United States Environmental Protection Agency Office of Water (WH-585) EPA-823-N92-001 Number 9 August t993 Contaminated Sediments News' Science Advisory Board Reviews Inland Testing Manual On July 7-8, 1993, EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) met in Washington, DC, to review the draft document, Evaluation of Dredged Material Proposed for Discharge in Inland and Near Coastal Waters - Testing Manual (Inland Testing Manual). The Inland Testing Manual is a joint U.S. Army Corps of Engi- neers-EPA document that will provide national guidance on evaluat- ing potential contaminant-related environmental impacts of proposed discharges of dredged material into waters of the U.S. " " The charge to the SAB requested that the review should focus on the adequacy of the technical methods "and their organization in the Inland Inside this issue... Headquarters Activities 2 Regional Activities 5 Focus: Sediment Toxicity Bioassays... ....6 Creature Feature 8 ORD Activities :. 8 Relevant Publications ;..11 oEWV Evaluation of Dredged Material fEBj Proposed For Discharge in Inland SSL. and Near Coastal Waters-Testing ""- Manual (Draft) Inland Testing Manual Testing Manual. The SAB's report is expected to be transmitted to the EPA Administrator in October. The workgroup of 20 Corps and EPA headquarters, field, and research staff who generated the current draft will reconvene to address both field and SAB comments this fall. Issues discussed by SAB during the review included: phytotoxicity testing, the "reference sediment" approach used in the document for comparing test results, testing for microbial pathogens, "Tier IV" chronic and field studies, bioaccumulation tests, sampling guidance, and the STFATE mixing zone model. For more information .contact Mike Kravitz at (202) 260-8085. Contaminated Sediment Activities Timeline July 20-22. Assessment and Management Seminar. Sponsored by USAGE and USEPA. Holiday Inn, Ann Arbor, ML Contact Larry Bird at (601) 634-4148. September 12-17. 9th International Conference on Heavy Metals in the Environment, Toronto, Canada. Contact Heavy Metals Secretariat, CEP Consult- ants Ltd., 26-28 Albany St., Edinburgh EH13QH, U.K. September 19-24. 1st International IAWPRC Conference on Diffuse (NFS) Pollution: Sources. Prevention, Impact- and Abatement, Chicago, IL. Contact Dr. Vladimir Novotny, IAWPRC Conference, Marquette University, at (414) 288-3524. October 2-7. Water Environment Federation Annual Conference, Anaheim, CA. Contact Maureen Novotne, WEF, at (703) 684-2400. October 4-7. QA Challenges: Bridging Science and Compliance, San Francisco, ".A. 9th Annual Meeting of the Society of Quality Assurance. Contact SQ A Headquarters at (703) 914-0835. October 17-20. 20th Annual Aquatic Toxicity Workshop, Quebec City, Quebec. Contact Peter Campbell. FAX: (418) 654- 2562. November 13-14. ASTM. Sediment ^oxicology Subcommittee meeting. Westin Galleria, Houston, TX. Contact Chris Ingersoll at (314) 875-5399. November 14-18. 14th Annual Meeting. 'ociety of Environmental Toxicology and ".hemlstiy. Westin Galleria, Houston, TX. Contact Philip Dorn, Shell Develop- ment Company, at (713) 493-7213. Recycled/Recyclable Printed on paper that contains at least 50% recycled fiber ------- EPA Headquarters National Sediment Contaminant Source Inventory EPA's Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy calls for the development of an inventory of point and non-point source discharges of contaminants which lead to the formation of contaminated sediments. The Office of Science and Technol- ogy initiated work on the National Sediment Contaminant Source Inventory (NSCSI) almost a year ago and is now preparing a report that will identify and rank chemicals, geographic areas, and industries of concern which contribute to the formation of contaminated sediments, as well as demonstrate the usefulness of this information in selected appli- cations to characterize the potential extent and management of contami- natcd sediments. Selected uses of the NSCSI include: 1) incorporation of the data in the National Sediment Inventory to identify relationships and data gaps between pollutant dis- charges and sediment quality information; 2) in effluent guidelines develop- ment to aid in the selection of industries and pollutants for regulation; 3) in permitting, to aid in the identification of areas and ' chemicals of concern for the development of permits to protect sediment quality; and 4) in enforcement to identify sources potentially responsible for sediment contamina- tion and/or fish advisories. A draft report detailing the methodol- ogy and applications of the NSCSI, specifically point source discharges, will be available this fall. Investiga- tion of non-point source discharges (urban, agricultural and atmospheric) will take place this fall and whiter. Both reports will be peer reviewed before release to the general public. For more information contact Catherine Fox at (202) 260-1327. Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance Sediment Quality-Based NPDES Permit Limits One component of EPA's Draft Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy addresses prevention of sediment contamination. EPA believes .that one way to prevent sediment contamination through the implementation of NPDES permit limits. Sediment quality at a given site can be specified by establishing chemical-specific sediment quality criteria. EPA is currently developing the capability to derive chemical- specific effluent limitations that will protect sediment quality. Sediment Quality-Based Modeling The ability to identify point sources of sediment contamination and to determine what decreases in pollutant loadings are needed to protect sedi- ment quality is essential to meet water quality standards through effluent limitations. A number of existing water quality models are quite helpful in understanding sediment dynamics in specific waterbodies, but they may be too complex for routine use by 'regulatory authorities for deriving, sediment quality-based effluent limits. To meet the need for a sedi- ment quality-based modeling proce- dure that is sophisticated enough to be scientifically sound, yet simple enough for routine regulatory use, the Office of Wastewater Enforcement and Compliance (OWEC) is support- ing test applications and modifica- tions of EPA's SMPTOX3E model. SMPTOX3E is a one-dimensional, steady-state mass balance model that predicts particulate and dissolved- phase toxic chemical concentrations in the water column and bedded sediments based on loadings data. Lake Charles, Louisiana, Test Application The SMPTOX3E model was applied at an industrial site near Lake Charles, Louisiana. An industrial plant at the site discharged four hydrophobic organic chemicals-hexachlorobenzene(HCB), hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), hexachloroethane (HCE), and 1,2,4- G$New$te produced by Etffc' on contaminated sediments and to Increase eomitmniea- tfonamorcg interested parties. To obtain copies of this re- port orio contribute inf orraa- tlon> ooittaet Beverly Bakery EPA HO, at (202)a6p-7037, ------- Study Site at Lake Charles, Louisiana trichloroethane (l,2,4-T)-through an effluent/cooling water canal into Bayou d'Inde, a tributary to the Calcasieu River Estuary. The pur- pose of the field application was to test the ability of the SMPTOX3E model to describe chemical concen- trations in the water column and bedded sediments resulting from effluent discharges. The model required Site-specific information including flow and loading input, physical transport parameters, and information on kinetic processes. ; Field data were .available for effluent and ambient toxic chemical concen- trations, including tissue residues in selected resident biota. These field data were not acquired for the pur- pose of supporting the model test application, but to support validation of a proposed EPA protocol for assessment, criteria development, and control of bioconcentratable contami- nants in surface waters. Given data uncertainties and assump- tions in the modeling framework, modeling results were reasonably consistent with both water column and sediment observed concentrations in Bayou d'Inde and with water column observed concentrations in the canal. There were large inconsis- tencies between model results and observations of toxic chemical concentrations in the canal sediments. Two hypotheses, based on anecdotal data, may explain the discrepancy between the model results and observed concentrations in the canal sediments. The first hypothesis is that there may be an undocumented ground-water source of chemicals to the canal. Anecdotal reports indicate that historically large quantities of wastes were landfilled near the canal. Given that large amounts of water are flushed through the relatively small canal, a significant ground water loading could elevate sediment concentrations substantially with- out noticeably affecting water column concentra- tions. An analysis of the model com- ponents showed that water column concentrations in the canal would be quite insensitive to chemical concentra- .tions in the bedded sediments. The second hypoth- esis for explaining the disequilibrium .. in the canal is that the observed sediment concentrations in the canal have not had sufficient time to , , recover from historical wastewater loadings, which reportedly were orders of magnitude higher than present levels. This hypothesis _could not be confirmed because no histori- cal