GUIDANCE FOR PERFORMING TESTS
ON DREDGED MATERIAL TO BE DISPOSED OF
IN OPEN WATERS
Prepared by:
U.S. EPA
Region I
Boston, MA
and
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New England Division
Waltham,MA
in cooperation with the
National Marine Fisheries Service
and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Effective date: May 15, 1989
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Paae
I. INTRODUCTION 3
II. ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS 4
III. SELECTION OF SAMPLING SITES 7
IV. SAMPLING SITE FOR REFERENCE SEDIMENT 8
V. SAMPLING SITE FOR CONTROL SEDIMENT 8
VI. PHYSICAL TESTING 9
VII. BULK SEDIMENT ANALYSIS 10
VIII. TIERED EVALUATION TESTING REQUIREMENTS 10
1. Liquid Phase Assay 16
2. Suspended Particulate Assay 16
3. Whole Sediment Assay 16
4. Bioaccumulation Analysis 19
IX. ELUTRIATE TESTING 24
X. QUALITY ASSURANCE PROGRAM 24
1. Field Collections 24
2. Sediments/Tissue Analyses 25
3. Bioassay/Bioaccumulation Testing 26
4. Internal Laboratory Quality Assurance 27
5. Laboratory Inspections 27
XI. REFERENCES 29
APPENDIX I 31
APPENDIX II 32
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I. Introduction
The enclosed material presents the sediment testing guidelines
for permit applicants who wish to dispose of dredged material
in open waters. It includes all disposal activities subject
to the regulatory jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers New England Division (COE, NED) under Section 103
of the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
(P.L.92-532) and Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (P.L. 92-
217). It also includes other administrative requirements for
processing an application for Department of the Army approval.
These guidelines have been prepared by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA), Region I and the COE/NED in
cooperation with National Marine Fisheries Service and the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Use of this protocol assumes
that the permit applicant has already demonstrated the need
for open water disposal and that all practicable alternatives
to ocean disposal (40 CFR §227.15) or 404 disposal (40 CFR
§230.10 (a)) have been explored and found unavailable or
unfeasible according to the guidelines.
In accordance with Section 227.27(b) of EPA’s Ocean Dumping
Regulations and Criteria (Federal Register, Vol. 42, No. 7,
Tuesday, 11 January 1977) an Implementation Manual entitled
Ecological Evaluation of Proposed Discharge of Dredged
Material into Ocean Waters (EPA/COE 1978) was developed
jointly by the COE and EPA to define procedures for evaluating
potential environmental impacts associated with ocean disposal
of dredged material. The Implementation Manual presents
national guidance concerning technical procedures and “is
intended to encourage continuity and cooperation between COE
Districts and EPA Regions in evaluative programs for Section
103 permit activities”. Though the Implementation Manual
presents detailed procedures for conducting tests required by
EPA’s Ocean Dumping Criteria, additional guidance is necessary
to adapt the procedures to Regional situations. For instance,
Regional guidance is needed to inform applicants of specific
procedural items such as selection of bioassay organisms,
chemical constituents required to be analyzed in
bioaccumulation tests, etc. In addition, this manual
summarizes the tests to be performed and the types of data to
be submitted to the COE/NED so as to avoid any unnecessary
confusion and possible delays in the permit review process
through the submission of improper data. The COE will then
forward the data to EPA and the other appropriate Federal
resource agencies.
New and more advanced testing procedures are continually being
developed and refined by the research and development
laboratories of the EPA and the COE. In addition, ongoing
monitoring of the designated disposal sites in New England
under the COE “Disposal Area Monitoring System” (DAMOS) will
provide effects-based feedback to the regulatory process that
will enable the regulators to make more refined,
environmentally sensitive and efficient decisions concerning
the open water disposal of dredged materials. As a result,
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this document will be revised annually to incorporate any
modifications of the testing requirements.
Questions regarding any aspect of the testing requirements
should be directed to:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New England Division
Regulatory Branch
424 Trapelo Road
Waltham, MA 02254
(617) 647—8298
X X. Administrative Requirements
When applying for Department of the Army approval to dispose
of dredged material into open waters, all dredging permit
applications for disposal in open water must contain the
following information:
a. Current information regarding the need for dredging,
including volume and area to be dredged, extent of
shoaling, interruption or changes in standard operations
resulting from shoaling, any available documentation
showing nroblems resulting from the shoaling, and any
other pertinent information.
b. The applicant is encouraged and required to explore
beneficial use of dredged material or alternative disposal
options before considering open water dumping.
Documentation of this review of available alternatives to
open water disposal and justification for rejection must
be provided.
c. If the request is being made under an existing Department
of the Army maintenance dredging permit, include the
permit number and a short description of the last
maintenance dredging performed. Include any past test
data for the project area, including any test data from
dredging projects adjacent or contiguous to the proposed
work.
d. Dimensions of the disposal vessel (length, width and
volume of hopper) and the type of disposal vessel (split
hull or pocket) and duration of disposal operation the
applicant plans to use, if available.
e. Type of dredging equipment to be used (clamshell or
hydraui.ic .
f. Two copies of an 8—1/2” X 11” map showing the area to be
dredged, the specific location of the proposed sediment
sampling sites, -a detailed bathymetric description of the
area (soundings) and a drawing showing a cross-section of
proposed dredging area. Areas of wetlands, submerged
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vegetation, such as eelgrass, intertidal flats, and
shellfish beds within and in proximity (within 1/2 mile
radius) to the proposed dredge area must be identified on
the plan.
g. Identify any known possible sources of contamination to
the proposed dredged area. This should include a letter
from the harbormaster or U.S. Coast Guard indicating the
presence of outfalls, spills, surface runoff and any other
discharges.
Five (5) copies of items a through g must be submitted to the COE
(Copies will be forwarded to EPA and other appropriate Federal
Resource agencies). The applicant must contact COE/NED personnel
to discuss the adequacy of the proposed sampling design prior to
the field collections. COE/NED reserves the right to modify the
sampling design, as well as the series of tests required.
