BEFORE THE ILLINOIS POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
R
CLERK'S
E C E
OFFICE
I V
E D
SURVEYS AND FOR COMMUNITY
)
RELATIONS ACTIVITIES PERFORMED )
IN CONJUNCTION WITH AGENCY )
NOTICES OF THREATS FROM
)
CONTAMINATION UNDER P
.A.94-134 )
NEW PART 35 ILL. ADM. CODE 1505 )
IN THE MATTER OF :
STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS
FOR POTABLE WATER WELL
TESTIMONY OF ANN MUNIZ
My name is Ann Muniz and I am a citizen who has been directly affected by
groundwater contamination and non-notification . My private well was contaminated with
trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) . Local public community wells
had been abandoned nearly ten years earlier because of the same contaminants, but because
no one was "required" to notify nearby private well owners, hundreds of households were
needlessly exposed to the contamination
. Thankfully, bills have now been passed and non-
notification should no longer be an issue. I helped initiate the community group that later
became known as the Downers Grove Citizens' Advisory Group (CAG) . I am still a board
member of the CAG . I also participated in the Right-to-Know Committee and the South
Chicago Heights/Steger project
. I am not a good public speaker, so my initial participation
was behind the scenes. Although I am still not a good speaker, my desire to make sure
another community does not endure the ordeal we went through has caused my exposure to
increase . The following is a brief summary of my story .
R06-023
(Rulemaking - Public Water)
MAY -
9 2006
Pollution
STATE OF
Control
ILLINOISBoard
In the fall of 2001, hundreds of private wells in unincorporated DuPage County
were tested by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) as a result of an
ongoing investigation to determine the extent of groundwater contamination east of
Interstate 355 . In late September and early October, hundreds of residents received a
telephone call from the IEPA and a letter from the Illinois Department of Public Health
(IDPH) that advised them to seek an alternative source of water for drinking, cooking and
bathing because their wells were contaminated with TCE and/or PCE, which exceeded the
state and federal standards . This call also advised residents to run the fan or have a
window open when bathing or showering because the volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
that were contaminating the wells become airborne when passing through the aerator on
their faucets
. The lifestyles of those affected changed instantly with that call
. Over the
next few months, hundreds of other residents received letters from IDPH
. Bottled water
sales and deliveries increased in our area as a result.
My private well was tested on September 12, 2001 . My call and letter came in late
September. (See attached exhibits) I learned that my water posed a health risk to my
family if we continued to use it in the manner to which we were accustomed
. Our lifestyle
as we knew it changed with that one telephone call-even bathing posed a health risk from
inhalation of the VOC.
At that time, my son was 13 and my daughter was 11 months
.
They had bathed in the water, drank the water and swam in the water
. I was shocked--I
had never heard of a volatile organic compound let alone trichloroethylene
. I immediately
went out and purchased bottled water . Because we were told bathing posed a risk, I began
heating bottled water to bathe my daughter in the kitchen sink
.
2
On October 11, 2001, the IEPA, DuPage County, the Agency for Toxic Substances
and Diseases Registry, the Water Quality Association of Lisle, the IDPH, and Village of
Downers Grove held a Public Availability Session to provide residents with information
regarding the contamination. (See attached exhibits) In addition to the handouts available,
some residents also learned that public community wells located nearby had the same
contaminants and were sealed in 1992 when Lake Michigan water began flowing in
DuPage County. Although the levels of contamination in the raw groundwater exceeded
the federal standards known as maximum contamination levels (mcl), the wells were
apparently never considered out of compliance because the water was "blended" with
water from other wells and the end product no longer exceeded the five parts per billion
(ppb) mcl standard. After the wells were sealed, the matter was dropped. Private well
owners in the area were never notified of the contamination.
After being informed about the contamination, separate community groups began
to form and residents began calling to see how to go about connecting to Lake Michigan
water or finding out the other alternatives available to them . Some of the residents signed
on to connect, some residents could not afford the amount of funds required to connect
right away and inquired as to other options available to them . Some residents purchased
whole house filtration systems, others were told an activated charcoal filter would remove
the VOCs, and others approached Downers Grove to ask if they could provide low interest
loans to those who could not afford to connect. Although I purchased a filter, I was part of
the latter group and met with the Village Manager . Downers Grove refused connection
loans, but offered to defer payment of the service fees . They referred us to the County
because we were not part of the Village . That is when I first became exposed to the
3
intricate politics of DuPage County and Lake Michigan water
. It is also when I began to
educate myself concerning groundwater and private wells
.
We initially faced three main obstacles in obtaining a safer water source
. One was
the lack of infrastructure (water mains) in a small area of about 54 homes
. The second
problem was that many residents could not afford the amount of immediate funds
necessary to connect to Lake Michigan water (ranging between $5,000 and $23,000)
.
Although our wells results showed contamination exceeding the 5 ppb mcl, we were told
our numbers weren't high enough for federal funding
. We were also told that the source of
the contamination was not known and the likelihood of finding the source of the
contamination was slim
. Therefore, we began seeking funding or loans on our own
. The
third problem was that many residents did not feel that annexation into an incorporated
village should be required when they controlled the only alternative source of a safe water
supply--Lake Michigan water
. We felt that a health issue existed and we had nothing to do
with our well contamination and did not appreciate forced annexation as a result of
something out of our control
.
In response to the contamination in Lisle and Downers Grove, the governor
requested that a Governor's Action Team (GAT) be formed under the direction of the
IEPA to address the groundwater contamination issues in DuPage County
. This task force
was to consist of the IEPA, the USEPA, the Illinois Attorney General's office, the States
Attorney's Office, the IDPH, state and federal elected representatives, DuPage County
representatives, and representatives from the municipalities involved
. Because individual
residents and groups continued to request information, the CAG was formed at the request
of the [EPA as a means for the GAT to interact with the communities, but through two
4
separate groups-those contaminated by Lockformer and those contaminated by sources
yet to be determined
. I attended each GAT meeting as a CAG officer, but only the first
portion of the meetings because CAG representatives were not allowed to attend the entire
meeting and were asked to leave the second portion of the meetings
. This was one of
many instances where we were not allowed to participate or even listen to the decision
making process regarding our properties and wells
. In fact, I was told by a county
employee that I elected officials to represent me and they would decide what was best for
me-that's how politics work.
Over the next several months, I attended many meetings and became somewhat
educated in DuPage County politics-not by choice, but by necessity
. I attended multiple
municipal meetings (six different villages), Water Commission meetings and DuPage
County meetings . I met with my legislators, senators, political representatives, Lisa
Madigan (who was not yet Attorney General), and even a public relations person supplied
by the County
. I learned about campaign contributions and that a simple phone call from a
well-known lobbyist to an elected official can quash the several dozen letters from
constituents . I've been slandered, misquoted and quoted out of context
. I went to
Springfield and met with politicians about the need for laws concerning water
contamination and testified about the need for notification bills
. And finally, I learned that
many local politicians would not listen to our CAG until we hired an attorney to represent
us.
I had no idea that water was such a precious commodity or that politicians and egos
had to be handled delicately .
Our first obstacle was solved when state and federal funding was given to provide
infrastructure to those residents who did not have water mains in front of their homes
5
(again, this involved a small group of approximately 54 homes on two streets) . The third
obstacle was solved when Village officials finally did not require annexation as a
prerequisite to obtain water
.
The CAG constantly requested assistance from the DuPage Water Commission and
attended every meeting for several months . Because they were not permitted to give us
loans directly, the Water Commission agreed to extend 2% loans to the municipalities, who
would in turn pass the loan on to affected residents . These loans were to be interest only
payments during the first five years and interest and principal payments for 15 years
thereafter. However, through later discussions in 2003 (again, the residents were not
allowed to participate) between the County, Downers Grove, the Water Commission, the
PRPs and the USEPA, the PRPs, the companies responsible for polluting our wells, were
given the 2% loans to finance the connections of the residents . As part of the agreement,
the PRPs insisted that an ordinance be passed requiring everyone to seal their wells and
connect to Lake Michigan water. The County obliged and the ordinance was passed
.
