Historical Document
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3.2 Issue 2: Off-Site Exposure
3.2.1 Phase I Oak Ridge Health Study
Purpose
Phase I of the Oak Ridge Health Study is a dose reconstruction feasibility
study. Phase I evaluates all past releases of hazardous substances and
operations at the Oak Ridge Reservation. The objective of the study was
to determine the quantity, quality, and potential usefulness of the available
information and data on these past releases and subsequent exposure pathways.
With this information, preliminary screening analyses were performed to
identify priority hazardous substances of public health concern and determine
the feasibility of conducting dose reconstruction studies that would reconstruct
these releases and estimate exposure doses.
Findings
The dose reconstruction feasibility study indicated that a significant
amount of information was available to reconstruct the past releases and
potential off-site exposure doses for four hazardous substances that may
have been responsible for adverse health effects. The materials that will
be studied in detail are as follows.
- Radioactive iodine releases associated with radioactive lanthanum
processing at X-10 during 1944 through 1956.
- Mercury releases associated with lithium separation and enrichment
operations at the Y-12 plant during 1955 through 1963.
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in fish from the East Fork Poplar
Creek, Clinch River, and the Watts Bar Reservoir.
- Radionuclides from White Oak Creek associated with various chemical
separation activities at X-10 during 1943 through the 1960s.
Background and Agencies Involved
As provided by the health studies agreement project between the state
of Tennessee and DOE, the Tennessee Department of Health is conducting
dose reconstruction studies at Oak Ridge. This is an independent state
evaluation of exposure to hazardous substances released from past operations
at the reservation. The Oak Ridge Health Agreement Steering Panel-a panel
of experts and local citizens-provides direction, recommendations, and
oversight. The NCEH represents the CDC on the steering panel.
Time Line
Phase I began in August 1992, and the final documents were released in
October 1993.
3.2.2 Pilot Survey of Mercury Levels in Oak Ridge
Purpose
The pilot survey of mercury was conducted to document human body levels
of inorganic mercury for residents of Oak Ridge with the highest potential
for mercury exposure from contaminated soil and fish. The survey also
examined whether exposure to mercury-contaminated soil and fish constituted
an immediate health risk to the Oak Ridge population.
Findings
The results of the pilot survey suggested that residents and workers
in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, are not likely to be at increased risk for having
significantly high mercury levels. Mercury concentrations in hair and
urine samples were below levels associated with known health effects.
Background and Agencies Involved
From 1953 through 1963 the Oak Ridge Y-12 plant used elemental mercury
in a lithium separation process to produce lithium deuteride fuel for
thermonuclear weapons. In 1983 DOE released a declassified copy of a report
on the mercury inventory at the Y-12 plant which estimated that 220,000
to 470, 000 pounds of mercury were discharged into the East Fork Poplar
Creek. Soil samples documented mercury levels as high as 2,000 parts per
million in the floodplain.
In the fall of 1983, the Tennessee Department of Health and Environment
developed an interim soil mercury level for use in environmental management
decisions. CDC reviewed the methodology for the interim mercury level
in soil and recommended that a pilot survey be conducted to determine
whether populations with the highest risk for mercury exposure had elevated
body burdens of mercury. In June and July of 1984, the Tennessee Department
of Health and Environment and the CDC Centers for Environmental Health
conducted the pilot survey.
Time Line
The pilot survey was released in October 1985.
3.2.3 Health Consultation on Y-12 Weapons Plant Chemical
Releases into East Fork Poplar Creek
Purpose
A health consultation was conducted to evaluate the public health implications
from all known and potential, current, exposure pathways to chemical and
radioactive contaminants released into the East Fork Poplar Creek from
the Y-12 weapons plant.
Findings
The East Fork Poplar Creek Phase IA data evaluated for this health consultation
indicate that the creek's soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water,
air, and fish are contaminated with various chemicals. However, only mercury
in soil and sediment, and PCBs and mercury in fish are at levels of public
health concern. The maximum levels of mercury in soil and sediment were
1,010 ppm and 2,240 ppm, respectively. In addition, the concentrations
of a few metals and volatile organic compounds in the shallow groundwater
are of public health concern, but there is no evidence that shallow groundwater
along East Fork Poplar Creek is used for drinking water or other domestic
purposes. Other contaminants, including radionuclides found in soil, sediment,
surface water, and fish, were not detected at levels of public health
concern.
