Vol. 1, No. 4
December, 1971
BULJ
EPA TEAM CHECKS RADIATION LEVELS IN WEST
EPA is conducting a survey in 36 communities in nine
western states to determine whether any of them, like Grand
Junction, Colorado have people living in homes and other
buildings where uranium tailings have been used as
construction fill.
A team of three men is driving a truck called a mobile
scanner down streets of these towns, looking for unusually
high levels of radiation. When such levels are found, the
location of the structure is recorded. Later on, surveillance
personnel will examine the structures for tailings, which are
sand-like granules that have been used for fill, or in some
cases have been mixed with cement in the construction of
the structures. These tailings emit potentially hazardous
radon 222 gas and its decay products, and gamma rays.
The communities being surveyed, besides Grand Junction,
are: Colorado -- Uravan, Rifle, Canon City, Slick Rock,
Durango, Maybell, Gunnison, Naturita, Craig, Dove Creek,
Leadville, Salida, and Nucla; Utah - Moab, Green River, Salt
Lake City, Mexican Hat, Monticello, Hite; New Mexico -
Grants, Shiprock; Wyoming - Lander, Hudson, Jeffrey City,
Shirley Basin, Riverton; Arizona — Tuba City, Monument
Valley; Washington -- Ford; South Dakota - Edgemont,
Igloo, Hot Springs, Provo; Oregon - Lakeview; Texas - Falls
City, Ray Point.
Radioactivity from uranium tailings in Grand Junction
also was the subject of a recent hearing October 28 and 29 of
a Joint Atomic Energy Subcommittee of Congress. EPA's
involvement in the matter has been to help determine where
the tailings are and to help assess health risks from the
tailings.
Testimony at the hearing came from: David D.
Dominick, EPA Assistant Administrator for Categorical
Programs; Dr. Roy L. Cleere, Executive Director of the
Colorado State Department of Health; Glen E. Keller, Ji.,
President of the Colorado State Board of Health; Robert D.
Siek, Assistant Director of the Occupational and Radiological
Health Division of the Colorado Department of Health; H.
Peter Metzger, Chairman of the Task Force on Environment,
Colorado State Health Planning Council; Dr. Alan A.
Basinger, Chief, Department of Radiology, St. Mary's
Hospital, Grand Junction, Colorado, and Theodore T. Puck,
Director. Eleanor Roosevelt Institute for Cancer Research,
University of Colorado Medical Center. Dr. Jesse Steinfeld,
Surgeon General of the Public Health Service; and Clarence
Larson, a commissioner of the Atomic Energy Commission.
The problem presently appears centered in Grand
Junction, Colorado, where, as a result of location of
uranium-processing mills on the city's riverbanks, tons of
sand or "tailings" have been used for fill, or in a few cases
mixed with cement in the construction of homes, schools,
and public buildings. The tailings emit both radon -222 gas, a
potential lung cancer hazard, and gamma rays, which can
cause leukemia.
An estimated 300,000 tons of these tailings are thought
to be used under and around various homes and other
structures in the town--in basements, breezeways, fireplaces,
porches and sidewalks. Specifically, 4,000 homes, and 1,000
commercial structures, schools, and churches are involved.
Estimates of how much it will cost to remove all of the
tailings from homes and other buildings in Grand Junction
are in the range of 14 million dollars.
The health effects of the tailings are not fully understood.
Dr. C. Henry Kempe of the University of Colorado School of
Medicine, Dr. Robert Ross, a pediatrician in Grand Junction,
say that there was a significantly higher death rate due to
major congenital anomalies in the Grand Junction area
compared to Colorado as a whole in 1965-68. They do not
know whether there is a causal relationship between these
findings and the tailings. They were not witnesses at the
hearing.
On the question of responsibility for removing the
tailings, Dr. Roy Cleere of the Colorado Department of
Health stated that the Federal government should grant
financial relief.
See EPA Team page 5
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EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER
During periods of temperature inversion, or other
meterological conditions which cause stagnation of the
atmosphere, paniculate and gaseous air pollutants cannot be
readily dispersed. As their concentration increases an air
pollution incident, or "episode", ensues.
The Clean Air Act, as amended, sets forth the authority
of EPA to prevent and control such episodes. In the event
that State and local authorities do not take steps necessary
for abatement during air pollution episodes, the EPA
Administrator may seek injunctive relief in the U.S. Courts.
Action may be taken against any source whose emissions are
presenting an imminent and substantial threat to public
health, including area-wide or point sources, large or small
polluters, and on an intra- or interstate basis.
