47452
Chemistry
Identification of Toxic Gases at a Huntington Beach Hazardous Waste Site
Presenters: Yanina Barrera, Brittany Wilson, and Adan Hernandez
Mentor: Donald R. Blake
The Ascon Superfund site is a 38 acre parcel of land in Huntington Beach that was used for nearly
fifty years as a landfill by various petrochemical facilities. The site was used for disposal of both
liquid and solid hazardous waste and is located in a residential area near homes, schools and parks. In
recent years, residents have complained about strong odors near the site, and cases of rare forms of
cancer in local children has caused mounting concern about the potential health impacts of the site.
In April 2005 we collected a dozen air samples around the site to determine whether or not certain
harmful contaminants were present. Compounds of particular concern include perchloroethylene,
benzene and styrene, as well as other halocarbons and hydrocarbons. Specific gas concentrations
from this study will be presented.