HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD--REVIEW COVER SHEET 

Name of Site: Black River PCBs 

Date Prepared: March 2010 

Contact Persons: 

Site Investigation: Region 2 Site Assessment Team 2 

Weston Solutions, Inc. 

Edison, NJ 

Documentation Record: Dennis Munhall (212) 637-4343 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

New York, NY 

Scott T. Snyder, CHMM (732) 417-5812 

Weston Solutions, Inc. 

Edison, NJ 

Pathways, Components, or Threats Not Scored 

Surface Water: The Surface Water Migration Pathway Drinking Water and Environmental Threats were not scored 

because the Human Food Chain Threat produces an overall score above the minimum required for the site to qualify for 

the National Priorities List. In addition, there are no surface water intakes along the target distance limit. 

Ground Water: The Ground Water Migration Pathway is not scored because the pathway does not contribute 

significantly to the site score. 

Soil Exposure: The Soil Exposure Pathway is not scored because it does not contribute significantly to the site score. 

Air: No samples were collected to characterize the Air Migration Pathway; therefore, there is no documentation of an 

observed release. The Air Migration Pathway is not scored because it does not contribute significantly to the site score. 
This page has been intentionally left blank. 
 

 

 

 

HRS DOCUMENTATION RECORD 

Name of Site: Black River PCBs Date Prepared: March 2010 

EPA ID No.: NYN000206296 

EPA Region: 2 

Street Address of Site*: End of Hewitt Drive, Village of West Carthage, Town of Champion, NY 13619 

County and State: Jefferson County, New York 

General Location in the State: East of Watertown (northern tier of state) 

Topographic Maps: Copenhagen, NY, Deferiet, NY, and Carthage, NY 

Latitude*: 43° 59′ 3.37” North (43.9842694°) Longitude*: 75° 37′ 39.91′′ West (-75.6277527°) 

Site Reference Point: North corner of Carthage/West Carthage Water Pollution Control Facility property 

[Figures 1, 2; Ref. 3, pp. 1-2; 4, p. 1; 5, p. 1; 6, p. 1; 7, p. 2] 

* The street address, coordinates, and contaminant locations presented in this Hazard Ranking System (HRS) 

documentation record identify the general area where the site is located. They represent one or more locations EPA 

considers to be part of the site based on the screening information EPA used to evaluate the site for NPL listing. EPA 

lists national priorities among the known "releases or threatened releases" of hazardous substances; thus, the focus is on 

the release, not precisely delineated boundaries. A site is defined as where a hazardous substance has been "deposited, 

stored, placed, or otherwise come to be located." Generally, HRS scoring and the subsequent listing of a release merely 

represent the initial determination that a certain area may need to be addressed under CERCLA. Accordingly, EPA 

contemplates that the preliminary description of facility boundaries at the time of scoring will be refined as more 

information is developed as to where the contamination has come to be located. 

 Scores 

Ground Water Pathway 

Surface Water Pathway 

Soil Exposure Pathway 

Air Pathway 

Not Scored 

96.06 

Not Scored 

Not Scored 

HRS SITE SCORE 48.03 

1 
 

WORKSHEET FOR COMPUTING HRS SITE SCORE 

BLACK RIVER PCBS

 S S2 

1. Ground Water Migration Pathway Score (Sgw) 

(from Table 3-1, line 13) 

Not Scored 

2a. Surface Water Overland/Flood Migration Component 

(from Table 4-1, line 30) 

96.06 9,227.52 

2b. Ground Water to Surface Water Migration Component 

(from Table 4-25, line 28) 

Not Scored 

2c. Surface Water Migration Pathway Score (Ssw) 

Enter the larger of lines 2a and 2b as the pathway score. 

96.06 9,227.52 

3. Soil Exposure Pathway Score (Ss) 

(from Table 5-1, line 22) 

Not Scored 

4. Air Migration Pathway Score (Sa) 

(from Table 6-1, line 12) 

Not Scored 

5. Total of Sgw 2

 + Ssw 2 + Ss 

2

 + Sa 

2

 9,227.52 

6. HRS Site Score Divide the value on line 5 

by 4 and take the square root 48.03 

2 
SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET 

BLACK RIVER PCBS 

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD 

MIGRATION COMPONENT 

Factor Categories & Factors 

DRINKING WATER THREAT 

MAXIMUM 

VALUE 

VALUE 

ASSIGNED 

Likelihood of Release 

1. Observed Release 550 550 

2. Potential to Release by Overland Flow 

2a. Containment 10 not scored 

2b. Runoff 25 not scored 

2c. Distance to Surface Water 25 not scored 

2d. Potential to Release by Overland Flow 500 not scored 

(lines 2a [2b + 2c]) 

3. Potential to Release by Flood 

3a. Containment (Flood) 10 not scored 

3b. Flood Frequency 50 not scored 

3c. Potential to Release by Flood 500 not scored 

(lines 3a x 3b) 

4. Potential to Release (lines 2d + 3c) 500 not scored 

5. Likelihood of Release (higher of lines 1 and 4) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics 

6. Toxicity/Persistence 

7. Hazardous Waste Quantity 

8. Waste Characteristics 

* 

* 

100 

 not scored 

 not scored 

 not scored 

Targets 

9. Nearest Intake 50 not scored 

10. Population 

10a. Level I Concentrations ** not scored 

10b. Level II Concentrations ** not scored 

10c. Potential Contamination ** not scored 

10d. Population (lines 10a + 10b + 10c) ** not scored 

11. Resources 5 not scored 

12. Targets (lines 9 + 10d + 11) ** not scored 

13. DRINKING WATER THREAT SCORE 

([lines 5 x 8 x 12]/82,500) 

100 not scored 

* Maximum value applies to waste characteristics category. 

** Maximum value not applicable 

3 
SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET 

BLACK RIVER PCBS 

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD 

MIGRATION COMPONENT 

Factor Categories & Factors 

HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT 

MAXIMUM 

VALUE 

VALUE 

ASSIGNED 

Likelihood of Release 

14. Likelihood of Release (same as line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics 

15. Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation 

16. Hazardous Waste Quantity 

17. Waste Characteristics 

* 

* 

1,000 

5.00E+08 

100 

320 

Targets 

18. Food Chain Individual 

19. Population 

19a. Level I Concentrations 

19b. Level II Concentrations 

19c. Potential Human Food Chain Contamination 

19d. Population (lines 19a + 19b + 19c) 

20. Targets (lines 18 + 19d) 

50 

** 

** 

** 

** 

** 

45 

0 

0.03 

 not scored 

0.03 

45.03 

21. HUMAN FOOD CHAIN THREAT SCORE 

([lines 14 x 17 x 20]/82,500) 

100 96.06 

* Maximum value applies to waste characteristics category. 

** Maximum value not applicable 

4 
 

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORESHEET 

BLACK RIVER PCBS 

SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD 

MIGRATION COMPONENT 

Factor Categories & Factors 

ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT 

MAXIMUM 

VALUE 

VALUE 

ASSIGNED 

Likelihood of Release 

22. Likelihood of Release (same as line 5) 550 550 

Waste Characteristics 

23. Ecosystem Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation 

24. Hazardous Waste Quantity 

25. Waste Characteristics 

* 

* 

1,000 

 not scored 

 not scored 

 not scored 

Targets 

26. Sensitive Environments 

26a. Level I Concentrations 

26b. Level II Concentrations 

26c. Potential Contamination 

26d. Sensitive Environments (lines 26a + 26b + 26c) 

27. Targets (line 26d) 

** 

** 

** 

** 

** 

not scored 

not scored 

not scored 

not scored 

not scored 

28. ENVIRONMENTAL THREAT SCORE 

([lines 22 x 25 x 27]/82,500) 

60 not scored 

29. WATERSHED SCORE (lines 13 + 21 + 28) 100 96.06 

30. SURFACE WATER OVERLAND/FLOOD 

MIGRATION COMPONENT SCORE (Sof) 

100 96.06 

SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY 

SCORE (Ssw) 

100 96.06 

* Maximum value applies to waste characteristics category. 

** Maximum value not applicable 

5 
 

 

 

REFERENCES 

Reference 

Number Description of the Reference 

1.	 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Hazard Ranking System, Final Rule. Federal Register, 

Volume 55, No. 241, pp. 51532-51667. December 14, 1990. [138 pp.] 

2.	 EPA. Superfund Chemical Data Matrix (SCDM). Downloaded from 

http://www.epa.gov/superfund/sites/npl/hrsres/tools/scdm.htm on March 30, 2009; with attached 

Appendices B-I (Hazardous Substances Factor Values), B-II (Hazardous Substance Benchmarks), and C 

(Hazardous Substance Synonyms Report). January 2004. [53 pp.] 

3.	 EPA. Superfund Information Systems, CERCLIS Database, Black River PCBS: Site Information. 

Downloaded from http://cfpub.epa.gov/supercpad/cursites/csitinfo.cfm?id=0206296 on November 3, 2009 

and Envirofacts Warehouse, Facility Detail Report: Carthage/West Carthage WPCF. Downloaded from 

http://oaspub.epa.gov/enviro/fii_query_dtl.disp_program_facility?pgm_sys_id_in=NY002 on November 2, 

2009. [3 pp.] 

4.	 U.S. Department of the Interior Geological Survey (USGS). Copenhagen Quadrangle, New York, 7.5­

Minute Series (Topographic). 1942. [1 map] 

5.	 USGS. Deferiet Quadrangle, New York, 7.5-Minute Series (Topographic). 1949, photorevised 1982. [1 

map] 

6.	 USGS. Carthage Quadrangle, New York, 7.5-Minute Series (Topographic). 1943, photoinspected 1980. 

[1 map] 

7.	 Europa Technologies and Google. Google EarthTM 2009: Directions, End of Hewitt Drive / Carthage/West 

Carthage STP. November 2, 2009. [2 pp] 

8.	 Environmental Data Resources (EDR). Certified Sanborn® Map Report, Climax Manufacturing, 30 

Champion Street, Carthage, NY 13619, Inquiry Number: 2325320.3s. September 24, 2008. [11 pp.] 

9.	 EDR. Certified Sanborn® Map Report, Metro Paper Industries of NY Inc., 695 W. End Ave., Carthage, 

NY 13619, Inquiry Number: 2325316.3s. September 24, 2008. [8 pp.] 

10.	 New York Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC). Fishing and Canoeing the Black River 

in Jefferson, Lewis, and Oneida counties, official maps and guide. Undated. [11 pp.] 