Prior to commencement of sampling, the applicant should submit
to the COE/NED the names of the analytical contractors and
subcontractors who will be conducting the biological and chemical
analyses and the dates, place and time the sampling is to be
performed. A Corps inspector or representative may wish to be
present during sampling to insure that all quality
assurance/quality control measures are followed.
For more details, consult pamphlet EP1145—2-l (COE 1985), USACOE
Permit Program, A Guide for ADDlicants . This pamphlet is
available at the following address:
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Regulatory Branch
424 Trapelo Road
Waltham, MA 02254
III. Selection of Sampling Sites
Selecting the proper number and location of sampling sites
within the area to be dredged is a crucial step in the
testing procedures. The following factors must be
considered when choosing a sampling scheme.
The areal extent and heterogeneity of the material to be dredged
must be considered. It is important that the sampling sites
adequately characterize the physical (i.e., grain size, % water)
and chemical differences in the area to be dredged on both the
horizontal and vertical planes. If the material varies greatly
with depth, or if “new work” dredging is being undertaken, the
applicant may be required to include additional core samples to
determine vertical differences in physical characteristics and
chemical concentrations. Vertical and horizontal sampling
designs must meet COE requirements. Under certain circumstances
compositing of physically and chemically similar sediments can
be done to reduce the total number of samples. Such a sampling
scheme would have to be justified by the applicant and approved
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by the COE in consultation with the other Federal agencies prior
to any compositing.
The applicant must consider the existence of point source
discharges in the area to be dredged, or other causes for
concern, such as historical occurrence of spills (oil, toxic or
bioaccumulative chemicals), landfills and EPA Superfund Sites
within the same drainage area and outfalls which may affect the
area to be dredged (including sewage, storm water, industrial,
municipal, commercial or residential discharges into the
waterway). The intent of the Ocean Dumping Criteria is to
identify and limit the disposal of dredged material which pose
unacceptable adverse effects on the marine environment. The
applicant is obligated to develop a sampling scheme which
adequately reflects those ends. The COE/NED will review the
sampling scheme prior to implementation for adequacy to insure
that these requirements have been met.
The applicant must supply an 8½” x 11” project map and if
possible, a NOAA chart of the proposed area to be dredged. The
maps must indicate the location of core sampling sites and the
length of core samples taken. As stated above, these maps must
be submitted to COE for approval prior to the proposed sample
collections. The date, place and time of sampling also must be
provided to the COE prior to the collection.
When sediment testing has been completed, the applicant must
submit five copies of the testing report to COE/NED. This
report must include raw data for all tests as required by this
manual, a map of the area to be dredged showing the specific
locations of sediment and water sampling sites, the sediment
sampling log and the name of the laboratory(s) which performed
the tests. If upland disposal is being considered, appropriate
elutriate and leachate tests may be required.
All testing and quality control procedures must be described,
and analytical methods must be specified.
IV. Sampling Site for Reference Sediment
If bioassays are required, reference sediment must be obtained
from the natural marine environment at a location near the
disposal site. The reference sediment must be of similar
physical characteristics to the sediment of the disposal site but
is from an area not influenced by the disposal of dredged
material at the dumpsite. The purpose of the reference sediment
is to simulate conditions at the dumpsite as if previous disposal
of dredged material had not occurred. Reference sediment test
results are compared to those of the proposed material to be
dredged.
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Location of Reference Sites:
Massachusetts Bay Disposal Site 42° 24.7’N 70°32.08’W
Cape Arundel Disposal Site 430 17.9’N 70°26.02’W
Central Long Island Sound Disposal Site 41° 8.l’N 72°50.06’W
New London Disposal Site 41° 16.2’N 72’03.08’W
Portland Disposal Site 430 38.6’N 69°59.01’W
Rockland Disposal Site 49’ 7.1’N 68°58.07’W
V. Sampling Bite for Control Sediment
Control sediment for the solid phase bioassay is used to
determine the health of the organisms relative to the testing
conditions. When the average control mortality exceeds 10%, all
solid phase bioassay testing must be repeated.
Control sediment can be collected from any uncontaminated
intertidal estuarine area and may consist of fine grained or
coarse (sand) material. The sediment should be checked annually
for chemical constituents listed in Table I A to insure its
uncontaminated nature. These data must be furnished to COE/NED
with the report.
VI. Physical Testing
The physical testing required for the evaluation of dredged
material for ocean disposal is limited to grain size, total
organic carbon analysis and water content determinations. Core
samples must be collected to adequately represent the vertical
and horizontal characteristics of the material to be dredged and
must be of sufficient volume for conducting all required
analyses. Unless valid justification for another sampling method
is demonstrated, all core samples must include sediment to the
depth of the proposed dredging and if an alternative method is
contemplated, the New England Division should be contacted prior
to field sampling in order to avoid the possibility of
unacceptable test results.
Core sediment samples must be visually inspected for the
existence of strata. A grain size analysis (Folk, 1974; Guy
1969) must be conducted for each distinct layer observed in the
material to be dredged. In the event no stratification is
observed, grain size analyses must be conducted on material from
each sample. Data must include the percentage of gravel, sand,
and silt/clay according to the following criteria:
Gravel: greatcr then or equal to 2.0 mm
Sand: less than 2.0 inn but greater than 0.0625 nun
Silt/clay: less than 0.0625 mm
Grain size analysis must also be performed on a separate
composite of the reference sediment used in the solid phase
testing.
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According to EPA’s Ocean Dumping Criteria (Sec. 227.13(b)), the
material to be dredged may be excluded from further testing if
one or more of the following conditions prevail:
Dredged material is composed predominately of sand, gravel, rock
or any other naturally occurring bottom material with particle
sizes larger than silt, and the material is found in areas of
high current or wave energy such as streams with large bed loads
or coastal areas with shifting bars and channels; or dredged
material is to be utilized for beach nourishment or restoration
and is composed predominately of sand, gravel or shell with
particle sizes compatible with material on the receiving beaches;
or the material proposed for dumping is substantially the same
as the substrate at the proposed disposal site; and the proposed
dredging site is far removed from existing and historical sources
of pollution, thereby providing reasonable assurance that such
material has not been contaminated by pollution.
