Moving Mud Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments A Report on the Sediment Assessment and Remediation Program in the Great Lakes Basin Great Lakes National Program Office April 1997 ------- Moving Mud Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments A Report on the Sediment Assessment and Remediation Program in the Great Lakes Basin by Brian R. Stage Intern, National Network for Environmental Management Studies Program Miami University Oxford, Ohio Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes National Program Office April 1997 ------- ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to thank Environmental Scientists Callie Bolattino and Marc Tuchman of the GLNPO Sediment Assessment and Remediation team for the valuable comments, suggestions, and encouragement that they offered throughout the project. I would like to recognize the Grantees for their creativity and hard work which provided the basis for this report, and for their interest and critical reviews during the project. Thanks also go to GLNPO Technical Assistance and Analysis Branch Chief David Cowgill and Computer Specialist Darlene Punches for their suggestions and help in assembling the final product. ------- Section I - Introduction INTRODUCTION From 1993 through 1996, the Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) awarded $5,272,711 in grants for 34 projects to 14 State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and educational institutions to address contaminated sediments throughout the Great Lakes. The sediment grants program provides funding, technical support, and vessel support to assist contaminated sediment work in priority geographic areas, known as Areas of Concern (AOCs), in the Great Lakes. The 31 AOCs on the U.S. side of the basin are locations where beneficial uses are impaired for any one of 14 designated criteria. To address these beneficial use impairments, each AOC developed a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). All RAPs written to date have identified contaminated bottom sediments as a significant problem that must be addressed to attain beneficial uses. GLNPO's emphasis and ultimate objective is to foster the remediation of contaminated sediments at these AOCs. The grants program was devel- oped with the intention of continuing the efforts of the Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments (ARCS) Program, which was administered by GLNPO from 1987 to 1993. This document is a synopsis of GLNPO's sediment grants program. The focus is on the 34 projects that have been initiated since fiscal year 1993. Included is a tabulation of grant recipients and monetary distribution, a summary of each of the projects, and a look ahead to the future of sediment assessment and remediation in the Great Lakes. In part because of the 34 projects, significant progress has been made towards the restoration of clean sediments in the Great Lakes: • Much more is known about the nature and extent of the sedi- ment contamination at many AOC's, setting the stage for future actions, including mass balance modeling and remedia- tion. • New assessment technologies, such as hydroacoustic profiling, are being researched. • Remedial treatment technologies are being evaluated. • With the support of our FY 1996 remediation demonstration grants, full-scale remediations are being designed and demon- strated. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section II - Background Information • Strong community partnerships between government, private industry, and citizens groups are being formed to plan for and carry out remediation actions. * Actual remediation, or 'moving mud' - which in this document is used to refer to several options, including dredging and capping - will soon be a reality at many Areas of Concern. GLNPO's Sediment Assessment and Remediation Team has created this document as a yardstick, to measure not only where we have been, but how far we have to go. We congratulate our grantees for the ingenuity and dedication that they have exhibited. We hope that this document not only highlights the great work taking place right now, but serves as a catalyst for new and fresh ideas and a renewed effort to restore clean sediments, one of the building blocks of a healthy and vibrant Great Lakes ecosystem. BACKGROUND Contaminated sediments first began to be noticed as a serious environmental problem in the early 1970's. Increases in the concentrations of the pesticide DDT and a group of chemicals known as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were noticed in the tissues of Great Lakes fish. Although these chemicals had been banned for several years, concentrations in the tissues of fish and other animals were actually beginning to increase. While some of the increase was found to be from airborne contaminants, research also directed attention to the role of contaminated sediments. Contaminated sediments have been created by decades of industrial and municipal discharges, combined sewer overflows, and urban and agricultural non-point source runoff. Buried contaminants posing serious human and ecological health concerns can be resuspended by storms, ship propellers, and bottom-dwelling organisms. Many of these small bottom-dwellers ingest toxins as they feed in the mud. As larger animals eat these smaller animals, the toxins move up the food chain, their concentrations getting higher, often thousands of times higher. Fish at the top of the Great Lakes food chain such as lake trout and salmon can be considered unsafe to eat in some areas because of the heavy concentrations of toxic substances in their tissues. Fish-eating birds, including the bald eagle, may suffer low reproductive rates or produce offspring with birth defects. Scientific research has confirmed the significance of bottom sediments as an ongoing source of contaminants to the Great Lakes. A study of PCBs in Green Bay found that greater man 90 percent of the ongoing PCB contamination Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 2 ------- Section II - Background Information in Green Bay sport fish came from contaminated bottom sediments, both within the bay and in the Fox River. Monitoring of Lake Superior during the past decade suggests a similar conclusion - that the release of PCBs from the bottom sediments is the dominating source of food web contamination (USEPA, 1994). This link between contaminated sediments and water quality provides the basis for the GLNPO sediment program. The Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972 declare as a national goal that all waters of the United States be made clean enough for fishing and swimming. The Clean Water Act of 1977 seeks to secure "water quality which provides for the protection and propagation of fish, shellfish, and wildlife, and provides for recreation in and out of the water." The 7978 Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement h >s specific relevance to GLNPO's mission. The purpose of the Agreement is to "restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem." This charges the USEPA, and GLNPO in particular, with the responsibility to ensure protection and restoration of Great Lakes habitats. Although contaminated sediments were recognized as a serious environ- mental threat at the time that these laws and documents were being drafted, the information necessary to successfully address the problem did not exist. In an attempt to focus efforts on the issue of contaminated sediments, Congress, in the 1987 amendments to the Clean Water Act, authorized GLNPO to coordinate and conduct a five-year study and demonstration project relating to the appropriate treatment of toxic pollutants in bottom sediments. To fulfill the requirements of this Congressional mandate, GLNPO initiated the Assessment and Remediation of ContaminatedSediments (ARCS) Program. ARCS was an integrated program for the development and testing of remedial action alternatives for contaminated sediments. The ARCS Program had the following objectives: • Assess the nature and extent of bottom sediment contamination at selected Great Lakes AOCs; t Demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of selected remedial options; and, • Provide guidance on contaminated sediment problems and remedial alternatives in the AOCs and other locations in the Great Lakes. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section II - Background Information The efforts of many researchers were directed toward developing and demonstrating sediment assessment and cleanup approaches that were scientifically sound, and technologically and economically feasible. Major findings and recommendations of the ARCS Program included the following: • Use of an integrated sediment assessment approach, incorporating chemical analyses, toxicity testing, and benthic community sur- veys, is essential to define the magnitude and extent of sediment contamination at a site; • Risk assessment and modeling activities are valuable techniques for evaluating the impacts of contaminated sediments; • Numerous treatment technologies are effective in removing or destroying sediment contaminants; and, • Broad public outreach and education are critical in any sediment assessment and remediation study. The information gained and tools developed during the ARCS Program for assessing sediment contamination and for making remediation decisions are included in a series of 45 documents that are available from GLNPO. A complete listing and full text or abridged versions of these documents can be found on GLNPO's World Wide Web homepage, http://www.epa.gov/ glnpo/. To obtain a hard copy of one or more of the ARCS documents, please contact: Mr. Lawrence Brail Phone 312-886-7474 ADS [Contractor] Fax 312-353-2018 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Email Great Lakes National Program Office braiLlawrence@epamail.epa.gov 77 W. Jackson Blvd., G-9J Chicago. IL 60604 The information contained in these documents is now being applied to projects addressing contaminated sediment problems in Areas of Concern across the Great Lakes. Remediating Great Lake* Contaminated Sediments 4 ------- Section III - Present Program PRESENT PROGRAM The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's commitment to cleaning up contaminated sediments remains strong. Region 5's Agenda for Action lists contaminated sediments as one of six priorities for FY 1996 and 1997. In order to focus on the problem and to continue the work begun under the ARCS Program, GLNPO established the Sediment Assessment and Remediation Team in 1994. The mission of the Team is to reduce and prevent the impacts of contaminated sediments on the Great Lakes ecosystem. The Team's goals include the following: 1) Perform and provide support for sediment assessments through- out the Great Lakes. 2) Provide support for sediment-based mass balance modeling activities. 3) Provide support for sediment-based risk assessments. 4) Provide technical support toward the selection and implementa- tion of remedial alternatives. 5) Foster partnerships among Great Lakes stakeholders to promote sediment clean-up activities. 6) Have an active involvement in the setting of policy and direc- tion for the Great Lakes contaminated sediment program. In order to accomplish these goals, the Team works cooperatively with States, EPA Regions and other Federal agencies to help address contami- nated sediment problems around the Great Lakes basin. We actively coordinate with the Region 5 Sediment Team and RAP and LaMP activities to ensure resources are brought to bear on the most pressing contaminated sediment problems. We have also created a GLNPO Sediment Database, which will contain all of the sediment chemistry, toxicity, and benthos data generated as part of GLNPO-funded projects. The database, built in Microsoft Excel, employs a standard data reporting format for both field and laboratory data. This information will be available for dissemination to anyone interested. One of the major resources that GLNPO provides is the services of the R/ V Mudpuppy. The Mudpuppy is a 32-foot flat-bottom boat specifically designed for sediment sampling in shallow rivers and harbors. First used For more info on the R/V Mudpuppy check out GLNPO's homepage: http://www.tpa. gov/glnpo/ Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section III - Present Program during the ARCS Program, the Mudpuppy is now available to grantees for use during their projects, and to date has been used to perform sediment assessments at 19 Great Lakes locations (Figure 1). Figure 1. Locations of R/V Mudpuppy sediment assessments The sediment grants program is a major tool used by GLNPO to address contaminated sediments. From 1993 through 1996, the Sediment Assess- ment and Remediation Team provided $5,272,711 in grants and Interagency Agreements for 34 projects to 14 State, Tribal, and Federal agencies and universities to assess and remediate contaminated sediments throughout the Great Lakes. Helping to bridge the gap between assessment and remediation, our FY 1996 funding included a specific focus on remediation demonstration grants. New projects arc solicited each year when GLNPO issues to the Great Lakes community a Funding Guidance document which includes a request for preproposals. Contaminated sediments is one of the program areas that is targeted for financial support. Award criteria for sediment grants vary from year to year based on discussions with partners, results of previously- funded activities, and a desire to encourage innovative ideas. As site work progresses and assessments are completed, many AOCs are nearing the remediation phase. In keeping with this, current priorities for potential sediment projects can be considered in the following order: (1) on-the- ground cleanup, (2) remedial design, and (3) field work and assessment. Evaluations also consider: t support from the local RAP committee; • availability of other funds to support the work; and, • likelihood that remedial measures, including enforcement, will result. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 6 ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 1996 OVERVIEW OF SEDIMENT PROJECTS, FISCAL YEARS 1993 - 1996 Key information is provided here about the projects undertaken in the last four years. Summaries of the 34 projects are contained in an appendix, in which the projects are numbered in an alphabetical order based on their location and/ or project title. Each summary contains several information categories, which are described and tabulated here. Further inquiries about particular projects can be directly addressed to either the grantee contact or the GLNPO project officer. Table 1 contains project information for FY 1995, the last year of full funding. Table 1 shows the number of preproposals received and dollars requested. TABLE 1. PREPROPOSALS, BY REQUESTING ORGANIZATION, RECEIVED BY GLNPO FOR CONTAMINATED SEDI- MENTS PROJECTS IN FY 1995. Federal Agency Tribe MBS USFWS IL MI MN NY OH WI Fond du Lac Local University NGO 20 Total number of preproposals: 35 Total dollars requested: $4,714,171 NBS = National Biological Service (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey) USFWS = United States Fish and Wildlife Service 10 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Action IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 1996 Table 2, which also contains information from FY 1995, shows the number of projects actually funded and dollars awarded. TABLE 2. CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS PROJECTS (BY GRANTEE) FUNDED BY GLNPO IN FY 1995 Federal A&cncv NBS USAGE fitate Agency IL MI MN NY OH WI Tribe 1* 1 1 1 1 2 Fond du Lac Local 1 University 3 * = NBS and IL funded for same project; counted only once in Total number of projects *• = Three projects funded to USAGE to support work requested by MDEQ; fourth project filled a research gap left by the ARCS IS $1,985,820 Total number of projects funded: Total dollars awarded: NBS = National Biological Service (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey) USAGE = United States Army Corps of Engineers MDEQ = Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Table 3 gives the number of new projects and total dollar amounts allocated for each of the four years (FY 1993-19%) of the GLNPO sediment grants program. The relatively low number of new projects in FY 19% reflects the specific focus on remediation demonstration grants which have a higher dollar amount per project TABLE3. ^nJMBEROT^JEWPROJnECTSA^a>TOTAL^X)LLARAMOUNTSPORGIJ^POCONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS FUNDING ASSISTANCE, FY 1993-1996. New Projects 1993 5 1994 10 1995 15 1996 4 Total Dollar; $797,800 $1,470,991 $1,985,820 $1,018,100 34 $5,272,711 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 8 ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 1996 Grantee Table 4 lists all grantees receiving FY 1993-1996 GLNPO sediment funding. TABLE 4. AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING FY 1993-1996 GRANT ASSISTANCE DOLLARS FROM GLNPO (13 TOTAL) Fond du Lac Tribe Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Michigan State University Minnesota Pollution Control Agency National Biological Service (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Ohio Environmental Protection Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers University of Michigan University of Minnesota-Duluth University of Wisconsin Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Table 5 displays the distribution of the 34 projects among the 14 recipients. TABLE 5. CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS PROJECTS (BY GRANTEE) FUNDED BY GLNPO DURING FY 1993-1996 Federal Agency State Agency Tribe Local NBS 1* IL 1* Fond du Lac 2 Michigan St. Univ. 1 NOAA 1 MI 2 U. of Michigan 1 USAGE 8 MN 3 U. of Minnesota-Duluth 1 NY 4 U. of Wisconsin-Madison 1 OH 3 WI 6 10 19 2 * = NBS and IL funded for same project; counted only once in Total number of projects Total number of projects funded: 34 Total dollars awarded: $5,272,711 NBS = National Biological Service (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey) NOAA = National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration USAGE = United States Army Corps of Engineers Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 1996 A ward Amount Table 6 shows the dollar distribution among grantees for FY1993-1996. Award amounts ranged from $61,463 - $500,000; the average award amount was $155,000. Grantees are required to provide a 5% match; any dollars leveraged above 5% are noted in the project summary. TABLE 6. GLNPO ASSIST PROJECTS DURING FY 1 Fc^era' Agency NBS $ 40,000 NOAA $148,100 USAGE $873,000 'ANCE DOLLARS (BY GRANTEE) ALLOCATED FOR CONT/> 993-1996 State Agency xribe IL $100,000 Fond du Lac $270,000 MI $325,000 MN $733,000 NY $641,725 OH $860,000 WI $931,070 $1,061,100 $3490,795 $270,000 20% 68* 5% Total number of projects funded: 34 Total dollars awarded: $5,272,7 1 1 NBS = National Biological Service (now part of the U.S. Geological Survey) NOAA = National Atmospheric and Oceanic Administration USAGE = United States Army Corps of Engineers kMINATED SEDIMENTS Local Michigan St. Univ. $ 96,000 U. of Michigan $101,353 U. of Minn.-Duluth $ 92,000 U. ofWisc.-Madison $61,463 $350,816 7% Table 7 shows the distribution of projects and dollar amounts by Great Lakes Basin. TABLE 7. GLNPO-FUNDED CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS PROJECTSAND DOLLARS BY GREAT LAKE BASIN DURING FY 1993-1996 L*^ Ontario Erie Huron Michigan Superior * of Projects 5 12 3 10 8 Total Dftllars $703,188 $2,096,767 $219,816 $1,124,029 $1,374,763 Note: Projects involving mare than one take basin are included for as many lake basins as applicable. Remediating Great Lake* Contaminated Sediments 10 ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 1996 Project Timetable The average project length is two years. For field projects, the first requirement of the project is creation of a quality assurance project plan (QAPP), which describes in detail the sampling design and laboratory analysis methods. This plan must be approved by sediment and quality assurance personnel from GLNPO. Aside from development of the QAPP, project activities generally include execution of the scope of work (e.g., the actual assessment or remediation), compilation of any data results, and production of a final report. Project Location Most contaminated sediments projects are local in scope, focusing on a harbor or stretch of river. This is true for 33 of the 34 projects discussed in this document. The exception, project #4, has a Great Lakes Basin-wide scope. Partners Many projects involve agencies or groups which act as partners to the grantee by providing technical advice or assisting with activities such as field sampling and data analysis. Table 8 provides a list of these partners. TABLES. CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS PROJECT PARTNERS, FY 1993-1996 Ashtabula River Partnership City of Toledo Clinton River PAC Fox River Coalition Gencorp, Inc. Grand Valley State University Great Lakes Protection Fund Heidelberg College Maurnee RAP Group/Team Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Sediment Contamination Workgroup of the St. Louis River RAP University of Minnesota-Duluth University of Wisconsin Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering University of Wisconsin Sea Grant University of Wisconsin-Superior U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District USEPARegion5 White Lake PAC Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources // Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 -1996 Narrative Each summary contains a brief descriptive section which provides back- ground information, highlights the purpose of the project, and often states the project goals and objectives. Table 9 shows the projects, represented by project #, grouped into five categories based on the type of work performed. Because sediment contamination at many AOCs was uncharacterized when the funding program started, the first few years have been dominated by assessment projects. Beginning in FY 1996 with the addition of the two remediation projects, we expect the ratio of assessment:remediation projects to continue to decrease in the corning years as AOCs are characterized and actions move toward remediation. TABLE 9 - CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT PROJECTS (REPRESENTED BY PROJECT #), GROUPED BY CATEGORY. REFER TO APPENDIX FOR PROJECT NAME AND NARRATIVE Assessment Bench Scale/ Trcatability and Feasibility Data Management Remediation Technical Research, Remedial Design, or Development 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 28, 31, 32, 33, 34 29 23 1,22 4,8, 11,26,30 Data Results Twenty-five of the thirty-four projects include field sampling in their scope of work. For these 25 projects, a synopsis of the current state of the data results is provided. When the data results have been finalized, they are sent to the GLNPO Sediment Team and entered into the GLNPO Sediment Database, which will contain all of the sediment chemistry, toxicity, and benthos data generated as part of GLNPO-funded projects. The data is then made available for dissemination to any interested parties. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 12 ------- Section IV - Overview of Sediment Projects, Fiscal Years 1993 - 7996 Environmental Results/Products Table 10 lists some of the environmental results and publications produced from the projects. TABLE 10. PARTIAL LIST OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESULTS AND PRODUCTS FROM SEDIMENT PROJECTS, FY 1993-19%. Realized and anticipated results of the funded projects include: Assessment of depositional sediment toxicity on the benthic community; Detailed site information which will enable the formulation of remediation ^'-xisions; Detailed assessments required to make decisions about contaminated sediment management; Development of a geographic information system which will enhance sediment management decisions; Enhanced ecological restoration and economic development opportunities; Fostering of scientifically sound decision making on the selection and implementation of sediment remedial alternatives; Generation of information needed to evaluate human health risks attributable to contamination; Incorporation of project data into a geographic information system; Increased awareness of contaminated sediment issues in the Great Lakes; Increased emphasis on stormwater control as well as remediation of certain sediment deposits; Production of data to be used as part of a mass balance modeling effort; Promotion of sediment clean up activities in the Great Lakes basin; Reduced risk to humans and biota from contaminated sediments; and. Reduced contaminant loadings to the Great Lakes. Documents produced to date include: Assessment of Mercury Contamination in the Sediments of Six Reservoirs on the Lower St. Louis River, Minnesota Final Remediation Investigation Report for the Hayton Area Remediation Project, Volumes l-IIl Oswego River Sediment Study Site Characterization Report, Feasibility Study Report, and Results of Aerobic Biodegradation Screening Treatability Study for the Newton Creek System Survey of Sediment Qualify in the Duluth/Superior Harbor: 1993 Sampling Results 13 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section V - Lessons Learned LESSONS LEARNED As our funding program has moved forward, discussions with our grantees have yielded valuable information as to what some of the hurdles are for remediation of contaminated sediments and restoration of a clean benthic environment. While assessments at several AOCs have been completed, the move to the next steps - remedial design and actual remediation, or 'moving mud'- has not been easy. We recognize these difficulties and have focused our efforts on providing assistance in order to bridge these gaps. We believe that one of the primary keys to achieving successful remediation at any site will be the development of a strong and committed partnership of stakeholders. These individuals and organizations must be able to pool their resources and expertise as well as cooperate to overcome their differences. The Ashtabula River Partnership is a prime example of how a community has organized itself around a common goal of contaminated sediment remedia- tion. We are encouraged by their dedicated efforts thus far, and we hope to soon see many other communities following their lead. Recommendations for Future Efforts GLNPO's Sediment Assessment and Remediation Team recommends that these goals be focused on in the future to address the contaminated sediment problem in the Great Lakes: • Keep the momentum going toward 'moving mud' - toward actual remediation at more and more Great Lakes sites. 