11.	 Islands International Tourism Council. Black River, New York – Throw Caution To The Wind. 

Downloaded from http://www.blackriverny.com/articles-history.html, on July 1, 2009. [4 pp.] 

12.	 Rotola, Joseph, EPA. Letter to Pete Taylor, NYSDEC; with attached reference. April 13, 2007. [6 pp.] 

13.	 WESTON Region 2 Site Assessment Team 2 (SAT 2). Site Logbook No. SAT2.121.001, Black River 

PCBs, NYN000206296; with attached photo documentation. September 23, 2008 to July 8, 2009. [56 pp.] 

14.	 EDR. The EDR Radius MapTM Report with GeoCheck®, Metro Paper Industries of NY Inc., 695 W. End 

Ave., Carthage, NY 13619, Inquiry Number: 2325316.2s. September 25, 2008. [454 pp.] 

15.	 EDR. The EDR Radius MapTM Report with GeoCheck®, Climax Manufacturing, 30 Champion Street, 

Carthage, NY 13619, Inquiry Number: 2325320.2s. September 24, 2008. [228 pp.] 

6 
 

REFERENCES (continued) 

Reference 

Number Description of the Reference 

16.	 Garabedian, Bruce, et al., NYSDEC. Black River Sediment Assessment, Summary of July 15-18, and 

September 10, 2002 Sampling Results. May 2004. [61 pp.] 

17.	 NYSDEC. Final Report, Eastern Lake Ontario Drainage Basin Sediment Study (excerpts). February 2000. 

[7 pp.] 

18.	 Pensak, Mindy, EPA. Memorandum to Nick Magriples, EPA, Subject: Black River, PCB Contaminated 

Sediment; with attached references. June 28, 2006. [9 pp.] 

19.	 Luckey, Frederik, EPA (on behalf of NYSDEC). Final Report, Evaluation of Toxic Contaminants in West 

Carthage/Carthage Municipal Wastewaters, Summary of August 1998 and November 1999 Sampling 

Results. September 2001. [41 pp.] 

20.	 Snyder, Scott, WESTON. Sampling Trip Report, Black River PCBs. June 25, 2009. [25 pp.] 

21.	 Arnone, Russell, EPA. E-mail correspondence with Dennis Munhall, EPA, et al., Subject: Validated data 

for the Black River PCB site under CLP Case # 38691, SDG # B5PK5, B5PM3; with attached references. 

July 10, 2009. [60 pp.] 

22.	 Cody, Jeffrey and Julee Johnson. Papermaking in the North Country, An Architectural and Historical 

Survey, Volume 1, Jefferson County (excerpts). March 1986. [94 pp.] 

23.	 EPA. Basic Information: Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB). Downloaded from 

http://www.epa.gov/waste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/about.htm, on July 13, 2009. [2 pp.] 

24.	 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). NIOSH Hazard Review, Carbonless Copy Paper 

(excerpts). December 2000. [8 pp.] 

25.	 Bourbon, John, EPA Division of Environmental Science and Assessment (DESA). E-mail correspondence 

with Scott Snyder, WESTON, Subject: EPA Region 2 DESA Laboratory Report: Black River PCBs Site; 

with attached Data Report. August 4, 2009. [20 pp.] 

26.	 Sellers, Karen M., TestAmerica, Inc. Letter to Scott Snyder, WESTON, Re: TestAmerica Project Number: 

G9F230286, P/O Contract: 0067688 AOP: 47106-000 1.01.1589; with attached analytical results. July 15, 

2009. [1,226 pp.] 

27.	 EPA. Quick Reference Fact Sheet EPA 540-F-94-028: Using Qualified Data to Document an Observed 

Release and Observed Contamination. Office of Emergency and Remedial Response. November 1996. 

[18 pp.] 

28.	 Novak, Ronald J., NYSDEC. Letters to Scott Snyder, WESTON, Re: FOIL Request #225 – Climax 

Manufacturing, Carthage, New York and FOIL Request #223 – Metro Paper Industries of NY, Carthage, 

New York. October 6, 2008. [2 pp.] 

29.	 Hudson River - Black River Regulating District. Contact Us. Downloaded from 

http://www.hrbrrd.com/contactus.html, on June 27, 2008; with attached reference. [2 pp.] 

7 
 

 

 

REFERENCES (continued) 

Reference 

Number Description of the Reference 

30.	 Snyder, Scott, WESTON. Project Note to Black River file, Subject: Estimated Discharge at Sediment 

Sample Location BR-SED07; with attached references. September 10, 2009. [9 pp.] 

31.	 AWARE Environmental Inc. and C&S Design Build, Inc. Voluntary Program, Remedial Investigation and 

Interim Action Work Plan, for Carthage Machine Company, Carthage, New York (excerpts). July 1997, 

revised December 1997. [3 pp.] 

32.	 EPA, DESA, Monitoring and Assessment Branch. Standard Operating Procedures for Field Activities 

(excerpts). December 2006. [21 pp.] 

33.	 EPA. USEPA Contract Laboratory Program, Statement of Work for Organic Analysis, Multi-Media, 

Multi-Concentration, SOM01.1 (excerpts). May 2005. [14 pp.] 

34.	 EPA. USEPA-540-R-08-01, National Functional Guidelines for Superfund Organic Methods Data Review, 

(excerpts). June 2008. [6 pp.] 

35.	 Whitewater Challengers. Whitewater Rafting on the Black River, Watertown, New York, Thousand Island 

Region NY. Downloaded from http://www.whitewaterchallengers.com/black/black-whitewater.asp, on 

July 16, 2009. [5 pp.] 

36.	 Yang, Yunru, WESTON. E-mail correspondence with Scott Snyder, WESTON, Subject: Black River PCB 

site data. July 27, 2009. [1 p.] 

37.	 Erickson, Mitchell D., Argonne National Laboratory. Analytical Chemistry of PCBs (Second Edition) 

(excerpts). Published by Lewis Publishers, 1997. [8 pp.] 

38.	 EPA. Mid-Atlantic Risk Assessment, Freshwater Sediment Screening Benchmarks. Downloaded from 

http://www.epa.gov/reg3hscd/risk/eco/btag/sbv/fwsed/screenbench.htm on October 27, 2009; with attached 

reference. [6 pp.] 

39.	 AmeristarTM and EDR. Chain of Ownership Report Combo for Parcel Identification Number: 86-32-1-78­

3, 695 W. End Ave., Carthage, NY 13619-1040, Order ID: 89-200-1-7725. October 2, 2008. [10 pp.] 

40.	 AmeristarTM and EDR. Chain of Ownership Report Combo for Parcel Identification Number: 86.40-1­

3.401, 30 Champion St., Carthage, NY 13619-1156, Order ID: 89-200-1-7727. October 8, 2008. [9 pp.] 

41.	 Kay, Deborah P, et al., EPA DESA. Standard Operating Procedure, Total Organic Carbon-Sediments, SOP 

#: C-88 (Revision # 2.1). January 31, 2009. [14 pp.] 

42.	 Ferretti, James A, et al., EPA DESA. Standard Operating Procedure, Grainsize Hydrometer Method, SOP 

#: Bio-8.3 (Revision # 2.1). February 13, 2009. [23 pp.] 

43.	 Snyder, Scott, WESTON. Project Note to Black River PCBs file, Subject: Form Is for diluted samples 

B5PL6DL and B5PM1DL; with attached references. January 11, 2010. [5 pp.] 

44.	 Karras, George, EPA Hazardous Waste Support Section (HWSS). SOP NO. HW-37/Aroclor, Validation of 

Data, USEPA Contract Laboratory Program Statement of Work for Organic Analysis of Low/Medium 

Concentration of Aroclor Organic Compounds SOM01.2 (Rev 1). August 13, 2007. [24 pp.] 

8 
 

 

 

 

 

 

SS-Site Summary 

SITE SUMMARY 

The Black River PCBs site (CERCLIS ID No. NYN000206296) in Jefferson County, New York, consists of consists of 

polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB)-contaminated wastewater discharge from the Carthage/West Carthage Water Pollution 

Control Facility [i.e., the sewage treatment plant (STP)] and possibly other historic discharges from paper mills and other 

industry in the villages of Carthage and West Carthage [Figures 1, 2; Ref. 3, p. 1; 7, pp. 1-2; 16, p. 1; 19, pp. 1-2]. An 

observed release of PCBs by direct observation and chemical analysis is documented by STP effluent samples collected 

by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in 1997 and sediment samples collected 

by EPA in June 2009, respectively [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19; 

20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20; 21, pp. 2-8, 10, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. Based on the results of the 

NYSDEC wastewater sampling and the EPA sediment sampling, a zone of contamination extends from the probable 

point of entry (PPE) at the Carthage/West Carthage STP, across the Black River to contaminated sediment sample 

location BR-SED19, and downstream to contaminated sediment sample BR-SED07, a length of approximately 0.5 mile 

[Figures 1 and 2]. The site location includes the geographic coordinates of 43o 59' 3.37" north latitude (43.9842694o) and 

75o 37' 39.91" west longitude (-75.6277527o) [Figure 1; Ref. 5, p. 1; 7, pp. 2]. The Black River flows out of the foothills 

of the western Adirondack Mountains and runs for approximately 114 miles across the Tug Hill Plateau, discharging into 

eastern Lake Ontario [Ref. 10, pp. 1-2]. Due to the river’s change in elevation while draining the plateau, and the 

resulting waterfalls and strong current, the Black River was dammed and harnessed for water power and industrial use 

along most of its lower course during the 1800s [Ref. 10, pp. 1-2; 22, pp. 14, 76]. Historical information indicates that 

tanneries, paper mills, and other industries have operated along the Black River in the Villages of Carthage and West 

Carthage since the 1890s [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 7-9, 11, 14-16, 30-32, 65, 69, 75-76]. Two active paper 

mills, one inactive paper mill, a machine shop, the Carthage/West Carthage STP, and a hydroelectric power plant are 

currently located along the Black River in the Villages of Carthage and West Carthage [Figure 2; Ref. 12, p. 2; 13, pp. 4­

8, 38-39, 42-43; 14, pp. ES1, ES4, ES9, ES12, Overview Map 2325316.2s; 15, pp. ES1, Overview Map 2325320.2s]. 

Figure 1 shows the segment of the Black River under consideration. 

