EPA 910-R-02-001
Upper Columbia River
Expanded Site Inspection Report
Northeast Washington
TDD: 01-02-0028
Contract: 68-S0-01-01
March 2003
Region 10
START-2
Superfund Technical Assessment and Response Tearn
Submitted To: Monica Tonel, Task Monitor
United States Environmental Protection Agency
1200 Sixth Avenue
Seattle, Washington 98101

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UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER
EXPANDED SHE INSPECTION REPORT
NORTH EAST WASHINGTON
TABLE O F C O NTENTS
Section	Page
1.	INTRODUCTION	1-1
2.	BACKGROUND 			2-1
2.1	REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DESCRIPTIONS	2-1
2.2	PHYSICAL SETTING	2-3
2.2.1 Regional Land Management	2-5
2.3	OPERATIONS AND WASTE CHARACTERISTICS	2-5
2.3.1	Mining and Milling 	2-6
2.3.2	Smelters	2-7
2.3.2.1	Former Le Roi/Northport Smelter	2-7
2.3.2.1.1	Smelter Description/Features	2-8
2.3.2.1.2	START-2 Site Visit	2-10
2.3.2.2	Cominco Smelter	2-10
2.3.2.2.1 Trail Smelter Case	2-14
2.3.3	Pulp Industry	2-16
2.3.4	Other Potential Sources of Contamination 	2-18
2.4	PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS	2-18
%
3.	FIELD ACTIVITIES AND ANALYTICAL PROTOCOL 	3-1
3.1	SAMPLING METHODOLOGY	3-3
3.1.1	Sample Identification	3-3
3.1.2	EPA Contract Laboratory Program Sediment Sampling	3-4
3.2	ANALYTICAL PROTOCOLS		3-5
3.3	GLOBAL POSITIONING SYST EM	3-5
3.4	EQUIPMENT DECONT A M IN A T ION AND INVEST 1GAT ION-DERIVED
WASTE		3-5
4.	QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL		4-1
4.1	LABORATORY ANALYSES		4-1
4.2	QA/QC SAMPLES	4-1
4.3	DATA VALIDATION	4-2
4.4	SAT 1SFACT ION OF DATA QUA LIT Y OBJECT IVES	4-2
4.4.1	Precision and Accuracy 	4-2
4.4.2	Completeness 		4-3
4.4.3	Representativeness 	4-3
4.4.4	Comparability	4-3
4.5	LABORATORY AND FIELD QA/QC PARAMETERS	4-3
4.5.1	Holding Times	*	4-4
4.5.2	Initial and Continuing Calibration 	4-4
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TABLEOF CONTENTS (CONTINUED)
Section	page
4.5.3	Laboratory Blanks	4-4
4.5.4	Trip and Rinsate Blanks	4-4
5.	ANALYTICAL RESULTS REPORTING AND BACKGROUND SAMPLES	5-1
5.1	ANALYTICAL RESULTS EVALUATION CRITERIA	5-1
5.2	DATA PRESENTATION	5-2
5.3	BACKGROUND SEDIMENT 	5-2
5.3.) Background Sample Location and Description	5-3
5.3.2	Background Sampling Method	5-3
5.3.3	Background Sample Laboratory Analysis	5-3
5.3.4	Data Quality 	5-3
5.3.5	Background Sediment Sample Analytical Results 	5-4
6.	ANALYTICAL RESULTS	6-1
6.1	SAMPLE LOCATIONS	6-1
6.2	ANALYTICAL RESULTS	6-1
7.	TARGETS/RECEPTORS SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY	7-1
7.1 SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY 	7-1
8.	CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS	8-1
9.	REFERENCES	9-1
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LIST OF APPENDICES
A PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT PETITION
B LAKE ROOSEVELT COOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
C SUMMARY OF COMPOUNDS DETECTED IN SEDIMENT AND SURFACE WATER
SAMPLES
D FIGURES DEPICTING DATA RESULTS OF ARSENIC, CADMIUM, COPPER, LEAD,
MERCURY, AND ZINC, IN TRIBUTARY SEDIMENT SAMPLES
E PHOTOGRAPHIC DOCUMENTATION
F FIELD SAMPLE RECORD FORMS
G SUMMARY OF CHEMICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED AND SUMMARY OF SAMPLE
QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY ASSURANCE AND QUALITY CONTROL
ANALYSIS
H GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM COORDINATES
I DATA QUALITY ASSURANCE REVIEW MEMORANDA AND ANALYTICAL DATA
FORMS (COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLE RESULTS FOR METALS ONLY. ALL
OTHERS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST)
J CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT'S REQUEST
FOR PERMISSION TO CONDUCT SAMPLING IN CANADA
K CHAIN OF CUSTODY FORMS AND DATA VALIDATION REPORTS RELATING TO THE
SEDIMENT SAMPLE COLLECTED FROM LOWER ARROW LAKE DURING THE
ECOLOGY 2001 SAMPLING EVENT
L GRAIN SIZE CLASSIFICATION
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LIST OF TABLES
T able	Page
2-1 Fons of Tail Slag Produced by the Cominco Smelter, 1894 to 1994 	 2-22
2-2 Reported Spills from the Cominco Smelter to the Columbia River, 1987 to 2001, Adapted from
Environment Canada Spilltracker Database	2-25
2-3	Washington State Department of Ecology 2001 Sampling Event Comparison of Metals in Lake
Roosevelt Sediments to FSQVs and Consensus-Based TECs for Freshwater Sediments . . 2-28
3-1	Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Summary Table	3-6
5-1	Upper Columbia River Analytical Methods, Reporting Limits, and Laboratories 	5-5
6-1	Upper Columbia River Sediment Samples Analytical Results Data Summary	6-4
6-2	Comparison of Columbia River Sediment Samples Results to TECs and FSQVs for Freshwater
Sediments 		 . 6-12
7-1	1993 Fish Harvest Data	7-6
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure	Page
2-1 Lake Roosevelt Drainage Basin	2-29
2-2 Upper Columbia River Vicinity Map 		 2-30
2-3 Le Roi/Northport Smelter Sample Location Map	2-31
2-4 Columbia River Teck Cominco Study Area 	2-32
2-5	Columbia River Ecology's Sediment Sampling Location Map	2-33
3-1	Overview of Samples Collected from the Upper Columbia River Project Area	3-11
