3 15 137 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/356fbe4c3b52fb8590792d0e35b18115.pdf 05bfda968ed88b3f99ca69a4bb2e74e3 PDF Text Text Item D Number 04215 Author D Not SBannB|, Young, Alvin L Corporate Author Form Letter, subject: Literature Request Journal/Book Title Year 000 ° Month/Day Color D Number of Images 3 DBSOripton Notes Contents of folder labeled: "Form Letter for Herbicide Orange Technical Reports." Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4215 of 4258 �DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE HEADQUARTERS AEROSPACE MEDICAL DIVISION (AFSC) BROOKS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS 78235 REPLY TO ATTN OF: SUBJECT, Literature Request 1. Per your request for literature, the following documents on Air Force studies of the environmental fate of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and TCDD are attached. 2. The first three Technical Reports are pertinent studies on the fate of 2,4,5-T and its trace contaminant TCDD in an ecosystem treated with massive quantities of phenoxy herbicides. Technical Reports AFATL-TR74-12 (Atch 1), AFATL-TR-75-49 (Atch 2) and AFATL-TR-75-142 (Atch 3) detail ecological studies conducted on a unique 3.0 km2 military test area (Test Area C-52A, Eglin AFB FL) that received approximately 73,000 kg 2,4,5-T and 77,000 kg 2,4-D during the period 1962-70. Significant results included: a. At the termination of spray equipment testing programs in 1970, significant levels (ppm) of 2,4,5-T soil residues were found throughout the test area. However, no residues of 2,4,5-T were detected (detection limit of 10 ppb) in any soil samples collected during 1971-1972. b. Fifty-four (54) soil samples were collected to a depth of 15 cm from throughout the test area and analyzed for TCDD. TCDD levels ranged from <10 to 1,500 parts per trillion (ppt). The median concentration was 30 ppt while the mean was 165 ppt. c. An ecological survey extending over a five-year period documented the presence of more than a 123 different plant species, 77 bird species, 71 insect families, 20 species of fish, 18 species of reptiles, 18 species of mammals, 12 species of amphibians and 2 species of molluscs. At least 170 biological samples were analyzed for TCDD, including 30 species of animals. No TCDD was found in any of the plant species examined. However, TCDD was found in nine species of animals including two rodent species: beachmouse (300-1,500 ppt, liver) and hispid cotton rat (<10-210 ppt, liver); three species of birds: meadowlark (100-1,020 ppt, liver), mourning dove (50 ppt, liver), and Savannah sparrows (69 ppt, liver); three species of fish: spotted sunfish (85 ppt, liver) mosquitofish (12 ppt, whole body) and sailfin shiner (12 ppt, whole body), and one reptile, the six-lined racerunner (360-430 ppt, muscle). A composite sample of insects (whole bodies) contained 40 ppt TCDD. �d. Gross pathology was done on all species collected for TCDD residue analyses. Histopathological examinations were performed on over 300 beachmice or hispid cotton rats from the test area and a control field site. Examinations were performed on the heart, lungs, trachea, salivary glands, thymus, liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, adrenals, large and small intestine, spleen, genital organs, bone, bone marrow, skin and brain. Initially, the tissues were examined on a random basis without the knowledge of whether the animal was from a control or test area. All microscopic changes were recorded including those interpreted as minor or insignificant. The tissues were then reexamined on a control and test basis, which demonstrated that the test and control mice could not be distinguished histopathologically. Similar histopathological studies were conducted on the fish and racerunners with no significant abnormalities being found. 3. Technical Report USAFA-TR-76-18 (Atch 4) is a summary of Air Force ecological research on TCDD. It also presents analytical data on the soil degradation of TCDD when in the presence of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D. Significant results included: a. The half-life of TCDD in soils containing 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T appeared to be between 225 and 275 days. b. Studies of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi from soil plots treated with massive quantities of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (5,000 - 40,000 ppm) confirm that these microorganisms proliferate to such an extent that they were probably using the herbicides and TCDD as metabolic carbon sources and, as such, were contributing to their degradation. c. Movement of TCDD in the abiotic portions of the environment occurred by wind or water erosion of soil particles, but leaching by water alone did not occur. 4. Technical Report USAF OEHL-TR-78-92 (Atch 5) contains, in addition to the above environmental data on 2,4,5-T and TCDD (Chapter III), other significant data including: a. Data on the analysis of 492 samples of Herbicide Orange (a 50:50 mix of the n-butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) for TCDD (See Chapter I). The levels of TCDD ranged from <0.02 to 15 ppm in herbicide produced during the 1965-1968 time period. The weighted mean concentrations of TCDD in Herbicide Orange was 1.98 ppm. The samples were taken from surplus Herbicide Orange. b. Industrial hygiene and ambient air sampling data from all landbased dedrumming/transfer operations of Project PACER HO, the 1977 USAF project to dispose of 2.22 million gallons of Herbicide Orange (see Chapter II). Results of these sampling programs revealed that under the worst case noted, the levels of 2,4,5-T (and 2,4-D) vapors were well below the time-weighted Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for each of these materials. The detected levels were at least two and, in most cases, three orders of magnitude below the TLVs. TCDD was not detected in any air samples. Approximately 200 personnel carried out the dedrumming/transfer �operations. Comparisons of available pre- and post-operational medical examinations of military personnel involved have revealed no apparent physical effects as a result of /these activities. c. An assessment of the world's scientific literature on the toxicity of 2,4,5-T, 2,4-D and TCDD in selected laboratory and domestic animal species (see Chapter IV). Each chemical was critically reviewed for: 1. Acute and short-term toxicity potentials. 2. Subacute and chronic toxicity potentials. 3. Absorption, distribution, and excretion potentials. 4. Embryotoxic, fetotoxic, and teratogenic potentials. 5. Carcinogenic and tumorigenic potentials. 6. Mutagenic and cytpgenic potentials. d. A review of available scientific data on numerous incidents involving suspected 2,4,5-T/TCDD poisoning of humans or livestock (see Chapter V). Extensive efforts in translating over 30 major foreign documents permitted for the first time detailed accounts of 23 industrial episodes that involved exposure of over 1,100 people to TCDD. An assessment of the medical data from these industrial episodes and other episodes was made in Chapter VI. Some of the significant medical conclusions were: 1. Adverse effects of 2,4,5-T herbicide should manifest themselves shortly after exposure. Symptoms arising for the first time months to years after the last exposure are probably due to an etiology other than the herbicide, 2. The hallmark of TCDD exposure is chloracne and its absence makes it unlikely that systemic disorders present are related to TCDD. Asthenic and vegetative symptoms are often present in overexposure but are difficult to interpret. They would normally be expected to clear with time. 3. There is no conclusive evidence at this time that either 2,4,5-T herbicide or TCDD is mutagenic, teratogenic, or carcinogenic in man. 5. If I can provide additional copies of these documents or further elaborate on the data^&leyase contact me. r\ ALVIN L. YOUNG, Captafn, 1JSAF, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences Consultant USAF Herbicide Specialist 5 Atchs I. AFATL-TR-74-12 2. AFATL-TR-75-49 3. AFATL-TR-75-142 4. USAFA-TR-76-18 5. USAF OEHL-TR-78-92 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 146 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4215 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Title A name given to the resource Form Letter, subject: Literature Request Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 146 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4197 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. L. G. Cockerham C. E. Thalken Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Chemosphere Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1987 Title A name given to the resource A Long-Term Study of Ecosystem Contamination with 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/54d952c42dd5d2605929e62dd76e3710.pdf 1b0bf285df219033db287b04820239aa PDF Text Text Item n Number 04178 Author D Young, Alvin L. Corporate Author Report/Article TitlB Chapter 10: Long-Term Degradation Studies: Massive Quantities of Phenoxy Herbicides in Test Grids, Field Plots, and Herbicide Storage Sites TftlB Year Treatment and Disposal fo Pesticide Wastes: based on 1984 Month/Day Color Number of Images D 19 Descriptor! Notes Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4178 of 4258 �10 Long-Term Degradation Studies Massive Quantities of Phenoxy Herbicides in Test Grids, Field Plots, and Herbicide Storage Sites ALVIN L. YOUNG' Agent Orange Projects Office, Veterans Administration, Washington, DC 20420 Three long-term studies have been conducted on the fate of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) when applied in high concentrations to field sites in selected geographical locations. The first study, initiated in April 1970, was of a 208-ha herbicide equipment-testing area (Test Area C-52, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida) that received more than 73,000 kg 2,4,5-T and 76,000 kg 2,4-D during the years 1962-1970. The second study, initiated in 1972, was on the biological degradation of the herbicides when soil incorporated at rates as high as 4,480 kg/ha in plots established in three climatically different areas of the United States; Northwest Florida, Western Kansas and Northwestern Utah. The third study, initiated in 1977, was on the fate of the two herbicides in the soils of two 5-ha sites (Gulfport, Mississippi; and Johnston Island, Pacific Ocean) used for the long-term storage of more than 8.4 million L of surplus phenoxy herbicide. The environmental fate of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T is compared between the individual studies. From January 1962 to April 1970, a program of aerial application of herbicides was conducted in Southeast Asia by the United States Air Force (USAF). At the conclusion of this program, considerable amounts of herbicide were left unused. One of the herbicides used extensively in this project was a herbicide designated as "Agent Orange" which was formulated as a 'Current address: Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, Washington, DC 20506 This chapter not subject to U.S. copyright. Published 1984, American Chemical Society �162 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES 50:50 mixture of the n-butyl esters of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T). In 1970, approximately 8.4 million L of this material were placed in storage by the Air Force. An analysis of the herbicide stocks revealed that it contained the highly toxic contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). The concentration of the TCDD ranged from <0.02 to 47 ppm TCDD in the 492 random samples taken from the 40,310 208-L drums: the weighted average concentration of TCDD for the inventory was determined to be approximately 2 ppm (_y. Because of the TCDD concentration, the herbicide could not merely be declared surplus and disposed of on the agricultural markets. Hence, the Air Force initiated an extensive research program to find suitable disposal methods that would be both ecologically safe and economically feasible. Although a major method extensively investigated was soil incorporation and biodegradation, the final disposal method was at-sea incineration, a project conducted in 1977. However, in the course of investigating the feasibility of soil biodegradation, experimental plots were established and sites were studied where the herbicide had been extensively sprayed in the course of developing the spray equipment for Vietnam. When the herbicide was removed from the two storage sites at the time of its destruction, a study of the contamination of those sites was initiated. This paper focuses on the three areas of study that provided data on the environmental fate of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in situations where the soil was massively contaminated. Herbicide Spray Equipment Test Grids The Eglin Reservation in Northwest Florida has served various military uses, one of them having been the development and testing of aerial dissemination equipment in support of military defoliation operations in Southeast Asia. It was necessary for this equipment to be tested under controlled situations that would simulate actual use conditions as near as possible. For this purpose an elaborate testing installation, designed to measure deposition parameters, was established on the Eglin Reservation with the place of direct aerial application restricted to an area of approximately 3 km^ within Test Area C-52A in the southeastern part of the reservation. Massive quantities of herbicides, used in the testing of aerial defoliation spray equipment from 1962 through 1970, were released and fell within the instrumented test area. The uniqueness of the area prompted the United States Air Force to set aside the area in 1970 for research investigations. Numerous ecological surveys have been conducted since 1970. As a result, the ecosystem of this unique site has been well studied and documented ( , ) 23. �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 163 Although the total area for testing aerial dissemination equipment was approximately 3 km^, the area actually consisted of four separate testing grids. The primary area was located in the southern portion of the testing area and consisted of a 37 ha instrumented grid. This was the first sampling grid and was in operation in June 1962. It consisted of four intersecting straight lines (flight paths) arranged in a circular pattern, each path being at a 45° angle from those adjacent to it. Although this grid was used from 1962 to 1964, this grid (called Grid I) received 39,550 kg of 2,4-D and 39,550 kg 2,4,5-T as the Herbicide Purple formulation (50 percent n-butyl 2,4-D, 30 percent n-butyl 2,4,5-T and 20 percent iso-butyl 2,4,5-T). Two other testing grids were sprayed with Herbicide Orange. Grid II was an area of 37 ha and located immediately north of Grid I. Grid II received 15,890 kg 2,4-D and 15,890 kg 2,4,5-T from 1964 through 1966. Grid IV was the largest and final grid established on Test Area C-52A. It was approximately 97 ha and received 20,000 kg 2,4-D and 17,570 kg 2,4,5-T from 1968 through 1970. Grid III was an experimental circular grid that received 1,300 kg 2,4-D from 1966 through 1970. Thus, for the four spray equipment calibration grids, a total of approximately 73,000 kg 2,4,5-T and 77,000 kg 2,4-D were aerially disseminated during the period 1962-1970. These data are summarized in Table I. Table I. Approximate Amount of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D Applied to Test Area C-52A, Eglin AFB Reservation, Florida, 1962-1970 II 37 III 37 IV 97 17,570 (1968-1970) 2,4-Da (fcg) 39,550 (1962-1964) 15,890 (1964-1966) 1,300 (1966-1970) 20,000 (1968-1970) 208 73,010 76,740 Test Grid I Total a Grid Area (ha) 37 2,4,5-Ta (kg) 39,550 (1962-1964)^ 15,890 (1964-1966) - Amount of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D calculated on weight of active ingredient in the military Herbicides Orange and Purple. ^Years when the specific grid received the herbicide. �164 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Residue Studies. Despite excellent records as to the number of missions and quantity of herbicide per mission, there was no way to determine the exact quantity of herbicide deposited at any point on the instrumented grids. The first residue studies of Test Area C-52A involved analyses of soils for phenoxy herbicides by both chemical and bioassay techniques. These studies, published by Young (2) in 1974, showed that residues of the phenoxy herbicides rapidly disappeared. However, problems were encountered in these residue studies because of the heterogeneity of the test grids. Not only were there small geologic differences (soil types, contours, organic matter and pH), and differences in vegetation density and locations of water, but most important the herbicides had been sprayed on specific test arrays (i.e., along dictated flight paths) over a span of years. An obvious disparity also existed between bioassay data and chemical analyses because the latter analysis for 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T alone could not account for all the biologically active phytotoxic components. The last application of Agent Orange was applied in December 1969 at a rate of 28 L/ha. Chemical analyses of soil cores from the treated areas showed that levels of total 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in the top 15 cm of soil averaged 2.82 ppm in April 1970 and less than 8.7 ppb in December 1970. In October 1973, soil samples collected from Grids 1 and II were analyzed and found to contain significant levels of TCDD. Highest TCDD residues (740-1,500 parts per trillion, ppt) were found on Grid I, the area sprayed with Herbicide Purple in 1962-1964. Subsequent soil samples confirmed TCDD contamination throughout three of the four test grids. The persistence of TCDD in the soils of Test Area C-52A has recently been described by Young, 1983 (_4). Vegetative Studies. To demonstrate the rapid dissappearance of phenoxy herbicides from the environment of the test grids, a vegetative succession study was conducted of the dicotyledonous species. Nine months (June 1971) after the last defoliantequipment test mission, a detailed survey of the vegetation was initiated. The 3.0 km^ area was divided into a grid of 169 sections (each 122 by 122 m), and within each section the percentage vegetative coverage was visually ranked as Class 0, 0-5%; I, 5-20%; II, 20-40%; III, 40-60%; IV, 60-80%; and V 80-100%. Three sections within each class were selected at random and surveyed for dicotyledonous plants. An unsprayed area located 0.3 km northwest of the test area was also surveyed. In June 1973, each of these areas was again surveyed, but in addition in 15 sections, nine randomly selected areas, each 0.093 m, were analyzed for species composition and ground cover density. Vegetative coverage maps prepared in 1971 and 1973 (Figures 1 and 2 respectively) confirmed that rapid re-vegetation occurred immediately after herbicide applications ceased. Table II �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 165 shows the percent coverage that each vegetative class occupied in June 1971 and in June 1973. Table II. Percent of Vegetative Cover Occupied by Vegetative Class for the 3 km2 Test Area Vegetative Class 0 (0-5%) I (5-20%) II (20-40%) III (40-60%) IV (60-80%) V (80-100%) June 1971 June 1973 4 14 29 25 21 4 0 4 12 18 42 23 From June to September 1971, 74 dicotyledonous species were collected on the 3 km2 Test Area, and 33 additional species were found during the June 1973 survey. The most important dicotyledonous plants found invading the test area were rough buttonweed, Piodia teres Walt; poverty weed, Hypericum gentianoides L.; and common polypremum, Polypremum procumbens L. The studies of soil residues and vegetative succession of Test Area C-52A confirmed that massive quantities of phenoxy herbicides rapidly disappeared following the termination of an aerial spray equipment testing program. Soil Incorporation/Biodegradation Plots One potential method proposed for the disposal of Herbicide Orange was subsurface injection or soil incorporation of the herbicide at massive concentrations. The premise for such studies was that high concentrations of the herbicides and TCDD would be degraded to innocuous products by the combined action of soil microorganisms and soil hydrolysisv In order to field test this conceptj biodegradation plots were established in three climatically different areas of the United States; Northwest Florida (Eglin Air Force Base), Western Kansas (Garden City) and Northwestern Utah (Air Force Logistics Command Test Range Complex). A comparison of the soils of the three sites is given in Table III. The Utah site had a mean annual rainfall of 15 cm, while the Kansas and Florida sites had 40 and 150 cm, respectively. Table IV describes the experimental protocol for the three sites to include when the plots were established, the method of herbicide incorporation, the experimental design and the initial calculated herbicide concentration, ppm, at the �166 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES 80 to 100% 2 5 to 20% 60 to 80% 1 40 to 60% 20 to 40% 0 to 5% 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 Figure 1. The May 1971 Vegetation Density Map of the 169 sections (each 122 m x 122 m) that constituted the 2.5 km2 area that received more than 69,300 kg 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T between June 1964 and December 1969, Test Area C-52A, Eglin AFB, Florida. �10. YOUNG 167 Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 80 to 100 % 40 to 60% 5 to 20% Figure 2. The June 1973 Vegetation Density Map of the 169 sections (each (122 m x 122 m) that constituted the 2.5 km2 area that received more than 69,300 kg 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T between June 1964 and December 1969, Test Area C-52A, Eglin AFB, Florida. �168 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES time the plots were established. Further details on experimental protocol can be obtained from Young, et al (_5), 1974, and Young et al ( ) 1976. 