During the mid-1980s, Canadian researchers monitoring Lake Ontario detected the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls 

(PCBs) at the mouth of the Black River and in the tissue of fish caught in the area [Ref. 12, p. 3; 16, p. 1]. Subsequent 

studies by NYSDEC attempted to identify possible sources [Ref. 16, pp. 1-54; 17, pp. 1-7; 18, pp. 1-9; 19, pp. 1-34]. 

One of these studies, conducted from September 1996 to September 1997, identified the presence of PCB-contaminated 

sediments downstream of the STP [Ref. 17, pp. 3-7; 18, pp. 1-2]. 

A follow-up study conducted by the NYSDEC in 2002 identified the presence of PCBs within a sediment depositional 

area downstream of the STP at concentrations up to 610 parts per million (ppm) [Ref. 12, pp. 3-4; 16, pp. 1, 4, 22]. The 

highest PCB concentrations were detected in samples collected at depths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 feet (50-80 centimeters) 

below the surface of the sediment mound [Ref. 16, pp. 4, 6, 21-22]. Radiometric dating of the samples indicates that 

sediment at this depth was deposited in the 1950s and 1960s [Ref. 16, pp. 6, 15-19]. The highest PCB concentration 

detected in samples collected from the mound surface was 11 ppm (Station 5-4) [Ref. 16, pp. 21-22; 18, p. 3]. A review 

of the NYSDEC sediment data performed by the EPA Biological Technical Assistance Group concluded that the 

concentrations of PCBs detected in the surface sediment exceeded ecological risk assessment screening values (0.032 

ppm to 0.2 ppm) [Ref. 18, p. 3; 38, p. 6]. Additional sediment samples collected away from the depositional area 

encountered PCBs at varying concentrations [Ref. 12, p. 4; 16, pp. 2-6, 21-22]. A sediment sample collected 0.25 mile 

upstream (Station 5C-1) contained 1.5 ppm of PCBs at a depth of 0.5 to 1 foot (15-30 cm) [Ref. 12, p. 4; 16, pp. 2-6, 22]. 

Station 5C-1 lies across and downstream of the PPE (i.e., the STP) and upstream of the most distant contaminated 

downstream sediment sample (BR-SED07) collected by EPA in June 2009 [Figure 2; Ref. 16, pp. 2-4; 21, pp. 6, 11, 21]. 

Samples collected from 1 to 1.5 miles upstream (Stations 6A, 6B, and 8-2) did not indicate the presence of PCBs [Ref. 

12, p. 4; 16, pp. 2, 22]. EPA background sediment sample BR-SED43, collected upstream of the STP and at a similar 

distance upstream of the sediment depositional area as Stations 6A, 6B, and 8-2, also indicated non-detect values for 

PCBs [Figure 2; Ref. 16, p. 2; 21, p. 46]. A downstream sediment sample indicated a PCB concentration of 1.9 ppm 

(Station 4A-1) (depth: 0.5 to 1.5 feet) at a distance of between 2 to 3 miles [Ref. 12, p. 4; 16, pp. 2, 4, 21]. 

In addition to the sediment sampling activities, there were efforts to identify the sources of sediment contamination [Ref. 

19, pp. 1, 6]. In August 1988, the NYSDEC collected influent wastewater samples from key points along the Carthage 

and West Carthage sewer systems [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 6]. Passive in-situ contaminant extractor samplers (PISCES) were 

positioned to measure dissolved PCBs and pesticides originating from the Village of Carthage, the Village of West 

9 
 

 

 

SS-Site Summary 

Carthage, and the two active paper mills [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 6]. According to the NYSDEC report, the analytical results 

indicated that the two paper mills were the dominant source of PCBs entering the STP [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 20]. PISCES 

results indicated that PCB concentrations in paper mill wastewaters ranged from 12 to 77 nanograms per liter (ng/L), 

compared to 2 to 21 ng/L for village (i.e., Carthage/northeast Carthage and northeast Carthage alone) wastewaters [Ref. 

19, p. 2]. The sampling point for the Village of West Carthage wastewaters also included wastewaters from the 

upgradient Climax mill; PCB levels for West Carthage alone were not quantified/extrapolated based on the combined 

flow PCB levels and flow rates versus mill-only levels and flow rates [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 6]. Based upon recorded 

wastewater flow rates, the paper mills contributed approximately 90 percent of dissolved PCB loadings to the STP [Ref. 

19, p. 2]. NYSDEC attributed the presence of the PCBs in part to residual contamination of the two mills’ process 

equipment and plumbing [Ref. 19, p. 2-3, 20]. PCBs, formerly present in ink microcapsules in carbonless copy paper, 

were historically released when converting recycled paper to pulp, subsequently contaminating wastewaters [Ref. 19, pp. 

2, 20]. 

Follow-up sampling conducted in 1999, consisting of whole-water grab samples to measure particulate and dissolvedphase, PCBs, indicated greater concentrations in village wastewaters (12 to 32 ng/L) than the two paper mills (2 to 5 

ng/L) [Ref. 19, pp. 2-3]. The decrease in concentrations was attributed to upgrades, removal of old paper-making 

equipment, and effluent flow reductions at one mill, and improved pre-treatment and suspended solids removal at the 

other [Ref. 19, pp. 2-3]. 

From June 16 through 18, 2009, EPA collected sediment samples from the Black River [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26­

29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20]. The samples were collected in an upstream, or southerly, 

direction from the Village of Herrings boat launch to approximately 1,670 feet north of the Route 126 bridge [Figure 2; 

Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20]. Sediment samples were collected 

from known or suspected sediment depositional areas, from the Village of Herrings boat launch upstream, or south, to the 

PCB-contaminated sediment depositional area identified by NYSDEC [Figure 2; Ref 13, pp. 19-23, 44-48; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 

11, 12]. Sediment samples were also collected near the east and west banks of the Black River at approximately 500-foot 

intervals where attainable, beginning 500 feet upstream of the sediment depositional area and ending approximately 

1,670 feet north of the Route 126 bridge [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 26-29, 31-33, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 3-5, 9, 16, 20]. 

Samples obtained upstream of the STP, past and present paper mills, and the other industrial facilities, were collected to 

evaluate background conditions [Figure 2; Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 13, pp. 32-33; 20, pp. 5, 9]. Due to the presence 

of obstructions, many of the proposed samples adjacent to the two active paper mills could not be collected [Ref. 13, p. 

24; 20, p. 3]. Sediment samples were obtained at a depth of 0 to 6 inches using a self-tripping bottom sampling dredge 

[Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-45, 47-52, 54-55; 20, pp. 3-5]. The sediment samples were analyzed for Target 

Compound List (TCL) Aroclors through the EPA Contract Laboratory Program (CLP) and for dioxins and furans through 

a non-CLP laboratory [Ref. 13, pp. 24, 30, 34; 20, pp. 1, 3, 11-13, 16-17, 20-21, 24-25; 21, pp. 1-2, 10-11, 13-14, 35-38; 

26, pp. 3, 5]. 

Sample analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs in Black River sediments at elevated concentrations (i.e., 

significantly above background concentrations) downstream of the Carthage/West Carthage STP and the historical and 

present locations of paper mills and other industrial facilities [Figure 2; Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 21, pp. 2-8. 21, 26­

27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. Elevated concentrations of PCBs have been detected in sediment samples within 

and upstream of the sediment depositional area identified by NYSDEC [Figure 2; Ref. 13, p. 23; 16, pp. 2, 6, 21-22; 20, 

p. 9; 21, pp. 2-8, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39]. Dioxins/furans analyses indicate the presence of these compounds at 

concentrations significantly above background in the furthest downstream sediment sample collected at the Village of 

Herrings boat launch [Figure 2; Ref. 26, pp. 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26]. However, dioxins/furans are not known 

to be attributable to the STP discharge, which was not sampled for these compounds [Ref. 19, p. 8]. The segment of the 

Black River under consideration, from immediately downstream of the existing paper mills to the Village of Herrings 

boat launch, is fished for human consumption [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24-26, 28, 30, 34-36, 43, 50-51]. The 

sediment samples collected by EPA in June 2009 document an observed release by chemical analysis of PCBs and actual 

contamination of this fishery [Ref. 1, p. 51620; 2, p. BI-10]. 

The Black River, downstream of the Village of Herrings boat launch to its mouth at Lake Ontario, supports a wide range 

of recreational activities [Ref. 10, pp. 9-10; 11, pp. 1-3; 35, pp. 1-2]. Public fishing areas, waterfront parks, and 

whitewater canoeing and kayaking are popular uses of the river downstream of the site [Ref. 10, pp. 9-10; 11, pp. 1-3; 35, 

pp. 1-2]. The Lower Black River includes fish ladders to assist migratory fish species with upstream migration past 

10 
 

 

 

SS-Site Summary 

dams [Ref. 10, p. 10]. 

For the Black River PCBs site, EPA is evaluating the Surface Water Migration Pathway overland/flood migration 

component and the human food chain threat [Ref. 1, pp. 51604-51605]. The source under consideration is PCBcontaminated wastewater discharge from the Carthage/West Carthage STP [Ref. 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19]. STP effluent 

samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 and sediment samples collected by EPA downstream of the STP in 

June 2009, document that a hazardous substance (i.e., PCB) having a bioaccumulation potential factor value of 500 or 

greater, is present in an observed release by direct observation and in sediment at levels that meet the criteria for 

observed release by chemical analysis, respectively [Figure 2; Ref. 1, pp. 51609, 51620; 2, p. BI-10; 13, pp. 19-23, 26­

29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20; 21, pp. 2-8, 10, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39, 

46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. Based on the results of the NYSDEC wastewater sampling and the EPA sediment sampling, a 

zone of contamination extends from the PPE at the Carthage/West Carthage STP, across the Black River to contaminated 

sediment sample location BR-SED19, and downstream to contaminated sediment sample BR-SED07, a length of 

approximately 0.5 mile [Figure 2]. Fishing for human consumption has been observed within this zone of contamination 

[Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 11, 24-25, 26, 28, 30, 34-36, 43, 50-51]. Actual Contamination is documented and the target 

fishery is evaluated for Actual Human Food Chain Contamination [Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620-51621]. 

11 


 

 

 

 

 

2.2 

SD-Characterization and Containment 

SOURCE DESCRIPTION 

SOURCE CHARACTERIZATION 

2.2.1 Source Identification 

Number of the source: Source No. 1 

Name and description of the source: Carthage/West Carthage STP Discharge 

Source Type: Other (Carthage/West Carthage STP Discharge) 

Source 1 consists of PCB-contaminated wastewater discharge from the Carthage/West Carthage Water Pollution Control 

Facility (i.e., the STP) [Ref. 19, pp. 1-2]. The Carthage/West Carthage STP, which was constructed in 1972, treats 

industrial and municipal wastewaters from the surrounding area and discharges its effluent to the Black River [Ref. 19, p. 

