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Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Summary of Sediment Testing from September 10 — November 27, 2005: Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
Test Results
November 2005
Sediment, for the purposes of the hurricane response sampling effort, is being defined as residuals deposited by receding flood waters which may include historical sediment from nearby water bodies, soil from yards, road and construction debris, and other material.
Specific summaries for sediment testing:
Biological testing
Chemical testing
Resampling
Biological testing
E. coli was detected in sediment samples but no standards exist for determining human health risks from E. coli in soil or sediment. The presence of E. coli, however, does imply the presence of fecal bacteria and exposure to sediment should therefore be limited if possible. In the event contact occurs, EPA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) strongly advise the use of soap and water, if available, to clean the exposed areas, and the removal of contaminated clothing.
More information about fecal coliform and E. coli
Chemical testing
Summary of results since September 25, 2005 (after Hurricane Rita)
Summary of results from September 10-19, 2005 (between Hurricanes Katrina and Rita)
Summary of results since September 25, 2005 (after Hurricane Rita)
Introduction
For the purpose of long-term exposure, the results of USEPA’s sediment samples are now being compared to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP) Management Option 1 Soil Standards (available at: http://www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/tabid/131/Default.aspx). LDEQ’s non-industrial RECAP Soil Standards are intended to be protective of long-term (i.e., 30-year) exposures to children and adults in a residential setting. In cases where sample results exceed LDEQ’s RECAP standards, USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps.
Results and Evaluation
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 27, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at one sampling location, and Lead, which was detected at two separate sampling locations. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 22.8 mg/Kg at the one sampling location. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the level of arsenic exceeds its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. Lead was detected at one sampling location at a concentration of 535 mg/Kg, and at a separate sampling location at a concentration of 1370 mg/Kg. Lead has a LDEQ RECAP value of 400 mg/Kg. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 26 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 25 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 24, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at one sampling location. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 20.8 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the level of arsenic exceeds its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 23, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons, which were detected at one sampling location. At this location, Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 12.8 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the level of arsenic exceeds its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons were detected at a concentration of 6660 mg/Kg, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons were detected at a concentration of 8190 mg/Kg. Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons have a LDEQ RECAP value of 650 mg/Kg, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons have a LDEQ RECAP value of 1800 mg/Kg. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 22 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 21 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 20 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 19 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 18 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 17, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons at one sampling location and Indeno[1,2,3-cd] pyrene which was detected at the same location and at four other sampling locations. Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons were detected at a concentration of 680 mg/Kg. Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons have a LDEQ RECAP value of 650 mg/Kg. Indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene levels ranged from 0.798 mg/Kg to 0.928 mg/Kg. Indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene has a LDEQ RECAP value of 0.62 mg/Kg. Although the levels of Indeno [1,2,3-cd] pyrene exceed its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 16, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at six sampling locations. The concentration of Arsenic ranged from 14.8 mg/Kg to 19.1 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the levels of arsenic at these locations exceed their RECAP value, the levels fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 15, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(k)fluoranthene which were detected at one sampling location. Benzo(a) pyrene was detected at a concentration of 411 ug/Kg and benzo(k)fluoranthene was detected at a concentration of 744 ug/Kg. LADEQ RECAP values for benzo(a) pyrene is 330 ug/Kg, and the RECAP value for benzo(k)fluoranthene is 620 ug/Kg. Although the levels of these two compounds exceed their RECAP values, the levels falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 14 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 13 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 12, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Lead, which was detected at one sampling location. Lead was detected at a concentration of 522 mg/Kg. Lead has a LDEQ RECAP value of 400 mg/Kg. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 11, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic and Dieldrin, which were detected at one sampling location. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 14.9 mg/Kg, and Dieldrin was detected at a concentration of 0.697 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg, and Dieldrin has a LDEQ RECAP value of 0.03 mg/Kg. Although the levels of Arsenic and Dieldrin exceed their respective RECAP values, the levels fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 10 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 9 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 8 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 7 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 6 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 5 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 4, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at one sampling location, and Lead which was detected at a separate sampling location. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 15.8 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the level of arsenic exceeds its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. Lead was detected at a concentration of 689 mg/Kg. Lead has a LDEQ RECAP value of 400 mg/Kg. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 3, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Chlordane and Aldrin, which were detected at one sampling location. Chlordane was detected at a concentration of 2.2 mg/Kg, and Aldrin was detected at a concentration of 0.0327 mg/Kg. Chlordane has a LDEQ RECAP value of 1.6 mg/Kg, and Aldrin has a LDEQ RECAP value of 0.028 mg/Kg. Although the level of Chlordane and Aldrin exceed their respective RECAP values, the levels fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at this location.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 2 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on November 1 were all below LDEQ RECAP values.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on October 31, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons. Arsenic was detected at one sampling location at a concentration of 24.1 mg/Kg. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the level of arsenic exceeds its RECAP value, the level falls within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. At a separate sampling location, Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons were detected at a concentration of 2200 mg/Kg, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons were detected at a concentration of 3640 mg/Kg. Diesel Range Organic hydrocarbons have a LDEQ RECAP value of 650 mg/Kg, and Oil Range Organic hydrocarbons have a LDEQ RECAP value of 1800 mg/Kg. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on October 30, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at two sampling locations. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 12.9 mg/Kg at one location, and at a concentration of 13.6 at the other sampling location. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the levels of arsenic in these two samples exceed RECAP values, they fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
Chemical concentrations detected in samples collected on October 29, 2005 were below LDEQ RECAP values with the exception of Arsenic, which was detected at two sampling locations. Arsenic was detected at a concentration of 15.4 mg/Kg at one location, and at a concentration of 12.3 at the other sampling location. Arsenic has a LDEQ RECAP value of 12 mg/Kg. Although the levels of arsenic in these two samples exceed RECAP values, they fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime from exposure to those concentrations, which USEPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ will work together to determine next steps at these locations.
The sediment samples for October 14, 2005 indicate the continued presence of petroleum. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at this level to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves, boots, and safety glasses. Polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC consider to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
The sediment sample for October 10, 2005 indicates the continued presence of petroleum. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at this level to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. PAHs and heavy metals including aluminum, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC consider to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Sediment samples for October 1, 2005 indicate the continued presence of petroleum. EPA and ATSDR/CDC believe that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including aluminum, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Sediment samples for September 30, 2005 indicate the continued presence of petroleum. Arsenic and lead were detected at levels exceeding ATSDR/CDC health guidance values. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including aluminum, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
We did not take sediment samples on September 28 or 29, 2005.
Sediment samples for September 27, 2005 indicate the continued presence of petroleum. Arsenic was detected at levels exceeding ATSDR/CDC health guidance values. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including hexavalent and trivalent chromium, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Tests results for sediment samples taken 9/26/05 indicate the continued presence of petroleum. Lead concentrations were greater than ATSDR/CDC health guidance values for three samples. EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels to emergency responders are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals including antimony, arsenic, and chromium, were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Test results for sediment samples taken September 25, 2005 indicate continued elevated concentrations of petroleum. Lead was found in all samples tested but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health . Volatile, and semivolatile organic compounds, including polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well as pesticides and heavy metals and mercury were found, but at levels below what ATSDR/CDC considers to be immediately hazardous to human health. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact. Personal protective equipment, such as gloves and safety glasses, should be worn by emergency responders.
Summary of results from September 10-19, 2005 (between Hurricanes Katrina and Rita)
EPA in coordination with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality performed chemical sampling of sediments for pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), total metals, pesticides, and total petroleum hydrocarbons. Sediment, for the purposes of the hurricane response sampling effort, is being defined as residuals deposited by receding flood waters that may include historical sediment from nearby water bodies, soil from yards, road and construction debris, and other material. EPA worked closely with the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) to determine exposure scenarios. ATSDR Minimum Risk Levels (MRLs) exist for some chemicals and levels measured were compared to MRLs when available. For hazardous substances for which there is no MRL, ATSDR/CDC developed exposure models based on current available toxicity information. MRLs are available at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/mrls.html.