ATSDR made the following conclusions.
- Soil and sediments in certain locations along the East Fork Poplar
Creek floodplain are contaminated with levels of mercury that pose a
public health concern.
- Fish in the creek contain levels of mercury and PCBs that pose a moderately
increased risk of adverse health effects to people who eat fish frequently
over long periods of time.
- Shallow groundwater along the East Fork Poplar Creek floodplain contains
metals at levels of public health concern; however, this shallow groundwater
is not used for drinking or other domestic purposes.
Background and Agencies Involved
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund), ATSDR is mandated to conduct a public health assessment
for each facility listed on the NPL. In 1989 the DOE Oak Ridge Reservation
was placed on the NPL.
ATSDR conducted the health consultation in response to community concerns
reported in 1993 about current exposure to hazardous substances released
into the East Fork Poplar Creek from ongoing and past operations at the
Y-12 plant.
Time Line
The final health consultation was completed in March 1993.
3.2.4 Lower East Fork Poplar Creek Remedial Investigation/Feasibility
Study
Purpose
This study was performed as a requirement of the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) to assess contamination-primarily
mercury-contaminated floodplain soils-resulting from releases since 1950
from the Y-12 plant. The objectives of the study were to determine the
extent of contamination of the East Fork Poplar Creek floodplain, to develop
a baseline risk analysis based on the level of contaminants, and to determine
whether remedial action is required.
Findings
The remedial investigation indicated that portions of the floodplain
were contaminated with mercury and that floodplain soil with mercury concentrations
of more than 400 parts per million (ppm) would constitute an unacceptable
risk to human health and the environment. Based on this determination,
the Record of Decision called for remedial action. The remedial action
included the excavation of four areas of the floodplain where soils had
mercury concentrations of more than 400 ppm; confirmatory sampling during
excavation activities to document the removal; disposal of contaminated
soil into Landfill V at the Y-12 plant under a special waste permit; backfilling
of excavated areas, including a 0.6-acre wetland, with clean borrow soil;
and revegetation of the affected areas.
Background and Agencies Involved
Lower East Fork Poplar Creek is an off-site operable unit associated
with the Oak Ridge Reservation, which was placed on the NPL in December
1989. Under Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund), a remedial investigation/feasibility study must be conducted
on NPL sites. The Oak Ridge Reservation environmental restoration activities
are conducted within the Federal Facility Agreement, a triparty agreement
among DOE, the TDEC, and the EPA.
Time Line
The remedial investigation/feasibility study for lower East Fork Poplar
Creek was completed in 1994. The Record of Decision was approved in September
1995, and remediation field activities began in June 1996. The volume
of soil to be excavated differed so much from the original estimate and
the value stated in the Record of Decision that an Explanation of Significant
Differences was published in September 1996. Remediation activities were
completed in October 1997. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (Superfund calls for a review within five years after
commencement of remedial action to ensure that the actions adequately
protect human health and the environment.
3.2.5 ATSDR Science Panel Meeting on the Bioavailability
of Mercury in Soil
Purpose
An ATSDR science panel meeting was held to identify methods and strategies
for the development of data-supported, site-specific estimates of the
bioavailability of inorganic mercury and other metals from soils.
Findings
Three technical papers and an ATSDR overview paper on the findings of
the panel meeting were published in the International Journal of Risk
Analysis in 1997 (Volume 17:5).
Background and Agencies Involved
ATSDR is mandated to conduct a public health assessment for each facility
listed on the NPL by the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act (Superfund). The Oak Ridge Reservation was placed on
the NPL in 1989.
After a review of the DOE studies and investigations on mercury in the
flood plain and the clean-up levels, ATSDR determined that outside experts
would be required to evaluate some technical mercury issues, such as speciation
and bioavailability. In addition, ATSDR determined that an assessment
of these technical issues by an independent scientific body would be especially
warranted in presenting information to the community, which had been divided
concerning the proposed mercury clean-up levels.
