIFIC COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT METHODS

To meet federal requirements and take action on EPA’s commitment to community engagement, EPA has utilized or will utilize the methods described below. Through these activities, it is our aim to inform, involve and engage the community during site cleanup decisions and efforts. As the needs of the community change, we will modify the community involvement strategies to address them.

MAINTAIN POINT OF CONTACT The EPA CIC is the primary liaison between EPA and the community. The CIC fields general questions about the site. For technical site issues, the CIC coordinates with EPA’s remedial project managers, or RPMs. We will include current contact information for the project staff on all written and electronic information and will notify the community of any contact information changes. EPA has designated the following people as primary site contacts for local residents:

Diane Russell Matthew Ohl Community Involvement Coordinator (CIC) Remedial Project Manager 989-395-3493 312-886-4442 [email protected] [email protected]

PROVIDE SITE INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET A site status summary can be found at: epa.gov/superfund/chem-central

Objective: To provide key resources for searching and listing both general and specific information about the site.

Timing: The website is frequently updated.

Chem Central Superfund Website

12 ESTABLISH AND MAINTAIN A SITE-SPECIFIC INFORMATION REPOSITORY AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECORD A local information repository, which includes the site’s Administrative Record, has been established at:

Wyoming Branch Grandville Branch

Kent District Library Kent District Library Wyoming Branch Grandville Branch 3350 Michael Ave. SW 4055 Maple St. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 Grandville, MI 49418 kdl.org/locations/wyoming kdl.org/locations/grandville

The official information repository is located at:

EPA Region 5 Superfund Records Center Room 711, 7th Floor Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604

The Administrative Record is also available online at the site’s web page:

epa.gov/superfund/chem-central

Objective: The information repository provides a convenient location where residents can go to read and copy official documents and other pertinent information about the site and EPA activities.

Timing: Documents are updated as new information becomes available.

DEVELOP A COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PLAN A Community Relations Plan was developed by the state in 1988. This CIP replaces that plan, and was developed based on research into the community. EPA plans to conduct interviews with community members, when it is safe to do so, to identify areas

13 of concerns pertaining to the site. EPA will revise the CIP based on newly identified community concerns and site investigation information.

Objective: To identify and address community needs, issues or concerns, and to articulate a plan to inform the community of EPA’s methods to provide information and achieve meaningful involvement.

Timing: CIP completed Summer 2020.

CREATE AND MAINTAIN SITE-SPECIFIC MAILING LIST A mailing list will be created to include all residences and businesses that have expressed an interest in staying informed about the site. This is a way to ensure that those who do not have access to the Internet or other information sources still receive information about the site.

Objective: To facilitate the distribution of site-specific information to everyone who needs or wants to be kept informed about the site.

Timing: Reviewed and revised periodically.

PREPARE AND DISTRIBUTE FACT SHEETS AND SITE UPDATES EPA has produced fact sheets and site updates written in non-technical language and distributed to coincide Vapor Intrusion Update for the Chem Central Superfund Site with site milestones (such as the Chem Central Superfund Site commencement of an expanded vapor Wyoming, Michigan February 2019 intrusion investigation). EPA will U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working with the Michigan Department For more information of Environmental Quality, has completed vapor intrusion sampling at six properties in the area around the Chem Central Superfund site. The sampling If you have questions or comments continue to produce fact sheets and site on the Chem Central site, contact: results are available in a report on the website. The information will be used to

determine the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup process for the site as part updates as site cleanup/investigation For general questions: of a five-year review. No immediate health threat has been identified, but more Diane Russell testing is needed.

Community Involvement efforts progress. EPA will identify What is vapor intrusion? Coordinator Vapors, also referred to as soil gases, evaporate from underground pollutants next steps to provide a roadmap for 989-395-3493 and get trapped between dirt particles. Vapor intrusion occurs when the soil [email protected] gases move up through the ground and seep into buildings through holes or cracks in the foundation and cause hazardous indoor air pollution. If these gases the community to understand the For technical questions: enter a home, occupants can inhale them, which can potentially affect their Matthew Ohl health. In buildings with lower concentrations of vapor-forming chemicals expected activities for the year. Remedial Project Manager arising from vapor intrusion, the main concern is whether the chemicals may 312-886-4442 pose an unacceptable risk of health effects due to long-term or chronic exposure [email protected] to these lower levels.

EPA address: Objective: To provide community U.S. EPA Region 5 Superfund Division members with current, accurate, 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 Figure 1. This image depicts the easy-to-read and easy-to-understand migration of vapors in soil gas You may call the EPA toll-free at from contaminated soil and 800-621-8431, weekdays, groundwater into buildings. information about the site. Vapors in soil gas are shown to 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. enter buildings through cracks in the foundation and openings for Website: utility lines. Atmospheric https://www.epa.gov/superfund/che conditions and building m-central ventilation are shown to influence Timing: As needed. soil gas intrusion.

To view the sampling results:

https://semspub.epa.gov/src/docume nt/05/943935

Vapor intrusion sampling For more information on vapor As the cleanup is being completed at this site, EPA and property owner Univar intrusion: USA Inc. have been retesting the area for vapor intrusion problems. This is due https://www.epa.gov/vaporintrusion to advances in the understanding of how chemical vapors can affect the air in buildings overlaying contaminated soil and groundwater (underground water supplies).

Toeroek Associates, an EPA contractor, began work in March 2018. Toeroek was tasked with collecting sub-slab soil vapor and indoor air samples from six properties around the Chem Central site and previously identified groundwater contaminant plumes. This is to determine current pollution concentrations and to check if a complete pathway for vapor intrusion risk potentially exists for these properties.

14 A6 SUNDAY , JUNE 30, 2019 THE GRAND RAPIDS PRESS

GRAND RAPIDS Lansing’s top cop out of running for post here

Two finalists remain: City manager says he still plans to announce a hire by the end of the month

Justin P. Hicks [email protected] Grand Rapids’ search for its next police ski wrote. “The sacrifices my family have ton for the chief position in Grand Rapids. “Although I’m humbled chief might have just gotten easier. endured for my professional career are far Remaining finalists are Grand Rapids Last week, Lansing Police Chief Michael too many to list. Deputy Chief Eric Payne and retired Pitts- and honored to be Yankowski said he removed his name from “This past weekend, I informed the city burgh Assistant Police Chief Larry Scirotto. consideration for the opening of chief for the of Grand Rapids that I was not going to pur- Washington confirmed Thursday morn- considered a finalist for Grand Rapids Police Department. sue the chief of police position for the city of ing that Yankowski dropped out of consid- Yankowski said the decision was his, Grand Rapids. eration. the position, in the end based solely on what’s best for his family. He “Although I’m humbled and honored to be He said he still aimed to announce a hire released a statement to media organizations considered a finalist for the position, in the “by the end of the month.” it simply came down to in the Lansing area Wednesday evening. end it simply came down to what I feel is best “We appreciate Chief Yankowski’s interest “Over the past several months, I have had for my family and I.” in the position and our community,” Wash- what I feel is best for my time to reflect on my 25 year career in law The Lansing police chief was one of three ington said. “We are grateful for his commit- enforcement, with the past six years as the finalists selected by Public Sector Search & ment to the process and we wish him well family and I.” police chief for the city of Lansing,” Yankow- Consulting and City Manager Mark Washing- as he continues to serve the Lansing Police Department.” Lansing Police Chief Michael Yankowski After pulling his name, Yankowski said he wishes nothing but success to Grand Rapids CITY OF GRAND RAPIDS and its community as it continues to “grow Police Department since 1994. He was pro- together as a community.” moted to interim captain in March 2010 and Yankowski has been with the Lansing chief in 2013. A PUBLIC AUCTION OF IMPOUNDED VEHICLES Will be held on Monday July 1st 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at the Water Resource Recovery Facility located at 1300 Market Ave SW. For further assistance call (616) 456-4665. VEHICLES TO BE OFFERED ARE LISTED BELOW AND A MINIMUM BID OF $200 WITH A 10% BUYER’S PREMIUM IS REQUIRED.

YEAR/MAKE MODEL VEHICLE ID NO. LAST REGISTERED OWNER

2010 CHEVY IMPALA 4DR 2G1WA5EN7A1138321 ORBIT LEASING INC LSR JAMAAL DESHAWN HONORABLE LSE EPA Begins Review 2006 BMW 3301 4DR WBAVB335X6KR75706 OGJANEA MARIE RAU of Chem Central Superfund Site 2004 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE ST WAG 1J4GW48SX4C413584 GREGORY MICHAEL THOMAS 2005 MERCURY MONTEGO 4DR 1MEFM41125G604899 JOHN ROBERT CROSSLEY Wyoming, Michigan

2007 BUICK RENDEVOUS ST WAG 3G5DA03L97S509874 NICHOLAS ANTHONY LEBEAU 2003 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 4DR 1G2WP52K23F144608 CHAD MAURICE PRECORD U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is conducting a five-year review of the Chem 2005 CHEVY MALBU LS 4DR 1G1ZT52805F317319 TYKIA ROMANCE-UNIQUE JOHNSON-HAYES Central Superfund site, located at 2940 Stafford Ave., Wyoming. The Superfund law requires WRITE AND DISTRIBUTE NEWS 2002 DODGE CARAVAN 1B4GP25352B652240 BERENICE VILLAFUERTE regular checkups of sites that have been cleaned up – with waste managed on-site – to make sure 1998 LEXUS ES300 JT8BF28G1W5015458 NATHANIEL ANDREW THOMAS JR that the cleanup continues to protect people and the environment. This is the fifth five-year 2001 GMC JIMMY ST WAGON 1GKDT63W212220987 RICHARD ZANE PELLERITO JR review of this site. RELEASES AND PUBLIC NOTICES