loadings data were .available. Conclusions from the Test Application Two of the major conclusions drawn from the SMPTOX3E test application at the Lake Charles site are as follows: First,'any future test site applications, and accompanying'data collection,. should focus on attempting to vali- date the model process mechanisms. For example, emphasis should be placed on validating that the model , correctly reflects the controlling sediment partitioning mechanisms and provides reasonable representa- tion of water column responses to a ------- range of hydraulic conditions. The characteristics of the site and the available data should determine whether steady-state and/or time variable models would be most appropriate for this validation. A time-variable model is appropriate when temporal disequilibrium exists between external loadings and sediment concentrations. Second, in the Lake Charles test application, steady-state model results were consistent with observed data for areas where chemical concentra- tions were assumed to be in equilib- rium with present loads. Conse- quently, steady-state models, such as SMPTOX3E, are well suited for effluent permitting purposes where the objective is to determine the long- term average effluent loading re- quired to maintain sediment quality criteria. Any steady-state model used for permitting purposes should be based on the same scientific prin- ciples and should contain the same process mechanisms as those models field-validated in more extensive test site applications. Future Actions OWEC is planning to support a second model test application on the Blackstone River, which runs through Massachusetts and Rhode Island. The Blackstone River receives discharges from a number of indus- trial and municipal sources and has documented problems with metals contamination of sediments. The test application will include both time- variable and steady-state (SMPTOX3E) models. It will focus on validating that the model correctly characterizes the controlling metals- partitioning mechanisms and reason- ably predicts water column responses to loadings from effluent discharges. In the future, OWEC plans to make the SMPTOX3E model and accompa- nying sediment quality-based permit- ting guidance available to permit writers and the general public. This package will provide permit writers with the tools they need to address the prevention of sediment contami- nation and protection of sediment quality through the NPDES program. For more information on sediment quality-based NPDES permitting, call Greg Currey, OWEC, at (202) 260- 1718. i Advecttan Photolysis 4 Decay Dlspottlon Decay Loads and Flows: 1) Point Source 2) Non-Point Source 3) Tributary I . ni .H Chemical on Paniculate Organic Carbon (ug/kg O.CJ .c o I/I Koc Atmosphere 1 Advection Chemical in Dissolved Phase (ug/l) Chemical on Paniculate Organic Carbon {ug/kg 6.C.) Koc Photolysis Decay Dispersion Water Column Chemical in Dissolved Phase (ug/l) Decay Active Sediment SYMPTOX3E Conceptual Framework 4 ------- Regional Activities REGION 6 The Region is overseeing a project to assess ambient water and sediment quality for the Houston Ship Channel System, focusing primarily on its tributaries. This supplementary environmental project (SEP) is being conducted by the City of Houston as required by a Consent Decree be- tween the City and EPA for past discharge permit violations. The project will include sediment sam- pling for priority pollutants, TOC, AVS, and grain size at approximately 35 sites. Toxicity testing using Ampelisca and mysids will be con- ducted to assess cumulative toxic impacts of sediments. Dioxin will also be analyzed at several of these sites. The results will be used to determine the contaminants of greatest risk to aquatic life and human health. For more information contact Philip Crocker at (214) 655-6644. REGION 9 Region 9 and EPA's Environmental Research Laboratory (ERL) in Newport, Oregon, are now in the process of completing an Ecological Assessment of pesticide-contami- nated sediments in Richmond Harbor (United Heckathorn Superfund Site) located in San Francisco Bay. At this site, the California State "Mussel 2.3.7.8-Tetrachloro- dibenzodioxin DDT H CI H Cl Dieldrin Watch" Program has measured the highest bioaccumulated levels of DDTs and dieldrin ever recorded since the program started. The Ecological Assessment included: (1) bulk sediment toxicity testing; (2) benthic infauna community analyses; (3) bioaccumulation testing; and (4) chemical analyses of surface waters, sediments, and tissues of benthic organisms, fish, and shellfish collected by trawls. A major goal of this study was to determine the predictive relationships between sediment contaminant concentrations and concentrations in other