Again, I attended meetings to request that the County notify the residents who would be
affected. Although our CAG had reached a membership of well over 400 households at
that time, there were approximately 900 households that would be affected by the
ordinance . The County utilized the tax records to notify the residents and it was horrible
.
The letters went to the owners of record, not the occupants of the homes . Thus, some
letters went to banks, some letters went to registered agents of the home owners, some
letters went to the addresses listed for trusts, etc . A whole section of homes were missed
and I kept getting complaints from residents that they did not receive notice
. The County
6
complained that they got calls from people who said the letters did not apply to them
. I
personally received three letters because my property involves three parcels of land
.
I was connected to Lake Michigan water in October 2003, after my well pump went
bad
. In order to obtain the water, I had to sign an agreement drafted by the PRPs and
approved by the USEPA and Downers Grove
. Initially, the PRPs drafted an agreement
that prohibited any resident from suing them for any reason
. The CAG had to group
together and refuse to sign the document The document was changed, but still tried to
require the residents to give up certain rights
. We were told the entire deal might fold if
we didn't sign it as rewritten, so we had no choice
. We could not access water without
signing it, so we signed it
. Also initially, the PRPs refused to pay the service fees to
Downers Grove
. However, the connection process was completed under budget (but not
up to Code) and the companies agreed to pay the municipal service fees, again utilizing the
2% loans
. Although I was thankful to be connected to Lake Michigan water, the trip to
accomplishing this left me bitter
. Everyone was congratulating the PRPs for "stepping up
to the plate," when actually the deal benefited them legally and financially
. They got to
borrow millions of dollars at 2% interest and tried to prevent our group from filing suit for
certain damages
. I don't feel they stepped up to the plate-I believe the bottom line spoke
and they couldn't pass up the excellent deal that we handed to them on a platter
. Also, the
fanfare and back patting that took place afterwards were a farce
. All the politicians were
there to say, "Look what I did for these people!" when I believe it was the residents,
members of the CAG and various employees of agencies and organizations that forced the
issues .
7
When I was asked if I wanted to participate in the Right to Know Committee, I
jumped at the chance
. Because we were excluded from so much, I wanted to express our
perspective, frustrations, etc
. When discussing notification procedures for the South
Chicago Heights/Steger site, I relayed our experience in using tax records for notification
and gave suggestions that were offered by members of the CAG
. Many of our residents
"fell through the cracks" when tax records were used for notification, which is why we
requested utilizing another method of obtaining correct names and addresses
. Some of the
methods utilized for providing notices (postcards, door hangers, etc
.) were thrown away as
junk mail by some of our residents
. Although I understand the wording regarding
notification of occupants, I must reiterate the importance of contacting the occupants of
homes and agree with Ms
. Dinschel's prefiled testimony
. With regard to the letterhead, we
suggested the health department because of the circumstances surrounding our
contamination .
A definite lack of trust had been established by all the other
agencies/entities, but health concerns affect everyone and people are more likely to read it
.
As far as having the PRPs send out notifications, our PRPs tried to force the residents to
sign something that would have given up their rights to file suit against them
. While all
PRPs may not be so deceitful, trusting the companies believed to have contaminated your
property to do "the right thing" must be strictly monitored
.
Although I've previously made decisions and judgments that didn't affect me
personally, I have to say this ordeal has given me a new perspective
. I worry whether the
exposure to TCE and PCE will be harmful to my family, especially my children
. I don't
take everything for granted and I certainly do not believe everything I read in the
newspapers
. I don't blindly trust political officials to pass laws to protect me
. In fact, I
8
don't believe I trust any political officials except maybe two that I've dealt with
personally.
I also try to understand and educate myself regarding a situation before
passing judgment
. I now believe strongly in citizen participation and allowing citizens to
be heard
.
I have tried to remain involved through the process of getting this bill passed and
the various stages involved in doing so
. I have made comments regarding the language
and the rules
. I believe this law was long overdue and support the proposed rules .
This concludes my testimony .
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Muniz
5617 Pershing Avenue
V
Downers Grove, IL 60516-1138
(630) 663-1275
May 9, 2006
9
LIST OF EXHIBITS
I .
Notice from IEPA regarding well testing that was taped to my storm door
2.
Notice from IEPA that my well had been tested (also taped to my door)
3.
Letter from MPH regarding my well sampling results
4.
First IEPA Fact Sheet dated August 2001
5.
Notice of First Public Availability Session - October 11, 2001
6.
Letter from MPH handed out at Public Availability Session
7.
Information regarding TCE
8.
Information regarding PCE
9.
Fact Sheet from ATSDR regarding exposure
10.
Fact Sheet No. 2 from IEPA
11 .
Letter from MPH regarding lack of funding
12.
Letter from DuPage County stating federal did not require public notification
13
.
Letter from Patti Bellock regarding first notification bill
14.
First letter from County regarding connection ordinance
10
ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
1021 NORTH GRAND AVENUE EAST, P .O . Box 19276, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62794-9276
WELL HAS BEEN SAMPLED
The private well located at 5(,e-7 / e mss/
•
1
~Jh cps
(rout 2 L
The
was
analytical
sampled by
results
representatives
will be mailed
of the
to
Illinois
this address
EPA onby
the
Illinois
9 -/Department
.2 - o ~ of
Public Health
in approximately 35 days
. If you have questions feel free to phone Carol Fuller, Community
Relations Coordinator for this project, at 217/524-8807 .
GEORGE H . RYAN, GOVERNOR
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
Illinois
HealthPublic
Department
st
of
Icl Person
Street
Springfield .
Illinois
o_' , n I -0001
#90614010TH
September 28
. 2001
Edward & Anne Muniz
5617 Pershing Ave .
Downers Grove, IL 60516-1138
Dear Resident
:
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has received the laboratory results of the well water
sample collected at your home on 9/12/01 and analyzed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency .
Your water was analyzed for 34 volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
. The results of the analysis of your
water sample showed the following VOCs :
ppb = parts per billion, or microgram of chemical per liter of water
MCL = maximum contaminant level -- enforceable level established by the U
.S. Environmental
Protection Agency for public water supplies to reduce the chances of adverse health effects from
contaminated drinking water
Based on these results, we recommend that you use an alternate drinking water supply or install a water
treatment unit designed to remove VOCs . This unit should be certified by the National Sanitation
Foundation (NSF) in accordance with NSF standard number 53
.
Three chemicals, 2-butanone, acetone and methylene chloride, were detected in the laboratory blank
sample
. These chemicals are common laboratory contaminants and may be marked with a "B" on your
sample sheet
. This means that the values reported for these chemicals are likely false positives and were
not actually in your water sample
. If you have any questions or require any additional information, feel
free to contact us at 217-782-5830
.
Sincerely,
Ken Runkle
Toxicology Section
cc :
Joe Dombrowski, IEPA, IDPH West Chicago Regional Office, DuPage Co
. Health Department
Gmrgl H Runn, m,urnor
.
I,'in R Lumpkm . .1 : 11 , ; 11 :
mnr idpl, swlr il .u,
Chemical
Level Detected (in ppb)
MCL (in ppb)
trichloroethene
5 .52
5
tetrachloroethene
1 .3
5
1,1,1-trichloroethane
0.948
200
Form I - Organics Analysis Data Sheet
Downers Grove GW Invi . (ICL-129)
Page 2 of 25
Nywiri
own
I' ~IwwI% *11
r1
air12
-r
niiaiyui.ai
7
Analyte
Conc .