1; 22, p. 48]. The main wastewater contributors to the STP as of the late 1990s, when NYSDEC performed the sampling 

described in the paragraphs following, are the Village of Carthage, the Village of West Carthage, the Climax 

Manufacturing (Climax) paper mill, and the Metro Paper (former Fort James Corporation) mill [Ref. 13, pp. 4-6; 19, p. 

1]. 

In 1989, NYSDEC used PISCES samplers to sample Black River surface water at key points in an attempt to locate 

where PCBs were entering the Black River [Ref. 19, p. 4]. Sample results indicated that PCB concentrations were higher 

below the Village of Carthage than at other locations [Ref. 19, p. 4]. PCBs detected upstream of Carthage were 

dominated by pentachlorobiphenyls, while PCBs detected downstream of Carthage were dominated by trichlorobiphenyls 

[Ref. 19, p. 4]. NYSDEC took these analytical results to suggest that the source causing the increase in PCB 

concentrations was of a different type than upstream sources [Ref. 19, p. 4]. 

In 1997, NYSDEC sampled the effluent from the Carthage/West Carthage STP three times as part of an evaluation of 

sewage treatment plants within the Great Lakes Basin [Ref. 19, p. 4]. A high volume sampling device, known as a Total 

Organics Platform Sampler (TOPS), was used to sample wastewater effluent from the Carthage/West Carthage STP and 

three additional sewage treatment plants [Ref. 19, p. 4]. Of the four sewage treatment plants sampled, the Carthage/West 

Carthage STP had the highest concentrations of PCBs [Ref. 19, pp. 4-5]. Total (dissolved-phase + suspended solids) 

PCB concentrations were found to be 5, 7, and 77 ng/L, with 70 to 99 percent of the total attached to suspended solids 

[Ref. 19, pp. 4-5]. NYSDEC took the elevated levels of PCBs to suggest that one or more significant sources were 

present within the wastewater collection area [Ref. 19, p. 4]. 

In August 1998, NYSDEC submerged PISCES samplers at five key points within the Carthage/West Carthage municipal 

sewer system to characterize wastewaters entering the system from four main sources: the Village of Carthage (including 

northeast Carthage), the Village of West Carthage, the Climax paper mill in West Carthage, and Metro Paper in Carthage 

[Ref. 19, pp. 1-2, 6]. PISCES samplers were positioned directly downgradient of northeast Carthage, Village of Carthage, 

Climax, and Metro Paper [Ref. 19, pp. 1-2]. The sampling point for the Village of West Carthage wastewaters also 

included wastewaters from the upgradient Climax mill [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 6]. However, wastewater flow measurements 

were routinely collected from these locations [Ref. 19, p. 6]. Given the configuration of the sewers, differences in flow 

and contaminant concentrations at these two points allowed a rough calculation of West Carthage’s flow and contaminant 

contributions [Ref. 19, p. 6]. The samples were deployed for a 2-week period, from August 4 to August 18, 1998 [Ref. 

19, p. 10]. 

Sample analytical results indicated duplicate average PCB concentrations that ranged from 14.19 to 76.52 ng/L in mill 

wastewaters and 2.19 to 21.02 ng/L for village (i.e., Carthage/northeast Carthage and northeast Carthage alone) 

wastewaters [Ref. 19, pp. 9-10]. Estimates of the dissolved-phase contaminant loadings over the 2-week sampling period 

were calculated for each source area using recorded wastewater flow rates [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 8, 10, 23]. Wastewater PCB 

concentrations were estimated by dividing the total mass of PCBs by the estimated volume of wastewater sampled [Ref. 

19, pp. 10, 24-29]. The estimated sampling volume for each sampler was calculated using wastewater temperatures, 

duration of exposure, and membrane surface area [Ref. 19, p. 8]. Based on the recorded flow rates during the 2-week 

sampling period, NYSDEC concluded that the paper mills contributed approximately 90 percent of the estimated PCB 

14 
 

SD-Characterization and Containment 

loading to the STP [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 12]. Metro Paper contributed greater than 60 percent of the total PCB loadings, even 

though it was not operating at the time and contributed the smallest amount of wastewater [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 12]. 

Village of Carthage wastewater PCBs were dominated by tetrachlorobiphenyls [Ref. 19, p. 12]. Wastewaters from 

northeast Carthage wastewaters, sampled upgradient of the main village sampling location, showed higher PCB 

concentrations and were dominated by pentachlorobiphenyls [Ref. 19, p. 12]. NYSDEC concluded that the difference in 

concentration and homolog pattern suggests that a unique source of PCBs was present in the northeast Carthage area 

[Ref. 19, p. 12]. Wastewater discharged from Metro Paper was dominated by dichlorobiphenyls and trichlorobiphenyls 

[Ref. 19, pp. 1, 12]. Wastewaters discharged from the Climax mill were dominated by trichlorobiphenyls and 

tetrachlorobiphenyls [Ref. 19, p. 12]. Wastewater homolog patterns seen at the Village of West Carthage sampling 

location, which were mixed with Climax mill wastewaters, were the same as those seen coming from the Climax mill 

[Ref. 19, p. 12]. NYSDEC concluded that this was probably caused by Climax’s higher PCB concentrations and higher 

flow volume overwhelming the smaller inputs from West Carthage [Ref. 19, p. 12]. 

Follow-up sampling conducted in 1999, consisting of whole-water grab samples to measure particulate and dissolvedphase PCBs, indicated greater concentrations in village wastewaters (12 to 32 ng/L) than the two paper mills (1.7 to 5.4 

ng/L) [Ref. 19, pp. 2-3, 18-20, 31-34]. The decrease in concentrations was attributed to upgrades, removal of old papermaking equipment, and effluent flow reductions at Metro Paper, and improved pretreatment and suspended solids 

removal at Climax [Ref. 19, pp. 1-3, 18]. 

Location of the source, with reference to a map of the site: 

The Carthage/West Carthage STP discharge is located on the west bank of the Black River in the Village of 

West Carthage. The facility location is shown in Figure 2. 

Containment 

Release to surface water via overland migration and/or flood: 

The presence of contaminated STP effluent provides evidence that PCBs have migrated into the Black River via 

the Carthage/West Carthage STP discharge [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 4-5, 18-20]. Therefore, a surface water containment 

factor value of 10 is assigned for this source [Ref. 1, p. 51609, Table 4-2]. 

15 
 

 

SD-Hazardous Substances 

Source No.: 1 

2.4.1 Hazardous Substances 

Sampling and analysis by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 indicated the presence of PCBs in the Carthage/West Carthage 

STP effluent [Ref. 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19]. In 1997, three effluent samples were collected and indicated the presence of 

PCBs at concentrations of 5, 7, and 77 ng/L [Ref. 19, pp. 4-5]. In 1999, analysis of the STP’s effluent indicated a PCB 

concentration of 1.25 ng/L [Ref. 19, p. 18]. 

Sampling and analysis by NYSDEC in 1998 showed the presence of PCBs in the Carthage/West Carthage STP influent 

[Ref. 19, pp. 2, 6, 9-10]. From August 4 to August 18, 1998, NYSDEC deployed 5 duplicate pairs of PISCES samplers 

at key points in the Carthage/West Carthage municipal sewer system, to characterize wastewaters entering the system 

from four main sources: the Village of Carthage (including northeast Carthage), the Village of West Carthage, the 

Climax paper mill in West Carthage, and Metro Paper in Carthage [Ref. 19, pp. 1-2, 6, 9]. The samples were analyzed 

by a NYSDEC-contracted laboratory (AXYS Analytical Services, Sidney, British Columbia, Canada) using highresolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) [EPA Method 1668 (modified)] [Ref. 

19, p. 8]. A summary of the August 1998 NYSDEC results, in total PCB concentrations, is presented in Table 1. A 

breakdown of the NYSDEC sampling results by PCB congener can be found in Reference 19 pages 24 through 29. 

The PISCES samplers consisted of brass containers filled with the liquid solvent hexane and sealed with semiimpermeable membrane [Ref. 19, p. 6]. Hydrophobic contaminants such as PCBs move through the hexane-saturated 

membrane and accumulate in the hexane [Ref. 19, p. 6]. The mass of hydrophobic contaminants that accumulate in the 

hexane is dependent on water temperature, membrane area, and the concentration of contaminants in the surrounding 

water [Ref. 19, p. 6]. At the end of the sampling period the samplers are retrieved, the membranes removed, and the 

hexane poured into a sample jar and sent to the laboratory for analysis [Ref. 19, p. 6]. The mass of PCBs measured in the 

hexane is converted to an estimated water concentration using an equation that takes into account the sampling duration 

and water temperature [Ref. 19, p. 6]. 

A number of quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) measures were taken by NYSDEC to produce reliable data [Ref. 

19, p. 7]. During construction of the PISCES samplers in the laboratory, individual parts were thoroughly soaked and 

rinsed in hexane in order to remove any trace contaminants from the sampler parts [Ref. 19, p. 7]. Once the samplers 

were assembled, they were partially filled and rinsed with hexane before being wrapped in clean aluminum foil [Ref. 19, 

p. 7]. The samplers were rinsed with hexane twice more in the field before they were filled with hexane and deployed 

[Ref. 19, p. 7]. The samplers were suspended vertically in the water with the membrane facing down so that the 

membrane was completely covered by solvent inside the sampler and by water outside [Ref. 19, p. 7]. Water temperature 

at the sampling locations was recorded during deployment and retrieval of the samplers [Ref. 19, p. 9]. In addition, 

duplicate samples were collected at each sampling location [Ref. 19, p. 7]. The relative percent difference between the 

masses of PCBs recovered by the duplicate pairs was within the 50-percent range that NYSDEC considered acceptable 

for PISCES investigations [Ref. 19, pp. 9-10]. After sampler retrieval, the hexane was poured into pre-cleaned sample 

jars with TeflonTM lids and stored in a locked freezer until the samples were shipped overnight, under chain-of-custody 

and on ice, to the laboratory [Ref. 19, p. 7]. One control sample of hexane was collected an analyzed to document that 

the hexane was free of contamination [Ref. 19, p. 7]. 