2006 CHEVY MALIBU LZ 4DR 1G1ZS51F76F284615 JORDON SCOTT LOVAAS 2001 OLDS INTRIGUE 4DR 1G3WH52H61F217117 RYAN DOMINQUE CHARLTON EPA’s cleanup of spilled industrial chemicals included collection and off-site disposal of 2000 CHEVY S-10 LS PICK UP 1GCCS1953Y8234674 JACQUES ROBERT VERVILLE chemicals, soil vapor extraction and groundwater pumping and treatment, and long-term 2005 DODGE DAKOTA P-UP 1D7HW22K55S230713 JAYDON JOSE-MARSHALL WHITEFIELD monitoring. EPA, working with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and EPA has released announcements to the Grand Rapids 2001 VOLKSWAGON 4DR WVWPD63B91P203397 NO OWNER INFORMATION Energy (EGLE) has completed vapor intrusion sampling at six properties in the vicinity of the 2011 FORD ST WAGON 2FMGK5CC0BBD14210 THOMAS LEE-JOSH PITTMAN Chem Central Superfund site and has placed sampling results on the site webpage. The current Press to notify the public of important site-related 2009 NISSAN SENTRA 4DR 3N1AB61E09L657802 SHERRI LYNN HAYDEN site owner, Univar USA Inc. is completing further vapor intrusion sampling to the north of the 2005 PONTIAC G6 4DR 1G2ZG528254173672 COURTNEY LYNN WOODY site above the groundwater contamination plumes that extend away from the original location. information and events. Most recently, on June 30, 2019, 2000 BUICK CENTURY LIMITED 4DR 2G4WY55J0Y1121155 VERA DENISE WILSON 2012 CHRYSLER 200 4DR 1C3CCBABXCN320017 CHIQUITA MONIQUE EWING More information is available at the Kent District Library – Wyoming Branch, 3350 Michael EPA released a public notice indicating that a Five Year 2005 CADILLAC DEVILLE 4DR 1G6KF57995U168361 ANDREA MELISSA SHARP Ave. SW, Wyoming; or online at https://www.epa.gov/superfund/chem-central.The review 9227653-01 1998 FORD ESCORT SE WAGON 3FAFP15P1WR267017 STEVEN KING ZMARLY should be completed in August 2019. Review of the site was taking place, and inviting the 2002 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 1G2WP52K92F132986 ERIN MARIE ERNSBERGER-LOENARD 1993 DODGE DAYTONA 2DR 1B3XW44K3PN602616 RETA KAY LYNEMA & HANNAH JAE ROOD The five-year-review is an opportunity for you to tell EPA about site conditions and any public to submit any comments to EPA. No comments 2004 CHRYSLER SEBRING 4DR 1C3EL56R34N284205 SHARDAIRA LATRIES JOHNSON-MOORE AND concerns you have. Contact: SENA JOHNSON-MOORE 2001 DODGE CARAVAN SPORT ST WAG 1B4GP45331B260187 JASON DANIEL WEIDNER KENDRA LEIGH were received by the public at that time. WEIDNER Diane Russell Matthew Ohl 1997 BUICK LESABRE 4DR 1G4HP52K5VH416303 SHAUAN ROCHELLE JONES EPA Community Involvement Coordinator EPA Remedial Project Manager 2002 CHEVY MONTE CARLO SS 2G1WX15KX29275561 BEVERLY KAY GANT 989-395-3493 312-886-4442 2002 CHEVY TRAILBLAZER ST WAG 1GNDT13S422279740 BYRIN RASHA MCPEAK [email protected] [email protected] 2001 JEEP CHEROKEE ST WAG 1J4GW48S71C586507 VILDOR JICIN Objective: To provide the latest news and information You may call EPA toll-free at 800-621-8431, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., weekdays.

9227139-01 to local media outlets to reach large audiences quickly.

Timing: EPA typically publishes news releases and public notices to announce major events such as comment periods, public meetings, and major milestones such as the selection of a cleanup remedy. This method will be used as needed.

HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS AND OPEN HOUSE SESSIONS EPA will use public meetings and open house sessions to exchange information or meet with residents to discuss site activities. A public meeting typically consists of a presentation followed by a question-and-answer session. An open house is an informal meeting where people can talk to agencies on a one-on-one basis. Scheduling meetings should remain flexible to account for technical milestones and public interest. EPA will use public meetings as required by regulation where EPA can hear the public’s views and concerns about an EPA action or proposal. EPA will schedule, prepare for and attend all announced meetings. EPA will provide at least a two-week notice of a scheduled meeting. The Remedial Project Manager, Community Involvement Coordinator, and other appropriate EPA staff will attend.

Objective: To update the community on site developments and address questions, concerns, ideas and comments.

Timing: EPA will hold public meetings or open house sessions as appropriate.

PARTICIPATE IN MEETINGS OF LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS EPA may offer speakers to local organizations, business clubs and schools as another means of communicating important information to local residents. These meetings can be an effective, convenient way for EPA to interact with the community, convey information, and solicit questions and input from targeted groups. By attending previously scheduled community meetings, residents are able to participate without having to disrupt or change their schedules.

15 Objective: To update the community on site developments and address questions, concerns, ideas and comments, and to provide the site team with a viable means of learning citizens’ concerns and attitudes at locations and times that are convenient.

Timing: As identified.

SOLICIT INPUT DURING PUBLIC COMMENT PERIODS EPA will announce each comment period separately. Announcements will appear in local newspapers and EPA fact sheets and will include information regarding the duration of the comment period, how to make comments, and where to submit comments, etc. For this site, EPA last solicited public comments regarding the site conditions and concerns in June 2019, leading up to the preparation of the fifth Five Year Review for the site. No comments were submitted.

Objective: To give community members an opportunity to review and comment on key decisions. This provides the community members with meaningful involvement in the process. It also provides the site team with valuable information for use in making decisions.

Timing: As required by regulations.

PREPARE AND ISSUE A RESPONSIVENESS SUMMARY EPA prepares responsiveness summaries to comments, criticisms and new data received primarily during Public Comment Periods, which typically occur when the site is proposed to the National Priorities List (NPL), the remedial plan is proposed for the Record of Decision (ROD), and the notice of intent to delete the site from the NPL is issued. The comments include oral or written input submitted at public meetings or during public comment periods, as well as major issues and concerns raised during the various phases of the program.

Objective: To provide a brief summary of community concerns and document EPA’s response to the comments. Responsiveness summaries are intended to be concise and complete reports that the public can understand.

Timing: Responsiveness summaries are made available with the ROD or other relevant decision documents.

16 PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT TECHNICAL RESOURCES Technical assistance refers to the provision of services focused on increasing community understanding of the science, regulations and policy related to environmental issues and EPA actions. To support healthy communities and strengthen environmental protection, EPA works closely with communities to make sure they have the technical help they need. Sometimes, a community may need more help to fully understand local environmental issues and participate in decision-making. EPA provides additional assistance to communities through a variety of technical assistance resources and tools. These resources include:

Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANA) Process epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-needs-assessments-tanas This process identifies additional support that a community may require in order to understand technical information and participate meaningfully in the Superfund decision-making process. A TANA helps EPA determine what technical assistance resources and information the Agency can provide to meet community needs.

Technical Assistance Services for Communities (TASC) Program epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-services-communities-tasc-program This program provides services through a national EPA contract. Under the contract, a contractor provides scientists, engineers and other professionals to review and explain information to communities. TASC services are determined on a project-specific basis and provided at no cost to communities.

Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-grant-tag-program TAGs are awarded to non-profit incorporated community groups. With TAG funding, community groups can contract with independent technical advisors to interpret and help the community understand technical information about their site. The TAG recipient group is responsible for managing their grant funds and contributing a 20 percent award match. Most groups meet this requirement through in-kind contributions such as volunteer hours toward grant-related activities.

Technical Assistance Plan (TAP) epa.gov/superfund/technical-assistance-plan-tap A TAP is funded by potentially responsible parties through provisions in a negotiated settlement agreement. A TAP enables community groups to retain the services of an independent technical advisor and to provide resources for a community group to help other community members learn about site decisions.

Objective: To provide resources and tools to assist the community to understand local environmental issues and to maximize public participation in decision-making.

Timing: EPA will work with the community to find the most appropriate resources when warranted.

17 EVALUATE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND OUTREACH EFFORTS AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS AS WARRANTED EPA will keep track of outreach and community engagement activities. EPA may make revisions to its community outreach methods and approaches and implement additional activities not mentioned in this CIP, based on feedback from residents and local officials.

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of community engagement and outreach efforts and make changes as necessary.

Timing: EPA will track activities and report as needed.

18 THE COMMUNITIES

Summarizes plans to engage community members regarding their concerns and provides a summary of the composition and history of the communities affected by the site.

Autumn in Kent County 19 CONCERNS AND QUESTIONS

EPA received no comments from the public in its last solicitation of public comments during the period leading up to the completion the fifth Five Year Review for the site. As we continue to adjust to the evolving COVID-19 situation, EPA is taking the necessary steps to ensure that decisions about ongoing activities at Superfund sites are made with the health and safety of communities, EPA staff, state and tribal partners, and contractors as the priority. Due to the Michigan Governor’s stay-at-home order, was unable to conduct community interviews while preparing this document. Future iterations will include a summary of community interviews.

A summary of community interviews will be included in future iterations of this CIP. Appendix B includes a list of potential questions EPA will pose to community members.

COMMUNITY PROFILE

Provides a summary of the composition and history of the city of Wyoming and Kent County.

CITY OF WYOMING The city of Wyoming contains 24.85 square miles, and is located immediately south of Grand Rapids, in southwest Kent County. Downtown Wyoming is a 3.5-mile stretch of five-lane 28th Street, one of Michigan’s busiest roadways. Commercial establishments are concentrated in this area, along with City Hall and Rogers Plaza, Kent County’s first shopping mall. Wyoming is Michigan’s 16th largest community, and the 3rd largest community in West Michigan.

Wyoming was first settled by individuals of European decent in 1832, 28th Street and was organized under Byron Township. The township split into 1848; the northern half was named Wyoming Township, after Wyoming County, New York, the area from which the majority of the original settlers came. It became a city in 1959. The city has experienced continuous population growth with every census since 1890.

Currently the Metro Health Hospital and Gordon Food Service are Wyoming’s two largest employers. Wyoming’s top three industries include: manufacturing (30%); retail (16%); and education, health, and social services (15%).

The city has 21 parks, covering approximately 665 acres of land. The Kent Trail system also runs along abandoned rail lines in the area that were converted into bike paths. The Wyoming Branch of the Kent District Library was constructed in 2002 it. It has the highest attendance in the Kent district system.

20 Wyoming City Water Tower GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE The city of Wyoming is governed by a mayor and a six member city council, consisting of representatives from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Wards, and three members-at-large. The site is located in the 9th Precinct in the 1st Ward. The Wyoming City Hall mayor and council members are elected to four-year terms, and are responsible for adopting city ordinances, approving annual city budgets, and appointing the city manager, city clerk, comptroller, city attorney, and members to boards and commissions. The city manager serves as the city’s chief administrative officer, and addresses administrative services as directed by the city council.

City council meetings are held at City Hall, located at 1155 28th Street SW, Wyoming, Michigan, on the first and third Monday of every month. Contact information for individual city officials is listed in Appendix D.

The websites below were used to gather the information provided in this section: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wyoming,_Michigan wyomingmi.gov/About-Wyoming

KENT COUNTY Between 1835 and 1836, Michigan and Ohio were at war. The Toledo Strip, a piece of land along the Michigan and Ohio border, caused territorial conflicts between the two states when Michigan petitioned for statehood. The Toledo War was an almost “bloodless” war over the boundary, and a compromise was reached in 1836. At that time, Michigan gave up the strip to Ohio, but in return received the land now known as the Upper Peninsula. Although this was not considered a good deal for Michigan at the time, the man who represented Michigan Territory during this conflict, James Kent, was honored when Kent County was organized on March 24, 1836.

Two years later in 1838, Grand Rapids was incorporated as the county’s first village, and in 1850, it became a city. The city sits on the Grand River, which flows through the city. By the early 1900s, the county became a significant center for agriculture, logging and furniture manufacturing. In 1926, the nation’s first regularly scheduled air passage service began operation between Grand Rapids and Detroit.