However, air pollution episode-avoidance actions should
be taken at the lowest level that is legally, technically, and
politically competent to achieve results. Therefore, the
principal aim of EPA lies in advising and assisting State and
local agencies in developing and implementing their own
episode-avoidance plans. Such plans are required as part of
the Implementation Plan, prepared for each of the Air
Quality Control Regions.
An Emergency Operations Control Center (EOCC) has
been established under EPA's Office of Air Programs at
Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. The Center gathers
air quality data on a daily basis, by teletype and telephone,
from 90 monitoring sites in 60 cities throughout the Nation.
Seven of the monitoring stations in National air quality
network are operated by EPA, with the remaining 83 by
personnel from State and local air pollution agencies. When
needed, the EOCC can dispatch emergency sampling teams to
any area from which insufficient air quality and/or
meterological data are available.
EPA has adopted four-state episode criteria to which air
quality and meteorological data are compared for the
8
Administrator William D. Ruckelshaus (left) is oriefed uy
Daryl Tyler, Director of the Emergency Operations Control
Center. Lights on the display map (far right) indicate
meterological conditions in various parts of the country. The
episode display unit (center) is used to depict mathematical
models of air quality in any given area.
An air pollution episode in the vicinity of Birmingham,
Alabama evoked the first action taken by EPA, in
cooperation with State and local authorities, under
emergency powers of the Clean Air Act. A restraining order
was issued on November 18, 1971 against 23 industrial firms
to force a shut-down of operations during the crisis period.
purpose of determining the severity of an episode. The first
state, Forecast, is based on an indication that adverse
meteorological conditions conducive to the buildup of
pollutants will exist. The second stage, Alert, and the third
stage, Warning, are based on the actual measurement of
pollutant concentrations and the prediction that the
meteorological situation will be such that the continuation of
elevated pollutant concentrations can be expected. At these
levels, short-term health effects may be expected. At the
fourth stage, Emergency, air quality is continuing to degrade
to the point where a substantial danger to the health of the
population will exist. The most stringent avoidance actions
must then be taken.
The emphasis of the criteria is on avoiding an emergency
rather than reacting to an existing emergency situation. Each
step beyond the Forecast stage calls for initiation of control
actions designed to prevent the conditions described by
criteria for the succeeding stage. Control actions may include
such measures as elimination of open burning; requiring
manufacturing industries to curtail or defer production; or
cessation of municipal incineration.
Address all communications to:
Robert J. Griffin, Jr.
Editor, EPA Bulletin
Office of Public Affairs
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Washington, D.C. 20460
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SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH: RAILWAY CAR DISMANTLING
Every year some 75,000 old freight cars are dismantled,
an operation that brings important returns to the railroad
and scrap metal industries, but one that can also pose serious
problems in environmental pollution. The conventional
method is to douse the cars with kerosene and set them afire
in railroad yards to burn off the wood from the salvageable
metal. This open burning emits noxious pollutants in heavy
clouds of dense smoke. Since each discarded car contains
from three to seven tons of wood each, air pollution resulting
from open burning can be severe. Because of this, local air
pollution control agencies are now prohibiting this method.
In an effort to develop some alternative means for
stripping railway cars of unwanted wooden parts, the EPA
and its predecessor agencies, have sponsored a study by
Booz-Allen and Hamilton, Inc. to investigate and recommend
alternative methods of boxcar dismantling that will eliminate
air pollution or reduce to acceptable levels.
A preliminary survey suggested 40 new approaches to the
problem. Closer analysis reduced the list to twelve possible
solutions, of which two approaches proved most
promising: 1) use of a water jet as a "wet laser" to strip
wooden parts away from the metal; and, 2} a method for
controlled incineration.
In the water jet technique, a thin stream of water with a
nozzle pressure of more than 10,000 pounds per square inch
is directed against the wood in a boxcar and proceeds to cut
it in much the same manner as a saw — only much faster. The
operator of a hose attached to the nozzle can cut through a
six-inch piece of pine in three seconds. The jet stream is
controlled with such precision that a circle can be cut in the
wood, separating it from bolts and other metal fixtures, in
ten seconds. The water drains from the car into a sump and is
circulated back to the high-pressure pump for re-use.
The demonstration incinerator is a closed metal shed, half
again as long as a boxcar, constructed over a track spur.
Panels are left open along the bottom of the shed to create a
strong draft for a fire and a large hood is placed at the top of
the structure to collect smoke. The hood is connected by a
duct to an air pollution device called a wet scrubber. After
the steel-clad car is rolled into the shed, small holes are cut
with a torch along the bottom of the car's sides, and one
large hole is cut in the top directly under the hood.
The car is moved into position, doused with 25 gallons of
kerosene and ignited. An intake fan in the wet scrubber pulls
the smoke into it against a film of water flowing down the
walls. The solids and smoke produced by the combustion are
extracted by this process to well within the limits prescribed
by Federal and local ordinances before the hot air is released
into the atmosphere outside the shed.