16 
Table 1
 

NYSDEC Wastewater Sampling Results
 

August 1998

 Sample Location: 

Village of Carthage Vi

Fort James Mill/Metro 

Paper Combined Village Northeast Carthage only Climax M

NYSDEC Sample ID: 69802A 69802B 69803A 69803B 69804A 69804B 69805A 

Total PCBs (ng/sample): 2690.18 2390.41 55.09 54.96 521.14 609.60 793.30 

Calculated Sample Volume (L): 33.29 33.29 26.01 26.01 26.69 26.69 73.70 

Calculated Concentration (ng/L): 81.17 71.86 2.18 2.19 19.35 22.69 10.76 

Duplicate % Relative Difference: 12.2 0.5 15.9 48.3 

Duplicate Average Concentration (ng/L): 76.52 2.19 21.02 14.19 

ng/L = nanograms per liter Ref. 19, pp. 1, 9 

17
 
 

SD-Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Source No.: 1 

2.4.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

2.4.2.1.1 Hazardous Constituent Quantity 

The information available is not sufficient to evaluate Tier A source hazardous waste quantity; therefore, hazardous 

constituent quantity is not scored (NS). 

Hazardous Constituent Quantity (C) Value: NS 

2.4.2.1.2 Hazardous Wastestream Quantity 

The information available is not sufficient to evaluate Tier B source hazardous waste quantity; therefore, hazardous 

wastestream quantity is not scored. 

Hazardous Wastestream Quantity (W) Value: NS 

2.4.2.1.3 Volume 

Sampling and analysis by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 showed the presence of PCBs in the Carthage/West Carthage STP 

effluent [Ref. 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19]. However, the total volume of PCB-contaminated STP discharge is unknown. 

Therefore, the volume of discharge is considered to be greater than 0 (>0) cubic yards. The source type is ‘Other,’ so the 

volume value is divided by 2.5 to obtain the assigned value, as shown below [Ref. 1, p. 51591, Section 2.4.2.1.3, Table 

2-5]. 

Dimension of source (yd3

): >0 yd3 

Volume (V) Assigned Value: (>0)/2.5 = >0 

2.4.2.1.4 Area
 

Tier D is not evaluated for source type “other” [Ref. 1, p. 51591, Table 2-5, Section 2.4.2.1.4]. 

Area of source (ft2

): N/A 

Area (A) Assigned Value: 0 

2.4.2.1.5 Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value 

The source hazardous waste quantity value for Source 1 is >0 for Tier C - Volume [Ref. 1, p. 51591]. 

Source Hazardous Waste Quantity Value: >0 

18 
 

SD-Summary 

SITE SUMMARY OF SOURCE DESCRIPTIONS

 Containment 

Source 

Source Hazardous Waste 

Number Quantity Value

Ground 

 Water

Surface 

 Water Gas

 Air 

Particulate 

1 >0 NS 10 * NS NS 

NS = Not Scored 

* The overland flow containment factor is 10 for the source. 

19 
 

 

SWOF-Surface Water Overland Flow/Flood Migration Pathway 

4.1 OVERLAND/FLOOD MIGRATION COMPONENT 

4.1.1.1 Definition of Hazardous Substance Migration Path for Overland/Flood Component 

An observed release to surface water is documented by direct observation and chemical analysis: The observed release 

by direct observation is supported by Carthage/West Carthage STP effluent samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 

1999 [Ref. 19, pp. 4-6, 18-19]. In 1997, NYSDEC sampled the effluent from the Carthage/West Carthage STP three 

times as part of an evaluation of sewage treatment plants within the Great Lakes Basin [Ref. 19, p. 4]. Total PCB 

concentrations were found to be 5, 7, and 77 ng/L [Ref. 19, p. 4]. NYSDEC took the elevated levels of PCBs to suggest 

that one or more significant sources is present within the wastewater collection area and that these results were consistent 

with previous sediment studies that found some of the highest levels of PCBs in sediments below the STP outfall [Ref. 

19, p. 4]. In 1999, NYSDEC sampling and analysis of STP discharge indicated a PCB concentration of 1.25 ng/L [Ref. 

19, pp. 18-19]. 

Sampling and analysis by NYSDEC in 1998 showed the presence of PCBs in the Carthage/West Carthage STP influent 

[Ref. 19, pp. 1, 6, 9-10]. In August 1998, NYSDEC deployed PISCES samplers at key points in the Carthage/West 

Carthage municipal sewer system, to characterize wastewaters entering the system [Ref. 19, pp. 1-2, 6, 9]. Sample 

analytical results indicated average PCB concentrations that ranged from 14.19 to 76.52 ng/L in mill wastewaters and 

2.19 to 21.02 ng/L for village wastewaters [Ref. 19, pp. 9, 10]. 

The observed release by chemical analysis is supported by sediment samples collected from the Black River by EPA in 

June 2009 [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20]. The samples 

were collected from the Village of Herrings boat launch (approximately 3 miles downstream of the STP discharge) to 

beyond the Route 126 bridge (approximately 1.2 miles upstream of the STP discharge) [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26­

29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 4-5, 9]. Background samples were obtained upstream of the STP, past and 

present paper mills, and other industrial facilities [Figure 2; Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 13, pp. 32-33; 20, pp. 5, 9]. 

Sample analytical results indicate the presence of PCBs in Black River sediments at concentrations significantly above 

background concentrations at six sediment sample locations (BR-SED19, BR-SED17, BR-SED15, BR-SED13, BRSED12, and BR-SED07) across from and downstream of the Carthage/West Carthage STP, historical and present 

locations of paper mills, and other industrial facilities [Figure 2; Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 21, pp. 2-8, 11, 21, 26-27, 

29, 31, 39, 45-49]. A variety of sediment depositional environments were observed during the June 2009 sampling; as 

such, the discrete points of PCB-contaminated sediments represent differential contaminant settling [Figure 2; Ref. 13, 

pp. 28-29, 32, 52]. Based on the results of the NYSDEC wastewater sampling and the EPA sediment sampling, a zone of 

contamination extends from the PPE at the Carthage/West Carthage STP, across the Black River to contaminated 

sediment sample location BR-SED19, and downstream to contaminated sediment sample BR-SED07, a length of 

approximately 0.5 mile [Figures 1 and 2]. 

Historical information indicates that tanneries, paper mills, and other industries have operated immediately adjacent to 

the Black River in the Villages of Carthage and West Carthage since the late 1800s [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 

7-9, 11, 14-16, 30-32, 65, 69, 75-76]. These facilities extended to the water line to exploit the power produced by the 

river’s current [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 7-9, 11, 14-15, 30-32, 65, 69, 75-76]. Radiometric dating of sediment 

samples collected by NYSDEC in 2002, at depths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 feet (50-80 centimeters) below the surface of 

the sediment mound, indicates that PCB-contaminated sediment at this depth was deposited in the 1950s and 1960s [Ref. 

16, pp. 6, 15-19]. The source being evaluated and the PPE of the contamination is discharge from the STP [Figure 3]. 

The Black River flows out of the foothills of the western Adirondack Mountains and runs for approximately 114 miles 

across the Tug Hill Plateau before discharging into eastern Lake Ontario [Ref. 10, pp. 1-2]. Information provided by the 

NYSDEC Regional Fisheries Manager and statements made to EPA by local residents indicate that the segment of the 

Black River from the Carthage/West Carthage STP downstream to the Village of Herrings boat launch is routinely fished 

for human consumption [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24-26, 30, 34-35, 43, 51]. Species of fish that inhabit this 

segment include walleye, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch [Ref. 10, p. 9]. Subsistence fishing was 

observed by EPA along the west bank of the Black River, immediately downstream of the Carthage/West Carthage STP, 

on October 8, 2008 [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 34, 43]. Subsistence fishing was also observed by EPA along the east 

bank of the Black River approximately midway between contaminated sediment samples BR-SED17 and BR-SED19 on 

June 17, 2009 [Figure 2; 13, pp. 28, 35-36, 50; 20, p. 16; 21, pp. 31, 39]. The wastewater samples collected by NYSDEC 

20 
SWOF-Surface Water Overland Flow/Flood Migration Pathway 

in 1997 and 1999, and the sediment samples collected by EPA in June 2009, define a zone of contamination in which 

these observed fishing locations lie; therefore, Actual Human Food Chain Contamination of this fishery is documented 

[Figure 2; Ref. 1, pp. 51592, 51620]. No fish tissue analyses were available, so the target fishery is subject to Level II 

concentrations [Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620-51621]. 

The Black River is the only water body along the 15-mile target distance limit (TDL), which extends from the STP 

discharge (i.e., the PPE) north and west to the Village of Black River [Figure 3]. The Black River, downstream of the 

Village of Herrings boat launch to its mouth at Lake Ontario, supports a wide range of recreational activities [Ref. 10, pp. 

9-10; 11, pp. 1-3; 35, pp. 1-2]. Public fishing areas, waterfront parks, and whitewater canoeing and kayaking are popular 

uses of the river downstream of the site [Ref. 10, pp. 9-10; 11, pp. 1-3; 35, pp. 1-2]. The Lower Black River includes 

fish ladders to assist migratory fish species with upstream migration past dams [Ref. 10, p. 10]. The Black River 

Watershed lies entirely inland and is not influenced by salt water bodies; therefore, the Black River is evaluated as fresh 

water [Ref. 29, p. 2]. 

21 
#*8

#*7

#*9

#*6

#*10

#*11

#*12 #*5

#*13

#*15

15 Mile Target #*14 

Distance Limit 

LEGEND 

Site Reference Point
 

-Longitude: West 75 37 39.91
 

-Latitude: North 43 59 03.37
 

Zone of Contamination 

Surface Water Pathway $T1 Mile Marker 

 REPORT DATE: 

Fifteen Mile Surface November 

National Wetlands Inventory, http://www.nwi.fws.gov. Date unknown; downloaded 

Water Pathway 

DRAWING: 

06027_BRP

PATH: 

HRS Eligible Wetlands 

P:/SAT2/Black_River_

SOURCES: REVISION No. 1. National Geographic TOPO! U.S. Geologic Survey (USGS). 7.5 Minute Series SM 0 

(Topographic) Quadrangles: Black River, NY, 1982; Carthage, NY, 1980; Copenhagen,

 NY 1980; Defereit, NY, 1982; North Wilna, NY, 1989; and Rutland Center, NY, 1980.
 Weston Solutions, Inc. 2. U.S Department of the Interior, Fish and Wildlife Service, St. Petersburg, FL. 2,000 1,000 0 2,000 4,000 ® WORK ORDER No. 

