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River Center, 111 North Canal Street, 8th Floor, Suite 855,"" Chicago, IL 60606 • (312) 993-1067 • FAX (312) 993-0226

TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TEAM FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE REMOVAL AND PREVENTIONEPA CONTRACT 68-01-7367

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— July 11, 1990

TAT-05-G2-01907

Mr. Duane Heaton *"*— •*.....».«Deputy Project OfficerEmergency Support Section 5HS-12U.S. Environmental Protection Agency230 South Dearborn StreetChicago, Illinois 60604

Re: Prussian Blue, Wyandotte, MichiganTDD# 5-8910-48

Dear Mr. Heaton:

On October 27, 1989 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.EPA) tasked the Technical Assistance Team (TAT) to conduct a siteassessment and sampling at the Prussian Blue site in Wyandotte,Michigan. The attached report summarizes the site history, siteassessment and analytical results of samples collected by the TAT.

The analytical results of soil and sump water samples collected byth« TAT indicated elevated levels of cyanide and base/neutralextractable compounds. Three of six soil samples had levels offree cyanide that ranged from 11.1 parts per million (ppm) to 1,450ppm.

After reviewing the data, the Agency for Toxic Substances andDisease Registry (ATSDR) recommended that immediate actions betaken to prevent direct contact with the contaminated soil.

Based on this recommendation the U.S. EPA placed a temporary capof 6 inches of clean topsoil over the site in December 1989.Additionally, an extent-of-contamination (EOC) study was conductedat the site by TAT in the Spring of 1990.

EPA Region 5 Records Ctr.

235691

Roy F. Western, Inc.MAJOR PROGRAMS DIVISIONIn Association with ICF Technology, Inc., C.C, Johnson & Malhotra, P.C., Resource Applications, Inc.,:pnd R.

Mr. Duane Heaton -2- July 11, 1990

Should you have any questions, or require additional information,please feel free to contact us.

Very truly yours,

ROY F. WESTON, INC.

- 3^Cheryl B. KrefrtdlerEnvironmental Scientist

CK/jjAttachmentcc: B. Bowlus, OSC

William R. DoylejTechnical Assistance TeamLeader, Region V

SITE ASSESSMENT

FOR

PRUSSIAN BLUE

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

Prepared for:

U.S.Environmental Protection AgencyRegion V

230 South Dearborn StreetChicago, Illinois

CONTRACT NO. 68-01-7367

TAT-05-G2-01907

TDD NO. 5-8910-48 A

Prepared By:

WESTONTechnical Assistance Team

Region V

July 1990

TABLE OP CONTENTS

List of Figures iiList of Tables iii

1.0 Site Description 12 . 0 Site Background 13.0 S ite Assessment 44 . 0 Analytical Results 65. 0 Threats. to Human Health and .the Environment 106 . 0 ATSDR Recommendations 11

LIST OP FIGURES

Figure 1 - Site Location Map 2Figure 2 - Site Map 3Figure 3 - Site Assessment Map 5Figure 4 - Sample Location Map 7

ill

LIST OP TABLES

Page

Table 1 - Analytical Results of Soil Samples Collectedby TAT 8

Table 2 - Analytical Results of Water Samples Collectedby TAT 9

IV

1.0 SITE DESCRIPTION . ~ I-

The Prussian Blue (P-B) site consists of several land parcels ina residential area surrounding in the City ofWyandotte, Wayne County, Michigan (Figure 1). Historical dumpingfrom an unknown source has led to the presence of a blue wastelayer in the surface and subsurface soils containing elevatedlevels of total and free cyanide. Although the full extent of thewaste layer is unknown, the site mainly consists of the parcels at

and two vacant parcels to the east on the northside of the street (Figure 2) . The waste layer has also beenobserved at the parcel of land encompassing on thesouth side of the street. All inclusive, the site occupies anapproximately 40,000 square foot area. The site is bordered to thenorth by the Ecorse River and further north by the Great LakesSteel Company, and to the east, west, and south by several otherresidences.

