Tom Laflin

Using GIS for Data Analysis for the Welsbach Superfund Site in Camdem & Gloucester City, New Jersey

Abstract:

This paper presents the use of GIS for data analysis at the Welsbach General Gas Mantle EPA Superfund Site located in the cities of Camden and Gloucester City, New Jersey.  The site is complex, comprising over 700 residential, commercial, and industrial properties, which have residual radioactive (thorium and radium) contamination from manufacturing processes in the early 1900's. A data management system has been developed to electronically collect field data, evaluate and store data, and allow web access to all users of the data. Collection and storage of data has allowed real-time evaluation and review field data.

 Introduction:

Often what may seem like a “bright” idea at the time, can later prove to be a monumental error with many unforeseen consequences.   When Dr. Carl Auer von Welsbach first invented a process for making gas lanterns burn brighter in 1885, it seemed like a wonderful discovery.  His process of dipping gas mantles into a thorium mixture, greatly improved gas lanterns by causing them to burn brighter and give off more light.  However this use of thorium, by two gas mantle factories in New Jersey, has led to the radioactive contamination of hundreds of properties and has created an enormous challenge (for the EPA) to gather and evaluate a massive amount of data

The Welsbach Factory in Gloucester City, began producing thorium dipped mantles in the 1890s.  It was a large manufacturing plant covering 12 acres and employing over 2,600 workers.  They produced up to 220,000 gas mantles per day and 25,000 lamps.  The mantles were first sewn by hand and then dipped in the thorium mixture.  Each mantle was then inspected by hand and packed for shipping.  The General Gas Mantle Company of Camden, New Jersey was a small competitor of  Welsbach who also used the thorium process in making gas mantles.  Both companies went out of business in the 1940s as electric lights became more popular.

The presence of radioactive contamination was confirmed in a 1981 EPA aerial study.  Further investigations identified six areas of potential contamination which included a mix of commercial and residential properties and two municipal parks.  To complete the needed investigation, over 700 properties would need to be contacted, surveyed, and studied.

The task of compiling this massive amount of data was complicated by the fact the data needed to be used by multiple government agencies and contractors through out the study.  Each entity needed quick and easy access to the data for various review and management responsibilities.  In designing a management information system all of these factors needed to be considered as well as what software and hardware technologies would provide the needed consistent connectivity, high level security, and yet offer easy accessibility.

The development of the Welsbach GIS/Data Management Web Site was a crucial element in achieving these goals.  By using the internet, customized GIS applications, and lap top computers, the various types of data was available to the many people who needed it in a very timely manner.

To begin the process, the database and web servers were prepared with specialized applications of Map Objects IMS, Cold Fusion, and Microsoft SQL Server. The data was protected by locating the database server behind a fire wall. Customized applications of Visual Basic and Esri’s Map Objects software were developed for the field crews who used ruggedized laptops.  This gives them the ability to download their work orders for the day, have a map of each property, a place to scan the barcode of each instrument used and a place to document their data findings.   When the field crew returns to the project office, this data is then up loaded to the web server for review. 

The soil samples that are collected are also logged into the computer for tracking before they are shipped to the lab. The lab acknowledges receipt of the samples and then post the results of their analysis.  All of this documentation is available on the website in a variety of formats depending upon the level of inquiry. 

         

Welcome the the Welsbach Website.

Many different types of information are accessible via the website and include the ability to:

a.     Read about the Project, get News Bulletins, find Points of Contact with all project personnel.

b.    Under Project Management you can find Progress Reports, Schedules, Earned Value Curves, Spreadsheets, Summary Reports, and Meeting Minutes.

c.     Under Access Letters and Scheduling you can find an Signed Access Agreement letters, Work Orders & Schedule, Owner, Tenant, and General Communication logs, and Property Records

d.    Under Property Information you will find Property Access information, the GIS Query Tool, Data Package Status, Work Status Report, Trip Reports, Property Investigation Reports, Property Phase Reports, Data Download module, Contact Logs and Historical Ownership.

e.    On the Document Management Screen you will find a storage area for Boring Logs, Field Contact Logs, GIS Shape Files, Lab Data, Various Reports, and Site Photographs.

By using the internet along with these customized software applications, we are able to save both time and money.  The field crews are able to complete three or four properties a day instead only one or two.  This alone provides a cost reduction of at least 30%.  Other components of the project, such as developing maps, and compiling and evaluating the data would have usually taken weeks or months, but now only took minutes.  Being able to save time and money and have the accessibility of information at your fingertips makes this data management system very effective in helping to clean up two old gas mantle factories who thought they had a bright idea.