Today, Kent County is home to Michigan’s beer capital, often referred to as Beer City, USA. It is the fourth largest county, by population, in Michigan. Kent County is composed of 21 townships, 5 villages, Map of Kent County c. 1885

21 Become a Beer City Brewsader®!

and 9 cities. The County is the center of the Grand 11 40 10 12 43 16 Rapids-Wyoming Metropolitan Statistical Area, and Muskegon Area 40 miles from downtown GR 5 Breweries 4 38 19 it has been one of the fastest growing regions of the 36 42

United States. 25 32 Grand Rapids 14 Area Visit eight of the Grand Haven 45+ Breweries breweries listed Area 13 35 miles from downtown GR here to earn an 2 3 Breweries 33 exclusive Beer City Grand Rapids is the second largest city in Michigan 29 Brewsader t-shirt. 22 Just pick up a 27 Beer City Passport and is the county seat of Kent County. The city is and get it stamped 31 6 15 on each visit. 23 Or download home to Founders Brewing Company and many 8 34 21 17 5 24 the Beer City 26 Brewsader App craft brewers, but the entire county is well known and check-in 20 3 at each visit. 7 for its beer production as more than 30 breweries 45 41 Holland Area 44 Collect stamps or check-ins 35 9 30 miles from downtown GR 46 at 40+ Brewsader breweries 7 Breweries 30 are located within the county. 28 to earn Ultimate Brewsader 37 status and perks. 39 1 Get your Passport at any of these breweries or visit the An iconic feature of Grand Rapids known as the Welcome Center at Grand Rapids Saugatuck Area 18 Art Museum Gift Shop 40 miles from downtown GR (101 Monroe Center St NW). 4 Breweries Blue Bridge spans the Grand River. Constructed in Battle Creek Area 65 miles from downtown GR You can also earn a Brewsader South Haven Area 4 Breweries badge on Untappd – check-in 1892, the bridge was first built as a bridge for the 60 miles from downtown GR 6 Breweries to five beers from any of the Kalamazoo Area December 2019 50 miles from downtown GR Brewsader breweries. Map not to scale. railroad. However, today the bridge serves as a 15+ Breweries – including world-famous Bell’s pedestrian walkway. In 2009, the bridge became a Breweries in Kent County, Dec. 2019 venue for the ArtPrize contest, an event that brings artists together to showcase their pieces of work. Additionally, the city hosts the Blue Bridge Music Festival where musicians and bands from across the country compete for the chance to win the ‘ArtPrize Song of the Year’ award.

GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE Kent County is governed by a Board of Commissioners, comprised of 19 members. Members are elected on partisan basis every two years from districts of equal size. The Board is responsible for establishing policies, adopting a budget, appointing committee memberships and hiring the county administrator/ controller. Board meetings typically occur at 8:30 a.m. on the second and fourth Thursday of each month Bridges over the Grand River in Grand Rapids, MI on the third floor of the County Administration Building. The site is located in the Commissioner District 12. Other elected officials include the sheriff, county clerk, prosecuting attorney and treasurer. These officials are elected on partisan basis every four years. Contact information for individual county officials is listed in Appendix D.

The websites below were used to gather the information provided in this section: 50states.com/facts/michigan.htm accesskent.com/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toledo_War en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_County,_Michigan en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Rapids,_Michigan grr.org/history.php visittheusa.com/destination/grand-rapids historicbridges.org/bridges/browser/?bridgebrowser=truss/grandrail/ experiencegr.com/listings/the-blue-bridge/7596/ artprize.org/music

22 DEMOGRAPHICS Population, age distribution, economic status, cultural heritage and language are key factors to consider when developing and implementing programs that serve the local community. English is the predominant language spoken in the communities.

The following statistics are from the 2014-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates (data.census.gov/cedsci/) and show a comparison of the two communities presented in this CIP.

Category City of Wyoming Kent County

Population (2010 U.S. Census) 75,667 656,955 Housing Units No data 259,375 Median Age 33.4 35.1 Educational Attainment: Percent high 84.7% 90.3% school graduate or higher Median Household Income $51,971 $60,351 Individuals Below Poverty Level 13.5% 11.3%

The table below shows a comparison of the languages spoken in the two communities presented in this CIP.

Language City of Wyoming Kent County

English No data 87.6% Spanish No data 7.3% Indo-European No data 2.2% Asian and Pacific Island No data 2.0% Other languages No data 0.9%

23 IMAGE CREDITS IN THIS SECTION

“Autumn in Kent County” by Amanda Jaggers, Toeroek Associates, Inc. (CC BY 4.0) “Wyoming City Water Tower” by Rachel Kramer (CC BY 2.0) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Water_tower_Wyoming_Michigan.jpg “28th Street” by Ben Rousch (CC BY 2.0) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:28th_Street_Wyoming_Michigan.jpg “Wyoming City Hall” by VMrapids (CC0) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wyoming_Michigan_City_Hall.jpg “Map of Kent County c. 1885” by Cram & Stebbins, Chicago, 1885 (Public Domain) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kent-1885-twp-co.jpg “Breweries in Kent County, Dec. 2019” Beer City Ale Trail PDF posted as a map for tourists experiencegr.com/things-to-do/beer-city/ “Bridges over the Grand River in Grand Rapids, MI” by Rachel Kramer (CC BY 2.0) commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Grand_Rapids_from_River_House.jpg

About Creative Commons (CC) licenses: creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/

24 APPENDIX A: GLOSSARY/ INITIALS/ACRONYMS Definition of key words, initials and acronyms.

Administrative Record. The body of documents that forms the basis for the selection of a particular response at a site. For example, the Administrative Record for remedy selection includes all documents that were considered or relied upon to select the remedy through the record of decision.

CERCLA. See Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act.

CIC. See Community Involvement Coordinator.

CIP. See Community Involvement Plan.

Cleanup. Actions taken to deal with a release or threat of release of a hazardous substance that could affect humans and/or the environment. The term “cleanup” is sometimes used interchangeably with the terms “remedial action,” “remediation,” “removal action,” “response action,” or “corrective action.”

Community Engagement. The process of involving communities in all phases of the cleanup process. Communities are asked to provide input on how the cleanup will be conducted and how it may affect community plans and goals. See also Community Involvement.

Community Involvement. Community involvement is the process of engaging in dialogue and collaboration with community members. The goal of Superfund community involvement is to advocate and strengthen early and meaningful community participation during Superfund cleanups.

Community Involvement Coordinator. The EPA official whose lead responsibility is to involve and inform the public about the Superfund process and response actions in accordance with the interactive community involvement requirements set forth in the National Oil and Hazardous Substances Pollution Contingency Plan.

Community Involvement Plan. A plan that outlines specific community involvement activities that occur during the investigation and cleanup at the site. The CIP outlines how EPA will keep the public informed of work at the site and the ways in which residents can review and comment on decisions that may affect the final actions at the site. The document is available in the site’s information repository maintained by EPA. The CIP may be modified as necessary to respond to changes in community concerns, information needs and activities.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act. A federal law passed in 1980 and modified in 1986 by the Superfund Amendments and

25 Reauthorization Act. Commonly known as Superfund, CERCLA is intended to protect people’s health and the environment by investigating and cleaning up abandoned or uncontrolled hazardous waste site. Under the program, EPA can either:

• Pay for site cleanup when parties responsible for the contamination cannot be located or are unwilling or unable to do the work; or

• Take legal action to force parties responsible for site contamination to clean up the site or pay back the federal government for the cost of the cleanup.

Consent Decree. A legal document that formalizes an agreement reached between EPA and parties considered potentially responsible for contamination, called PRPs, where PRPs will perform all or part of a Superfund site cleanup. The consent decree describes actions that PRPs are required to perform, the costs incurred by the government that the PRPs will reimburse, as well as the roles, responsibilities and enforcement options that the government may exercise in the event of noncompliance by the PRPs. A consent decree is subject to a public comment period.

Contaminant(s). Any physical, chemical, biological or radiological substance or matter that has an adverse effect on air, water or soil.

Contamination. Introduction into water, air and soil of microorganisms, chemicals, toxic substances, wastes or wastewater in a concentration that makes the medium unfit for its next intended use. Also applies to surfaces of objects, buildings and various household use products.

Feasibility Study. The mechanism for the development, screening, and detailed evaluation of alternative remedial actions.

Groundwater. Underground supplies of water.

Hazardous Substance(s). Any material that poses a threat to human health and/ or the environment. Typical hazardous substances are toxic, corrosive, ignitable, explosive or chemically reactive. Any substance designated by EPA to be reported if a designated quantity of the substance is spilled in the waters of the United States or is otherwise released into the environment.

Information Repository. A file containing current information, technical reports and reference documents regarding a site. The information repository usually is located in a public building convenient for local residents such as a public school, town hall or library.

Institutional controls. Non-engineered instruments such as administrative and legal controls that help minimize the potential for human exposure to contamination and/ or protect the integrity of the remedy.

Metal(s). While some metals are essential as nutrients, all metals can be toxic at some level. Some metals are toxic in minute amounts. Impairments result when metals are biologically available at toxic concentrations affecting the survival, reproduction and behavior of organisms.

26 National Priorities List. The list of sites of national priority among the known releases or threatened releases of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants throughout the United States and its territories. The NPL is intended primarily to guide the EPA in determining which sites warrant further investigation.

PAH(s). See Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon(s).

PCB(s). See Polychlorinated Biphenyl(s).

PCE. See Tetrachloroethylene.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl(s). A group of man-made organic chemicals consisting of carbon, hydrogen and chlorine atoms. Polychlorinated Biphenyls were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Human health effects from environmental exposure to low levels of PAHs are unknown. Large amounts of naphthalene in air can irritate eyes and breathing passages. Workers who have been exposed to large amounts of naphthalene from skin contact with the liquid form and from breathing naphthalene vapor have developed blood and liver abnormalities. Several of the PAHs and some specific mixtures of PAHs are considered to be cancer-causing chemicals.

Public. The community or people in general or a part or section of the community grouped because of a common interest or activity. PCBs were domestically manufactured from 1929 until manufacturing was banned in 1979. They have a range of toxicity and vary in consistency from thin, light-colored liquids to yellow or black waxy solids.

Public Comment Period(s). A formal opportunity for community members to review and contribute written comments on various EPA documents or actions.

Public Meeting(s). Formal public sessions that are characterized by a presentation to the public followed by a question-and-answer session. Formal public meetings may involve the use of a court reporter and the issuance of transcripts. Formal public meetings are required only for the proposed plan and Record of Decision amendments.

Record of Decision. A site-specific document generated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to provide the public with the following assurances:

• Certify that the remedy selection process was carried out in accordance with CERCLA and, to the extent practicable, with the NCP;

• Describe the technical parameters of the remedy, specifying the methods selected to protect human health and the environment including treatment, engineering, and institutional control components, as well as cleanup levels; and

• Provide the public with a consolidated summary of information about the site and the chosen remedy, including the rationale behind the selection.