Private consultants and academicians internationally known for their
metal bioavailability research were invited to be on the panel, which
was sponsored by ATSDR. In addition to these members, the panel included
experts from ATSDR, CDC, EPA, and the National Institute for Environmental
Health Science.
ATSDR used information obtained from the panel meeting and technical
papers to evaluate the East Fork Poplar Creek mercury clean-up level for
soil.
Time Line
The panel meeting was held in August 1995, and the technical papers were
published in October 1997.
3.2.6 Health Consultation on Proposed Mercury Clean-up
Levels
Purpose
A health consultation was conducted to evaluate the public health implications
of DOE's proposed mercury clean-up levels. DOE proposed mercury clean-up
levels of 180 ppm and 400 ppm for the soil of the East Fork Poplar Creek
floodplain.
Findings
ATSDR concluded that the East Fork Poplar Creek flood plain soil clean-up
levels of 180 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg mercury are protective of public health
and will pose no health threat to children or adults.
Background and Agencies Involved
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund), ATSDR is mandated to conduct a public health assessment
for each facility listed on the NPL. The DOE's Oak Ridge Reservation was
placed on the list in 1989.
In response to a request from community members and the city of Oak Ridge,
ATSDR evaluated the proposed mercury clean-up levels.
Time Line
The final health consultation was completed in January 1996.
3.2.7 Lower Watts Bar Reservoir Remedial Investigation/Feasibility
Study
Purpose
This study to assess contamination in the Watts Bar Reservoir from the
Oak Ridge Reservation was performed as a requirement of the Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). The
objectives of the study were to determine the extent of contamination
of the Watts Bar Reservoir, develop a baseline risk analysis based on
the concentration levels of the contaminants, and to determine whether
remedial action is required.
Findings
The results of the remedial investigation indicated that sediment, biota,
and water of the Watts Bar Reservoir were contaminated with organic compounds,
metals, and radionuclides. The baseline risk analysis indicated that human
and environmental health standards would not be met if deep channel sediments
containing cesium-137 were dredged and deposited in a residential setting
and if people consumed moderate to high amounts of certain fish containing
elevated levels of PCBs. These findings in the remedial investigation/feasibility
study led to a Record of Decision that required the DOE to maintain controls
to prevent unacceptable health and environmental impacts from these contaminants.
These controls include (1) monitoring; (2) fish consumption advisories
administered by the TDEC; and (3) controls on sediment-disturbing activities.
The controls on the sediment activities are overseen by the Lower Watts
Bar Reservoir Interagency Working Group: DOE, EPA, TDEC, the Tennessee
Valley Authority, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.
Background and Agencies Involved
The Watts Bar Reservoir is an off-site operable unit associated with
the Oak Ridge Reservation, which was placed on the NPL in December 1989.
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund), a remedial investigation/feasibility study must be conducted
for each NPL site. The Oak Ridge Reservation environmental restoration
activities are conducted through the Federal Facility Agreement, a triparty
agreement among DOE, EPA, and the TDEC. Data used in the investigation
were collected by the state of Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Time Line
The remedial investigation/feasibility study was published in March 1995.
A Record of Decision was finalized in September 1995. Monitoring activities
are ongoing. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act (Superfund) calls for review within five years after commencement
of remedial action to ensure that the actions adequately protect human
health and the environment.
3.2.8 Health Consultation on Lower Watts Bar Reservoir
Purpose
A health consultation was conducted to evaluate the public health implications
for all known and potential, current, exposure pathways for chemical and
radiologic contaminants released into the lower Watts Bar Reservoir.
Findings
ATSDR concluded that PCBs in lower Watts Bar Reservoir fish pose a public
health concern. Frequent and long-term ingestion of fish from the reservoir
poses a moderately increased risk of cancer and may increase the possibility
of developmental effects in infants whose mothers consume fish regularly
during gestation and while nursing.
ATSDR also found that current levels of contaminants in the reservoir
surface water and sediment were not a public health concern, and that
the reservoir was safe for swimming, skiing, boating, and other recreational
purposes. Additionally, water from the municipal water systems was safe
to drink.
ATSDR also reported that DOE's selected remedial actions will protect
public health. These actions include maintaining the fish consumption
advisories; continuing environmental monitoring; implementing institutional
controls to prevent disturbance, resuspension, removal, or disposal of
contaminated sediment; and providing community and health professional
education about the PCB contamination.