6, Table III. Comparison of the Characteristics of the Top 15 cm Layer From Each of the Soil Biodegradation Sites Location Organic Sand £E Matter (%) __(%_)_ Eglin AFB, PL* Garden City,KSb AFLC Test Range Complex, UTC 5.6 0.5 7.0 1.7 7.8 1.4 91.6 37 27 Silt 4.0 42 53 Clay 4.4 21 20 Soil Description Sandy loam Silt loam Clay loam a Plots located on Test Area C-52A, Eglin AFB Reservation, Florida, kplots located on the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station, Garden City, Kansas. c Plots located 120 km west of Salt Lake City, Utah. Table V compares the degradation of total 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (n-butyl esters and acids) over six years of observations in the Kansas and Florida locations. Although the rates of application were similar, the method of application, preplant incorporation versus subsurface injection, resulted in significant differences in the initial concentrations of herbicides in the plots. The acid of 2,4,5-T comprised most of the total residue after the first two years. Although some residues were recovered, especially in later years, at depths below 15 cm, the majority (90 percent) of residue was confined to the top 15 cm of soil profile. The addition of soil amendments such as lime, organic matter and fertilizer did not appreciably increase the overall rate of disappearance of the herbicide. The addition of activated coconut charcoal, however, significantly decreased the rate of disappearance of herbicide. Six years after the charcoal plots were established, residues (primarily 2,4,5-T acid) were still present. Microbial studies were conducted on the biodegradation plots in Florida. Soil samples were taken from all plots in June and August 1974 (2 years) and in April 1975 (3 years). Although bacterial and fungal levels were similar for control plots or plots receiving either herbicide or herbicide plus the soil amendments lime, fertilizer, and organic matter, the levels were significantly higher in the plots receiving the activated charcoal. Microorganisms tended to be concentrated in the level which contained the charcoal (0-15 cm), but greatly reduced in �Table IV. Descriptions of Three Soil Biodegradation Studies Involving Use of Herbicide Orange Location Eglin AFB, Florida Date Established 4/'2/72 Method of Incorporation Simulated Subsurface Injection (30cm band width) § z o Calculated Initial Herbicide Concentration (ppm)c Treatment 4,480 kg Herbicide/haa 4,480 kg Herbicide/ha, plus soil amendments*" 4,480 kg Herbicide/ha plus soil amendments and activated charcoal 5,000 5,000 5,000 I I § Garden City, Kansas 5/10/72 AFLC Test Range Complex, Utah 10/2/72 a Preplant Incorporate (Rototiller) 2,240 kg Herbicide/ha 4.A80 kg Herbicide/ha 1,000 2,000 Simulated Subsurface Injection ( cm band width) 8 1,120 kg Herbicide/ha 2,240 kg Herbicide/ha 4,480 kg Herbicide/ha 5,000 10,000 20,000 Rate of herbicide calculated as active ingredient. Herbicide injected at 10-15 cm level or preplant incorporated in the 0-15 cm level. All plots duplicated. ^The amendments included 4.5 kg lime, 13.5 kg organic matter, and 1.4 kg fertilizer (12:4:8 for N,P,K, respectively) uniformly mixed within the top 0-30 cm of soil in the plot. c Contained in the top 0-15 cm layer. �170 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Table V. Concentration (ppm) of Total 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T (Herbicide Orange) Over a Six-Year Period in Field Plots in Kansas and Florida Florida1* Herbicide Time After Application (years) Day 5 0.25 0.5 1 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 Kansas3 Herbicide 1,950 1,070 490 210 40 <10 4,900 4,280 e 1,870 Herbicide + Amendments0 5700 5420 Amendments + Charcoal^ 3,075 2,770 2015 2,660 508 440 184 52 30 12 8 3 120 360 a Garden City, Kansas. Plots established 10 May 1972, 4,480 kg/ha preplant Incorporated. Data are means of replicate plots, 0-15 cm soil increment. b Eglin AFB, Florida. Plots established 2 April 1972, 4,480 kg/ha simulated subsurface injection. Data are means of replicate plots, 0-15 cm soil increment. c The amendments included 4.5 kg lime, 13.5 kg organic matter, and 1.4 kg fertilizer (12:4:8 for N,P,K, repectively) uniformly mixed within the top 0-30 cm of soil in the plot. ^A 1 cm layer of activated coconut charcoal was applied to the trench prior to application of the herbicide. e Not analyzed. number at depths immediately below the charcoal. This effect of increasing the number of microorganisms may have been due to adsorption of growth promoting substances (e.g., nutrients and water) on the surface of the charcoal particles. Although the number of organisms were greater in these plots, the level of herbicide residue was also greatest. Apparently, the binding of the herbicide by the charcoal prevented it from being degraded by the microorganisms. Table VI shows the concentration of herbicide in two of the three sets of field plots established in Utah in 1972. It was only after the plots were established and the first soil samples analyzed that it became apparent that the herbicide formulation �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 171 placed in these plots was different than that used in Florida or Kansas. Indeed, an analysis of the formulation confirmed the presence of roughly a 50:50 mixture of the n-butyl and isooctyl esters of both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. Note from Table VI that the n-butyl ester of either 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T disappeared more rapidly than the isooctyl ester. The hydrolysis of the isooctyl ester to the acid, probably microbially mediated, accounts for the presence of the acid. Table VI. Concentrations (ppm) of the Acid and n-Butyl and Isooctyl Esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T Placed Subsurface in Utah Plots 2,4^D Rate/Date n-Butyl 2,4,5-T Acid Isooctyl 1,120 kg/ha Initial (1972) 1280a <10b 1975 <10 440 1978 <10 250 4,480 kg/ha Initial (1972) 5900 <10 1975 10 1970 1978 <10 1060 n-Butyl Acid Isooctyl 560 <10 <10 770 <10 <10 <10 930 900 1230 40 20 2640 470 95 3590 72 <10 <10 1740 2900 5790 3000 1080 a Data are means of replicated plots. ^Detection limit was generally 10 ppm. Microbial studies have also been conducted on the biodegradation plots in Utah and have been published by Stark et al, 1975 (_7_)« Samples were taken three times throughout the year (summer, winter, and spring, 1973-1974), and microblal species present (bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi) were determined. Bacterial counts were higher for soils with greater moisture content, but the herbicide, in any concentration, had no significant effect on the microflora. As with the studies on the herbicide spray equipment testing grids at Eglin AFB, Florida, the studies of the biodegradation plots confirmed the presence and persistence of TCDD. Analysis of soil samples collected from the Utah plots in 1978 indicated that 85 percent of the amount of TCDD originally extracted in 1972 could be recovered, suggesting that TCDD applied subsurface was minimally disappearing. �172 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Studies of Herbicide Storage Sites During the summer of 1977 the USAF disposed of 8.4 million L of Herbicide Orange by high temperature incineration at sea. This operation, Project PACER HO, was accomplished under the very stringent criteria set forth in an United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ocean dumping permit. Among the numerous conditions of the EPA-approved disposal operation was the requirement for the USAF to conduct extensive environmental and occupational monitoring of the land-transfer/ loading operations, shipboard incineration operations and subsequent storage site reclamation and environmental monitoring. Details of the proposed site monitoring programs were prepared and approved prior to the disposal of the herbicide. The plan recommended that soil samples from the storage areas at both the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), Gulfport, Mississippi and Johnston Island, Pacific Ocean, be collected and analyzed for Herbicide Orange after the completion of transfer operations. These analyses were to aid in the establishment of a schedule for future monitoring. In July 1977, following the completion of Project PACER HO dedruming and subsequent site clean-up operations at NCBC and Johnston Island, Air force scientists initiated an extensive site monitoring program. The objectives of this program were: 1. To determine the magnitude of Herbicide Orange contamination on the storage areas. 2. To determine the soil persistence of the two phenoxy herbicides contained in Herbicide Orange and the dioxin contaminant. 3. To monitor for any movement of residues from the sites into adjacent water, sediments and biological organisms. In July 1977, a preliminary sampling study was initiated. This consisted of assessing the heterogenity of the soils on the sites and the heterogenity of the herbicide concentrations. The studies conducted on the biodegradation plots showed that movement of the herbicide components and the TCDD was low; thus surface sampling, e.g., the top 8 cm of soil, constituted the primary sampling depth. Twelve sites were selected for sampling at each location; six were in areas of obvious spills and six in areas that showed no spill. Not only were the spills discernible by sight but also by smell. Winston and Ritty (_8) had previously found that the olfactory senses can detect a butyl ester formulation of 2,4,5-T at levels of 0.4 ppb. The results of this first sampling after Project PACER HO (1977) are shown in Table VII. Significant concentrations of herbicides, phenols and TCDD were detected in soils from spill sites. Variation in concentrations and in the portion of acids to esters suggested that the spills were from different time periods. �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 173 Accordingly, a more extensive protocol was proposed for future sampling. Table VII. Concentration (ppm) of Total Herbicides, Total Phenols, and TCDD in 12 Soil Samples Collected July 1977 from the Herbicide Orange Storage Areas, Johnston Island and Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi Location Number of Sites Total Herbicides3 (ppm) Total Phenolsb (ppm) TCDD (ppm) Spill Sites 8 Johnston Island 58,000+42,000 135+120 0.073+0.07 NCBC, Gulf port 6 78,000+42,000 152+ 90 0.24 +0.27 No Spill Sites 4 Johnston Island 26+15 NAC 3+2 14.2+12.4 NA NCBC, Gulf port 6 a Total herbicides refers to concentration of acid and all esters detected of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T herbicides. Samples consisted of top 8 cm of soil. blotal phenols refers to concentration of dichlorophenol and trichlorophenol. c NA=Not Analyzed. <r 1978 Protocol. The sites within the two storage areas for monitoring of residue were determined by whether a spill had occurred or not occurred at that specific location. The basis for determining a spill was whether a herbicide stain was discernible (heavy, light, absent) and whether a herbicide odor was detectable (strong, mild, absent). Thus, within the storage area numerous locations were found that had a heavy stain and strong odor (labeled H/H, presumably representing a recent spill); a light stain and mild odor (labeled L/L, presumably representing an older spill); and no stain and no odor (labeled 0/0, presumably representing an uncontaminated area). Fourteen replications of each treatment were then randomly selected to represent the storage area (thus a total of 42 permanently marked sampling locations at both NCBC and Johnston Island). Twelve of these locations had been tentatively located and marked in July 1977 with the remaining 30 located and marked in January 1978 with sampling being conducted on these dates, as well as in November 1978. In collecting the soil samples, a 8 cm square was marked 15 cm away from the site marker pin. At each sampling time soil was taken from a different "point of the compass" with reference to the marker pin to insure a fresh and undisturbed profile. At �174 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES the designated site a 8X8X8 cm cube of soil was removed with a ceramic spatula which was rinsed with acetone between uses to prevent carry-over of residue and microorganisms. Wherever possible, sediment samples were collected from the drainage areas in a similar manner. Results. A summary of the analytical results for the 42 sites sampled in January and November 1978 for the storage area at Gulfport, Mississippi is shown in Table VIII. A statistically significant decrease in the levels of total herbicides and total phenols was found to occur between the two dates. There was also a downward trend in TCDD levels, but it was not statistically different ( . 5 . This trend in decreasing P0) levels of TCDD (as well as in herbicides and phenols) is even more pronounced when the July 1977 data for spill sites (Table VII) are compared to the 1978 data. Unfortunately, because of differences in site delineation between 1977 and 1978, data for spill vs no spill between the 2 years cannot be "paired" and statistically analyzed. Similar levels of herbicides, phenols, and TCDD have been found in selected soils of the Herbicide Orange Storage Area on Johnston Island. Table IX compares the trends in these compounds over four sampling dates (August 1977, January and October 1978, and August 1979) from four sites heavily contaminated with phenoxy herbicide (new spill sites in 1977). Although herbicide levels significantly decreased over the periods of sampling, trends for disappearance of TCDD were not as well defined. The data for these four sites illustrate the inherent weakness of the sampling protocol. When a spill occurred on a site, the concentration of chemicals varied significantly within the spill perimeter. Although the marker pin for permanently locating the site was placed as near the center of the spill as possible, that did not necessarily define the zone of greatest soil contamination. Soil samples collected over time were collected at different "points-of-thecompass" around the marker pin. Nevertheless, data for samples collected at the same site and between other spill sites are generally of similar magnitude. Studies on the penetration of the herbicides and on the microbial content of the samples were conducted at both the Naval Construction Battalion Center and Johnston Island. The results of these studies have been described by Young, et. al. in 1979 and 1983 ( , 0 . The data indicated that although 91) penetration of herbicide and TCDD had occurred throughout the soil profiles sampled (8 cm increments down to 32 cm), the bulk of the chemicals remained near the surface. Data from the microbial analyses of soil samples collected from the Herbicide Storage Areas confirmed that proliferation of certain microflora occurred under high levels of herbicide residue. �10. YOUNG 175 Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides Table VIII. Mean Concentrations (ppm) of Total Herbicides, Phenols and TCDD in Soils Collected in January and November 1978 from Selected Sites on the Herbicide Orange Storage Area, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi Location Number Total of Sites Herbicides Sampled9 (ppm)b Total Phenols (ppm)c TCDD (ppm) "No" Spills ( / ) 00d 14 32*e ND(4)f 3.5* January 1978 November 1978 1A 3t NAS 0.4t "Old" Spills (L/L) 14 1,202* January 1978 86* 0.0364(3) November 1978 14 492t 23t 0.0438(3) "New" Spills (H/H) January 1978 437* 14 51,285* 0.2064(10)* November 1978 0.1444(11)* 14 30,005t 253t a Each soil sample consisted of a cube of soil (8X8X8 cm) removed adjacent to a designated marker. ^Total herbicides refers to the concentration of acid and all esters of both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. c Total phenols refers to total concentration of both dichlorophenol and trichlorophenol. d The coding 0/0, L/L and H/H are described in the text. e Means within columns within subtitles followed by the same symbols are not significantly different at the 0.05 probability level. For the statistical analysis, the Wilcoxon Paired-Sample Test was used. A test for a one-tailed hypothesis with paired samples was used in the procedure for nonparametric data since it could not be assumed that the levels of residue detected were from a normal distribution and it was expected that the residues would decrease with time. *ND=Not Detected; the number of samples analyzed is in parentheses. The detection limit was generally 0.0002 ppm (200 ppt). SNA=Not Analyzed. �176 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Table IX. Concentration (ppm) of Total Herbicides, Total Phenols and TCDD in Soil Samples from Four Selected Spill Sites for Four Dates from the Herbicide Orange Storage Area, Johnston Island Sample Date and Sample Site 25 August 1977 5C 9 10 12 8 January 1978 5 9 10 12 18 October 1978 5 9 10 12 8 August 1979 5 9 10 12 Total Phenolsb (ppm) TCDD (ppm) 38,000 52,270 135,250 76,080 75,400 93 205 460 172 233 0.0330 0.0417 0.1960 0.1780 0.1122 38,980 70,090 141,300 57,000 76,840 123 181 477 110 223 0.0340 0.0220 0.2300 0.0800 0.0915 31,440 60,530 159,700 42,840 73,630 34 111 456 47 T62 0.0191 0.0286 0.2350 0.1110 0.0984 Total Herbicides3 (ppm) ND 3,560 0.0410 149 003 .50 44,230 48,660 136 0.1300 54 0.0810 18,430 28,720 TT3(3)d 0.0763 ^Total herbicides refers to concentrations of acid and all esters detected of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. ^Total phenols refers to concentrations of dichlorophenol and trichlorophenol. c The sample consisted of a cube (8X8X8 cm) of soil removed from near the center of an area designated as a spill. ^Refers to number of samples included in obtaining the means. �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 111 Discussion and Conclusions The amount of phenoxy herbicides applied or spilled on a kg/ha basis in the above studies can only be described as "massive." Although Grid 1 on the Eglin AFB spray equipment testing grids received the herbicides primarily during 1962 and 1963, the total amount aerially applied was 2,140 kg/ha. Because the herbicides in this situation were applied from an aircraft, the time between repetitive applications and the environmental factors greatly influenced the amount that was incorporated into the soil profile. Thus, residues were continually disappearing and accumulation and persistence were minimal. However, in the biodegradation plots and in the Herbicide Storage Areas, high concentrations of herbicides were applied in a short time period and incorporated immediately into the soil profile, and hence, the long persistence time. Nevertheless, these studies do show that the soil chemistry and the soil microbial populations can effectively combine to degrade massive concentrations of the phenoxy herbicides and that recovery of the sites occur as documented by the re-establishment of the vegetative community. The major conclusions from long-term degradation studies of massive quantities of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T in test grids, field plots and herbicide storage areas are: 1. The method of application has significant impact on the amount applied per unit area and hence on residue persistence: spills >^ soil incorporation > aerial application. 2. The herbicide 2,4,5-T is more persistent in the soil than 2,4-D. 3. The formulation of the herbicide has significant impact on its persistence: isooctyl ester > n-butyl ester > acid 4. The addition of coconut charcoal increases persistence of phenoxy herbicide residues, especially residues of 2,4,5-T. 5. The appearance of dichlorophenol and trichlorophenol in soils treated with 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T suggests that they are degradation products of the herbicides. 6. The massive concentration of herbicides found in these studies do not sterilize the soils. Indeed, the data suggest that microbial populations respond both quantitatively and qualitatively to the presence of high concentrations of herbicides and may play a major role in their degradation. 7. The contaminant 2,3,7,8-TCDD has a long persistence time in soils (years) and may be a major consideration in the use of soil biodegradation as a disposal option for "unwanted" phenoxy herbicides or TCDD-contaminated chemical wastes. �178 TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Acknowledgments I am indebted to Drs. Eugene Arnold and Mason Hughes for the analyses of the phenoxy herbicides, phenols and the TCDD contaminant. Literature Cited Young, A. L., J. A. Calcagni, C. E. Thalken and J. W. Tremblay, 1978. "The Toxicology, Environmental Fate and Human Risk of Herbicide Orange and Its Associated Dioxin." Air Force Technical Report OEHL-TR-78-92. 247p. Document available from NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Young, A. L., 1974. "Ecological Studies on a HerbicideEquipment Test Area (TA C-52A), Eglin AFB Reservation, Florida." Air Force Technical Report AFATL-TR-74-12. 141p. Document AD-^80 517, available from NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Young, A. L., C. E. Thalken and W. E. Ward, 1975. "Studies of the Ecological Impact of Repetitive Aerial Applications of Herbicides on the Ecosystem of Test Area C-52A, Eglin, AFB, Florida." Air Force Technical Report AFATL-TR-75-142. 127p. Document AD-A032 773, available from NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Young, A. L., 1983. "Long-Term Studies on the Persistence and Movement of TCDD in a Natural Ecosystem." Environ. Sci. Kes_. 26:173-190. Young, A. L., E. L. Arnold, and A. M. Wachinski, 1974. "Field Studies on the Soil-Persistence and Movement of 2,4-D 2,4,5-T, and TCDD." Appendix G. Disposition of Orange Herbicide by Incineration. Final Environmental Statement, November 1974. Department of the Air Force, Washington, D.C. Young, A. L., C. E. Thalken, E. L. Arnold, J. M. Cupello, and L. G. Cockerham. 1976. "Fate of 2,3,7,8Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) in the Environment: Summary and Decontamination Recommendations." Air Force Technical Report USAFA-TR-76-18. 44p. Document AD-A033 491, available from NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. Stark, H. E., J. K. McBride, and G. F. Orr, 1975. "Soil Incorporation/Biodegradation of Herbicide Orange. Vol I. Microbial and Baseline Ecological Study of the U.S. Air Force Logistics Command Test Range, Hill AFB, Utah." Document No. DPG-FR-C615F, US Army Dugway Proving Ground, Dugway, Utah 84022, February 1975. �10. YOUNG Degradation Studies of Phenoxy Herbicides 179 8. Winston, A. W. and R. M. Ritty, 1971. "What Happens to Phenoxy Herbicides When Applied to a Watershed Area." Ind. Vegetation Manage. 