media. This relationship will allow the determination of a sediment clean-up concentration that will result in the attainment of protective contaminant levels in fish and shellfish tissues. Results to date include the finding that the DDT sediment concentrations necessary to achieve criteria for protecting human health and fish- eating birds were about 10-fold lower than those required to protect the benthos in this relatively shallow and enclosed harbor. For additional information, contact Andrew Lincoff (Region 9) at (415) 744-2245, Dr. Henry Lee (ERL) at (503) 867-4042, or Dr. Brian Melzian (Region 9) at (415)744-1161. Recently, Region 9 worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), South Pacific Division, Los Angeles District and San Francisco District to publish Regional Imple- mentation Agreements for the Ocean Dumping Program. The agreements provide specific guidance on sedi- ment sampling, testing, and reporting for ocean dumping projects in Cali- fornia. Comments were due to the Los Angeles District by June 30, 1993, and comments were due to the San Francisco District by July 12, 1993. To receive copies of these agreements, contact Tiffany Welch (Corps Los Angeles District) at (805) 641-1127, Wade Eakle (Corps San Francisco District) at (415) 744-3036, or Patrick Cotter (EPA Region 9) at (415)744-1163. In the future the U.S. Navy plans to home-port many ships at its San Diego Bay facilities because of base closures along the west coast. Rear Admiral F.K. Holian (Commander Naval Base) holds quarterly meetings with federal and state regulatory and resource agencies to discuss the Navy's projects. Region 9 and the Corps' s Los Angeles District participate in these meetings to coordinate on the Navy's dredging projects. The quarterly meetings provide the Navy with early comments on its proposed dredging projects. This successful strategy also keeps the resource and regulatory agencies advised of the Navy's priority projects to meet their base realignment schedule. For additional information, contact Dan Muslin (Navy San Diego) at (619) 532-3403, Patrick Cotter (EPA Region 9) at (415) 744-1163, or David Zoutendyk (Corps Los Ange- les District) at (619) 455-9414. ------- FOCUS: Sediment Toxicity Bioassays Summary of Round Robin Testing of Draft USEPA National Sediment Toxicity Test Methods EPA's Office of Science and Tech- nology is developing test procedures for measuring the toxicity and bioaccumulation of contaminated sediment with freshwater, estuarine, and marine invertebrates. As part of this development process, the draft methods are being evaluated, in part, via round robin testing. The freshwater acute toxicity test methods for the amphipod Hyalella azteca and the midge Chironomiis tentans were tested in a round robin design with up to 11 government research laboratories, environmental consultants, and universites partici- Chironomus tentans pating. The assays were evaluated in two phases, including a water-only reference toxicant (KC1) exposure for 4 days and a whole sediment 10 d exposure using reference and con- taminated field sediments. The preliminary evaluation of inter- laboratory variance showed the draft methods to be very promising. Measured coefficients of variation were similar or better than those reported for other effluent toxicity or chemical methods. The results will be presented in the national methods document and presented at the Annual Meeting of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Houston, Texas, in November 1993. For more informa- tion on the results of the round robin testing.contact Dr. Allen Burton at (513)873-2201. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Host Workshop: "A Developmental Paradigm for Sediment Toxicity Bioassays" On June 16-17, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers held a workshop to discuss a paradigm for developing sediment toxicity bioassays. Work- shop participants included scientists and program staff from EPA and Corps research laboratories, Regional and District offices, and Headquarters offices. Scientists associated with contract laboratories, universities, and Environment Canada also attended the workshop. Workshop participants discussed various phases in the process of bioassay development for regulatory program use. Phases included such activities as initial scoping by test proponents, labora-. tory research, evaluation by multiple laboratories, final test protocol development, and protocol evaluation by regulating agencies. A Corps of Engineers Technical note is being developed on this process. For more information contact Tom Dillon at (601) 634-3922. ------- Meeting Held to Discuss Statistical Issues Related to Use of Whole Sediment Bioassays On June 2, a meeting