If the applicant wishes to utilize one of the above exclusions,
compliance with the exclusion criteria must be demonstrated by
grain size data and other pertinent historical or site specific
information.
VII. Bulk Sediment Analysis
Bulk sediment analyses must be performed on sediment samples
collected at-the sites where grain size analyses are performed.
The constituents to be tested, analytical methods and required
detection limits are listed in Tables I A and I B. All
procedures, unless authorized in writing by the COE must conform
with the appropriate methods established in the EPA document
“Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste” SW-846, Third Edition
(EPA 1986). A minimum of 1000 grams must be collected for each
sample. Sediment samples may be stored for up to 8 weeks at
4°C under dark conditions.
The acceptable analytical methods and required detection limits
are listed in Tables I A and I B. Appropriate sample preparation
and cleanup procedures are referenced in the analytical methods.
All data should be expressed in ppm or ppb based on dry weight
of sample. Bulk chemical analyses must be performed and
reDorted on all test and reference sediments used in the
bioassav/bioaccumulation tests described below .
VIII. Tiered Evaluation Testing Requirements
Dredged material which does not meet the exclusions of Sec.
227.13(b) (for Section 103 ocean disposal) or is suspected to be
contaminated must undergo bioassay testing in accordance with
Ecological Evaluation of ProDosed Discharge of Dredged Material
into Ocean Waters (EPA/COE 1978).
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TABLE I A. Chemical constituents, EPA analytical methods and detection
limits routinely used for chemical examination of proposed dredged
material
Analytical Detection
Chemical Constituent Method Limit ( rnn
METALS
Arsenic 7060, 7061 0.5
Cadmium 7130, 7131 0.1
Chromium 7190, 7191 1.0
Copper 7210 1.0
Lead 7420, 7421 1.0
Nickel 7520 1.0
Mercury 7471 0.02
Zinc 7950 1.0
ORGANICS
PCBs(total) 8080 0.01
Pesticides 8080 a 002 a
Aldrin
Chlordane
pp-DDT, DDE, DDD
Dieldrin
Endosulfan I, II
Endosulf an sulfate
Endrin
Endrin aldehyde
Heptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
a, , 6, and V Hexachlorocyclohexane
Methoxychl or
Toxaphene
PARs 8100, 8250, 8270 a 0 • 02 a
Benzo (a) anthracene
Benzo (a) pyrene
Chrysene
Fluoranthene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
TOC 9060
%Water
Grain Size Wet Seive # 4,10,40,200
8 Includes all compounds listed.
b units in %
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Table I B. Additional chemical
and detection limits used for
dredged material
constituents, EPA analytical methods
the chemical examination of proposed
Chemical Constituent
Analytical
Detection Limit ( pin )
METALS
Antimony
Beryllium
Selenium
Silver
Thallium
MISCELLANEOUS
Cyanide
Phenol ics
I sophorone
2,3,7,8-TCDD (Dioxin)
2,3,7, 8—TCDF (Dibenzofuran)
7040,
7090,
7740,
7760
7840
7041
7091
7741
1.0
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
BASE/NEUTRALS
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Acenaphthene
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
- ipheny1
Benz 0 (b) fluoranthene
Benzo (k) fluoranthene
Benzo (e) pyrene
Benzo (gill) perylene
Dibenzo (a, h) anthracene
2 -6-Dimethylnaphthalene
Fluorene
Indeno (1,2, 3—cd) pyrene
1-Methyiphenanthrene
1-Methylnaphtha lene
2 -Methylnaphthalene
Naphthalene
Perylene
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
1, 2—Dichlorobenzene
1, 3—Dichlorobenzene
1, 4—Dichlorobenzene
1,2, 4—Trichlorobenzene
2 Chloronaphthalene
Hexachi orobenz ene
Hexachi oroethane
Hexachlorobutad iene
Hexachlorocyclopentadiene
8010, 8020, 8250, 8270
8010, 8020, 8250, 8270
8010,8020,8250,8270
8010, 8120, 8250, 8270
8120, 8250, 8270
8120, 8250, 8270
8120, 8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
9010, 9012
9065, 9066
8090
8280
8280
2.0
1.0
0.02
0.002
0.002
8100, 8250, 8270 b 002 b
0 . 02 c
0.04
0.04
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TABLE I B. (Continued)
Chemial Constituent
Phthalates
benzylbutylphthalate
bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
diethylphthalate
dimethylphthalate
di-n-butylphthalate
di-n-octylphthalate
Halogenated Ethers
bis (2-chiorethy) ether
bis(2-chloroisopropyl) ether
bis (2-chiorethoxy) methane
4 -Bromophenylphenylether
4 -Chlorophenylphenylether
Analytical
Method
80600
Detection
Limit
0010
002 b
Organonitrogen Compounds
Benz idine
3, 3-Dichlorobenzidine
2, 4-Dinitrotoluene
2, 6-Dinitrotoluene
1, 2-Diphenyihydrazine
Nitrobenzene
N-Nitrosodimethylamine
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine
N-Nitrosodipropylamine
ACID EXTRACTABLES
4 -Chloro-3 -methylphenol
2 -Chiorophenol
2, 4-Dichlorophenol
4, 6-Dimethyiphenol
4, 6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol
2, 4—Dinitrophenol
2-Nitrophenol
4 -Nitrophenol
Pentach]orophenol
Phenol
2,4, 6—Trichiorophenol
VOL TI LES
Acrolein
Acryl onitril e
Benzene
Bromo form -
Carbon tetrachloride
Chlorobenzene
Ch]. orodibromomethane
Chi. oroethane
2-Chloroethylvinyl ether
8250, 8270
8250, 8270
8090, 8250, 8270
8090,8250,8270
8090, 8250, 8270
8090,8250,8270
8070, 8250, 8270
8070, 8250, 8270
8070, 8250, 8270
8040 b 0 . 02 c
8010,8240, 8260c
8030,8240,8260
8030, 8240, 8260
8020, 8240, 8260
0.1
0.08
0 • Ol
0.1
0.1
0.1
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TABLE I B. (Continued)
Analytical Detection
Chemical Constituent Limit (ppm)
Chloroform
Dichiorobromomethane 8010,8246,8260 0 • 01
1, 1-Dichloroethane
1, 2-Dichioroethane
1. 1—Dichloroethylene
1. 2-Dichloropropane
1. 3-Dichioropropylene
Ethylbenzene
Methyl bromide
Methyl chloride
Methylene chloride 0.1
1,1,2, 2—Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene 8020,8240,8260
1, 2-trans—Dichloroethylene
1,1, 1—Trichloroethane
1,1, 2-Trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl chloride
a Chemical constituents on this optional List would be stipulated by the
Corps of Engineers in cooperation with other Federal resource agencies
b Includes all compounds listed
C Includes all compounds listed unless otherwise noted
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PROIECT PROPOSED
ALTERNATIVES
ANALYSIS
TIER I
DATA REVIEW
TIER II
CHEMI CAL EVALUATI ON
(BUlk Chemistry)
TIER III
BIOLOGICAL EVALUATION
(Bioassay/
Bioaccumulat ion)
Dispose within
Appropriate Env.