The local topography is generally flat with a slight slope north,toward the Ecorse River. The vacant lot area of the site wasoriginally wetland according to aerial maps dated 1945. Areasurface soils consist of either dark gray silty clay loam or darkgrayish brown silt loam. The subsoils are either gray clay mottledwith yellowish brown or yellowish brown clay mottled grayish brown.The area soils were formed in clayey"glacial till. Surface waterrunoff is primarily to the north, (toward the Ecorse River) or tothe south, into North Drive. Although limited ground waterinformation is available, it is suspected that the area has ashallow (3-5 feet) aquifer which discharges into the Ecorse Creek.There are no residential or municipal wells in the area, as allresidences and businesses are served by the City of Detroit watersupply.

The P-B site is not restricted in any way and high levels ofactivity occur on the premises. Children live in the house at

and use the yard and vacant lot for recreationpurposes. Blue-stained surface soils are evident throughout thevacant lot area and backyard of which contains aswimming pool and storage shed. A brush pile located north of theswimming pool contains visibly stained twigs and wood. Inaddition, areas of patchy stressed vegetation are apparentthroughout the site.

2.0 SITE BACKGROUND

Prior to development, the site and surrounding land along thesouthern banks of the Ecorse River was a marshy floodplain.Aerial photographs, dated 1945, show low-lying marshlands on thenorth side of North Drive, with houses built on the south side ofthe street. Neighbors recall that the area encompassing the sitewas once used as a fill area, however, no one could confirm anapproximate date of this activity. According to- the City ofWyandotte Assessor's Office the house at was built

Mn»xtg*Ng y -.̂ T^T--'̂ -. ->?>-.?.>^Tr~Tvt.-< .̂-^-i - n ig»^^^^^^^ l̂ fe^ l̂̂ la

SOURCE: STATE ROAD MAP - MICHIGAN

UNIVERSAL MAP ENTERPRISES

LANSING. MICHIGAN 48912

JANUARY. 1987

FIGURE 1

SITE LOCATION MAP

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITE

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

SCALE: ONE INCH EQUALS APPROXIUATELY 14.5 UlLES

UMUGCRS OCSGNER3/CONSUUM4TS

DRAWN BY

KATIE UOONEY

APPROVED BYD. CAPONE

DATE

11/14/89

DATE

PCS |

2475

TDD I5-B910-4fl

ECORSE RIVER

o

SIDEWALK

a

~

VACANT LOT

NORTH DRIVE

ADDITIONALRESIDENCES

GARDEN FENCE

T ADDITIONAL

RESIDENCES

FIGURE 2

SITE MAP

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITE

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

NOT TO SCALE

DESIGNERS/CONSULTANTS

DRAWN BY

KATIE UOONEY

APPROVED BY

DATE

11/14/89

DATE

PCS

2475

TDD |

5-8910-48

in 1955. The blue waste material may have been dumped during thefill operations there prior to the construction of the house at

The present home owner at , contactedthe Wayne County Health Department (WCHD) on October 3, 1989 withquestions concerning blue-colored soil he had observed whileexcavating to replace his driveway. WCHD representative, HankMaciejewski, responded on October 4, 1989, and sampled soil fromthe driveway. Analytical data showed elevated levels of totalcyanide (3300 parts per million (ppm) and 6400 ppm, test run twiceon same sample). The site was then referred to the U.S.Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) Removal and EnforcementResponse Branch by WCHD.

3.0 SITE ASSESSMENT

On October 27, 1989, the U.S. EPA tasked the Technical AssistanceTeam (TAT) to conduct a site assessment and sampling at the P-Bsite. On October 30, 1989, TAT members Dan Capone and CherylKreindler met On-Scene Coordinator (OSC) Bob Bowlus and WCHDrepresentative Dean Tuomari at the site to conduct a siteinvestigation and to collect soil and sump water samples.