6-1 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Results-Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead Mercury,
and Zinc (Samples CS0O4 to CS023) 	 6-13
6-2 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Results-Arsenic, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, Mercury,
and Zinc (Samples CS024 to CS052) 	 6-15
8-1 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Copper Results (Samples CSG04
to CS023) 	 8-5
8-2 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Copper Results (Samples CSQ25
to CS052) 	 8-7
8-3 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Lead Results (Samples CS004 to
CS023) 	 8-9
8-4 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Lead Results (&mples CS025 to
CS052) 	"	8-11
8-5 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Zinc Results (Samples CS004 to
CS023) 	 8-13
8-6 Upper Columbia River Sediment Sample Significant/Elevated Zinc Results (Samples CS025 to
CS052) 	 8-15
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LIST OF ACRONYMS
Acronvm
Definition
AMSL
above mean sea level
B.C.
British Columbia
BOR
Bureau of Reclamation
Celgar
Celgar Pulp Company
CERCLA
Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980
CLP
Contract Laboratory Program
COCs
contaminants of concern
Cominco
Teck Cominco Metals, Ltd.
CRDL
Contract Required Detection Limit
CSR
Contaminated Sites Regulation
CWA
Clean Water Act
DFAIT
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
dioxins
polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins
DQOs
data quality objectives
E & E
Ecology and Environment, Inc.
Ecology
Washington State Department of Ecology
EPA
United States Environmental Protection Agency
ERA
ecological risk assessment
ESI
expanded site inspection
FSQVs
freshwater sediment quality values
furans
polychlorinated dibenzo furans
OPS
Global Positioning System
HRS
Hazard Ranking System
ID
identification
IDW
investigation-derived waste
IJC
International Joint Commission
kg/d
kilograms per day
LRWQC
Lake Roosevelt Water Quality Council
MEL
Environmental Laboratory
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LIST OF ACRONYMS (CONTINUED)
Acronvm
Definition
mg/kg
milligrams per kilogram
MHW
mean high water
MRL
method reporting limit
MS
matrix spike
MSD
matrix spike duplicate
NCA
North Creek Analytical
NPS
National Park Service
NPL
National Priorities List
PA
preliminary assessment
PCBs
polychlorinated biphenyls
pesticides
chlorinated pesticides
QA
quality assurance
QC
quality control
%R
percent recovery
RM
river mile
RPD
relative percent difference
SARA
Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
SOW
statement of work
SQAP
sampling and quality assurance plan
SQGs
sediment quality guidelines
SQLs
sample quantitation limits
START
Superfund T echnical Assessment and Response Tearn
SVOCs
semivolatile organic compounds
TAL
Target Analyte List
TDD
Technical Direction Document
TDL
target distance limit
TECs
threshold effects concentrations
TOC
total organic carbon
U.S.
United States
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LIST OF ACRONYMS (CONTINUED)
Acronym	Definition
USGS	United States Geological Survey
VOCs	volatile organic compounds
WESTON	Roy F. Weston, Inc.
WSDFW	Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife
WSDH	Washington State Department of Health
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UPPER CO LUMBIA RIVER
EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION REPORT
NO RTH EAST WASHINGTON
1. INTRODUCTION
Pursuant to United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Superfund Technical
Assessment and Response Team (START)-2 Contract Nos. 68-S0-01-01 and 68-S0-01-02,
Ecology and Environment, Inc. (E & E) and Roy F. Weston, Inc. (WESTON) conducted an expanded site
inspection (ESI) of sediment contamination in the upper Columbia River and its tributaries from the
United States (U.S.)-Canada border downstream to approximately river mile (RM) 675 near Inchelium,
Washington.
The ESI, under the authority of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and
Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA) and the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization Act of 1986
(SARA), is intended to collect sufficient data to determine a site's potential for inclusion on the National
Priorities List (NPL) and establish priorities for additional action, if warranted. The assessment process
does not include extensive or complete site characterization, contaminant fate determination, or
quantitative risk assessment.
The EPA assessment of hazardous substance contamination in the upper Columbia River area
was conducted in response to a formal Preliminary Assessment (PA) Petition submitted by the
Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian Reservation (also known as the Colville Confederated Tribes)
under Section 105(d) of CERCLA, 42 U.S.C. § 9605(d). A copy of the PA Petition dated August 2,
1999, is provided in Appendix A. Under the authority of CERCLA and SARA, the EPA completed a PA
of the upper Columbia River, from the U.S.-Canada border to the Grand Coulee Dam (E & E 2000). The
PA, which is the first phase in the site assessment process, was completed in December of 2000 and
included an evaluation of information and data from previous studies.
