Two decades after contamination was first found in Elkhart groundwater, federal officials continue to advise people who live in affected areas and use private wells to take precautions. The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) released its public health assessment of the site March 2 and is welcoming public comment on the assessment until March 31.
The area of concern is bounded by the St. Joseph River to the north, Hively Avenue to the south, Oakland Avenue on the east and Nappanee Street or State Road 19 on the west. About 2,600 people live in the area but most use city water. Residences and businesses that use the city water supply are not affected by this contamination.
The report follows an investigation begun in 2008 into the health implications of the Lusher Avenue groundwater contamination. In 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) found that groundwater in the neighborhood was contaminated with several chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs), especially trichloroethane (TCA) and trichloroethylene (TCE). These manmade chemicals are commonly used as degreasers and solvents. Repeat tests in 2006 also found elevated levels of the two chemicals in private wells tested. During the sampling periods, levels exceeded EPA's drinking water standards for public water—200 parts per billion for TCA and 5 parts for billion for TCE-in 28 private wells, which were used by about 200 people.
The chemicals are of special concern for pregnant women and children, studies have shown that the chemicals may be linked to cancers and birth defects in developing children. For most adults, the levels present are unlikely to pose a significant health risk, investigators said. Since 1987, many residents have reduced their potential for exposure by using local public drinking water or using whole house water filtration systems.
ATSDR recommends that EPA and IDEM monitor groundwater contamination on Avalon Street, where the highest TCE contamination exists; conduct additional well sampling for homes and businesses within the area; and conduct more extensive indoor air monitoring for those at greater risk.
For homes and businesses that use well water and do not use filtration systems, occupants can be exposed through drinking water and also showering, from the water and from steam vapors. ATSDR recommends using exhaust fans during and after showering for people still showering with contaminated water. Residents could also install shower filters as a preventive measure.
Interested persons may access the health assessment on March 2 via the internet at: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/HAC/PHA/HCPHA.asp?State=IN
A copy of the health assessment will also be available for review on or after March 2, 2009 at the following location:
Elkhart Public Library, reference services
300 S. Second St.
Elkhart, IN
Comments on the health assessment must be made in writing. Comments received and ATSDR's responses to these comments will appear in an appendix to the final public health assessment.
Mail comments to: Records Center, ATSDR ATTN: Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination ATSDR Assessment 1600 Clifton Road, N.E. MS F-09 Atlanta, GA 30333
For more information, community members may contact:
Rose Jackson, Health Communication Specialist
770-488-0777 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
rdjackson@cdc.gov
Laura Frazier, Environmental Health Scientist
770-488-0721 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636)
LHFrazier@cdc.gov
Mark Johnson, Regional Representative 312-886-0840
ATSDR, a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, evaluates the human health effects of exposure to hazardous substances.
Members of the news media can request an interview by calling the NCEH/ATSDR Office of Communication at 770-488-0700 or e-mail (news media).