0 Expand the list of Great Lakes sites requiring assessment and possible remediation by looking to sites outside of Areas of Concern. • Develop and promote new and innovative techniques for assessing contaminated sediments. • Build a strong partnership of committed, cooperative individuals and organizations. • Be creative and innovative in securing financial resources for sediment projects. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 14 ------- Section V - Lessons Learned • Strive to make remedial designs not only effective, but also efficient and practical. • Facilitate the communication of successful remedial activities to other groups and partnerships both in the Great Lakes basin and elsewhere. Much progress has been made since the inception of the ARCS Program 10 years ago. Anticipating the next 10 years, we look forward to supporting the continuing and renewed efforts of our grantees as we all strive to reduce and prevent the impacts of contaminated sediments on the Great Lakes ecosystem. As our grants program continues and our database expands, we want to make sure we remain on the right track. Feedback from our partners and from the community is invaluable in helping us to do this. What are your thoughts and opinions about GLNPO's Contaminated Sediments Pro- gram? What questions do you have? How can the program be improved? We urge you to communicate with us. Access our World Wide Web site: http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/ or contact: Marc Tuchman, Sediment Assessment and Remediation Team Leader: Phone 312-353-1369 Fax 312-353-2018 E-mail tuchman. marc @ epamail. epa.gov 15 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VI- References REFERENCES Clean Water Act. 1977. Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments. 1972. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. 1978, and 1987 Protocol. Lake Michigan Federation. Cleaning Up Contaminated Sediments: A Citizen's Guide. 1995. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Assessment and Remediation of Contaminated Sediments (ARCS) Program - Final Summary Report. 1994. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. EPA's Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy. 1994. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Great Lakes Contaminated Sedi- ment Strategy Workshop Proceedings. 1995. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Region 5 Agenda for Action. 1996. Water Quality Act of 1987. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 16 ------- Section VII - Appendix #1 - ASHTABULA RIVER REMEDIATION PROJECT (FY1996 - IAG - DW9694777S-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: Brian Troyer, Project Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENB-PP-PM Buffalo District 1776 Niagara Street Buffalo.NY 14207-3199 716-879-4316 716-879-4355 FAX Technical Contact: Steve Goly ski, Technical Manager U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, CENCB-PE-PT Buffalo District 1776 Niagara Street Buffalo.NY 14207-3199 716-879-4228 716-879-4355 FAX Award Amount: FY19%-$500,000 ($250,000 each from GLNPO and Region 5 Water Division) Dollars Leveraged: $500,OOOthroughAshtabulaRiver Partnership Project Timetable: October 1,1996 - September 30,1999 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Ashtabula, Ohio Partners: Ashtabula River Partnership, Ohio EPA Narrative: The Ashtabula River and Fields Brook have been contaminated with PCBs, PAHs, VOCs and heavy metals. The AshtabulaRiverPartnership(ARP),comprisedofprivatecitizens and groups, government officials, and business and industry leaders, was formed to explore the effective remediation of the contaminated sediments in the AshtabulaRiver and Harbor. The goal of the ARPis to look beyond traditional approaches in ordertodetennineacomprchensive solution forremediation of the contaminated sediments not suitabtefor open lake disposal. This project will involve the development of adetaileddesignforan upland disposal facility for dredged contaminated sediments classin^asTSCAandiKHHTSCAinconfomiaiKxswitht^ moidertoorXaintheAshtaDulaRiverPartnershipgodforcom Status: ongoing Environmental Results/Products: Successful remediation of the AshtabulaRiver and Harborwill ultimately enhance ecological restoration and economic development opportunities in Ashtabula County. 17 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #2 - CLINTON RIVER, MICHIGAN SEDIMENT ASSESSMENT (FY1994 - IAG - DW96947710-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: Jim Galloway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN:CENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 -$ 159,304 (IAG total $221,000 for Clinton River and Muskegon/White Lakes (projects #16/#33) combined) Project Timetable: September 1,1994 - September 30,199S GLNPO Project Officer: MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: CbmonRiverwatershed,OaklaiKlaiKlMacombCciunties, southeast Michigan Partnen:MicniganDepartineMofEnvironinental(>ial«y Narrative: The Clinton River(h«nage encompasses 1968km2msoumeastMtcUgan.priinanly inOaktandandMacombCounties. Containinatedsedinw»ts in oVOirton River have coimbuted to ite Act 307 site. Sedimentation has been documented asaserious problem throughout die watearshedasaresultofboth agriculture and raban/suburban development, but little is known about contaminants associated with these sediments. The project has twoobjectives: • todeterniinewhichcontarninantspresentaDroblem-.and, • toidentiryareasofcontamination. This study will be used todetermine potential "hot spots", and will provide data toprioritize these zones and aidindesigningbenthic community ami njrtbersediir>entcharar«m7arion studies over the next n^^ Status: closed out DataResute:Thek>werriver,fromMtCknienstouwrivCT The highest observed concentrationsof several heavy metak,inclu*ngCr(340mg/kg),Ni(162mg/kg),andZn(761mg/kg),and anefevatedconcentrationofPb(233ing/I«).occimedmltaisarea. PCB corK»«ratk)mwercalsohignestin this area, wim recorded levelsof8J2mg/kgand3.4mg/kg. Three sites mu^aieahad PAH concentrations above 195mg/kg,thehighestlevelDeingalmost 280mg/kg. Coricentratwmtruxxighc^theiipoerwatershedwercgeneraUynotek^ PAH concentration (248 mg/kg) and a site in Pontiac had the highest observed Pb concentration, 320 mg/kg. Envni»iMntal Results/Products: Tins stwty better de&)eateamtaminant areas and determine any sites whichiequireiinniedialeor future remediation. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 18 ------- Section VII - Appendix #3 - CLINTON RIVER, MICHIGAN SEDIMENT SUPPORT (FY1995 -IAG-DW96947740-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: Jim Galloway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN:CENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $ 150,000 (I AG total $225,000, for Clinton River and Trenton Channel (project #27) combined) Project Timetable: July 31,1995 - December 31,1996 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Clinton River, Michigan Partners: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Clinton River PAC Narrative: Contaminated sediments in the Clinton Ri verhave contributed to its designation as both a Great Lakes Area of Concern and aMichigan Act 307 site. A FY 19941 AG (project #2) served as a preliminary assessment of sediments throughout the Clinton River watershed. The goal of this FY 1995IAG is to conduct comprehensive assessments of sediments within specific areas of the river in order to further define locations of extensive contamination. There are three main objectives: • to better define the areas of contamination in the 4 zones previously determined to be notably contaminated (Zone 1, Pontiac; Zone 2, Mainstem Clinton River from Rochester to confluence with Red Run Drain; Zone 3, Red Run Drain; and Zone 4, Lower River); • to determine on a site specific basis if contamination is attributable to historic or ongoing sources and to identify ongoing sources; and, • todetenrdnesiteswruchrequireimmediateorfutureremediation. Status: ongoing Data Results: Several sites along the lowerriver, below Mt. Clemens, had elevated heavy metal concentrations. The highest concentrations, all in mg/kg, included the following: cadmium, 28; chromium, 400; lead, 400; nickel, 190; and zinc, 940. The highest PAH concentrations occurred in the upper river watershed, including levels of 342 mg/kg at a site near Auburn Heights and a concentration of 113 mg/kg near Moravian Road. Environmental Results/Products: The project will provide detailed site information which will enable the formulation of remediation decisions. 19 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #4 - COSTS AND BENEFITS OF CLEANING UP GREAT LAKES SEDIMENT IN AREAS OF CONCERN (FY1995 - GL985062-01-0) University of Wisconsin Contact- PhilKtillor U.W. Sea Grant College Program University ofWisconsin-Madison 1800 University Avenue Madison, WI53705-4094 608-263-5133 608-263-2063 FAX A ward Amount: FY1995-$61,463 Dollars Leveraged: $296,000 ($232,000 from Great Lakes Protection Fund and $64,000 from U.W. Sea Grant) Project Timetable: May 1,1995 -December31,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Great LakesBasin Partners: Greatl^kesProtectk»Fimd,UmversityofWisconsm Engmeermg Narrative: mordertobuiklurKmUSEPA-ARC^ardEnYironmentCaiiada'sde tools are needed to estimate the benefits and costs of cleaning up contaminated sediments. The goal of this project is the presentation of a decision framework with tools and training that can be used by Remedial Acdon Plan (RAP) developers for making sediment remediation choices in Great Lakes Areas of Concem(AOCs). Specific project objectives include: • todevekjpaneccinonikanalvsisarjproachtobenefitsarKicostsofsedimentrernediation; f tornvestigatesigjiifk^tcostfaaonaiiduncedafflu • tomvestigatecost-savirig.cooperadverernediationstrategiesjand, § todevetopsuppottuigcompulersoftware. Status: ongoing EnviromDentalResalts/Products: An^meworicofmethoo^logiesforesdinaungbenefitsandcostsof remediation options will be introduced to decision-makers and those wlw influence decisions regarding sediment remediation. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 20 ------- Section VII - Appendix #5 - SURVEY OF SEDIMENT QUALITY IN THE DULUTH/SUPERIOR HARBOR (DULUTH PHASE I) (FY1993 - GL995383-01-0) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact: Judy Crane Minnesota Pollution Control Agency WaterQuality Division 520 Lafayette Rd.N. St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 612-297-4068 612-297-8683 FAX A ward Amount: FY1993-$217,500 Project Timetable: October 1,1993 - September 30,1995 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: St. Louis River Area of Concern, Duluth/Superior Harbor (Duluth, MN/Superior, WI) Partners: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Sediment Contamination Workgroup of the St. Louis River RAP Narrative: The project was designed to fulfill thecriticalneedforasedinient survey ofthe St. Louis Riverestuary,includingthe Duluth/ Superior Harbor. Certain sediments within the AOC were known to contain elevated concentrations of PCBs, PAHs, and heavy metals. However,thedisuibunon and rustoricalrecordofoxitammants and potential toxicity of tte understood. Most historic data were collected near shipping channels to support dredging operations. In addition, most data were outdated due to higher detection limits and less stringent quality assurance/quality control. The project goal was to define general areas within the AOC where sedimentcontamination and toxicity appeared to be elevated. The esnjaryoHHaiiis several taw wnorsuspectedaiieasoftog^ known to be contaminated, as well as unknown sites, was mtendedtoprovideaconsistentframeworkforprioritizingremedial sediment activities within the AOC. At each of 40 sites, sediment cores were collected for chemical analyses, and sediment toxicity tests were conducted on surficial Ponar samples. Status: closed out Data Results: The highest concentrations of PAHs, heavy metals, and 2,3,7,8-TCDD were found in sediments near the USX Superfund site. Elevated levels of PAHs and metals were also located near the discharge from the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD). The highest levels of PCBs occurred near the WLSSD discharge; elevated levels were also found at USX and at two slips in the outer harbor. Most contaminant concentrations followed an approximately chi-square distribution (i.e., there were many samples with low-end concentrations and relatively few samples with elevated levels). This was especially true for lead and zinc. Seven sites were toxic in the Microtox test, whereas 21 sites were mutagenic tothe bacterium, Photobacteriumphosphorwn. Three sites were acutely toxic to the midge, Chironomus tentans, including the Unnamed Creek outfall at USX. Environmental Results/Products: This project was an integral part of a continuing effort to assess sediment contamination and toxicity in the St. Louis River AOC. IrifonnationcoUectedwasessentialmplannmgforPhasen(project^)ofthesnidy. This survey tognughted areas within the DuluuVSuperiorHarboruhatha^^ suggested contaminants and endpoints of concern for each site. A final report, "Survey of Sediment Quality in the Duluth/Superior Harbor: 1993 Sampling Results", will be made available to the public in early 1997. 