On-site soils and slag materials contained some contaminants (arsenic, lead and zinc) at levels many times greater than comparison cleanup values.

Lead, cadmium, beryllium, manganese, iron, nickel, thallium and zinc (all metals) were found in shallow groundwater on the site at levels greater than U.S. EPA drinking water comparison values.

Results of sediment sampling in the creek just north of the site (the creek runs northeast across the site) showed only two chemicals at levels greater than comparison values. According to the Health Consultation that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) devel- oped for the site, “a child playing in the creek seven days per week for three months per year would not be expected to experience any adverse health effects. ”

Illinois EPA was concerned that air blown dust might leave the site and deposit on residential properties. Consequently, screening samples were taken during 2002 in Tilton, north of the site, to test for evidence of lead contamination. No metals were detected at levels greater than the soil comparison values.

However, in 2001, samples from Hegeler residential properties showed lead, cadmium and zinc at levels three times background levels. Also, investigations in 2003 showed that slag waste from the site may have been used as fill material for private drives and along some residential streets in Hegeler and Tilton.

IDPH’s March 17, 2003, Health Consultation for the site concludes, “the Hegeler Zinc site poses no apparent public health hazard,” as long as the site continues to be used for industrial rather than residential purposes. Cary Ware, Environmental Health Specialist, is the IDPH contact for this site. He can be reached at 217/278-5900.

As stated above, no metals were detected at levels greater than soil comparison values for cleanup in the screening sampling on residential properties north of the site. Some metals were detected on properties in Hegeler at levels several times greater than comparison samples from properties that have not been impacted by the site.

Of three residential screening samples taken in April 2003, some metals (e.g., lead, nickel) were found in driveways for which the Illinois Department of Public Health issued cautionary letters to the homeowners.

Illinois EPA is completing the necessary process for the site’s possible inclusion on the National Priorities List of sites that the state or federal EPA recommends for cleanup under the Comprehensive Environ- mental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA), commonly referred to as Superfund. This federal law authorizes the state of Illinois or the federal government to respond directly to releases, or threatened releases, of hazardous substances that may endanger public health, welfare or the environment.

Meanwhile, U.S. EPA has secured the site by fencing areas of elevated contamination (to keep out trespassers), and Illinois EPA is evaluating whether to seal the site from public access.