Laws & Regs.
Non—Open water
Disposal Option
Available or
Feasible?
no
—no--I Is there reason to believe the i—yes
sediment is contaminated or
doesn’t satisfy Exclusion Criteria?
yes
Is there a potential for
noH Toxicity/Bioaccumulation of
Sediment Contaminants?
(option)
Do tests show
Potential Impacts
to Marine Ecosystem?
Uncon fined
Open Water
.7
Open Water Disposal No Open Water
with Capping Disposal
Figure 3.
Generic Flow Diagram for the Tiered Testing and Decision Protocol
for the Open Water Disposal of Dredged Material.
0
yes
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A general explanation of the tiered approach is shown on Figure 1 and
described below.
Tier I - Review of Existing Data
The Tier I level is a determination of whether certain types
and concentrations of contaminants are likely to be present
in the sediments. This determination is made by historical
review of all available information including, but not
limited to, the following: Section 404 and 402 discharge
permits; pollution spills; storm drains; unpermitted
discharges; non-point sources including landfills and EPA
Superfund sites within the same drainage basin; marine
traffic, agriculture, industrial and commercial land use;
- upstream riverine pollution sources; and governmental
private or academic environmental study in the area. If it
can be determined by COE/NED that the dredged material meets
the exclusion of Section 227.13, further testing will not
be required. If not, Tier II is initiated.
Tier II — Chemical Evaluation of the Dredged Material
When Tier I investigations indicate potentially contaminated
sediments, a bulk sediment and particle size analysis will
be required. In general, grain size and the chemical
constituents listed in Table I A will be required for most
samples. Additional chemicals analytes listed in Table I B
may be required on a case—by—case basis as determined by the
Tier I analysis or consultation with the appropriate Federal
resource agencies. Based upon these data, the COE will
determine the need for Tier III testing.
Tier III — Biological Evaluation of the Dredged Material
The final tier consists of bioassay and bioaccumulation
- testing. All results of the bioassay/bioaccumulation testing
must be submitted to the COE: Changes in sediment
characteristics, as a result of discharges, shoaling or
chemical spills that may have occurred in the interim
between sediment collection and the submission of testing
results, must be reported. Bioassay testing of the liquid
phase is not required; however, the suspended particulate
phase and elutriate testing may be required under certain
circumstances. Whole sediment bioassays will be conducted
(including controls and replicates) to determine the effect
of the dredge material on appropriate marine species. It is
the responsibility of the applicant to contact the COE/NED
prior to commencement of testing to determine the series of
tests required -for each individual project. -
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1. Liquid Phase Assay
This testing procedure is no longer required on a routine
basis unless specified by the COE.
2. Suspended Particulate Assay
A single suspended particulate phase sample refers to one
homogenized suspension which undergoes assays with two
different species, MvsidoDsis bahia and Menidia menidia
(Table II). All procedures, unless authorized in writing,
must conform to the guidelines established in the publication
Ecological Evaluation of Proiosed Discharae of Dredged
Material Into Ocean Waters (EPA/COE 1978). During the
suspended phase assays, assessments of sublethal effects must
also be made and reported. Bioassays must be performed as
follows:
Using a minimum of 20 specimens per replicate assay:
• Individual assays performed in triplicate on 100%
control water and 100% suspended particulate.
• Individual assays performed in triplicate on 50% suspended
particulate phase, the balance consisting of control water.
• Individual assays performed in triplicate on 10% suspended
particulate phase, the balance consisting of control water.
Duration of assays should be a minimum of 96 hours with
assessment of mortality and sublethal effects to be made and
reported at 0 hours, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours. Sublethal
effects are defined as any obvious physical or behavioral
abnormalities. These observations must be reported.
The above discussion outlines the minimum number of
concentrations at which assays must be performed. If highly
toxic conditions exist, such that at the 10% concentration,
there is greater than 50% mortality, further dilution must be
made in order to attain a greater than 50% survival, to
develop an LC 50 by interpolation. These dilutions, if
necessary, must also be done in triplicate.
3. Whole Sediment Assay
A whole sediment sample refers to one homogenized
sediment—slurry which under goes assays using the species
listed in Table II.
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TABLE II. Representative test species used for
bioassay/bioaccumulation testing’
SUSPENDED PARTICULATE WHOLE SEDIMENT 2 BIOACCUMULATION 3
MvsidoDsis bahia AmDelisca abdita virens
Menidia inenidia Nereis virens Palaeinonetes pucrio 4
Palaemonetes puaio’ Macoma baithica
Macoma baithica limulata
Yoldia limulata Mercenaria mercenaria 5
Mercenaria mercenaria 5
1 All species chosen must be approved by the Corps of Engineers
prior to testing
2 Whole sediment bioassays must include three (3) species:
a crustacean (preferably Am elisca) , the polychaete Nereis ,
and a bivalve (preferably Maconia or Yoldia )
Bioaccumulation testing must use survivors of the bioassay (except
Am elisca) , including the polychaete Nereis , a bivalve (preferably
or Yoldia) , and Palaemonetes if it is used in the whole
sediment bioassay
This species may be used only if AniDelisca is unavailable
This species may be used only if Macoina or Yoldia are unavailable
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All procedures, unless authorized in writing, are to conform to the
guidelines established in the publication Ecological Evaluation of
Proposed Discharge of Dredaed Material Into Ocean Waters (EPA/COE
1978).
