Balad Air Base Burn Pit Study Observations

Transcription

1 Balad Air Base Burn Pit Study Observations Charlie Toth, Major, USAF, PE Bioenvironmental Engineer Air Force Defense Fellow

2 Disclaimer The views expressed in this presentation are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy of the Department of Defense, Department of the Air Force, the Air Force Medical Service, or the U.S.

3 AGENDA Previous Sampling Event Sampling Plan Development Media/Sampling Devices Sampling Strategy Final Report Observations

4 Previous Sampling 25 August 06 USACHPPM Report

5 Previous Sampling 28 August 06 AFIOH Report The PM10 MEG (Military Exposure Guidelines) has been exceeded in 95% of all samples (187) taken to date. Particulate levels due to regional windblown dust, local sources (including the burn pit), and re-suspension may not be differentiable Only a small percentage of heavy metals results have exceeded the MEG, and for the most part can be attributed to naturally occurring sources related to dust exposure e.g., Manganese Due to the relatively small amount of data collected for Dioxins/Furans and PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon) and the likelihood that the burn pit is the major contributor, this characterization should be primary Locations should be chosen with the highest probability of exposure

6 Sampling Plan Development HISTORICAL: Concept started before my predecessor (Lt Col Darrin Curtis) Previous Bioenvironmental Engineer had already made contact with Center for Health Promotion and Preventive Medicine (CHPPM) Urgency to get sampling started because it was believed that the incinerators on the base would start up and the exposure data would never get collected and lost to history Predecessor started the discussion on equipment and media needed to get the sampling started December 2006 Memo Attempt to obtain construction funds (at statutory limit for real property) Issue was using funds for immediate protection vs. future health conditions

7 Sampling Plan Development Joint effort with CHPPM and AFIOH (Air Force Institute for Occupational Health) ~Several hundred tons of solid waste burned per day w/limited segregation. Attempt to remove flammables, ammunition, and bulk metal materials Bulk items: plastics, metal/aluminum cans, rubber, chemicals (such as, paints, solvents), petroleum, oil, and lubricant products, munitions, unexploded ordnance, wood waste, and incomplete combustion by-products with jet fuel (JP-8) being used as the accelerant. Goal: Quantify worst case exposures to the open burn pit Contaminant of Concern PM10 Particulates Volatile Organic Compounds Dioxins and Furans Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons Media/Sampling Device MiniVol Sampler High-Volume Particulate Sampling SUMMA Canisters PUF Sampler Resin Sampler

8 Media / Sampling Devices MiniVol SUMMA PS1

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10 Background 332 Expeditionary Medical Field Near Mortuary Affairs Group Burn Pit Guard Tower near Burn Pit Hospital H-6 Housing EMEDs Clinic CASF

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14 Final Report actual number of samples was relatively small. (of which 15% were rejected) Compared results only to MEGs Initial error with dioxin results* Subsequent air sampling will be conducted significant uncertainty about actual exposure levels and the associated health risk estimates Unknown materials being burned (DU example) Recommendation: Reduce or eliminate the open burning of plastic materials (dioxins & furans)

15 Observations No continuity in the sampling from start to finish Needed a dedicated sampling team ZERO interaction and lack of input from sampling teams for final report (i.e. diagram within the report incorrect) No further in-depth sampling The study was a snapshot This methodology and resulting estimates do not indicate an absolute measure of an individual s probability of an adverse health effect.

16 Questions? Charlie Toth, Major, USAF, PE Bioenvironmental Engineer Air Force Defense Fellow