Upon arriving at the site, the TAT observed blue stained soil andgravel in the excavated driveways of Theexcavated sidewalk area in front of the house was also stainedblue. The TAT observed blue spots throughout the grass in thefront and back yards of the house and throughout the vacant lot tothe east of the house. Heavily stained soil and several bluestained twigs were noted north of the swimming pool at

Patches of grass were brown and stressed throughout thevacant lot to the east (Figure 3) . On-site air monitoring wasconducted by the TAT using a combustible gas indicator (CGI),photoionization detector, (HNU), radiation meter, and the hydrogencyanide (HCN) monotox. No readings above background were noted onany of the instruments throughout the site assessment.

The TAT also observed blue stains and tire tracks in the street andon the street curb in front of Mr. Taylor, theowner of the house at escorted the TAT and OSCinto the basement of the house. Mr. Taylor stated that his sumphas historically contained blue water which is especiallynoticeable after a heavy rainfall. The TAT observed the sump whichwas heavily stained with blue and white crystals and contained bluewater. The TAT also observed the basement walls which containedblue stains in various places on the interior surfaces of theconcrete block foundation. These stains were most prevalent on theeastern side of the basement. The TAT conducted air monitoringthroughout the basement with a CGI, HNU, radiator meter, and HCNmonotox. Again no readings were observed above background on anyof the instruments.

ECORSE RIVER

BLUE STAINED SURFACE SOIL AREA

IBRUSH PILE

SIDEWALK

VACANT LOT

BROWNPATCHYGRASS

AND

BLUE STAINEDSURFACE SOIL

AREA

NORTH DRIVE

GARDEN FENCE

FIGURE 3

SITE ASSESMENT MAP

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITE

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

NOT TO SCALE

UANACERS OC51GNER3/CONSUL.TANT5

DRAWN BY

KATIE UOONEY

APPROVED BY

D. CAPONE

DATE

DATE

PCS

2475

TDD |

5-8910-48

The TAT collected six soil samples from locations-around the site(Figure 4) . At surface soil samples werecollected from the south end of the east driveway (S71), the northend of the east driveway (S72) , and behind the shed in the backyard(S73). In addition, a subsurface soil sample was collected witha stainless steel auger at a depth of 3 feet from behind theswimming pool in the backyard (S74). Another subsurface soilsample was collected from across the street at a depth of 2 feetin front of the fence at A surface backgroundsample was collected west of the site in a nearby playground (S75) .With the exception of the background sample, all soil samplescontained varying amounts of the blue waste material with sampleS74 containing the most concentrated amount. All soil samples wereanalyzed for total and free (amendable to chlorination) cyanide,base/neutral extractable compounds, and Hazardous Substance List(HSL) metals.

Basement 'sump water samples were also collected by the TAT from tworesidences at and (samples S77 and S78). Thesump water at was blue in appearance and the sumpwater at (east of the and the vacant lot) didnot have a blue appearance, nor were there any visible stains inthe area. These samples were analyzed for total cyanide,base/neutral extractable compounds, and HSL metals. A field blankwater sample was also collected using deionized water. All sampleswere analyzed by Analytical and Biological Laboratories under TATAnalytical Services TDD# 5-8910-L12.

4.0 ANALYTICAL RESULTS

Soil sample results are summarized in Table 1. Total, cyanidelevels in the five on site soil samples collected ranged from 31.6ppm to 5800 ppm, with the highest level detected in the samplecollected from a depth of 2 feet at (S76) . Thesoil background sample _(S75) contained 0.33 ppm total cyanide.Three of the samples (S7.3, S74, S76) contained free cyanide levelsranging from 11.1 ppm to 1450 ppm (S76).

Three of the five on site soil samples (S71, S73, S76) containeddetectable levels of several base/neutral extractable compoundsincluding the carcinogens benzo (a) pyrene and chrysene. SampleS76 also contained detectable levels of the carcinogensphenanthrene and pyrene. HSL metals results were within thetypical range for concentrations of metals in natural soils for allsamples.

Table 2 summarizes the analytical results of the sump watersamples. The sump water sample collected at (S77)contained 2.4 ppm total cyanide. This sample also contained .041ppm naphthalene. The sump water sample collected at

(S78) contained 1.1 ppm total cyanide.