was held in Washington, DC, to discuss statistical guidance for the standard toxicity and bioaccumulation tests that are being developed for the Agency. Individuals writing the freshwater and marine manuals met with EPA program office staff to discuss how the tests will be used in the various programs. Specific program office testing needs addressed at the meeting included: (l)'Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (sediment toxicity and bioaccumulation), (2) Office of Pollu- tion Prevention and Toxic Substances (sediment spiking), (3) Office of Pesticide Programs (bioaccumulation, sediment spiking), (4) Office of Emergency and Remedial Response (Superfund; toxicity and bioaccumulation, spiked sediment- bioaccumulation), (5) Office of Solid Waste (toxicity and bioaccumulation), and (6) Office of Wastewater Enforce- ment and Compliance (toxicity and bioaccumulation, sediment spiking- bioaccumulation). Three case studies were discussed: 1) comparison of a contaminated sediment to a reference or control sediment, 2) spiked-sediment toxicity tests, and 3) bioaccumulation tests. Statistical guidance in the manuals will include (1) power of the test and number of replicates, (2) minimum detectable differences, (3) hypothesis testing, (e.g., ANOVA), (4) point estimates (e.g., LC50), and (5) kinetics for bioaccumulation tests. The statisti- cal guidance for interpretation of test results is currently being incorporated into the freshwater and marine manuals scheduled for completion in October. For more information, contact Tom Armitage at (202) 260-5388. EPA/Corps of Engineers Technical Panel Convened to Evaluate Use of Amphipod Bioassays for Evaluation of Sediment Toxicity On June 18, a technical panel of experts selected by EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers met in Denver, Colorado to discuss the use of amphipod bioassays for evaluating the toxicity of dredged material. The panel included scientists from a number of different laboratories who have worked on the development of amphipod bioassay protocols, con- tractors who conduct amphipod bioassays, and program managers and staff from several EPA and Corps offices. The panel was convened to discuss potential interfering effects such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide toxicity, and sensitivity to grain size in amphipod bioassays. Panel members supported the contin- ued use of the amphipod bioassays for evaluation of sediment toxicity, and data were presented to show that amphipod laboratory toxicity test results correlate well with environ- - mental effects observed in the field. However, it was noted that the amphipod laboratory tests are probably not sufficiently sensitive to predict some unacceptably adverse effects in the field. It was determined that adequate data describing poten- tial interfering effects are available to provide acceptable ranges of test application conditions for a number of amphipod species. Standard amphipod toxicity test method protocols to be completed by EPA this year will include this information. For more infor- mation, contact Tom Armitage at (202) 260-5388. Standardization of National USEPA Methods for Measuring the Toxicity and Bioaccumulation of Sediment-associated Contaminants with Freshwater Invertebrates A draft USEPA manual describing procedures will be completed in October for testing freshwater organ- isms to evaluate the toxicity or bioaccumulation of contaminants associated with whole sediment. Toxicity methods are outlined in the manual for two organisms, the amphi- pod Hyalella azateca and the midge Chironomus tertians. Toxicity tests are: (1) conducted for 10 d in 300-mL chambers containing 100 mL of sediment and 175 mL of overlying water, (2) overlying water is renewed daily, (3) organisms are fed during the tests, and (4) endpoints monitored are survival and growth. Bioaccumulation methods are outlined in the manual for the oligochaete Lwnbriculus variegatus. Bioaccumulation tests are: (1) conducted for 28 d, (2) overlying water is renewed daily, (3) test organ- isms are not fed, and (4) methods are described for determining bio- accumulation kinetics during 28-day exposures. Performance-based criteria are used to determine acceptability of a test. Performance criteria include: (1) survival of control organisms at the end of a test, (2) response of test organisms to reference toxicants, (3) size of the test organisms at the start and end of a test, (2) maintenance of sediment and water quality characteris- tics during a test. For more informa- tion, contact Tom Armitage at (202) 260-5388. ------- ORD Activities ERL-Narragansett/Newport ERL Narragansett/Newport is cur- rently working on the following sediment research issues: Extrapolation