Background and Agencies Involved
Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund), ATSDR is mandated to conduct a public health assessment
for each facility on the NPL. The Oak Ridge Reservation was placed on
the NPL in 1989.
ATSDR conducted the health consultation in response to the request from
residents in the vicinity of the Oak Ridge Reservation and the Watts Bar
Reservoir for an evaluation of the public health implications of chemical
and radiologic contaminants in the reservoir. ATSDR also rendered an independent
opinion on whether the DOE-selected remedial actions will be protective
of public health.
Time Line
The health consultation was released to the public in February 1996.
3.2.9 Clinch River/Poplar Creek Remedial Investigation/Feasibility
Study
Purpose
The Clinch River/Poplar Creek study was performed as a requirement of
the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability
Act (Superfund). The purpose of the study was to investigate the impact
of current and historical releases to the off-site surface water environment
to determine whether remedial action is required at the site.
Background and Agencies Involved
Clinch River/Poplar Creek is an off-site operable unit associated with
the Oak Ridge Reservation, which was placed on the NPL in December 1989.
Sites on the NPL must be investigated under the Comprehensive Environmental
Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund). Environmental restoration
activities at the Oak Ridge Reservation are conducted through the Federal
Facility Agreement, a triparty agreement among DOE, EPA, and TDEC.
Time Line
The results of the Remedial Investigation/Feasibility study were published
in a report in March 1996. A Record of Decision was finalized in September
1997. The Remedial Action Report was approved in February 1998. The Comprehensive
Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (Superfund) calls
for review within five years after commencement of remedial action to
ensure that the actions taken adequately protect human health and the
environment.
Status
The remedy selected for Clinch River/Poplar Creek is similar to that
of the lower Watts Bar Reservoir: fish consumption advisories administered
by TDEC and the establishment of controls on sediment-disturbing activities.
The controls on sediment-disturbing activities will be overseen by the
Tennessee Valley Authority, the US Army Corps of Engineers, the TDEC,
EPA, and DOE. The Remedial Action Report calls for monitoring of fish,
sediment, surface water, and turtles.
3.2.10 Community and Physician Education on PCBs
in Fish
Purpose
This health education program was conducted to inform local residents
and physicians of the health risks associated with PCBs in fish in the
Watts Bar Reservoir.
Findings
- Approximately 40 community members attended a community health education
meeting in Spring City, Tennessee, on September 11, 1996. A presentation
was given on the health risk associated with PCBs in fish. Health educational
materials developed for the presentation were handed out.
- A physician and health professional education meeting for health care
providers in the vicinity of the Watts Bar Reservoir was held at the
Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on September 12, 1996.
Physicians specializing in family practice, obstetrics and gynecology,
and pediatrics were mailed letters of invitation to the grand round,
along with a copy of two publications from the series of ATSDR Case
Studies in Environmental Medicine, "Polychlorinated Biphenyls"
and "Taking an Exposure History." The grand round included
a presentation on the health risks associated with PCBs in fish.
- ATSDR developed an instructive brochure on the TDEC fish consumption
advisories for the Watts Bar Reservoir. The brochure was the result
of the collaborative effort of local citizens, organizations, and state
officials.
Background and Agencies Involved
ATSDR developed community and physician education programs on PCBs in
the Watts Bar Reservoir to follow up on recommendations contained in the
health consultation. Daniel Hryhorczuk, MD, MPH, ABMT, of the Great Lakes
Center, University of Illinois at Chicago, made presentations on the health
risks associated with PCBs in fish. This health education program also
included the participation and cooperation of the Association of Occupational
and Environmental Clinics (AOEC), the Tennessee Department of Health,
the TDEC, the Oak Ridge Reservation Local Oversight Committee, and the
Methodist Medical Center in Oak Ridge.
Time Line
This is an ongoing program that was initiated in September 1996.
3.2.11 Watts Bar Reservoir and Clinch River Turtle
Sampling Survey
Purpose
The Watts Bar Reservoir and Clinch River Turtle sampling survey was undertaken
to determine body burdens of contaminants in snapping turtles in the Watts
Bar Reservoir and Clinch River.