Q
C
Chloromethane
pg/L
0.50U
Bromornethane
pg/L
0.50U
Vinyl Chloride
pg/L
0.50U
Chloroethane
pg/L
0.50U
Methylene Chloride
pg/L
B
0.589
Acetone
pg/L
B
0.813
Carbon Disulfide
pg/L
0.50U
1,1-Dichloroethene
pg/L
0.501 .1
1,1-Dichloroethane
pg/L
0.50U
1,2-Dichloroethene (total)
pg/L
0.50U
Chloroform
pg/L
0.500
1,2-Dichloroethane
pg/L
0.50U
2-Butanone
pg/L
0.50U
1, 1, 1 -Trichloroethane
gg/L
0.948
Carbon Tetrachloride
pg/L
0.50U
Bromodichloromethane
pg/L
0.50U
1,2-Dichloropropane
pg/L
0.50U
cis-1,3-Dichloropropene
pg/L
0.50U
Trichloroethene
pg/L
5 .52
Dibromochloromethane
pg/L
0 .50U
1,1,2-Trichloroethane
pg/L
0.50U
Benzene
pg/L
0.50U
trans- l,3-Dichloropropene
pg/L
0.50U
Bromoform
pg/L
0.50U .
4-Methyl-2-pentanone
pg/L
0.50U
2-Hexanone
pg/L
0.50U
Tetrachloroethene
pg/L
1 .30
1,1,2,2-Tetracloroethane
pg/L
0.50U
Toluene
-
ug/L
0.501)
Chlorobenzene
pg/L
0.50U
Ethylbenzene
pg/L
0.50U
Styrene
pg/L
0.50U
Xylenes (total)
pg/L
0.50U
MTBE
pg/L
0.50U
IEPA Sample No .: G-416
IEPA SDG . No .
: Not Available
SITE NAME: Downers Grove GW Invt .
Lab Name
: Prairie Analytical Systems, Inc
. Batch No . : ICL-129
Matrix: Aqueous (DW)
Lab Sample ID : CRO109120600
Analytical Method No . : 524 .2 Rev . 4 .0
Lab File ID : 09190111701016
Extraction Procedure No .
: 524 .2 Rev . 4 .0 Date Received: 12 Sep 01
Solids
: 0
.0
Date Extracted : 20 Sep 01
Dilution Factorr 1
Date Analyzed : 20 Sep 01
Background
During the spring of 2001, the Illinois EPA began a groundwater investigation just east of 1-355 near
Downers Grove
. This investigation is in response to citizen concerns related to recent private well sampling
in neighboring Lisle
. Results of a few samples in Downers Grove in May showed some solvent
contamination in scattered wells
. Consequently, Illinois EPA decided to initiate a separate investigation in
Downers Grove to identify contaminated wells and potential sources
.
The
week
Groundwater
Illinois
of July
InvestigationEPA
16,
collected
2001
. The
.
samples
results
In this
from
from
first
private
theses
round of
samples
water
sampling,
wells
constitute
approximately
in unincorporated
the first
160
phase
wells,
Downers
of
in
the
threeGrove
Downersareas
duringGrovewerethe
analyzed for levels of solvent-type chemicals, known as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
.
What areas were sampled in
Area 1) Elmore and Inverness generally bound the main study area
the first round of the
on the north, Belmont on the east, 59'" Street on the south and Walnut
Downers Grove Groundwater on the west .
Investigation?
Area 2) A second area is north of Burlington between Granville and
Edwards, and generally extends about one block north and south
.
Area 3) The third area tested is bounded by 63rd
on the north, Main on
the east, 67 s' on the south and Saratoga on the west
.
What did the test results for
The larger, main area (#1) shows that some wells contain
the July sampling show?
tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and other related
VOCs
. Some wells in this area show PCE or TCE above the federal
drinking water standards .
Sample results from the two smaller areas mentioned above (#2 and
#3) were well below the drinking water standard or the chemicals of
concern were not detected .
Do you know the source of
No, we do not have enough information yet to identify the source(s) of
the contamination?
contamination
. We are conducting an area-wide investigation to
determine the nature and extent of contamination and possible
source(s) of contamination .
Illinois
Office of Community Relations
August 2001
Environmental
P.O . Box 19276
Protection Agency
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
Downers Grove Groundwater Investigation
Downers Grove, Illinois
1
Printed on Recycled Paper
What are the levels of VOCs
in the main study area?
Should well owners drink the
water?
If contamination is found in
my well, will the state force
me to change over to a public
water supply?
What adverse health effects
are related to exposure to
TCE or PCE?
How can I reduce my
exposure to TCE or PCE?
Should I install a filter system
to remove this type of
contamination?
Where can I obtain
information about connecting
to the Downers Grove water
supply?
What is the next step of the
investigation?
2
Printed on Recycled Paper
Of the approximately 100 samples in this area
(#1), 34 results were
greater than the federal drinking water standards for public water
supplies, which are five parts per billion for both PCE and TCE .
(Although these standards are not enforceable for private wells,
Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) use them
as a comparison level regarding the safety of private water wells) .
Other VOCs were detected at lower levels .
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that owners of
wells containing TCE and PCE at or greater than the standards not
use their wells as a source of drinking water .
Neither Illinois EPA nor Illinois Department of Public Health would
"force" a citizen to abandon a private well . IDPH will advise residents
of any well contamination and make recommendations about changes
in water use . Private wells are the domain of the well owner .
Exposure to levels of TCE and PCE much greater than those levels
found in Downers Grove area wells can cause nausea, dizziness or
headaches. Exposure to low levels over long periods may lead to
impaired immune system function and may increase the risk of kidney
or liver cancer or other damage
.
If your water contains TCE or PCE, you can greatly reduce your
exposure by using another source of drinking water or by using water
filtration equipment designed to remove VOCs . Since VOCs
evaporate into the air, you can reduce your exposure by running the
bathroom exhaust fan during baths and showers. Exposure to TCE or
PCE from other water uses should be very small
.
Activated carbon or activated charcoal filtration whole-house systems
effectively remove volatile organic chemicals such as PCE and TCE
.
A homeowner should look for systems that are ANSI-approved or NSF
(National Sanitation Foundation)-approved . A source of information
about water filtration systems is Water Quality Association of Lisle,
630/505-0160 at
www.wqa
.orq
Residents can obtain packets of information containing a pre-
annexation agreement and Downers Grove water distribution
specifications
. Please call Dave Conley at 630/434-5462 or pick up
the information at the Public Works Facility at 5107 Walnut.
The Illinois EPA is scheduling another round of testing of additional
wells in the Downers Grove area in mid-September
. In addition, an
investigation is ongoing to try to determine the source or sources of
the contaminants in these wells . The Illinois EPA will place notices on
residents' doors in the proposed second study area on Wednesday,
August 22, 2001 asking residents to contact the Agency if they want
their wells tested
.
For more information, you may contact
:
Printed by Authority of
the State of Illinois (Reprint)
Oct-2001
31829
250
3
Printed on Recycled Paper
Carol L. Fuller
Maggie Carson
Joe Dombrowski
Community Relations Coord .
Public Information Officer
Remedial Project Mgr.
Illinois EPA
Illinois EPA
Illinois EPA, State Sites Unit
217/524-8807
217/557-8138
217/558-2564
carol.fullera(~.epa .state .il.us
m
aggie.carsoncilepa .state . il.us
joseph .dombrowski(a.epa .state. il
.us
A
Downers Grove Township and Lisle Township Map
4
In order to give the citizens of the Downers Grove
area an opportunity to meet with state and local
officials to discuss the ongoing groundwater
investigation in your area, we are holding a
Public Availability Session
Date:
Thursday, October 11, 2001
Time:
2 Sessions - 3:00 to 5:00
p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p .m.
Location:
Downers Grove Public Works Building, 5101
Walnut Avenue
(This is in the far western portion of Downers Grove, near 1-355)
Participants :
Agency for Toxic Substances & Diseases Registry
Village of Downers Grove
DuPage County
Illinois Department of Public Health
Illinois EPA
Water Quality Association of Lisle
Format:
Sessions will be an open house format, without formal presentations
. Citizens
may meet with representatives of each organization one-on-one, during either
session and discuss issues of concern
. The facility is handicap accessible .
History:
In recent months, the Illinois EPA has been sampling water from private wells
in the area for evidence
of
volatile organic compounds . These findings brought
investigators to southwest Downers Grove
. The primary goal of the current
sampling efforts is to discover which residential wells are contaminated, the
extent of contamination and possible sources of contamination .