27 Remedial Investigation. Serves as the mechanism for collecting data to characterize site conditions, determine the nature of the waste, assess risk to human health and the environment, and conduct treatability testing to evaluate the potential performance and cost of the treatment technologies that are being considered.

Remedial Project Manager. The EPA official responsible for overseeing team members, ensuring all project objectives are met, and directs team to develop and achieve appropriate milestones for project.

RPM. See Remedial Project Manager.

SARA. See Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act.

Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds. Semi-volatile organic compounds, or SVOCs, are chemicals which have a tendency to volatilize, or evaporate, at temperatures higher than volatile organic compounds. Examples of SVOCs are phenols and phthalates. Because of the tendency to evaporate when exposed to air, SVOCs disappear more rapidly from surface water than from groundwater. Since groundwater does not come into contact with air, SVOCs are not easily released and can be remain in groundwater that is being used for drinking water, posing a threat to human health. Some SVOCs are believed to cause cancer in humans.

Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act. Modifications to the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act, enacted on October 17, 1986.

Substituted benzenes. A hydrocarbon molecule structured as a standard benzene ring with one or more hydrogen atoms replace with a functional group.

Superfund. The program operated under the legislative authority of CERCLA that funds and carries out EPA solid waste emergency and long-term removal and remedial activities. These activities include establishing the National Priorities List, investigating site for inclusion on the list, determining their priority and conducting and/or supervising cleanup and other remedial actions.

TCE. See Trichloroethylene.

Tetrachlroethylene. A volatile organic compound that is a widespread contaminant that can be present in ambient air, indoor air, soil, and groundwater. It is known to pose a potential human health hazard for noncancer toxicity to the central nervous system, kidney, liver, immune and hematologic system, and on development and reproduction.

Toluene. An airborne contaminant known to adversely affect the central nervous system in both humans and animals for acute (short-term) and chronic (long-term) exposures.

Trichloroethylene. A volatile organic compound that is a widespread contaminant that can be present in ambient air, indoor air, soil, and groundwater. It is known to pose a potential human health hazard.

28 Vapor intrusion. Vapor intrusion occurs when there is a migration of vapor-forming chemicals from any subsurface source into an overlying building.

Volatile Organic Compounds. A type of organic compound that tends to change from a liquid to a gas at low temperatures when exposed to air. As a result of this tendency, VOCs disappear more rapidly from surface water than from groundwater. Since groundwater does not come into contact with air, VOCs are not easily released and can remain in groundwater that is being used for drinking water, posing a threat to human health. Some VOCs are believed to cause cancer in humans.

VOCs. See Volatile Organic Compounds.

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30 APPENDIX B: POTENTIAL COMMUNITY INTERVIEW QUESTIONS List of potential questions to be asked during future community interviews.

1. Do you live or work on or near the site?

a. How long have you been a resident in the area?

2. Have you had any sampling conducted at your property?

a. What was the result of that sampling?

3. Are you affiliated with any organization that has an interest in the site? If so, what organization?

4. What do you know about the site?

5. Do you have any concerns about the site?

6. Where are you getting your information about the site? From whom? In what form?

7. How do you want to be informed about site activities (mail, email, phone, newspaper, television, radio, or social media such as Facebook)?

8. Who have you talked to (any local, state or federal government agencies) about the site?

a. Did you receive a response?

b. Was your question answered?

9. Whom would you contact with questions about the site?

10. Do you feel you have been kept adequately informed about site progress?

11. Have you participated in any public meetings and/or community group meetings for the site?

12. Would you go to the library to review any documents about the site?

13. What days, times, and locations would be best for public meetings?

31 14. Will you attend meetings in the future?

15. If not, what obstacles keep you from attending?

16. What is special/important to you about your community?

17. Is there anything else you would like to share about either the site or EPA’s involvement with the local community?

18. Are you aware of what technical resources may be available to the community? If they answer no, then ask if TANA, TASC, etc. would be something community members would like to explore.

19. Do you have any questions?

32 APPENDIX C: COMMUNITY RESOURCES Places where community members can find more information about the site and possible meeting locations.

LOCAL INFORMATION REPOSITORY

OFFICIAL INFORMATION REPOSITORY EPA Region 5 Superfund Records Center Room 711, 7th Floor Ralph Metcalfe Federal Building 77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604

EPA SITE WEB PAGE epa.gov/superfund/chem-central

33 POSSIBLE MEETING LOCATIONS Kent District Library Wyoming Branch 3350 Michael Ave. SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-784-2007 kdl.org/locations/wyoming

Wyoming High School 1350 Prairie Parkway SW Wyoming, MI 49509 616-530-7580 wyomingps.org/high-school/

Wyoming City Hall 1155 28th Street Wyoming, MI 49509 616-530-7226 wyomingmi.gov

34 APPENDIX D: LIST OF CONTACTS List of federal, state, and local agencies and interested groups. (Information is current as of June 2020)

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Matthew Ohl Diane Russell Remedial Project Manager, Community Involvement Coordinator Region 5, U.S. EPA Region 5 Community Information Office, 77 West Jackson Boulevard, SR-6J U.S. EPA Chicago, IL 60604 1300 Bluff St., Suite 140 312-886-4442 Flint, MI 48504 [email protected] 989-395-3493 [email protected]

State of Michigan Sarah Skinner Project Manager, Superfund Section Remediation and Redevelopment Division, Michigan EGLE 350 Ottawa Ave NW, Unit 10 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 517-388-9016 [email protected]

Federal Elected Officials Gary C. Peters Debbie Stabenow Junior Senator Senior Senator 724 Hart Senate Office Building 731 Hart Senate Office Building Washington DC 20510 Washington DC 20510 202-224-6221 202-224-4822 peters.senate.gov/contact/email-gary stabenow.senate.gov/contact

Bill Huizenga U.S. Representative 2232 Rayburn HOB Washington, D.C. 20515 202-225-4401 huizenga.house.gov/contact/

State Elected Officials Gretchen Whitmer Governor P.O. Box 30013 Lansing, MI 48909 517-373-3400 michigan.gov/whitmer

35 Peter MacGregor Tommy Brann State Senator, 28th District State Representative, District 77 S-132 Capitol Building N-1096 House Office Building Lansing, MI 48933 Lansing, MI 48933 517-373-0797 517-373-2277 [email protected] [email protected]

City of Wyoming, Michigan, Officials

Officials may be individually contacted via email through the city’s website: wyomingmi.gov/About-Wyoming/City-Departments/Department-Contact

Curtis Holt Kelli VandenBerg City Manager City Clerk 1155 28th St SW 1155 28th Street SW Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming, MI 49509 616-530-7226 616-530-7296

Jack Poll Sam Bolt Mayor Mayor Pro-Tempore 1155 28th Street SW 1155 28th Street SW PO Box 905 PO Box 905 Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming, MI 49509 616-530-7272 616-443-4249

Sheldon DeKryger Marissa Postler 1st Ward Council Member 2nd Ward Council Member 1155 28th Street SW 1155 28th Street SW PO Box 905 PO Box 905 Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming, MI 49509 616-377-4870 616-419-0665

Robert Postema Dan Burrill 3rd Ward Council Member Council Member-At-Large 1155 28th Street SW 1155 28th Street SW PO Box 905 PO Box 905 Wyoming, MI 49509 Wyoming, MI 49509 616-443-1718 616-292-3876

Kent Vanderwood Council Member-At-Large 1155 28th Street SW PO Box 905 Wyoming, MI 49509 616-551-2156

Kent County Officials Lisa Posthumus Lyons Wayman Britt County Clerk County Administrator Administration Building Administration Building 300 Monroe Avenue NW 300 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-632-7640 616-632-7570 [email protected] [email protected]

36 Sara Simmonds Adam London Environmental Health Division Director Administrative Health Officer 700 Fuller Avenue NE 700 Fuller Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-632-6900 616-632-7100 [email protected]

Steve Kelso Ali Glazier Marketing & Communications Manager Public Health Epidemiologist 700 Fuller Avenue NE 700 Fuller Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-632-6900 616-632-6900 [email protected] [email protected]

Ted Vonk Tom Antor Commissioner, District 1 Commissioner, District 2 4122 Boulder Meadow 9341 Laubach Avenue NW Belmont, MI 49306 Sparta, MI 49345 616-874-2604 616-887-7210 [email protected] [email protected]

Roger Morgan Diane Jones Commissioner, District 3 Commissioner, District 4 10585 Tefft Avenue NE 6561 Laguna Vista Drive Rockford, MI 49341 Rockford, MI 49341 616-866-4264 616-874-8740 [email protected] [email protected]

Mandy Bolter Stan Stek Commissioner, District 5 Commissioner, District 6 2097 Steketee Woods Lane 1274 White Pine Drive SW Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-295-7909 616-776-6324 [email protected] [email protected]

Stan Ponstein Harold Voorhees Commissioner, District 7 Commissioner, District 8 3967 Edgewood Street SW 5380 Kenowa Avenue Grandville, MI 49418 Wyoming, MI 49418 616-726-2331 616-534-1876 [email protected] [email protected]

Matt Kallman Emily Brieve Commissioner, District 9 Commissioner, District 10 4099 108th St. SW 7438 Missoula Drive SE Byron Center, MI 49315 Caledonia, MI 49316 616-915-5098 616-502-5010 [email protected] [email protected]

Lindsey Theil Monica Sparks Commissioner, District 11 Commissioner, District 12 510 Arrowhead Avenue SE 4764 Wolf Run Avenue SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-813-9397 616-560-3870 [email protected] [email protected]

37 Betsy Melton Carol Hennessy Commissioner, District 13 Commissioner, District 14 3560 52nd Street 1510 Kenan Avenue NW Kentwood, MI 49512 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-656-4095 616-453-9167 [email protected] [email protected]

Jim Talen David Bulkowski Commissioner, District 15 Commissioner, District 16 30 College Avenue SE #78 322 Woodmere Avenue SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-454-2243 616-560-2293 [email protected] [email protected]

Robert Womack Stephen Wooden Commissioner, District 17 Commissioner, District 18 909 Hancock Street SE 865 Aberdeen Street NE Grand Rapids, MI 49507 Grand Rapids, MI 49505 616-295-8953 616-304-5555 [email protected] [email protected]

Phil Skaggs Commissioner, District 19 2615 Hall Street SE East Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-446-2280 [email protected]

Newspapers The Grand Rapids Press 169 Monroe Ave NW #100 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-222-5411 [email protected]

Radio Stations WGVU 88.5 FM WVGR 104.1 FM 301 Fulton W 535 W Williams Street, Suite 110 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 Ann Arbor, MI 48103 616-331-6666 734-647-3488 wgvu.org michiganradio.org

WOOD 1300 AM WJRW 1340 AM 77 Monroe Center NW, Suite 1000 60 Monroe Center Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-774-2424 616-774-8461 woodradio.iheart.com 1340wjrw.com

WMJH 93.3 FM WTKG 1230 AM 2422 Burton Street SE. 77 Monroe Center NW, Suite 1000 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-451-0551 616-459-1919 mipoderosaradio.com wtkg.iheart.com

38 Television Stations WOOD-TV ABC 8 WZZM-TV ABC 13 120 College Avenue SE 645 Three Mile Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Grand Rapids, MI 49544 616-456-8888 616-785-1313 woodtv.com wzzm13.com

WWMT-TV 3 CBS WGVU-TV 35 PBS 590 W Maple Street 301 Fulton W Kalamazoo, MI 49008 Grand Rapids, MI 49504 800-875-3333 616-331-6666 wwmt.com wgvu.org

WXMI-TV 17 FOX WOTV-TV 4 ABC 3117 Plaza Drive NE 120 College Ave. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49525 Grand Rapids, MI 49503 616-364-8722 616-456-8888 fox17online.com woodtv.com

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40 APPENDIX E: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND THE SUPERFUND PROCESS EPA’s step-by-step process to determine the best way to clean up a contaminated site and opportunities for community involvement.