from Laboratory to Field Effects: Case Studies with Contaminated Sediments Segment toxicity to the amphipod Eohaustoriits estuarius and the abundance of benthic amphipods were examined along a sediment contami- nation gradient on theLauritzen Channel, Santa Fe Channel, and Richmond Inner Harbor area of San Francisco. Toxicity and the abundance of amphipods, except Grandidierella japonica, were inversely related to sediment contamination by dieldrin and the sum of DDT metabolites (SDDT). The maximum concen- trations of dieldrin and ZDDT in toxic units were 0.018 and 9.43, respectively, indicating that EDDT was the dominant ecotoxicological factor. For more information contact Faith Cole at (503) 867-4023. Fish Reproduction Investigators are determining the reproductive effects of sediment toxicants on winter flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) and killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus). The approach includes: The effects of coplanar PCBson reproduction (field and laboratory studies); Dioxin dietary uptake and reproductive effects; » Incorporation of reproductive data into demographic models to predict population effects; Other biomarker responses- immune suppression, DNA ad- ducts, calcium cycling, and cell- to-cell communication and their relation to reproductive failure. Results to date include the following: Coplanar PCBs reduce egg reproduction in killifish, and Decreased gonadotrophin (a pituitary hormone that controls oocyte growth and maturation) has been observed. For more information call Diane Black at (401) 782-3096. Accumulation and Trophic Transfer of Sediment- Associated Contaminants Investigators are elucidating the relationships between chemical contaminants in sediments and organisms at various trophic levels. These studies have included: Laboratory food-chain studies with field-collected sediments that investigate the relationships between sediments, polychaetes, and lobsters with respect to dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and PCBs (including the coplanar congeners); The relative importance of sediment versus food exposures; BSAF measurements; Changes in contaminant ratios with food chain level; and TEF calculations. For more information call Richard Pruell at (401) 782-3091. Creature Feature This creature spends part of its life inside grasshoppers and beetles (sometimes humans if you're unlucky) before settling down in a nice freshwater puddle or stream. Answer on p. 11. ------- EWIAP at ERL-Narragansett EMAP activities through ERL- Narragansett include: Virginian Province monitoring since 1990, NY/NJ Harbor R-EMAP Project, DE/MD Inland Bays Project, New Bedford Superfund remediation monitoring design, Interaction in design of National Estuary Program monitoring, and Joint assessment with Chesa- peake Bay Program. Results from 1990 Virginian Prov- ince are available (95 percent confi- dence intervals) Benthic community 16-30 percent of province area degraded Sediment toxicity 3-13 percent of area with survival <80% 24-40 percent of area small systems (<260 km2) with survival <80% Sediments contaminants 27-45 percent of area with at least one metal >ER-L 2-12 percent of area with at least one metal >ER-M 8-16 percent of area with at least one pesticide >ER-L 0-2 percent of area with at least one pesticide >ER-M The 1991 data will be available shortly. For more information call John Paul, ERL-Narragansettj at (401) 782-3037. ASTM UPDATE The ASTM Subcommittee E47.03 on Sediment Toxicology met Tuesday, April 27, and Wednesday, April 28, 1993, in Atlanta, Georgia, during the 3rd Annual ASTM Symposium on Environ- mental Toxicology and Risk Assessment. Ballot results on stan- dards were discussed during the Subcommittee meeting for: (1) Terminology (control sediment,water, pore water); (2) Revisions to E1383 (freshwater invertebrate toxicity); Annex 4 on Daphnia and Ceriodaphnia on Diporeia; (3) Polychaete testing; (4) Earthworm testing; (5) E1525-93 (Sediment design); and (6) Statistical guidance. Subcommittee ballots are pending for (1) Invertebrate bioaccumulation (not reballoted since spring 1991) and (2) Fish bioaccumulation (not reballoted since spring 1992). The activities of the following Task Groups were also discussed: (1) E1391-90 (Sediment collection, manipulation), (2) Sediment resuspension, (3) Reference toxicants, (4) Echinoderm and oyster testing, and (5) Bacteria testing. Betsy Southerland of the USEPA Office of Science and Technol- ogy is interested in balloting proposed USEPA methods for fresh- water and marine toxicity and bioaccumulation sediment testing. These USEPA manuals should be balloted after the next Subcom- mittee meeting. The next Subcommittee meeting will be Saturday, November 