The sediments must be homogenized by mild agitation. The bioassay
tests may be performed on particular sampling sites or on a
composite of specified sampling sites within the proposed area to
be dredged. The COE in cooperation with the Federal Agencies, will
specify the appropriate sampling scheme on a case—by—case basis.
The sediments used for bioassays (both proposed dredged and
reference materials) must be analyzed for the parameters listed in
Table I A. The results of these analyses must be reported to the
COE before starting the bioassay.
Water used for whole sediment bioassays must be of acceptable
quality or if artificial seawater is used, it should be prepared
as described in Standard Methods (APHA/AWWA/WPCF 1985). The
salinity must be 30±2 ppt, the pH 8.0±0.2, the water temperature
20±2C and the D.O. greater than 4 mg/l at all times. A minimum
settling time of two hours must be allowed before seawater flow is
initiated, additionally a two hour flushing time must be allowed
before introduction of organisms.
The EPA Region I, and COE/NED, have designated the speciPs
contained in Table II as “appropriate sensitive marine organisms”
to be tested in the bioassays, in accordance with 40 CFR §227.
The flow-through system must provide 6 changes of water per 24
hours. The flow injection must be directed downward at 2” below
the surface in order to achieve good mixing without disturbing the
layer of sediment at the bottom. Five replicates for test and
reference and three replicates for the control treatment must be
run in separate aquaria; however, species may be combined in
aquaria if organisms show compatibility in the natural environment.
Measures should be taken to insure separation of predatory animals.
Laboratories must ensure that an adequate amount of animal tissue
is available to conduct all required subsequent bioaccumulation
analyses. For each species a minimum of twenty organisms for acute
testing must be used to insure 30 grams of tissue (or enough tissue
to achieve the appropriate detection limits in Table III) for
bioaccumulation analysis. For each species to be tested (except
Amoelisca) , a subsample of 30 grams of tissue (or enough tissue to
achieve the appropriate detection levels) should be analyzed for
the specified constituents in Table III to determine baseline
concentations in the organisms. Aquaria must be a minimum of 10
gallons in size. -
The amphipod toxicity test will be run separately in 1 liter glass
jars following the methodology of Swartz g ].. (1985). That
reference should be consulted for details on procedure, apparatus,
17
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animal handling and quality assurance.
All aquaria must contain the following layers of sediment for whole
sediment testing:
Test treatment tanks — 5 cm (depth) of dredged material
Reference treatment tanks - 5 cm of reference sediment
Control treatment tanks — 5 cm of control sediment.
Whole sediment assays using organisms in Table II must be
sub—sampled accordingly, using a miniiium of 20 organisms per
replicate.
Three replicate assays must be performed using the specified
control sediment.
Five replicate assays must be performed using the specified
reference sediment.
Five replicate assays must be performed using a homogenized solid
phase sample.
-The whole sediment assays must continue uninterrupted for 10 days,
during which time daily records must be kept of salinity,
temperature, DO, obvious mortalities and any sublethal effects.
Formation of tubes or burrows and any physical or behavioral
abnormalities must also be recorded. These daily records
must be reported by the testing laboratory and submitted by the
applicant. Organisms should not be fed during the test period.
All organisms surviving the solid phase must be placed in sediment
free water for 24 hours to purge their digestive tracts of
sediment. All surviving organisms must be analyzed.
4. Bioaccumulation Analysis
The tissue of all organisms (except Amoelisca ) surviving the 10 day
whole sediment bioassay test must be analyzed for those chemical
constituents found at high levels in the bulk sediment analysis.
Those constituents requiring analysis would be provided by the COE
on a case-by-case basis. A list of potential pollutants along with
the required analytical methods and detection limits are provided
in Table III. Other constituents may be required for analyses
whenever the COE in cooperation with the Federal resource agencies
have reason to believe that they may be warranted. These most
likely constituents would include a suite of metals, PCBs,
pesticides and PAils such as those listed in Table IA.
The procedures for the analyses will generally follow the methods
described in EPA/COE (1978), Appendix G, with the following
supplemental modifications.
18
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Table III. Chemical constituentsa, EPA analytical methods and
detection limits used for chemical examination of tissue.
Chemical Constituent
% Lipids
% Water
METALSC
Antimony
Arsenic
Beryl 1 jun
Cadmium
Chromium
Copper
Lead
Mercury
Nickel
Selenium
Silver
Thallium
Zinc
7040,
7060,
7090,
7130,
7190,
7210
7420,
7471
7520
7740,
7760
7840
7950
7041
7061
7091
7131
7191
7421
7741
0.
0.
