Matthiessen And Hegeler Site
Fact Sheet #1
January 1995
LaSalle, Illinois
Introduction
Matthiessen and Hegeler is an inactive zinc rolling mill and smelter that operated
from 1858 to 1978. The 160 acre property is located on the west side of
the Little Vermilion River in LaSalle, Illinois. In December 1993, the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) collected soil and sediment
samples from the site and from surrounding properties. These samples included
three sediment samples from the Little Vermilion River, seven soil samples
from the site property, 13 off-site soil samples, and two background samples
1 1/2 miles north of the site. The sample results will be used to make
a preliminary evaluation of possible environmental impacts from past Matthiessen
and Hegeler operations.
Sample Results
What are the sample results? All sample results were compared
to the results of two background samples taken 1 1/2 mile north of the
site
in an area
not affected by past operations of Matthiessen and Hegeler. Metals are
usually the primary contaminants at old zinc smelters so all the samples
were analyzed for inorganics including metals.
Zinc was elevated significantly in all samples when compared to the background
samples. Cadmium and lead were significantly elevated in all but one sample
when compared to the background sample. Other metals that significantly
exceeded background in a high percentage of samples included arsenic, copper,
and mercury. Nickel was also found in significant concentrations on-site.
The on-site samples also were analyzed for organic compounds (chemicals
that contain carbon) to determine if chemicals other than metals may be
of concern. The on-site soil samples showed low levels of a variety of
organic compounds including pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
solvents, and chemicals found in oil and coal. The majority of these residues
were found in areas of the former coal gas plant, the pottery works, the
slag pile, the acid tank, and an area where rusted drums were located.
Pentachlorophenol (a wood preservative) was the organic compound present
in the highest concentration (36 parts per million). This sample was taken
from the site of the old coal gas plant.
Organic analysis of the sediment samples also showed low levels
of pesticides and PCBs which could have originated from agricultural or
other industrial sources.
Health Effects
Is there a health risk associated with exposure
to the chemicals or metals which are found at elevated levels? Metals are
the contaminant of primary concern. According to the Illinois Department
of
Public Health
(IDPH),
however,
the levels of metals
both
on-site and off-site do not pose a concern from short-term exposure.
Since there are no standards for metals in soil it is difficult to assess
whether
the metals pose a possible health risk to people exposed over many years.
Many
of the metals found are naturally occurring in soil at lower concentrations.
The metals found off-site that are of most concern are cadmium and
lead. In addition, arsenic, mercury and nickel are found on-site in concentrations
that may be a concern to people exposed for many years. Although zinc
is the most commonly found metal in all the samples, it does not pose
a similar
health concern. The human body requires small amounts of zinc for health.
Large amounts of zinc in the soil, however, can damage plants.
The IDPH plans to collect additional samples to help evaluate
possible long-term health risks. Until more information is gathered, IDPH
recommends several steps to reduce one's exposure to metals that may be
in the soil. These steps are listed on the last page of this fact sheet.
Why are the metals of possible
health concern? While the levels of metals found in the environmental samples
do not pose a concern
from
short-term exposure, constant exposure over years to even relatively low
levels of many metals can increase the risk of long-term (chronic) health
problems. Metals can buildup in the body and tend to remain there for many
years. Their effects can be very hard to detect and may not show up for
many years.
Cadmium, which was elevated both on and off-site, attacks the
kidneys and may result in kidney disease later in life. Lead also was elevated
both on and off-site. Children and the unborn are especially vulnerable
to the effects of lead. Arsenic was found in elevated levels primarily
on-site although off-site soils were also higher than the background sample.
Arsenic
affects the nervous system and also is a cancer causing agent.
Nickel and mercury were present in levels of concern only in the
on-site samples. Nickel on-site is at levels which could result in an allergic
reaction (nickel itch) in a small part of the population that is sensitive
to nickel. Mercury is widely known to be toxic to the nervous system and
is more toxic to developing organisms (such as children) than to adults.
Mercury in sediments of the Little Vermilion River could possibly enter
the food chain and accumulate in fish.
People may be exposed to these substances through ingestion (swallowing
dust or dirt, consuming contaminated food, etc.), inhalation (breathing
contaminated dust) or touching the soil. Even though metals usually are
not absorbed through the skin, a person could be exposed to the metals
if that person puts dirty hands into his/her mouth. Additional sampling
is necessary to determine the degree of hazard which might exist from years
of exposure.
Are there other possible hazards associated with the Matthiessen And
Hegeler site? In addition to the potential chemical hazard, the old Matthiessen
and Hegeler property
has
many
physical
hazards
on-site
such
as
open pits.
Because
of the known physical hazards and the potential chemical hazards, IDPH and
IEPA strongly urge people with no official business on the site to stay off
the property.
Next Steps
When will IDPH conduct
additional environmental sampling The IDPH plans to sample selected homes
in the spring of 1995. These samples will include interior dust, soils,
and
interior
and
exterior
paint.
Although
paint is not associated with the operation of Matthiessen and Hegeler,
paint can be an additional source of lead.
Will the IEPA do further work at the
site? The IEPA will send the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S.
EPA) a package
of
information
which will include the results from the December 1993 samples. The U. S.
EPA will evaluate the package and consider whether or not the Matthiessen
and Hegeler site should be placed on the National Priorities List (sometimes
called the Superfund List). If the site is placed on the Superfund List,
responsible parties (including past and present owners and operators of
the site) will be asked to conduct a thorough environmental investigation
of the site and (if necessary) cleanup or contain the contaminants associated
with the site. If responsible parties are unable or unwilling to conduct
this work, placement on the Superfund List would allow federal funds to
be used for these purposes.
For More Information: Sample results and other project information will be placed in
the LaSalle Public Library (305 Marquette Street) for public review. You
may also contact one of the following:
Kurt Neibergall, Illinois
EPA Office of Community Relations, at 217-785-3819
or Tom Williams, Illinois EPA project manager, at 815/223-1714. Their mailing
address is Illinois EPA, 1021 North Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield,
IL 62794-9276.
Steps to reduce exposure to dust and soil
Until more information is gathered about possible long-term health
risks, the Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the following
measures to reduce one's exposure to elevated metals found in the soil.
- Discourage children from placing non-food items and fingers
in their mouths, especially when outside.
- Keep children's hands and faces
regularly washed. Clean hands and face prior to eating and nap or
bedtime.
- Do not allow children to eat outdoors or on the floor.
- Discourage children from digging or playing in soil; providing
a sandbox with clean sand can reduce exposure.
- Adults should wear gloves when working in the yard or garden.
Wash hands and face before eating, drinking, or smoking.
- Prevent tracking of dirt and dust into the home. Work clothes
should be washed separately from other laundry.
- Keep the home free of
dust by regular and vigorous cleaning, using damp mopping and wiping
as well as vacuuming. Pay special attention to
areas where children regularly play, eat, and sleep.
- On windy days, close windows that face the site. Regularly
clean window wells with a damp sponge.
- If you have a garden, thoroughly wash or peel produce before
eating. Some plants (usually leafy vegetables) may absorb metals (especially
cadmium). Adding lime to the soil, or growing plants which are less
likely to absorb metals, can reduce exposure.
- Bare soil should be re-seeded or covered, particularly
if wind erosion is a problem.
- Refrain from hunting game found on or near the site.
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