Hanover USDA Site

Site Background

The KDHE-Bureau of Environmental Remediation (KDHE-BER) is overseeing an environmental investigation being conducted at the former Commodity Credit Corporation/U. S. Department of Agriculture (CCC/USDA) facility in Hanover. The investigation is being conducted by Argonne National Laboratory on behalf of the CCC/USDA.

Carbon tetrachloride, a grain fumigant used at the Hanover facility, has been detected in the groundwater and soil beneath the former CCC/USDA facility. The contaminant was also detected in indoor air samples collected at several homes built on the former facility.

KDHE has completed a study of mortality rates for Hanover, Kansas, for the years 1999 to 2007. The purpose of the study is to provide information to Hanover residents who may be concerned about the overall health of the community, in light of the ongoing environmental investigation at the former CCC/USDA facility. The report indicates that, after adjusting for age, the mortality rate in Hanover is similar to the mortality rate for the entire state of Kansas. The study may be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the link below.

In August 2009 indoor air samples were collected from several homes where trace levels of contaminants had been previously detected. The purpose of the sampling/monitoring event was to provide information/data to better determine if vapor intrusion is a concern. Additionally, CCC/USDA installed three vapor intrusion mitigation systems in homes with confirmed problems of indoor air vapor intrusion.

Recent field work events included the installation of additional monitoring wells. More work is being planned that will provide information on aquifer characteristics. KDHE-BER will continue to work closely with CCC/USDA to complete the investigation and determine the best means to address the contamination.

Additional Information

For additional information, please contact:

• Beth Finzer, KDHE-BER Project Manager, 785.296.1936
• Chris Carey, KDHE-BER Vapor Intrusion Team Coordinator, 785.296.0225
• Caroline Roe, USDA, Environmental Protection Specialist, 202.720.9964

The below files require the Adobe Acrobat Reader® plug-in. For assistance with download, installation, or use of the plug-in, please contact Adobe Systems, Inc.®

• Evaluation of Mortality Rates of Hanover, Kansas—1999-2007 (KDHE-BSE)
• May 2009 Fact Sheet (KDHE-BER)
• March 2009 USDA Fact Sheet; Hanover Grain Storage Facility (USDA)
• May 29, 2009 Public Availability Session Presentation (KDHE-BER)
• Carbon Tetrachloride Toxicology Fact Sheet (ATSDR)
• Chloroform Toxicology Fact Sheet (ATSDR)