4(1):12-14. 9. Young, A. L., C. E. Thalken, and W. J. Cairney, 1979. "Herbicide Orange Site Treatment an Environmental Monitoring: Summary Report and Recommendations for Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi." Air Force Technical Report OEHL-TR-79-169. 36p. Document AD-A062 143, available from NTIS, 5285 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22161. 10. Young, A. L., W. J. Cairney and C. E. Thalken, 1983. "Persistence, Movement and Decontamination Studies of TCDD in Storage Sites Massively Contaminated with Phenoxy Herbicides." Chemosphere 12(4/5): 713-726. RECEIVED May 1, 1984 Reprinted from ACS SYMPOSIUM SERIES, No. 259 TREATMENT & DISPOSAL OF PESTICIDE WASTES Raymond F. Krueger and James N. Seiber, Editors � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 145 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4178 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Treatment and Disposal fo Pesticide Wastes: based on a symposium sponsored by the Division of Pesticide Chemistry at the 186th meeting of the American Chemical Society, Washington, D.C., August 28-September 2, 1983 Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1984 Title A name given to the resource Chapter 10: Long-Term Degradation Studies: Massive Quantities of Phenoxy Herbicides in Test Grids, Field Plots, and Herbicide Storage Sites Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 145 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4157 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. E. L. Arnold Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1983 Title A name given to the resource Environmental Fate of TCDD: Conclusion from Three Long-Term Field Studies https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/4c732920305667aaa4d12c34317c6a96.pdf 641f8eae8bd89d3719467687a79f6161 PDF Text Text Item D Number °4133 Author Young, Alvin L. D fjnt scanned Corporate Author Report/Article Title ^ate °f 2,3,7,8-TCDD in an Ecosystem Treated with Massive Quantities of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T Herbicides Journal/Book Title Year 1982 Month/Day January 21 Color Number of Images D 7 Descriptor! Notes Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4136 of 4258 �FATE OF 2,3,7,8-TCDD IN AN ECOSYSTEM TREATED WITH MASSIVE QUANTITIES OF 2,4-D AND 2,4,5-T HERBICIDES by Alvin L. Young* PRESENTATION TO THE CALIFORNIA WEED CONFERENCE Town and Country Convention Center San Diego, California 21 January 1982 Address Inquiry to: Major Alvin L. Young, USAF, Ph.D. Office of Environmental Medicine (102) Veterans Administration 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420 Phone: (202) 389-5411 �FATE OF 2,3,7,8-TCDD IN AN ECOSYSTEM TREATED WITH MASSIVE QUANTITIES OF 2,4-D AND 2,4,5-T HERBICIDES A. L. Young, Veterans Administration, Washington, D.C.* Since 1970 hundreds of laboratory studies have been conducted on the toxic contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) found in trichlorophenol. Although numerous commerical products are made from trichlorophenol, including the herbicide 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5,-T), controversy remains as to what extent the TCDD found in these products has impacted humans or their environment. Laboratory data for rodents strongly suggest a correlation between histological lesions in the liver and lymphatic system and the amount of TCDD ingested. Unfortunately, data relating to any actual effects on wild populations or their natural habitat are lacking• The problem of finding a field site where a wide population of animals has been exposed to significant quantitites of TCDD is improbable because of (1) low levels of TCDD (< 0.1 ppm) found in currently produced phenoxy herbicide, and (2) low rates of 2,4,5,-T applied for brush control on rangeland or for reforestation ( . to 2.2 kilogram (kg)/hectare 11 (ha)). This presentation summarizes the effects of residual TCDD on the ecology of a unique test site: a site previously treated with massive quantities of 2,4,5-T and 2,4-D herbicides and located on the Eglin Air Force Base Reservation, Florida. The Eglin Reservation has served various military uses, one of them having been the development and testing of aerial dissemination equipment in support of *0ffice of Environmental Medicine (102), 810 Vermont Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20420 �military defoliation operations in Southeast Asia. It was necessary for this equipment to be tested under controlled situations that would simulate actual use conditions as near as possible. For this purpose an elaborate testing installation, designed to measure deposition parameters, was established on the Eglin Reservation with the place of direct aerial application restricted to an 2 area of approximately 3 square kilometers (km ) within Test Area C-52A in the southeastern part of the reservation. Massive quantities of herbicide, used in the testing of aerial defoliation spray equipment from 1962 through 1970, were released and fell within the instrumented test area. has prompted continued ecological surveys since 1967. The uniqueness of the area As a result, few ecosystems have been so well studied and documented. Description of Field - Test Area C-52A (TA C-52A) covers an area of 2 approximately 8 km and is a grassy plain surrounded by a forest stand that is dominated by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris), sand pine (Pinus clausa), and turkey oak (Quercus laevis). The actual area for test operations occupies an 2 area of approximately 3 km and is a cleared area occupied mainly by broomsedge (Andropogon virginicus), switchgrass (panicum virgatum), woolly panicum (Panicum lanuginosum) and low growing grasses and herbs. Much of the center of the range was established prior to 1960, but the open range as it presently exists was developed in 1961 and 1962. The test grid is approximately 28 m above sea level with a water table at 1.5 to 3 m. The major portion of this test area is drained by five small creeks whose flow rates are influenced by an average rainfall of 150 cm. The mean annual temperature for the test area is 19.7C while the mean annual relative humidity is 70.8 percent. For the most part, the soil of the test grid is a fine white sand on the surface, changing to yellow beneath. The soils of the range are predominantly well drained, acid 2. �sands of the Lakeland Association with a 0 to 3 percent slope. A typical one-meter soil core contained approximately 92 percent sand, 3.8 percent silt, and 4.2 percent clay with an organic matter content of 0.17 percent an average pH of 5.6, and a cation exchange capacity of 0.8. Although the total area for testing aerial dissemination equipment was 2 approximately 3.0 km f the area actually consisted of four separate testing grids. The primary area was located in the southern portion of the testing area and consisted of a 37 ha instrumented grid. This was the first sampling grid and was in operation in June 1962. It consisted of four intersecting straight lines in a circular pattern, each being at a 45 angle from those adjacent to it. Although this grid was discontinued after 2 years, it received the most intense testing program. From 1962 to 1964, this grid (called Grid I received 39,550 kg 2,4-D and 39,550 kg of 2,4,5-T as the Herbicide Purple formulation (50 percent n-butyl 2,4~D, 30 percent n-butyl 2,4,5-T and 20 percent iso-butyl 2,4,5-T). Two other testing grids were sprayed with Herbicide Orange (50 percent n-butyl 2,4-D and 50 percent n-butyl 2,4,5-T). Grid II was an area of 37 ha and located immediately north of Grid I. Grid II received 15,890 kg 2,4-D and 15,890 kg 2,4,5-T from 1964 through 1966. Grid IV was the largest and final Grid established on Test Area C-52A. It was approximately 97 ha and received 20,000 kg 2,4-D and 17,570 kg 2,4,5-T from 1968 through 1970. Grid III was an experimental circular grid that received 1,300 kg 2,4-D from 1966 through 1970. Thus, for the four spray equipment calibration grids, a total of 73,000 kg 2,4,5-T and 77,000 kg 2,4-D were aerially disseminated during the period 1962-1970. No residues of 2,4,5-T or 2,4-D were detected (detection limit of 10 ppb) in any soil samples collected during 1971-72. Results - Analysis of archived samples of the formulations sprayed on the calibration grids indicated that approximately 2.8 kg 2,3,7,8-TCDD were applied 3. �as a contaminant of the herbicide. However, 2.6 kg of this TCDD were applied to a 37 ha test grid (Grid I) from June 1962 through July 1964. Levels of < 10 to 1,500 parts per trillion (ppt) could be found in the top 15 cm of soil 14 years after the last application of herbicide on this site. Nevertheless, analysis of 61 soil samples suggested that less than 1 percent of the TCDD remained on the test area. Photodegradation at the time of and immediately after aerial application probably accounted for much of the disappearance of TCDD, although wind and water erosion and biological removal may have also contributed to its disappearance. Probably, the most startling observation about Test Area C-52A, is that biological organisms are abundant. The composition of species is diverse and the distribution extensive. In February 1969, a "list of species" was initiated for the test grids. Whenever a species was observed on or associated with the grids, that species was recorded. Over the years of observation, approximately 341 species or organisms have been observed and identified as associated with the test area. The sheer number of species testifies to the extensiveness of the ecological studies that have been conducted on this unique area. To date 290 biological samples (plants and animals) have been analyzed for TCDD. TCDD residues have now been found in a wide spectrum of animals collected from the test area. Approximately one-third (21) of the different species examined for TCDD residue have been positive. In general, the levels of TCDD in the organisms appeared to be close to the mean levels of TCDD found in the soils. The ecological survey extending over a 5-year period (1973-1978) documented the presence of at least 123 different plant species, 77 bird species, 71 insect families, 20 species of fish, 18 species of reptiles, 18 species of mammals, 12 species of amphibians and 2 species of mollusks. No TCDD was found in any of the seeds of the plant species examined. However, TCDD was found in nine 4. �species of animals including two rodent species: beachmouse (300-2,900 ppt, liver) and hispid cotton rat ( 10-210 ppt, liver); three species of birds: ( meadowlark (100-1,020 ppt, liver), mourning dove (50 ppt, liver), and Savannah sparrows (69 ppt, liver); three species of fish: spotted sunfish (85 ppt, liver), mosquito fish (12 ppt, whole body) and sailfin shinner (12 ppt, whole body); two reptiles: six-lined racerunner (360-430 ppt, muscle), and the Eastern coachwhip (150 ppt, fat); and one amphibian (Southern toad, 1,360 ppt, whole body) . In addition ground-borne spiders ere positive for TCDD (115 ppt) as were crickets (18-25 ppt) and insect grubs (240 ppt). These data verify that both bioaccumulation and bioconcentration of TCDD occurs. Indeed, in a special examination of liver tissue from 36 individual beachraice, a close relationship between soil and liver levels of TCDD was observed, i.e., high liver levels of TCDD were consistent with high soil levels of TCDD. Moreover, for beachmice bioconcentration factors (mean liver concentrations divided by mean soil concentrations) ranged from 6 for females to 18 for males. Whole body analysis of fetuses from test area females indicated apparent placental transport of TCDD. Histopathological examinations were performed on 255 adult or fetal beachmice from the test area and a control area. Examinations were performed on the heart, lungs, trachea, salivary glands, thymus, liver, kidneys, stomach, pancreas, adrenals, large and small intestine, spleen, genital organs, bone, bone marrow, skin and brain. Initially the tissues were examined on a blind study basis. All microscopic changes were recorded including those interpreted as minor or insignificant. The issues were then re-examined on a control versus test basis, which demonstrated that the test and control mice could not be distinguished histopathologically. The mean number of fetuses per observed pregnancy was 3.1 and 3.4 for the test area and a control area, respectively. A single female beachmouse is capable of producing a litter every 26 days. At 5. �this frequency, the animals collected in 1978 could have been 50 generations removed from the population studies in 1973. A two-factor (treatment and year) disproportional analysis of covariance of organ weights revealed that liver weights for pregnant beachmice from the test area were significantly heavier (P ( 0 ) than liver weights of pregnant females from the control area, and these .1 differences were consistent over the 5 years of observation. These studies suggest that long-term, low level exposure to TCDD under field conditions has had minimal effect upon the health and reproduction of the beachmouse. 6. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 144 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4136 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource January 21 1982 Title A name given to the resource Fate of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in an Ecosystem Treated with Massive Quantities of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T Herbicides Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 144 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4132 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. C. E. Thalken D. D. Harrison Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Proceedings of the Western Society of Weed Science Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1981 Title A name given to the resource Persistence, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicology of TCDD in an Ecosystem Treated with Massice Quantities of 2,4,5-T Herbicide Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 143 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4103 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived 1981 Proceedings of the Western Society of Weed Science Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1981-03-01 Title A name given to the resource Typescript: Use of Herbicides in South Vietnam, 1961-1971 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/c5432e555bd6830af034d456e5932809.pdf b741b3653c73146ff8f2569b2b50b881 PDF Text Text ItemDNumber ows Author D Young, Alvin L. Corporate Author Report/Article Title Use of Herbicides in South Vietnam, 1961 -1971, Presentation/Proceedings Journal/Book Title Year 198 Month/Day May 28-30 Color Number of Images ° D 18 Descripton Notes Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4078 of 4258 �USE OF HERBICIDES IN SOUTH VIETNAM, 1961-1971 ALVIN L. YOUNG* MAJOR, USAF, PHD Epidemiology Division USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX 78235 PRESENTATION/PROCEEDINGS EDUCATIONAL CONFERENCE ON HERBICIDE ORANGE United States Veterans Administration Silver Springs, Maryland 28-30 May 1980 *Address Inquiry: Major Alvin L. Young, USAF, Ph.D. Environmental Sciences Consultant Epidemiology Division USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX 78235 Phone: (512) 536-3309/2604 �USE OF HERBICIDES IN SOUTH VIETNAM,1961-1971* ALVIN L. YOUNG MAJOR, USAF, PHD Epidemiology Division USAF School of Aerospace Medicine Brooks AFB, San Antonio, TX 78235 Herbicides used in support of tactical military operations in South Vietnam from 1961 to 1971 are today, ten years after the last herbicide mission, the center of intense scientific debate involving not only medical but also legal, political and ecological issues. This paper reviews the historical and operational concepts and some potential human exposure considerations involving the military use of herbicides in the Southeast Asian Conflict. Herbicides Used in South Vietnam Synthesis technology, efficacy data, and field application techniques were developed for the two major phenoxy herbicides, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (24,5-T) during World War II at Fort Detrick, Frederick, Maryland. Following World War II, the commercial use of these two "synthetic" organic herbicides revolutionized American agriculture. In 1950, more than 10 m i l l i o n pounds of these materials were used annually for weed and brush control in the United States. By 1960, in excess of 36 million pounds were used. *A synopsis of Information from Chapters I and III of The Toxicology, Environmental Fate, and Human Risk of Herbicide Orange and Its Associated Dioxin, Air Force Technical Report OEHL-TR-78-92, USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, Brooks Air Force Base, Texas. (Authors: A. L. Young, J. A. Calcagni, C. E. Thalken, and J. W. Tremblay). 1978. �In May 1961, the Office of the Secretary of Defense requested the Fort Detrick personnel to determine the technical feasibility of defoliating jungle vegetation in the Republic of Vietnam. By early fall, 1961, 18 different aerial spray tests (defoliation and anticrop) had been conducted with various formulations of commercially-available herbicides. The choice of these herbicides was based upon the chemicals that had had considerable research, proven performance, and practical background at that period in time. Also, such factors as availability in large quantity, costs and known or accepted safety in regard to their toxicity to humans and animals were, considered. The results of these tests were that significant defoliation and anticrop effects could be obtained with two different mixtures of herbicides. The first was a mixture of the n-butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and the iso-butyl ester of 2,4,5-T. This mixture was code-named "Purple." The second "military" herbicide was code-named "Blue" and consisted of the acid and sodium salt of cacodylic acid. The colored bands which were painted around the center of the 55-gallon drums served as aid to the identification by support personnel. The first shipment of Herbicides Purple and Blue was received at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, on 9 January 1962. These were the first m i l i - tary herbicides used in Operation RANCH HAND, the tactical military project for the aerial spraying of herbicides in South Vietnam. Two additional phenoxy herbicide formulations were received in limited quantities in South Vietnam and evaluated during the first two years of Operation RANCH HAND. These were code-named Pink and Green. By January 1965, two additional military herbicides, �code-named Orange and White, had been evaluated and brought into the Spray program. Herbicide Orange replaced all uses of Purple, Pink, or Green, and eventually became the most widely used military herbicide in South Vietnam. The composition of the three major herbicides used in South Vietnam were as follows: 1. Herbicide Orange Orange was a reddish-brown to tan colored liquid soluble in diesel fuel and organic solvents, but insoluble in water. One gallon of Orange theoretically contained 4.21 pounds of the active ingredient of 2,4-D and 4.41 pounds of the active ingredient of 2,4,5-T. Orange was formulated to contain a 50:50 mixture of the n-butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. The percentages of the formulation typically were: n-butyl ester of 2,4-D free acid of 2,4-D n-butyl ester of 2,4,5-T Free acid of 2,4,5-T inert ingredients (e.g., butyl alcohol and ester moieties) 49.49 0.13 48.75 1.00 0.62 2. Herbicide White White was a dark brown viscous liquid that was soluble in water but insoluble in organic solvents and diesel fuel. One gallon of White contained 0.54 pounds of the active ingredient of 4-amino-3,5,6trichloropicolinic acid (picloram) and 2.00 pounds of the active ingredient of 2,4-D. White was formulated to contain a 1:4 mixture of the triisopropanoamine salts of picloram and 2,4-D. The percentages of the formulation were: �triisopropanolamine salt of picloram 10.2 triisopropanolamine salt of 2,4-D 39.6 inert ingredient (primarily the solvent triisopropanolamine) 50.2 3. Herbicide Blue Blue was a clear yellowish-tan liquid that was soluble in water, but insoluble in organic solvents and diesel fuel. One gallon of Blue contained 3.10 pounds of the active ingredient hydroxydimethyarsine oxide (cacodylic acid). Blue was formulated to contain cacodylic acid (as the free acid) and the sodium salt of cacodylic acid (sodium cacodylate). The percentages of the formulation were: cacodylic acid 4.7 sodium cacodylate 26.4 surfactant 3.4 sodium chloride 5.5 water 59.5 antifoam agent 0.5 As previously noted, not all of the herbicides used in South Vietnam were used throughout the entire 10 years (1962-1971) encompassed by the Department of Defense defoliation program. In addition, 2,4,5-T formulations used early in the program are believed to have contained higher levels of the toxic contaminant TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin or "dioxin") than did the formulations used in the later years. The three time periods �shown in Table 1 can be differentiated on the basis of specific herbicides used and the mean dioxin content. TABLE 1. THE DIFFERENTIATION OF THREE TIME PERIODS DURING THE US MILITARY DEFOLIATION PROGRAM IN SOUTH VIETNAM AND MEAN DIOXIN CONTENT Herbicides Used (Code Names) Period Mean Dioxin Content (parts per million)* January 1962- Purple, Pink, Green June 1965 Blue ^32** July 1965June 1970 Orange White, Blue ^ 2+ 0 July 1970October 1971 White, Blue 0 0 *Found only in 2,4,5-T containing formulations. **Value based on analyses of five samples. +Value based on the analyses of 488 samples. Herbicide Orange was the most extensively used herbicide in South Vietnam. Orange accounted for approximately 10.7 million gallons of the total 17.7 million gallons of herbicide used (Table 2). It was used from mid-1965 to June 1970. However, as noted in Table 2, Orange was not the only 2,4,5-T containing herbicide used in the defoliation program. Small quantities of Purple, Pink, and Green, all containing 2,4,5-T were used from 1962 through mid-1965. In subsequent sections of this document, the term "Herbicide Orange" will refer to all of the 2,4,5-T containing herbicides used in Vietnam (Purple, Pink, Green, and Orange). �TABLE 2. NUMBER OF GALLONS OF MILITARY HERBICIDE PROCURED BY THE US DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE AND DISSEMINATED IN SOUTH VIETNAM DURING JANUARY 1962 - OCTOBER 1971 Code Name Herbicide Quantity Period of Use Orange 2,4-D; 2,4,5-T 10,646,000 1965-1970* White 2,4-D; Picloram 5,633,000 1965-1971** Blue Cacodylic Acid 1 ,150,000 1962-1971** Purple 2,4-D; 2,4,5-T 145,000 1962-1965 Pink 2,4,5-T 123,000 1962-1965 Green 2,4,5-T 8,200 17,705,200 1962-1965 Total *Last fixed-wing mission of Orange 16 April 1970; last helicopter mission of Orange 6 June 1970. **Last fixed-wing mission 9 January 1971; all herbicides under US control stopped 31 October 1971. Use Patterns of Individual Herbicides Each of the three major herbicides (Orange, White, and Blue) had specific uses. Ninety-nine percent of Herbicide White was applied in defoliation missions. It was not recommended for use on crops because of the persistence of Picloram in soils. Because the herbicidal action on woody plants was usually slow, full defoliation did not occur for several months after spray application. Thus, it was an ideal herbicide for use in the inland forests in areas where defoliation was not immediately required, but where it did occur it would persist longer than if the area were sprayed with Orange or Blue. �Herbicide Blue was the herbicide of choice for crop destruction missions involving cereal or grain crops. Approximately 50 percent of all Blue was used in crop destruction missions in remote or enemy controlled areas with the remainder being used as a contact herbicide for control of grasses around base perimeters. Ninety percent of all Herbicide Orange was used for forest defoliation and it was especially effective in defoliating mangrove forests. Eight percent of Herbicide Orange was used in the destruction of broadleaf crops (beans, peanuts, ramie, and root or tuber crops). The remaining 2 percent was used around base perimeters, cache sites, waterways, and communication lines. Table 3 shows the number of acres sprayed with herbicides in South Vietnam within the three major vegetational categories. TABLE 3. THE NUMBER OF ACRES TREATED IN SOUTH VIETNAM, 1962-1971, WITH MILITARY HERBICIDES WITHIN THE THREE MAJOR VEGETATIONAL CATEGORIES Vegetational Category Areas Treated* Inland forest 2,670,000 Mangrove forests 318,000 Cultivated crops 260,000 Total *Areas receiving single or multiple coverage. 