205 Campus Drive Edison, New Jersey 08837-3939 

 September 2008. Graphic Scale In Feet TEL: (732) 417-5800 Fax: (732) 417-5801 http://www.westonsolutions.com 

20113.111.002.
 

 

 

 

 

 

SWOF-Observed Release 

4.1.2.1 Likelihood of Release 

4.1.2.1.1 Observed Release 

Direct Observation 

The Carthage/West Carthage STP treats industrial and municipal wastewaters from the surrounding area and discharges 

its effluent to the Black River [Ref. 19, p. 1]. Therefore, Carthage/West Carthage STP effluent samples collected by 

NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 demonstrate that a hazardous substance (i.e., PCB) is known to have entered surface water 

through direct deposition, thus establishing an observed release by direct observation [Ref. 1, p. 51609; 19, pp. 4-5, 18­

19]. In 1997, NYSDEC sampled the effluent from the Carthage/West Carthage STP three times as part of an evaluation 

of sewage treatment plants within the Great Lakes Basin [Ref. 19, p. 4]. Total PCB concentrations were found to be 5, 7, 

and 77 ng/L [Ref. 19, p. 4]. NYSDEC took the elevated levels of PCBs to suggest that one or more significant sources is 

present within the wastewater collection area and that these results were consistent with previous sediment studies that 

found some of the highest levels of PCBs in sediments below the STP outfall [Ref. 19, p. 4]. In 1999, NYSDEC 

sampling and analysis of STP discharge indicated a PCB concentration of 1.25 ng/L [Ref. 19, pp. 18-19]. 

Chemical Analysis 

Sediment samples collected by EPA downstream of the STP in June 2009, document that a hazardous substance (i.e., 

PCB) is present in sediment at levels that meet the criteria for observed release by chemical analysis [Figure 2; Ref. 1, p. 

51609; 2, p. BI-10; 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20; 

21, pp. 2-8, 10, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. From June 16 through 18, 2009, EPA collected sediment 

samples from the Black River [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 

20]. The samples were collected in an upstream, or southerly, direction from the Village of Herrings boat launch to 

approximately 1,670 feet north of the Route 126 bridge [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 

20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20]. Sediment samples were collected from known or suspected sediment depositional areas, 

from the Village of Herrings boat launch upstream, or south, to the PCB-contaminated sediment depositional area 

identified by NYSDEC [Figure 2; Ref 13, pp. 19-23, 44-48; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11, 12]. Sediment samples were also 

collected near the east and west banks of the Black River at approximately 500-foot intervals where attainable, beginning 

500 feet upstream of the sediment depositional area and ending approximately 1,670 feet north of the Route 126 bridge 

[Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 26-29, 31-33, 49, 51-54, 56; 20, pp. 3-5, 9, 16, 20]. Samples obtained upstream of the STP, past 

and present paper mills, and the other industrial facilities, were collected to evaluate background conditions [Figure 2; 

Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 13, pp. 32-33; 20, pp. 5, 9]. Due to the presence of obstructions, many of the proposed 

samples adjacent to the two active paper mills could not be collected [Ref. 13, p. 24; 20, p. 3]. Sediment samples used in 

the observed release evaluation were obtained at a depth of 0 to 6 inches using a self-tripping bottom sampling dredge 

[Ref. 13, pp. 20-23, 26-29, 32-33, 44-45, 47-52, 54-55; 20, pp. 3-5]. The sediment samples collected by EPA were 

analyzed for low concentration TCL Aroclor parameters through the EPA CLP [Ref. 20, pp. 1-3, 11-13, 16-17, 20-21; 21, 

pp. 2-8, 10-11, 13-14, 35-38]. The sediment samples were also analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC ) and grain size 

distribution by the EPA Region 2 laboratory [Ref. 20, pp. 1-3, 14-15, 18-19, 22-23; 25, pp. 1, 3]. 

Sampling and analysis by EPA in 2009 showed the presence of PCBs in Black River sediments at concentrations 

significantly above background concentrations at six sediment sample locations. Table 2 shows the physical 

characteristics of the samples that document background concentrations and observed release; Tables 3 presents the PCB 

analytical results for the substances that meet observed release criteria. 

23 
Table 2
 

Background and Release Sample Information
 

Sediment Samples - June 2009
 

Black River PCBs, Carthage/West Carthage, NY
 

Field 

Location 

Organic 

CLP No. 

Sample 

Date 

Sample 

Time 

Height of 

Water 

Column (ft) 

Depth (in) 

[below top 

of sediment] 

Moisture 

(%) 

Sand 

(%) 

Total Fines 

(Silt and Clay) 

(%) 

TOC 

(mg/kg) 

BACKGROUND 

BR-SED43 B5PP7 6/18/2009 1035 15 0-6 64 45.1 54.8 J 42,000 Ref. 13, pp. 32

BR-SED44 B5PP8 6/18/2009 1115 10 0-6 59 44.5 56 J 33,000 Ref. 13, pp. 33, 

BR-SED45 B5PP9 6/18/2009 1100 10 0-6 60 66.5 34.6 J 40,000 Ref. 13, pp. 33, 

RELEASE 

BR-SED07 B5PL1 6/16/2009 1225 1 0-6 50 68.6 33 J 19,000 Ref. 13, p. 21, 2

BR-SED12 B5PL6 6/17/2009 835 10 0-6 56 53.9 49 J 36,000 Ref. 13, p. 26; 20

BR-SED13 B5PL7 6/17/2009 850 5 0-6 57 63.5 39 J 25,000 Ref. 13, p. 26; 20

BR-SED15 B5PL9 6/17/2009 935 6 0-6 56 61 42 J 42,000 Ref. 13, p. 27; 20BR-SED17 B5PM1 6/17/2009 1100 3 0-6 56 66.1 34 J 51,000 Ref. 13, pp. 27, 

BR-SED19 B5PM3 6/17/2009 1125 1.5 0-6 64 40.8 58.8 J 46,000 Ref. 13, p. 28; 20

ft = feet in = inches TOC = total organic carbon mg/kg = milligrams per kilogram J = the identification of the analyte is acceptable; the reported value is an estimate [Ref. 25, p. 3] Bold - Background sample used in observed release evaluation 

24
Table 3
 

Background and Release Concentrations - PCBs
 

Sediment Samples - June 2009
 

Black River PCBs, Carthage/West Carthage, NY
 

SAT 2 Sample No.: 

Background Concentrations Release Concentrations 

BR-SED43 BR-SED44 BR-SED45 BR-SED07 BR-SED12 BR-SED13 BR-SED15 BR-SED17 

EPA Sample No.: B5PP7 B5PP8 B5PP9 B5PL1 B5PL6 B5PL7 B5PL9 B5PM1 

Date: 6/18/2009 6/18/2009 6/18/2009 6/16/2009 6/17/2009 6/17/2009 6/17/2009 6/17/2009 

Depth (inches): 0-6 0-6 0-6 0-6 0-6 0-6 0-6 0-6 

Comments: 

PCBs (ug/kg) Result RDL Result RDL Result RDL Result RDL Result RDL Result RDL Result RDL Result Bias Adjustment Factor Adjust

Resul

Aroclor-1248 90 U 90 79 U 79 80 U 80 660 66 530 76 120 74 

Aroclor-1254 90 U 90 5.5 J* 79 80 U 80 1200 D 150 4,200 DJ Unknown Divide by 10 420 Aroclor-1260 90 U 90 79 U 79 80 U 80 110 66 

Reference(s) Ref. 13, pp. 32, 33; 

20, p. 20; 21, pp. 46, 

60. 

Ref. 13, p. 33; 20, p. 

20; 21, pp. 47, 60; 

27, p. 4. 

Ref. 13, p. 33; 20, p. 

20; 21, pp. 48, 60. 

Ref. 13, p. 21, 22; 

20, p. 11; 21, pp. 21, 

54. 

Ref. 13, p. 26; 20, p. 

16; 21, pp. 10-13, 

26, 57; 43, p. 3; 44, 

p. 21. 

Ref. 13, p. 26; 20, p. 

16; 21, pp. 27, 57. 

Ref. 13, p. 27; 20, p. 

16; 21, pp. 29, 57. 

Ref. 13, p. 27, 28; 20, p. 16; 21, pp. 4, 5, 10-13, 31, 56; 27, p

p. 1; 43, p. 5; 44, p. 21. 

All concentrations in micrograms per kilogram (ug/kg).

 CRQL = Contract Required Quantitation Limit. 

 RDL = Reporting Detection Limit [i.e., sample quantitation limit (SQL)] (CRQL adjusted for percent moisture of the sample) [Ref. 33, p. 14]. U = The analyte was analyzed for, but was not detected at a level greater than or equal to the level of the adjusted CRQL for sample and method [Ref. 34, p. 6]. 

 J = The analyte was positively identified and the associated numerical value is the approximate concentration of the analyte in the sample (due either to the quality of the data generated because certain quality control criterianalyte was below the CRQL) [Ref. 34, p. 6]. D = The sample or extract is reanalyzed at a dilution factor (DF) greater than 1 (e.g., when the response of an analyte exceeds the response of the highest standard in the initial calibration) [Ref. 33, p. 5] * The result is qualified with a "J" because the reported concentration is greater than the Method Detction Limit (MDL) and less than the RDL. Therefore, there is no bias associated with this value and no adjustment for bias 

Bold = maximum background concentration. Blank spaces = results do not meet observed release criteria.

 25
 
 

 

SWOF-Observed Release 

Notes on Sample Similarity: 

•	 Sampling Methods: The background and release sediment samples were all collected by EPA, using Standard 

Operating Procedures (SOP), during the sampling event in June 2009 [Ref. 13, pp. 20, 22-23, 26-28, 32-33; 32, 

pp. 4-6]. 

•	 Analytical Procedures: The background and release samples were all analyzed for TCL Aroclors by the same 

laboratory (Shealy Environmental Services of West Columbia, South Carolina) [Ref. 20, pp. 1-3, 11-13, 16-17, 

20-21; 21, pp. 1-60]. The chemical analyses were coordinated through the EPA CLP; EPA validated the 

analytical results according to Region 2 Data Validation guidelines [Ref. 20, pp. 1-3, 11-13, 16-17, 20-21; 21, 

pp. 1-60]. Both the release and background samples were also analyzed for TOC [EPA Standard Operating 

Procedure (SOP) C-88 (Combustion/IR Method)] and grain size distribution [EPA SOP Bio 8.3 (Hydrometer 

Method based on ASTM D422-63)] at the EPA laboratory in Edison, New Jersey [Ref. 20, pp. 1-3, 14-15, 18­

19, 22-25; 25, pp. 1, 3; 41, pp. 1-14; 42, pp. 1-23]. 