0.01
0.01
0.1
0.1
0.2
0.1
0.5
0.01
0.2
0.01
0.02
1.0
0.1
ORGAN I CS
PCBs 8080
Pesticides 8080 c
Aldrin
Chiordane
p,p-DDT, DDE, DDD
Dieldrin
Endosulfan I, II
Endosuif an sulfate
Endrin
Endrin aldehyde
Reptachlor
Heptachlor epoxide
a, $, 6, and y Hexachiorocychohexane
Methoxychior
Toxaphene
0.02
0 . 002 — 0 . 03 c
MISCELLANEOUS
Cyanide
Phenol ics
Isophorone
2,3,7,8—TCDD (Dioxin)
2,3,7, 8-TCDF (Dibenzofuran)
2.0
1.0
0.02
0.002
0.002
Analytical
Detection Limit
9010, 9012
9065, 9066
8090
8280
8280
19
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TABLE III. (continued)
Chemical Constituent
BASE,NEUTRALSd
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Acenaphthene
Acenaphthylene
Anthracene
Biphenyl
Benzo (a) anthracene
Benzo (b) fluoranthene
Benzo (k) fluoranthene
-. Benzo(a)pyrene
Benzo (ghi) perylene
Benzo (e) pyrene
Chrysene
Dibenzo (a, h) anthracene
2 -6-Dimethylnaphthalene
Fluoranthene
Fluorene
Indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrene
1-Methylphenanthrene
1-Methyl naphtha 1 ene
2-Methyl naphtha lene
Naphthalene
Perylene
Phenanthrene
Pyrene
Chlorinated Hydrocarbons
1, 2—Dichlorobenzene
1, 3—Dichlorobenzene
1, 4—Dichlorobenzene
1,2, —Trichlorobenzene
2 -Chloronaphthalene
Hexachi orobenzene
Hexachloroethane
Hexachl orobutadiene
Hexachl orocycl opentadiene
Phthalates
benzy lbutylphthalate
bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
diethy lphtha late
dimethylphtha late
di-n-butylphthalate
di-n-octylphthalate
Hal ogenated Ethers
bis (2—chlorethy) ether
bis (2—chioroisopropyl) ether
bis(2-chlorethoxy)methane
4 —Bromophenylphenylether
4 -Chlorophenylphenylether
Analytical
8100, 8250, 8270 e
8010, 8020, 8250, 8270
8010,8020,8250,8270
8010, 8020, 8250, 8270
8010,8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
8120,8250,8270
B ll Oe
Detection
Limit
0 .o lf
0.04
0.04
0 •
0.02e -
20
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TABLE III. (Continued)
Chemical Constituent
Analytical
Detection
Limit
Organonitrogen Compound
Benz idine
3,3’ —Dichlorobenzidine
2, 4—Dinitrotoluene
2, 6—Dinitrotoluene
1, 2-Diphenyihydrazine
Nitrobenzene
N-Nitrosodiinethylainine
N-Nitrosodiphenylainine
N-Nitrosodipropylamine
ACID EXTRACTABLESd
4 -Chloro-3 -methylphenol
2 -Chlorophenol
2, 4-Dichlorophenol
4, 6-Dimethyiphenol
4, 6—Dinitro-2-metylphenol
2, 4-Dinitrophenol
2-Nitrophenol
4 -Nitropheno].
Pentachiorophenol
Phenol
2,4, 6-Trichlorophenol
VOLATI
Acrolein
Acrylonitrile
Benzene
Broinoform
Carbon tetrachioride
Chlorobenzene
Chlorodibromomethane
Chloroethane
2-Chloroethylvinyl ether
Chloroform
Dichlorobrontomethane
1, 1-Dich] .oroethane
1, 2-Dichloroethane
1, 1-Dichloroethylene
1, 2-Dichloropropane
1,3 -Dichioropropylene
Ethylbenz ene
Methyl bromide
Methyl chloride
Methylene chloride
1,1,2, 2—Tetrachloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
Toluene
1, 2-trans-Dich].oroethylene
1,1, 1-Trichloroethane
8250,8270
8250, 8270
8090,8250,8270
8090,8250,8270
8090,8250,8270
8090,8250,8270
8070,8250,8270
8070,8250,8270
8070, 8250, 8270
8 O 1 O, 824 O, 826 Of
8030, 8240, 8260
8030, 8240, 8260
8020,8240,8260
002 e
0 . 02 f
0.1
0.1
0.08
o.oif
0.1
0.1
0.1
0.1
8010,8240,8260
8020,8240,8260
21
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TABLE XXI. (Continued)
Analytical Detection
Chemical Constituent Method Limit
1,1,2—Trichloroethane 8010, 8240, B 26 O O.olf
Trichloroethylene
Vinyl chloride
‘ Chemical constituents required for testing would be stipulated
by the Corps of Engineers in cooperation with other Federal
resource agencies
b Units in %
C Follow Extraction/Cleanup Procedures described in Tetra Tech
(1986b)
d Follow Extraction/Cleanup Procedures described in Battelle
(1985)
• Includes all compounds listed
Includes all compounds listed except otherwise noted
Follow Extraction/Cleanup Procedures described in Tetra Tech
(1986b)
22
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Upon completion of the whole sediment testing, the screening
organisms are placed in sediment free water for 24 hours to purge
their digestive tracts of sediment. About 30 grams of tissue of
each species are pooled, homogenized, digested or extracted for the
analyte of concern. For semi—volatile organics, the sample
preparation methods found in Battelle (1985) should be used. Tetra
Tech (1986b) should be consulted for sample preparation methods for
metals and volatile organics. The analytical methods of choice and
required detection limits are provided in Table III for each
analyte. A separate analysis must be conducted for each chemical
constituent, for each individual replicate, and for each of the
animal species in both test and reference treatments. Percent
moisture and percent lipids must be reported for each species and
treatment. Pretesting of the constituents of concern in the animal
tissue must be performed and reported as discussed in the previous
section.
IX. Elutriate Testing
If dredged material does not meet the exclusions of Section
227.13(b), and if suspended particulate phase testing is required,
elutriate testing must be performed on three separate sediment
samples from the area to be dredged. All procedures, unless
authorized in writing, must conform to the modified procedures
described in the publications Palermo (1986) and as amended by
Palermo and Thackston (1988). The constituents to be tested are
summarized in Table I A and I B. The procedures specified in 40
CFR §136 should be used.
Table I A represents the minimum number of contaminants to be
tested in the chemical analysis of the elutriate. If there is
knowledge of nearby sources of contamination which may be affecting
the sediments to be dredged, the COE may require the testing of
additional chemical contaminants. All data must be reported.
X. Quality Assurance Program
To insure that data submitted are reliable and accurate, the EPA
Region I and the COE/NED have developed the following field and
laboratory quality assurance/quality control measures.
All laboratories providing analytical services to permit applicants
must perform testing in accordance with the specifications
described below.