13 (AM/PM) and Sunday, November 14 (AM, if necessary), 1993, before the 14th annual meeting of SET AC at the Westin Galleria in Houston, Texas. Contact Chris Ingersqll at (314) 875-5399, FAX (314) 876-1896, if you would like more information con- cerning the Subcommittee meeting or the activities of the Subcom- mittee. ------- Hazardous Substance Research Center/South and Southwest The Hazardous Substance Research Center/South and Southwest held its serai-annual meeting of the Scientific-Advisory and Training and Technology Transfer Committees at Georgia Institute of Technology on February 1-3,1993. The Center, which is a consortium composed of Louisiana State University (LSU), Georgia Institute of Technology (GIT), and Rice University (Rice), focuses its research efforts on contaminated sediments and dredged materials, as well as hazardous materials problems unique to EPA Regions 4 and 6. Re- search results generated by the nine basic research projects and one technology transfer project during the first year of funding were presented. The currently funded research projects, by university, are: Mobility and Transport of Radium in Sediment and Waste Pits, LSU An Investigation of Chemical Transport from Porous Contaminated Sediment through Porous Containment Structures, LSU Pollutant Fluxes to Aquatic Systems via Coupled Biological and Physicochemical Bed- Sediment Processes, LSU Contaminant Transport Across Cohesive Sediment Interfaces, GIT Investigation on the Fate and Biotransformation of Hexachlorobutadiene and Chlo- robenzenes in a Sediment-Water Estuarine System", GIT Development of an Integrated-Optic Interferometer for'InSitu Monitoring of Volatile Hydrocarbons, GIT Bioremediation of Contaminated Sediments and Dredged Material, Rice Role of Panicles in Mobilizing Hazardous Chemicals in Urban Runofff, Rice, and Effect of Natural Dynamic Changes on Pollutant-Sediment Interactions, Rice. The technology transfer project, Fostering Pollution Prevention in Mid-Sized Firms: Strategies for More Effective Technology Transfers, is being conducted by researchers at Georgia Tech. The Center receives its funding primarily from USEPA's Office of Research and Develop- ment. The Project Officer is Dr. Dale Manty. For more information about the Center and its projects, contact Rosalind Segesta in care of the Hazardous Substance Research Center, College of Engineering, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803; phone (504) 388-6770, FAX (504) 388-5990. 10 ------- Relevant Publications Remediation Document is Available This document, Selecting Remediation Techniques for Contaminated Sedi- ment, June 1993, (EPA-823-B93-001), was developed by the USEPA Sediment Oversight Technical Committee with assistance from the Office of Research and Development's Risk Reduction Engineering Laboratory. It is intended to assist federal and state remedial managers, local agencies, private clean-up companies, and supporting contractors in the remedial decision-making process at contaminated sediment sites. The Remediation document contains an appendix with a summary of Superfund RoDs from 1982-1989. An updated and comprehensive listing of RoDs for sites with contaminated sediment from 1989-1992 is available through EPA Regional hazardous waste libraries or the national RoDs database. For more information, contact Bev Baker at (202) 260-7037. Recent Products from the Corps of Engineers' Environmental Effects of Dredging Technical Notes EEDP-01-27. A Computer-Assisted Expert System for Interpreting the Consequences of Bioaccumulation in Aquatic Animals (COBIAA) (Nov. 1992) EEDP-01-28. Risk-Based Testing of Dredged Material for Aquatic Disposal Evaluations (Dec. 1992) EEDP-01-29. Determining the Developmental Status of Sediment Toxicity Bioassays (Dec. 1992) EEDP-04-15. New Technique for Sediment/Organism Equilibrium Partitioning Studies (Dec. 1992) EEDP-04-16. The KOC of Nonpolar Organic Compounds in Sediment (Dec. 1992) EEDP-04-17. Critical Body Residue (CBR) Approach for Interpreting the Consequences of Bioaccumulation of Neutral Organic Contaminants (Dec. 1992) EEDP-06-17. Documentation of the DYECON Module for ADDAMS: Determining the Hydraulic Retention and Efficiency of Confined Disposal Facilities (Dec. 1992) EEDP-06-18. Documentation of the SETTLE Module for ADDAMS: Design of Confined Disposal Facilities for Solids Retention and Initial Storage (Dec. 1992) For information on the Technical Notes, including additions to the distribution list, contact Dr. Robert M. Engler, Manager, Environmental Effects of Dredging Programs, at (601) 634-3624. spsoqojd popnijoid 11 ------- United States Environmental Protection Agency (WH-585) Washington, DC 20460 Official Business Penalty for Private Use $300 ------- |