Contacts:
For additional information, please call or email:
Community
Illinois
Carol Fuller
EPA
Relations
:
Coord
.
Water
Downers
Dave ConleyDept
Grove
. Manager
.
Chief
Brad
DuPage
JordanWater
County
Operator
:
217/524-8807
Carol . Fullc i epa.statc.il.us
dconley(
630/434-5472
tPvil .downcrs .trovc.ir.u s
630/964-7207
bjordan(!) DuPagc.com
Illinois
Department of
Public
~lealth
GeorgeH . Raan, Gmtmor • john R. Lumpkm_S ; .D., t! PH . Dirrclor
525-535 West Jefferson Street
Springfield, Illinois
ti''-'oI-0001
October 11, 2001
Dear Downers Grove Area Resident:
As the State of Illinois continues its investigation of groundwater in your area, we have prepared
information to help answer health-related questions about the contaminants being found
. After the
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) collects your well sample and the
laboratory tests your water, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) will receive a copy of
your results . IDPH will send you a letter that explains your results .
The two main contaminants are trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) . TCE and
PCE are part of a group of solvents known as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
. Attached are fact
sheets that explain the health effects of exposure to TCE and PCE . Health effects depend on
:
•
the amount to which you are exposed
•
how long you are exposed
•
how frequently you are exposed
The U.S . Environmental Protection Agency has established maximum contaminant levels (MCLs)
for public water supplies
. MCLs are designed to be protective of public health for long-term
exposure and are below levels for which adverse health effects have been seen in people . IDPH
uses MCLs for comparison to protect private well users from possible adverse health effects from
long-term exposure to water with low levels of contamination.
If your well test result shows no contamination, you are not being exposed and we will not
recommend any changes in your water use
. If contamination is present, reducing your exposure is
the best way to reduce the risk of adverse health effects
. The main way to reduce your exposure is
to use another source of drinking water
. VOCs can enter the air mainly during showering and
bathing. Another way to reduce your exposure is to use an exhaust fan or open a window during
showering and bathing .
If you have any health-related questions,
please call our staff at 217-782-5830 . If you have
questions about sampling or the overall investigation, please contact Carol Fuller at Illinois EPA at
217-524-8807 .
Ken Runkle
Environmental Health Specialist
Pnnlnl nn Re, uiled Ilgrr
www idph sialrd.a
s
=TDR
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
CAS # 79-01-6
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry 'I'oxF,%Qs
September 1997
This fact sheet answers the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about trichloroethylene
. For
more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737
. This fact sheet is one in a series
of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects
. This information is important because
this substance may harm you
. The effects of
exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose, the
duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and habits, and whether other chemicals are present
.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Trichloroethylene is a colorless liquid which is used as a solvent for
cleaning metal parts
. Drinking or breathing high levels of trichloroethylene may
cause nervous system effects, liver and lung damage, abnormal heartbeat, coma, and
possibly death
. Trichloroethylenehas been found in
at least 852 of the 1,430 National
Priorities List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
.
What is trichloroethylene?
(Pronounced tri-klorrb-eth/a-len')
Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a nonflammable, colorless
liquid with a somewhat sweet odor and a sweet, burning taste
.
It is used mainly as a solvent to remove grease from metal
parts, but it is also an ingredient in adhesives, paint removers,
typewriter correction fluids, and spot removers
.
Trichloroethylene is not thought to occur naturally in the
environment
. However, it has been found in underground
water sources and many surface waters as a result of the manu-
facture, use, and disposal of the chemical
.
What happens to trichloroethylene when it
enters the environment?
13
remain
Trichloroethylene
in ground
dissolves
water for
a
a
little
long timein
water,
.
but it can
•
Trichloroethylene
so it is commonly found
quickly
as
evaporates
a vapor in the
from
airsurface
.
water,
•
Trichloroethylene
a
from
long
surface
time.
water,
evaporates
It may stick
less
to
easily
particles
from
and
the
remain
soil thanfor
•
Trichloroethylene
will cause it to eventually
may stick
settle
to particles
to the
in
bottom
water,
sedimentwhich
.
•
Trichloroethylene
plants and animalsdoes
.
not build up significantly in
How might I be exposed to trichloroethylene?
•
Breathing air in and around the home which has been
typewriter
water
contaminated
or household
correction
with trichloroethylene
products
fluid .
such as spot
vapors
removers
from showerand
•
contaminated
Drinking, swimming,
with trichloroethyleneor
showering in
.
water that has been
•
such
Contact
as near
with
a
soil
hazardous
contaminated
waste sitewith
.
trichloroethylene,
•
Contact with the skin or breathing contaminated air while
wash
manufacturing
paint or
trichloroethylene
grease from skin
or
or
using
equipmentit
at
.
work to
How can trichloroethylene affect
my health?
Breathing small amounts may cause headaches, lung
irritation, dizziness, poor coordination, and difficulty concen-
trating .
Breathing large amounts of trichloroethylene may cause
impaired heart function, unconsciousness, and death
. Breath-
ing it for long periods may cause nerve, kidney, and liver dam-
age.
Drinking large amounts of trichloroethylene may cause
nausea, liver damage, unconsciousness, impaired heart func-
tion, or death .
U.S
. DEPARTMENT OF IIEA1111 AND IIUMLAN SERVICES, Public Health Service
Agency Ibr Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
Page 2
TRICHLOROETHYLENE
CAS # 79-01-6
TotF\Qs Internet address xia %%WW is ht( p
:/hvtvty.atsdr.cdc.'gov/toxfaq .html
Drinking small amounts of trichloroethylene for long
periods may cause liver and kidney damage, impaired immune
system function, and impaired fetal development in pregnant
women, although the extent of some of these effects is not yet
clear.
Skin contact with trichloroethylene for short periods may
cause skin rashes .
How likely is trichloroethylene to cause cancer?
Some studies with mice and rats have suggested that high
levels of trichloroethylene may cause liver or lung cancer .
Some studies of people exposed over long periods to high
levels of trichloroethylene in drinking water or in workplace
air have found evidence of increased cancer . However, these
results are inconclusive because the cancer could have been
caused by other chemicals .
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
has determined that trichlon, ethylene is not classifiable . s to
human carcinogenicity.
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been
exposed to trichloroethylene?
If you have recently been exposed to trichloroethylene, it
can be detected in your breath, blood, or urine . The breath test,
if it is performed soon after exposure, can tell if you have been
exposed to even a small amount of trichloroethylene .
Exposure to larger amounts is assessed by blood and urine
tests, which can detect trichloroethylene and many of its
breakdown products for up to a week after exposure . However,
exposure to other similar chemicals can produce the same
breakdown products, so their detection is not absolute proof of
exposure to trichloroethylene . This test isn't available at most
doctors' offices, but can be done at special laboratories that
have the right equipment
.
Has the federal government made
recommendations to protect human health?
The EPA has set a maximum contaminant level for trichlo-
roethylene in drinking water at 0 .005 milligrams per liter
(0.005 mg/L) or 5 parts ofTCE per billion parts water .
The EPA has also developed regulations for the handling
and disposal of trichloroethylene .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has set an exposure limit of 100 parts of trichloroeth-
ylene per million parts of air (100 ppm) for an 8-hour workday,
40-hour workweek .
Glossary
Carcinogenicity : The ability of a substance to cause cancer .
CAS : Chemical Abstracts Service .
Evaporate
: To change into a vapor or gas .
Milligram ;mg) : One thousandth of a gram .
Nonflammable : Will not bum
.
ppm : Parts per million .
Sedimentbody :
of
Mud
waterand .
debris that have settled to the bottom of a
Solvent
: A chemical that dissolves other substances .
Source of Information
This ToxFAQs information is taken from the 1997 Toxico-
logical Profile for Trichloroethylene (update) produced by the
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public
Health Service, U . S. Department of Health and Human Ser-
vices, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA
.
Animal testing is sometimes necessary to find out how
toxic substances might harm people and how to treat people
who have been exposed.
Laws today protect the welfare of
research animals and scientists must follow strict guidelines .
Where can I get more information?