•	 Sampling Depth: All sediment samples used for the observed release evaluation were collected from the 0- to 

6-inch interval below top of sediment [Ref. 13, pp. 20, 22, 26-28, 33; 20, pp. 3-5]. 

•	 Percent Moisture: The percent moisture in the background samples ranged from 59% to 64%, while percent 

moisture in the release samples ranged from 50% to 64% [Ref. 21, pp. 15, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48]. 

•	 Sample Description: TOC and Grain Size analyses show that background sediment sample BR-SED43, which 

has the maximum reported background concentration of PCBs [see Table 3], also contains a greater or equal 

concentration of TOC and a higher percentage of fine-grained material (i.e., clay and silt), than most of the 

release samples [see Table 2]. Therefore, background sediment sample BR-SED43 has a greater affinity for 

contaminants such as PCBs than most of the release samples [Ref. 25, pp. 9, 11-15, 18-19; 37, pp. 7-8]. 

Due to the similarities (i.e., same time frame, same sampling and analytical methods, same laboratories, similar physical 

setting and sampling depths, overlapping ranges of percent moisture values, and similar sediment descriptions) among the 

background and release samples, the background and release analytical results are considered to be comparable. 

Attribution 

PCBs belong to a broad family of man-made organic chemicals known as chlorinated hydrocarbons [Ref. 23, p. 1]. 

PCBs were manufactured domestically from 1929 until their manufacture was banned in 1979 [Ref. 23, p. 1]. Due to 

their non-flammability, chemical stability, high boiling point, and electrical insulating properties, PCBs were used in a 

variety of industrial applications, including as a solvent in inks used in carbonless copy paper manufacturing [Ref. 23, p. 

1; 24, p. 7]. Paper mills involved in paper recycling released PCB-containing inks on paper and boxboard when 

converting recycled paper to pulp, subsequently contaminating wastewater, equipment, and plumbing [Ref. 19, p. 20]. 

Once released, PCBs do not readily break down and therefore remain in the environment for long periods of time [Ref. 

23, p. 2]. 

Historical information indicates that industrial activity has been conducted along the shoreline of the Black River in the 

Villages of Carthage and West Carthage since the late 1800s [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 7-9, 11, 14-16, 30-32, 

63, 65-69, 75-76]. The types of industries included machine shops for manufacturing papermaking equipment, knitting 

mills, grist mills, lumber mills and finished wood products manufacturing, paper and paper pulp mills, and tanneries [Ref. 

8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 7-9, 11, 14-16, 30-32, 63, 65-69, 75-76, 94]. As discussed above, sediment samples 

collected by EPA in June 2009 indicate that sediments in the Black River, downstream of the STP and past and present 

paper mills, are contaminated with PCBs at concentrations significantly above background concentrations at five 

sediment sample locations. 

At least part of the significant increase in sediment PCB concentrations can be attributed the STP discharge; this 

assertion is supported by Carthage/West Carthage STP effluent samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 [Ref. 

19, pp. 4-5, 18-19]. In 1997, NYSDEC sampled the effluent from the Carthage/West Carthage STP three times as part of 

an evaluation of sewage treatment plants within the Great Lakes Basin [Ref. 19, p. 4]. Total PCB concentrations were 

found to be 5, 7, and 77 ng/L [Ref. 19, p. 4]. NYSDEC took the elevated levels of PCBs to suggest that one or more 

significant sources is present within the wastewater collection area and that these results were consistent with previous 

sediment studies that found some of the highest levels of PCBs in sediments below the STP outfall [Ref. 19, p. 4]. In 

26 
 

 

 

SWOF-Observed Release 

1999, NYSDEC sampling and analysis of STP discharge indicated a PCB concentration of 1.25 ng/L [Ref. 19, pp. 18­

19]. 

Sampling and analysis by NYSDEC in 1998 showed the presence of PCBs in the Carthage/West Carthage STP influent 

[Ref. 19, pp. 1, 9-10]. In August 1998, NYSDEC deployed PISCES samplers at key points in the Carthage/West 

Carthage municipal sewer system, to characterize wastewaters entering the system [Ref. 19, pp. 1-2, 6, 9]. Sample 

analytical results indicated average PCB concentrations that ranged from 14.19 to 76.52 ng/L in mill wastewaters and 

2.19 to 21.02 ng/L for village wastewaters [Ref. 19, pp. 9, 10]. 

Other Possible Sites 

Historical information indicates that tanneries, paper mills, and other industries have operated immediately adjacent to 

the Black River in the Villages of Carthage and West Carthage since the late 1800s [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 

7-9, 11, 14-16, 30-32, 65, 69, 75-76]. These facilities extended to the water line to exploit the power produced by the 

river’s current [Ref. 8, pp. 3-11; 9, pp. 3-8; 22, pp. 7-9, 11, 15, 30-32, 65, 69, 75-76]. Radiometric dating of sediment 

samples collected by NYSDEC in 2002, at depths ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 feet (50-80 centimeters) below the surface of 

the sediment mound, indicates that PCB-contaminated sediment at this depth was deposited in the 1950s and 1960s [Ref. 

16, pp. 6, 15-19]. Paper mills involved in paper recycling released PCB-containing inks on paper and boxboard when 

converting recycled paper to pulp, subsequently contaminating wastewater, equipment, and plumbing [Ref. 19, p. 20]. 

Although a review of federal and state databases indicates that there are no known previous, relevant environmental 

studies (i.e., media sampling) of the past and present paper mills, these and other facilities are thought to have contributed 

to the contamination in the river [Ref. 14, pp. ES1-ES14, 4-128, 291-351; 15, pp. 4-5; 28, pp. 1-2]. 

Metro Paper 

The Metro Paper facility was originally constructed in 1898 as the West End Pulp and Casket Company [Ref. 22, p. 32]. 

In 1902, the West End Paper Company was established [Ref. 9, p. 3; 22, p. 38]. The mill was operated by the Crown 

Zellerbach Corporation throughout much of its operating history [Ref. 22, pp. 42, 51; 39, pp. 2-3]. Eventually the facility 

grew to occupy 34 acres, more than 25 of which are covered with approximately 20 buildings and several parking lots 

[Ref. 22, p. 32]. Beginning in approximately 1960, 85 to 90 percent of Crown Zellerbach’s pulp was derived from 

secondary fiber. This secondary fiber consisted of recycled waste pulp from newspapers and scraps that were collected 

throughout upstate New York [Ref. 22, pp. 32-33]. During processing, de-inking equipment was used to remove the ink 

from the recycled paper [Ref. 22, p. 33]. Crown Zellerbach was purchased by the James River Corp. in the late-1980s 

[Ref. 22, p. 51; 39, p. 3]. The facility was sold to the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (JCIDA) in 1999 

[Ref. 13, p. 12; 39, p. 3]. Metro Paper purchased the facility from the JCIDA in 2000 and subsequently sold the facility 

back to JCIDA in 2005 [Ref. 39, pp. 3-5]. 

In August 1998, NYSDEC concluded that two paper mills (Metro Paper and Climax Manufacturing) contributed 

approximately 90 percent of the estimated PCB loading to the STP [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 2, 12]. Metro Paper contributed 

greater than 60 percent of the total PCB loadings even though it was not operating at the time and contributed the 

smallest amount of wastewater [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 2]. 

Climax Manufacturing 

The property occupied by Climax was first developed prior to1885 [Ref. 22, p. 75]. The types of businesses that 

occupied the property during that time period included a tannery, a sash and blind factory, a cabinet shop, a pail factory, 

and a flour and grist mill [Ref. 8, p. 3-5; 22, p. 75]. The present mill was established in 1911 as the Carthage Sulphite 

Pulp and Paper Co. by the merger of two adjoining facilities [Ref. 8, p. 8; 22, p. 69]. The Climax facility, also known as 

Carthage Paper Makers, has historically utilized recycled fiber as a source of pulp [Ref. 22, p. 69]. The facility was sold 

to the JCIDA in 1998 [Ref. 40, p. 2]. Climax purchased the facility from the JCIDA in 2008 [Ref. 40, pp. 2-4]. 

In August 1998, NYSDEC concluded that the paper mills (Metro Paper and Climax) contributed approximately 90 

percent of the estimated PCB loading to the STP [Ref. 19, pp. 1, 2, 12]. NYSDEC attributed the presence of the PCBs in 

part to residual contamination of the two mills’ process equipment and plumbing [Ref. 19, p. 3]. PCBs, formerly present 

in ink microcapsules in carbonless copy paper, were historically released when converting recycled paper to pulp, 

27 
 

 

SWOF-Observed Release 

subsequently contaminating wastewaters [Ref. 19, pp. 2, 20]. 

Carthage Machine Company (CEM Machine, Inc) 

With the growth in the number and size of paper mills in northern New York in the 1890s and early 1900s, a need 

developed for papermaking machinery [Ref. 22, p. 14]. As a result, the Carthage Machine Company (CMC) was 

established [Ref. 13, p. 38; 22, p. 14]. The property, located on the east bank of Black River in the Village of Carthage, 

was first used for industrial purposes by the Empire Steam Pump Co. mill in the early 1880s [Ref. 13, p. 6; 22, pp. 9, 11, 

14]. In 1894, the original two-story brick structure that housed CMC was constructed [Ref. 22, p. 14]. The CMC was 

incorporated in 1900 [Ref. 22, p. 16]. Throughout the years the facility changed ownership several times and was 

expanded to meet the demands of growing product lines and markets [Ref. 22, pp. 7-18]. Despite a slowing of the 

papermaking industry in the northeast, CMC’s expansion continued throughout the 1970s to accommodate new product 

lines for the plant [Ref. 22, p. 17]. 

In 1991, PCB-contaminated soils were removed from the cellar of the pre-1884 portion of the facility [Ref. 31, p. 3]. The 

PCBs were attributed to a compressor unit in the basement of the building [Ref. 14, p.204]. The PCB-contaminated 

materials were reportedly remediated in accordance with Toxic Substances and Control Act (TSCA) cleanup policy [Ref. 