21 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #6 - SEDIMENT ASSESSMENT OF HOTSPOT AREAS IN THE DULUTH/SUPERIOR HARBOR (DULUTHPHASEH) (FY1994- GL995636-01-0) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact: Judy Crane Minnesota PoUution Control Agency WaterQuality Division 520 Lafayette Rd.N. St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 612-297^1068 612-297-8683 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $310300 (St. Louis River sediment portion of MPCA cluster grant) Project Timetable: August 26,1994-September 30,1997 GLNPOProjectOfficenCallieBolattino 312-353-3490 Project Locatkm: St Louis River Area ofConcem.Duluth/Superior Harbor (Duluth,MN/Superior,WI) Partners: Wisconsin Department ofNatural Resources, SedimentContanunationWorkgroupof the St. Louis River RAP Narrative: ThisstudyisPhaseIIoftheSt.LouisRiverSediment Assessment The40sitessurveyedduringPhaseIin 1993 (project #5) were evaluated according to the degree of contamination and toxicity observed. Eight locales were selected as hotspots, and KimbaU'sBaywas selected asack^referax* site. TheUSXandli^ were excluded from the survey due to separate investigations at these sites. The goal is to performadetailed sediment assessment at sites identified as toxicand/or contaminated in the 1993 survey in the Duluth/ Superior Harbor and St. Louis River and, as a result of the assessment, to develop a sediment management plan for these sites. Contaminants of concern and tfieir measurement were tailored to each site. The objectives are to: • determinepoUutaMdistrirjutk)awitfamhotspotsidenaiiedmthel993survey; • perfonntoxicitytestsateachofthesites,atafrequency of at least 50% of the sites where contaminants were measured; 0 perfurniabentniccoinmunity assessment at each site; and. integrate-chemistry, toxicity. and bendiicOMnmumtyassessnient datatodetennineasedimentmanagenient plan forimp^ Status: ongoing Date Results: The highest nc>nnahzedPAHprofuec»Kxnt ofthe Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (Wl^SD). The highest merciiryax»centration(3.9mg/kg) was observed ataWLSSD stte,arK]overaU,theareasumx]nding WL^SDhaddieniostwidespreadm Thehignestlevelsof simultaneously extracŁableinetak(SEM),whennonnauzedforAtidVolatileSulfid^ high at this site. Four samples from three different sites were acutely toxic to the amphipod, HyaleUa azteca. Two samples from different si tes were acutely toxic to the midge, Chironomustewans. For 42% of the samples tested, the C. tentans results were inconclusive due to poor control survival. Remediating Great Lake* Contaminated Sediments 22 ------- Section VII - Appendix The benthological community structure was dominated by tubificid oligochaetes, chironomids, and the polychaete Manayunkia speciosa (at selected sites). The highest mean abundance recorded for oligochaetes was at Minnesota Slip. Mean values of total abundance and taxarichness were low at Kimball' s Bay, indicating that this site was not asuitablecontrolsite. Mouthpart deformities in chironomid larvae were recorded at six sites, fourof which were in the vicinity of WLSSD. Integration of the sediment chemistry, toxicity data, and benthological community structure data are pending. Environmental Results/Products: This survey will provide the detailed assessments required to make decisions about contaminated sedutient management. ResidtswiUteused to targetsitesforsedimentm source contaminant controls. A report. Sediment Assessment ofHotspot Areas in the Duluth/SuperiorHarbor, will be available to the public in 1997. 23 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #7 • EASTERN LAKE ONTARIO DRAINAGE BASIN SEDIMENT STUDY (FY1995-GL985137-01-0) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Contact: BniceGarabedian New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Room 305 Albany. NY 12233-3502 518-457-0729 518-485-7786 FAX A ward Amount: FY1995-$314,004 Project Timetable: September 25,1995 - September 24,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Debbie Siebers 312-353-9299 ProjectLocation: Eastern Lake Ontariodrainage basin, including Black River Narrative: PrcviousstudieshaveindicatedthattheBlackRJveristhetopcontributorofPCBstoLakeOntario. Elevated levels of total PCB'sand heavy metals, including mercury.cadmium, and lead, have been repotted in watercolumn and sediment samples from theBlack River anditstributaiies.However.coniprehensivesediinentdatafor the study arcaisn^ The goal of the study is (Devaluate sediments in the Eastern Lake Ontariodrainage basin. Emphasis will be placed on validation of suspect dataincluded on theNatiooalSedinient Inventory and the study ofcontani^^ quality by the NYSDEC Priority Water Problem (PWP) list. Study objectives are: • toprovideinfonnauononfevelsofcontammadonandtoxidtyoilxxtofnsedinientsinthe tributaries to the Eastern Lake Ontario drainage basin; and, t tocomJiictbioaccuniiilationstudiesonthesedinientsoftheBlackRiverandEastemLake Ontario tributaries. Status: ongoing Data Results: should be available in 1997 (sampling started in late 1996; will be completed in late spring orearly summer, 1997) Environmental Results/Products: The study wiUprovideinfomiationonievelsofa)ntaminationandtoxidtyonxxtomsediments in selected Eastern Lake Ontario tributaries. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 24 ------- Section VII - Appendix #8 - DESIGN OF A SEDIMENT TREATMENT PLANT AT ERIE PIER CONFINED DISPOSAL FACILITY (CDF) (FY1995 - GL985132-01-0) University of Minnesota - Duluth Contact: Ri.Bleifuss Assistant Director - Minerals University of Minnesota - Duluth Campus Natural Resources Research Institute Box 188 1 Gay ley Avenue Coleraine.MN 55722 218-245-4201 218-245-4219 FAX Technical Contact: ChuyingWu Research Fellow University of Minnesota-Duluth Campus Natural Resources Research Institute Box 188 1 Gay ley Avenue Coleraine.MN 55722 218-245-4201 218-245-4219 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $92,000 Project Timetable: October 1,1995 - December 31,1996 GLNPOProjectOfficer: CallieBolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: St. Louis River Area of Concern, Duluth/Superior Harbor (Duluth, MN/Superior, WI) Partners: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Narrative: The project will provide the necessary informationforthedesignofafacility to treat dredge material produced and prolong metifeoftheEriePierCoiifinedDJsrx>salFaduty(CDF).TheCDFisnearingits^ of dredge materials either by construction of a new facility orby extending the life of the one currently in use. Project objectives include: • conduct a sampling program to determine the size consist and chemical composition of the sediment stored in the CDF, especially the northeastern section which contains the finest-grained material from the washing operation. The information will be used to design and to makea more accurate cost estimate for the treatment facility; • investigate the possibility of creating a secure area within the CDF for the storage of highly polluted dredge material which may be removed from the harbor in the future; and, • develop acost estimate for the construction of a secured lined compartment within the CDF for the storage of more highly contaminated sediment which could be generated in the area from Superfund sites, etc. Status: Ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: Economic savings from increased capacity of existing confined disposal facility. 25 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #9 - SURVEY OF Hg IN SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION - LOWER ST. LOUIS RIVER RESERVOIRS: FOND du LAC PHASE I (FY1993 - GL995478-01-0) Fond du Lac Tribe Contacts: Larry Schwarzkopf, Principal Investigator Fred Vande Venter, Aquatic Scientist Fond du Lac Natural Resources Program 105 University Road Cloquet,MN 55720 218-879-1759 218-879-4146 FAX A ward Amount: FY1993-$70,000 Project Timetable: October 1,1993 - September 30,1995 GLNPO Project Officer. Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 ProjectLocation: St.LouisRiversystemreservoirs,Diiluthregion,Minnesota Partners: UniveraryofMinnesote-lXdiirh, University ofWisconsin-Superior Narrative: The St. Louis River, the largest U.S. tributary to Lake Superior, has been identified by the LJC as an Area of Concern, in pact due to the presence of toxic contaminants in fish tissue and negative impacts on the benthic community. Mercury (Hg) levels in walleye are elevated at various locations along the tower St. Louis River, with the highest values occuringnear and within six small reservoirs. Asaresult of past industrial practices and discharges, the sediments haveaccumulated contaminants, including Hg, behind theieservouxiams.Apndiininatysureyonig concentrate^ peak in Hg levels in some strata. Results ofa study on mercury in fish alongthetowerSL Louis River have demonstrated the ukelihood that sediments in the to werriverreservoirs may influence mercury residues in fish. This project wasafollow up toapreliminary sediment survey ofthe lower St Louis Ri ver reservoirs. The goal was toconduct a more detailed study to assess sediment mercury contamination and its importance in bioaccumulation, resuspension, and transport. tavestigatiom oinsisted oftAvoaxnrx3nents:l)amercury-in-sedimemc»r^ measuring mercury in the conesponding surface sediments. Status: closed out Data Results: Thirrysamrjleshadmeicuryconcentrationsabove 1.3ug/g(ppm). Twoof the three highest concentrations were from ScankxiReservou-(2.5and3.4iig/g). Elevated CXHKXHI^ fromForbayReservoir(l .9ug/g). The nwst widespread cootaminatkm appears to bernThomp^ concentrations, including 2.6ug/gand22ug/g, were found. Also,21 of rhe 30 samples with concentrations above 1.3 ug/gwere from 14cores taken from Thompson Reservoir. EnvinMunentalRemtayProdocts: Thehifarmadononmeicurycontanunadonmtheseresei^oirshasbee^ the need fornutigadngrrnse areas wherera'gh levels oftniscxmtammant are a^ mercury mitigation technology is using some of the knowledge gained in this study. A project report, Assessment of Mercury Contamination in the Sediments of Six Reservoirs on the Lower St. Louis River, Minnesota, has been published and is available. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 26 ------- Section VII - Appendix #10 - MITIGATION OF SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION IN RESERVOIRS ON THE LOWER ST. LOUIS RIVER: FOND du LAC PHASE II (FY1995 - GL985025-01-0) Fond du Lac Tribe Contacts: Larry Schwarzkopf, Principal Investigator Fred Vande Venter, Aquatic Scientist Fond du Lac Natural Resources Program 105 University Road Cloquet,MN 55720 218-879-1759 218-879-4146 FAX fdlnrp@uslink.net Email Award Amount: FY1995-$200,000 Project Timetable: October 1,1995 - September 30,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: St. Louis River system reservoirs, Duluth region, Minnesota Partners: University ofMinnesota-Duluth, University ofWisconsin-Superior Narrative: This project is Phase D of the study of mercury sediment contamination in reservoirs along the lower St. Louis River. Phase I (project #9) was a detailed sediment assessment of the reservoirs. The objectives of Phase n of the study include: • to physically characterize sediment cores collected during Phase I in terms of carbon content and particle size; • measure mercury concentrations in three taxaofbenthos to determine biological uptake; • measure water current velocity and direction to help assess mercury transport; • collect baseline physical, chemical, and biological data from Fond du Lac Reservation lakes for a future mercury mitigation study; and, • field test specific methods and technologies targeted to the uptake and bioaccumulalion of mercury. Status: ongoing Data Results: data collection began in the fall of 19% and will continue in 1997 Environmental Results/Products: Information collected will be used to determine the need and locations for sediment remediation. 