Superfund is an environmental cleanup program enabled by a federal law enacted in 1980 known as the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act, or CERCLA, also called Superfund. In 1986, another law, the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act, or SARA, reauthorized CERCLA to continue Superfund cleanup activities. The CERCLA law gives EPA the authority to require those parties responsible for creating hazardous waste sites to clean up those sites or to reimburse the government if EPA cleans up the sites. EPA compels responsible parties to clean up hazardous waste sites through administrative orders, consent decrees and other legal settlements. EPA is authorized to enforce the Superfund laws within Indian reservations, in all 50 states and in U.S. territories. Superfund site identification, monitoring and response activities are coordinated with state, tribal and territorial environmental protection or waste management agencies.

There are several steps involved in cleaning up a contaminated site. Once EPA has been made aware of a contaminated site from individual citizens, local, tribal or state agencies or others, EPA follows a step-by-step process (see the next page of this Appendix) to determine the best way to clean up the site and protect human health and the environment.

If the site poses an immediate threat to public health or the environment, EPA can intervene with an emergency response action. The goal of EPA’s Emergency Response and Removal Program is to protect the public and the environment from immediate threats posed by the release or discharge of hazardous substances.

The Superfund program encourages active dialogue between communities affected by the release of hazardous substances and all of the agencies responsible for carrying out or overseeing cleanup actions. EPA considers community involvement to be an important part of the Superfund program and opportunities for community involvement occur throughout the process. At each step in the process, there are opportunities for various levels of community involvement (see the following page for more details).

Visit these EPA websites for more information on the Superfund process. Superfund: epa.gov/superfund Cleanup Process: epa.gov/superfund/cleaning-superfund-sites Community Involvement: epa.gov/superfund/superfund-community-involvement

41 42 APPENDIX F: FACT SHEETS Includes site-related fact sheets, and ATSDR ToxFAQ fact sheets.

Vapor Intrusion Update for the Chem

Central Superfund Site Chem Central Superfund Site Wyoming, Michigan February 2019

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, working with the Michigan Department For more information of Environmental Quality, has completed vapor intrusion sampling at six properties in the area around the Chem Central Superfund site. The sampling If you have questions or comments on the Chem Central site, contact: results are available in a report on the website. The information will be used to

determine the long-term effectiveness of the cleanup process for the site as part

For general questions: of a five-year review. No immediate health threat has been identified, but more Diane Russell testing is needed.

Community Involvement What is vapor intrusion? Coordinator Vapors, also referred to as soil gases, evaporate from underground pollutants

989-395-3493 and get trapped between dirt particles. Vapor intrusion occurs when the soil [email protected] gases move up through the ground and seep into buildings through holes or cracks in the foundation and cause hazardous indoor air pollution. If these gases For technical questions: enter a home, occupants can inhale them, which can potentially affect their Matthew Ohl health. In buildings with lower concentrations of vapor-forming chemicals Remedial Project Manager arising from vapor intrusion, the main concern is whether the chemicals may 312-886-4442 pose an unacceptable risk of health effects due to long-term or chronic exposure [email protected] to these lower levels.

EPA address: U.S. EPA Region 5 Superfund Division

77 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago, IL 60604 Figure 1. This image depicts the migration of vapors in soil gas You may call the EPA toll-free at from contaminated soil and 800-621-8431, weekdays, groundwater into buildings. Vapors in soil gas are shown to 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. enter buildings through cracks in the foundation and openings for Website: utility lines. Atmospheric https://www.epa.gov/superfund/che conditions and building m-central ventilation are shown to influence soil gas intrusion.

To view the sampling results:

https://semspub.epa.gov/src/docume nt/05/943935

EPA Vapor Intrusion Testing Update Chem Central Superfund Site Wyoming, Michigan

The following activities were completed: EPA also implemented a groundwater monitoring program • Collection of 14 paired indoor air and sub-slab showing the effectiveness of the groundwater capture vapor samples located off-site. system and that the groundwater treatment technology is • Collection of one background ambient air sample; achieving the cleanup standards. The site achieved one equipment blank. construction completion with the signing of the Preliminary • Collection of two quality assurance duplicate Closeout Report in September 1995. samples. Vapor intrusion results Toeroek completed the field activities in accordance with Toeroek received preliminary analytical data packages for the Final Field Sampling and Analysis Plan dated March air samples last April. The contractor then provided draft 22, 2018. data tables to EPA.

Background The investigation at the site hasn’t identified an immediate The site consists of 2 acres owned by Univar USA Inc., health threat so far, but further testing over the next year is (acquired from Chem Central); a rectangular parcel 1,800 needed to confirm the initial results. EPA will continue to feet long and 300 feet wide, owned by Consumers Power provide updates on the website extending north of the Chem Central site; Cole Drain, a northerly flowing creek along the site’s western boundary; Next steps and any property beyond the Chem Central property In 2019, Univar USA will complete further vapor intrusion where hazardous substances are located. Currently, sampling to the north of the site above the groundwater contamination plumes that extend away from the site. contamination has been identified in soil and groundwater at nine properties, including the Chem Central land. EPA expects to complete the draft five-year review report

The initial cleanup for the site included soil vapor by April 2019 and publish the final version by August extraction on the site property, as well as two off-property 2019. Five-year reviews are done at Superfund sites to locations north of the site. Institutional controls were put make sure the cleanup work that was done continues to protect people’s health and the environment. into place, such as deed restrictions to prohibit the installation of water wells in the site area and any future development that might disturb contaminated soil.

Update Testing Intrusion Vapor EPA

: SITE SUPERFUND CENTRAL CHEM

48504 MI Flint,

140 Suite St. Bluff 1300

Division Superfund 5 Region

44 Overview of Vapor Intrusion

What is vapor intrusion?

Vapor intrusion is a way that volatile chemicals in soil and groundwater can enter and build-up inside buildings. Volatile chemicals are a class of chemicals that are volatile (evaporate easily) and form a vapor in the air. • Common sources of volatile chemicals include gas stations, dry cleaners, and industrial operations. • When a chemical is spilled or leaks into the ground, it can contaminate the soil and the groundwater. • The chemical can move with the groundwater and travel under a building (migration route). • If that chemical is volatile, it can become a gas and seep into nearby buildings and contaminate indoor air. This fact sheet explains how vapor intrusion occurs and what factors can cause vapors (sometimes called gases) to move into indoor air.

Why is vapor intrusion important to me?

When chemicals move indoors, you can be exposed to them by breathing indoor air. This exposure can cause health effects, depending on the type and amount of chemical and the length of exposure.

You can learn more about the possible health effects of individual volatile chemicals in ATSDR’s Toxic Substances Portal: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/substances/index.asp.

How does vapor intrusion occur?

Vapor intrusion does not occur every time there is contaminated soil or groundwater. It occurs only when volatile chemicals move from a source (like a chemical spill) along an underground migration route and into a building. The type and amount of chemicals coming from a source will determine whether vapor intrusion occurs at levels of possible health concern.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Community Health Investigations

CS276662-A 03/23/2017

45 What factors affect vapor intrusion?

The following factors affect vapor intrusion: • The type of soil beneath your building • The type and condition of your building (foundation, leaks, air exchange) • The weather conditions in your area The amount of vapors entering a building can be different over time—changing hourly, daily, weekly, and seasonally. The amount of vapor intrusion can also be different on different floors and in different rooms of the same building or in buildings right next to each other. If scientists suspect vapor intrusion in buildings in a specific location, they may decide to conduct an investigation. See ATSDR’s fact sheet “Investigating Vapor Intrusion” for information on what to expect if a vapor intrusion investigation is planned for buildings in your area.

Where can I learn more about vapor intrusion?

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • Vapor intrusion website, visit: http://www2.epa.gov/vaporintrusion Interstate Technology & Regulatory Council • Vapor intrusion website, visit: http://www.itrcweb.org/Team/Public?teamID=22 Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry • Investigating vapor intrusion, visit: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/docs/atsdr_vapor_investigation.pdf

46 What is Vapor Intrusion and How is it Investigated?

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Where Can I Find More Information?

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Assistance Center, 800-662-9278 [email protected] www.michigan.gov/vaporintrusion

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Response Section, 800-648-6942

10/2017

47 What is vapor intrusion? Vapor intrusion sometimes occurs where chemicals were spilled, leaked, or dumped and not cleaned up. For example, properties such as gas stations, dry cleaners, or businesses operating metal parts degreasers use chemicals like gasoline or solvents that can cause vapor intrusion. If these chemicals are mishandled and get into the ground, they can move through the soil and groundwater. Although the chemicals are often released as liquid, they easily evaporate, becoming a vapor in the air that you often cannot see or smell. At some point, the vapors may come in contact with your home or business – usually around your basement or your floor. These vapors may get into your home through openings such as cracks, or other openings around pipes and sumps. This is a concern because you may breathe in these harmful vapors without knowing.

Why does vapor intrusion matter to me? Vapor intrusion can cause the air in your home to be unsafe to breathe. These chemicals can harm your health at levels well below what people can see or smell. Depending on the amount and type of chemicals, even a short time of breathing them can cause long-term and serious health problems.

Once you know you have vapor intrusion issues, there are simple things that can be done to keep you and your family safe. For example, a vapor mitigation system may need to be installed. This will keep unsafe levels of chemicals from getting into your home and the air you breathe. Most of the time, these systems are very similar to what is used to prevent radon from getting into homes.

Why have I not heard of this before? What we know about vapor intrusion has been increasing over the years. The potential risks from these chemicals that are linked to vapor intrusion are better understood today. Before, our biggest concern with underground chemicals was the safety of drinking water. But we know that some of these chemicals can get into buildings through the air. Because of our increased knowledge of the risks, vapor intrusion has become a more urgent issue. Vapor intrusion is a national problem, and state and federal agencies across the country are continuing to learn more about it.

How do I know if I am being exposed to these vapor intrusion chemicals? You cannot always see or smell the chemicals at harmful levels that are common with vapor intrusion. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) or the person responsible for the chemical release will have samples taken of the soil or groundwater from the areas around your home or business to see if these chemicals are found at levels that cause concern. If levels of concern are found, vapor samples may be taken from under your basement floor or building.