Findings
The results of the survey indicate that turtles in the Watts Bar Reservoir
and Clinch River do accumulate PCBs and other contaminants. The concentrations
of PCBs in turtle tissue were found at levels of concern for human consumption
based on data from the fish consumption advisories for the area. Most
of the PCB contamination, however, was found to be in fat tissue, as it
is with fish. Methods of food preparation, therefore, especially tissue
selection, can greatly effect the amount of PCBs consumed with the turtle
meat.
Background and Agencies Involved
For several years, the TDEC fish consumption advisories warning of PCB
contamination in fish were issued for the Watts Bar Reservoir and many
other national reservoirs. Because of the concern regarding PCBs in fish
and the recognition that turtles from the reservoirs were also being consumed,
this survey was undertaken by TDEC to sample the turtles in the area.
Many agencies were consulted and involved in the project, including ATSDR,
DOE, the Tennessee Department of Health, the Tennessee Valley Authority,
and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.
Time Line
The Watts Bar Reservoir and Clinch River Turtle sampling survey report
was released in May 1997.
3.2.12 Watts Bar Reservoir Exposure Investigation
Purpose
The exposure investigation was conducted to measure actual PCBs and mercury
levels in people consuming moderate to large amounts of fish and turtles
from the Watts Bar Reservoir and to determine whether these people are
being exposed to high levels of PCBs and mercury.
Findings
- The exposure investigation participants' serum PCB levels and blood
mercury levels are very similar to levels found in the general population.
- Only 5 of the 116 people tested (4%) had PCB levels that were higher
than 20 micrograms per liter or parts per billion, which is considered
to be an elevated level of total PCBs. Of the five participants who
exceeded 20 micrograms per liter, four had levels of 20-30 micrograms
per liter. Only one participant had a serum PCB level of 103.8 micrograms
per liter, which is higher than the general population distribution.
- Only one participant in the exposure investigation had a total blood
mercury level higher than 10 micrograms per liter, which is considered
to be elevated. The remaining participants had mercury blood levels
that ranged up to 10 micrograms per liter, as might be expected to be
found in the general population.
Background and Agencies Involved
In following up on the findings of previous studies and investigations
of the Watts Bar Reservoir, ATSDR conducted the exposure investigation
with cooperation from the Tennessee Department of Health and the Roane
County Health Department.
Previous studies by state and federal agencies concluded that consumption
of PCB-contaminated fish or turtles are the only current exposures of
public health concern. These studies estimated that people who eat moderate
to large amounts of certain fish or turtles may have higher than average
PCB levels. However, these studies do not have actual evidence of elevated
exposure to PCBs among consumers of large amounts of Watts Bar Reservoir
fish or turtles.
Time Line
- In September 1997, ATSDR screened more than 500 individuals and obtained
blood samples from 116 individuals who met the criteria and volunteered,
including 13 individuals from the Scarboro community. These participants
were interviewed and blood was drawn for analyses of serum PCB and blood
mercury.
- In November 1997, ATSDR sent all participants written notification
and interpretation of their individual results. In December 1997, an
ATSDR physician conducted follow-up interviews with those participants
who had been identified as having elevated values.
- Between March 16 and 19 of 1998, ATSDR held public meetings in Oak
Ridge (Scarboro community), Kingston, and Spring City to discuss the
results of the exposure investigation.
3.2.13 Chestnut Ridge East Borrow Area Study
Purpose
The purpose of the Chestnut Ridge East Borrow area study was to locate
groundwater exit pathways across the eastern boundaries of the Oak Ridge
Reservation on Chestnut Ridge.
Findings
Sampling of "Bootlegger Spring," a perennial spring located
east of Scarboro Creek, provided evidence that water flowing from the
spring was contaminated with volatile organic compounds. These organic
compounds were similar to those found near the Chestnut Ridge security
pits. A reconnaissance of the surrounding areas found several swallets
or swallow holes in a large unreclaimed borrow area between the security
pits and Scarboro Road. Fluorescent dye was dropped into a swallet, and
the dye was detected in Bootlegger Spring.
Background and Agencies Involved
The Chestnut Ridge East Borrow area study was initiated by the TDEC.
