Dubuque Municipal Landfill Site Health Consultation
~
STATE OF
I
THOMAS J. VILSACK
GOVERNOR
SALLY J. PEDERSON
LT. GOVERNOR
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
STEPHEN C. GLEASON, D.O., DIRECTOR
October 25, 1999
The Honorable Terry Duggan
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Dear Mayor Duggan:
Enclosed is a copy of the Health Consultation for the Dubuque Municipal Landfill Site located in
Dubuque, Dubuque County, Iowa. This report was prepared by the Iowa Department of Public
Health, Hazardous Waste Site Health Assessment Program, under a cooperative agreement with
the federal Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (A TSDR).
You are being provided with a copy of this report to apprise you of current site conditions and,
based upon available information, our conclusions and recommendations regarding this site.
Should any future documents be prepared you will be kept informed. If you have any questions
or comments please let me know.
S;l'c!J~
Mike Guely, Bureau Chief
Bureau of Environmental Services Regulation
Division of Administration and Regulatory Affairs
(515) 281-6567
enc:
LUCAS STATE OFFICE BUILDING I 321 E. 12TH ST. I DES MOINES, IOWA 50319-0075
DEAF RELAY (HEARING OR SPEECH IMPAIRED) 1-800-735-2942 I INTERNET: HTTP://IDPH.STATE.IA.us/
FAMILY & COMM. HEALTH ADMINISTRATION & REGULATORY AFFAIRS SUBSTANCE ABUSE & HEALTH PROMOTION EXECUTIVE STAFF DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
515-281-3931 515-281-5784 515-281-3641 515-281-5604 515-281-5605
FAXl515-242-6384 FAXl515-281-4958 FAXl515-281-4535 FAXl515-281-4958 FAXl515-281-4958
Health Consultation
DUBUQUE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
DUBUQUE, DUBUQUE COUNTY, IOWA
CERCLIS NO. IAD980630784
OCTOBER 14,1999
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
Public Health Service
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Atlanta, Georgia 30333
,.
Health Consultation: A Note of Explanation
An A TSDR health consultation is a verbal or written response from A TSDR to a specific request for
information about health risks related to a specific site, a chemical release, or the presence of
hazardous material. In order to prevent or mitigate exposures, a consultation may lead to specific
actions, such as restricting use of or replacing water supplies; intensifying environmental sampling;
restricting site access; or removing the contaminated material.
In addition, consultations may recommend additional public health actions, such as conducting
health surveillance activities to evaluate exposure or trends in adverse health outcomes; conducting
biological indicators of exposure studies to assess exposure; and providing health education for
health care providers and community members. This concludes the health consultation process for
this site, unless additional information is obtained by A TSDR which, in the Agency's opinion,
indicates a need to revise or append the conclusions previously issued.
You May Contact A TSDR TOLL FREE at
1-888-42A TSDR
or
Visit our Home Page at: http://atsdr1.atsdr.cdc.gov:8080/
HEAL TH CONSULTATION
DUBUQUE MUNICIPAL LANDFILL
DUBUQUE, DUBUQUE COUNTY, IOWA
CERCLIS NO. IAD980630784
Prepared by:
Iowa Department of Public Health
Toxic Substances Evaluation Program
Under a Cooperative Agreement with the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
PUBLIC HEALTH CONSULTATION
This public health consultation evaluates current conditions at the Dubuque Municipal Landfill
site and determines whether further assessment or actions by the Iowa Department of Public
Health (IDPH) and/or the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (A TSDR) are
needed. This public health consultation only applies to an evaluation of the data and information
provided, as referenced in this document. This evaluation will provide information about the
potential public health including children's health impact resulting from exposure to on-site and
off-site contaminated media. Any additional information or site activities could alter the
conclusions and recommendations provided in this public health consultation.
SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND AND HISTORY
The Dubuque Municipal Landfill is located in the east-central portion of the city of Dubuque,
Dubuque County, Iowa (Figure 1). The site occupies the majority ofHamm Island, also known
as City Island, and the strip of land between Kerper Boulevard and the Peosta Channel. Hamm
Island is located off 16th Street, between the Lake Peosta Channel and the Mississippi River. The
island is approximately 230 acres.