Based on the findings of the upper Columbia River PA, the EPA determined that sediment
sampling of the upper Columbia River was necessary to determine if releases of hazardous substances are
occurring and if there is a potential for releases to affect human health and the environment. Sampling
activities associated with the ESI occurred in the upper Columbia River and its tributaries from the U.S.-
Canada border to RM 675 near Inchelium, Washington. However, previous studies indicate that
hazardous substances are present to the Grand Coulee Dam. Field sampling of the upper Columbia River
was conducted in the spring and summer of 2001.
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Sediment sampling activities in the upper Columbia River were carried out by WESTON under
Technical Direction Document (TDD) No. 01-02-0001. Efforts to identify potential sources of
contamination to the upper Columbia River, including visits to 60 mines and mills in Stevens County and
Pend Oreille County, Washington, were conducted by E & E under TDD Nos. 01-02-0028 and
01-08-0009, respectively.
A summary of findings and recommendations for each of the 39 mine and mill sites visited in
Stevens County, Washington, can be found in the Upper Columbia River Mines and Mills Preliminary
Assessments and Site Inspections Report (E & E 2002a), A summary of findings and recommendations
for each of the 21 mine and mill sites visited in Pend Oreille County, Washington, can be found in the
Lower Pend Oreille River Mines and Mills Preliminary Assessments and Site Inspections Report
(E & E 2002b).
This document presents the objectives, sampling activities, and results of the sediment sampling
event conducted by WESTON in the upper Columbia River. Included are background information
(Section 2), field activities and analytical protocol (Section 3), quality assurance (QA)/quality control
(QC; Section 4), analytical results reporting and background samples (Section 5), analytical results
(Section 6), the targets/receptors in the surface water migration pathway (Section 7), conclusions and
recommendations (Section 8), and references (Section 9).
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2. BACKGROUND
This ESI was intended to collect sufficient data to support a Hazard Ranking System (HRS)
evaluation of the upper Columbia River and to assess the need for additional detailed investigation and/or
response action. Accordingly, the sampling objectives defined for the upper Columbia River ESI are to:
•	Document a threat or potential threat to public health or the environment posed by
sediment contamination in the upper Columbia River;
•	Assess the need for additional detailed investigation and/or response action in the upper
Columbia River; and
•	Determine the potential for placement of the Upper Columbia River site on the NPL.
A sampling and quality assurance plan (SQAP) describing field activities to be conducted by
WESTON in the upper Columbia River was developed prior to commencement of fieldwork
(WESTON 2001a). The SQAP describes the sampling strategy, sampling methodology, and analytical
program to be used to investigate sediment contamination in the upper Columbia River.
2.1 REGIONAL CHARACTERISTICS AND DESCRIPTIONS
The Columbia River flows from northern British Columbia (B.C.), Canada, generally south
through eastern Washington, and then west, forming part of the border between Washington and Oregon,
and eventually emptying into the Pacific Ocean. A reservoir, Franklin D. Roosevelt Lake (commonly
known as Lake Roosevelt), was formed on the Columbia River by the construction of the Grand Coulee
Dam (USGS 1994). Lake Roosevelt extends about 135 miles upstream from the dam, reaching to within
15 miles of the international boundary with Canada (USGS 1994). The Columbia River is the principal
inflow to Lake Roosevelt and contributes about 90% of the flow from a large drainage area in Canada
and the U.S. (USGS 1994). In addition to the Columbia River, four other major rivers flow directly into
Lake Roosevelt: the Kettle, Colville, Spokane, and Sanpoil rivers (USGS 1994). The Pend Oreille River
flows into the main stem of the Columbia River just north of the U.S.-Canada border (Figure 2-1; USGS
1994). The portion of the river addressed in this report, and referred to as the upper Columbia River,
extends approximately 70 RMs through northeast Washington from the U.S.-Canada border to
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approximately RM 675 near Inchelium, Washington, crossing portions of both Ferry and Stevens
counties (Figure 2-2).
The construction of Grand Coulee Dam, a federal reclamation project, was completed in 1940 on
a portion of the Columbia River that forms the southern boundary of the Colville Reservation
(DOI 1977). A multi-purpose project, it provides flood control, irrigation, hydropower production,
recreation, stream flows, and fish and wildlife benefits. Lake Roosevelt, behind the dam, has over
5,000,000 acre feet of active storage (BOR2003).
In an Act dated June 29, 1940, the U.S. Congress required the Secretary of the Interior to
designate the Indian lands to be taken in aid of the project, and granted all right, title, and interest in such
designated lands to the U.S., subject to the provisions of the Act. The area designated by the Secretary to
be taken by the U.S. in aid of the project included traditional Tribal lands extending from the original bed
of the river to the nearest contour line indicating an elevation of 1,310 feet above sea level. Another
provision of the Act required the Secretary to set aside approximately one-fourth of the reservoir area
above the dam for the paramount use of the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Spokane Tribe for
hunting, fishing, and boating purposes. Pursuant to this provision, the Secretary in 1946 designated an
area, the so-called "Indian zone," which comprises essentially all of the freeboard, drawdown, and water
area inside the original boundaries of the reservations except for the area immediately around the dam.
