ATSDR releases final report on Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination

Friday, July 24, 2009

About 200 people were exposed to chemicals in drinking water wells near Lusher Avenue in Elkhart, IN, in the late 1980s, including an estimated 53 who were exposed to levels that may put them at greater risk for adverse health effects, concludes the final public health assessment (PHA) on the site from the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).
 
Since 1987, many residents have reduced their potential for exposure by using local public drinking water or using water filtration systems.

Those people who live in affected areas and still use private wells should continue to take precautions, federal officials say. For homes and businesses that use well water and do not use filtration systems, occupants could 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.

ATSDR recommends that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) monitor groundwater contamination, conduct additional well sampling, and conduct more indoor air monitoring. These data will allow scientists to further evaluate the potential for public health hazards at the site.

ATSDR released its assessment in March for public comment. The final report includes comments from and responses to private industry and a Congressional committee.

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. Most of the approximately 2,600 people who live in the area 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 groundwater contamination. In 1987, EPA and 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.

Interested persons may access the health assessment 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 at the following location:

Elkhart Public Library, reference services 300 S. Second St.
Elkhart, IN

For more information, community members may contact:

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

Rose Jackson, Health Communication Specialist
770-488-0777 or toll free at 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) rdjackson@cdc.gov

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.

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Related PHA & HC For this Press Release

Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination
Document Date: 7/14/2009 - PHA  [PDF - 4755 KB]

Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination - For Public Comment
Document Date: 3/1/2009 - PHA  [PDF - 5925 KB]

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Related News Releases For Elkhart County, Elkhart, Indiana

ATSDR Releases Final Public Health Assessment For Lane Street Ground Water Contamination
Release Date: Wednesday, July 17, 2013
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has released its final public health assessment for the Lane Street Ground Water Contamination site in Elkhart, Indiana.

ATSDR Invites Public Comment on the Revised Draft Lane Street Ground Water Contamination Report
Release Date: Thursday, March 14, 2013
Groundwater beneath some properties along Lane Street in Elkhart, Indiana, is contaminated with volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene (TCE), says the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) in its revised draft public health assessment. The report is available for public comment until April 29, 2013.

Public Invited to Comment on Lane Street Ground Water Contamination Report ATSDR to Host Public Meeting August 22
Release Date: Monday, August 08, 2011
Groundwater beneath some properties along Lane Street in Elkhart, Indiana is contaminated with volatile organic compounds, including trichloroethylene (TCE), the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR)concludes in its draft public health assessment.

Public Comment Sought for the Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination ATSDR Assessment
Release Date: Monday, March 02, 2009
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.

ATSDR to Host Open House Session about Upcoming Environmental Health Activities at the Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination Site
Release Date: Friday, October 31, 2008
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will hold an Open House in Elkhart, Indiana to gather community health concerns from residents of neighborhoods near the Lusher Avenue Groundwater Contamination Site.

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ATSDR Releases for Public Comment Its Public Health Assessment for the Conrail Rail Yard Superfund Site in Elkhart, Ind.
Release Date: Thursday, July 01, 2004
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, today released for public review and comment a public health assessment for the Conrail Rail Yard Superfund Site in Elkhart, Ind. The report was done at the request of community members and to update a preliminary public health assessment completed in 1989.

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