For more information, contact the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease
where
Registry,
FAX:
to
404-639-6359find
Division
occupational
of
. ToxFAQs
Toxicology,
and
Internet
environmental
1600
address
Clifton
health
via
Road
clinicsW
NE,W
W
Mailstop
is
. Their
http ://wwwspecialists
E-29,
.atsdrAtlanta,
.cdccan
recognize,
.gov/toxfaqGA
30333evaluate,
.httn
. Phonel
ATSDR
and
:
1-888-422-8737,treat
can
illnessestell
you
resulting from exposure to hazardous substances . You can also contact your community or state health or environmental
quality department if you have any more questions or concerns
.
Federal Itri,~cling I'rolp :uu
l'rinled nn Rcgdcd Paper
TS D R
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
CAS # 127-18-4
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry ToxFAQs
September 1997
This fact sheet answers
the most frequently asked health questions (FAQs) about tetrachloroethylene
. For
more information, call the ATSDR Information Center at 1-888-422-8737 . This fact sheet is one in a series
of summaries about hazardous substances and their health effects . It's important you understand this information
because this substance may harm you. The effects of exposure to any hazardous substance depend on the dose,
the duration, how you are exposed, personal traits and
habits, and whether other chemicals are present .
HIGHLIGHTS : Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical used for dry
cleaning and metal degreasing . Exposure to very high concentrations of
tetrachloroethylene can cause dizziness, headaches, sleepiness, confusion, nausea,
difficulty in speaking and walking, unconsciousness, and death .
Tetrachloroethylene has been found in at least 771 of the 1,430 National Priorities
List sites identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
What is tetrac :aoroathy ene?
(Pronounced tet'ra-klOrt a-eth)a-len')
Tetrachloroethylene is a manufactured chemical that is
widely used for dry cleaning of fabrics and for metal-degreas-
ing
. It is also used to make other chemicals and is used in
some consumer products .
Other names for tetrachloroethylene include perchloroet-
hylene, PCE, and tetrachloroethene . It is a nonflammable
liquid at room temperature . It evaporates easily into the air
and has a sharp, sweet odor . Most people can smell tetra-
chioroethylene when it is present in the air at a level of I part
tetrachloroethylene per million parts of air (I ppm) or more,
although some can smell it at even lower levels.
What happens to tetrachloroethylene when
it
enters the environment?
•
soil
Much
evaporates
of the tetrachloroethylene
into the air.
that gets into water or
•
Microorganisms can break down some of the tetrachloro-
ethylene in soil or underground water .
•
cals
In the
or
air,
brought
it is
back
broken
to the
down
soil
by
and
sunlight
water
into
by rainother
.
chemi-
•
ft
live
does
in waternot
appear
.
to collect in fish or other animals that
How might I be exposed to tetrachloroethylene?
•
When you bring clothes from the dry cleaners, they will
release small amounts of tetrachloroethylene into the air .
•
When you drink water containing tetrachloroethylene,
you are exposed to it
.
How can tetrachloroethylene affect my health?
High concentrations of tetrachloroethylene (particularly
in closed, poorly ventilated areas) can cause dizziness, head-
ache, sleepiness, confusion, nausea, difficulty in speaking and
walking, unconsciousness, and death .
Irritation may result from repeated or extended skin con-
tact with it . These symptoms occur almost entirely in work (or
hobby) environments when people have been accidentally
exposed to high concentrations or have intentionally used
tetrachloroethylene to get a "high."
In industry, most workers are exposed to levels lower than
those causing obvious nervous system effects. The health
effects of breathing in air or drinking water with low levels of
tetrachloroethylene are not known .
Results from some studies suggest that women who work
in dry cleaning industries where exposures to tetrachloroethyl-
I
U.S. DEP.ARTVIENl OF IIEAI ;III AND IIUJIAF SERVICES, Public Ilcalrh Service
Agency for ii, is Substances and Disease Registry
Page 2
TETRACHLOROETHYLENE
CAS # 127-18-4
Toxl •:
1Qs Internet home page via WWW is http :/hcwrw .atsdr.cdcgov/toxfaq .htrnl
ene can be quite high may have more menstrual problems and
spontaneous abortions than women who are not exposed .
However, it is not known if tetrachloroethylene was respon-
sible for these problems because other possible causes were
not considered .
Results of animal studies, conducted with amounts much
higher than those that most people are exposed to, show that
tetrachloroethylene can cause liver and kidney damage . Ex-
posure to %cry high levels of tetrachloroethylene can be toxic
to the unborn pups of pregnant rats and mice . Changes in
behavior were observed in the offspring of rats that breathed
high levels of the chemical while they were pregnant .
How likely is tetrachloroethylene to cause
cancer?
The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Sas determined that tetracl' .o•oethvlene may reasonably be
anticipctcd to he a catcLH ;en . Tetrachloroethylene h: s been
shown to cause liver tumors in mice and kidney tumors ; n
male rats .
Is there a medical test to show whether I've been
exposed to tetrachloroethylene?
One way of testing for tetrachloroethylene exposure is to
measure the amount of the chemical in the breath, much the
same way breath-alcohol measurements are used to determine
the amount of alcohol in the blood .
Because it is stored in the body's fat and slowly released
into the bloodstream, tetrachloroethylene can be detected in
the breath for weeks following a heavy exposure .
Tetrachl oroethy lcne and trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a
breakdown product of tetrachloroethylene, can be detected in
the blood . These tests are relatively simple to perform . These
tests aren't available at most doctors' offices, but can be per-
formed at special laboratories that have the right equipment .
Because exposure to other chemicals can produce the
same breakdown products in the urine and blood, the tests for
breakdown products cannot determine if you have been ex-
posed to tetrachloroethylene or the other chemicals
.
Has the federal government made
recommendations to protect human health?
The EPA maximum contaminant level for the amount of
tetrachloroethylene that can be in drinking water is 0 .005 mil-
ligrams tetrachloroethylene per liter of water (0.005 mg/L) .
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA) has seta limit of 100 ppm for an 8-hour workday over
a 40-hour workweek
.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
(NIOSH) recommends that tetrachloroethylene be handled as a
potential carcinogen and recommends that levels in workplace
air sir:' old be as low as possible
Glossary
Carcinogen : A substance with the ability to cause cancer
.
CAS : Chemical Abstracts Service
.
Milligram (mg) : One thousandth of a gram .
Nonflammable : Will not bum
.
Source of Information
This ToxFAQs information is taken from the 1997 Toxico-
logical Profile for Tetrachloroethylene (update) produced by
the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, Public
Health Service, U
.S . Department of Health and Human Ser-
vices, Public Health Service in Atlanta, GA .
Animal testing is sometimes necessary to find out how
toxic substances might harm people and how to treat people
who have been exposed.
Laws today protect the welfare of
research animals and scientists must follow strict guidelines .
I
Where can I get more
information? For more information, contact the Agency for Toxic Substances
and
Disease Registry. Division of Toxicology, 1600 Clifton Road NE, Mailstop E-29, Atlanta, GA 30333
. Phone
: l-
888-422-8737, FAX : 404-639-6359 . ToxFAQs Internet address via WWW is
h ttp ://www.atsdr.cdc .gov/toxfaq
.htm
l
ATSDR can tell you where to find occupational and environmental health clinics
. Their specialists can recognize,
evaluate . and treat illnesses resulting from exposure to hazardous
substances . You can also contact your community
or state health or environmental quality department if you have any more
questions or concerns .
federal Recyclinl, l'rograin
*
Printed oil Ree\ded Paper
ATSDR
AGENCY FOR TOXIC SUBSTANCES
AND DISEASE REGISTRY
Exposure
ATSDR is the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry .
We are a federal health agency in Atlanta, Georgia . ATSDR gives
people information about harmful chemicals in their environment and
tells people how to protect themselves from being "exposed ;' or
coming into contact with chemicals .
This Fact Sheet answers questions about
chemical
exposures .
What is exposure?
"Exposure" means that you have come into contact with a chemical .
and it has gotten into your body .
How can an exposure happen?
