Rainwater readily permeates the slag pile where hexavalent chromium can be mobilized. Given the site geography and the height of the slag pile, groundwater flows out from the sides, forms a small stream, and travels downward toward the river. Local residents confirmed that chromium slag was offered free and readily available for a wide range of uses. Finally, as the plume of hexavalent chromium-contaminated water flows to the river, it passes through waterlogged lowlands and ponds where agricultural contamination occurs and presents additional exposure pathways.