Some of the semi-volatile organic compounds, such as diesel and fuel oils, were detected at elevated levels and may persist in the environment. These compounds pose a dermal or skin irritation problem if they get onto bare or broken skin. Skin contact with fuel oils for short periods may cause itchy, red, sore, or peeling skin. Breathing some fuel oils for short periods of time may cause nausea, eye irritation, increased blood pressure, headache, light-headedness, loss of appetite, poor coordination, and difficulty concentrating. Breathing diesel fuel vapors for long periods may cause kidney damage and lower the blood's ability to clot. If contact with fuel oil occurs, NIOSH recommends washing with soap and water, flushing of the eyes, removal of contaminated clothing, and immediate medical attention if ingestion of fuel oil contaminated media occurs. Additional information concerning fuel oils may be found on the ATSDR ToxFAQs for fuel oils: http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/tfacts75.html.
The levels of metals detected were below levels that would be expected to produce adverse health effects. Some samples had slightly elevated arsenic and lead levels. The level of lead detected is typical of that found in urban areas. Volatile organic compounds were detected at very low levels. VOCs are not expected to persist in sediment due to their high vapor pressures and ability to dissipate or volatilize into the air. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were also detected at levels below that which would be expected to produce adverse health effects. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals that are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil and gas, garbage, or other organic substances like tobacco or charbroiled meat and are commonly found in the environment.
EPA and ATSDR/CDC conclude that exposures at these levels during response activities are not expected to cause adverse health effects as long as the proper protective equipment is worn such as gloves and safety glasses. EPA and ATSDR/CDC recommend avoiding all contact with sediment deposited by the flood water, where possible, or washing with soap and water due to potential concerns associated with long-term skin contact.
Resampling
After Hurricane Katrina, USEPA collected sediment samples at more than 430 sites in the streets and public areas of Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines and St. Bernard Parishes. Each sediment sample was tested for fecal coliform bacteria and about 200 different chemicals including volatile organic compounds (VOC), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOC), metals, pesticides, herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH).
As expected in a densely populated urban area, a variety of chemicals were detected in the sediments. The most frequently detected chemicals included some metals, petroleum hydrocarbons, and PAHs, and to a lesser extent, pesticides. These levels are similar to the historical levels found in these parishes before Katrina and to other urban areas throughout the nation. The majority of chemicals detected were below levels of health concern. However, there were some localized areas with levels of arsenic, PAHs and diesel and oil range organics that exceeded both LDEQ Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP) and USEPA's risk criteria based on long-term (30 years) residential exposure assumptions. LDEQ and USEPA revisited approximately 145 previous sediment sample locations where contaminant concentrations exceeded LDEQ and USEPA criteria. For re-sampling to occur, the sediment depth had to exceed a depth of 1.5 cm (0.5"). Sediments of sufficient depth were found at 14 locations, and were re-sampled to determine current conditions.
The results of the resampling, conducted on November 19-20, 2005, were compared to LDEQ RECAP Standards (PDF) (5 pp, 42 K, About PDF). In Orleans Parish, 3 samples contained arsenic above the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) Risk Evaluation/Corrective Action Program (RECAP) value of 12 mg/Kg, with levels ranging from 14.4 to 17.6 mg/Kg arsenic. In addition, a number of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected. Benzo(a)pyrene was detected in 3 samples with levels ranging from 773 - 2050 ug/Kg. The RECAP value for benzo(a) pyrene is 330 ug/Kg. Benzo(a)anthracene was detected in 2 samples at levels of 886 and 2490 ug/Kg. Benzo(b)fluoranthene was detected in 2 samples at levels of 3550 and 4000 ug/Kg. Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene was detected in 6 samples with levels ranging from 1110 - 7880 ug/Kg. The RECAP value for Benzo(a)anthracene, Benzo(b)fluoranthene and Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene is 620 ug/Kg. The pesticide, Dieldrin, was detected in one sample at a concentration of 31.2 ug/Kg. The RECAP value for Dieldrin is 30 ug/Kg. Although the levels in these samples exceed RECAP values, they fall within a risk range of 1 in 1,000,000 to 1 in 10,000 risk of an individual developing cancer over a lifetime, from exposure to those concentrations, which EPA has found acceptable in other contexts. USEPA and LDEQ are working together to determine next steps.
In St. Bernard Parish, one sample contained diesel range organics above the RECAP value of 650 ppm, with a level of 2100 ppm. USEPA and LDEQ believe the diesel range organics value is associated with the Murphy Oil Spill, which is currently being addressed by the responsible party with USEPA and LDEQ oversight.