The zone extends to the center line of Lake Roosevelt from the Colville side, except where the Colville
and Spokane reservations are adjacent to one another across the lake. There, the zone includes the entire
reservoir with the exception of a strip in the center of the lake half a mile wide, which was preserved by
the Secretary as a navigation lane. (DOI 1977)
Pursuant to a tri-party agreement among the U. S. Department of the Interior National Park
Service (NPS), the Office of Indian Affairs, and the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), dated December 18,
1946, the BOR has primary responsibility for overseeing administration of the reservoir area. The
general public is presently permitted to have equal use of the Indian zone with the Indians, under the
supervision of the NPS. In addition, the tribes have the power to regulate hunting, fishing, and boating
by non-Indians in the Indian zone. (DOI 1977)
The bed of the Columbia River and of its tributary, the Spokane River, was not designated by the
Secretary pursuant to the 1940 Act, and the tribes were not compensated for any taking with respect to
the riverbed. Accordingly, the action taken by the Secretary pursuant to the 1940 Act has not changed
the tribes' title, and the Secretary held that each tribe has full equitable title to that part of the riverbed
which is within the exterior boundaries of its reservation. (DOI 1977)
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The reservoir developed into a major recreational and economic resource for the surrounding
area (E & E 2000). In 1946, the Secretary, by his approval of an agreement between the BOR, the
Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the NPS, designated the NPS as the manager of the Lake Roosevelt
National Recreation Area (DOI 2000). The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, comprising the
lake and its shorelines, attracts more than 1 million visitors per year (E & E 2000). The National
Recreation Area ends south of Northport at Onion Creek. The distance from Grand Coulee Dam to
Onion Creek is approximately 132 miles (DOI 2000).
Recreational opportunities on or in the National Recreation Area's waters include motorboating,
waterskiing, sailing, swimming, and fishing. Land-based activities include camping, hiking, picknicking,
wildlife watching, and sightseeing. Lake Roosevelt is one of the few large lakes in northwestern
Washington that has an abundance of shoreline that is accessible to the public for recreational use.
(DOI 2000)
The National Recreation Area lies within the ancestral homelands of the Colville and Spokane
Tribes. The National Recreation Area also contains some of the lands that were originally part of the
North Half of the Colville Reservation (DOI 2000). Former reservation lands in the area from the
northern border to the Canadian border are referred to by the Colville Confederated Tribes as the "North
Half." In 1891, the Colville Confederated Tribes entered into an agreement with the U.S., ceding the 1.5
million acre North Half for one dollar per acre, but reserving hunting, gathering, fishing, and water rights
thereon, including within the North Half portions of the Columbia and Okanogan rivers. The U.S.
Supreme Court has affirmed the validity and vitality of the Tribes' reserved rights in the North Half (see
PA Petition, Appendix A). The Colville Confederated Tribes maintain reserved rights on some of these
lands and both the Colville Confederated Tribes and the Spokane Tribe maintain an active interest in
their management (DOI 2000).
2.2 PHYSICAL SETTING
The Colville Indian Reservation borders Lake Roosevelt on the north and west for approximately
93 RMs. Within this stretch there are several communities, the largest being Coulee Dam, Keller, and
Inchelium. North and west of Lake Roosevelt, the terrain is mountainous and mostly forested, with a
small amount of farmland. The area is thinly populated, with about 3.2 persons per square mile. The
area is mainly made up of national forest and Colville Indian Reservation lands. Logging and mining
dominate the economy. (DOI 2000)
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The Spokane Indian Reservation borders Lake Roosevelt to the east for about 8 miles, just north
of the Spokane Arm (confluence of the Spokane River with the Columbia River). The area east of Lake
Roosevelt is a mixture of forest and farmland, with a population density of 14.3 persons per square mile.
Forest products manufacturing dominates the economy. The area south of Lake Roosevelt and the
Spokane Arm is generally flat with low rolling hills. The population density is 4.2 persons per square
mile, and agriculture is the main livelihood. (DOI 2000)
The study area is within the Okanogan Highlands physiographic province. The Columbia River
flows generally south through this province. The Okanogan Highlands province is characterized by
rounded mountains with elevations up to 8,000 feet above sea level and deep, narrow valleys. The
Columbia River divides the Okanogan Highlands into two regions: to the east of the river are the Selkirk,
Chewelah, and Huckleberry mountains; to the west are the Kettle, Sanpoil, and other mountains. (DNR
2003)
The eastern portion of the Okanogan Highlands contains the oldest sedimentary and
metamorphic rocks in the state. Miogeosynclinal metasedimentary rocks of the Precambrian Belt
Supergroup, Windermere Group, and Deer Trail Group extend from B.C. south to the Columbia River.
Precambrian dikes and sills cut these ancient rocks. The Precambrian metasedimentary rocks are
overlain by Paleozoic marine rocks. All these rocks were subjected to metamorphism during Jurassic
through Eocene time. (DNR 2003)
The western portion of the Okanogan Highlands contains eugeosynclinal metasedimentary rocks.
These rocks were juxtaposed with the miogeosynclinal metasedimentary rocks of the eastern Okanogan
Highlands by Jurassic-Cretaceous thrust faulting. Permian and Triassic volcanic flows and sedimentary
rocks in the western Okanogan Highlands also were subject to diverse intrusive events during the
Jurassic and then again in the Cretaceous periods. (DNR 2003)
The Okanogan Highlands were subjected to tectonism, plutonism, volcanism, sedimentation,
development of gneiss domes, and epithermal precious metal deposition during the Eocene Epoch.
Overprinted on the Okanogan Highlands are massive gneiss domes and north-south trending grabens.
(DNR 2003)
The Okanogan Highlands were covered fay great ice sheets during the Pleistocene Epoch. As the
ice sheets retreated to the north, lakes formed in the valleys of the Columbia and Pend Oreille rivers.
Along the Canadian boundary, terrace deposits indicate lake levels 2,000 feet above current sea level.