1. Pield Collections
a. All sediment sampling plans and compositing strategies
must be preapproved by the COE.
b. All sampling must be taken by core (polycarbonate or
butyrate tubes, gravity cores, borings) or grab samplers
depending on the depth of the proposed dredging and the
nature of the material. The COE must approve the sampling
23
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apparatus. A minimum of 1000 grams of sediment must be
collected for bulk analysis. Field notes should be made
on color, horizons, visual grain size, general
cohesiveness and odors of the sediments. Care should be
taken to avoid contamination from sampling gear, grease,
ship winches or cables, airborne dust, ship engine
exhaust, cross contamination and improper subsampling
procedures.
c. The applicant must notify the COE of the date, place and
time of the field collections prior to the sampling date
to afford a COE inspector or representative the
opportunity to observe the collections.
d. Sampling records must be maintained to document the field
collection and chain of custody to the time of analysis.
These records should include Field log books, sample
labels, records of containers, time and conditions of
storage. All sample containers and storage conditions
will comply with the specifications in Chapter 2 of the
EPA SW-846 Testing Methods for Evaluating Solid Wastes
(EPA 1986). Records will be kept a minimum of 5 years.
2. Sediment/Tissue Analyses
a. Sample Preparation: Singular or compoci$e sediment samples
should be homogenized and digested and/or extracted
according to the procedures recommended in SW-846 (EPA-
1986) appropriate for sediments. The methodologies for
metals, volatiles and semi—volatiles may vary with the
chemical constituent of interest. The appropriate cleanup
procedures as described in the analytical methods should
be used to remove interfering substances which can raise
detection limits. If the reauired detection limits cannot
be obtained, an explanation must accom anv the data
explaining in detail the reasons for not obtaining the
dectection limits . Sediment samples may be stored for up
to 8 weeks at 40 C under dark conditions. The applicant
is also referred to Tetra Tech (1986a) for specific
guidance on sample preparation for marine and estuarine
sediments.
The sample preparation methods for animal tissue described
in Battelle (1985) are highly recommended for semi-
volatile organic chemical constituents, whereas the method
detailed in Tetra Tech (l986b) should be followed for
metals and volatiles. As mentioned above, a minimum of
30 grams of tissue is required (or enough to obtain
acceptable detection limits).
b. Analytical Procedures: As mentioned above, the analytical
methods described in the EPA “Testing for Evaluating Solid
Waste” (EPA 1986) should be used following the appropriate
sample preparation. The methods listed in Tables IA, lB
and III and the required detection limits should be
followed for each chemical constituent. The analytical
24
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quality control measures described in each of these
methods should be followed. Sample quality control
guidance is provided in Chapter One of EPA (1986) where
applicable. In particular, each run should include:
(i) blank sample to evaluate potential contamination
of the extract;
(ii) spiked samples to determine % recovery;
(iii) calibration checks at the beginning and end of each
run to monitor instrument drift (additional checks
may be required by the analytical method);
(iv) sample replication to assess precision (in the case
of animal tissues for the bioaccumulation testing,
3 sub—samples of the homogenate from one of the five
replicates in the test treatments for each of the
3 species must also be analyzed for the chemical
constituents of concern); and
(v) analyses of sediment and/or tissue standard such as
those available from the National Institute of
Standards and Technology (Formerly the National
Bureau of Standards) or the National Research
Council of Canada. Inft zition on acquiring these
materials is provided in Appendix I of this
document. This provide a check on extracation
efficiencies and general analytical accuracy.
All data required in i through iv should be reported on
the appropriate Forms provided in Chapter One of Sw 846
(EPA 1986).
The laboratory may also be required to analyze a “blind”
sample on an annual basis to assess the lab’s general
performance. Failure to adequately perform these analyses
or the above stated quality control measures will lead to
rejection of the data by the COE.
3. Bioassay/Bioaccumulation Testing
All bioassay/bioaccumulation testing procedures must
follow the methods outlined in EPA/COE (1978) with the
modifications described in Sections D and E. All
bioassays must be performed at 20° C (±2°) in either
natural seawater or a synthetic seawater adjusted to 30
ppt salinity. If a synthetic seawater is used, the
mixture must be allowed to age sufficiently prior to use.
If natural seawater is used, the influent water must be
checked at the start and finish of each test for all
compounds that will be analyzed as part of the
bioaccumulation testing.
Reference and control sediments must be collected from the
locality specified in Section A. Bulk testing must be
25
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performed for each new batch of sediment.
Control bioassays must maintain an average of 90% survival
rate among the replicates for each species tested.
Failure to maintain the survival rates will invalidate the
testing procedures and require retesting of the control,
reference, and test samples. Standard toxicant tests
must be performed on species used in the suspended
particulate phases when this test is required. The
procedures required for this test are described in
Appendix II.
4. Internal Laboratory Quality Assurance
Before performing the tests, the laboratory must submit
their current Quality Assurance Manual (QAN) for review
by the regional COE/NED office. Once the QAN manual is
accepted annually, only documentation of that approval
is necessary. The manual should include the following:
(a) A list of all analytical equipment (make, model and
year) and devices used in the biological and
chemical work, laboratory calibration methods,
precision and accuracy standards, number of times
standards are checked, maintenance schedules, record
keeping methods, personnel responsibilities, ar.
source of test animals.
(b) Labeling system employed to ensure proper tracking
of samples from collection through analysis to
within the chain of custody procedure documented in
the final report.
5. Laboratory Inspections
The laboratory facilities are subject to periodic
inspection by COE/NED and EPA personnel. Original copies
of data, records, and quality control concerning sediment
testing for a client for a Department of the Army permit
must be maintained for a period of at least five (5) years
and must be available during laboratory inspections.
The COE/NED may require analysis of quality control
samples by any laboratory for the purpose of determining
compliance with its analytical requirements. Such
samples shall be performed at least once per calendar year
or as requested by the COE. The laboratory shall provide
the COE/NED with the analytical results from such quality
control samples upon request. -
The COE/NED will periodically inspect laboratories for the
purpose of evaluating their capabilities in performing
the requirements specified in the Guidance Manual.
26
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REFERENCES
APHA/AWWA/WPCF. 1985. Standard Methods for Examination of Water
and Wastewater. 16th Ed. American Public Health Assoc.,
Washington, D.C. 1268 pp.
Battel]e. 1985. Method for Semivolatile Organic Priority
Pollutants in Fish, Final Report. EPA Contract No. 68-03-1760
EPA, Washington, D.C.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)/Corps of Engineers (COE).
