The TCE Blog

A recent LA Times story about heavy TCE contamination in Southern California mentioned groundwater contamination in Irvine related to the former El Toro Marine base. We’ve also mentioned the Irvine TCE contamination in the past.

What we didn’t realize was that this plume stretches under a reasonably populated area of Irvine. The map we’ve seen shows an elementary school, apartments, recreation facilities, and more sitting over the plume. So we wonder: Is the TCE plume a current danger to the population? Has vapor intrusion into buildings been explored and ruled out?

TCE readings (groundwater) from the plume have been as high as 140 ppb to 160 ppb*. The plume stretches approximately three miles and covers a total area of 2900 acres. ATSDR conducted a public health assessment in 1993, eventually declaring “At this time, exposure to carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, TCE, PCE, and nitrates-N detected in regional groundwater through incidental ingestion, dermal absorption, and/or inhalation of volatilized contaminants at current levels detected does not represent a public health hazard.”

Fast forward about 13 years, and it appears not everyone is so comfortable with the ATSDR’s convenient conclusions. Toxnews.org, a recently launched website focused on the Woodbridge/Irvine contamination, pulls no punches: “You and your family may be in danger because of a cancer causing plume of TCE from the El Toro Base that’s under your homes, apartments, schools, etc. now!” Check their site for more information, including maps of the contamination area and what appears to be near daily breaking news. For some additional graphics of the TCE plume, have a look at Dissent the Blog.

As always, we’ll try to keep you posted.

* EPA’s 2002 Vapor Intrusion Guidance recommends taking action to rule out vapor intrusion when TCE levels in groundwater exceed 5 ppb.