The Dubuque Municipal Landfill operated from mid 1940 to July/August 1976. Historically the
landfill accepted both industrial and municipal waste. The southern three-fourths of the island
was used for waste disposal. Landfill activities were used to fill low lying areas and raise the
overall elevation of the island. The wastes were placed directly into the alluvial aquifer which
supplies drinking water to Dubuque. Information regarding the nature of the waste disposed on
the island suggests that paunch manure, transformer oil, coal tar, wood fiber and glue, paint
sludge, and other unknown chemicals were disposed of at the landfill.
The landfill was closed in 1976. The landfill was covered with several feet of dredge sand from
both the Mississippi River and Lake Peosta Channel. This activity was conducted to level surface
elevations. Since the mid 1980, the City of Dubuque and the State of Iowa have been developing
the island for recreational use. This area now includes a Greyhound dog racing facility, camping
areas, a pond, baseball diamonds, a soccer field, picnic areas, and several marinas.
The surrounding area is primarily industrial and commercial, with residential areas within
approximately 2,500 feet of the site. There are two Superfund sites located in close proximity to
the southwest of the site, specifically the Peoples Natural Gas site and the A. Y. McDonald
Foundry site. Additionally, two plating facilities and Sanofi Bio Industries (also known as
Keystone Gelatin) are located west of the site.
Dubuque's shallow drinking water wells are located approximately 1400 feet northwest of the site
and the deep wells are located within 300 feet of the site. Nine wells are utilized by the city. The
five shallow wells range from 100 to 200 feet deep and draw from the alluvial aquifer. The four
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deep wells range from 1500-1800 feet deep and draw from Cambrian and Precambrian
formations. The City of Dubuque does not use surface water intakes as potable water sources.
Based on 1990 census data, 8548 people live within a mile, 702 within a half-mile, and 8 within a
quarter-mile of the site. This urban population is primarily Caucasian (Figure 2). Children are a
sensitive sub-population when evaluating health risks to hazardous compounds at a site. There
are 895 children age six years and younger within a mile radius, 70 within a half-mile radius, and 0
within a quarter-mile radius of the site.
Preliminary Assessment (April 1982/0ctober 1988)
Two Preliminary Assessments (P A) were conducted by Ecology and Environment, Inc., (E&E) in
April 1982 and October 1988 per the request ofEPA to identify potential environmental and
human hazards, review historical records and collect information through personal interviews with
city workers and citizens. The results of the P A indicated that a Screening Site Inspection (SSI)
should be conducted.
Screening Site Inspection (November 1989)
The objectives of the Screening Site Inspection (SSI) where to identify contaminants, delineate
shallow soil contamination, assess potential groundwater contamination, and obtain additional
hydrogeologic information. Field work for the SSI included soil, groundwater, and surface water
sampling, geophysics measurements, and seepage meter sampling activities.
Groundwater sample results from onsite shallow monitoring wells indicated that inorganic
contamination was located under the southern three-fourths of the site. Some of the detected
concentrations of dissolved and total metals (e.g., total arsenic found at 110 micrograms per liter
(ILgll) and dissolved arsenic at 82 ugll) were above their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels
(MCLs). Surface water sampling detected cyanide (35ILgll) in the on-site pond at approximately
seven times the EPA surface water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life. Samples collected
from the Dubuque municipal wells detected contamination in only the shallow alluvial wells.
Detected concentrations were not above their respective MCLs.
Shallow soil samples detected low levels of organic and inorganic compounds. However, these
could not be attributed to site activities. Historically, fill material had been used to level the site,
and could have contributed to levels of contaminants in surface soil. Based on the limited surface
soil sampling, the levels of organic and inorganic compounds do not appear to be at levels of
concern.
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deep wells range from 1500-1800 feet deep and draw from Cambrian and Precambrian
formations. T,~e City of Dubuque does not use surface water intakes as potable water sources.
Based on 1990 census data, 8548 people live within a mile, 702 within a half-mile, and 8 within a
quarter-mile of the site. This urban population is primarily Caucasian (Figure 2). Children are a
sensitive sub-population when evaluating health risks to hazardous compounds at a site. There
are 895 children age six years and younger within a mile radius, 70 within a half-mile radius, and 0
within a quarter-mile radius of the site.
Preliminary Assessment (April 1982/0ctober 1988)
Two Preliminary Assessments (P A) were conducted by Ecology and Environment, Inc., (E&E) in
April 1982 and October 1988 per the request of EPA to identify potential environmental and
human hazards, review historical records and collect information through personal interviews with
city workers and citizens. The results of the P A indicated that a Screening Site Inspection (SSn
should be conducted.