This project stemmed from an effort to find the source for suspended sediments
that appeared in the waters of a perennial spring at the University of
Tennessee arboretum after storms. Analysis of the samples collected was
conducted by the state of Tennessee Environmental Laboratories in Knoxville
and Nashville.
Time Line
This project began in 1994 and ran through 1995. It was reported in the
1995 Environmental Monitoring Report of the TDEC.
3.2.14 Scarboro Community Environmental Study
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to address community concerns about environmental
monitoring in the Scarboro neighborhood. These concerns included the validity
of measurements taken at air monitoring station 46 (located in the Scarboro
community) and external radiation results collected during past aerial
surveys.
Findings
Analytical results were compared with results contained in the report
entitled "Final Report on the Background Soil Characterization Project
at the Oak Ridge Reservation, Oak Ridge, Tennessee," DOE/OR/01-1175/V2,
October 1993 (BSCP). Mercury concentrations obtained in this study ranged
from 0.021 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) to 0.30 mg/kg. These values
are generally within the range of values given in the BSCP report. Radionuclide
results including total uranium concentrations were within expected ranges.
However, approximately 10% of the soil samples showed evidence of enrichment
in uranium 235. In one sample, alpha-chlordane, gamma-chlordane, heptachlor,
and heptachlor epoxide were above detection limits. In this sample, lead
and zinc concentrations exceeded typical values in the BSCP by a factor
of two.
Background and Agencies Involved
During May 18-27, 1998, 48 sites were sampled in the Scarboro community
(40 soil sites and 8 sediment/surface water sites). The study was designed
to incorporate community input and meet the requirements of an EPA investigation
of this type. The analytical component of the study was conducted by the
Environmental Sciences Institute at Florida Agriculture and Mechanical
University (FAMU) and its contractual partners at the Environmental Radioactivity
Measurement Facility at Florida State University and the Bureau of Laboratories
of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and by DOE subcontractors
in the Neutron Activation Analysis Group at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
All samples were analyzed for mercury and gamma-ray emitting radionuclides.
Neutron activation analysis was used to analyze all soil and sediment
samples for uranium. Approximately 10% of the samples collected were tested
for the presence of analytes on the target compound list, the target analyte
list, and isotopes of uranium, plutonium, and thorium by alpha spectroscopy.
Radiological walkovers were conducted at all soil sampling sites.
Time Line
The final Scarboro Community Environmental Study was released in September
22, 1998, during a Scarboro community meeting.
3.2.15 K1070-A Dye Trace Sampling Project
Purpose
The purpose of the K1070-A dye trace sampling project was to locate groundwater
exit pathways across the western boundaries of the Oak Ridge Reservation
at the K1070-A burial ground and along the Clinch River.
Findings
Sampling of spring 21-002 provided evidence that water flowing from the
spring was contaminated with volatile organic compounds similar to those
found in the K1070-A burial ground. Fluorescent dye was introduced into
wells at the burial ground and was detected in spring 21-002 after 13
hours. Dye was also detected off the site in a spring on the Clinch River.
Background and Agencies Involved
The K1070-A dye trace study was initiated by the TDEC. This project was
part of an effort to cooperate with and assist the DOE and its contractors,
Science Applications International Corporation and Crawford and Associates,
during a dye trace study initiated by DOE. The TDEC was responsible for
the collection of data and samples for the project. The state of Tennessee
environmental laboratories in Knoxville and Nashville conducted the analysis
of the samples.
Time Line
This project began in 1995 and continued through January of 1996. The
project was reported in the 1996 Environmental Monitoring Report of the
TDEC.
3.2.16 Oak Ridge Environmental Information System
(OREIS)
Purpose
The Oak Ridge Environmental Information System (OREIS) is a centralized,
standardized, quality-assured and configuration-controlled electronic
environmental data management system.
It is comprised of hardware, commercial software, customized integration
software, and documentation for the OREIS Environmental Measurements Data
Base and the OREIS Geographic Data Base. The mission of OREIS is efficient
retrievability and long-term retention of Oak Ridge operations environmental
data. The scope of OREIS includes data supporting environmental restoration,
compliance, and surveillance activities. Data from all major environmental
monitoring and surveillance projects are entered into OREIS (e.g., annual
site summary reports, studies of Upper and Lower East Fork Poplar Creek,
the Clinch River embayment, Lower Watts Barr, Bear Creek, and the Scarboro
Community Environmental Study).