Although both of these methods appear practical for the
specific purpose for which they were developed, i.e., railway
car dismantling, it is felt that they have application to other
similar industrial salvage problems.
For additional information write:
Clyde Dial
Office of Solid Waste Management Programs
Environmental Protection Agency
5600 Fishers Lane
Rockville, Md. 20852
The semi-enclosed incinerator system is a technique for
burning wood linings and floor from retired railroad boxcars.
Boxcars are set on a track which runs through a prefabricated
steel building, or hood. - Holes are cut in the boxcar, and the
interior is sprayed with fuel-oil to facilitate combustion.
Sides of the steel building are removed or left in place in
various combinations to aid in creating a draft for
combustion. Gasses and particulates are prevented from
entering the atmosphere by means of a wet scrubber, prior to
exhaust through the scrubber stack.
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The water-jet unit employed in this project is a standard
commercial unit ordinarily used for cleaning ship hulls, oil
refinery equipment, etc., and which has been adapted for
wood cutting. - Detailed view of water-jet cutting through
interior wall of railway boxcar.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
IN GRANT PROGRAM
This year the Environmental Protection Agency was
appropriated $2 billion for its grants program on the
construction of wastewater treatment plants and $100
million for its research, fellowship, planning, and training
grants.
All grants which EPA makes for research, fellowships,
manpower training, and wastewater treatment works must
meet Title VI requirements of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
This law states that "no person in the United States shall, on
the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded
from participation in, or the benefits of, any program
receiving Federal financial assistance."
This year the Office of Equal Opportunity within EPA is
responsible for seeing that any grants assistance given by the
Agency is made in compliance with Title VI. For example, if
a sewage treatment grant has been made to a municipal
government, the plant must be used to service an entire
community not isolated neighborhoods.
EPA's Office of Equal Opportunity also apprises minority
institutions of grant and fellowship programs available from
EPA. For example, the Office recently held a meeting in
Atlanta, Ga. with heads of 72 minority colleges and
universities from 16 southeastern, middle Atlantic, and
southwestern States to give them guidance and instruction on
EPA grant programs. The meeting was in answer to the charge
by several minority colleges that their institutions have been
discriminated against by Federal agencies in the past when
funding research proposals.
The Office of Equal Opportunity within EPA has recently
appointed Richard E. Risk, Assistant Director, Title VI
Division. Mr. Risk was formerly Executive Director of the
Missouri Commission on Human Rights, the agency which
administers Missouri's fair employment practices and public
accommodation acts. Anyone wishing more information on
Title VI aspects of the grant program can contact Mr. Risk at
EPA headquarters: 4th and M Streets, S.W., Room 3220 G,
Washington, D.C. 20460. His telephone number is:
202-2547408
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PATHOGENS SURVIVE
INCINERATION
Recent studies by EPA researchers have indicated that
incineration does not necessarily destroy pathogens in
municipal solid waste; incinerator residues and quench
waters—far from being sterile— should be regarded as a
potential threat to public health. Accordingly, the same care
should be taken to prevent ground and surface water
contamination from incinerator residues, as from ordinary
sanitary landfill leacheate.
Although the operating temperatures of most municipal
incinerators (in the range of 1200-2000° F) should be
sufficient to destroy most microorganisms, these
temperatures are not always attained uniformally throughout
the refuse mass. In many cases, large masses of organic
matter, usually a poor heat conductor, are made wet by
water formed during combustion; these masses may not even
reach the pasteurization level in a 1000-2000°F incinerator.
"Thus, recorded temperatures provide no assurance of
satisfactory operation of incinerators, from the standpoint of
public health.
Mirdza L. Peterson and Albert J. Klee, both EPA staff
members, have recently developed a method for detection of
enteric pathogens, such as Salmonellae, in incinerator
residue. From studies of four municipal incinerators, it was
determined that these pathogens do, indeed, survive the
incineration process.
An especially important feature of the study involved
design and application of statistical methods to
microbiological investigations.
For additional information write:
Solid Waste Research Division
National Environmental Research Center
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
EPA TEAM
Con't.
In outlining EPA's concern in the matter, Mr. Dominick
said: "Under Reorganization Plan No. 3, EPA was assigned
many of the responsibilities and resources of The Bureau of
Radiological Health, including its responsibility with respect
to the indoor radon problem. Therefore, EPA's responsibility
in this matter arises from its general responsibility with
respect to environmental radiation protection. EPA does not
have authority to set regulatory standards for radioactivity
levels in structures nor does it have authority to take
remedial action to reduce or eliminate these levels.
