CHROMIUM PLUME UPDATE Since the Late Summer 2013 DECP News Chromium Informa- tion Special Edition, DECP has been working with DOE, LANL and NMED in discussions about possible paths forward. Topics have included: LANL drilling wells on their land to discover the boundaries of the chromium plume LANL drilling wells on their land to pump out contaminated ground-water LANL treating the contaminated groundwater LANL injecting the treated water back into the ground on their land LANL consulting with San Ildefonso regarding POSSIBLY drilling a well on San Ildefonso land, to monitor any possi- ble movement of the chromium in the regional aquifer be- neath San Ildefonso land. DECP will continue to communicate with DOE, LANL and NMED in order to protect the lands, interests, and culture of the people of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso. DECP decided to create this “special edition” newsletter to not only specifically address some of the questions raised, but also to provide additional background information about scientific concepts . It is our goal to help Tribal members better understand the nature of any risk to themselves or their families through the tra- ditional use of natural re- sources on the Pueblo. This newsletter is designed to be an introduction to key con- cepts concerning issues raised at the community meeting, and is not designed to be a complete reference. MORE FORMAITON, PLEASE CONTACT THE DECP OFFICE @ 455-4121 MISSION 2014 - UPDATE What is chromium? > > > > > >
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1
CHROMIUM PLUME
UPDATE
Since the Late Summer 2013 DECP News Chromium Informa-
tion Special Edition, DECP has been working with DOE, LANL
and NMED in discussions about possible paths forward. Topics
have included:
LANL drilling wells on their land to discover the boundaries
of the chromium plume
LANL drilling wells on their land to pump out contaminated
ground-water
LANL treating the contaminated groundwater
LANL injecting the treated water back into the ground on
their land
LANL consulting with San Ildefonso regarding POSSIBLY
drilling a well on San Ildefonso land, to monitor any possi-
ble movement of the chromium in the regional aquifer be-
neath San Ildefonso land.
DECP will continue to communicate with DOE, LANL and NMED
in order to protect the lands, interests, and culture of the people
of the Pueblo de San Ildefonso.
DECP decided to create this
“special edition” newsletter to
not only specifically address
some of the questions raised,
but also to provide additional
background information about
scientific concepts . It is our
goal to help Tribal members
better understand the nature
of any risk to themselves or
their families through the tra-
ditional use of natural re-
sources on the Pueblo.
This newsletter is designed to
be an introduction to key con-
cepts concerning issues raised
at the community meeting,
and is not designed to be a
complete reference.
MORE FORMAITON,
PLEASE CONTACT THE
DECP OFFICE @ 455-4121
MISSION
2014 - UPDATE
What is chromium?
> > > > > >
2
DECP NEWS - 2014 UPDATE Page 2
Chromium Edition
Chromium is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and chromium compounds are found in
the environment, due to erosion of chromium-containing rocks and can be distributed by volcanic eruptions.
It is a tasteless, odorless, silvery metal which is found naturally in primarily two forms, Cr(III) and Cr(VI). The ratio
of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) largely depends on the pH (acidity) and presence of oxygen in the immediate environment1.
How do you measure chromium? Chromium is measured in “micrograms” (µg), or “parts per billion” (ppb). One ppb represents one microgram of
something per liter of water (ug/l). Put another way, the state drinking water standard for chromium of 50 ppb repre-
sents the weight of an average “smart phone” (4.4 oz,) per Olympic size swimming pool.
Is it toxic? Trivalent chromium (Cr(III) or Cr3+) occurs naturally in trace amounts in many vegetables, fruits,
meats, grains and yeast, and is considered not toxic, except at very high exposure levels. The
United States dietary guidelines for daily chromium uptake for an adult are 35 µg (adult male)
and 25 µg (adult female), and chromium is often included in dietary supplements and multi-
vitamins2. The general population is exposed to chromium (generally chromium [III]) by eating
food, drinking water, and inhaling air that contains the chemical. The average daily intake from
air, water, and food is estimated to be less than 0.2 to 0.4 µg, 2.0 µg, and 60 µg, respectively3.
In contrast, hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI) or Cr6+) is considered toxic and carcinogenic when inhaled or ingested
in sufficient quantities4.
It creates toxicity and cancer in the lungs (inhaled), liver, kidneys, and intestines.
It increases the chance of failed pregnancy, reduced birth weight, and deformities.
It can cause a reduction of fertility in both men and women.
Women may be at a higher risk than men.
Children and pregnant women are at a higher risk.
What is the drinking water standard for Chromium? Current drinking water standards do not separate the two forms because they can change back and forth inside the hu-
man body. Instead, the current standards assume that all chromium found is in the toxic Cr(VI) form. This assumption
creates a “conservative” estimate.
In 1991, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a drinking water standard for chromium at 100
ppb, based on scientific evidence showing allergic skin reactions from continued exposure. Since then, the EPA has
How do we use chromium? Chromium compounds are used in many ways. They are used to create dyes and pigments
for paints and primers (yellow school buses), treat wood against fungi, decay and termites,
and have many applications in industry due to their usefulness in the tanning of leather
and preventing the corrosion of metal. Stainless steel for instance, which can be found in
most kitchens, usually includes at least 11% chromium. Chrome plating on automobiles
is another common application, used to prevent oxidation of the metal (rust)1.
The state of New Mexico has a lower drinking water standard of 50 ppb. This is the stan-
dard at which DOE/LANL is regulated by the state of New Mexico6. The closest drinking
water well on the Pueblo is 4 miles away from the chromium plume, and remains unaf-