For a chemical exposure to happen . there has to he a
place where the chemical comes from . This place is
called a source.
A source could he a landfill, pond.
creek. incinerator. tank, drum. or factory . There are
many different sources of chemicals
.
You could cone into contact with a chemical at its
source . Or. the chemical could move from its source to a
place where you could come into contact with it .
Chemicals can move through air, water, and soil
. They
can also he on plants or animals, and get into the foods
we eat
. The chemical has to get into your body to make
you sick, or to have an effect on your health .
But if you are not
exposed to a chemical,
it won't make you sick .
How does a chemical get into your body?
If you are exposed
. there are three ways a chemical could get into your body . These are :
hrcathing air that has
eatingordrinkina
touchingsontething
the chemical in it
.
something with the
that has the chemical in
chemical in or on it .
or on it .
If you are exposed to a chemical,
will you get sick?
Thu depends on a lot of tactors about the exposure .
•
It depends on the way the chemical got into your body
.
•
li also depends on ho" much of the chemical got into your body
. Sometimes . a small
amount
of
a chemical could make you sick . Other times . you would not set sick from an
exposure unless % ou %% ere exposed to a large amount of the chemical .
Factor , tll:u pla' a part In ~~ hetlet-
you will get sick from a chemical exposure are :
•
thetypeolchertuc.I :
•
the amount I ho~l much of a chemical a person was exposed to)
:
•
the duration Hum long the exposure was)
: and
•
the frequency I
host many times the person was exposed) .
Also. people respond to chemicals in different ways
. Some people may be exposed to a chemical,
hut ma not _et sick .
Other people n1a~ he more sensitive to a chemical, and get sick from an exposure
. (Forexample. children
can he more sensiti\ e to chemicals and may get sick more easily than adults
.)
And some sicknesses t\ ould he caused only if you were exposed to a chemical for a long time
.
But if you are not exposed
to a chemical,
it won't make you sick .
If you have questions, or would like more information, call the
ATSDR Information Center at
: 1-888-42-ATSDR, that is,
1-888-422-8737 . Or visit our website at "http ://atsdrl
.atsdr.cdc .gov:8080 ."
Revised 1-99
Fact Sheet #2
What areas of unincorporated
Downers Grove did Illinois
EPA sample In September
(Round 2)?
What areas were sampled in
July (Round 1) of the
Downers Grove Groundwater
1n vesagatlon?
What did the test results for
the most recent sampling
show?
Illinois
Office of Community Relations
October 2001
Environmental
P.O. Box 19276
Protection Agency
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276
Downers Grove Groundwater Investigation
Downers Grove, Illinois
Results of Round 2 Well Testing
Background
Illinois EPA continues to investigate groundwater contamination in the areas of unincorporated Downers
Grove . During the week of September 10-13, Illinois EPA sample teams took 169 more private well
samples . The samples were taken primarily in an area south of Maple Street and east of Belmont with
a few
samples north of Maple and some west of Belmont
. See Area 4 (the new sampling area) and Area 1 on the
attached map .
During the spring of 2001, the Illinois EPA began a groundwater investigation just east of 1-355 near
Downers Grove . This investigation is in response to citizen concerns related to recent private well
sampling
in neighboring Lisle. Results of a few samples in Downers Grove in May showed some solvent
contamination in scattered wells . Consequently, Illinois EPA decided to initiate a separate investigation in
Downers Grove to identify contaminated wells and potential sources.
The Illinois EPA collected samples from private water wells in unincorporated Downers Grove during the
week of July 16, 2001 . The results from theses samples constituted the first phase of the Downers Grove
Groundwater Investigation . In this first round of sampling, approximately 160 wells, in three areas, were
analyzed for levels of solvent-type chemicals, known as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) .
During the week of September 10-13, 169 well samples were taken,
primarily in the new Area 4 on the attached map (south of Maple and
east of Belmont) . Some samples were taken north of Maple and
some in Area 1 west of Belmont .
Area 1) Elmore and Inverness enerally bound this study area on the
north, Belmont on the east, 59P Street on the south and Walnut on the
west.
Area 2) A second area is north of Burlington between Granville and
Edwards, and generally extends about one block north and south
.
Area 3) The third area tested is bounded by 63`' on the north, Main on
the east, 67th
on the south and Saratoga on the west
.
The larger area, Area (#4), shows that many wells contain
tetrachloroethylene (PCE), trichloroethylene (TCE) and other related
VOCs. Sixty percent of the wells in this area show PCE or TCE
contamination above the federal drinking water standards .
1
Printed on Recycled Paper
Is the investigation in
Downers Grove related to the
ongoing investigation in
Lisle?
Do you know the source of
the contamination?
What are the levels of VOCs
in the main study area?
Should well owners drink the
water?
If contamination is found in
my well, will the state force
me to change over to a public
water supply?
What adverse health effects
are related to exposure to
TCE or PCE?
The Illinois EPA is approaching the groundwater investigation in
Downers Grove as a separate investigation . We have no information
so far to connect it to groundwater contamination in Lisle . The results
of two rounds of sampling in Downers Grove (July and Sept . 2001)
show the presence of up to five chemicals, rather than primarily one
chemical, trichloroethylene (TCE), found in the Lisle study
.
No, we do not have enough information yet to identify the source(s) of
contamination . We are conducting an area-wide investigation to
determine the nature and extent of contamination and possible
source(s) of contamination . Illinois EPA is investigating possible
sources of contamination both by physically sampling the groundwater
and by performing records searches and interviews with local
businesses. We have sent information request letters to many local
businesses.
Of the approximately 270 samples in the main study areas (Areas #1
and #4) 140 results were greater than the federal drinking water
standards for public water supplies - five parts per billion for both PCE
and TCE . Other VOCs were detected at lower levels . (Although
these standards are not enforceable for private wells, Illinois EPA and
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) use them as a comparison
level regarding the safety of private water wells) .
The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends that owners of
wells containing TCE and PCE at or greater than the standards find
an alternative source of drinking water .
Neither Illinois EPA nor Illinois Department of Public Health would
"force" a citizen to abandon a private well . IDPH will advise residents
of any well contamination and make recommendations about changes
in water use . Private wells are the domain of the well owner.
Exposure to levels of TCE and PCE much greater than those levels
found in Downers Grove area wells can cause nausea, dizziness or
headaches
. Exposure to low levels over long periods may lead to
impaired immune system function and may increase the risk of kidney
or liver cancer or other damage
.
There is an updated "Trichloroethylene Health Risk Assessment" by
U .S. EPA that is now out for public comment
. This draft assessment
is available on the Internet at http ://www.epa.gov/nce a. You may also
phone the National Center for Environmental Assessment (NCEA's)
Technical Information Staff at 202/564-3261 or fax a request for the
assessment to 202/565-0050
2
Printed on Recycled Paper
How can I reduce my
exposure to TCE or PCE?
Should I install a filter system
to remove this type of
contamination?
Where can I obtain
information about connecting
to the Downers Grove water
supply?
What is the next step of the
investigation?
Where can I get more
information on TCE and
PCE?
If your water contains TCE or PCE, you can greatly reduce your
exposure by using another source of drinking water or by using water
filtration equipment designed to remove VOCs . Since VOCs
evaporate into the air, you can reduce your inhalation exposure by
running the bathroom exhaust fan during baths and showers .
Exposure to TCE or PCE from other water uses should be very small .
Activated carbon or activated charcoal treatment units (whole-house)
effectively remove volatile organic chemicals such as PCE and TCE
.
A homeowner should look for systems that are ANSI-approved or NSF
(National Sanitation Foundation)-approved . A source of information
about water filtration systems is Water Quality Association of Lisle,
630/505-0160 at www.wga .orq
Residents can obtain packets of information containing a pre-
annexation agreement and distribution specifications from the Village
of Downers Grove . Please call Dave Conley at 630/434-5462 or pick
up the information at the Public Works Facility at 5101 Walnut
.