Screening Site Inspection (November 1989)
The objectives of the Screening Site Inspection (SSI) where to identify contaminants, delineate
shallow soil contamination, assess potential groundwater contamination, and obtain additional
hydrogeologic information. Field work for the SSI included soil, groundwater, and surface water
sampling, geophysics measurements, and seepage meter sampling activities.
Groundwater sample results from onsite shallow monitoring wells indicated that inorganic
contamination was located under the southern three-fourths of the site. Some of the detected
concentrations of dissolved and total metals (e.g., total arsenic found at 110 micrograms per liter
(JLgll) and dissolved arsenic at 82 ugll) were above their respective Maximum Contaminant Levels
(MCLs). Surface water sampling detected cyanide (35 JLgll) in the on-site pond at approximately
seven times the EPA surface water quality criteria for freshwater aquatic life. Samples collected
from the Dubuque municipal wells detected contamination in only the shallow alluvial wells.
Detected concentrations were not above their respective MCLs.
Shallow soil samples detected low levels of organic and inorganic compounds. However, these
could not be attributed to site activities. Historically, fill material had been used to level the site,
and could have contributed to levels of contaminants in surface soil. Based on the limited surface
soil sampling, the levels of organic and inorganic compounds do not appear to be at levels ofconcern.
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Listing Site Inspection (October 1990)
The Listing Site Inspection (LSI) inferred that the Dubuque Municipal Landfill (Hamm Island)
was not the sole source of contamination in the alluvial aquifer. Modeling and sampling results
suggested that the Dubuque Municipal Landfill (Hamm Island) is potentially a minor contributor
to the contamination detected during LSI sampling. The LSI data suggested that the main
source(s) of inorganic contamination are located west of the shallow municipal well gallery.
Re-Sampling of Shallow and Deep Groundwater (October 1991)
The primary objectives were to assess the potential for contaminant release(s) from the A.Y.
McDonald site and to confirm the results of the LSI sampling of the Dubuque Municipal Landfill
site. A re-sampling of monitoring wells and municipal wells was conducted, including six
monitoring wells were located on the A.Y. McDonald site, two Sanofi Bio monitoring wells, and
one Peoples Natural Gas monitoring well. The results indicated that the inorganic contamination
was primarily concentrated in the shallow wells. Attribution of the groundwater contamination
was difficult to determine due to the complex groundwater hydrology and multiple potential
sources.
DISCUSSION
Media for consideration regarding potential human exposure at this site include soil and
groundwater. The relevant routes of human exposure for each media are:
· Soil -- Ingestion and dermal contact.
· Groundwater -- Ingestion and dermal contact.
During the preparation of this document, IDPH staff visited the site several times in 1997. The
general public, including children, have access to the site area. The site is used for recreational
activities. Exposure to site related constituents in surface soil is unlikely to result in deleterious
effects due to the concentration of chemicals in surface soil and limited exposure frequency and
duration. Exposure to subsurface soils is unlikely due to the activities that occur on site.
Exposure to groundwater beneath the site is not occurring. Current or historical community
health concerns related to the site were not reported during the preparation of this public health
consultation.
Children's Health Section:
Based on the information reviewed for this public health consultation, it is highly unlikely that
children were exposed to unacceptable concentrations of site related constituents from the
Dubuque Municipal Landfill site in the past. IDPH has not identified any probable current or
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future exposure scenarios for children that would result in deleterious effects from exposure at the
Dubuque Municipal Landfill site. However, IDPH and/or ATSDR will revisit the site if critical,
new information becomes available.
CONCLUSION
Based on the information reviewed in preparation of the Dubuque Municipal Landfill public health
consultation, no apparent public health hazard exists or existed at the site. However, if data or
information becomes available suggesting that human exposure to hazardous substances at levels
of public health concern is occurring, or has occurred in the past, IDPH will reevaluate the need
for any follow-up.
Children's Health Conclusion:
Based on available information and data reviewed regarding children's exposure and ultimately
their health, we believe that no apparent health hazard exists or existed for children.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the above conclusions, the following is recommended:
IDPH and ATSDR should conduct additional public health assessment activities if data or
information becomes available suggesting that human exposure to hazardous substances at
levels of public health concern is occurring, or has occurred in the past.
