4 of Phase II indicates smelting activities at C-746 (A),PGDP, from the 1950's to 1990. This Health Consultation only considers nickelsmelting from 1977 to 1986; was nickel smelted at PGDP at any other time? Thus,was the 37 million pounds smelted during that period the total amount of nickel eversmelted at PGDP?
- ATSDR, 2001 Public Health Assessment for the Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant(USDOE), May 14, 2001. (see page 38) When determining the contaminants ofconcern for the May 14, 2001 health assessment did the ATSDR review the historicalreleases from the nickel smelting and lead "recycling" operations at PGDP? (see page57-Table 11) What chemical form of nickel is considered here? (see page 68-Table15A) When the ATSDR determined off-site soil concentrations of nickel did notexceed health guidelines were they able to determine the source of that nickelcontamination? What was the source? (see page 17-Table 2) Nickel was detected in 42of 110 off-site groundwater samples. What was the source of this nickel? (see page 19)"...nickel (was) only detected downwind of the PGDP smelter and mainly up-wind ofthe TVA plant. What was the source of that nickel? (see page 65-Table 14A) Whenthe ATSDR estimated nickel posed no health problem to workers and visitors of theWKWMA did they consider the concentration of nickel in ash spread on the roadsthroughout the refuge and how nickel laden dust rises from roads when vehiclestravel them? (see page 74-Table 17A) What was the source of the nickelcontaminating the deer liver and muscle? (see page 146 #3) "...you can always ask forit to be explained in the form that is easiest for you to understand." (Thus) From1977 to 1982 how many pounds of non-radiologically contaminated nickel wasreleased from the PGDP nickel smelter stack? From 1983 to 1986 how many poundsof radiologically contaminated nickel was released from the PGDP nickel smelterstack? At the time ATSDR prepared the May 2001 Health Assessment were theyaware nickel smelting and lead "recycling" operations were conducted at PGDP? Ifso, why was the Health Consultation for nickel an addendum to that report?
- Did the ATSDR assess the emissions data from and disposal path of nickelcompounds formed during the nickel stripping evaporation (tank) process in C-400-C at PGDP?
- As part of this Health Consultation did the ATSDR review any health data formembers of the community surrounding PGDP. Non-smoking individuals in the residential community have records showing an elevated body burden for nickel.
- The Toxic Release Inventory (USEPA) data reports for nickel compounds released bythe TVA Shawnee Fossil Plant show releases to air, water, and land. For decadesnickel compounds were released via this facilities 244 m stack into the surroundingenvironment. While the height of the TVA stack facilitates the dispersion of thesepollutants away from PGDP during times of prevailing winds, the opposite occursduring a significant number of days each year. Figure 1 of this Health Consultation(Figure I-1 of this appendix) demonstrates changes in wind direction and resultingdispersion patterns. Further TRI data for TVA shows a significant level of nickelcompounds in ash generated at the Shawnee plant. Historically, this ash (cinders) wasspread on roadways in the WKWMA, dramatically increasing the levels of nickel inthe Health Consultation study area. Consequently, the nickel compounds releasedfrom the TVA facility should be included in this assessment. Additionally, while thePGDP steam plant emissions of nickel compounds are far less than those from theTVA plant, PGDP releases should not be excluded when calculating TOTALNICKEL at this locale. To date ash piles from PGDP continue to pollute the environsof the North-South Diversion Ditch and the Little Bayou Creek watershed. TOTALNICKEL from this toxic triad affects the health of the residents in the surroundingcommunity.
- Nickel particulates from TVA, PGDP, and nickel smelting could remain suspended in air for approximately one week.
- Nickel can be transported in air adsorbed to other particles.
- Nick