3,248,000 �Certain portions of South Vietnam were more likely to have been subjected to defoliation. Herbicide expenditures for the four Combat Tactical Zones Of South Vietnam are shown in Table 4. These data were obtained from the HERBS tape (a computer listing of all herbicide missions in South Vietnam from 1965 through 1971). Total volume is in close agreement with the actual procurement data shown in Table 4. TABLE 4. US HERBICIDES EXPENDITURES IN SOUTH VIETNAM, 1962-1971: A BREAKDOWN BY COMBAT TACTICAL ZONE* Herbicide Expenditure (gallons) Orange White Blue Combat Tactical Zones CTZ I 2,250,000 363,000 298,000 CTZ II 2,519,000 729,000 473,000 CT2 III (includes Saigon) 5,309,000 3,719,000 294,000 CTZ IV 1,227,000 435.000 62,000 Subtotals 11,305,000 17.678.000 Grand total *Source: 5,246,000 1,127,000 HERBS tape In addition to the herbicides, numerous other chemicals were shipped to South Vietnam in 55-gallon drums. THese included selected fuel additives, cleaning solvents, cooking oils, and a variety of other pesticides. The insecticide Malathion was widely used for control of mosquitoes and at least 400,000 gallons of it were used from 1966 through 1970. In addition, much smaller quantities of Lindane and DDT were used in ground operations 8 �throughout the war in Southeast Asia, The distribution of the herbicides within Vietnam after their arrival did not occur randomly. About 65 percent was shipped to the 20th Ordnance Storage Depot, Saigon, and 36 percent was shipped to the 511th Ordnance Depot, Da Nang. Military Aircraft and Vehicles Used in the Dissemination of Herbicides Numerous aircraft were used in the air war in Vietnam, but only a few of these aircraft were used for aerial dissemination of herbicides. The "work horse" of Operation RANCH HAND was the two-engine aircraft C-123/UC-123 called the "Provider." This cargo aircraft was adapted to receive a modular spray system for internal carriage. The module (the A/A 45 Y-l) consisted of a 1,000-gallon tank, punp, and engine which were all mounted on a frame pallet. An operator's console was an integral part of the unit, but was not mounted on the pallet. Wing bo.oms (1.5 inches in diameter, 22 feet long) extended from the outboard engine nacelles toward the wing tips. A short tail boom (3 inches in diameter, 20 feet long) was positioned centrally near the aft cargo door. Each aircraft normally had a crew of three men: the pilot, co-pilot (navigator), and flight engineer .(console operator). During the peak activity of RANCH HAND operations (19681969), 33 UC-123K aircraft were employed. The "U" designated modification for aerial spraying and the "K" designated modification with jet boosters. However, many other squadrons of non-RANCH HAND C-123 aircraft were routinely used throughout South Vietnam in transport operations., The control of malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases in South Vietnam necessitated an extensive aerial insecticide application program in order to Control these vector insects. From 1967 through 1972, three UC-123K aircraft were used to spray Malathion, an organophosphate insecticide. These aircraft could be distinguished from the Herbicide-spraying aircraft because they were �not camouflaged. These aircraft routinely sprayed insecticide adjacent to military and civilian installations, as well as in areas where military operations were in progress, or about to commence. Approximately 10 to 12 percent of all herbicides used in South Vietnam was disseminated by helicopter or ground application equipment. Generally, helicopter crews were not assigned to herbicide spray duties on a full-time basis and rotated the spraying duties with other mission requirements. The military UH-1 series of helicopters, deployed by the Air Force, the Army, and Navy units, generally sprayed the herbicides. The most common spray system used was the AGRINAUTICS unit. This unit was installed in or removed from the aircraft in a matter of minutes because it was "tied down" to installed cargo shackles and aircraft modifications were not required for its use. The unit consisted of a 200-gallon tank and a collapsible 32-foot spray boom. The unit was operated by manual controls to control the flow valve and a windmill brake. Generally, each helicopter had three crew members. A summary of the aircraft used in herbicide and insecticide operations is shown in Table 5. TABLE 5. US MILITARY AIRCRAFT USED IN THE DISSEMINATION OF HERBICIDES AND INSECTICIDES IN SOUTH VIETNAM Aircraft Camouflaged Chemical Disseminated UC-123K Yes All Herbicides UC-123K No Malathion Yes Orange, Blue Helicopter Air Force UH-1 Army UH-1B/UH-1D Navy UH-1E 10 �Various ground delivery systems were also used in South Vietnam for control of vegetation in limited areas. Most of these units were towed or mounted on vehicles. One unit that was routinely used was the Buffalo turbine. It developed a wind blast with a velocity up to 150 mph at 10,000 ft /minute volume. When the herbicide was injected into the air blast, it was essentially "shot" at the foliage. The buffalo turbine was useful for roadside spraying and applications of perimeter defenses. The herbicides of choice in these operations were Blue and Orange. Exposure Considerations: Applications and Environmental Parameters There were relatively few military operations that involved the handling of herbicides by military personnel. A review of operations involving Herbicide Orange in South Vietnam from January 1962 to April 1970 revealed that there were essentially three groups of US military personnel potentially exposed to Herbicide Orange and its associated dioxin contaminant. These three groups were: 1. "Operation RANCH HAND" personnel actively involved in the defoliation program. This group included aircrew members and maintenance and support personnel directly assigned to the RANCH HAND squadrons. 2. Personnel assigned to selected support functions that may have resulted in exposure to Herbicide Orange. This group included, for example, personnel who sprayed herbicides, using helicopters or ground application equipment; personnel who may have delivered the herbicides to the units performing the defoliation missions; aircraft mechanics who were specialized and occasionally provided support to RANCH HAND aircraft; or, personnel who 11 �may have flown contaminated,C-l23 aircraft, but were not assigned to RANCH HAND (e.g., during the Tet Offensive, all RANCH HAND aircraft were reconfigured to transport supplies and equipment, and were assigned to non-RANCH HAND squadrons). 3. Ground personnel who may have been inadvertently sprayed by defoliation aircraft or who, during combat operations, may have entered an area previously sprayed with Herbicide Orange. The total number of US military personnel exposed to Herbicide Orange is not known. Approximately 1,200 RANCH HAND personnel were exposed in direct support of the defoliation operations; however, there are no data on the number of non-RANCH HAND personnel who may have been exposed. The actual number of people may be in the thousands since at least 100 helicopter spray equipment units were used in South Vietnam, and most military bases had vehicle-mounted and backpack spray units available for use in routine vegetation control programs. The number of military ground personnel who may have inadvertently been sprayed by RANCH HAND aircraft, or who may have entered areas recently sprayed with Herbicide Orange during combat operations is not known. Approximately 10 percent of South Vietnam was sprayed with herbicides, and most of this area was contested and/or controlled by enemy forces. Most areas sprayed were remote, unpopulated and forested. Because of the dense canopy cover, the target of the defoliation operation, the amount of herbicide penetrating to the forest floor would have been small. The exposure of personnel could have occurred by essentially three routes: 12 �1. Percutaneous absorption and inhalation of vapors/aerosols by direct exposure to sprays. 2. Percutaneous absorption and inhalation of vapors by exposure to treated areas following spray application, and 3. Ingestion of foods contaminated with the material. The chemical and physical characteristics of Herbicide Orange and the spray, as it would have occurred following dissemination from a UC-123K, are important factors in assessing relative exposures to the Herbicides and TCDD. Table 6 reviews the pertinent chemical and physical characteristics of Herbicide Orange. Table 7 reviews both the application parameters of the spray system used in the UC-123K aircraft and the characteristics" of the spray itself. Generally, herbicides were sprayed in the early morning or late afternoon, so as to minimize the effects of air movement on particle dispersion. TABLE 6. PERTINENT CHEMICAL AND PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HERBICIDE ORANGE Formulation Concentrated Water Insoluble (8.6 Ib ai/gal)* Density = 1.28 Vapor Pressure -4 3.6 x 10 mm Hg at 30°C NBE** 2,4-D : 1.2 x 10"4 NBE 2,4,5-T TCDD : 0.4 x 10"4 : 1 x 10"4 Viscous Noncorrosive to metal Deleterious to paints, rubber, neoprene : Long shelf 1ife 40 centipoises at 20°C *Pounds active ingredient (2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) per gallon. **NBE - Normal Butyl ester 13 �TABLE 7. APPLICATION PARAMETERS AND SPRAY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UC-123K/ AA 45 Y-] INTERNAL SPRAY SYSTEM Aircraft speed 130 KIAS* Aircraft altitude 150 feet Tank volume 1,000 gallons Spray time 3.5-4 minutes Particle size: <100 microns: 1.9% 100-500 microns: 76.2% >500 microns : 21.9% 87% impacted within 1 min 13% drifted or volatilized Mean particle volume 0.61 microliters Spray swath 260 + 20 feet Mean deposition 3 gallons/acre Total area/tank 340 acrea *Knots indicated air speed Ground combat forces normally would not have been expected to have entered a previously treated area for several weeks after treatment, during which time numerous environmental factors would have reduced the potential for exposure to military personnel. An indepth review of the environmental fate of Herbicide Orange and TCDD concluded the the vast majority of the phenoxy herbicides would have impacted forest canopy, the intended target. 14 �Rapid uptake (e.g., within a few hours) of the ester formulations of 2»4-D and 2,4,5-T would have occurred. Most of the herbicide probably would have undergone rapid degradation (weeks) within the cellular matrix of the vegetation. However, some of the herbicide may have remained unmetabolized and would have been deposited on the forest floor at the time of leaf fall. Soil microbial and/or chemical action would likely have completed the degradation process. Herbicide droplets that impacted directly on soil or water would have probably hydrolyzed rapidly (within hours). Biological and nonbiological degradative processes would have further occurred to significantly reduce these residues. Some violatilization of the esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T would have occurred during and immediately after application. The volatile material most likely would have dissipated within the foliage of the target area. Photodecompo- sition of TCDD would have minimized the amount of biologically active volatile residues moving downwind of the target area. Accumulation of phenoxy herbicides in animals may have occurred following irigestion of treated vegetation. The magnitude of this accumulation would have likely been at nontoxic levels. Herbicide residues in animals would have rapidly declined after withdrawal from treated feed. Most TCDD sprayed into the environment during defoliation operations would have probably photodegraded within 24 hours of application. Moreover, recent studies suggest that even within the shaded forest canopy, volatilization and subsequent photodecomposition of TCDD can occur. Since translocation into vegetation would be minimal, most TCDD that escaped 15 �photodegradation would probably have entered the soil-organic complex on.the forest floor following leaf fall. Soil chemical and microbial processes would have further reduced TCDD residues. Bioconcentration of the remaining minute levels of TCDD may have occurred in liver and fat of animals ingesting contaminated vegetation or soil. However, there are no field data available that indicate that the levels of TCDD likely to have accumulated in these animals would have had a biological effect. The environmental generation of TCDD from 2,4,5-T residues, through thermal or photolytic processes, would have been highly unlikely and of no consequence. SUMMARY The choice of herbicides used in South Vietnam in Operation RANCH HAND, 1962-1971, was based upon those herbicides that had been widely used in world agriculture, shown to be effective in controlling a broad spectrum of vegetation, and proven safe to humans and animals. The major herbicides used in South Vietnam were the phenoxy herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. These two herbicides were formulated as the water insoluble esters and code-named by the military as Purple, Orange, Pink and Green. A water soluble amine formulation of 2,4-D was used in Herbicide White. Two other herbicides were extensively used by the military, picloram (in White) and cacodylic acid (in Blue). An estimated 107 million pounds of herbicides were aerially-disseminated oh 3 million acres in South Vietnam from January 1962 through October 1971. 16 �Approximately 94 percent of all herbicides sprayed in Vietnam were 2,4-D (56 million pounds or 53 percent of total) or 2,4,5-T (44 million pounds or 41 percent of total). The 44 million pounds of 2,4,5-T contained an estimated 368 pounds of the toxic contaminant, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzop-dioxin (TCDD or dioxin). Ninety-six percent of all 2,4,5-T was contained in Herbicide Orange; the remaining 4 percent in Herbicides Green, Pink and Purple. However, Herbicides Green, Pink and Purple contained approximately 40 percent of the estimated amount of TCDD disseminated in South Vietnam. Green, Pink and Purple were sprayed as defoliants on less than 90,000 acres from 1962 through 1964, a period when only a small force of US military personnel were in South Vietnam. Ninety percent of all the Herbicide Orange (containing 38.3 million pounds of 2,4,5-T and 203 pounds of TCDD) were used in defoliation operations on 2.9 million acres of inland forests and mangrove forests of South Vietnam. The handling, transport and storage procedures employed for the herbicide generally precluded physical contact with the herbicides by most military personnel. However, personnel assigned to the RANCH HAND squadron and to individual helicopters responsible for the dissemination of herbicides were the most likely military personnel exposed to the herbicides. The methods employed in spraying the herbicides, the geographical areas designated for dissemination of the herbicides, and the action of the environment on the herbicides generally precluded direct physical contact with the herbicide by military personnel assigned to other military programs, 17 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 143 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4078 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 28-30 1980 Title A name given to the resource Use of Herbicides in South Vietnam, 1961-1971, Presentation/Proceedings https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/0cc5c4cc024c3a8c053060983c6fb558.pdf 412a1eff3d7f0499248e9ccfb579df66 PDF Text Text item B Number °4039 Author Young, Alvin L. CorDOratB Author USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laborato D Not Scanned Report/Article TitlB Typescript: Preliminary Draft for Summary: Herbicide Orange Site Treatment and Environmental Monitoring: Summary Report and Reccommendations for the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS Journal/Book Title Year 1979 Month/Day November Color D Number of Images 6 DOSCrlptOn NOtOS Note on reP°rt "F°r Official Use Only". See Item 187 for final version Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4039 of 4258 �PRELIMINARY DRAFT SUMMARY HERBICIDE ORANGE SITE TREATMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING: SUMMARY REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE NAVAL CONSTRUCTION BATTALION CENTER, GULFPORT MS Prepared For AIR FORCE LOGISTICS COMMAND WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH Major Alvin L. Young, Ph.D. Major William J. Cairney, Ph.D. Lt Col Charles E. Thalken, DVM November 1979 USAF OCCUPATIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LABORATORY AEROSPACE MEDICAL DIVISION (AFSC) BROOKS AFB TX 78235 "FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY" �SUMMARY This report was prepared by members of the Aerospace Medical Division (AFSC) and the United States Air Force Academy for the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC). The purpose of the report is to document the past and present interest and concern in environmental monitoring studies of a storage area on the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), Gulfport MS. The area of concern had been used for the long-term storage of 840,000 gallons of Herbicide Orange from mid-1968 to mid-1977. Since 1970, various Air Force laboratories have been conducting environmental surveys of the soils, plants, and aquatic system in and around the Herbicide Orange Storage Area. As the drums of herbicide began to deteriorate, and as more information became available on the toxic contaminant 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) contained in the herbicide, more extensive monitoring programs were conducted. In the summer of 1977, the entire inventory was dedrummed at NCBC, transferred to a specially equipped ship and destroyed by at-sea incineration during Project PACER HO. The AFLC programming plan and the EPA permits for the disposal of the herbicide, committed the USAF to a subsequent storage site reclamation and environmental monitoring program. The major objectives of this program were to (1) determine the magnitude of Herbicide Orange contamination on the Storage Area; (2) determine fate of the phenoxy herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, their phenolic degradation products and TCDD in soils of the Storage Area; (3) monitor movements of residues from the Storage Area into adjacent water, sediments and biological organisms; and (4) recommend managerial techniques for minimizing the impact of the herbicides and TCDD residues on the ecology and human populations adjacent or near the Storage Area. �The basic protocol used in the present study consisted of selecting 42 sites within the Storage Area and sampling the soil. Previous studies had shown that the residue did not appreciably move within the acid soil and, in addition, an impervious concrete-stabilized hardpan is located approximately 6 inches below the soil surface. The sites selected for monitoring of herbicides, phenol and TCDD residues were determined by whether a spill had occurred or not occurred at a specific location. In addition to residue analyses, each soil sample was analyzed for microorganisms. The results of these on-site soil studies indicated that approximately 1-2 acres of the 12 acre area are significantly contaminated with Herbicide Orange and TCDD. Levels of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T herbicides in selected samples were greater than 100,000 ppm (mean 78,040 ppm) in July 1977, but rapidly decreased to one-third that level in 18 months. No accurate estimate of the persistence time of TCDD are obtained from these studies. However, data from spill sites monitored for 18 months suggested that TCDD levels are decreasing. The soil penetration of the herbicides was low while penetration of TCDD was very low but measurable. Soil sterilization of the soil did not occur; indeed, certain microflora proliferated under high levels of herbicides. As data became available indicating that high levels of TCDD (e.g., 100-200 ppb) were associated with spill sites on the Herbicide Storage Area, studies on the fate of TCDD into the drainage system were initiated. Frozen archived biological samples, collected and frozen from the stream adjacent to the Storage Area, were analyzed and reported January 1979 and found positive for TCDD residues (0.14-3.5 ppb TCDD). Thereafter, additional environmental ii �samples were collected in January, February and June 1979. Sediment and biological samples collected in 1979 from the stream immediately adjacent to the Storage Area confirmed that movement of TCDD from the Storage Area occurred through erosion of the soil into the stream (sediment levels of 2.7 to 3.6 ppb and biological levels of 0.14 to 7.2 ppb). Water samples collected in the same area were negative for TCDD at a detection level of 0.02 ppb. Samples taken progressively downstream at 3,000, 7,000, 9,000 and 12,000 feet indicated that significant reductions in residue occurred. Only two off-base samples (samples collected in February 1979 beyond the 7,000-foot station) were positive for TCDD and then at levels of only 20 parts per trillion. Although these samples are considered positive, they are so near the detection limit of the present "state-of-theart" instrumentation (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The specific recommendations for the 12 acre Herbicide Orange Storage Area are (1) continue to leave the area undisturbed and restricted to vehicular traffic; (2) prevent movement of soil and silt from the area by stabilizing the ditch bank, constructing silt catchments within the ditches, and constructing a silt-retaining pond prior to the stream leaving the NCBC; and initiate a research effort to: a. decontminate TCDD-laden soils. b. increase TCDD degradation rates. c. characterize the uptake and distrubution of TCDD in the aquatic environment. iii �SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS />«!