Melt waters filled these lakes with sand, silt, and clay. (DNR 2003)
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2.2.1 Regional Land Management
Initially, the NPS managed all the lands surrounding Lake Roosevelt that had been acquired or
withdrawn by the BORfor construction of the reservoir. In 1974, the Secretary of the Interior directed
that management for all lands within the reservations not needed for operation of the reservoir be
returned to the tribes, and a cooperative management agreement be developed. The Lake Roosevelt
Cooperative Management Agreement, approved in 1990 by the Secretary of the Interior and signed by the
BOR, the NPS, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Spokane Tribe of Indians, and the Colville Confederated
Tribes, confirms the roles and areas of management responsibility of Lake Roosevelt for the various
parties. In addition to delineating management responsibilities, the agreement recognized the Lake
Roosevelt National Recreation Area as an existing unit of the National Park system (DOI 2000). A copy
of the existing Lake Roosevelt Cooperative Management Agreement is provided in Appendix B.
The Lake Roosevelt Water Quality Council (LRWQC), which includes members from federal,
state, and local governments; the Colville Confederated Tribes; the Spokane Tribe of Indians; citizen
groups; and individuals, was formed in 1990 to protect and maintain the aquatic environment of Lake
Roosevelt. The LRWQC, in conjunction with Washington State University, developed a Management
Plan and continues coordination of water quality and air quality studies. The LRWQC has no
independent implementation or enforcement authority and leaves these critical functions to the
appropriate authorities.
2.3 OPERATIONS AND WASTE CHARACTERISTICS
In late winter through early summer, substantial fluctuations in lake levels can occur due to BOR
undertaking flood control measures. The degree of drawdown is based on snowmelt predictions. The
normal operating range on the lake is between 1,290 feet above mean sea level (AMSL; full pool) to
1,208 feet AMSL, resulting in seasonal lake level fluctuations in excess of 80 feet. During drawdown,
acres of bed and bank sediments of Lake Roosevelt are exposed. In mid- to late August, BOR can draw
down the lake for fisheries management purposes in response to the 2000 National Marine Fisheries
Service Biological Opinion concerning operation of the Federal Columbia River Power System which
requires drawdown as necessary within specified limits in an attempt to meet the summer flow
objectives and to provide colder water for the benefit of migrating juvenile salmonids (NMFS2000).
These operations also benefit adults in passage by moderating temperatures (NMFS2000).
Water quality conditions, including the dispersion of hazardous substances, can be affected by
dams and reservoirs (BPA 1994). Coarser sediments entering a reservoir typically deposit at the head of
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pools (BPA 1994). The finer sediments, such as silt and clay, are deposited near or transported past the
dams (BP A 1994). Pollutants entering the mainstem can adsorb to sediments, mostly to silt and clay, and
be transported and accumulate with them (BPA 1994). When lake levels are lowered significantly, the
accumulated sediments can be scoured and transported downstream (BPA 1994). During these times,
pollutants adsorbed to sediments can become dissolved in the water column (BPA 1994).
Previous studies carried out on the upper Columbia River Basin indicated elevated levels of
arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in sediment and fish in Lake Roosevelt and the upper reach of
the Columbia River. The Washington State Department of Health currently has fish advisories issued for
the consumption of walleye, whitefish, and sturgeon in Lake Roosevelt due to mercury and dioxin
concerns (WSDH 2002a). Previous studies have found elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (dioxins), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (furans) in
water, sediment, and fish samples collected from the upper Columbia River. (E & E 2000)
Sources of contamination that have contributed to this contamination include mining and milling
operations, smelting operations, pulp and paper production, sewage treatment plants, and other industrial
activities. These contaminant sources are summarized in the following subsections.
2.3.1 Mining and Milling
Numerous mining and milling operations along the tributaries feeding the upper Columbia River
in the U.S. and in Canada have existed since the late 1800s. Although claims were staked earlier,
development of resources in the area did not become economically feasible until approximately the
1890s, when ore concentration processes were developed. Ores were concentrated in mills built at or
close to each mine, significantly reducing transportation costs. Concentrated ores were transported to
smelters for further refining. Large amounts of ore process wastes containing arsenic, cadmium, copper,
lead, mercury, and zinc were produced during these operations. (E & E 2000)
The Northport area was comprised mostly of lead-zinc mines (Ecology 2000). Low-grade lead
and zinc ore concentration processes involved physical crushing, pulverizing, and classifying using a
stream of water, followed by a flotation process. Flotation was accomplished by adding reagents to the
fines and then skimming off the resulting concentrated metals. Reagents used in this process included
pine oil, cresylic acid, alcohols, eucalyptus oils, coal tar (wood creosotes), flotation reagents, xanthates,
thiocarbonilides, lime soda ash, copper sulfate, sodium cyanide, and sodium silicate. The cleaned
concentrate then was dried on a vacuum filter and sent to a smelter for refining. (Orlob 1950)
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Mine and mill sites identified by the EPA as potential sources of contamination to tributaries that
discharge to the upper Columbia River were visited as part of the ESI. A summary of the findings and
recommendations for each of the mine and mill sites visited in Stevens and Pend Oreille counties,
Washington, are presented in separate reports (E & E 2002a; E & E 2000).
2.3.2 Smelters
Smelters in the vicinity of the upper Columbia River watershed include the former
Le Roi/Northport Smelter in Northport, Washington, and the Teck Cominco Metals, Ltd. (Cominco)
facility in Trail, B.C.