27 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII • Appendix #11 - DESIGN AND ENGINEERING OF A REMEDIAL OPTION IN THE FOX RIVER (FY1995 - GL985130-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Bob Paulson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources WT/2 Bureau of Watershed Management 101 S. Webster Street P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI53707-7921 608-266-7790 608-267-2800 FAX Award Amount: FY199S - $100,000 Dollars Leveraged: $150,000 from Fox River Coalition (including WDNR) Project Timetable: September 25, 1995 - September 24, 1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Lower Fox River, Wisconsin Partners: Fox River Coalition Narrative: The Green Bay Mass Balance and Fox River PCB Transport Studies, conducted between 1989 and 1992, indicated that contaminated sediment in the Fox River is the major source of PCBs, approximately 95% of the total load, to Green Bay. At least 85% of the estimated total PCB mass in the river is located downstream of De Pere and will serve as a major long term source of PCBs to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. The Green Bay Mass Balance Study identified 34 contaminated sediment deposits in 32 miles of the Lower Fox River upstream of De Pere. Two deposits are the focus of remedial investigation and feasibility studies currently underway. Upon completion of these studies, a remediation site and remediation technique will be selected that is consistent with an overall Lower Fox River cleanup strategy. The two deposits under consideration are Deposit POG located in Little Lake Butte des Morts and Deposit N located near Kimberly, WI. Deposit POG is approximately 77 acres containing an estimated 300,000 yd3 of sediment in excess of 50 ppb PCB, and an estimated 720 KgsofPCBandSl KgsofHg. Deposit N is approximately 3 acres containing an estimated 8,500 yd3 of sediment in excess of 50 ppb PCB. and an estimated 120 Kgs of PCB and 6 Kgs of Hg. The project objective is to accomplish the final pre-remedial activity including engineering design, plans and specifications and development of bidding documents necessary to remove, treat, and/or isolate a mass of PCB in the Lower Fox River. Status: ongoing Environmental Results/Products: The project will result in a document which the Fox River Coalition and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources can use to obtain bids for contracting a sediment remediation project. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 28 ------- Section VII - Appendix #12 - ASSESSMENT OF PCBs IN SEDIMENT IN THE LOWER FOX RIVER (FY1995 - GL985143-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Kim Walz Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - WT/2 Bureau of Water Resources Management 101 S. Webster Street P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI 53707-7921 608-264-9220 608-267-2800 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $135,000 Project Timetable: September 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997 Gi^NPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Lower Fox River, Wisconsin Partners: Fox River Coalition Narrative: The Green Bay Mass Balance and Fox River PCS Transport Studies, conducted between 1989 and 1992, indicated that contaminated sediment in the Fox River is the major source of PCBs, approximately 95% of the total load, to Green Bay. At least 85% of the estimated total PCB mass in the river is located downstream of De Pere and will serve as a major long term source of PCBs to Green Bay and Lake Michigan. Although the above studies provided some information on the PCB distribution in the sediment, more accurate estimates of contaminated sediment volume and PCB mass are required to make sound remediation decisions. This project has the following objectives: • Further define and quantify PCB sediment distribution downstream of De Pere Dam to Green Bay. • Estimate the mass and volume of PCB contaminated sediments and develop maps of PCB distribution in the Lower Fox River. • Provide data to enable further refinement of PCB transport models for the Lower Fox River. • Provide further basis for making sound management decisions throughout the Fox River to Green Bay. • Support the Fox River Coalition's effort to prioritize and remediate contaminated sediment hotspots in the Fox River. i Implement a Green Bay Remedial Action Plan recommendation for developing a clean up strategy for the Lower Fox River contaminated sediments. Status: ongoing Data Results: 25 samples had PCB concentrations at or above 30 mg/kg. Two of the three highest concentrations (91 and 400 mg/kg) occurred in a core taken just upstream of the Fort Howard Turning Basin, within three feet of the surface. Other hot spots included dowstream of the Fort Howard Paper Co. intake gate (130 mg/kg), in the Leicht Transfer and Storage boat slip area (90 mg/kg), and sites approximately 0.3 miles upstream of the WI Central RR bridge (57 mg/kg), and approximately 0.4 miles downstream of Ashwaubenon Creek (63 mg/kg). While most contamination occurred in core segments from depths greater than 3 feet, elevated concentrations were observed in surficial samples (10-30 cm depth) from sites just upstream of the Fort Howard Turning Basin (91 mg/kg), offshore of the Brown County Fairgrounds driveway loop (47 mg/kg), and about 0.25 miles downstream of the DePere Dam, near the Voyager Park lock entrance (43 mg/kg). A concentration of 31 mg/kg was found in both the 10-30 and 0-10 cm core segments from a site approximately 0.5 miles upstream of the WI Central RR bridge. Environmental Results/Products: The information generated will assist in prioritizing sediment sites for remedia- tion. 29 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #13 - ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS IN LAKE MICHIGAN AOCs - HAYTON AREA REMEDIATION PROJECT/MANITOWOC (FY1994 - GL995681-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Mark Velluex Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - WT/2 Bureau of Watershed Management 101 S. Webster Street Madison, WI53703 608-267-5262 608-267-2800 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $126,000 Project Timetable: August 1, 1994 - September 30, 1996 GLNPO Project Officer: Debbie Siebers 312-353-9299 Project Location: Hayton Area Remediation Project (HARP), Calumet County, Wisconsin Narrative: Past studies by the USEPA and WDNR identified the presence of PCB contamination in fish, surface waters, and sediments of the Hayton Millpond area in Calumet County, Wisconsin. The project study area, referred to as the Hayton Area Remediation Project (HARP), has been selected by the WDNR as a priority sediment remediation demonstration site. The project objectives were as follows: to determine the extent of contamination at the study area; to determine if PCBs are entering the study area from ongoing external sources; to investigate historical sources of PCBs to the study area; to interview local residents and evaluate anecdotal evidence of PCB discharges; and, to assemble sufficient information to identify potentially responsible parties. For the remedial investigation the project area, nearly eight stream mites, was divided into four study units, that include one soil area and three sediment units: 1) Upper Pine Creek, Jordan Creek, and Drainage Ditches; 2)Lower Pine Creek and South Branch Manitowoc River; and 3) Hayton Millpond. Status: completed; will not be closed out until other 2 projects (#15 and #25) under same grant are also completed Data Results: The highest sediment PCB concentrations (804-2300 mg/kg) occurred in the Upper Pine Creek, Jordan Creek, and Drainage Ditches study unit in an area known as the "old ditch". These elevated concentrations indicate that this area is an active source of PCBs to the Millpond. The distribution of contaminants throughout the study area also suggest that contaminants may have initially entered the system through the storm sewer drainage system in the northeast section of the City of New Holstein. Environmental ResuHs/Products: The results of this project delineate the area] and volumetric extent of sediment contamination in the HARP study area. These results also provided the basic information needed to evaluate human health risks attributable to the contamination as well as information needed to establish site remediation priorities. The Final Remediation Investigation Report far the Hayton Area Remediation Project, Volumes /-///, is available to the public. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 30 ------- Section VII - Appendix #14 - MAUMEE RIVER AOC CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT SURVEY (FY1994 - GL995648-01-0) Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Technical Contact: Brent Kuenzli Ohio EPA Northwest District Office 347 North Dunbridge Road Bowling Green, OH 43402 419-373-3005 419-352-8468 FAX Contact: Tom Balduf Ohio EPA Northwest District Office 347 North Dunbridge Road Bowling Green, OH 43402 419-373-3023 419-352-8468 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $250,000 Project Timetable: October 1, 1994 - September 30, 1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Maumee River, Ohio Partners: Maumee RAP Group Narrative: The Maumee River Area of Concern (MAOC) includes that portion of the lower Maumee River which flows through Lucas County to its confluence with, and including, Maumee Bay and the nearshore waters of Lake Erie from the Ohio-Michigan state line to Crane Creek State Park in Ohio. This study will address the general extent of sediment contamination in depositional areas of the lower reaches of Swan, Duck, and Otter Creeks and the Ottawa River, as well as in the lower Maumee River and selected sites in Maumee Bay. While other studies have concentrated on surficial sediments from the more upstream reaches of the tributaries of the Maumee River, this study will focus on areas where the most concentrated and widespread deposits of contaminants in the AOC are likely to occur. The primary goal will be to add a significant amount of information to the RAP database. Objectives to be met include: • helping the RAP community in evaluating levels of contamination in the sampled waterways; assisting the RAP community in preliminary prioritization of pre-remedial actions, such as dredging of contaminated sediments; • determining pollutant types and concentrations in the study area to relate effects to known sources of contamination in upstream areas of the AOC; and, f providing screening data needed as evidence of historical contamination patterns in the AOC. Status: ongoing Data Results: The highest recorded concentrations, in mg/kg, of several heavy metals were found in Swan Creek: chromium, 829; copper, 508; lead, 841; and zinc, 1150; the highest recorded cadmium concentration (9.6 mg/kg), was found at sites in both Swan Creek and the Maumee River. Elevated levels of heavy metals and PCBs were found at several sites in the Maumee River, where the highest nickel concentration (292 mg/kg) and the highest PCB concentration (348 mg/kg) were found. Environmental Results/Products: Analysis of the data from this work should help to delineate contamination hot spots and allow for a sediment quality triad evaluation approach. The project activities, which represent a continuation and extension of the effort already begun in the MAOC, will give a much more complete picture of the nature, extent, and severity of sediment contamination in the MAOC. Project data will be published in a report due out in early 1997. 31 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #15 - ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS IN LAKE MICHIGAN AOCs - MILWAU- KEE ESTUARY SEDIMENT STRATEGY IMPLEMENTATION (FY1994 - GL995681-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Greg Hill Water Resources Management Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 South Webster Street Madison, WIS3702 608-267-9352 608-267-2800 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $156,000 Project Timetable: August 1, 1994 - September 30, 1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Milwaukee River system/estuary Narrative: Nonpoint sources of toxics to the Milwaukee Estuary are proving to be important. Plans for contaminated sediment cleanup must be integrated with strategies to identify and reduce nonpoint sources of toxic substances. This project is designed to provide additional information on the impact of upstream and urban nonpoint sources on sediment contamination and project the mass balance movement of sediments and contaminants through! the Milwaukee River system. If such sources can be minimized or eliminated, then work can begin on remediating the contaminated sediments themselves. The project objectives are to: • assess continued transport of PCB into Milwaukee Harbor from the Milwaukee River; 9 assess continued mass transport of RAP bioaccumulating pollutants of concern in tributaries to the Kinnickmnic, Menomonee and Milwaukee Rivers, Lincoln Creek and Crestwood Creek; and, a recommend and prioritize actions to eliminate continuing sources and remediate contaminated sediments. Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: The project will ultimately lead to increased emphasis on stormwater control as well as remediation of certain sediment deposits. Reports will be produced on PCB transport in the Milwaukee River and bioaccumulative substances in urban tributaries to the Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Kinnickinnic Rivers. Sediment core data and semi-permeable membrane device data will be incorporated into the Milwaukee sediment GIS database. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 32 ------- Section VII - Appendix #16 - MUSKEGON LAKE SEDIMENT ASSESSMENT (FY1994 - IAG - DW96947710-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: Jim Galloway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN. CENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $61,696 (Muskegon Lake and White Lake (project #33) combined; IAG total $221, 000 for Muskegon/White Lakes and Clinton River (project #2) combined) Project Timetable: September 1, 1994 - September 30, 1995 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Muskegon Lake, Michigan Partners: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Narrative: Muskegon Lake, located on the east shore of Lake Michigan, has been designated as an AOC due to a number of water quality problems including contaminated sediments and nutrient enrichment. Previous studies have shown that historical municipal and industrial discharges to the lake have resulted in elevated concentrations of many heavy metals. In response to the need for more current data and confirmation of a suspected sediment "hot spot" in Muskegon Lake, a sediment sampling survey was conducted in the vicinity of the Division Street stormsewer discharge. Project objectives were as follows: • collect sediment cores to determine contaminant concentration and vertical profiles; • characterize the area! extent of contaminants of concern; • determine the necessary levels of remedial action and agency involvement, and develop an implementation time table Status: closed out Data Results: Elevated heavy metal concentrations were found at many sites, especially near the Hartshorn Marina. This area had the highest recorded concentrations (all in mg/kg) for Cd (52.4), Cu (2660), Pb (741), and Zn (1690). The highest concentrations of As, 86 mg/kg, and Cr, 258 mg/kg, were found north of the stormsewer outfall; for Hg, 13.2 mg/kg, in front of the stormsewer outfall; and Ni, 103 mg/kg, at a site west of the Marina. It is worth noting that in front of the stormsewer outfall the Hg concentration of 13.2 mg/kg exceeded the Effects Range Median (ER- M) value by more than a factor of 10, and the Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations referred to above exceeded their respective ER-M values by more than a factor of 5. Environmental Results/Products: This study, by determining the location and extent of contaminant hotspots, provided information which can be used to plan and implement remediation actions. 33 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #17 - NEWTON CREEK SYSTEM SEDIMENT CONTAMINATION SITE CHARACTERIZATION (FY1993 - GL995443-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Kim Walz Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - WT/2 Bureau of Water Resources Management 101 S. Webster Street, P.O. Box 7921 Madison, Wl 53707-7921 608-264-9220 608-267-2800 FAX Award Amount: FY1993 - $218,300 Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - September 30, 1995 GLNPO Project Officer. Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Newton Creek system, Superior, Wisconsin Narrative: The Newton Creek system has been identified as one of five sites in the St. Louis River System Area of Concern that is known to have particularly elevated concentrations of contaminants in sediment. The Newton Creek system includes the surface water environment encompassing Newton Creek Impoundment, Newton Creek, Hog Island Inlet, Superior Bay at the inlet mouth, and all floodplain, overflow areas, and wetlands associated with these water bodies. The focus of this study was on the sediment and floodplain soil of the Newton Creek system. The primary objective of this study was to characterize the contamination of sediments in the Newton Creek system to support the evaluation of and, if necessary, the preliminary design of sediment remediation in the system. The 1993 portion of the study concluded that sediments of the Newton Creek system are: significantly contaminated with a variety of pollutants; toxic to aquatic organisms; and unsupportive of a healthy benthic macroinvertebrate community. The 994 portion of the study was designed specifically to: better define areas and depths of sediments and floodplain soils that may require remediation; indicate if solid wastes generated by remediation would be subject to hazardous waste management requirements; and • acquire additional information on biological impacts in the Newton Creek system. Status: closed out Data Results: Diesel range organic (DRO) concentrations are highest in Newton Creek Impoundment, where they exceed 10,000 ug/g at four of five open water sampling locations. The highest concentrations of metals, including tead, chromium, and mercury, are found in Newton Creek Impoundment, some areas of Newton Creek, and in Hog Island Inlet, near either the western portion or near the mouth of Newton Creek. Environmental Results/Products: The study led to the Site Characterization Report which described prioritization and preliminary design of remedial options. A Feasibility Study Report was completed which included five remedial alternatives. The potential effectiveness of land application, one of the five alternatives, was evaluated in the report Results of Aerobic Biodegradation Screening Treatability Study for the Newton Creek System. Based on the findings of this study, WDNR recommends that areas of Newton Creek Impoundment, Newton Creek, and Hog Island Inlet be considered for remediation. These areas recommended for remediation include a volume of "soft sediment" estimated as 19,900 cubic yards in place. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 34 ------- Section VII - Appendix #18 - NEW YORK ERIE CANAL (FY1996 - GL985364-01-0) New York State Canal Corporation Contact: John Dergosits New York State Canal Corporation 200 Southern Boulevard P.O.Box 189 Albany, NY 12201-0189 518-471-5020 518-471-5023 FAX Award Amount: FY1996 - $120,000 Project Timetable: October 15, 1996 - June 30, 1998 GLNPO Project Officer: Debbie Siebers 312-353-9299 Project Location: Erie Canal, New York State Partners: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Narrative: Data collected by both the New York State Canal Corporation (NYSCC) and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) have shown that sediments within the Erie Canal contain variable levels of contaminants. Additional sediment collection and evaluation is required to define the exact upstream and downstream contaminant boundaries, the likely sources of dioxin/furan, PCB, and heavy metal contamination and the general time horizons of the contaminant discharge. The project goal is to identify and quantify the character of sediments in the Erie Canal between its confluence with the Niagara River in North Tonawanda, New York and its junction with the Genesee River near Spencerport, New York. Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: Characterization of sediment contamination will allow for future activity to be focused on areas most in need and will provide preliminary information concerning the need for remediation. 35 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #19 - OHIO REFERENCE SITE SEDIMENT CHARACTERIZATION (FY1995 - GL985203-01-0) Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Contact: John F. Estenik Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division of Surface Water, Wetlands Program 1800 WaterMark Drive Columbus, OH 43215-1099 (614) 644-2866 (614)644-2329 FAX Award Amount: FY 1995 - $110,000 Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997 CLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Ohio's Lake Erie Basin Partners: Heidelberg College, USEPA Region 5 Narrative: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) has developed numeric biocriteria (i.e., biological) Slate Water Quality Standards for five Ohio Ecoregions. Ecoregional reference sites within Ohio's four Lake Erie Areas of Concern (AOCs) drainage basins have not been adequately assessed physically and chemically for sediment contamination. Sediment samples will be collected for physical and chemical assessment from three site categories: 0 upstream from Ohio's four Lake Erie AOCs (lower Maumee River, lower Black River, lower Cuyahoga River, and lower Ashtabula River); • ecoregional (biocriteria sites) reference samples within the four Lake Erie AOCs from three ecoregions-. Huron Erie Lake Plain, Erie/Ontario Lake Plain, and Eastern Com Belt Plains. These sample locations are unimpacted and should have low contaminant concentrations present; • EMAP reference samples selected by randomizing sampling site location selection as a basis for evaluating all sediment site data and for a comparison to OEPA historical and future sediment data; these sites should also have low contaminant concentrations. Project objectives include: • to determine if sources exists outside the AOC for pollutants of concern identified in the AOC; t to update and provide a significant expansion of parameters possibly affecting beneficial use impairment; • to refine a list of critical pollutants of concern; and, • to evaluate the impact of nonpoint source pollutant contribution. This project is part of a larger effort which includes more extensive collection of ecoregional (biocriteria sites) samples. Support for the larger effort includes funding from one other grant and state funding (total funding for the study, including GLNPO: -$300,000). Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: The project will enable OEPA to determine how much contamination in the Lake Erie AOCs may be originating from discrete upstream sources or from diffuse "background" sources. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 36 ------- Section VII - Appendix #20 - OLCOTT HARBOR SEDIMENT STUDY (FY1993 - GL995405-01-0) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Contact: Bruce Garabedian New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Room 305 Albany, NY 12233-3502 518-457-0729 518-485-7786 FAX Award Amount: FY1993 - $92,000 Project Timetable: October 1, 1993 - December 31, 1995 GLNPO Project Officer: Diane Dennis-Flagler 312-886-4012 Project Location: Olcott Harbor, New York Narrative: Olcott Harbor is at the mouth of Eighteenmile Creek which is an Area of Concern (AOC). Elevated dioxin levels have been found in sediments behind the Newfane Dam and elevated levels of heavy metals have been detected in sediments of Eighteenmile Creek. There is, however, a significant lack of ambient data to fully characterize the extent of the problem in Olcott Harbor. The project goal is to provide a screening characterization of contaminant levels in the sediments of Olcott Harbor. Both surficial samples and sediment cores will be collected, and some cores will be radioisotope dated in order to identify recent deposition. Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: Data will be used to assess depositional rates and evaluate the toxicity of sediments on the benthic community. The study results will also be used in the development of a Remedial Action Plan for the Eighteenmile Creek Area of Concern. 37 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #21 - OSWEGO RIVER SEDIMENT STUDY (FY1994-GL95660-01-0) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Contact: Bruce Garabedian New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation 50 Wolf Road, Room 305 Albany, NY 12233-3502 518-457-0729 518-485-7786 FAX A ward Amount: FY1994-$115,721 Project Timetable: September 6,1994 - December 31,1995 GLNPO Project Officer: Diane Dennis-Flagler 312-886-4012 Project Location: Oswego River, New York Nairatrw: Trie OswegoRiveraridHartxxhave been designated as an Ara^ whkAhavecontaininated the watered^ Data generated from the sediment study willbeusedtocharacterize me iiatureaiKlextent ofaU potential conUminantsinteOsweg^ be characterized. Sediment cores will be collected for chemical analysis and suificial samples will be ooUectedfortoxicity testing. The sampling plan includes coverage of the Oswego River upstream of theA(XT,aregion for which very little information currently exists documeritingbentrnsaxxliriom.Morniauon from these ups measures, ifnecessary, in the AOC as natural trarisrxjitniecharasmsrrwvecontamiriated sediments from upstream sites m^^ Status: closed out Data Results: The highest levels of contamination were detected in two cores collected at Battle Island. Extremely high levels of total PAHs (> 27,000 ug/kg) were detected, as well as high concentrations of lead (764 mg/kg), mercury (13 mg/kg),silver(1.6mg/ kg), and zinc (277 mg/kg),and relatively high concentrations ofdioxin (266 ug/kg), furan (29 ug/kg), and mirex(l 35 ug/kg). Battle Island is just dowiistream from AmstroiigWorkJ^ EmiraimentalResiilts/ProdiKte: Results wiUalkw the benthiccommunity.aswell as the prioritization of necessary remediation measures in the AOC. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 38 ------- Section VII - Appendix #22 - OTTAWA RIVER REMEDIATION PROJECT (FY1996 - GL985333-01-0) Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Contact: RalphMcGinnis Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Division ofEmergency and Remedial Response 1800 WaterMark Drive Columbus, OH 43215-1099 614-644-3065 614-644-3250 FAX A ward Amount: FY1996-$500,000 Project Timetable: September 30,19% - September 29,1998 GLNPO Project Officer: MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Ottawa River, Ohio/Maumee Bay Area Of Concern Partners: GenCorpInc., City of Toledo, Maumee RAP team Narrative: Sediments in the Unnamed Tributary of the Ottawa River are believed to be the primary source of PCB contamination tome Maumee Bay area. The highest levelsofPCBs in sediments(2500ppm)in the Maumee Riverbasin were found in the Unnamed Tributary. These sediments are resuspended during rainfall events and transported downstream to the Ottawa River, Maumee Bay, and ultimately to Lake Erie. Project objectives include: final assessment and interim action to prevent resuspensionof sediments into the OttawaRiver, remediation of contaminated sediments, which may involve removal and disposal of sediments or onsite treatment to remove or destroy PCB contamination; confirmationofremediationbysampling; final site restoration; and, followup sampling of sediment, fish tissue, and water to show risk reduction. In partial fulfillment of the first objective, a detailed assessment of the Unnamed Tributary was undertaken in late 19% in order to determine the extent of the PCB contamination. Status: ongoing Environmental Results/Products: Removal of the hot spot of highly contaminated PCB sediments from the Unnamed Tributary will achieve definite risk reduction for both the OttawaRiver and Maumee Bay, as well as Lake Erie. 39 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #23 - DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF SAGIN A W RIVER CIS (FY1995 - IAG - DW96947741-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: JimGalloway U.S. Aimy Corps of Engineers ATTNrCENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY 1995 - $57,000 Project Timetable: August 2 1,1 995 -August 3 1,1 997 GLNPOProjectOffker: Gallic Boiattino 312-353-3490 ProjectLocation: SaginawRiver.Michigan Partners: Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality Narrative: Tluspro^wulfbcusonprovidiiigsediinentdatam for the Saginaw River. The need foradata management system for the Saginaw River Area of Concem(AOC) is critical because oftfaeconsiderableainountofdatacoUectedby variousiesearchers. Theneedtocompare many ofthesestudiesanddetennine trends is vital to any future decision-making. The goal of this project is todevetopao^tabase and geographk information s>^tem(GIS)which sediment data in digital or hardcopyfonn and the transferofttrisdatauitoastaiKlaid database fonnat The intentions paiticipants involved in the Saginaw RiverRemedialActioa Plan (RAP) the access to this sedimentdata management systemin an attempt to encounigedau analysis and promote remedial discussions. Status: ongoing Data Results: Project mvolvesdatabasedevetopmentand not sample collection. EnvmmmentalResults/Prodiicts: Thedevelopmentof a SaginawRiverGIS which willbe used toenhance sediment management decisions in the Saginaw RiverAOC. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 40 ------- Section VII - Appendix #24 - USE OF CONGENER-SPECIFIC PCBs TO DISTINGUISH AMONG SOURCES OF PCBs INPUT INTO THE SAGINA W RIVER AND SAGINAW BAY (FY1995 - GL985191-01-0) University of Michigan Contact: David J. Jude 2200 Bonisteel Blvd. Center forGreat Lakes and Aquatic Sciences UniversityofMichigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2099 313-763-3183 313-747-2748 FAX A ward Amount: FY 1995-$101,353 Project Timetable: September 29,1995 - August 31,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Saginaw River, Michigan Narrative: Sediments in the Saginaw River, a Great Lakes Area of Concern, have been contaminated by many toxic substances, including PCBs. Characterization of the PCBs using congener-specific analyses is important to elucidate food chain relationships, identify the more toxic contaminants, and determine the sources ofPCBs within the Saginaw River using the congeners as unique signatures from the various sources of PCBs in the river system and airshed. The project goal is to determine the transport and sources of PCBs in the Saginaw River watershed. Specific objectives include: • documentrepresentativePCBcxjncentrationsandcongener-specificpaaemsinthe sediments of the 4 major tributaries of the Saginaw River and at locations within the Saginaw River, • document how the PCB concentrations and patterns change during rain events as a water mass moves downstream; and, • determine the consistency in the congener-specific signature of air-deposited PCBs in the watershed. Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: The data can be used in models to elucidate the transport of PCBs throughout the river system, including determination of possible deposition sites in the Saginaw River. 41 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VH - Appendix #25 - ASSESSMENT OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS IN LAKE MICHIGAN AOCs - SHEBOYGAN RIVER FOOD CHADS AND SEDIMENT CONTAMINANT ASSESSMENT (FY19M- GL995681-01-0) Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Contact: Bob Paulson Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources - WT/2 Bureau ofWatershedManagement 101 S.Webster Street P.O. Box 7921 Madison, WI53707-7921 608-266-7790 608-267-2800 FAX A ward Amount: FY1994-$195.770 Project Timetable: August 1,1994 - September 30,19% GLNPO Project Officer. MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Sheboygan River, Wisconsin Narrative: C^taminatedsedimenthas been identifiedasamajorcontributorof toxics tothe Sheboygan AOC. Although actions to address remediation have been initiated forthefowersegmemoftheriver.inaiiageinem decisions remediation need to assumeabroaderfocus. This broaderfocus should benefit theriverfromits upper reaches, which are reflective ofbackgfound conditions, downstream to the harbor. The prqjea goal is todevek>punkages ofcontaniinant transfer pathways oetween sediment, tte the Sheboygan River AOC. The project objectives are to: i providebasehreWonnaucmfortbeSteboyganRJverRAPkxig-tenntren^ efTectivenessoffvtoHeremedial actions and debstpertinem impaired benefidalus^ • determinethebioavailabihtyoftoxicsiibstancesandbioacciunulauonofPCBsthroughthefocrf • provideinfonTiaaontoevaliiatespauaJaixlmediadistribuuonofPCT aquaticcommunities;and, • providemfonnatk>nabomthedistribution,bioavailabiuty,an^ Status: ongoing Data Results: Highly etevatedconcentrationsof PAHswerefoundinacoretakennearCampMarina,justsouthoftheisland. The core segment between the depths of 3-5 feet had over 3,400 ppm total PAHs. Elevated concentrations of PCBs were found at many sites, including over 14,750 ppb just downstream of the Rochester Park Launch and over 10,500 ppbatasite above the Riverbend Dam, just downstream of Rochester Park Island. Environmental Results/faodiKts: By deternunin^ river sediments, the project will provide a basis for making management occasions throughout the river from its upper reaches to the harbor. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 42 ------- Section VII - Appendix #26 - SEDIMENT REMEDIATION SCOPING PROJECT IN THE ST. LOUIS RIVER AOC - SLIP C (FY1995 - GL985131-01-0) Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Contact: Judy Crane MinnesotaPollution Control Agency WaterQuality Division 520 Lafayette Rd.N. St. Paul, MN 55155-4194 612-297-4068 612-297-8683 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $ 100,000 (Sediment Remediation portion of MFC A cluster grant) Project Timetable: October 1,1995 - September 30,1998 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: St. LouisRiverAreaofConcem,Duluth/SuperiorHarbor(Duluth,MN/Superior,WI) Partners: Sediment Contamination Workgroup of the St. Louis River Remedial Action Plan Narrative: Sedimentcontaminationhasbeen documented in u^Duluth^uperiorHarborareaoftheSt.LouisRiverAreaof Concern. Sediment assessments were performed in 1993 and 1994 (projects #5 and #6). These assessments provided a framework for prioritizingsediment remediation activities within theAOC. The goalof this sediment remediation scoping project is to implement a hotspot management plan at onesite in theDuluth/Superior Harbor that will have theendresultofaremediation action. Theoriginal site selected, Grassy Point/HibbardPowerPlant, has recently been changed to Slip C, by Superwood. A new Scope of Work and Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP) are currently being prepared for the SlipC site. The specific objectives of this project are to: • delineate the extent and depth of contamination of sediments in SlipC; • develop sedimentremediation options for Slip C; and, « develop an updated sediment management pain forthis site. Mc^aticmonhistoricalaiuicurrentsourcesof^^ surroundingSnpCarebeingobtaiiuri.An^^ thesesites,samplesforchemicalanalyseswillbeselectedonanon- random basis.inordertotiethe most visual typesof sediment withlevelsofParticularcontan«nants(e.g.,PAHS, mercury,PCBs, toxaphene, ammonia). Sediment sampling will be conductedby early summer, 1997. Status: ongoing Data Results: data not yet collected Environmental Results/Product* Information and experience gained duringthis project will be available for use in future remediation scoping projects at other Duluth/SuperiorHarborlocations. Remediation studiescould lead to the enforcement or estabushmentofPixXectiver*rmitstolimtfur^ 43 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #27 - CHARACTERIZATION OF TRENTON CHANNEL SHORELINE SEDIMENTS (FY1993 - GL995960-02-0) Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Contact: ArtOstaszewski Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality Surface Water Quality Division HoUisterBuilding PO Box 30473 Lansing, MI 48909-7973 517-335-4491 517-373-9958 FAX Award Amount: FY1993-$200,000 Project Timetable: October 1,1993 - March 31,19% GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Trenton Channel of Detroit River, Michigan Narrative: Sediments in the Trenton Channel of the lower Detroit River, a heavily industrialized area and a major navigation route, have been identified as one of the most severely contaminated areas in the entire Detroit River Areaof Concern. The need has been identified to better delineate "hot spots" in the Trenton Channel. The USEPA and Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) jointly established a work group to focus research and remediation activity in the Trenton Channel. The work group objective is todevelopeffective processes for assessing andremediadng contaminated sediments in large river systems. The goal of this project is tocharacterize the Trenton Channel shoreline sediments. To meet this goal, precursory sediment data will be collected to: • definethemagnitudeandextentofsedirnentcontarninauon;and, i identify "hot spots". Status: ongoing Data Results: Elevated levels ofPCTs and several heavy metals were observed at many stations. Hot spots include Black Lagoon, whercelevated concentrations were observedforCd(30ug/g),Hg(7.8ug/g),Pb(574ug/g),Ni(2%ug/g),^ aieanearMonguagonCreekishigttycontammatedbyCM(^ ug/g). Other hot spots were Firestone Steel (10 ug/g Hg) and the north channel of Elizabeth Park(10.3ug/gPCBs). Environmental Results/Products: The information collected will be used to help prioritize areas in the Trenton Channel for remediation. Successful application of sediment renwdiaaontechnok)gyfor the Trenton CThannelcould result in an expansion of this effort for the entire Detroit River. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 44 ------- Section VII - Appendix #28 -TRENTON CHANNEL SEDIMENT SUPPORT (FY1995 - IAG - DW96947740-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: JimGalloway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN:CENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $75,000 (IAG total $225,000 for Trenton Channel and Clinton River (project #3) combined) Project Timetable: July 31,1995 - December 31,1996 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Trenton Channel of Detroit River, Michigan Partners: Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality Narrative: Sediments in the Trenton Channel of the lower Detroit River, a heavily industrialized area and a major navigation route, have been identified as one of the most severely contaminated areas in the entire Detroit River Area of Concern. A FY 1993 study (project #27) characterized channel shoreline sediments by collecting precursory sediment data for model development, model components and hot spot identification. Surficial samples collected in 1993 and 1994 revealed sediment depositional zones severely contaminated with heavy metals, including mercury, in upstream portions of the Trenton Channel. The goal of this Interagency Agreement (LAG) is to conduct comprehensive assessments of sediments within three specific areas of the channel in order to determine the depth and degree of contamination and provide technical assistance in pursuit of sediment remediation forthe Trenton Channel. The project also involves collection of a third year of monitoring data near the Elizabeth Park Marina to determine trends in benthic community response and sedimentation following dredging in the Trenton Channel. This information will help validate model predictions and give an indication as to the degree of contaminated sediment being deposited in the lower Trenton Channel as a result of upstream sources. The information will also assist in the development of remedial designs for other areas of extensive contamination within the Trenton Channel. Status: ongoing Data Results: Twenty stations were sampled in the UpperTrenton. Sites with high levels of organic and heavy metal contamination included Firestone Steel, Nicholson South Boat Slip, and Allied Fuel Oil Slip. Concentrations in these area were: mercury, 20 ppm; PCBs, 20 ppm; lead, 580 ppm; copper, 630 ppm; cadmium, 35 ppm; PAHs, 200 ppm; and oil and grease, 71,000 ppm. The results of this study, along with the other research studies of the Trenton Channel Project, indicate that the majority of the Trenton Channel contamination is found in depositional zones along the Michigan mainland shore and is primarily associated with industrial sources that are no longer present. Environmental Results/Products: The information collected will be used as part of a mass balance modeling effort forthe Trenton Channel. Successful application of sediment remediation technology for theTrentonChannelcouldresultinanexpansionofthiseffort forthe entire Detroit River. The work performed under this grant could also be adapted to similar Areas of Concern such as the St. Clair River or the St. Mary's River. 