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NPL Site Narrative for Odessa Chromium #2 (Andrews Highway)
ODESSA CHROMIUM #2 (ANDREWS HIGHWAY)
Odessa, Texas
Federal Register Notice: June 10, 1986Conditions at proposal (October 15, 1984): The Odessa Chromium #2 Site consists of a 20-acre portion of an aquifer contaminated with chromium in the area of Andrews Highway, just northwest of the city limits of Odessa in Ector County, Texas. Suspected as possible sources are several local industries that generate or generated chromium-contaminated waste water from plating of metals, cleaning of radiators, and/or disposal of cooling water.
The first public complaint was filed in May 1970 when a residential well was found to be contaminated. In September 1977, the State investigated the area and found chromium in three local wells. Subsequent investigations in 1977 and 1978 determined that 10 of 34 private wells in the area had detectable concentrations of chromium. There are 32 municipal wells within 3 miles of the site and 400 private wells within 0.5 mile. Water from the municipal wells is blended with surface water for the Odessa water supply.
Status (June 10, 1986): Under a cooperative agreement with EPA, the State is conducting a remedial investigation/feasibility study to determine the type and extent of contamination at the site and identify alternatives for remedial action. The State hired a contractor in June 1985. Field work started in September 1985 and was completed in January 1986. Of the 400 wells sampled during the investigation, 10 exceeded drinking water standards for hexavalent chromium. The State is developing a plan for providing an alternate drinking water supply for the persons affected.
For more information about the hazardous substances identified in this narrative summary, including general information regarding the effects of exposure to these substances on human health, please see the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) ToxFAQs. ATSDR ToxFAQs can be found on the Internet at http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/toxfaq.html or by telephone at 1-888-42-ATSDR or 1-888-422-8737.