2.3.2.1 Former Le Roi/Northport Smelter
The Le Roi/Northport Smelter is a former smelter located northeast of the town center of
Northport, Washington, along Highway 25. The city of Northport is located in Stevens County along the
east bank of the Columbia River approximately 7 miles south of the U.S.-Canada border. (URS 1993)
The Northport-Waneta Road borders the Le Roi/Northport Smelter site along the south and east.
Highway 25 defines the western boundary of the site. The Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway
(formerly the Spokane Falls and Northern Railroad) runs parallel to the Columbia River and designates
the northern property boundary. The Columbia River is located approximately 200 feet north of the
Le Roj/Northport Smelter property. Properties west of the site are residential homes. Smelter Hill is
located directly east of the site and Silver Crown Mountain is south of the site. A city park with an area
of approximately 10 acres is located northwest of the site alongthe Columbia River, approximately
50 feet from the site. The park is accessed by means of a road on the southwest corner of the site.
(Figure 2-1; URS 1993)
The Le Roi/Northport Smelter property encompasses approximately 32 acres and is accessed
from the Northport-Waneta Road via Highway 25 (SAIC 1997). Access to the Le Roi/Northport Smelter
site is not restricted (URS 1993). The ground surface generally slopes toward the Columbia River in
elevation from about 1,360 feet AMSL at the site to 1,290 feet AMSL, the normal pool elevation for the
Columbia River (SAIC 1997). The former smelter buildings, which are no longer standing, included the
furnace building, the roaster building, and the crusher and ore building (Heritage 1981).
In the 1890s, a flurry of mining activities evolved in northeastern Washington and southern B.C.
In 1892, D.C. Corbin, owner of the Spokane Falls and Northern Railroad, built a rail line to reach the
town of Northport, then consisting of a lumber mill and several tents. The railroad tracks were located
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adjacent to the Le Roi site. In 1896, Mr. Corbin donated the site to the Le Roi Mining and Smelting
Company for the construction of the Breen Copper Smelter. The smelter location was chosen because
the area contained large quantities of materials necessary for smelting, such as limerock and flux. (URS
1993)
In 1896, the Breen Copper Smelter began refining copper and gold ores from mines in northeast
Washington, as well as copper ore from B.C., for the Le Roi Mining and Smelting Company (Northport
Pioneers 1981). In 1901, the Le Roi Company Smelting Operations reorganized with the Red Mountain
Smelting Operations to become the Northport Smelting and Refining Company (URS 1993). By 1908, it
was one of the largest smelters on the West Coast, processing 500 tons of ore per day (URS 1993). In
1909, the smelter closed because of competition from another smelter located in Trail, B.C. (URS 1993).
During World War I, the government demand for lead encouraged the Northport Mining and Smelting
Company to reopen and process the lead ores that had been discovered at Leadpoint, Washington,
approximately 9 miles east of Northport (URS 1993). In September 1914, Jerome Day purchased the
smelter and renovated it to accommodate lead ores (URS 1993). The government curtailed its lead
purchases in 1921, and subsequently, the smelter closed and was dismantled in 1922, after 24 years of
sporadic operation (E & E 2000). After the smelter closed, the American Smelting and Refining
Company purchased the site. The company removed the smelting equipment and transported it to a
smelter elsewhere (URS 1993). Sometime between 1922 and 1953, the inactive site was purchased by
J.D. Harms. Between 1953 and 1969, a lumber mill went into operation on the property (URS 1993). In
1975, Cecil Frazier purchased the property and operated a lumber mill (URS 1993). In 1985, Steve
Frazier purchased the property and business and operated the lumber mill under the name SSF Building
Materials until the property was sold in 2001 to KES Contracting, Trail, B.C., the current owner.
2.3.2.1.1 Smelter Description/Features
The Breen Copper Smelter treated copper and gold ores transported from Rossland Mine located
in B.C. The initial smelter operations were rudimentary and involved releases of large quantities of
pollutants. The ore was difficult to process; however, it contained high enough amounts of copper and
gold to make the process worthwhile. The ore was burned or heated to release the minerals. The burning
released high amounts of sulfur dioxide into the air. (URS 1993)
The copper and gold ore was processed by heap roasting, which involves open burning of the raw
ore prior to placing it in a furnace. A slag brick platform was utilized for the initial burning, or heap
roasting, of the ore. The ore was piled on the brick platform to an approximate depth of 4 feet. Cord
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wood was then stacked on top of the ore pile and ignited. During this process, gold and copper were
freed for smelting. The Northport city water wells are currently located on the brick platform area.
(Heritage 1981)
The burned ore was then placed into the furnace where the separation of the minerals occurred.
Lime rock was used during the flux process. Tap holes were located at different levels in the furnace to
draw off the minerals and rocks (including iron, copper, and slag rock). The tap hole for the iron and
slag rock was located on the front end of the furnace about six inches higher than the copper tap hole.
The iron and slag rock collected was considered waste. The tap hole for the copper was located on the
side of the furnace. The copper matte was collected and loaded into box cars for shipment to a copper
refinery. (Heritage 1981; URS 1993)
Because gold is heavy, it settled to the bottom of the furnace and formed a gold matte. After the
gold accumulated to a thickness of 14 inches, the furnace was shut down. Once the furnace and materials
cooled, the sides of the furnace were removed to gain access to the gold matte, which was then pried
from the furnace and cut into pieces before being loaded into box cars and shipped to a gold refinery,
(Heritage 1981)
In the operational period of the copper and gold smelter, two large steam engines, fueled by coal,
provided power. Both flywheel steam engines were hooked onto one long line shaft. On the other end of
the line shaft, a dynamo produced 10,000 volts of electricity prior to being boosted by a generator that
provided up to 100,000 volts. When the smelter reopened to process lead ores, a high-voltage line from
Canada supplied the power, and the steam plant was shut down. (URS 1993)
The lead smelter used a process more sophisticated than that used in the copper and gold process,
although a large quantity of sulfur (approximately 30 tons per day) was still being discharged into the air.