45 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #29 -BENCH SCALE FEASmiLITY/TREATABILITY STUDY IN TRENTON CHANNEL (FY1995-GL985207-01-0) Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Contact ArtOstaszewski Michigan Department ofEnvironmental Quality Surface WaterQuality Division HomsterBuMng PO Box 30473 Lansing, MI 48909-7973 517-335-4491 517-373-9958 FAX Award Amount: FY1995-$125,000 Project Timetable: October 1,1995 -September 30,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 ProjectLocab'on: Trenton Channel of Detroit River, Michigan Narrative: Sediments in the Trenton Channel of the lower Detroit River, a heavily industrialized areaandamajor navigation route, have been identified as one of the most severely contaminated areas in the entire Detroit River Areaof Concern. Existing work in the Trerrton Channel includes rc-investigation of zones of contamination to determine o^ the development of advanced survey techniques (hydroacoustic profiling) to assess sediment contamination (project #30). TheobjecnVeof this project is to collect sediment from Trenton Channel contaminated sites for bench-scale evaluation of remedial treatment teduK>k>gies.UsmgtheReirieajatk>nGiridaira and treatment technologies would be assessed for contaminated sitesin the Trenton Channel. Status: ongoing Environmental Results/Products: Anticipated study products include: • aSite Review Report identifying the snnesofcnntaminatinniri the Tnentpn Channel; t anApplicableTreatmentTechnologyReview;and, t aFinalReportevaluatmgasrjectsoftieatinenteffectiveness.costs, Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 46 ------- Section VII - Appendix #30 - HYDROACOUSTIC PROFILING IN TRENTON CHANNEL, MI (FY1995 - IAG - DW96947730-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: DarlaMcVan U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Waterways Experimental Station 3909 Halls Ferry Road Vicksburg, MS 39180-6199 601-634-2869 601-634-3694 FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $ 120,000 Project Timetable: May 1,1995 - September 30,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Marc Tuchman 312-35 3-1369 Project Location: Trenton Channel of Detroit River, Michigan Narrative: This study is an investigation into the applicability of hydroacoustic profi ling in the mapping ofbottom sediments. Results of a preliminary acoustical sediment survey conducted in 1994 identified the need to optimize the equipment for use in shallow water (2-30ft.) and in sediment areas which exhibit ahigh degree of sediment heterogeneity. Thegoalofthisprqjectistodetermine the appearance of the sediment stratain the near shore areaofTrenton Channel and todetermine the soft sediment-hardpan boundary to enable the calculation of sediment volume. Project objectives are: • conduct a hydro-acoustic survey todetermine the proper spatial hydroacoustic sampling rates; • determine if statistical processing can be obtained to relate this data to general survey procedures; this will allow future use of hydroacoustic techniques to minimizeclosely-spacedcoringandexpensivecore analysis; • map sedi ment distribution by physical type at depth for use in sediment resuspension modeling; and, • calculate the volume and location of soft sediment in the study area. Status: ongoing Data Results: No sediment data collected. Environmental Results/Products: Project results will be used to help develop acost effective and rapid means of mapping the distribution of sediments in harbors and rivers which isrequired to facilitate the remediation decisions facing environmental managers. 47 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #31 -TRACE LEVEL PCB CONCENTRATIONS IN TRENTON CHANNEL (FY1994-GL995664-01-0) Michigan State University Contact: JohnP.Giesy Department ofFisheries and Wildlife Pesticide Research Center #13 Natural Resources Building Michigan State University East Lansing, MI48824-1222 517-353-2000 517-432-1984 FAX Award Amount: FY1994-$96,000 Project Timetable: September 13,1994 - April 1,19% GLNPO Project Officen Marc Tuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: Trenton Channel of Detroit RJver, Michigan Partners: Midugan Department ofEnvironmentaJ Quality Narrative: Sediments in the Trenton Channel of the lower DetroitRiver.aheavily industrialized area andamajornavigation route, have been identified as ore of the rnost severely contaminated areasmu^en^ in the Trenton Channel has been extensively characterized through the course of many studies, including projects #27 and#28. Plans forsediment remediation are currently being made. Prior toremediation.itmust be determined if there are still any point or non-point sources of critical pollutants, including PCBs, to the Detroit River and Trenton Channel. Project objectivesinclude: • deterrnmecongener-spetificandtotalconcentiau^XKofPCBsint^ River, and vicinity; • determine the effect of storm-driven resuspension events on the concentrations of PCBs in the nearshore vicinity of the Trenton Channel; • determine seasonal differences in the concentrations of PCB congeners in the water, • estimateannualloadingsofPCBstotheTrentonCnannel; Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming(no sediment samples; water samples and semipenneable membrane devices (SPMD) only) EnvirtMiinental Results/Products: The knowledge gained from this project will allow for u^ Vibration of mass UTinsport models and a better description of the seasonal and weather-related loading of concentrations of PCBs in the Trenton Channel. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 48 ------- Section VII - Appendix #32 - WAUKEGAN HARBOR AOC USE IMPAIRMENT REASSESSMENT 1995 (FY1995 - GL985226-01-0 and DW14947756-01-0) Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and United States Geological Survey Contact: Robert Schacht Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 1701 First Avenue May wood, IL 60153 708-338-7900 708-338-7930 FAX Chris Ingersoll United States Geological Survey Midwest Science Center 4200 New Haven Rd. Columbia, MO 65201 573-876-1819 573-876-18% FAX Award Amount: FY1995 - $100,000 (to IEPA) and FY1995 IAG - $40,000 (to USGS) Project Timetable: October 1, 1995 - September 30, 1997 GLNPO Project Officer: Gallic Bolattino 312-353-3490 Project Location: Waukegan Harbor, Northeast Illinois, Lake Michigan Narrative: Waukegan Harbor was listed as an Area of Concern (AOC) based on contamination by PCBs. Sediment and water sampling in 1990 helped identify areas in need of remediation. In 1993, USEPA announced the completion of a harbor dredging project which removed 1,000,000 pounds of PCBs from the harbor and adjacent property. The primary goal of this study is to provide an update to previous studies in the area and to assess the status of previously listed use impairments. Data collected will provide the basis for de-listing if improvements are sufficient. Specific objectives include: • the use of sediment core samples to provide a detailed analysis of present sediment conditions which can be used for future dredging and disposal determinations. • the use of sediment and water chemistry and sediment bioassay analysis to establish a data set as i the basis for the use impairment assessment. the evaluation of fish contaminant samples in relation to annual fish consumption advisories. Status: ongoing Data Results: incoming Environmental Results/Products: Study information will be provided to the Illinois Interagency Fish Contaminant Work Group, the Great Lakes states, and the public. Data will be entered into the USEPA STORET database. The project will provide information useful to the Lake Michigan Mass Balance model presently under development. 49 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- Section VII - Appendix #33 - WHITE LAKE, MICHIGAN SEDIMENT ASSESSMENT (FY1994 -IAG-DW96947710-01-0) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Contact: JimGalloway U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ATTN:CENCE-EP-E P.O. Box 1027 Detroit, MI 48231 313-226-6760 313-226-7095 FAX Award Amount: FY1994 - $61,696 (White Lake and Muskegon Lake (project #16) combined; IAG total $221,000 for White/ Muskegon Lakes and Clinton River (project #2) combined) Project Timetable: September 1,1994 - September 30,1995 GLNPO Project Officer: MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: White Lake, Michigan Partners: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Narrative: White Lake, a 2,570 acre drowned river mouth located on the east shore of Lake Michigan, has been designated as a Great Lakes Area of Concern (AOC) due to a number of water quality problems including contaminated sediments and nutrient enrichment. Previous studies have shown that historical municipal and industrial discharges to the lake have resulted in elevated concentrations of many heavy metals. In response to the need for more current data and confirmation of a suspected sediment "hot spot", a sediment sampling survey of White Lake, Michigan was conducted. Project objectives were as follows: • collect sediment cores todeterminecontaminantconcentration and vertical profiles; t characterize the area! extent of contaminants of concern; t determine the necessary levels of remedial action and agency involvement, and develop an implementation time table. Status: closed out Data Results: Arsenic, chromium, and mercury were consistently found at very high levels, while lead, nickel and zinc were also found atelevatedlevelsbutinamoreinconsistentand less dramatic pattern. The majoramountof contamination was located directly adjacent to the Whitehall Leather Company property in the vicinity of their lagoons, where the highest concentrations of As (569 mg/kg), Cr (14,300 mg/kg), and Hg (16.7 mg/kg) were all found. Environmental Results/Products: Results from this study better delineated contaminant hotspots and were used to help plan for further biological characterization of the area which was conducted in October of 1996. Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments 50 ------- Section VII - Appendix #34 - PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION OF WHITE LAKE NEAR WHITEHALL TANNERY (FY1996 - IAG - DW13947766-01-0) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Contact: Gary Fahnenstiel National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab 1431 Beach Street Muskegon, MI 49441 616-759-7824 616-759-7906 FAX A ward Amount: FY1996-$148,100 Project Timetable: August 15,1996 - December 31,1997 GLNPO Project Officer: MarcTuchman 312-353-1369 Project Location: White Lake, Michigan Partners: Michigan Dept. of Environmental Quality, Grand Valley St. Univ., White LakePAC Narrative: White Lake is a Great Lakes Area of Concern located on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan. Elevated levels of heavy metals have been found in the northeastern section of the lake in previous studies, including Project #33. The elevated metal concentrations are located near the Whitehall Leather Tannery (Tannery Bay). The current extent of sediment contamination in the area outside of Tannery Bay is unknown with respect to spatial and vertical distribution. In addition, since previous studies focused only on chemical contamination, the biological impacts of the heavy metal contamination have not been evaluated. Project objectives are to: ( determine the extent of sediment contamination in eastern White Lake, including the Tannery Bay area. • determine the abundance and diversity of benthic invertebrates in the Tannery Bay area; i evaluate the toxicity of sediments from sites in the Tannery Bay area; « evaluate the bioaccumulation of metals from sediments in the Tannery Bay area. Status: ongoing Data Results: data collection was initiated in October 1996 and will be completed in August 1997 Environmental Results/Products: The investigation will provide information necessary for the development and evaluation of remediation alternatives for the Tannery Bay area. 51 Remediating Great Lakes Contaminated Sediments ------- USEPA'S Great Lakes National Program Office will make Moving Mud available on the Internet in May, 1997. See the Sediment Assessment and Remediation Team's section of GLNPO's home page: URL: http://www.epa.gov/ghipo/sediment/movemud/ For additional copies of this document, please contact: Mr. Lawrence Brail, ADS [contractor] Phone 312-886-7474 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency FAX 312-353-2018 Great Lakes National Program Office Email brail.lawrence@epamail.epa.gov 77 W. Jackson Blvd., G-9J Chicago, IL 60604 ------- |