« fin READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE COMPLETING FORM REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE 1. REPOST NUMDER 2. OOVT ACCESSION NO 3, RECIP'FMT'S CATALOG NUMBER OEHL-TR-79 4. TITLE (end Subtitle) 5. TYPE OF REPORT ft PERIOD COVERED Herbicide Orange Site Treatment and Environmental Monitoring: Summary Report and Recommendations for Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport MS Final 6. PERFORMING ORG. REPORT NUMBER 8. CONTRACT Ofl GRANT NUMBERfa) 7. AUTHORfs) Alvin L. Young, Major, USAF Charles E. Thalken, Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, VC William J. Cairney, Major, USAF, BSC 10. PPOGPAM ELEMENT, PROJECT, TASK APE* ft'WORK UNIT NUMBERS 9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory Brooks Air Force Base, Texas 78235 It. CONTROLLING OFFICE NAME AND ADDRESS U, REPORT PATE USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory Brooks Air Force Base, Texas 78235 November 1979 13. NUMBER OF PAGES 14. MONITORING AGENCY NAME & ADDRESSfU dlllerent from Controlling Office) 15. SECURITY CLASS, (at this report) Unclassified 15a. OECLASSIFICATION/ DOWNGRADING SCHEDULE 16. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT (o[ this Report) Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 17. D I S T R I B U T I O N S T A T E M E N T (of the abstract entered In Block 20, It dlllerent from Report) CV^" J^. 18. /e> Xl 9. KEY WORDS (Continue on reverse side II necessary and Identify by block number) aquatic studies bioaccumulation Mode gradation of herbicides biodegradation of TCDD chlorinated phenols ecological effects Herbicide Orange 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) dioxin Orange environmental monitoring phenoxy herbicides herbicides PACER HO 20. A B S T R A C T (Continue on reverse aide It necessary and Identity by block number) Environmental surveys of the soils, plants and the aquatic system in and around a 12-acre Herbicide Orange Storage-$urea at Gulfport MS were conducted from 1970 through 1979./^The major objectives of the surveys were to (1) determine the magnitude of Herbicide Orange contamination on the storage area (2) determine the fate of the phenoxy herbicides 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T, their phenolic degradation products and TCDD in soils of the storage area (3) monitor movements of residues from the storage area into adjacent water, sediments and biological organisms; and (4) recommend managerial techniques for minimizing the impact DD , 1473 EDITION OF 1 NOV 65 IS OBSOLETE Unclassified SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF THIS PAGE (Whan Data Entered) �Sh'CURITv C L A S S I F I C A T I O N OF THIS PAGEflfhan Data Entnr'jd) . _ _ . . , . ...'. soil microbial studies TCDD 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) 20. . of the herbicides and TCDD residues on the ecology and human populations adjacent or near the storage area. High levels of TCDD (e.g., 100-200 parts per billion [ p ] were associated with spill sites on the herbicide storage area. pb) Sediment samples from the storage area contained 2.7 to 3.6 ppb TCDD and biological organisms closely associated with the sediment contained 0.14 to 7.2 ,,ppb TCDD. Water samples collected in the same area were negative for TCDD at a detection level of 0.02 ppb. Two of five off-base samples were positive for TCDD (a crayfish and a sediment sample both contained 0.02 ppb TCDD). The primary recommendation is that the 12-acre Herbicide Orange storage area be left undisturbed permitting the continuation of "natural" degradation of the herbicides and TCDD. If the area remains undisturbed, it is recommended that the area be restricted and that efforts be immediately undertaken to minimize future erosion of contaminated soil into the ditches. The prevention of soil and silt movement from the area may be accomplished by stabilizing the ditch banks, constructing silt catchments within the ditches and constructing a silt'^ retaining pond prior to the stream leaving the NCBC. Unclassified S E C U R I T Y C L A S S I F I C A T I O N OF T H I S P AGF.fWion fata � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 142 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4039 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. William J. Cairney Charles E. Thalken Description An account of the resource <strong>Corporate Author: </strong>USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, Aerospace Medical Division (AFSC), Brooks AFB, Texas Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1979-11-01 Title A name given to the resource Typescript: Preliminary Draft for Summary: Herbicide Orange Site Treatment and Environmental Monitoring: Summary Report and Reccommendations for the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, MS https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/6cfbfe4788817b03684a85edfee233d0.pdf 8447f322555d74a6348ef72f7644f833 PDF Text Text Item D Number °4031 AUthOP Young, Alvin L. D (jot Scanned Corporate Author Report/Article Title Memorandum: from Alvin L. Young to USAF OEHUSU, with subject Statement of Work for Project Order to USAF Academy, dated 26 October 1979 Journal/Book Title Year 000 ° Month/Day Color Number of Images D 1 Descripton Notes Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4031 of 4258 �DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE USAF SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE MEDICINE (AFSC) BROOKS AIR FORCE BASE, TEXAS 78235 ATTN'O™ E SUBJECT: Statement of Work for Project Order to USAF Academy •TO-. K 26 October 1979 USAF OEHL/SU (Ms Dennis) 1. The following statement of work is recommended for the Project Order to the USAF Academy (USAFA/DFCBS) in support of the Herbicide Orange Site Monitoring Project: USAFA/DFCBS shall during the period of this Project Order conduct an ecological monitoring program of the storage sites previously used iftotf. the storage of Herbicide Orange at the Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC), Gulfport MS, and Johnston Island (JI), Pacific Ocean. The monitoring program will include but not be limited to the following work: 1. 2. The chemical analysis of selected soil and biological samples for TCDD. 3. The chemical analyses of selected soil and biological samples for isomers of the tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and tetrachlorodibenzo-p-furans. 4. The microbial analyses of selected soil samples for qualitative and quantitative data on soil fungi, actinomycetes and bacteria. 5. 2. The chemical analyses of selected soil samples for residues of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and associated phenols, Prepare an interim and final report for submission to USAF OEHL by 1 Jul and 1 Oct 80, respectively. If I may be of assistance in clarification or revision of the above statement, please contact me at 3471. r••• « ^ ALVIN L. YOUNG, MAJOR, USAF, P h . D . Environmental Sciences Consultant � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 142 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4031 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Title A name given to the resource Memorandum: from Alvin L. Young to USAF OEHL/SU, with subject Statement of Work for Project Order to USAF Academy, dated 26 October 1979 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/e14af9a6f18089a1117fa1be5230c941.pdf a45d310d8d10b5df283b676df7365e60 PDF Text Text itBmDNumbur 04016 Author a Not Scanned Young, Alvin L. Corporate Author RBDOrt/ArtiClB TltlO Notes on the Herbicide Orange Storage Site, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, June 13-14, 1979 Journal/Book Title Yoar 000 ° Month/Day Color Number of Images D 8 Items were filed together in folder labeled, "TOY, NCBC, Gulfport, MS, 13-14 June 1979, Herbicide Orange Site Monitoring Project." Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4016 of 4258 �7 i jstjc. ^^jL-^- .^?J*=?. J^-rL^??^? xj^ <=-^ J^^&: f &&tC&*,~>_ "&t£~> _ _ <2^#>^"~^f **S='J /^ _^£jZ<?L££ " 1 �TDY SCHEDULE MAJOR A. L. YOUNG & CAPTAIN J.M. LIVINGSTON NCBD, GULFPORT MS 13-14 JUNE 79 PROJECT 78-8 13 June 79 Depart SAT 0700 EA 521 Arrive New Orleans 0820 Rental Car: Arrive NCBC, Gulf port Ms Airways 504-721-9321 1100 Hr Contact: QITRS: Mr. Claude Anderson AV 363-2412 NCBC OFFicers Closed Mess 14- June 79 0800 Brief NCBC Commander Depart NCBC 1300 Hr Arrive New Orleans 1530 Depart New Orleans 1730 EA 532 Arrive SAT 1900 Hr MISSION COMPLETE I <* �!Xc—Ji< JO-- J[ „ W ..- 11 \ S- 13 .% _. r<jfc P*»**AJ*\ ? ^ >4 __lj .-_!. .5. 4 \"> 0 «*/* �O I£__,.?»LT<S _^ \ .' " vi 3?,. .7 '- * . _ _____ �N-! , "\ .., . i •7 '//w///fff7rf//7?/7fii i-w Location of H.O. Inventory >- 1 r ; s-'! '-2. -f-f Ave Herbicide Orange Storage Site Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfportffi . ,' -tw P '. i'^wvti- t -Ft to S.-U �BAUXITE Ninth Street /SPQ / < ' X 5 > ^ Location of H.O. Inventory ,• \ \ ,-' V'\ '•' // ^^ v vV x / 'f, -> L Seventh Ave Herbicide Orange Storage Site Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport MS �Location of H.O Inventory Ave Herbicide Orange Storage Site Naval Construction Battalion Center Gulfport MS �� Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 142 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4016 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Title A name given to the resource Notes on the Herbicide Orange Storage Site, Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi, June 13-14, 1979 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/d4be857d9a8155b7914127c5114a90a8.pdf 44c7b0b16fce8bb2b7f3f136c69da86a PDF Text Text Item D Number °4014 AuthOP Young, Alvin L. D Not Scanned Corporate Author Report/Article TitlB Manuscript Notes Regarding Incineration, 20 June 1978 Journal/Book Title Year °00° Month/Day Color Number of Images D 2 Doscrlpton Notes Wednesday, January 16, 2002 Page 4014 of 4258 �* • J* rs fc- n �EPA-600/2-78-086 April 1978 Environmental Protection Technology Series ifF ft %* jse> sr^ jflk HI O % ^ PRO^° ^ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 142 Folder The folder containing the original item. 4014 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Title A name given to the resource Manuscript Notes Regarding Incineration, 20 June 1978 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/f3e24ec1e99aed779e64b45995e3e100.pdf f937b8eb3bd8e8cd4f0faa179a74c6f8 PDF Text Text Item D Number °3947 Author Young, Alvin L. D ^ot Scanned Corporate Author RBpOPt/ArtiCiO Title Notes > Data. and Photographs: Ecological Studies/Gulfport, Mississippi, 1-2 July 1974 Journal/Book Title 0000 Month/Day Color Number of Images DOSCrlptOn NOtOS D 60 A items were filed " together in a folder labeled, "Ecological Studies/Gulfport, Mississippi, 1-2 July 1974." Tuesday, January 08, 2002 Page 3947 of 4009 �D E P A R T M E N T OF THE AIR F O R C E THE DEAN OF THE F A C U L T Y U S A F A C A D E M Y , C O L O R A D O 80840 1 July 1977 Mr John Davidson Ag-Organics Department Dow Chemical USA P.O. Box 1706 Midland, MI 48640 Dear John Under separate cover, I have sent Mr Don Ervick, 24 soil sample for TCDD analysis (see attached) . As you will note these samples are from our biodegradation plots or from Test Area C-52A. They were carefully selected to provide the maximum amount of data on (1) the soil persistance and/or degradation rate of TCDD in three soil types, (2) the leaching of TCDD in soil profiles, (3) an assessment of degradation potential of samples in storage in the absence or presence of phenoxy herbicides, and (4) the confirmation of analysis by another laboratory. I sincerely appreciated your assistance in providing for the analysis of these samples. I will provide a brief report to you on the results. As of 15 July 1977, I will be affiliated with the USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, Brooks AFB, TX 78235. I will call you when I get settled on station. Again, my thanks to you for all your assistance to me during my tenure at the Air Force Academy. Sincerely x ALVIN L. YOUNG/ Capt, -USAF, PhD Associate Professor of Biological Science Dept of Chemistry and Biological Sciences ( 1 Atch List of Samples �USAFA TCDD BIODEGRADATION STUDY SOIL SAMPLES SUBMITTED TO DOW CIJEMICAL USA 15 JUNE 1977 USAFA SAMPLE # DESCRIPTION Garden City, KS, 22 Mar 74, 4000 Ib/A, 0-6 Garden City, KS, 14 Jan 75, 4000 Ib/A, 0-6 •H1-A^ TCDD, Kansas soil, formulated 22 Jan 75 .G3V.20.qg)4 1.5 ppm TCDD plus 10,000 ppm Orange, Kansas formulated 22 Jan 75 H-13, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 1000 Ib/A, Rep I, Hole 3, 6-12 6 / 50pfrtr H-14, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 1000 Ib/A, Rep I, V Hole 3, 0-6 7 H-25, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 2000 Ih/A, Rep I, Hole 2, 6-12 8 H-26, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 2000 Ib/A, Rep I, ^ Hole 2, 0-6 9 H-37, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 4000 Ib/A, Rep I, -; Hole 4, 12-18 H-38, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 4000 Ib/A, Rep I, 5 ^ m p i 10 Hole 4, 6-12 ' H-39, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov_76, 4000 Ib/A, Rep I, Hole 4, Q-,6 12. H-44, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 4000 Ib/A, Rep I, .f-HolG 2, ,0.-6 13 H-54, AFLC Test Range, UT, 5 Nov 76, 4000 Ib/A, Rep II, Hole 1, Or6 CMS" Soil Core, Site 0-7,'Eglin AFB, FL, collected 31 Mar 73 3-p 14 Plot #6, 0-6", Herbicide and plowed, Eglin AFB, EL, 21 May 73 '•ii'f- '> 15 Plot tflO, 0-6", Herbicide and amendments plus charcoal, Eglin AFB, FL,' 21 toy 73 E-10, Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot_5, hole 2, 12-18 \Q ppjb ••; E-ll, Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot. 5, hole 2, 6-12 | PfW E-12, Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot, 5, hole 2, 0-6Vy\^ 0^ 4f3>ff $ ( E-17, E-32, * E-41, E-44, E-45, Eglin AFB, FL, 10 Nov 76, plot~G, hole 1, 0-6 <\ft**>. % Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot 7, hole 3, 0 6 < ' ' " ^ -'?%*^ • Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot 9, hole 2, 0-6 ;•"_ Eglin AFB, Ft,, 18 Nov 76, plot. 10, hole 2, 6-12 ';• , Eglin AFB, FL, 18 Nov 76, plot 10, hole .2, 0-6, ,••/"'•''.'; �UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY �Date ROUTING AND TRANSMITTAL SUP DO NOT use this form as 4 RECORD of clearances, and similar FROM: (Name, org. symbol, Agency/Post) concurrences, disposals, Room No.— Bldg. Phone No. 5041-102 •• GPO : 1977 O - 241-530 (3157) OPTIONAL FORM 41 (Rev. Prescribed by GSA FPMR (41 CFR) 101-11.206 7-76) �TCDD ANALYSIS, LIQUID ORANGE SAMPLES Analysis Performed by ARL/LJ, WPAFB, Ohio Samples submitted: 1 February 1975 Data Received: 11 March 1975 Sample Number Date Sampled TCDD PPM 1 1 Aug 74 < 0.25 (a) 2 1.3 (a) n 3 0.3 (a) n 4 " < 0.07 „ 5 " < 0.07 „ 6 0.07 Sample Source *Johnston Island n n n n 7 4.6 n a 8 4.6 9 5.3 10 0.28 „ „ •*Eglin AFB 1 *Eglin AFB 2 1 Jan 70 < 0.04 < 0.04 (a) TCDD peak appeared on top of large interference peak. * Samples collected from Drums that were to be re-barrelled. ** Sample routinely used at USAFA for laboratory experiments. *** Samples used in Biodegradation Plots, Eglin AFB, Florida, April, 1972. �UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY f' j/n X xi-3 A. - �Data from Plots Sampled August 1974 Data from Plots Sampled January 1978 10,000 c o <u a. 5 1,000. , -p CO O- Q Q O C O CD O O o 100-- 10 1974 4- 1975 1976 4- 1977 1978 1979 Time (Years) FIGURE 1. Semi-logarithmic Plot of Soil Concentration (0-15 cm) of TCDD in a Field Site Aerially-treated with 40,000 Kg 2,4,5-T, 1962-1964. Data for Each Date Represent Analysis of Five 1m2 Plots Established August 1974. (Unpublished Data, A. L. Young, USAF Occupational and Environmental Health Laboratory, Brooks AFB, Texas 78235.) 7 years �S*AJ 78 �A-c. �DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE USAF ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH LABORATORY (AFLC) KELLY AIR FORCE BASE. TEXAS 78241 REPLY TO ATTN OF: SUBJECT. TO: Trip Report - USAF Academy CO and Pullman WA Chief, OL AA USAF OEHL Commander, USAF OEHL IN TURN 1. Place: Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences, USAF Academy CO and Department of Soils and Agronomy, Washington State University, Pullman WA. 2. Inclusive dates of travel: 25-30 Sep 1977. 3. Person making trip: Capt Alvin L. Young. 4. Primary mode of transportation: Commercial air. 5. Purpose of trip: To attend Herbicide Orange Conference at USAF Academy and review Herbicide Orange biodegradation contract at Washington State University. 6. Persons contacted: (See attached list). 7. Comments and Observations: a. The objectives of the Air Force Academy Conference on Herbicide Orange were to (1) review recent laboratory and field data on the fate of TCDD and 2,4-0/2,4, 5-T herbicides and to (2) define the direction of FY78 research. Recent data on TCDD and the phenoxy herbicides from USAF studies suggest the following: (1) The degradation of TCDD within a soil profile (i,,e., not on the soil surface) in a field environment is apparently a first order reaction, contrary to our earlier opinions (USAFA-TR-76-18). This means that at any time, the rate of TCDD loss is proportional to its concentration in the soil . �TCDD, the most favorable conditions for its activity will be defined. Attempts will then be made to culture the species in sufficient quantity to use for enriching field soil samples. The Department of Chemistry and Biological Science have on hand an excellent research staff, facilities, and equipment for this project. It is estimated that in addition -to the. $12, 000 programmed for FY78 for the microbe study, an additional $8,000 would be necessary for labeled compounds and technician support.' The Academy team is submitting a proposal for our evaluation and support. c. From 28 - 30 September, I visited with Dr H. H. Cheng, Dr T. J. Mizuk and Mr J. T. Makja, Department of Agronomy and Soils, Washington State University, Pullman, WA. Dr Cheng is currently completing Phase II of an Orange Biodegradation Study (see Atch 1). Much of the chemical analyses of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and phenols is being done by a graduate study, Mr Makja in support of his Ph.D. program (Atch 2). Discussions were held on a proposed continuation of the project (Atch 3) for FY78. Details of this entire program were discussed in a previous trip report outlining FY78 Herbicide Orange Research (26 Aug 77). While at WSU, I was invited to lecture to Dr Cheng ' s CEnvi ronmentalScTence^Course and to Dr Muzik's D x-ience^Course. Both lectures were on the "Dilemma for Disposal of Herbicide Orange." With the exception of a few final remarks on the actual incineration (e.g., efficiency, dates of incineration) the presentations were from a paper, same title, cleared by SOFOI and given in Helena, Montana, 16 Sep 75 at a conference on "Advancements in Pesticides." J-*_^_-. , , . I , -C r ^ | . | ..— .,. i^,^. _ d. This TOY gave me an opportunity to oversee the herbicide work by both the USAF Academy and Washington State University. Although, Orange has been incinerated, the projects by these two universities will provide valuable data in support of the reclamation of the Gulfport (NCBC) and Johnston Island storage sites. I recommend continuation of both projects during FY78. ALVIN L. YOUNG, CAPT, USAF, Ph.D. Chemist/Biologist Consultant Atchs 1. Phase II Report 2. Rsch Report for HO 3. Phase III & IV 4. List of Persons Contacted �-£> ' " ) j^V - £> U 3? If m i 4303- 2,7 J 2_ �•ttf US- w\ 10- �""T^ n.,sx U5 Alb. �,0,000 £> rj^ .3 _4KJ .D. .43-;^S-t>H7. ^36O _LCSi_,_._. ^4- -rt^bfc ?