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Contaminated Marine Sediments Assessment and Remediation (1989) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

National Perspective on Sediment Quality
Pages 38-46

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From page 38...
... These criteria are based on an assessment of water column pollutant concentrations, which -- if not exceeded -- will protect designated uses of a water body and 95 percent of the aquatic life from adverse effects. The EPA recognizes that while ambient water quality criteria are an important component in assuring a healthy aquatic and human environment, contaminated sediments may be responsible for significant adverse effects even though water quality criteria are being met.
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From page 39...
... While this national assessment of sediment quality was not intended to be an exhaustive study, it was intended to provide those responsible for directing and focusing sediment criteria development activities with a clearer picture on the extent of the problem. The assessment was conducted using a total of 48 chemical contaminants representing a diverse group of naturally occurring and anthropogenic materials indicative of compounds of increasing environmental concern.
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From page 40...
... eEPA Region V guidelines for designating contaminated verses noncontaminated sediments.
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From page 41...
... THE DATA BASE Due to the limitations of the EPA Storage and Retrieval System (STORET) data base for this type of analysis, it is likely that there are numerous additional areas with significant contaminant levels that are not represented in this report.
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From page 43...
... ~ · ~ · ~ · D · ~ _ - ~ D I,, ~6,3 Cot Z,t, o ~ ~ ° ~ ~ \ ~ Y~ Lo.
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From page 45...
... Marine/Estuartne Waters The principal sites that contained chemicals of interest at high concentrations include Puget Sound waterways, Corpus Christi Harbor, New York Harbor, Baltimore Harbor, Boston Harbor, New Bedford Harbor, Blackrock Harbor, the California sewage outfalls at Palos Verdes, and parts of San Francisco Bay. Chemicals of major concern were those that exceeded the provisional sediment threshold values of several coastal locations.
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From page 46...
... changes in the conclusions identified above would be likely. For copies of the document or for additional information contact Christopher Zarba at (202)
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Key Terms

  • threshold values
  • threshold value
  • water quality
  • sediment quality
  • organic carbon

  • quality criteria
  • biological impact
  • impact data
  • national assessment
  • sediment criteria

  • reevaluate threshold
  • national basis
  • biological effects
  • criteria development
  • aquatic life

  • sediment threshold
  • quality criterion
  • national perspective
  • values derived
  • threshold levels

  • exhaustive study
  • percent organic
  • carbon content
  • activities conducted
  • epa storage

  • chemical concentrations
  • concerning contaminated
  • interstitial water
  • decisions concerning
  • polynuclear aromatic


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