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future exposure scenarios for children that would result in deleterious effects from exposure at the
Dubuque Municipal Landfill site. However, IDPH and/or A TSDR will revisit the site if critical,
new information becomes available.
CONCLUSION
Based on the information reviewed in preparation of the Dubuque Municipal Landfill public health
consultation, no apparent public health hazard exists or existed at the site. However, if data or
information becomes available suggesting that human exposure to hazardous substances at levels
of public health concern is occurring, or has occurred in the past, IDPH will reevaluate the need
for any follow-up.
Children's Health Conclusion:
Based on available information and data reviewed regarding children's exposure and ultimately
their health, we believe that no apparent health hazard exists or existed for children.
RECOMMENDATION
Based on the above conclusions, the following is recommended:
IDPH and ATSDR should conduct additional public health assessment activities if data or
information becomes available suggesting that human exposure to hazardous substances at
levels of public health concern is occurring, or has occurred in the past.
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DOCUMENTSREVlliWED
1. Ecology and Environment, Inc., Screening Site Inspection (Former) Dubuque Municipal
Landfill, Dubuque, Iowa. November 7,1989. TDD #F-07-8902-006/PAN #FIA0235SA.
2. Ecology and Environment, Inc., Listing Site Inspection (Former) Dubuque Municipal
Landfill, Dubuque, Iowa. October 19,1990. TDD #F-07-8911-002/PAN #FIA0235XA.
3. Drustrup, B., Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Letter to M. Preston & P. Hamlin.
Subject: Dubuque Municipal Landfill. May 4, 1989.
4. Ecology and Environment, Inc., Data Summary: Listing Site Inspection Follow-up
Sampling, (Former) Dubuque Municipal Landfill, Dubuque, Iowa. TDD #F-07-8911-002.
October 31, 1991.
5. Buss, Paul. Dubuque County Sanitarian, Personal Communication. September 30, 1998.
ATTACHMENTS
Figure 1:
Site Location Map
Figure 2:
Population Density Map
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PREPARER OF REPORT
Karl V. Markiewicz, Ph.D.
Toxic Substances Evaluation Program
Division of Health Protection
Iowa Department of Public Health
ATSDR REGIONAL REPRESENTArIVE
Ben Puesta
Office of Regional Operations, Region VII
Office of the Assistant Administrator, A TSDR
A TSDR TECHNICAL PROJECT OFFICER
Roberta Erlwein
Division of Health Assessment and Consultation
Superfund Site Assessment Branch
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CERTIFICA TION
The Dubuque Municipal Landfill site public health consultation was prepared by the Iowa
Department of Public Health, Toxic Substances Evaluation Program, under a cooperative
agreement with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (A TSDR). It is in
accordance with approved methodology and procedures existing at the time the public health
consultation was begun.
~U--
Technical Project Officer, SPS, SSAB, DHAC, A TSDR
The Division of Health Assessment and Consultation, ATSDR, has reviewed this public health
consultation, and concurs with its findings.
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I
MAP LOCATION
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1 MILE
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1 KILOMETER
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(FORMER) DUBUQUE MUNICIPAL LANDFill
DUBUQUE, IOWA
WASTE SITE TRACKING NO.: IA02~5
PREPARED BY: C. WILUAMS '
ECOLOGY & ENVIRONMENT FIT OCT. 1988
SOURCE: USGS 7.5" DUBUQUE NORTH. IA. CUAD. 1978
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Bu. Mop Source: 1995 TIGER/Un. RI..
Population Density
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Site Location
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~ Dubuque, County, low",.
Demographic Statistics
Within Specified Distance. 2
Total Population 8 702 8548
White 8 700 8399
Black 0 2 48
Am. Indian, Eskimo, Aleut 0 0 26
Asian or Pacific Islander 0 0 30
Other Race 0 0 43
Hispanic Origin 0 2 82
Children Aged 6 & Younger 0 70 895
Adults Aged 65 & Older 0 108 1304
Females Aged 15 - 44 '3 152 1954
Total Housing Units 2 273 3659
D"""'ll'8ph1Cl1 SIoUltIco Source: 1990 us Conlus
.C.lculolod using an OIoo-pnlpOrtlon spaUa' ..al)'lll locl1nlqu.
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Scale In Miles
Adults 65 Years and Older
s.w..: 11l9O u.s. c.nau.
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Scele In Miles
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Scal. In Miles
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