14, p. 203]. In addition to PCB-contaminated machinery having been utilized at the CMC facility, spent halogenated 

solvents and waste oils were improperly handled resulting in spillage on the ground surface [Ref. 14, pp. 180, 203-204]. 

Hazardous Substances Released: 

PCBs 

=================================================================================== 

Observed Release Factor Value: 550 

28 
SWOF/Food Chain-Waste Characteristics 

4.1.3.2 Human Food Chain Threat - Waste Characteristics 

4.1.3.2.1 Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation 

Hazardous Substances 

Toxicity 

Factor 

Value 

River 

Persistence 

Factor Value 

Food Chain 

Bioaccumulation 

Factor Value 

Toxicity/Persistence/ 

Bioaccumulation Factor 

Value (Table 4-16) 

Ref. 2 

Page 

PCBs 10,000 1 50,000 5 x 108

 BI-10 

29 
SWOF/Food Chain-Waste Characteristics 

4.1.3.2.2 Hazardous Waste Quantity 

Source Number 

Source Hazardous 

Waste Quantity 

Value (HRS Section 2.4.2.1.5) 

Is source hazardous 

constituent quantity 

data complete? (yes/no) 

1 >0 no 

Sum of Values: >0 

The sum corresponds to a hazardous waste quantity factor value of 1 in Table 2-6 of the HRS [Ref. 1, p. 51591]. 

However, the HRS states that if any target is subject to Level I or Level II concentrations, assign either the value from 

Table 2-6 or a value of 100, whichever is greater, as the hazardous waste quantity factor value for that pathway [Ref. 1, 

p. 51592]. 

4.1.3.2.3 Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value 

PCBs associated with the waste source, which has a surface water pathway containment factor greater than 0 for the 

watershed, corresponds to a Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value of 10,000 and Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value of 

50,000, as shown previously [Ref. 1, pp. 51618, 51620; 2, p. BI-10]. 

(Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value) x (Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) = 10,000 x 100 = 1 x 106 

(Toxicity/Persistence Factor Value x Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value) 

x (Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Value) = (1 x 106

) x (50,000) = 5 x 1010 

The product corresponds to a Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value of 320 in Table 2-7 of the HRS [Ref. 1, p. 

51592]. 

===================================================================================

 Toxicity/Persistence/Bioaccumulation Factor Value: 5 x 108 

Hazardous Waste Quantity Factor Value: 100 

Waste Characteristics Factor Category Value: 320 

30 
 

 

 

 

SWOF/Food Chain-Targets/Food Chain Individual 

4.1.3.3 Human Food Chain Threat - Targets 

Walleye, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other species inhabit the Black River from Carthage/West 

Carthage to the Village of Herrings boat launch; this segment of the river is fished for human consumption [Ref. 10, p. 9; 

13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24-25, 26, 28, 30, 34-36, 43, 50-51]. Subsistence fishing was observed by EPA along the west bank 

of the Black River, immediately downstream of the Carthage/West Carthage STP (i.e., the PPE), on October 8, 2008 

[Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 34, 43]. Subsistence fishing was also observed by EPA on June 17, 2009, along the east bank 

of the Black River approximately midway between contaminated sediment samples BR-SED17 and BR-SED19 [Figure 

2; 13, pp. 27-28, 35-36, 50]. Information provided by the NYSDEC Regional Fisheries Manager and statements made by 

local residents to EPA indicate that the segment of the Black River, from the Carthage/West Carthage STP downstream 

to the Village of Herrings boat launch, is routinely fished for human consumption [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24­

26, 30, 34-35, 43, 51]. The wastewater samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999, and the sediment samples 

collected by EPA in June 2009, define a zone of contamination in which the October 2008 and June 2009 observed 

fishing locations lie [see Sections 2.2 and 4.1.2.1]. 

STP effluent samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 and sediment samples collected by EPA downstream of 

the STP in June 2009, document that a hazardous substance (i.e., PCB) having a bioaccumulation potential factor value 

of 500 or greater, is present in an observed release by direct observation and in sediment sample locations at levels that 

meet the criteria for observed release by chemical analysis, respectively [Figure 2; Ref. 1, pp. 51609, 51620; 2, p. BI-10; 

13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20; 21, pp. 2-8, 10, 21, 

26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. Both the October 2008 and June 2009 observed fishing locations are located 

between the PPE (i.e., the STP) and the most distant downstream contaminated sampling point (i.e., BR-SED07); 

therefore, Actual Contamination is documented and the target fishery is evaluated for Actual Human Food Chain 

Contamination [Figure 2; Ref. 1, p. 51620]. No fish tissue sample analyses were available, so the target fishery is subject 

to Level II concentrations [Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620-51621]. 

Sediment Samples for Observed Release 

Bioaccumulation 

Sample ID

 Distance 

 from PPE

Hazardous 

Substance 

Potential 

Factor Value * Reference(s) 

BR-SED17 1,050 feet PCBs 50,000 Figure 2; Table 3; Ref. 1, p. 

51620; 2, p. BI-10; 13, pp. 

27-28; 20, p. 16; 21, p. 31. 

BR-SED19 1,135 feet PCBs 50,000 Figure 2; Table 3; Ref. 1, p. 

51620; 2, p. BI-10; 13, p. 

28; 20, p. 16; 21, p. 39. 

31 
 

 

 

SWOF/Food Chain-Targets/Food Chain Individual 

4.1.3.3.1 Food Chain Individual 

Sample ID: BR-SED17 

Hazardous Substance: PCBs 

Bioaccumulation Potential: 50,000 

References: Figure 2; Table 3; Ref. 1, p. 51620; 2, p. BI-10; 13, pp. 27-28; 20, p. 16; 21, p. 31. 

Type of Dilution 

Identity of Fishery Surface Water Body Weight Reference(s) 

Black River Large stream to river* 0.001 1, p. 51613; 30, p. 1. 

* There is no discharge gauging station in the segment of the Black River under consideration. Therefore, U.S. 

Geological Survey (USGS) Station Nos. 04252500 and 04260500, located upstream and downstream of the site, 

respectively are used to interpolate discharge at the site. Based on averaged annual discharges for the years 2000 

to 2008, discharge at the site is estimated to be 3,466 cubic feet per second (cfs) [Ref. 30, p. 1]. 

There is an observed release of PCBs with Bioaccumulation Potential Factor Values of 500 or greater, and there is Level 

II Actual Contamination of the Black River fishery [Figure 2; Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620; 2, p. BI-10; 10, p. 9; 13, 

pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24-25, 26-28, 30, 34-36, 43, 50-51; 20, pp. 11, 16, 20; 21, pp. 2-8, 21, 26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46] . Therefore, a 

Food Chain Individual Factor Value of 45 is assigned [Ref. 1, p. 51620]. 

=================================================================================== 

Food Chain Individual Factor Value: 45 

32 
 

 

 

SWOF/Food Chain-Level I/Level II Concentrations/Potential Contamination 

4.1.3.3.2 Population 

4.1.3.3.2.1 Level I Concentrations 

No fish tissue analyses were available. Therefore, there are no fisheries documented as subject to Level I concentrations 

and the Level I Concentrations Factor Value is 0 [Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620-51621]. 

=================================================================================== 

Level I Concentrations Factor Value: 0 

4.1.3.3.2.2 Level II Concentrations 

Walleye, chain pickerel, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, and other species inhabit the Black River from Carthage/West 

Carthage to the Village of Herrings boat launch; this segment of the river is fished for human consumption [Ref. 10, p. 9; 

13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24-25, 26, 28, 30, 34-36, 43, 50-51]. Subsistence fishing was observed by EPA along the west bank 

of the Black River, immediately downstream of the Carthage/West Carthage STP (i.e., the PPE), on October 8, 2008 

[Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 34, 43]. Subsistence fishing was also observed by EPA on June 17, 2009, along the east bank 

of the Black River approximately midway between contaminated sediment samples BR-SED17 and BR-SED19 [Figure 

2; 13, pp. 27-28, 35-36, 50]. Information provided by the NYSDEC Regional Fisheries Manager and statements made by 

local residents to EPA indicate that the segment of the Black River, from the Carthage/West Carthage STP downstream 

to the Village of Herrings boat launch, is routinely fished for human consumption [Figure 2; Ref. 13, pp. 8-9, 11-12, 24­

26, 30, 34-35, 43, 51]. The wastewater samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999, and the sediment samples 

collected by EPA in June 2009, document an observed release of PCBs and define a zone of contamination in which the 

October 2008 and June 2009 observed fishing locations lie [see Sections 2.2 and 4.1.2.1]. 

STP effluent samples collected by NYSDEC in 1997 and 1999 and sediment samples collected by EPA downstream of 

the STP in June 2009, document that a hazardous substance (i.e., PCB) having a bioaccumulation potential factor value 

of 500 or greater, is present in an observed release by direct observation and in sediment sample locations at levels that 

meet the criteria for observed release by chemical analysis, respectively [Figure 2; Ref. 1, pp. 51609, 51620; 2, p. BI-10; 

13, pp. 19-23, 26-29, 31-33, 44-47, 49, 51-54, 56; 19, pp. 4-5, 18-19; 20, pp. 2-5, 9, 11-12, 16, 20; 21, pp. 2-8, 10, 21, 

26-27, 29, 31, 39, 46-48, 54, 56-58, 60]. Both the October 2008 and June 2009 observed fishing locations are located 

between the PPE (i.e., the STP) and the most distant downstream contaminated sampling point (i.e., BR-SED07); 

therefore, Actual Contamination is documented and the target fishery is evaluated for Actual Human Food Chain 

Contamination [Figure 2; Ref. 1, p. 51620]. No fish tissue analyses were available, so the target fishery is subject to 

Level II concentrations [Ref. 1, pp. 51592-51593, 51620-51621]. The exact fish consumption rate for the Black River 

fishery is not documented; however, as fishing for human consumption has been documented, the fishery is assigned to 

the category “Greater than 0 to 100 pounds per year” [Ref. 1, p. 51621; 13, pp. 11, 35]. The category corresponds to the 

assigned Human Food Chain Population Value of 0.03 in Table 4-18 of the HRS, which is assigned as the Level II 

Concentrations Factor Value [Ref. 1, p. 51621]. 

=================================================================================== 

Level II Concentrations Factor Value: 0.03 

4.1.3.3.2.3 Potential Human Food Chain Contamination 

There is a fishery subject to Level II contamination; therefore, Potential Human Food Chain Contamination is not scored. 

=================================================================================== 

Potential Human Food Chain Contamination Factor Value: NS 

33