Filters for the smokestacks were added later. (URS 1993)
The abandoned and dismantled smelter remained inactive after closure in 1922. The town of
Northport demolished the buildings for the usable brick. One building retained enough walls to provide
an ice-skating rink during the winter. The railroad was abandoned and the tracks salvaged. (URS 1993)
The smelting operations produced a waste referred to as slag. The slag was usually placed in
piles near the smelter for temporary or permanent disposal. Sag also was discharged from the furnaces
directly into the Columbia River via underground waterways (Sanborn Map Company 1908). The
contaminants of concern (COCs) in the slag include arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, zinc, and
other metals commonly associated with the smelting process.
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2.3.2.1.2 START-2 Site Visit
On June 29, 2001, START-2 and EPA personnel visited the sandbar/beach area at the Northport
boat launch, located approximately 200 feet north of the Le Roi/Northport Smelter property. ST ART-2
and EPA personnel observed black glassy sand-like material along the bank of the Columbia River at the
sandbar/beach and boat launch areas. The ST ART-2 characterized the material as slag. ST ART-2
personnel collected sediment samples at locations along the Columbia River at the sandbar/beach and
boat launch areas. Brick remnants were observed scattered along the bank of the Columbia River near
the boat launch area.
On September 13, 2001, ST ART-2; EPA personnel; Don Hurst of Fulcrum Environmental; and
Murray McConnachie, the property owner representative, conducted a walk-through of the former
Le Roi/Northport Smelter site. An area of slag bricks was observed south of the former smelter
operations. The slag bricks were observed to be glassy black. A potential former tailings pile was
observed west of the slag brick area. Stone foundations and old brick walls from the former smelter
facility remain on the site. The majority of these remains are located on the northern portion of the
property. One of three original smokestacks is still standing. This remaining stack was reported as the
second largest stack, being only half the size of the largest stack. It stands approximately 75 feet high
and has a maximum width of approximately 10 feet.
The ST ART-2 collected sediment and soil samples from locations on the property and sediment
from the Columbia River (Figure 2-3). The results of the nine sediment samples collected from the
sandbar/beach and boat launch areas on the Columbia River are included in Table 6-1. A detailed
discussion of sampling activities conducted, sample results, recommendations, and conclusions, can be
found in the Upper Columbia River Mines and Mills Prelim inary Assessments and Site Inspections
Report (E & E 2002a).
2.3.2.2 Cominco Smelter
The Cominco smelter is located approximately 10 RMs upstream of the U.S.-Canada border
(Figure 2-2). Smelter operations have been underway in Trail, B.C., since 1896 (G3 Consulting 200 la).
The smelter became known as Consolidated Mining and Smelting Company of Canada, Ltd. in 1906, was
officially renamed Cominco in 1966, and merged with Teck Ltd. to become Teck Cominco Metals, Ltd.
in 2001 (G3 Consulting 200 lb). The facility primarily produced lead and silver during the first decade of
operation, with zinc production initiated in 1916. Fertilizer plants were built at the Trail smelter in 1930,
facilitating the production of both nitrogen- and phosphorus-based fertilizers. While the Trail smelter
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was originally built to process materials from local mines, ore concentrates are currently obtained from
mining operations throughout the world. In addition to lead, zinc, cadmium, silver, gold, bismuth,
antimony, indium, germanium, and arsenic, this facility also produces sulfuric acid and liquid sulfur
dioxide. Ammonia, ammonium sulfate, and phosphate fertilizers were also produced at the fertilizer
plant until August 1994, at which time production of the phosphate-based fertilizer was terminated.
(MacDonald 1997)
Historically, effluent from Cominco has been discharged to the Columbia River through five
outfalls: one outfall from the Warfield Fertilizer Operation, three submerged outfalls from the
metallurgical plants, and one from the slag launder system. A trend graph of metals in effluents from the
metallurgical operation from 1980 to 1996 demonstrates that the average discharges for dissolved metals
were as high as 18 kilograms per day (kg/d) of arsenic, 62 kg/d of cadmium, 200 kg/d of lead, and 7,400
kg/d of zinc. Additionally, fertilizer plant operations contributed up to 4 kg/d of total mercury and
350 kg'd of dissolved zinc. (Cominco 1997)
The Cominco lead/zinc smelter process produces slag as a by-product. This slag undergoes a
fuming process in fuming furnaces which allows recovery of substantial quantities of metals, in particular
lead and zinc. This fuming process involves injection of air and coal into molten slag, driving off metals
that are then recovered as an oxide fume (Nener 1992). At the end of a fuming cycle, molten-treated slag
is granulated with water, and the slurry discharged to the Columbia River (Nener 1992). This procedure
of discharging began when operations first started and continued through to mid-1995 (Nener 1992). The
slag is a black, glassy material which contains copper, lead, and zinc. Other metals also are present. The
bulk of the material has the size and texture of sand; however, approximately 1% by weight consists of
fines which have a broken egg-shell or needle-like morphology. (Nener 1992)
Cominco tail slag has been demonstrated to contain concentrations of copper ranging from 1% to
2.99%, lead ranging from 0.1% to 3.38%, and zinc ranging from 2.5% to 15.6% (Nener 1992; Gawryletz
1998). Reports documenting the yearly and daily amount of tail slag released to the Columbia River
from the Cominco smelter have not been located, however, these values can be estimated based on the
amount of lead produced and the amount of blast furnace slag produced (Logan 1990). Cominco has
reported that the amount of blast furnace slag produced is equal to 140% of the amount of lead produced,
while the amount of tail slag produced is equal to 85% of the amount of blast furnace slag produced
(Logan 1990). Using this information, it is estimated that 13,410,864 tons of tail slag were produced
from the Cominco smelter over the course of operations from 1894 to 1994 (Table 2-1; Hurst 2003).