The Illinois EPA is scheduling another round of testing of additional
wells in the Downers Grove area in mid-October
. Teams will be
taking samples during the dates of 10/16-18 and 10/23-25
. In
addition, an investigation is ongoing to try to determine the source or
sources of the contaminants in these wells .
The U.S. Agency for Toxic Substances and Diseases Registry
(ATSDR) has an excellent series of fact sheets on a wide range of
chemicals available via their website on the Internet
. There is also a
TCE National Exposure Registry under the "Measuring Health Effects"
section
. TCE and PCE fact sheets are available at
www .atsdrl .atsdr.cdc.gov:8080/ToxFAQ .html. Those without ready
access to the Internet may request copies from the DuPage County
Health Department or Illinois EPA
. In addition, the Illinois Department
of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health, is a good source of
information about potential health effects from exposures to TCE and
PCE. Their phone number is 217/782-5830
.
For more information, you may contact
:
Other Fact Sheets by the Office of Community Relations, including Fact Sheet #1 for this site,
are available
on the Illinois EPA web site www.epa
.state.il.us
3
Printed on Recycled Paper
Carol L. Fuller
Maggie Carson
Joe Dombrowski
Community Relations Coord .
Public Information Officer
Remedial Project Mgr .
Illinois EPA
Illinois EPA
Illinois EPA, State Sites Unit
217/524-8807
217/557-8138
217/558-2564
carol .fuIler(hepa.state . il .u s
maggie .carson(a)epa.state
. il.us
ioseph .dombrowskic epa.state.il.us
Downers Grove Township and Lisle Township Map
Illinois Department of
HealthPublic
5-
; 5
lT e, t
r l t e r s o n
S t r e e t
•
S p r i n g f i e I d
11
December 19. 2001
Ms
. Catherine Linden
2150 59' Street
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Dear Ms . Linden :
This is in response to your letter of December 2, 2001 and the letter of December 6, 2001 signed by you,
Ms. Liz Chaplin, Mr
. Larry Napierkowski, Ms. Ann Muniz and Ms. Carolyn Mitrius concerning private wells
contaminated with tetrachloroethylene (PCE) and trichioroethylene (TCE), in unincorporated Downers Grove
.
This Department was not aware of the contamination in Downers Grove until June 2001 when the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) laboratory results of private well sampling revealed elevated levels of
TCE and PCE
. Since then, we have assisted with sampling wells in the area, sent letters to affected residents, and
answered questions at public availability sessions held in October 2001 .
Unfortunately, there are no funds available at this time either through the DuPage County Health
Department or the Illinois Department of Public Health to assist with connection of residences to the community
water system
. Under certain circumstances, funds may be available through IEPA
. I will forward a copy of your
letter and this response to EPA along with a copy of the petitions from homeowners requesting financial assistance
to connect to the Downers Grove water supply . You may contact them at Illinois Environmental Protection
Agency, Division of Public Water Supplies, Groundwater Section, 1021 N
. Grand Avenue E ., P.O. 19276,
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9276, telephone 217-785-8653 . Recently, the U .S
. Environmental Protection Agency
joined the investigation into the source of groundwater contamination in Downers Grove
. You may also wish to
contact them at 800-621-8431 with regard to possible financial assistance
.
Treatment of your private water supply system may be an alternative solution for you . PCE and TCE are
classified as volatile organic chemicals (VOCs)
. Water containing these chemicals above the maximum
contaminant levels can be treated to render it safe to drink by means of an activated carbon filter . It is
recommended that activated carbon filtration treatment systems meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF)
Standard 53
. Meeting this standard means that the filter has been tested to assure its capability of removing VOCs
.
NSF-approved systems contain the NSF seal for easy identification
.
We regret that this Department is unable to offer financial assistance to you and the other residents
affected
. If you have any additional comments or questions, please contact our Division of Environmental Health
for additional information and assistance at 217-782-5830
.
-00 0 i
cc:
Liz Chaplin
Larry Napierk9wski
Ann Muniz 1/
Carolyn Mitrius
USEPA Region 5
DuPage County Health Department
Illinois EPA
IDPH West Chicago Regional Office
Sincerely,
Janet R. Stone
Acting Deputy Director
Office of Health Protection
ROBERT J
. SCHILLERSTROM
COUNTY BOARD CHAIRMAN
(630) 682-7282
January 29, 2002
Ms. Ann Muniz
5617 Pershing Ave.
Downers Grove IL 60516
Dear Ann :
On behalf of DuPage County government, I am responding to your letter regarding Downers
Grove Gardens Private Well Contamination .
As Chairman of the DuPage County Board, I share your concern over this issue and pledge my
commitment towards remedying this situation
. I have recently appointed a new Chairman of the
DuPage Water Commission, Michael Vondra, and he will be charged with working to assure that
every citizen has clean, safe and affordable water.
The challenges presented concerning the
private wells in Downers Grove is a priority in my office and will remain so until a resolution is
found .
The situation is additionally complicated because the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
(IEPA) has the lead responsibility for screening public water supplies
. Multiple other
jurisdictions and agencies are also involved, on the federal, state and local levels .
But no matter what agency may have the ultimate responsibility for this situation, I pledge to you
that the DuPage County Board along with the DuPage Water Commission will accept the
responsibility for investigating the problem and for working tirelessly to resolve this issue, not
only on behalf of the residents of Downers Grove Gardens but for all DuPage citizens .
I share your frustration with the difficulty and expense of connecting to the Village's water
supply. I am directing the DuPage Water Commission to review these procedures and to
immediately revise any and all policies that serve as obstacles to clean, safe and affordable water
for any of our citizens .
DuPage County
DU PAGE CENTER
•
421 N. COUNTY FARM ROAD
•
WHEATON, IL 60187
Five questions were posed in the original petition letter . I would like to respond to those
questions and to open the door for continuing dialogue on this subject.
I-Why were the well owners not informed of the contamination?
Federal law that governs public water supplies does not require public notification
. The Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) under federal law has the responsibility for screening
community (public) water supplies
.
We have determined that the IEPA referred this investigation to their Bureau of Land
. The
Bureau of Land's follow-up investigation into the Downers Grove wells showed that TCE was
not always present at a level in violation of federal standards according to IEPA spokeswoman
Maggie Carson
. According to Carson, the state did not find a source and since the village was in
the process of linking the wells to Lake Michigan, there was no further investigation .
Though several well site survey reports on the water contamination were published by the IEPA,
these reports were never given to DuPage County .
I have directed Leland Lewis, Executive Director of DuPage County Health Department, to
obtain copies of those reports from the IEPA immediately
. Furthermore, I am requesting that the
IEPA institute a fundamental change in their policy and inform all jurisdictions when
contamination that could endanger the public health is found
.
2-If the contaminants were found over ten years ago, has the investigation been on-going since?
DuPage County is only aware of the current investigation being conducted by the IEPA
regarding VOCs in Downers Grove
. However we are requesting back-up information with dates
from the IEPA so that we best understand the scope of this problem .
3-Why doesn't anyone inform current and potential homeowners of the history of contamination
in nearby wells?
The unfortunate reality is that the Federal law does not require public notification on the issue of
contamination
. The IEPA acknowledged there was not any probe or public notice provided
about the previous contaminated public wells
. DuPage County believes that the issue of public
notice is critical to our ability to provide service to our citizens
. As I said we are requesting a
change in this policy from the IEPA .
4-Why do our wells continue to be certified as safe?
The County does not certify the wells as safe
. In compliance with the rules of the Illinois
Department of Public Health, the DuPage Health Department performs tests
only for private
water wells . Under these rules private water wells are
o tested for coliform bacteria and
nitrates
. A test for coliform bacteria is an indicator if the groundwater contains bacterial
contaminates
; a test for nitrates is an indicator for chemical contamination
. If a water supply
meets the minimum requirements of these two tests as established by the State of Illinois, it is
accepted in Illinois as meeting the minimum drinking water standards
. These tests are the
accepted standard for potable drinking water . Other possible contaminates are not analyzed by
the Health Department. I agree there has been a problem with communication in the past
.
However, over the last few years we have worked with the Health Department and the State's
Attorney's Office and have revised our county water testing form to explain what is actually
being tested
. In addition, we have created another form to identify potential areas of testing .