ECORSE RIVER

574S73

BRUSH PIL£

ADDITIONALRESIDENCES

S78

KEY:S71: DRIVEWAY FRONT OF HOUSE. SURFACE SOILS72: BACK OF DRIVEWAY. EAST SIDE OF HOUSE. SURFACE SOILS73: BEHIND SHED. SOUTH OF ECORSE RIVER. SURFACE SOILS74: BEHIND SWIMMING POOL. DEPTH SOIL-2.5"S75: BACKGROUND SURFACE SOILS76: EAST OF R.. ALONG FENCE. DEPTH SOIL-2"S77: SUMP PUMP WATER. .S78: SUMP PUMP WATER. .S79: WATER BLANK

FENCE

NORTH DRIVE

ADDITIONALRESIDENCES

S76 ADDITIONALRESIDENCES

FIGURE 4

SAMPLE LOCATION MAP

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITE

WYANDOTTE, MICHIGAN

NOT TO SCALE

UANAOERS DESIGNERS/CONSULTANTS

DRAWN BYC. KREINDLER

APPROVED BYD. CAPONE

DATE12-29-89

DATE6-11-90

PCS #2475

TDD5-8910-48

TABLE 1ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF SOILS SAMPLES COLLECTED BY TAT"

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITEWYANDOTTE, MICHIGANOctober 30. 1989

(All results in ppm)

SURFACE SOIL SURFACE SOIL SURFACE SOIL DEPTH SOIL DEPTH SOIL BACKGROUNDS71 S72 S73 S74 S76 SOIL

FRONT OF BACK OP BEHIND BEHIND S75PARAMETERS DRIVEWAY DRIVEWAY SHED POOL PLAYGROUND

HSL METALSALUMINUM 756 512 1,488 1,704 225.2 2,952BARIUM 11.1 9.65 23.9 12.6 6.03 47.8CADMIUM 0.919 1.43 1.75 0.747 0.229 0.873CALCIUM 21,400 22,400 9.070 27,700 189 13,800CHROMIUM 3.45 3.05 7.07 2.25 2.58 5.11COPPER 0.899 ' 1.82 0.966 8.53 1.85 13.2IRON 6,290 10,100 13,800 3,620 1,400 3,410LEAD 15.8 13 20.1 114 13.2 67.7MAGNESIUM 5,670 1900 557 2,460 93.5 2,930MANGANESE 56.4 26 51.6 160 8.4 177.2NICKLE 4.06 2.54 4.09 3.79 0.655 5.34POTASSIUM 58.5 58.5 358 32.5 20.5 371SODIUM 212 102 251 286 92.3 71VANADIUM 3.2 5.88 6.6 2.4 1.54 5.04ZINC 11.5 7.04 13.1 63 5.34 107

CYANIDE, FREE c c 365 11.1 1,450 cCYANIDE, TOTAL 1,900 2,120 1,220 3'l.« 5,800 0.3}BASE/NEUTRAL EXTHACTABLESBEHZO (1) ANTHRACENE 2.1 ND 1.5 HD 9.2 NDBENZO (») PYRENE 1.5 HD 1.1 ND 2.2 ND3, 4 -BEHZO FLUORANTHENE 2.0 ND 1.9 ND 5.0 NDBENZO (k) FLUORANTHENE 2.7 ND 1.4 ND 6.0 NDCHRYSENE 3.6 ND 1.9 ND 10.2 NDFLUORANTHENE 1.2 ND ND ND 4.7 NDNAPHTHALENE ND ND ND ND 3.6 NDACENAPHTHENE ND ND ND ND 1.8 NDPHENANTRRENE HD ND ND ND 3.5 NDPYRENE ND ND ND ND 4.1 ND

TYPICAL RANGE OFCONCENTRATION OFMETALS IN SOIL*

10,000-30,000100-3,0000.01-7

<150-500,0005-3,0002.250

100-550,000<l-888

400-9,00020-18,3000.1-1,523

80-37,000150-250,0003,5001-2,000

" Analyst* performed by Analytic »nd Biological Laboratories, Inc., Farmlngton Hills, Michigan.