If the vapor under your home or business is high, indoor air samples may be taken to determine how much of the chemical is entering the indoor air. There are other sources of these chemicals that you may have in your home or garage, like paint or gasoline. When possible, these common household sources are removed from the home before testing begins.

The chemicals most often causing vapor intrusion only stay in your body for a short time so blood tests may not be effective at determining if you have been exposed unless your exposure to levels of concern is constant and ongoing. If you are told you have vapor intrusion issues in your home, your local health department or the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) can help you determine next steps and the potential health effects that you should talk about with your doctor.

What is the government doing about vapor intrusion? Information on the type, the amount, and the location of chemicals spilled or leaked at a site may suggest that vapor intrusion is a problem. The MDEQ will work to have additional samples collected or possibly implement measures to prevent further exposure from occurring. If vapor intrusion is confirmed, the MDEQ and the MDHHS will work with your local health department to protect your health and those living with you. If the chemical levels are a concern, the responsible person or the MDEQ may offer to install a vapor mitigation system in your home or business. In some cases, it may be recommended that you move elsewhere until this work can be done. If this happens, funding may be available to help with your expenses.

48 How are samples collected? If sampling is needed, you will always be asked for permission to enter your home or property. Sampling the vapor under a building is the best way to learn if chemical vapors may be entering a building. This is called collecting a “sub-slab vapor sample.” Sub-slab sampling involves drilling a small hole in a discrete location through the floor, installing an air valve similar to a tire valve, and collecting an air sample from beneath your home. If the test results show there may be a problem, indoor air samples may also be collected.

How do you control vapor intrusion? If the sampling shows that vapor intrusion may be a problem, a common solution is to install a system of piping and fan(s) to pull vapors from under the building and vent them outside. This type of “vapor mitigation system” has been used for many years to prevent radon, a naturally occurring gas, from entering buildings. Sometimes sealants and liners are installed on the inside of a foundation and floort o improve the performance of a vapor mitigation system. The exact type of vapor mitigation system installed in a building will vary depending on the design of the building and the chemicals found.

How Vapor Intrusion Happens: A Complex Path

49 What happens when a chemical spill, leak or improper disposal becomes a vapor intrusion risk?

50 Where Can I Find More Information?

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Assistance Center, 800-662-9278 [email protected] www.michigan.gov/vaporintrusion

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Response Section, 800-648-6942

Graphics provided courtesy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency

51 Where Can I Find More Information?

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Environmental Assistance Center, 800-662-9278 [email protected] www.michigan.gov/vaporintrusion

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Toxicology and Response Section, 800-648-6942

Graphics provided courtesy of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency 10/2017

52 Polychlorinated Biphenyls - ToxFAQs™

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about polychlorinated biphenyls. For more information, CAS # call the CDC Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It’s important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a mixture of individual chemicals which are no longer produced in the United States, but are still found in the environment. Health effects that have been associated with exposure to PCBs include acne-like skin conditions in adults and neurobehavioral and immunological changes in children. PCBs are known to cause cancer in animals. PCBs have been found in at least 500 of the 1,598 National Priorities List (NPL) sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What are polychlorinated biphenyls? • PCBs are taken up by small organisms and fish in water. They are also taken up by other animals that eat these Polychlorinated biphenyls are mixtures of up to 209 individual aquatic animals as food. PCBs accumulate in fish and chlorinated compounds (known as congeners). There are no marine mammals, reaching levels that may be many known natural sources of PCBs. PCBs are either oily liquids or thousands of times higher than in water. solids that are colorless to light yellow. Some PCBs can exist as a vapor in air. PCBs have no known smell or taste. Many How might I be exposed to PCBs? commercial PCB mixtures are known in the U.S. by the trade • Using old fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical name Aroclor. devices and appliances, such as television sets and PCBs have been used as coolants and lubricants in transformers, refrigerators, that were made 30 or more years ago. capacitors, and other electrical equipment because they don’t These items may leak small amounts of PCBs into the burn easily and are good insulators. The manufacture of PCBs air when they get hot during operation, and could be a was stopped in the U.S. in 1977 because of evidence they build source of skin exposure. up in the environment and can cause harmful health effects. • Eating contaminated food. The main dietary sources Products made before 1977 that may contain PCBs include old of PCBs are fish (especially sportfish caught in fluorescent lighting fixtures and electrical devices containing contaminated lakes or rivers), meat, and dairy products. PCB capacitors, and old microscope and hydraulic oils. • Breathing air near hazardous waste sites and drinking What happens to PCBs when they enter contaminated well water. the environment? • In the workplace during repair and maintenance of • PCBs entered the air, water, and soil during their PCB transformers; accidents, fires or spills involving manufacture, use, and disposal; from accidental spills transformers, fluorescent lights, and other old electrical and leaks during their transport; and from leaks or fires in devices; and disposal of PCB materials. products containing PCBs. How can PCBs affect my health? • PCBs can still be released to the environment from hazardous waste sites; illegal or improper disposal of The most commonly observed health effects in people industrial wastes and consumer products; leaks from old exposed to large amounts of PCBs are skin conditions such electrical transformers containing PCBs; and burning of as acne and rashes. Studies in exposed workers have shown some wastes in incinerators. changes in blood and urine that may indicate liver damage. PCB exposures in the general population are not likely to • PCBs do not readily break down in the environment and result in skin and liver effects. Most of the studies of health thus may remain there for very long periods of time. PCBs effects of PCBs in the general population examined children can travel long distances in the air and be deposited in of mothers who were exposed to PCBs. areas far away from where they were released. In water, a small amount of PCBs may remain dissolved, but most stick Animals that ate food containing large amounts of PCBs to organic particles and bottom sediments. PCBs also bind for short periods of time had mild liver damage and some strongly to soil. died. Animals that ate smaller amounts of PCBs in food over

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences

CS265956-A

53 Polychlorinated Biphenyls several weeks or months developed various kinds of health effects, • Children should be discouraged from playing CASin the # including anemia; acne-like skin conditions; and liver, stomach, dirt near hazardous waste sites and in areas where and thyroid gland injuries. Other effects of PCBs in animals there was a transformer fire. Children should also be include changes in the immune system, behavioral alterations, and discouraged from eating dirt and putting dirty hands, impaired reproduction. PCBs are not known to cause birth defects. toys or other objects in their mouths, and should wash How likely are PCBs to cause cancer? hands frequently. • If you are exposed to PCBs in the workplace it is Few studies of workers indicate that PCBs were associated with possible to carry them home on your clothes, body, certain kinds of cancer in humans, such as cancer of the liver and or tools. If this is the case, you should shower and biliary tract. Rats that ate food containing high levels of PCBs for change clothing before leaving work, and your work two years developed liver cancer. The Department of Health and clothes should be kept separate from other clothes and Human Services (DHHS) has concluded that PCBs may reasonably laundered separately. be anticipated to be carcinogens. PCBs have been classified as probably carcinogenic, and carcinogenic to humans (group 1) Is there a medical test to show whether by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International I’ve been exposed to PCBs? Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), respectively. Tests exist to measure levels of PCBs in your blood, body How can PCBs affect children? fat, and breast milk, but these are not routinely conducted. Women who were exposed to relatively high levels of PCBs in the Most people normally have low levels of PCBs in their body workplace or ate large amounts of fish contaminated with PCBs because nearly everyone has been environmentally exposed had babies that weighed slightly less than babies from women to PCBs. The tests can show if your PCB levels are elevated, who did not have these exposures. Babies born to women who ate which would indicate past exposure to above-normal levels PCB-contaminated fish also showed abnormal responses in tests of of PCBs, but cannot determine when or how long you were infant behavior. Some of these behaviors, such as problems with exposed or whether you will develop health effects. motor skills and a decrease in short-term memory, lasted for several Has the federal government made years. Other studies suggest that the immune system was affected recommendations to protect in children born to and nursed by mothers exposed to increased levels of PCBs. There are no reports of structural birth defects human health? caused by exposure to PCBs or of health effects of PCBs in older The EPA has set a limit of 0.0005 milligrams of PCBs per children. The most likely way infants will be exposed to PCBs is from liter of drinking water (0.0005 mg/L). Discharges, spills or breast milk. Transplacental transfers of PCBs were also reported In accidental releases of 1 pound or more of PCBs into the most cases, the benefits of breast-feeding outweigh any risks from environment must be reported to the EPA. The Food and exposure to PCBs in mother’s milk. Drug Administration (FDA) requires that infant foods, eggs, milk and other dairy products, fish and shellfish, poultry How can families reduce the risks of and red meat contain no more than 0.2-3 parts of PCBs exposure to PCBs? per million parts (0.2-3 ppm) of food. Many states have • You and your children may be exposed to PCBs by established fish and wildlife consumption advisories for PCBs. eating fish or wildlife caught from contaminated locations. References Certain states, Native American tribes, and U.S. territories have issued advisories to warn people about PCB-contaminated Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). fish and fish-eating wildlife. You can reduce your family’s 2000. Toxicological profile for polychlorinated biphenyls exposure to PCBs by obeying these advisories. (PCBs). Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. • Children should be told not play with old appliances, electrical equipment, or transformers, since they may contain PCBs.

Where can I get more information? For more information, contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop F-57, Atlanta, GA 30329-4027. Phone: 1-800-232-4636. ToxFAQsTM Internet address via WWW is http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaqs/index.asp. ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.

July 2014 Page 2 of 2

54 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) - ToxFAQs™ CAS # This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). For more information, call the CDC Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. This information is important because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons usually occurs by breathing air contaminated by wild fires or coal tar, or by eating foods that have been grilled. PAHs have been found in at least 600 of the 1,430 National Priorities List (NPL) sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What are polycyclic aromatic • Most PAHs do not dissolve easily in water. They hydrocarbons? stick to solid particles and settle to the bottoms of lakes or rivers. • Microorganisms can break down PAHs in soil or Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group water after a period of weeks to months. of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, • In soils, PAHs are most likely to stick tightly to or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled particles; certain PAHs move through soil to meat. PAHs are usually found as a mixture containing contaminate underground water. two or more of these compounds, such as soot. • PAH contents of plants and animals may be much higher than PAH contents of soil or water in which Some PAHs are manufactured. These pure PAHs usually they live. exist as colorless, white, or pale yellow-green solids. PAHs are found in coal tar, crude oil, creosote, and roofing tar, but a few are used in medicines or to make How might I be exposed to PAHs? dyes, plastics, and pesticides. • Breathing air containing PAHs in the workplace of coking, coal-tar, and asphalt production What happens to PAHs when they enter plants; smokehouses; and municipal trash the environment? incineration facilities. • PAHs enter the air mostly as releases from • Breathing air containing PAHs from cigarette volcanoes, forest fires, burning coal, and smoke, wood smoke, vehicle exhausts, asphalt automobile exhaust. roads, or agricultural burn smoke. • PAHs can occur in air attached to dust particles. • Coming in contact with air, water, or soil near hazardous waste sites. • Some PAH particles can readily evaporate into the air from soil or surface waters. • Eating grilled or charred meats; contaminated cereals, flour, bread, vegetables, fruits, meats; and • PAHs can break down by reacting with sunlight processed or pickled foods. and other chemicals in the air, over a period of days to weeks. • Drinking contaminated water or cow’s milk. • PAHs enter water through discharges from • Nursing infants of mothers living near hazardous industrial and wastewater treatment plants. waste sites may be exposed to PAHs through their mother’s milk.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences

CS265956-A

55 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

CAS # 7440-38-2

How can PAHs affect my health? Has the federal government made Mice that were fed high levels of one PAH during recommendations to protect pregnancy had difficulty reproducing and so did their human health? off spring. These offspring also had higher rates of birth The Occupational Safety and Health Administration defects and lower body weights. It is not known whether (OSHA) has set a limit of 0.2 milligrams of PAHs per cubic these effects occur in people. meter of air (0.2 mg/m3). The OSHA Permissible Exposure Animal studies have also shown that PAHs can cause Limit (PEL) for mineral oil mist that contains PAHs is 5 3 harmful effects on the skin, body fluids, and ability to mg/m averaged over an 8-hour exposure period. fight disease after both short- and long-term exposure. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and But these effects have not been seen in people. Health (NIOSH) recommends that the average workplace air levels for coal tar products not exceed 0.1 mg/m3 for How likely are PAHs to cause cancer? a 10-hour workday, within a 40-hour workweek. There The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are other limits for work place exposure for things that has determined that some PAHs may reasonably be contain PAHs, such as coal, coal tar, and mineral oil. expected to be carcinogens. Glossary Some people who have breathed or touched mixtures of PAHs and other chemicals for long periods of time Carcinogen: A substance that can cause cancer. have developed cancer. Some PAHs have caused cancer Ingest: Take food or drink into your body. in labora tory animals when they breathed air containing them (lung cancer), ingested them in food (stomach cancer), or had them applied to their skin (skin cancer). References Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Is there a medical test to show whether (ATSDR). 1995. Toxicological profile for polycyclic I’ve been exposed to PAHs? aromatic hydrocar bons. Atlanta, GA: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service. In the body, PAHs are changed into chemicals that can attach to substances within the body. There are special tests that can detect PAHs attached to these substances in body tissues or blood. However, these tests cannot tell whether any health effects will occur or find out the extent or source of your exposure to the PAHs. The tests aren’t usually available in your doctor’s office because special equipment is needed to conduct them.

September 1996 Page 2 of 2

56 Tetrachloroethylene - ToxFAQs™ CAS # 127-18-4

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about tetrachloroethylene. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical used for dry cleaning and metal degreasing and in the aerospace industry. Exposure to very high concentrations of tetrachloroethylene can cause dizziness headaches, sleepiness, incoordination confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, and even death. Tetrachloroethylene has been found in at least 949 of the 1,854 National Priorities List sites identified by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is tetrachloroethylene? How might I be exposed to tetrachloroethylene?

Tetrachloroethylene is a nonflammable colorless liquid. • When you bring clothes from the dry cleaners, they will Other names for tetrachloroethylene include release small amounts of tetrachloroethylene into the air. perchloroethylene, PCE, perc, tetrachloroethene, and • When you drink water containing tetrachloroethylene, perchlor. Most people can smell tetrachloroethylene when you are exposed to it. You might also be exposed to it is present in the air at a level of 1 part in 1 million parts of tetrachloroethylene that is released into the air during air (1 ppm) or more. showering and bathing. • People residing near contaminated sites or dry cleaning Tetrachloroethylene is used as a dry cleaning agent and locations may be exposed to higher levels than the metal degreasing solvent. It is also used as a starting general population. material (building block) for making other chemicals and is • People working in the dry cleaning industries or using used in some consumer products. metal degreasing products may be exposed to elevated levels of tetrachloroethylene. What happens to tetrachloroethylene when it enters the environment? How can tetrachloroethylene affect my health?

• Tetrachloroethylene can be released into air, water, and Breathing high levels of tetrachloroethylene for a brief soil at places where it is produced or used. period may cause dizziness or drowsiness, headache, and • Tetrachloroethylene breaks down very slowly in the air incoordination; higher levels may cause unconsciousness and so it can be transported long distances in the air. and even death. Half of the amount in the air will degrade in approximately 100 days. Exposure for longer periods to low levels of • Tetrachloroethylene evaporates quickly from water into tetrachloroethylene may cause changes in mood, memory, air. It is generally slow to break down in water. attention, reaction time, and vision. • Tetrachloroethylene may evaporate quickly from shallow soils or may filter through the soil and into the Studies in animals exposed to tetrachloroethylene have groundwater below. It is generally slow to break down in shown liver and kidney effects, and changes in brain soil. chemistry, but we do not know what these findings mean for humans.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences

57 Tetrachloroethylene CAS # 127-18-4

How likely is tetrachloroethylene to cause • Prevent children from playing in dirt or eating dirt if you cancer? live near a waste site that has tetrachloroethylene.

Studies in humans suggest that exposure to • Tetrachloroethylene is widely used as a scouring solvent tetrachloroethylene might lead to a higher risk of getting that removes oils from fabrics, as a carrier solvent, as a bladder cancer, multiple myeloma, or non-Hodgkin’s fabric finish or water repellant, and as a metal lymphoma. degreaser/cleaner. Follow instructions on product In animals, tetrachloroethylene has been shown to cause labels to minimize exposure to tetrachloroethylene. cancers of the liver, kidney, and blood system. Is there a medical test to determine whether I’ve The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) been exposed to tetrachloroethylene? considers tetrachloroethylene to be reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen. EPA considers Tetrachloroethylene and its breakdown products tetrachloroethylene likely to be carcinogenic to humans by (metabolites) can be measured in blood and urine. all routes of exposure. The International Agency for However, the detection of tetrachloroethylene or its Research on Cancer (IARC) considers tetrachloroethylene metabolites cannot predict the kind of health effects that probably carcinogenic to humans. might develop from that exposure. Because tetrachloroethylene and its metabolites leave the body How can tetrachloroethylene affect children? fairly rapidly, the tests need to be conducted within days after exposure. It is not known whether children are more susceptible than adults to the effects of tetrachloroethylene. Has the federal government made A few studies in humans have suggested that exposure to recommendations to protect human health? tetrachloroethylene increased the numbers of babies with The Occupational Safety and Health Administration birth defects, but these studies were not large enough to (OSHA) has set an 8-hour time weighted average clearly answer the question. Studies in animals exposed permissible exposure limit of 100 ppm, an acceptable by inhalation or stomach tube have not shown clear ceiling exposure limit of 200 ppm, and a maximum peak of evidence of specific birth defects. 300 ppm (not to be exceeded for more than 5 minutes of How can families reduce the risk of exposure to any 3-hour period). tetrachloroethylene? The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends that workplace exposure to • Tetrachloroethylene has been found in low levels in some food. You can minimize the risk of your family's tetrachloroethylene be minimized due to concerns about exposure by peeling and thoroughly washing fruits and its carcinogenicity. vegetables before cooking. Reference • Use bottled water if you have concerns about the presence of tetrachloroethylene in your tap water. You This ToxFAQs™ information is taken from the 2019 may also contact local drinking water authorities and Toxicological Profile for Tetrachloroethylene produced by follow their advice. the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA.

Phone: 1-800-232-4636

ToxFAQsTM on the web: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ToxFAQs ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.

June 2019 Page 2 of 2

58 Toluene - ToxFAQs™ CAS # 108-88-3

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health related questions (FAQs) regarding exposure to toluene. For more information, call the CDC Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It’s important that you understand this information because this substance may harm you, or your family. The health effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Exposure to toluene occurs from breathing contaminated workplace air, automobile exhaust, or by using products such as paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, lacquers, and adhesives. Toluene affects the nervous system. Toluene has been found in at least 1,012 of the 1,699 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

What is toluene? How might I be exposed to toluene?

Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. It is a good • Breathing contaminated workplace air or automobile solvent (a substance that can dissolve other substances). Toluene exhaust. occurs naturally in crude oil and in the tolú tree. It is produced in the process of making gasoline and other fuels from crude oil and in • Individuals who work with gasoline, paint, lacquer, or dyes making coke from coal. have greater exposures to toluene, as do individuals who smoke or intentionally inhale products containing toluene Toluene is used in making paints, paint thinners, fingernail polish, for its euphoric effects or to get high. lacquers, adhesives, and rubber and in some printing and leather tanning processes. Toluene is also used in the manufacture of other • Living near uncontrolled hazardous waste sites containing chemicals, nylon, and plastics. It is also added to gasoline along with toluene products. benzene and xylene to improve octane ratings. • Toluene is not frequently detected in drinking water or What happens to toluene when it enters the food. environment? How can toluene affect my health?

• Toluene enters the environment when you use materials that contain Toluene may affect the nervous system. Low to moderate it. It can also enter surface water and ground water from spills of levels can cause tiredness, confusion, weakness, drunken- solvents and petroleum products as well as leaking underground type actions, memory loss, nausea, and loss of appetite. storage tanks at gasoline stations and other facilities. These symptoms usually disappear when exposure stops.

• When toluene-containing products are placed in landfills or waste Long-term daily inhalation exposure to toluene in the disposal sites, toluene can enter the soil or water near the waste workplace may cause some hearing and color vision loss. site. Repeatedly breathing toluene from glue or paint thinners may permanently damage the brain. • Toluene in subsurface water can be degraded by anaerobic microorganisms. The effects of toluene in animals are similar to those seen in humans. • Toluene in surface water or soil will readily evaporate to the air or be degraded by bacteria. How likely is toluene to cause cancer? • Toluene does not usually stay in the environment long. Studies in workers and animals exposed to toluene generally indicate that toluene is not carcinogenic

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences

59 Toluene CAS # 108-88-3

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) determined that toluene is not classifiable as to its • Prevent children from eating or playing in the dirt if you carcinogenicity in humans. The EPA determined there is live near a waste site that has been contaminated with inadequate information to assess the carcinogenic potential of toluene. toluene. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has not considered the carcinogenic potential of toluene. • Talk with children about the dangers of sniffing chemicals.

How can toluene affect children? Is there a medical test to show whether I’ve been exposed to toluene? The effects of toluene on children have not been studied very much, but toluene seems to produce the same types of effects Toluene and its breakdown products (metabolites) can be in children as it does in adults. measured in blood and urine. However, the detection of toluene or its metabolites cannot predict the kind of health Some older children and adolescents who have repeatedly effects that might develop from that exposure. Because breathed large amounts of toluene to get high have developed toluene and its metabolites leave the body fairly rapidly, the loss of muscle control, loss of memory, poor balance, and tests need to be conducted within days after exposure. The decreased mental abilities. Some of these changes may last tests are not routinely available at the doctor’s office because for a long time after toluene has left the body. they require special equipment. Some mothers who breathed large amounts of toluene during pregnancy to get high have had children with birth defects, Has the federal government made including retardation of mental abilities and growth. recommendations to protect human health? How can families reduce the risk of exposure to toluene? The EPA has recommended a drinking water limit of 1 mg/L for toluene. • Families can reduce their risk of exposure to toluene by using consumer products containing the chemical (such as The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) paints, glues, inks, and stain removers) in well-ventilated has set a legal limit for workers of 200 ppm for toluene in air areas and reading the labels of the products. averaged over an 8 hour workday.