-~ gOf^p^r f.J. �(2) Concentrations of TCDD in soils from field plots treated with a 3.7 ppm TCDD formulation of Herbicide Orange degraded five half-lives during a four year period (1972 - 1976). Therefore, the T% for TCDD in alkaline desert soils was approximately 290 days. (3) Soils from field plots exposed to TCDD were brought into the laboratory, dried thoroughly at 30°C and treated to contain 1.5 ppm TCDD. Half of the soil was spiked with 10,000 ppm Herbicide Orange. Both samples were maintained for two years in the open at a constant temperature of 24°C and with no water. Less than 15% herbicide degradation occurred and no appreciable TCDD degradation occurred in either sample. (4) Aspergillus leoporis^isolated from herbicide biodegradation plots in Utah, was evaluated for ^ ability to degrade • C-TCDD. its Although the organism rapidly removed the TCDD from the media, no apparent metabolism occurred. Recovery of the C-TCDD required disruption of the cellular membrane and exhaustive chloroform extraction. Thin-layer chromatographic separation suggested that the recovered C-compound was the parent molecule. (5) Analysis of Gulfport and Johnston Island soils for actinomycetes, fungi and bacteria indicated increased populations of microbes with increasing concentrations of herbicide. In soils from areas of herbicide spills, the populations of microbes were frequently two orders 2 of magnitude (10 ) greater than in control soils. (6) The movement of TCDD in a soil profile is negligible. Note that in Table 1, 98% of all TCDD detected is in the 0 - 15 cm increment of soil. The herbicide was originally subsurface injected in an 8 cm band at the 10 - 15 cm level. Thus, even in the 4,480 kg/ha plots, the TCDD detected in the 15 - 30 cm increment may have been there because of the mass movement of the herbicide at the time of application. Notice also in Table 1 the close association between rate of herbicide application �and the level of TCDD found four years after treatment. This is another indication that the rate of degradation is probably a first-order reaction. (7) A question that has remained unanswered until recently was "How long can soil samples remain in a freezer without significantly affecting TCDD concentration?" Two soil samples have been reanalyzed after being stored for four years in a freezer in glass jars having aluminum cap liners. Table.2 give the results of the analysis. Recognizing that at this level of detection, an error of 20% is acceptable, the data support the conclusion that soil samples can be stored for at least four years with no appreciable loss of TCDD. (8) Biodegradation plots that were treated with activated coconut charcoal prior to subsurface injection of Herbicide Orange still have significant herbicide and TCDD levels four years after treatment when compared with non-charcoal containing plots. Chemical recovery studies in the laboratory have shown that soils containing charcoal must be extracted for eight hours with benzene rather than the usual procedure of a 30 minute extraction with hexane/acetone in order to recover the TCDD. b. The Air Force Academy Herbicide Staff have indicated their interest in continuing the|F program on Herbicide Orange through FY78. They propose supporting the Gulfport ~ Johnston Island Storage Site Study through the analyses of all soil samples for microorganisms. In addition they are very interested in a program to determine the feasibility of enriching selected field sites with microbes capable of degrading TCDD. Captain Cairney is a microbiologist and is currently the project leader. Under his direction a preliminary study of microorganisms in the soil of Gulfport and Johnston Island has been completed. He has isolated a number of species that could be evaluated for their ability to degrade TCDD. LtCol Bainter and Maj Bomar.both Ph.D. radiation biologists, are interested in examining TCDD degradation by these organisms (using tritium labeled TCDD and C-labeled herbicides). When an organism is identified that can degrade �lUU4 ^LjaJcCS»c. ^gpyvs ^ .&£k^ "oS -^S.€>: - _ �^ C^DJ, \l V. ._ 3^ -oCtX -YxStfccfl o �X 01 5oo Vfl nrfci "— " x- -x5^^ s. �OMJ. WM O L_flA �T t 10 -de Cf i. ,- S Stptarts to the Inch �SL" �f Lor •*£- __.!_ £.1 _ Ji_r_i3 -00- \ 1 4-HO n 2 }) �VT 21 October 1977 Trip Report ~ USAF Academy CO and Pullman MA Chief, OL M USAF OEHL Commander, USAF OEHL JUOffiE 1. Place: Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences9 USAF Academy CO and Department of Soils and Agronomy, Washington State University* Pullman WA. 2. Inclusive dates of travel: 25-30 Sep 1977. 3. Person making trip: Capt Alvln L. Young, 4. Primary mode of transportation: Commercial air. 5- Purpose of trip: To attend Herbicide Orange Conference at USAF AcaderHiy and review Herbicide Orange blodegradatlon contract at Washington State University. 6. Persons contacted; (See attached 11st). 7. Comments and Observations: a. The objectives of the A1r Force Academy Conference on Herbicide Orange were to (1) review recent laboratory and field data on the fate of TCDO and 2,4-0/2,4,5-T herbicides and to (2) define the direction of FY78 research. Rectnt data on TCDD and the phcnoxy herbicides from USAF studies suggest the following: (1) The degradation of TCDD within a soil profile (I.e., not on the soil surface) In a field environment Is apparently a first order reaction, contrary to our earlier opinions (USAFA-TR-76-18), This means that at any time, the rate of TCDD loss 1s proportional to Its concentration 1n the soil. �(2) Concentrations of TCOD 1n soils from field plots treated with a 3.7 ppw TCDD formulation of Herbicide Oranqe degraded five half-lives during a four year period (W2 - 1976), Therefore, the Pa! for TCDD In alkaline desert soils was approximately 290 days. (3) Soils from field plots exposed to TCOD were brought Into the laboratory, dried thoroughly at 30 C and treated to contain 1.5 ppm TCDO. Half of the soil was spiked with 10,000 ppw Herbicide Orange. Both samples were maintained for two years 1n the open at a constant temperature of 24 C and with- no water. Less than 15% herbicide degradation occurred and no appreciable TCOD degradation occurred 1n either sarople. (4) Asperqlllp leoporis, Isolated from herbicide biodegradatlon plots in Utah, was evaluated for Its ability to degrade C-TCDD. Although the organism rapidly removed t e TCOD from the media, no apparent | metabolism occurred, Recovery of the C-TCDO required disruption of the cellularraerobraneand exhaustive chloroform extraction. , Thin-layer chroraatographic separation suggested that the recovered C-compound was the parent molecule. {5} Analysis of Gulfport and Johnston Island soils for actinof^yeetes, fungi and bacteria indicated increased populations of microbes with increasing concentrations of herbicide. In soils from areas of herbicide spills, the populations of ralcrobes were frequently two orders of magnitude (10*) greater than in control soils. (6) The movement of TCDD in a soil prof11© is negligible. Note that in Table 1 » 98S of all TCDO detected 1s 1n the 0 - 15 era increment of soil , "Hie herbicide was originally subsurface Injected in an 8 era band at the 10 - 15 era level. Thus, even in the 4»48Q kg/ha plots, the TCDD detected in the 15 - 30 cm Increment may have been there because of the mass movement of the herbicide at the time of application. Notice also in Table 1 the close association between rate of herbicide application and the level of TCDD found four years after treatment. This 1s another Indication that the rate of degradation is probably a first-order reaction. (7) A question that has remained unanswered until recently was "How long can soil samples remain 1n a freezer without significantly affecting TCDO concentration?" Two soil samples have been reanalyzed after being stored for four years in a freezer 1n glass jars having aluminum cap liners. Table 2 give the results of the analysis. Recognizing that at this level of detection* an error of 201 1s acceptable, the data support the conclusion that soil samples can be stored for at least four years with no appreciable loss of TCOD. �(8) B1odegradat1on plots that were treated with activated coconut charcoal prior to subsurface Injection of Herbicide Orange still have significant herbicide and TCOD levels four years after treatment when compared with non-charcoal containing plots. Chemical recovery studies in the laboratory have shown that soils containing charcoal must be extracted for eight hours with benzene rather than the usual procedure of a 30 minute extraction with hexane/acetOM 1n order to recover the TCDD. to. The. A1r Force Acade»?y Herbicide Staff have Indicated their Interest 1rt continuing the program on Herbicide Orange through FY78. They propose supporting the Gulfport - Johnston Island Storage Site Study through the analyses of all soil samples for microorganisms^ In addition they are very Interested 1n a program to determine the feasibility of enriching selected field sites with microbes capable of degrading TCDD. Captain Calrney 1s a m1crob1olog1st and 1s currently the project leader. Under his direction a preliminary study of microorganisms 1n the soil of Gulfport and Johnston Island has been completed. He has Isolated a number of species that could be evaluated for their ability to degrade TCDD. LtCol Balnter and f'iaj Boraar* both Ph.D. radiation biologists* are Interested In examining TCDD degradation by these organisms (using tritium labeled TCOD and i^c-labeled herbicides). When an organism Is Identified that can degrade TC09a the most favorable conditions for Its activity will be defined. Attempts will then be made to culture the species 1n sufficient quantity to use for enriching field soil samples. The Department of Chemistry and Biological Science have on hand an excellent research staff, facilities, and equipment for this project. It Is estimated that 1rs addition to the $12,000 programmed for FY78 for the microbe study, an additional $83000 would be necessary for labeled compounds and technician support. The Academy team 1s submitting a proposal for our evaluation and support. c. From 28 - 30 September, I visited with Or H, H. Cheng, Or T. J. Mlzuk and Mr J. T. Hakja, Department of Agronomy and So1ls» Washington State University, Pullman, WA. Dr Cheng 1s currently completing Phase II of an Orange Rlodegradatlon Study (see Atch 1), Much of the chemical analyses of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and phenols 1s being done by a graduate study, Mr Matcja 1n support of his Ph.D. program (Ateh 2). Discussions were held on a proposed continuation of tha project (Atch 3) for FY78, Details of this entire program were discussed 1n a previous trip report outlining FY78 Herbicide Oranp Research (26 Aug 77). While at MSU, I was Invited to lecture to Or Cheng's ENVIRONMENTAL' SCIENCE Course and to Dr fluzlk's WEED SCIENCE Course. Both lectures were on the "Dilemma for Disposal of Herbicide Orange." With the exception of a few final remarks on the actual Incineration (e.g., efficiency* dates of Incineration) the presentations were from a paper, same title, cleared by SOFOI and given 1n Helena, Montana» 16 Sep 75 at a conference on "Advancements 1n Pesticides." �d. This TOY gave me ah opportunity to oversee the herbicide work by Loth the USAF Academy and Washington State University. Although, Orange has been Incinerated^ the projects by these two universities villl provide valuable data In support of the reclamation of the Gulfport (rCBC) and Johnston Island storage sites, ! recommend continuation of both projects during FY78. AlVIM I. YOUNG, CAPT, USAF, Ph.D. Chemist/Biologist Consultant C Atchs 1. Phase II Report 2. Rsch Report for S10 3. Phase III .& IV 4. List of Persons Contacted 5. .Table 1 6. Table 2 �H?. \ r lO( 0 4- so\V So A f �4 (. -W I ..'i^-'c - �<* S-<dr*^ ��FATE OF HERBICIDE ORANGE IN THE SOIL Interim Report-Phase II May, 1977 Most of the research activities during the past, six months have been in the laboratory, with the initiation of experiments on the adsorptiondesorption, leaching, and degradation of 2,^,5-T in the soil. There was, on the other hand, very little action related to the field lysimeter. study. Because of the prolonged dry period over the winter months, plus the lack of severe weather, little had happened in the field. We delayed the sampling of the lysimeters until April and decided to postpone the initiation of the summer series of lysimeters until August in order to characterize the seasonal factors better. Reason for this modification of research plan will become obvious from the discussion of the laboratorydata. The purpose of the initial series of laboratory studies was to become acquainted with the various research techniques, to compare our findings with existing literature values for verification of our procedures, and to discover any discrepancies or gaps in the existing information. Since we already have a wealth of background information on 2,k-D, most of the experiments in this initial series were conducted with 2,4,5-T at normal to low levels of treatment concentration. Several reports by O'Connor et al. (Soil Sci. Soc. Am. Proc. 38:^33, 1971!-; J. Environ. Qual. 5:375, 1976} have been particularly pertinent in our comparison studies, since they used, the Palouse soil in their studies. The Freundlich k adsorption constants we obtained for the Glendale soil were comparable to those by O'Connor et al., but those for the Palouse soil were higher than theirs. Whereas 2,^-,5-T was desorbed readily from the Glendale soil (with 67, 7^, 100,and 1 0 de0$ sorbed at 0.2, 0,75 10.2, and ^5.2 ppm after 5 desorptions), desorption was much less reversible in the Palouse soil (with 21, 20, §2, and 33$ desorbed at the same concentrations). The predictive model by O'Connor et al. worked well for the Glendale soil, we were interested in the applicability of this model to a soil with very different desorption pattern. Preliminary, leaching study on the mobility of 2,U,5-T in a column of Palouse soil under saturated conditions showed that more than 50$ of the 2,^,5-T in the soil, after leaching of 10 pore volumes of water, remained in the top 3 cm of the soil column. Even though unsaturated flow may improve the leaching efficiency, the mobility of 2,^,5-T in the Palouse soil appears to be limited. We will be developing more data to test the validity of the model used by O'Connor et al. We have also been conducting an incubation experiment to determine'the degradatioi of 2,U,5-T in the soil at two concentrations under saturated or field capacity conditions. The pattern of 2,U,5-T degradation appeared to differ front that of 2,H-D in that there was no exponential take-off of the degradation, rate of the former. Whereas it was almost indistinguishable between the degradation rates of chain-labeled vs. ring-labeled 2,^-D, the side-chain of 2,*»-,5-T appeared to degrade faster than the ring. Also more 2,^,5-T degradation occurred in soil at field capacity than at saturation. �The preliminary data from the laboratory already indicate that seme modification of our research plan may be necessary. We will need to obtain more data on the adsorption-desorption of both 2,U,5~T and 2,*l-D in all three soils, particularly at high rates of application. Similarly, we need to characterize the mobility of these two herbicides in the three soils under study. Particular focus of our attention will be the mobility of 2,^-D and the persistence of 2,U,5-T. On our agenda for research this summer include the following activities: 1. Continued verification and improvement of procedures- for extraction and analysis of HERBICIDE ORANGE in the soil. 2. Periodical sampling of the lysimeter soils and determination of the herbicide contents . 3. Preparation of bation studies. lU , C-labeled butylesters of 2,U-D and 2,^,5-T for the incu- h. Assess the degradation of HERBICIDE ORANGE in the three soils under laboratoryconditions using ^C tracer technique. 5. Conduct additional experiments on the adsorption-desorption and mobility of HERBICIDE ORANGE in the three soils. 6. Initiate the summer series of outdoor minilysimeters in Augu^st. 7. Initiate studies on the extractability and identification of herbicide metabolites -- e.g., 2,if,5~trichlorophenol. to^t1 *•'••'-' It is the goal of Phase II to develop the methodology and to define the research emphasis. We anticipate that much of this goal will be realized T?y September, 1977. �H 3/3 (20 �RESEARCH REPORT FOR HERBICIDE ORANGE Most of the summer work was devoted toward developing a reliable and sensitive chemical analysis for Herbicide Orange. The present status may be evaluated in terms of the analytical technique itself. Extraction,: We have been experimenting with a Sephadex anion exchange gel for extracting herbicide Orange from both water and soil from a 0.2 N NaOH water or soil extract. Presently, extraction efficiencies for both 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T have been greater than 70% for the Palouse silt loam, although we believe improved extraction efficiencies are still possible. To monitor the efficacy of the Sephadex before anion exchange, 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T can be spectrophotoraetrically characterized via ultra-violet light absorption in both acid and alkali media. Results presently indicate that a cleanup step before esterification will probably not be necessary as in most chemical analyses. Esterification; To esterify the acid forms of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T to the n-butyl ester form for determination on the gas chromatograph, two techniques were tested, diazoalkylation and boron trifluoride/n-butyl alcohol. At this time, diazoalkylation appears to be better adapted for routine analyses, although both techniques appear to give approximately equal yields. Within a few weeks we plan to esterify our stock solutions of C-14 labelled 2,4~D and 2,4,5-T for use in a laboratory incubation study scheduled for November. Thirty four individual incubation apparatuses have been constructed for the above experiment. Gas-liquid chromatographic determinations: GLC analyses were performed on �Orange research report, page 2. columns packed with 5% SE-30 on Chromosorb W/DMCS, which gave satisfactory separations of the 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T butyl esters from our supply of Orange. Due to difficulties experienced with our tritium GLC detector, we are in the process of upgrading our system by installing a $2000 Ni-63 electron capture detector, which has the advantages of an enhanced linear range and resistance to herbicide overloading. This addition should improve our GLC capabilities considerably. Field experiments; We are continuing our field studies as last reported. A third soil sampling was recently taken from the Palouse-Wyoming mini-lysemeters installed last winter, while a summer set of 12 minilysemeters for the Palouse-Mississippi soils were installed and herbicides applied. Soil samples were collected from these plots two days later, and stored. We are also preparing the water extraction equipment for the mini-lysemeters. Hopefully, there will be sufficient moisture in the early spring for water samples after winter precipitation. Joseph T. Majka H. H. Cheng September, 1977. �Phase III - 1 October, 1977 to 31 July, 1978. Work plan: . . 1. Complete the second year raihilysimeter study of the fate of Herbicide Orange under field conditions. 2. Complete the laboratory degradation study using ring2,k-D or 2,U,5-T butyl esters in the three soils. C or chain- C 3. Initiate a. new series of degradation study under controlled environment on Mississippi soil only with emphasis on metabolite identification and possibly the rate of metabolite degradation. Phase IV - 1 August, 1978 to 30 June, 1979. 1. Complete all analyses for the various degradation studies. 2. Conclude the metabolite identification and degradation study. 3. Complete a Ph. D. dissertation. 3. �PERSONS CONTACTED LtCol Hugh Bainter, DFCBS, USAF Academy LtCol Orwyn Sampson, DFCBS, USAF Academy Maj John Bomar, DFCBS, USAF Academy Capt William Cairney, DFCBS, USAF Academy Capt Randall Gaseor, DFCBS, USAF Academy Dr H. Dr T. Mr J. State H. Cheng, Professor of Soils, Washington State University J. Muzik, Professor of Agronomy, Washington State University T. Makja, Graduate Student, Dept of Agronomy and Soils, Washington University. �Ooi y\ O 1 1 v v -\ £ i I ^9 M ) ^ 3/ �4V A\ b U(L<x.CtoMJs 9 f\fi fafJb G. • s -O5O. 15 -BO t\ ZOO -a*. 30-H5 Ft- t O^ HO. -•-•t �CbwCewW ftAio<O , Xj M o S» , H/T SVUP M.E-(A \ 3 3,4,5-7 Sue, AC.VO Ac.t a gjScO 50,-aSb 43,000 "3C/W 3C/ 1,^80 3*80 nfco lKi0cr&;-KcA\. Ox cuAocM-1 lev&Ae, *Lg i^ 3 C /IA3A-U K5TA.U L 53^0 3 C/%^m \C O-Ol �1 July 1977 !*r John, j ; .-; Qv'.-:if:x'l. 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( i "-' c$U.t-<P~A-~ o --r-._-.- -.-^ X ^ .u c �OO Q �D T" "-1-- -**- 0*3,7 6,f 3,3 7,7 ^ 1.2 ,0 �tAe^-b ie cdLs M/T , ^j VulcL-^VKjU^ M.e™ta \ y 3 H\ A P. '. O ToTQ L. too 50^56 1,700 -4 3-3 PPM 5 , 3HO <5 C if-, 3^0 0 ^ �- k**^w^ ^m �CV»—^« chL*»" — �soil • a (&.