The refinery operated from 1897 until 1970. On-
(primarily trichloroethene) in living spaces of
site operations included crude distillation, catalytic
homes overlying the site may pose a public health
hazard because of the potential
for cancer and noncancer health
steam generation. Crude oil and
effects. ATSDR's conclusion was
products were stored in on-site tanks
consistent with EPA's conclusion
at the former tank farm.
about the potential for health
Investigations for the former site
effects from exposure.
ATSDR also concluded that
contamination detected in crawl
and off-site. A contaminant plume
spaces is not likely to pose a
of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene
health hazard because exposure
and xylenes extends from the site,
in those areas is expected to be
east and south under Neodesha.
City residents do not have private
(for example, during maintenance activities).
drinking water wells. The public water supply is
However, the presence of contaminants in crawl
obtained from a surface water source.
space air indicates the potential for higher levels
Health Studies
of contaminants to enter the home. Additional
Health studies are investigations to determine the rela-
air sampling is needed to further evaluate the
tions between exposures to hazardous substances and
likelihood of this occurrence.
adverse health effects. Health studies also define health
ATSDR recommended additional air monitoring
problems that require further investigation through,
for example, health surveillance or an epidemiologic
crawl spaces enter living spaces in the homes as a
study. Following is an example of a health study or
investigation that ATSDR conducted or supported in
system changes, and other factors. On the basis of
Kansas.
this recommendation, EPA began the additional
Childhood Lead Levels--The Kansas
data collection in December 2003. Data collection
Department of Health and Environment
is ongoing. ATSDR also recommended that if
received a grant to conduct a follow-up study of
additional data confirmed the presence of indoor
childhood blood lead levels after environmental
cleanup. The purpose of the study was to evaluate
2002 samples, activities should be undertaken to
whether major intervention (soil remediation and
reduce exposure to the residents. Such activities
a community and professional health education
might include the installation of ventilation
campaign) initiated in 1991 in Galena had reduced
systems.
the mean blood lead levels of all children, thereby
Neodesha Refinery (Former Amoco Refinery)--
In January 2002, ATSDR received a letter
blood lead levels.
petitioning the agency to evaluate community
The sampling period began July 1, 2000, and
exposures to lead waste buried near the New
ended August 31, 2000. Blood samples were ob-
Beginnings building at the Neodesha Refinery
tained from 100 Galena children aged 672 months
in Neodesha. The New Beginnings building is
of age. A parent or guardian of each child involved
an on-site facility for developmentally disabled
in the study responded to questions about behav-
adults and includes a playground area. In addition,
ioral risk factors associated with blood lead levels.
community children use a nearby baseball field
Environmental sampling was conducted at 72
also on the Neodesha Refinery site. ATSDR agreed
homes. Sampling included dust wipes of window
to evaluate the public health issues associated
sills and floors and composite soil samples from
with the potential exposures to lead and other site
yards. Additional soil sampling was conducted at
chemicals in a public health consultation released
homes with a garden, with an unpaved driveway,
for public comment in October 2003.
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