5-Why didn't the Health Department inform private well owners that their labs were not
equipped to test for other contaminants in the ground water?
The DuPage County Health Department Water Sample Report Form specifically indicates what
the water sample has been tested for in total compliance with the rules, which are coliform
bacteria and nitrates. It does not state what was
not tested from the sample . The DuPage
County Health Department laboratory provides no other water tests
.
That form is currently being changed and private well owners will be informed of contaminants
that were not tested . Additionally, owners will be given information about other agencies and
organizations that can perform further testing .
I hope t answers some of your questions
. I know that this is a difficult, complex and
frighte
ssue. I also know that changing government procedures takes time
. But I am fully
co
to resolving this critical issue with all deliberate speed .
Ro
Schillerstrom
Ch
D
County Board
566LL
District Office
I South Cass, 2' Floor
Westmont, Illinois 60559
(630) 852-8633
Fax (630) 852-6530
May 10, 2002
Ms . Ann Muniz
5617 Pershing Avenue
Downers Grove, IL 60516
Dear Ann,
Thank you for your recent correspondence
. I assure you that I am continuing to work on
behalf of residents of unincorporated DuPage County to secure safe and uncontaminated
water
. Over the last five months I have held 15 meetings with residents, elected officials
and government agencies, including the IEPA, USEPA, Illinois Department of Public Health,
DuPage County and local municipalities, in an effort to resolve the water contamination
problem .
The Citizens Advisory Groups have become very active and we have achieved some
results, but we are still working on two of the main goals
: to provide a safe drinking water
supply at a low cost, and to locate the source of the contamination
. The other matters of
annexation and taxation by the DuPage Water Commission remain major concerns that are
intertwined with these issues .
In Springfield, we have passed Senate Bill 2072,
which will solve the notification problem
for all residents in the State of Illinois in future years
. House Bill 5961, addressing
revolving loan accounts, has passed the House and is currently in the Senate
; therefore, it
is still active this session
. The DuPage Water Commission has made an intergovernmental
agreement of a low interest loan with future annexation requirements, but we cannot
comment on it since we have not seen the final written document
. Some residents have
positive comments, and others find it unacceptable if it requires annexation in any time
period .
Last week a few leaders of the CAG came down to Springfield and met with House
Minority Leader Lee Daniels and me to discuss a solution to the problem
. Leader Daniels
listened to the concerns of the group and agreed with us that this is a crucial public health
issue that needs to be addressed immediately .
In summary of the last few months, I believe we have accomplished several objectives but
have not yet resolved the final issues :
PATRICIA R
. "PATTI" BELLOCK
STATE REPRESENTATIVE 81ST DISTRICT
RECYCLED PAPER •
SOYBEAN INKS
Capitol Office
G-2 Stratton Building
Springfield, Illinois 62706
(217) 782-1448
Fax (217) 782-2289
1 .
We encouraged the Governor to appoint the Action Task Force
.
2 .
We founded the Citizens Advisory Groups for the locations east and west of
1-355 .
3 .
We introduced three pieces of legislation
: the one failed which pertained to
well testing prior to a house sale
; SB2072 passed and is awaiting the
Governor's signature
; and HB5961 is still active . Copies of HB5961 and
SB2072 are attached
.
4.
We conducted several meetings with elected officials and government
agencies to assist in resolving the problem .
5 .
The IEPA and USEPA have, to date, spent over one million dollars in our area
of Downers Grove to assess the damage and to locate the source of the
contamination .
Thank you for your patience and persistence in working together on this problem in our
community
. I commend you for your hard work and efforts that have helped to propel this
issue to the forefront
. We are far closer to a resolution because of your dedication and
commitment
. Senator Dillard, Representative Meyer and I will continue to work with you
until we have a solution that is agreeable to you, the residents
.
rds,
Pa cia R . Bellock
State Representative
HOUSE BILL 5961
House Sponsors :
MEYER-BELLOCK- DURKIN-HULTGREN .
Senate Sponsors :
DILLARD
Short description :
CONTAMINATED WELL WATER LOAN
Synopsis of Bill as introduced :
Contaminated
Amends
Well
the
Water
Environmental
Revolving Loan
Protection
Program to
Acthelp
.
homeowners
Creates thewith
Amends
contaminated
the State
well
Finance
water
Act
to
to
connect
establish
to an
the
alternate
Contaminated
water
Well
sourceWater
.
Revolving Loan Program Fund
. Effective immediately .
HOUSE AMENCMENT NO
. 1 .
Deletes reference to :
415 ILCS 5 /14 .7 new
Adds reference to
:'
415 ILCS
30/6b-1
new
Deletes everything after the enacting clause
. Amends the
Illinois Water Construction Code
. Creates the Contaminated Well Water
Revolving Loan Program to help homeowners with contaminated well water
to connect to an alternate water source
. Amends the State Finance Act
to establish the Contaminated Well Water Revolving Loan Program
Fund .
Effective immediately .
SENATEAMENDMENTNO . 1 .
Changes
the amount available
to be borrowed by an owner with a
contaminated well to $30,000 (from $100,000) .
Last action on Bill : PLACED ON CALENDAR ORDER OF CONCURRENCE 01
Last action date : MAY-09-02
SENATE BILL 2072
Senate Sponsors
:Dillard, Rauschenberger, Jones, W
., Parker, Lauzen, Lispincbbomke,
Donahue, LispinCm Bronen, and Madigan, L .
House Sponsors : Bellock-Meyer-Franks-Lyons,E .,-Cowlishaw-
Short description
: ENVIRONMENTAL-WATER SUPPLIES
Synopsis of Bill as introduced : Amends the Illinois Groundwater Protection Act . Requires
the Environmental Protection Agency to notify the Department of Public Health, unless
notification is already provided, of the discovery of any volatile organic compound in
excess of the Board's Groundwater Quality Standards or the Safe Drinking Water Act
maximum contaminant level . Provides an exception to the restriction that the Act does not
apply to a community water supply that is regulated under the Environmental Protection
Act
. Requires the Department to notify the public within 60 days of the receipt of the
notice from the Agency that the owner of any private water system, semi-private water
system, or non-community public water system needs to test his or her system for
potential contamination
. Provides guidelines for the publication of notice
. Effective
immediately .
SENATE AMENDMENT NO . 1 .
Requires the Environmental Protection Agency
to notify the unit of local government of the discovery of any volatile organic compound in
excess of the Board's Groundwater Quality Standards or the Safe Drinking Water Act
maximum contaminant level . Provides that the unit of local government shall take any
action that it deems appropriate within a reasonable time after notification by the Agency .
Last action on Bill : PASSED BOTH HOUSES Last action date : MAY-01-02
DuPage County
DU PAGE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT COUNTY
ROBERTJBOARD
. SCHILLERSTROMCHAIRMAN
May 27, 2003
Dear Property Owner
:
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and various other
governmental agencies have identified a plume of contamination within the
ground water aquifer in your area (primary area)
. These agencies have been
working to facilitate the connection of all residents and businesses to a
public water supply
. Your property has been identified as being within
the boundaries of this primary area
.
The purpose of this letter is to inform you that the DuPage County Board is
considering an ordinance, which will require all homes and businesses
within the primary area to connect to a public water supply and all wells to
be sealed
. The majority of the cost of this project including private service
lines and the sealing of the wells is being negotiated at this time
. The
ordinance will not move forward until a favorable settlement can be reached
.
Details of this project will be discussed at an upcoming public meeting yet to
be scheduled
. You will be notified of the date, time and location of this
public meeting in the near future
.
If you are currently on a public water supply and do not have a private well
please disregard this letter.
DU PAGE CENTER
•
421 N. COUNTY FARM ROAD
•
WHEATON, IL 60187
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
PUBLIC WORKS
SOLID
WASTE
(630) 682-7363
(630) 682-7130
(630) 682-7373
24-Hour(630)682-7159
FAX (630) 682-6948
FAX(630)682-7374
FAX (630) 682-6880