&CU ^o^c. ^ f AKJ : WaJbHv / ��1,1 r �c �o £: :"-> f \ I r> f1 �A i: te. 7 �Galleria-Post Oak, Houston, Texas 77027 (713) 623-4300. Cable: Westhotels, Houston WESTERN INTEKNATIONAC HOTELS Partners In travel with United Air Lines ����C^**"^ JAGpRulcAlU � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 140 Folder The folder containing the original item. 3947 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Title A name given to the resource Notes, Data, and Photographs: Ecological Studies/Gulfport, Mississippi, 1-2 July 1974 https://www.nal.usda.gov/exhibits/speccoll/files/original/b76d2f7cef5e31e2638c3e929cdf0438.pdf 7721cfef1ca1d55062c5279c389c02ad PDF Text Text ItemDNumbBr 03399, Author D Young, Alvin L. MotScannBfl Corporate Author Report/Article TitlB Typescript: Dilemma for Disposal of Herbicide Orange Journal/Book Title Year 1975 Month/Day September 16 Color Number of Images D 30 Presentation to a seminar on "Advancements in Pesticides" Helena, Montana, September 16, 1975. Friday, January 04, 2002 Page 3899 of 3927 �DILEMMA FOR DISPOSAL OF HERBICIDE ORANGE* Captain Alvin L>i>Jf5auji<g,, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physiology Department of Chemistry and Physiology United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840 Presentation to a seminar on "Advancements in Pesticides", Helena, Montana, September 16, 1975. Sponsored by the Solid Waste Management Bureau, Montana Department of Health and Environmental Sciences, Helena, Montana and by Region VIII, Environmental Protection Agency, Denver, Colorado. * The information on disposal options from Final Environmental' Impact Statement on "Disposition of Herbicide Orange by Incineration, November, 1974". �DILEMMA FOR DISPOSAL OF HERBICIDE ORANGE Captain Alvin L. Young, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Physiology Department of Chemistry and Physiology United States Air Force Academy, CO 80840 In 1962 vegetation control systems using herbicides were introduced by the military into the Southeast Asia Conflict. Their use was to remove dense vegetation along highways, canals, lines of communication, and around base perimeter camps; thereby reducing •enemy ambush. The herbicide formulation of choice was an equal mixture of the n-butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. This formulation was labelled Orange because of the orange band around the centers of the 55-gallon drums in which it was transported. Although severe criticism of the defoliation program was voiced as early as 1964, it was five years later before the program (Operation Ranch Hand) was suspended by the Department of Defense. Initial criticism was directed at Orange as a chemical warfare agent used against crops and the environment of South Vietnam. However, the termination of the program was not based on the above criticism but rather on reports by South Vietnamese newspapers of an increased occurrence of birth defects during June and July 1969 from areas defoliated with Orange Herbicide. These reports elicited far-reaching reactions from governmental agencies, segments of the scientific community, lay groups concerned with environmental problems, �and from the communication media. Government sponsored panels of experts, special commissions established by scientific organizations, hearings before subcommittees, of the U. S. Congress, and Conferences attended by representatives from industry, government, and universities examined available data and were not able to provide a generally acceptable answer,to the central question of whether 2,4,5-T as produced and used constituted a risk for human pregnancy. In mid-October 1969> a report was released to the press of the findings of a study by Bionetics Research Laboratories, Litton Industries Incorporated. The report documented the presence of defective offsprings from mice and rats treated during early pregnancy with large doses of 2,4,5-T, subsequently announced on October 29, 1969, It wa.s that a series of coordinated actions were being taken by several governmental agencies to restrict.the use of the herbicide 2,4,5-T. Addi- tional animal experiments performed early in 1970 confirmed that pregnant mice did deliver some malformed offspring. The question then was one of whether or to what extent, such animal data could be extrapolated to man. On April 14, 1970, the Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare (HEW) advised the Secretary of Agriculture that: "In spite of these uncertainties, the Surgeon General feels that a prudent course of action must be based on the decision that exposure to this herbicide may present an imminent hazard to women of child-bearing age." �Accordingly, on the following day, the Secretaries of Agriculture, HEW, and Interior jointly announced the suspension of 2,4,5-T for "all uses around the home, recreation areas, and similar sites" and "all uses on crops intended for human consumption". Immedi- ately thereafter, the Department of Defense suspended the use of Orange Herbicide in South Vietnam. The suspension of the use of Orange Herbicide left the Department of Defense with 1.5 million gallons in Vietnam and 860,000 gallons at the Naval Construction Battalion Center, Gulfport, Mississippi. In September 1971, the Secretary of Defense directed the Joint Chiefs of Staff to dispose of the surplus inventories of herbicide in both the Continental United States and Vietnam. The Air Force was assigned the responsibility of finding a disposal method(s) that was (were) ecologically safe and economically feasible. In April 1972, the 1.5 million gallons of herbicide in Vietnam was placed in 55-gallon drums and transported to Johnston Island, Pacific Ocean. The total Orange Herbicide inventory was 2.3 million gallons stored in approximately 40,000 55-gallon drums. Thus, not only is there herbicide to be disposed but also the drums. The initial method proposed for disposal was incineration at a commercial facility in the United States. The details of this proposed course of action were documented in a draft environmental statement which was filed with the Council on Environmental Quality and the Public in January 1972. draft statement discussed the studies that were being 3 The • �accomplished but not completed when the statement was filed. Based on the fact that studies were still in progress and the interest evidenced in comments received on the draft statement, the Air Force decided to conduct additional studies on incineration as well as additional investigations of alternative disposal methods. In April 1972, the Air Force Logistics Command (AFLC) began an indepth investigation into the feasibility of use, incineration, soil biodegradation, factionation, chlorinolysis and reprocessing as major disposal options. Data to be collected on each method included the parameters of time, cost, and effectiveness of the disposal process. In addition, the physical, biological,managerial and social-political factors for potential sites of disposal were to be assessed. Reports of progress and/or problems encountered were periodically presented to an Ad hoc Committee on the Disposal of Herbicide Orange of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board. Other disposal options reviewed and discussed with the Ad_ hoc. Committee were return of the herbicide to the manufacturer, deep well disposal, burial in an underground nuclear cavity, sludge burial, microbial reduction, and no disposal action. The last option was to be selected only if the other options were not ecologically acceptable, technology not sufficiently developed for their employment, if excessive capital investment was required, if unacceptable time delay was imminant, or if the �socio-political opposition prevented any course of action. The option of "no action" would mean that Orange would be placed into seal storage tanks for permanent storage at both Johnston Island and Gulfport, Mississippi. In the formulation of an environmental impact statement on the disposal of Orange the following description of action for each option was prepared. 1. Use Orange Herbicide is not an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered pesticide and cannot be domestically used or sold. The Orange Herbicide stock to be disposed rep- resents a resource of considerable monetary estimate is $80-100 million). value (a recent Orange Herbicide has a potential use on Federal lands as well as on privately owned lands; however, any use would require registration. The prudent disposition of Orange Herbicide for use on privately owned or governmentally owned lands may have a tremendous impact on increasing the avail- ability of certain natural resources, e.g., rangelands and forests. Undesirable weed and brush species are widespread in every region of the United States. Their combined impact on range- lands and production of commercial timber is enormous. Approx- imately half o£ the total land area of the United States is used for pasture and grazing purposes, and weeds and brush are a problem on nearly all these forage lands. Economic losses from �weeds on forage lands are virtually incalculable and include low yield of forage and animal products per unit area, reduced livestock gains, and livestock poisoning. Although herbaceous weeds are found on all rangelands in the United States and result in forage losses, brush is the primary problem. Various brush species dominate an estimated 320 million acres of rangelands. More than 80% of 107 million acres of grazing land in Texas alone is infested to some extent with brush. established, woody plants such as mesquite (Prosopis juniper Once spp.) (Juniperus spp.) oak (Quercus spp.}, and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cannot be eliminated by good grazing practices alone. Measures must be taken to convert brush dominated rangeland to more productive types of vegetation. Brush control and striking improvements in the grazing capacity of rangeland may be obtained most economically by low-rate and low-volume applications of phenoxy herbicides. Commercial forest land in the United States is estimated at 509 million acres. Although much of this land is not under any form of planned management for production of forest products, management for an increased productivity will soon become essential to meet the needs of the United States population. It is estimated that the total area of forest lands supporting important amounts of undesirable vegetation is approximately 300 million acres, or a land area of potentially commercial timberland equal to roughly the combined areas of Texas, California, and Washington. There are some 4.7 million acres of commercial �forest land in western Oregon and Washington on which the land is occupied by vegetation whose presence precludes reestablishment of conifers. Much of the area is in the highest productivity class for growth of forest products. Concepts of selective brush control have been developed for reforestation with the aid of commercial formulations of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T. There are presently some 100,000 acres being treated each year with various formulations all as the low-volatile esters. in operations of these materials, Success has been good, especially on the slower-growing brush species. Thus the purpose for using herbicide Orange on rangelands and reforestation would be to reduce the amount of undesirable vegetation that dominates in selected regions of the United States bec'ause of past disturbances and improper grazing and/or timber practices. With the use of herbicide Orange, a more diversified and desirable variety of plant species would become established. This in turn would have a substantial impact on increasing productivity of these regions. The environmental impact of using herbicide Orange for chemical brush control will vary from region to region and whether it is for range or forest use. However, regardless of the region of use, or for rangeland or reforestation, critical assessments of effects on vegetation, wildlife, domestic livestock, soil microorganism, aquatic life, rangeland or forest waters, and man must be evaluated. 2. RETURN TO MANUFACTURERS In March 1972, seven manufacturers of herbicide Orange 7 �were contacted regarding the possibility of chemically reprocessing Orange Herbicide whereby all impurities, including dioxin, would be extracted or destroyed. Results from all manufacturers were essentially the same; i.e., they did not feel that they were capable of reprocessing the product without extensive investment in equipment and/or development of new processes. Lead time for this type of action would require in excess of 18 months before large scale reprocessing could begin. As a result of EPA's action on 24 June 1974 to cancel the hearings on the possible further restriction of 2,4,5-T, the manufacturers were again contacted (August 1974) via letter to determine if their position may have changed. Manufacturers again indicated that they did not want to reprocess Orange. 3. DEEP (INJECTION) WELL DISPOSAL. This process would involve injection of the herbicide into a deep subsurface formation. The well hole down into the formation would be lined with casing which has been cemented into place to prevent fluids from rising to the surface outside the casing to a permeable geologic formation. The herbicide drums would be emptied into tanks or vats on the surface where the Orange Herbicide would be diluted and then pumped down the tubing to the permeable formation. The packer tool prevents fluid from returning to the surface inside the casing and impermeable upper and lower formations adjacent to the permeable formation restrict verticle movement. This process has not been �approved by state agencies, or the EPA, as deep well injection is not considered environmentally safe or desirable disposal method for waste m a t e r i a l s . The p o l i c y is to oppose all storage or disposal of wastes in deep wells without strict controls and a clear demonstration that such disposal will not: a) interfere with present or potential use of subsurface water supplies, b) contaminate interconnected surface waters, or c) otherwise damage the environment. Little concrete information is available on what degradation of the Orange would occur at the depths, temperatures, and pressures encountered in deep wells. This coupled with the possibility of subsurface disturbances at a later date which might allow Orange to migrate into formations leading to water supplies or other valuable formations, has prevented any of the firms interested in disposing of Orange in deep wells from obtaining state or Federal permits. 4. BURIAL IN UNDERGROUND NUCLEAR TEST CAVITIES The Atomic Energy Commission was contacted regarding the possibility of disposing of the Orange by burying it in an earth cavity formed during underground nuclear testing. They advised that a major research, development, and experimentation effort would be required to prove the practicality of this alternative. In view of the time required for this effort, it is not considered a fesible alternative. 5. SLUDGE BURIAL This technique offered definite promise, but there was 9 �a lack of interested and q u a l i f i e d i n d u s t r i e s to undertake ('lie necessary preliminary investigations. This process involves one concept of destroying the Orange through bacterial action. The proposal envisioned constructing trenches in geologically suited formations on isolated government land. The type of formations picked for the trenches would preclude vertical and lateral movement of the Orange. The trenches would be filled with drums containing the Orange and would then be surrounded by secondary sewage plant sludge, which would provide a growth medium for the bacteria. The tops of the drums would then be mounded with dirt fill and aggragate. Depending upon the type of bacteria selected to decompose the Orange, vents might be required. This process is not considered acceptable because'of the time to completely destroy the herbicide is quite lengthy, possibly as long as 10 to 25 years, and because a system of monitoring would be required throughout this time period. The earth covering would require maintenance and additional time might also be required to develop a strain of bacteria that would tolerate high concentrations of Orange. 6. MICROBIAL REDUCTION This process involves the biological degradation of the herbicide through fermentation. It requires the development of a microorganism to "feed" on the herbicide. From the literature, it seems apparent that microorganisms have developed unbelievable capabilities for handling organic compounds. 10 �However, two factors severely complicate the biological degradation of this refractive material: 1) its insolubility in water and 2) its chemical structure (specifically the number and position of chlorine atoms attached to the aromatic ring). Many investigators have showed that 2,4-D is rapidly decomposed in the soils and that high concentrations have no depreciable effect on the soil population of bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes. The persistence of 2,4,5-T is usually two to three times longer than 2,4-D and very few microorganisms have been identified as having the ability to break down the 2,4,5-T molecules. Data are available that indicate that mixtures of 2,4,5-T are more rapidly degraded than are single compounds. Very little work has been done on the microbial degradation of TCDD; however, initial data indicate that it is degradable, but with an estimated half life of one year (as a single compound). The environmental impact of a microbial reducation method is dependent upon the fate of TCDD in a biological treatment facility. It must be established that no TCDD is remaining in the effluent, or a problem of enormous consequences can occur. Thus far no data are available on the fate of TCDD in a biological reduction system. All other, aspects of such an alternative can be controlled and minimized to an acceptable level. Monitoring methodology and a failsafe system would be required. Until more data are developed the particular 11 �environmental aspects cannot be evaluated. More specific infor- mation concerning the process, size of facility, land acreage required, and effluent parameters are needed. 7. FRACTIONATION Fractionation is the process of converting Orange into its acid ingredients by means of distillation. This would separate the normal butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and its contaminant TCDD. for commercial use. The 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T would be reformulated TCDD would then be destroyed by chemical, biological or incineration techniques. Actual distillation efficiencies theoretically could approach 90-95%. One investigator stated that any TCDD residue could be destroyed by splitting the ether bonds of the molecule. In the process of fractionation, the dioxin would be isolated or destroyed. A small scale study was funded, but the results were inconclusive Fractionation is not acceptable because : a) the fate of the dioxin has not been demonstrated, b) in the process, 3% of the Orange processed could not be accounted for, c) standards to control and monitor vapor and fluid emmissions into the environment have not been identified. 8. SOIL BIODEGRADATION Soil biodegradation is a soil incorporation technique , based on the premise that high concentrations of the Orange Herbicide and the contaminant TCDD will be degraded to innocuous products by the combined action of soil microorganisms and soil 12 �chemical hydrolysis. The rationale for soil incorporation of herbicide as an ecologically-safe disposal method comes from pertinent laboratory and field studies. It seems apparent from laboratory studies that microorganisms have developed extensive capabilities for handling organic compounds. Moreover, most organisms seem to have a latent ability for decomposition of halogenated hydrocarbons. However, the amount of active herbicide applied to soil may diminish by means other than biological decomposition; e.g., chemical degradation, absorption, volatilization, leaching, and photodecomposition. Until recently there was very little information concerning the breakdown of 2,4-D or 2,4,5-T in a soil incorporation site. However, field experiments on the use of soil incorporation a method of disposing of massive quantities as (approximately 1-1/4 million gallons) of 2,4-D and waste by-products has been carried on in eastern Oregon. to simulate subsurface 2,4-D A trenching technique was employed injection. A concentration of 500 Ib/A (plus waste) was placed at a depth of 10 inches bands on two-foot centers). (5-inch With this placement the actual concentration of herbicide within these bands was approximately 1250 ppm. Samples taken between trenches and in soil profile segments from the surface down through the point of application indicated minimal vertical and horizontal movement of the herbicide (or phenolic waste) from the site of initial deposition, 13 �Results from this experiment indicated little differences in rates of degradation in the trenched plots or a surface application of 500 Ib/A: 95% degradation in 540 days. Our project group at the United States Air Force Academy has studied the persistence and movement of herbicide Orange and TCDD following soil incorporation at rates of 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 pounds active ingredient 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T/acre (Ib ai/A) in a remote site in western Utah. The precent loss of herbicide over a 330 day sampling period was 78.2%, 75.2% and 60.8% for the 1,000, 2,000 and 4,000 Ib ai/A plots, respectively. The calculated half-life of herbicide Orange in alkaline (pH= 8.1) desert soils was approximately 150 days at these massive rates. Data on soil penetration indicated that less than 3.7% of the herbicide was found at depths greater than 18 inches 282 days after soil incorporation of 4,000 Ib ai/A. Preliminary data based on levels of TCDD in the formulation (3.7 ppm) and those encountered in the soil profile 265 days following soil incorporation suggested that under these environmental conditions that half-life of TCDD was 88 days. Our USAF Academy team also established biodegradation plots in Garden City, Kansas and Eglin AFB, Florida. Data from these incorporation studies are in agreement with the Utah plots: degradation of 2,4-D, 2,4,5-T and TCDD when applied at massive rates, rapidly occurs and movement of the herbicide in fact is minimal. It is important that the criteria for selection of a site for soil biodegradation include certain physical, biological, 14 �and managerial factors. (1) Physical Factors: From the standpoint of just p h y s i c a l consideration, the s o i l incorporation technique provides an array of alternative as to the selection of site. In general: (a) A minimum of 2,000 acres must be available. (b) The site must be remote. It cannot be adjacent to land currently in agronomic production. (c) The land must have a low-use potential, i.e, it should be marginal land. Moreover, the land should not be considered land that will be significantly productive in the foreseeable future. (d) Water resources must be sufficiently far away so as not to be contaminated. (e) The topography of the land must be relatively flat with a uniform surface. (f) The texture of the soil should be sandy-loam or silty-loam with a pH of approximately 8.0. (g) The area should not be characterized by rock outcrops or areas of marked deflation or dunes. The area should also have minimal surface erosion. (h) Data should be available on subsurface geology and hydrology. (2) Biological Factors: The vegetation that characterizes the particular site must be uniform with a ground cover of at least 10-15%. Such a plant community will provide the organic matter and microclimate that supports the growth and maintenance of microflora (e.g., fungi and bacteria). Ideally, the vegetation should be low-growing shrubs, forbs and grasses to facilitate the incorporation equipment. (3) Management Factors: The management factors that will influence the selection of the site are: 15 �(a) The requirement for established all weather roadbeds to and within the disposal site. (b) The distance to the disposal site from an off-loading station (e.g., Tail to truck). (c) The requirement for security of the disposal site. (d) Availability of personnel facilities. (e) Adequate storage space at the disposal site. A subsurface injection system would be used to incorporate the herbicide into the soil at a depth of 6-10 inches. The injection would be done by using a conventional agricultural subsoiler, drawn by a heavy industrial tractor. The subsoiler would consist of a verticle blade on which a chisel, or foot, is mounted at an angle of approximately 15° from horizontal. A piece of metal tubing will be attached to the blade (and terminating at the base of the chisel) in such a manner that a piece of hose from the injection pump could be inserted to permit disposition of the herbicide immediately behind the chisel. The equipment, with eight injectors be calibrated to apply 4000 Ib/A of Orange. should be on 20-inch centers. (shanks), should The eight shanks During the process of application the overlying vegetative structures will be damaged. To prevent the loss of soil moisture and to reseal the soil (thus minimizing volatility and damage from wind) a soil compactor (cultipacker) will be required and a drought resistant, salt tolerant grass will be planted. The environmental impact of soil biodegradation would be expressed in two major areas; the most significant of which is the denial of a 1,000 - 2,000 acre tract of land for reclamation or recreation use for a 3-5 year period during biodegradation. 