EPA Superfund Site

CAPITOL LAKES

LA | EPA ID LAD980869440

About this site’s exposure pathways: As of October 2024, the Capitol Lakes Superfund site is considered “Insufficient Data to make a Human Exposure evaluation” (HEID). Capitol Lakes was recently finalized on the National Priorities List (NPL) on September 7, 2023, and there has not yet been an evaluation of the human health exposure risks.

EPA uses this Human Exposure status when there is insufficient data/evidence to determine whether actual or reasonably anticipated human exposures are occurring, and/or whether those exposures are above acceptable risk-based levels. The planned activities to collect sufficient information to make a human exposure evaluation are a remedial investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) which will include a Human Health Risk Assessment (HHRA) or information about the human interactions with contaminated media. In April 2022, the EPA documented the presence of hazardous substances at the Site. Specifically, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides and inorganic analytes (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, and zinc) were detected in Capitol Lake at concentrations that meet the criteria for an observed release. In addition, fish tissue samples collected were above the PCB fish tissue Hazard Ranking System (HRS) benchmark document Level I, establishing actual contamination of a fishery. EPA currently anticipates that there will be sufficient data to make a Human Exposure determination by October 2029 because RI/FS activities should be completed by that time.

Currently, the fish advisory that was issued in 1983 by the state remains in effect. Signs around the lakes provide information regarding the fish advisory, and the fish advisory has been discussed in community meetings. This does not necessarily mean that unacceptable exposures are occurring, however. Out of an abundance of caution, if you live near this site do not consume fish from the lakes.