People living near the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant (VAAP) in Chattanooga, Tenn., currently are not exposed to site-related contaminants at levels that would cause harmful health effects, according to the final version of a public health assessment issued by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
The public health assessment investigation evaluated potential sources of contamination associated with VAAP. When contaminants were found, the investigation determined if people were being exposed and to what degree.
In the past, large quantities of military-grade TNT were produced at the plant. The facility is now inactive.
Chemicals related to past production of trinitrotoluene (TNT) were the most commonly discovered contaminants at the base. Volatile organic compounds, pesticides and metals also were found.
There was not enough information for ATSDR to completely evaluate the potential for past exposure while the plant was producing TNT.
After evaluating available environmental information, ATSDR concluded:
Nearby residents might have had limited exposure to some contaminants found in the soil, surface water or sediment. Exposure is not expected to have caused illness.
While the base was producing TNT, local residents might have been exposed to nitrogen and sulfur oxide air emissions. Such exposures can cause short-term respiratory problems. There is not enough scientific data to determine if long-term health problems could result from such exposures.
Some groundwater contaminants migrated off-base. There is not enough sampling data to determine if nearby residents using private groundwater wells for drinking water were exposed to those contaminants. All residents near the base now are believed connected to the municipal water system, which provides clean drinking water meeting federal, state and local standards.
The public health assessment is available at the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Bicentennial Library, 1001 Broad St., Chattanooga. This final health assessment includes ATSDR's responses to comments received during a 5-week, June-July 2004, public comment period.
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For more information, community members can contact Environmental Health Scientist Sue Neurath or Health Communications Specialist Youlanda Outin, toll-free, at 1-888-422-8737. Regional Representative Carl Blair also may be contacted at 404-562-1786 or toll-free at 1-800-241-1754, ext. 1786. Callers should refer to the Volunteer Army Ammunition Plant site in Chattanooga, Tenn.