Jantzen Beach Air Testing
Portland North Harbor Air Quality
Background
In September 2015, EPA began assisting the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) in the state’s ongoing investigation of air quality concerns near Jantzen Beach and Hayden Island in north Portland, Oregon. The state’s air quality investigation was in response to chemical odor and health complaints to state and local agencies from some communities and businesses along the Columbia River.
In support of ODEQ, EPA conducted limited short term air testing in the area from September 2015 through January 2016.
Summary of Results
The tests showed no elevated pollution levels of concern on most of the 60 days of continuous air testing. On several days over the two months, tests detected intermittent elevated levels of air pollutants including odorous gases hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, and chlorine in addition to volatile organic compounds including benzene, chloroform, 1,4-dioxane, and naphthalene. Based on analysis of the test results, in consultation with toxicologists from EPA and ATSDR, the intermittent elevated pollutant levels could cause short term transient health effects, such as headaches and shortness of breath, and very unpleasant odors. These are consistent with the complaints from local residents.
The pollution levels measured were not poisonous or life threatening and are generally consistent with levels found in an urban environment. However, people with asthma or other respiratory conditions could experience increased frequency of symptoms at these levels. These tests provide a snapshot in time and could help inform future monitoring and data collection efforts by state and local agencies to determine possible sources.
The range of pollutants detected during the short term air testing could come from a number of different nearby sources including two oil re-recycling companies, Oil Re-refining Company (ORRCO) and American Petroleum Environmental Services (APES), the city sewer system, rail-to-truck fuel and chemical offloading and storage facilities, and other area industries, as well as transportation sources including car, truck and boat engines.
Read the full report:
About Hydrogen Sulfide and Other Chemicals
Hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, chlorine and volatile organic compounds are often found near facilities such as oil refineries, sewer systems, paper mills, and landfills. Hydrogen sulfide is an odorous gas with a strong smell like rotten eggs, and though harmless in small amounts, in large quantities can be harmful or even fatal.
- EPA's Integrated Risk Management System (IRIS) - Search for information about the health effects of hyrdrogen sulfide and other pollutants.
Learn More
For more information about this project, visit ODEQ Portland North Harbor Air Quality Exit