A computer terminal linked to OREIS is available for public use at the
Information Resource Center. It is equipped with a CD write drive and
a floppy drive so that data can be copied and removed. A data library
of CD ROMs of all OREIS files is being developed to make all data accessible
to the public through the Internet from home computers. OREIS can be found
on the Internet at the following address: http://www-oreis.bechteljacobs.org:8080/oreis.
Background and Agencies Involved
Due to the tremendous amount of environmental data developed on and around
the Oak Ridge Reservation, a single data base was developed by DOE to
assure data quality and availability. Federal and State agencies have
direct terminal access into OREIS.
Time Line
By April 1999, this information should be available to the public through
the Internet.
Status
All new environmental data is placed into OREIS upon completion of studies.
3.2.17 Phase II of Oak Ridge Health Studies
Purpose
The purpose of the Oak Ridge Health Studies was to evaluate exposure
of off-site populations to hazardous substances released into the environment
from operations at the Oak Ridge Reservation since its creation. Phase
II of the Oak Ridge Health Studies reconstructed past releases of mercury,
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), radioactive iodine, radionuclides from
White Oak Creek, and uranium, and estimated the past exposure or doses
of these hazardous substances to off-site populations. The estimated exposure,
or doses, were used to help determine which off-site populations were
exposed to hazardous substances and what resulting adverse health effects
they might have experienced.
Findings
The following study conclusions were reported in seven technical reports
in 1999:
- Radioactive iodine releases were associated with radioactive lanthanum
processing at X-10 during 1944 through 1956. Results indicate that children
born in the area in the early 1950s who drank backyard cow's or goat's
milk had an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Within a 25-mile
radius of Oak Ridge, it is likely that these children had an increased
risk of more than 1 in 10,000 of developing thyroid cancer.
- The study evaluated mercury releases associated with lithium separation
and enrichment operations at the Y-12 plant during 1955 through 1963.
Results indicate that, during the years mercury releases were highest
(mid-fifties to early sixties), individuals may have received annual
average doses of mercury exceeding the reference dose, depending on
their activities. The reference dose for a substance is an estimate
of the largest amount of a substance that a person can take in on a
daily basis over their lifetime without experiencing adverse health
effects.
- Additional studies were conducted on polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
in fish from the East Fork Poplar Creek, Clinch River, and the Watts
Bar Reservoir. Preliminary results indicated that individuals who consume
a large amount of fish from these waters may have received doses that
exceeded the reference dose for PCBs.
- Radionuclides associated with various chemical separation activities
at X-10 from 1943 through the 1960s were released intoWhite Oak Creek.
Eight radionuclides deemed more likely to carry significant risks were
studied. The results indicate that the White Oak Creek releases caused
small increases in radiation dose in consumers of fish from the Clinch
River near the mouth of White Oak Creek. However, less than one excess
cancer case is expected from 50 years of fish consumption.
- Uranium was released from various large-scale uranium operations,
primarily uranium processing and machining operations at the Y-12 plant
from 1944-1988 and uranium enrichment operations at the K-25 and S-50
plants. Because uranium was not initially given high priority as a contaminant
of concern, a Level II screening assessment for all uranium releases
was performed. Preliminary screening indices are slightly below the
decision guide of one chance in 10,000, indicating that more work may
be needed to better characterize uranium releases and possible heath
risks.
Background and Agencies Involved
As provided by a health studies agreement between the state of Tennessee
and DOE, the Tennessee Department of Health conducted the Oak Ridge Health
Studies (dose reconstruction studies). This is an independent state evaluation
of exposure to hazardous substances released from past operations at the
Oak Ridge Reservation. The Oak Ridge Health Agreement Steering Panel-a
panel of experts and local citizens-provided direction, recommendations,
and oversight. NCEH represented the CDC on the panel.
Time Line
Reports were released for review in the fall of 1997 and spring of 1998.
Final draft reports were released in the summer and fall of 1998, and
seven final technical reports were released in July 1999. The Oak Ridge
Health Agreement Steering Panel issued a summary report, with recommendations,
in December 1999. The reports are available from the DOE.
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