1978. Ecological evaluation of proposed discharge of dredged
material into ocean waters, April 1978. U.S. Army Engineer
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 1986. SW-846 Test methods
for evaluating solid waste. U.S. EPA, Office of Solid Waste
and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C.
Folk, R. 1974. Petrology of Sedimentary Rocks. Hemphill
Publishing Co., Austin, TX.
Guy, H.P. 1969. Laboratory Theory & Methods for Sediment Analysis.
Book 5; U.S. Geological Survey, 55 pp.
Palerino, M.R. 1986. Development of a Modified Elutriate Test for
Estimating the Quality of Effluent for Confined Dredged
Material Disposal Areas. Technical Report D—86-4. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg,
MS.
Palermo, M.R. and E.L. Thackston. 1988. Refinement of Column
Settling Test Procedures for Estimating the Quality of
Effluent from Confined Dredged Material Disposal Areas.
Technical Report D-88-9. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg, MS.
Swartz, R.C., W.A. DeBen, J.K.P. Jones, J.O. Lamberson and F.A.
Cole. 1985. Phoxocephelid Amphipod Bioassay for Marine
Sediment Toxicity. In: Aquatic Toxicology and Hazard
Assessment; Seventh Symposium, ASTM STP 854, R.D. Cardwell,
R. Purdy & R.C. Bahner (eds.). American Society for Testing
and Materials, Philadelphia, PA pp. 284—307.
Tetra Tech, Inc. 1986 a. Analytical Methods for U.S. EPA Priority
Pollutants and 301(h) Pesticides in Estuarine and Marine
Sediments. Final Report. EPA Contract No. 69—01-6938.
Office of Marine & Estuarine Protection, EPA, Washington, D C.
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Tetra Tech, Inc. 1986 b. Bioaccumulation Monitoring Guidance:
4. Analytical Methods for U.S. EPA Priority Pollutants and
301(h) Pesticides from Estuarine and Marine Orgamisms. EPA
Contract No. 68-01-6938. Office of Marine and Estuarine
Protection, EPA, Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE). 1985. USACOE Permit Program,
A Guide for Applicants. Pamphlet EP1145-2-1. May, 1985.
COE/NED, Waltham, MA.
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Appendix I
Acceptable Standard Reference Materials Available in 1989
Matrix Sample Name & No. Analysis Originator
Coastal Marine Sediment BCSS—i Metals NRCC 1
Estuarine Sediment MESS-i Metals NRCC 1
Harbor Sediment PACS-i Metals NRCC 1
Estuarine Sediment SRM 1646 Metals NIST 2
Coastal Marine Sediment CS-i PCB NRCC 1
Harbor Marine Sediment(2) HS-1,HS-2 PCB NRCC’
Fresh Water Sediments PCB in Sediments PCB US EPA 3
Sediments SRM 1939,SRM 1940 PCB NIST 2
(Avaii.mid 89)
Marine Sediments SRM 1941 Organics NIST 2
(Avail.mid 89)
Harbor Marine Sediznents(4) HS-3,HS-4,HS—5,HS—6 PAH NRCC 1
Estuarine Sediment SES-1 PAR NRCC’
Estuarine Sediments SRN l647,SRM 1597 PAR NIST 2
Lobster Tomalley TORT-i Metals NRCC’
Dogfish Muscle DORM—i Metals NRCC’
Dogfish Liver DORM-i Metals NRCC 1
Fish Pesticides in Fish Pesticides USEPk 3
Tissue ______ Metals/ NIST’
(Avail. 1990) Organics
Send requests and price list to the following addresses:
National Research Council of Canada
Marine Analytical Chemistry Standards Program
Division of Chemistry
Montreal Road
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada K1AOR9
Telephone (613) 933—2359
National Institute of Standards & Technology
(NBS Standard Reference Material Catalog)
Office of Standard Reference Materials
Gaithersburg, MD 20899
Telephone (301) 975—6776
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Quality Assurance & Research Division
Rn. 525 EMSL-Cincinatti
Cincinatti, Ohio 45268
Telephone (513) 569—7325
Available free on limited basis(2 per quarter year)
Each has enough sediment/tissue for 2 runs
29
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Appendix IX
STANDARD TOXICANT TEST
All species used by the testing laboratory in the suspended
particulate phase bioassays must undergo 96 hour acute toxicity
tests using the standard toxicant Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
within 30 days of the date of the completion of the sample
bioassay.
Laboratory grade SLS must be prepared immediately before use. Q
not store stock solution of SLS.
Natural seawater may not be used as dilution water for Standard
Toxicant Tests . Synthetic seawater must be prepared as previously
described.
In general, the bioassay procedures described in the Ecoloaical
Evaluation of Proposed Discharae of Dredaina Material into Ocean
Waters. 2nd Drintina , April 1, 1978 (EPA/COE 1978), and Standard
Methods, 16th Edition (APHA/AWWA/WPCF 1985), must be followed.
Tests must be performed in duplicate using 10 organisms per
replicate.
The following geometric series of toxicant concentrations must be
used.
a. Menidia menidia 5.0 ppm, 2.5 ppm, 1.3 ppm, 0.6 ppm, 0 ppm
b. MvsidoDsis bahia 10.0 ppm, 5.0 ppm. 2.5 ppm, 1.3 ppm, 0 ppm
If the highest concentration indicated above does not result in 50%
mortality after 96 hours, progressively higher concentrations must
be used until this mortality rate is obtained.
Control mortality must not exceed 10% or the the results are deemed
unacceptable and the test must be repeated.
A summary of the standard toxicant test must be included in each
Laboratory Report submitted to the COE/NED and must include the
following information (one sheet per organism).
a. Test organism species, source of specimens
b. Test start date, test finish date
c. Brand name of artificial seawater mix and length of time
water was aged prior to use
d. Toxicant brand name and grade
e. The number of live organisms at
0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours
f. Salinity temperature, pH and DO values
at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours
g. Method of calculating LC 5
Ii. LC 50 values with 95% Confidence Intervals
30
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