* Pepared by Region V TAT.

' No determlnable quantities of cyanide amenable to chlorlnatIon.

ND Not detected at method detection limits.

TABLE 2ANALYTICAL RESULTS OF WATER SAMPLES COLLECTED BY TATa

PRUSSIAN BLUE SITEWYANDOTTE, MICHIGANOctober 30, 1989

(All results in ppm)

1

PARAMETERS

HSL METALSALUMINUMBARIUMCADMIUMCALCIUMCHROMIUMCOPPERIRONMAGNESIUMMANGANESENICKLEPOTASSIUMSODIUMZINC

CYANIDE, TOTALBASE/NEUTRAL EXTRACTABLESNAPHTHALENE

SUMP PUMPWATERS77

9.136.040.07.504

0-. 022ND699

59.93.980.164.9254.00.1452.4

.0041

[SUMP PUMP'WATER

]

0.1380.056

ND315ND

0.07617.574.50.253

ND7.022,3800.0821.1

ND

FIELDBLANKWATERS79

ND0.09ND

1.34ND

0.0490.0490.199

NDNDND

3.580.067 ,

ND

ND

ND

Analysis performed by Analytic and Biological Laboratories,Inc. , Farmington Hills, Michigan.

Not detected at method detection limits.

5.0 THREATS TO HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT - '

Paragraph (b) (2) of Section 300.415 of the National ContingencyPlan (NCP) outlines the factors which may be considered todetermine the appropriateness of a removal action. Several ofthese factors exist at the P-B site, and are listed as follows:

o Actual or potential exposure to hazardous substances, orpollutants, or contaminants by nearby populations,animals or the food chain;

o High levels of hazardous substances or pollutants orcontaminants in soils at or near the surface that maymigrate; and

o Weather conditions that may cause hazardous substancesor pollutants or contaminants to migrate or be released.

5 .1 Threat of Exposure

Analytical results of samples collected by the TAT have documentedelevated levels of total and free cyanide in the area of stainedsoils on and near the property of . The site is notfenced nor is public access restricted in any way. TAT personnelhave observed local citizens, particularly children, using the sitefor recreational activities. In addition, the TAT observed anddocumented blue water in the sump at Analyticalresults of the water showed elevated levels of total cyanide.People unaware of the contaminated area or the dangers of cyanidecould become exposed to the cyanide through inhalation and directcontact of the blue waste with the skin.

5.2 Threat of Migration

The TAT observed evidence of migration of the blue stained materialinto the street (North Drive) and on the cement sidewalks and curbsin front of In addition, the blue waste materialhas also migrated through the ground water into the sump water at

The blue waste also appears to be leaking throughthe foundation of as evidenced by blue stains onthe interior basement walls. The variable weather conditions insoutheastern Michigan may cause further migration of cyanide to theadjacent Ecorse River, threatening aquatic life or into the NorthDrive storm sewers.

5.3 Specific Chemical Threats

There is significant documentation of the negative health effectsof cyanide exposure, particularly through inhalation and contactand absorption through the skin. Brief exposure to high levels ofcyanide can affect the central nervous system (CNS), respiratorysystem and cardiovascular system. Long term exposure also may beresponsible for CNS problems possibly resulting in deafness, visual

10

problems and loss of muscle coordination. The thyroid gland canbe affected, especially in children, and result in cretinism andan enlarged, overactive thyroid.

6.0 ATSDR RECOMMENDATIONS

After receipt of the analytical results of the soil and sump watersamples, OSC Bowlus contacted the Agency for Toxic Substances andDisease Registry (ATSDR) and requested their assistance inreviewing the analytical data from a health effects standpoint.ATSDR recommended that an immediate action be taken to minimize thethreat of exposure of the blue waste material and stained soils topublic health. ATSDR concurred with OSC Bowlus who recommendedthat a temporary cap over the stained soil areas would besufficient to reduce the threat-of exposure, until an extent-of-contamination study (EOC) could be performed to better estimate thevolume of waste, and determine an appropriate removal option. AnEOC study was conducted in the Spring of 1990.

11