"EPA's role in this matter is to assist Colorado and the
other States involved with this problem, and the citizens of
those States by providing them with the best technical advice
and resources available. In working with the States, we will
COURT DEFINES
COUNTY RESPONSIBILITY
FOR WASTE DISPOSAL
A recent Georgia court decision may hold national
implications in defining legal responsibilities of counties in
the area of solid waste disposal. Circuit Judge James Barrow
ruled in Walton County Superior Court on November
10, 1971, that the county is responsible, under the Georgia
Constitution, for the health and well-being of all the people
within its jurisdictional borders, including city residents.
The ruling resulted from a motion by counsel for the city
of Social Circle that Walton County be made a co-defendant
in a civil action brought by the Georgia Department of Public
Health against the small municipality for operation of an
illegal garbage dump. Judge Barrow's decision stated that
"the court determines that Walton County and its
Commission of Roads and Revenues is a party to this law
suit."
The defendants were then found, by the court, to have
been derelict in their responsibilities under the public health
regulations and laws of the State of Georgia. They were each
enjoined from continuing to violate these regulations and
laws and ordered to develop a-sanitary landfill within the city
of Social Circle. The county was specifically charged with pre-
paring the landfill, and the city with its day-to-day mainte-
tenance.
County Attorney George Hearn announced immediately
that the ruling making the county party to the suit would be
appealed to the State Supreme Court. Commenting on the
ruling, attorneys in the office of Attorney General Arthur
Bolton who represented the State Health Department in the
suit, said that if the Supreme Court of Georgia upholds the
lower court decision, "it would, unquestionably, compel
close cooperation between city .and county governments in
meeting the public health needs and protecting the well-being
of all people throughout the state, and greatly simplify
enforcement of state rules and regulations enacted in the
public interest."
Mr. Ralph J. Black, EPA's Acting Director of State and
Local Affairs, Office of Solid Waste Management Programs,
termed the case a landmark decision, and indicated that it
may have real impact on other State solid waste agencies and
programs.
continue to assist in evaluating the radiation levels and
associated health risks where tailings have been used."
EPA is planning to meet with officials of the Colorado
Department of Health in the near future to determine the
nature of the assistance EPA will continue to provide the
State.
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RECENT PUBLICATIONS
Single copies of all EPA publications listed below are
distributed without charge to representatives of State and
local agencies. Address requests in writing to:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Public Affairs
Public Inquiries Branch
Washington, D.C. 20460
Requests for multiple copies will be considered on an
individual basis. Prices are given for publications available
from the Superintendent of Documents, Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
New Chemical Concepts for Utilization of Waste Plastics
Results of a project to investigate the use of waste plastic
materials for the production of chemicals for commercial
use. Major objectives include: identification of waste
plastic/reaction products with potential commercial value;
identification of waste plastic/air combustion products that
are potential air pollutants; evaluation of the economics of
chemical processes using waste plastics as raw materials; and
identification of R&D programs with potential for
commercial chemical processes. 129 p. $1.25.
Air Pollution Control Active Research Grants for Fiscal Year
1971
Lists Federally-funded projects to determine causes, effects,
prevention and control of air pollution. Projects have been
undertaken in eight major areas; human health effects;
agricultural effects; socio-economic and political studies;
physico-chemical investigations; development of analytical
methods and equipment; meteorology; air pollution source i
control; and communications. Project title, grantee
institution, project period and level of support for FY 1971
are indicated. 55 p.
Hydrogeology of Solid Waste Disposal Sites in Northwestern
Illinois
Discusses one of the major problems inherent in disposing
of refuse on land: the danger that wastes will pollute
groundwater resources. Reports a detailed hydrogeologic and
water quality investigation of four landfills, with initial
results from study of a fifth landfill. Develops guidelines to
evaluate the pollution potential of existing and proposed
landfill sites. 154 p. $1.50.
NEW FILM AVAILABLE
"Air Pollution and Plant Life" - 20 minutes, 16 mm.,
sound, color, 1971.
A survey of air pollution injury to vegetation across the
country caused by common atmospheric pollutants such as
ozone, PAN, S02 and flourides. Especially useful in training
agricultural groups to recognize the possible types of injury
caused by various pollutants. Includes examples of injury to
plant life in Alabama, California, Florida, Maryland,
Tennessee, and West Virginia. Designed for use by
governmental, industrial, and educational groups engaged in
air pollution control or related activities.
This film is available for free loan or purchase from:
Sales
National Audiovisual Center
N.A.R.S.. GSA
Washington, D.C. 20409
To purchase send your remittance of $68.25 by check or
money order made payable to General Services
Administration (NAC).
GPO 922-235
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