• When not in use, toluene-containing products should be The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health tightly covered to prevent evaporation into the air. (NIOSH) has set a recommended limit of 100 ppm for toluene in air averaged over a 10-hour workday. • Household chemicals should be stored out of the reach of young children to prevent accidental poisonings. References

• Always store household chemicals in their original labeled This ToxFAQs™ information is taken from the 2015 containers. Never store household chemicals in containers Toxicological Profile for Toluene (Draft for Public Comment) that children would find attractive to eat or drink from, such produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease as old soda bottles. Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA. • Use bottled water if you have concerns about the presence of toluene in your tap water.

SeptemberPhone: 2015 1-800-232-4636. Page 2 of 2

ToxFAQsTM on the web: www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxFAQs ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics. Their specialists can recognize, evaluate, and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. You can also contact your community or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more questions or concerns.

September 2015 Page 2 of 2

60 Trichloroethylene - ToxFAQs™ CAS # 79-01-6

This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about trichloroethylene. For more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-800-232-4636. This fact sheet is one in a series of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects. It is important you understand this information because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present.

HIGHLIGHTS: Trichloroethylene is used as a solvent for cleaning metal parts. Exposure to very high concentrations of trichloroethylene can cause dizziness headaches, sleepiness, incoordination, confusion, nausea, unconsciousness, and even death. Trichloroethylene has been found in at least 1,051 of the 1,854 National Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

How can trichloroethylene affect my health? What is trichloroethylene? Trichloroethylene was once used as an anesthetic for Trichloroethylene is a colorless, volatile liquid. Liquid surgery. Exposure to moderate amounts of trichloroethylene evaporates quickly into the air. It is trichloroethylene may cause headaches, dizziness, and nonflammable and has a sweet odor. sleepiness; large amounts may cause coma and even death. Eating or breathing high levels of trichloroethylene The two major uses of trichloroethylene are as a solvent to may damage some of the nerves in the face. Exposure to remove grease from metal parts and as a chemical that is high levels can also result in changes in the rhythm of the used to make other chemicals, especially the refrigerant, heartbeat, liver damage, and evidence of kidney damage. HFC-134a. Skin contact with concentrated solutions of trichloroethylene can cause skin rashes. There is some What happens to trichloroethylene when it enters evidence exposure to trichloroethylene in the work place the environment? may cause scleroderma (a systemic autoimmune disease) in some people. Some men occupationally-exposed to • Trichloroethylene can be released to air, water, and soil trichloroethylene and other chemicals showed decreases in at places where it is produced or used. sex drive, sperm quality, and reproductive hormone levels. • Trichloroethylene is broken down quickly in air. • Trichloroethylene breaks down very slowly in soil and How likely is trichloroethylene to cause cancer? water and is removed mostly through evaporation to air. • It is expected to remain in groundwater for long time There is strong evidence that trichloroethylene can cause since it is not able to evaporate. kidney cancer in people and some evidence for • Trichloroethylene does not build up significantly in plants trichloroethylene-induced liver cancer and malignant or animals. lymphoma. Lifetime exposure to trichloroethylene resulted in increased liver cancer in mice and increased kidney How might I be exposed to trichloroethylene? cancer and testicular cancer in rats.

• Breathing trichloroethylene in contaminated air. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) considers trichloroethylene to be a known human • Drinking contaminated water. carcinogen. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified trichloroethylene as carcinogenic • Workers at facilities using this substance for metal to humans. The EPA has characterized trichloroethylene degreasing are exposed to higher levels of as carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure. trichloroethylene.

• If you live near such a facility or near a hazardous waste site containing trichloroethylene, you may also have higher exposure to this substance.

Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry Division of Toxicology and Human Health Sciences

61 Trichloroethylene CAS # 79-01-6

How can trichloroethylene affect children? Is there a medical test to determine whether I’ve It is not known whether children are more susceptible than been exposed to trichloroethylene? adults to the effects of trichloroethylene. Trichloroethylene and its breakdown products (metabolites) can be measured in blood and urine. Some human studies indicate that trichloroethylene may However, the detection of trichloroethylene or its cause developmental effects such as spontaneous metabolites cannot predict the kind of health effects that abortion, congenital heart defects, central nervous system might develop from that exposure. Because defects, and small birth weight. However, these people trichloroethylene and its metabolites leave the body fairly were exposed to other chemicals as well. rapidly, the tests need to be conducted within days after exposure. In some animal studies, exposure to trichloroethylene during development caused decreases in body weight, Has the federal government made increases in heart defects, changes to the developing recommendations to protect human health? nervous system, and effects on the immune system. The EPA set a maximum contaminant goal (MCL) of How can families reduce the risk of exposure to 0.005 milligrams per liter (mg/L; 5 ppb) as a national trichloroethylene? primary drinking standard for trichloroethylene. • Avoid drinking water from sources that are known to be The Occupational Safety and Health Administration contaminated with trichloroethylene. Use bottled water (OSHA) set a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 100 ppm if you have concerns about the presence of chemicals in for trichloroethylene in air averaged over an 8-hour work your tap water. You may also contact local drinking day, an acceptable ceiling concentration of 200 ppm water authorities and follow their advice. provided the 8 hour PEL is not exceeded, and an acceptable maximum peak of 300 ppm for a maximum • Prevent children from playing in dirt or eating dirt if you duration of 5 minutes in any 2 hours. live near a waste site that has trichloroethylene. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health • Trichloroethylene is used in many industrial products. (NIOSH) considers trichloroethylene to be a potential Follow instructions on product labels to minimize occupational carcinogen and established a recommended exposure to trichloroethylene. exposure limit (REL) of 2 ppm (as a 60-minute ceiling) during its use as an anesthetic agent and 25 ppm (as a 10-hour TWA) during all other exposures.

Reference This ToxFAQs™ information is taken from the 2019 Toxicological Profile for Trichloroethylene produced by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public Health Service, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA.

Phone: 1-800-232-4636

June 2019 Page 2 of 2

62 APPENDIX G: ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE AND EPA’S COMMITMENT TO THE AFFECTED COMMUNITIES

EPA defines environmental justice asfair treatment and meaningful involvement of all people—regardless of race, color, national origin or income—with respect to development, implementation, and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Fair treatment means that no group of people should bear a disproportionate share of the negative environmental consequences resulting from industrial, governmental, or commercial operations, or the execution of federal, state, local, and tribal programs and policies.

Meaningful involvement means that potentially affected community residents have an appropriate opportunity to participate indecision-making about a proposed activity that will affect their environment and/or health.

63 EJ 2020 Action Agenda The EJ 2020 Action Agenda (EJ 2020) is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strategic plan for environmental justice for 2016-2020. EJ 2020 will build on the foundation established by EPA’s previous plan, Plan EJ 2014, as well as decades of significant environmental justice practice by the Agency, communities and our partners.

VISION “EJ 2020 continues EPA’s strong leadership and y 2020, we envision an EPA that demonstrates a deep commitment to equity. As President Bintegrates environmental justice of ECOS (the Environmental Council of States), I appreciate into everything we do, cultivates strong the increased acknowledgement of the role of states as partnerships to improve on-the-ground co-regulators, our shared responsibility, and the value of results, and charts a path forward for collaboration as partners in achieving environmental justice. achieving better environmental outcomes Advancing equity at all levels is among our most important and reducing disparities in the nation’s most jobs in government. By working together and learning from each other we can most effectively reduce disparities and overburdened communities. strengthen the capacity of communities to create their own Achieving this vision will help to make our healthy futures.” vulnerable, environmentally burdened, and - John Linc Stine economically disadvantaged communities Commissioner, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency healthier, cleaner and more sustainable President, Environmental Council of States places in which to live, work, play and learn.

GOALS & KEY AREAS

We will achieve this vision through three goals, eight priority areas, and four national challenges: Goal I: Deepen environmental justice practice within EPA programs to improve the health and environment of overburdened communities Priority areas: (1) Rulemaking, (2) Permitting, (3) Compliance and Enforcement, and (4) Science Goal II: Work with partners to expand our positive impact within overburdened communities Priority areas: (1) States and Local Governments, (2) Federal Agencies, (3) Community-Based Work, and (4) Tribes and Indigenous Peoples Goal III: Demonstrate progress on significant national environmental justice challenges Challenges: (1) Lead Disparities, (2) Drinking Water, (3) Air Quality, and (4) Hazardous Waste Sites

Office of Environmental Justice [email protected] www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/ej-2020-action-agenda (202) 564-2515

64 ACTIVITIES KEY AREAS & LEAD EPA OFFICES

Implementation Rulemaking - Office of Policy, Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution EJ 2020 will be implemented using Prevention, Region 7 a cross-agency approach. The Permitting - Office of Air and Radiation, Region 2 various priority areas and actions Compliance and Enforcement - Office of Enforcement and Compliance in this plan will be led by programs Assurance, Region 8 and regional offices in an effort to Science - Office of Research and Development, Region 1 incorporate environmental justice into every aspect of EPA’s work. States and Local Governments - Office of Water, Region 5 Therefore the responsibility for the Federal Agencies - Office of Land and Emergency Management, Office of successful implementation will truly Environmental Justice, Region 4 be a cross-agency endeavor. Community-Based Work - Office of Land and Emergency Management, Stakeholder Outreach Office of Environmental Justice, Region 3, Region 10 Vibrant stakeholder engagement Tribes and Indigenous Peoples - Office of International and Tribal Affairs, and partnerships are the backbone Office of Environmental Justice, Region 6 of EJ 2020 and essential to National Measures - Office of the Chief Financial Officer, Region 9 achieving meaningful outcomes for overburdened communities. Through early, ongoing and meaningful stakeholder engagement, EPA will catalyze a new level of stakeholder dialogue and collaboration during the course of implementation. EPA will continue to hold webinars and meetings on the plan, solicit input and feedback, and offer other opportunities for stronger stakeholder engagement and collaboration. In addition, EPA will continue to use partnership mechanisms with advisory committees and federal, state, tribal and local government organizations to solicit feedback. Through EJ 2020, EPA will advance EPA’s environmental justice efforts to a new level in improving the health and environment of overburdened Annual Reporting communities. By 2020, we will: EPA will produce annual reports • Improve on-the-ground results for overburdened communities; on our EJ 2020 progress starting • Institutionalize environmental justice integration in EPA decision- at the end of 2017 through 2020. making; We are doing this in an effort to • Build robust partnerships with states and co-regulators; be transparent and accountable to • Strengthen our ability to take action on environmental justice and the public in our implementation of cumulative impacts; and these important efforts. • Better address complex national environmental justice issues.

October 2016 Office of Environmental Justice

300S16001

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