16 �The proposed site would require continuous monitoring during the lifetime of the project. Also occurring will be damage and/or kill of the overlying vegetative structure in the immediate disposal area, drastic alteration of the soil structure, and disturbance and/or temporary destruction of local ecosystems. Adherence to the above site criteria and incorporation method will optimize the soil biodegradation procedure and minimize adverse environmental impact. 9. CHLORINOLYSIS From the theoretical engineering point of view, chlorinolysis offers an efficient, controlled, and safe method for disposal of the herbicide, as well as other hydrocarbon lations. formu- Chlorinolysis is a process that breaks down the mole- cule and adds a chlorine molecule to produce carbon tetrachloride, phosgene, and anhydrous hydrogen chloride, all of which have established commercial value. Chlorinolysis as a means to dispose of Orange Herbicide was evaluated over a period of almost two years. In July of 1972, discussions and correspondence with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) committed the Air Force to pursue the testing and research program necessary to determine the feasibility of converting Orange to salable products by Chlorinolysis. In September 1972, a Memorandum of Agreement between the EPA and the Air Force was initiated. The objective of the agreement was the development of a laboratory program to evaluate the practicality of the application of Chlorinolysis for the disposal of Orange. The investigation was also to determine 17 �the extent of destruction of the impurity dioxin. The information and data obtained in this research was to be utilized by the Air Force to determine whether the proposed concept could be applied and used to dispose of Orange and by the Environmental Protection Agency to determine if it could contribute toward solving the disposal problems of the petrochemical industry. It was agreed that the EPA would manage the research and provide a report containing all data collected, together with conclusions and recommendations'. The Air Force agreed to fund the effort in the amount of $35,000. analysis of dioxin. An additional $10,000 was provided for Three drums of Orange containging 14ppm dioxin (analysis by Dow Chemical Company) were provided by the Air Force. The EPA report, "Study of Feasibility of Herbicide Orange Chlorinolysis" (EPA-600/2-74-006, July 1974), covering only the work of Diamond Shamrock Company was delivered on 2 October 1974. The report covered the results of bench scale tests and concluded, based on these bench scale tests, that chlorinolysis under the proper conditions effectively converts Orange Herbicide and its TCDD contaminant to carbon tetrachloride, carbonyl chloride and hydrogen chloride. Destruction of the TCDD was complete, and preliminary toxicology tests of the recovered carbon tetrachloride on rabbits showed no evidence of TCDD contamination. The report also contained cost estimates which included credit for the sale of chemicals from a 25 ton/day plant. The cost in the worst case was shown to be $11 million and in the best $4 million. 18 �Owing to the uncertainties associated with developing this technique to a full scale plant capable of processing 2.3 million gallons of Orange in a timely and economical manner. Partial or total chlorinolysis was not selected as the method of disposal even though it is satisfactory from an environmental point of view. 10. INCINERATION AT SEA One of the most viable options for the destruction of Orange Herbicide is via incineration on a ship at sea. Since September 1972, a ship the "Vulcanus" (registered in Rotterdam, Netherlands) has been equipped to carry certain hazardous liquid chemical cargoes from northern European ports and approved by participating countries to incinerate the waste cargo in prescribed areas of the North Sea. Additionally, U. S. Companies have suggested shipboard incineration and have indicated a willingness to investigate it. The ship is a "double hulled and double bottom tanker with an overall length of 331.4 feet, a beam of 47.2 feet and a draft of 22.9 feet. Her construction complies with the latest Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization (IMCO) regulations of bulk carriage of dangerous chemicals at sea. Because of her size, the vessel is able to operate and continuously man the incineration process. Two diesel engines drive the single propeller to give service cruising speeds of 10-13 knots. 19 �The vessel's cargo tank capacity of 3,503 cubic meters (CBM) (925,493 gallons) is divided into 15 cargo tanks ranging in volume from 115 cbm to 574 cbm. None of these tanks are in contact with the vessel's hull and/or bottom. The engine room is separated from the cargo tanks by double bulkheads, the pump room and generator room being situated in between. The incineration system consists of two combustion chambers installed right aft of the upper deck. Each of the bricklined incinerators has a maximum outer diameter of 5.50 meters (m), and inside diameter of 4.80 m and a total height, including the stack, of 10.45 m. The volume of each combustion chamber is calculated to be 87.9 cmb. Each chamber has three burners with rotating cup fuel injection systems which provide vortex turbulence and distribution of fuel feed throughout the whole chamber. Incineration could be conducted in a designated area 50-60 miles clear of normal shipping lanes and on the open tropical sea downwind of Johnston Island. Gas or diesel oil would be used to bring the chambers to the required combustion temperature, normally 1400°C (2552°F); the maximum operating temperature is reported as 1650°C. Only when the required temperature is reached would the feed pumps allow waste to enter the combustion chambers. Waste feed flow and air would be carefully to insure complete combustion. controlled Once the required temperature was obtained, the chambers would be fed solely by the undiluted Orange. The Orange could be pumped to each of two chambers at 20 �a rate of 10-12 tons per hour for a total daily pump rate of about 576 tons. Therefore, about 22-26 days of continuous incineration would be required to burn the entire Orange stock (2.3 million gallons). The vessel's capacity of about 925,000 gallons of Orange would require three voyages; 925,000 gallons of Orange would be burned during each of the first two voyages, and the remaining 380,000 gallons of Orange plus any solvents used in drum cleaning would be burned during the third voyage. The data accumulated, together with theoretical considerations and applied thermochemistry, clearly indicate that the production of incomplete combustion products can be minimized to insignificant levels. Destruction, efficiencies of 99.9% appear feasible for this incinerator project. or better This would result in a total discharge of 0.05 pounds or less of TCDD via the exhaust streams over the duration of the project. (The average concentration of TCDD in the herbicide is about 2 mg/kg and the total amount of TCDD in the entire Orange stock is approximately 50 pounds.) The commercial incinerator test program indicates that if any TCDD were present in the exhaust stream, it was analytically nondetectable. Incineration would convert the Orange herbicide to its combustion products of carbon dioxide, hydrogen chloride, and water which will be released to the atmosphere. In addition, a relatively small amount of elemental carbon and carbon monoxide would be generated in the incineration process and discharged to the atmosphere. With proper concern for the environment in which such incineration would take place, incineration is an environmentally safe 21 �method of disposal of Orange Herbicide. Ecological monitoring is neither required nor feasible for the following reasons: a) the ship will complete the project within a month and always be moving and operating over a large area of the open tropical sea; and b) the predicted impact will be very minimal and transient for this incineration option. A dispersion zone model utilizing "worst case" analyses techniques was used to estimate mass concentrations of unburned Orange and Hydrogen chloride in the air and water environment in the vicinity of the discharge, and a meteorological model was applied to predict the atmospheric concentra- tion of unburned Orange and hydrogen chloride at sea level downwind of the discharge location. Predicted results from these models revealed that there would be no significant environmental impact upon either the air or ocean environment. 11. INCINERATION ON JOHNSTON ISLAND If incineration at sea is not approved by EPA (e.g., if a permit for incineration at sea were not approved) then an alternate incineration option would be the construction of an incinerator facility on Johnston Island. Johnston Incineration on Island would require a higher efficiency ecology of the Atoll. owing to the ( A complete ecological survey was conducted of Johnston Island by the Smithsonian in order to document the areas of concern.) Institution The facility on Johnston Island would probably be designed to incinerate about 206 drums of herbicide per day. At this rate, approximately 200 burn days would be required to incinerate all 2.3 million 22 �gallons of the Orange stocks. Thermal decomposition research using differential thermal analysis was conducted to determine the temperatures required for complete combustion of Orange Herbicide and a test program was conducted in a commercial incinerator to document the feasibility of destroying undiluted Orange Herbicide by means V of combustion. Particular emphasis was placed on the ability to destroy the low quantity of TCDD (low miligram per kilogram concentration, mg/kg) present in the herbicide. Extensive sampling, utilizing time-weighted and concentration was conducted to evaluate the unscrubbed techniques, combustion gases, the scrubbing liquid used to cool and scrub the combustion gases, scrubbed effluent gases, and any solid residues deposited in the system. Program objectives were outlined to determine, among other things, engineering data relative to controlling and monitoring the incineration process, the composition of the combustion products, and the toxicity of discharged water to several aquatic scrubber organisms. For a system operating at combustion chamber temperatures of 2400-2800°F; dwell time equal to or greater than 0.14 seconds; fuel to air mass ratio of about 0.1; and excess air greater than 30%, it can be stated that: a) combustion gas and scrubbed effluent gases are free to undetectable levels. 3 (^0.20xlO~ yg/1 for each compound) of herbicide esters, acids, and TCDD; b) about 10% of the carbon dioxide and greater than 99.9% of both the hydrogen chloride and carbon particulates are removed from the combustion gases via an alkaline scrubber; 23 �c) combustion pyrolyzates are unchlorinated hydrocarbons whose total concentrations average less than 0.50 yg/1; d) alkali scrubbing removes a small fraction of the pyrolyzates from the combustion gases, and with gaseous condensation in presence of chlorine, converts some of the pyrolyzates into chlorinated hydrolyzates; e) total unchlorinated pyrolyzates average less than 13.0 yg/1 and total chlorinated hydrolyzates average less than 3.0 yg/1 in the spent scrubber water; f) carbon particulates contain no detectable levels of any type of hydrocarbon and the mass of these particulates was less than 0.5% of the carbon in the herbicide; g) carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and heat of combustion gases are not environmentally significant; and h) dispersions of scrubbed effluent gases into the atmosphere have no effect on tomato plant bioassays and attest to the lack of phytotoxicity of the gases. 12. INCINERATION IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES (CONUS) ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENAL, COLORADO An incineration system has been constructed, installed, and operated at the U. S. Army Rocky Mountain Arsenel (RMA) in Colorado which, by technical investigation, appears to be capable of incinerating the Orange in an environmentally safe manner. The RMA incinerator is used to destroy mustard agent and many of the problems associated with the incineration of mustard and Orange are similar. The problems arise from the similarity between mustard and Orange as regards certain physical and chemical properties and environmental impact. These problems include: fuel conditioning, high temperature incineration, acceptable effluents, real time monitoring and 24 �drum disposal. The problems are handled at RMA; but, the facility is necessarily of considerable value, and the waste feed rate of ^2 gallons per minute (gpm) requires considerable time to incinerate a given quantity of material. The informa- tion below regarding the RMA facility has not been reviewed by the U. S. Army, nor has any action been taken to contract the RMA facility for Orange incineration. Incineration of 2,3 million gallons would require approximately 27 months. The RMA system can operate at >2,000°F with a stay time of 2-6 seconds. Although no actual Orange incineration data is available, it is felt that such operating conditions will adequately destroy the herbicide and TCDD. In addition a caustic scrubber installed on the system will provide additional treatment of the combustion gas. The elimination of the liquid discharge, the slow rate of incineration, the cumbustion gas treatment, the monitoring systems installed, and the drum cleaning capability make this option extremely attractive. Based on technical and environmental considerations, incineration in the CONUS in units such as the RMA facility could be safely accomplished. Unfortunately incineration units of sufficient capacity are located near centers of populationsand industry, and these areas are already marginally acceptable from a polution viewpoint because of presently occurring degrees of air pollution. Furthermore, local and state governments are generally opposed to the importation waste for disposal within their areas of jurisdiction. 25 For of �1 * the above reasons, incineration in the CONUS is not considered a viable alternative. 13. REPROCESSING Repro"ce~i>i>-in"g"~ of Herbicide Orange would convert it into commercial products (n-butyl esters of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T) containing acceptable levels of TCDD. The process would differentially destroy the TCDD or concentrate it into a readily disposable waste. To date (September 1975) three chemical companies have submitted process descriptions in support of bids to reprocess the herbicide. The basic processes proposed all basically attempt to selectively separate the valuable components of Herbicide Orange from the TCDD contaminant. Classical chemical methods, i.e., solvent extraction, distillation or absorption, would be employed to concentrate the TCDD. The TCDD impurity would then be disposed of by incineration. The process descriptions have been evaluated by EPA and the Army Environmental Hygene Agency. The processes appear promising with respect to 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T recovery as well as satisfactory destruction of the dioxin contaminant. However, sufficient processing questions have been raised (e.g., disposal of dioxin wastes and in-process destruction) to warrant a mandate for pilot studies (up to 150 gallon capacity). The objectives of the pilot study would include: (1) confirmation of process claims, (2) determination of impact of scale-up unit on process efficiencies, (3) evaluation of dioxin destruction and disposal, (4) estimation of possible dioxin contamination of the environment. -26- �The Scientific Advisory Board's Ad hoc Committee on Disposal of Herbicide Orange met for a final assessment of all research data and a discussion of options in March 1974. Rough estimates for the cost of each major viable option were presented. TREATMENT ESTIMATED COST ($ MillionT" Complete Incineration 3.657 Complete Biodegradation 2.235 Fractionation and Incineration 4.031 Fractionation and Biodegradation 2.754 Complete Chlorinolysis 11.462 Fractionation and Chlorinolysis 9.033 Reprocessing/Hemogenous Mixing/Sale 2.153 Although these data suggested that the reprocessing option was most viable, there were no assurances given by EPA that once selected, registration of appropriate inventory would follow. The use option (as Orange Herbicide) was not considered in the final analysis for two reasons (3.) no registration existed for the n-butyl ester of 2,4-D and 2,4,5-T and (2) the market for a n-butyl ester formulation was thought to be minimal. Moreover, field tests with Orange Herbicide in western Oregon in 1973 drew an unusually and controversial reaction from the public. Newspapers in the area (and throughout the Country) generally carried a very derogitory view of the use of this chemical (as Orange) in reforestation programs. Biodegradation of the herbicide in an isolated area in 27 �western Utah appeared feasible. However, newspaper coverage in the Fall of 1973, also made this option "politically" sensitive. The suggestion in the newspapers that the Air Force was seeking a site to "dump" 2.3 million gallons of toxic surplus herbicide from Vietnam made the selection of an appropriate location impossible. For similar reasons, the incineration of Orange within the Continental United States (CONUS) appeared unrealistic. The obvious option was considered to be incineration outside the CONUS. Since some of the European Countries had used specially designed ships for incineration at sea, this option was considered the "most likely to succeed". As a consequence, the Environmental Health Laboratory at Kelly AFB, Texas, was tasked with preparing an environmental impact statement for the incineration of Herbicide Orange. The final statement "Disposition of Orange Herbicide by Incineration" was released in November 1974. Destruction of Herbicide Orange is pending final evaluation of reprocessing and a review of the status of 2,4,5-T Herbicide by the Environmental Protection Agency. If the latter two actions are negative, then the Air Force will seek a permit for ocean incineration of Orange. Destruction of the herbicide by incineration could begin in the Spring of 1976. It is ironic that such large quantity of herbicide, so widely used in the United States, and so critical in World Agriculture, will be destroyed because it was used in a highly controversial military conflict. When given the option of whether to use it for the benefit of mankind or destroy it as 28 �a symbol of protest against war and the abuse of our environment, the American public has choosen the latter. 29 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 137 Folder The folder containing the original item. 3899 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource September 16 1975 Title A name given to the resource Typescript: Dilemma for Disposal of Herbicide Orange Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange Description An account of the resource <p style="margin-top: -1em; line-height: 1.2em;">The Alvin L. Young Collection on Agent Orange comprises 120 linear feet and spans the late 1800s to 2005; however, the bulk of the coverage is from the 1960s to the 1980s and there are many undated items. The collection was donated to Special Collections of the National Agricultural Library in 1985 by Dr. Alvin L. Young (1942- ). Dr. Young developed the collection as he conducted extensive research on the military defoliant Agent Orange. The collection is in good condition and includes letters, memoranda, books, reports, press releases, journal and newspaper clippings, field logs and notebooks, newsletters, maps, booklets and pamphlets, photographs, memorabilia, and audiotapes of an interview with Dr. Young.</p> <p>For more about this collection, <a href="/exhibits/speccoll/exhibits/show/alvin-l--young-collection-on-a">view the Agent Orange Exhibit.</a></p> Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Box The box containing the original item. 134 Folder The folder containing the original item. 3832 Series The series number of the original item. Series VI Subseries III Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Young, Alvin L. C. E. Thalken W. E. Ward W. J. Cairney Title A name given to the resource Typescript: The Ecological Consequences of Massive Quantities of 2,4 -D and 2,4,5 -T Herbicides: Summary of a Five Year Field Study