Since the completion of the Grand Coulee Dam in 1940, it is est imated that 11,794,455 tons of tail slag
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were produced and potentially discharged to the Columbia River by the Cominco smelter. The greatest
lead production occurred in 1942, resulting in the generation of approximately 292,502 tons of tail slag.
The average daily quantity of sfag potentially discharged to the Columbia River for this year is 801 tons.
Under the assumption that treated granulated slag was inert, the smelter reportedly was permitted to
discharge up to 1,000 tons per day (USGS 1994). The amount of slag discharged was reduced in the
mid-1980s to about 450 tons per day (Nener 1992; USGS 1994).
In 1991, concerns expressed by the public and government agencies over the principle of river
discharge prompted Cominco to undertake a research program on the metals-related environmental
properties of slag and an investigation into systems for slag collection and land disposal. Testing of slag
samples was conducted using both the B.C. protocol Special Waste Extraction Procedure and the U.S.
version Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure which are utilized to characterize waste materials.
Based on the test results, Cominco asserted that the data supported its long held position that granulated
slag has a high degree of chemical stability and is essentially inert in the river environment. Cominco
recommended that the implementation of land disposal of slag was not an immediate priority and it could
be delayed without significant environmental consequences until the completion of Phase II of Lead
Smelter Modernization. (Cominco 1991)
A 1992 study by J.C. Nener presents data obtained by the Canadian Department of Fisheries and
Oceans as part of its fisheries assessment on the toxicity of fumed slag to aquatic organisms
(Nener 1992). Fumed slag was collected from Cominco's lead/zinc smelter located at Trail, B.C. and
tested for toxicity using five species of aquatic organisms representative of different levels of the food
chain: Selenastrum capricomutum, a unicellular green algae; Daphnia magna, a zooplanktonic species;
Hyalella azteca, an epibenthic invertebrate; Chironomus tentans, abenthic invertebrate; and
Oncorhynchus mykiss, rainbow trout fingerlings. Slag was found to be detrimental to all species studied.
Results indicate that the five species of organisms tested were all negatively impacted by exposure to
slag, or in some cases supernatants prepared from slag, under study conditions. Results of inductively
coupled argon plasma scans on bioassay water collected at the completion of each bioassay indicated that
elevated levels of copper and zinc may have been at least partly responsible for the acute toxicity
observed. Results of histological analyses performed on rainbow trout exposed to slag indicated that slag
also caused mortality by abrading delicate exposed surfaces such as gills. Extrapolation of these results
to the Columbia River would be speculative; however, bioassay results clearly show that slag is not
biologically inert and therefore suggest that there may be some potential to negatively impact organisms
in the receiving environment. (Nener 1992)
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In 1993, the Washington State Department of Health (WSDH) completed a review of the
toxicological effects of Cominco smelter slag on aquatic organisms in the Columbia River. The WSDH
concluded that the studies they evaluated contradicted previous conclusions that Cominco slag leaches
little and is biologically inert. The laboratory studies they reviewed confirmed that Cominco slag was
toxic to the aquatic species tested due to the leaching of significant amounts of copper and zinc and/or
physical abrasion of vital tissues such as gills. (Patrick 1993)
According to a summary report prepared by consultants to Cominco, the routine discharge of slag
into the Columbia River was discontinued in mid-1995. Prior to this, up to 145,000 tonnes of slag had
been discharged annually, which moved downstream to settle out in slower flowing, sandy areas. The
amount of slag discharged to the Columbia River may have been as high as 186,703 tons per year based
on slag production calculations derived from lead production values. The environmental effects of slag
discharge to the river included both chemical and physical components. Chemical effects included
increased loads of heavy metals and potential bioaccumulation and toxicity problems in river organisms.
Physical effects included scouring of plant and animal life from river substrates, damage to gills and soft
tissues of aquatic insects and fish, and smothering of habitat and food sources. (G3 Consulting 2001 a)
The B.C. Ministry of Environment, Land, and Parks had required the elimination of slag to the
Columbia River by December 1996; however since this time, Cominco has had several releases of slag to
the river during upset conditions. Two specific examples of documented releases that occurred after
Cominco was required to eliminate discharges are as follows: On January 9, 1998, one to two cubic
meters of slag discharged to the river and on April 7, 1998, 1 to 1.5 tonnes of slag were released to the
river (Cominco 1998b; Cominco 1998c).
Cominco's operations have been characterized by frequent accidental releases of contaminants
into the river (MEL&P 1992, MacDonald 1997). While Cominco has installed alarm systems, as well as
containment facilities, in higher risk areas to collect and divert solutions away from the river sewers,
numerous spills occur each year (MacDonald 1997). On 86 days between September 1987 and May
2001, Cominco reported spills of pollutants into the Columbia River (MacDonald 1997; Boyd 2003). Of
particular concern are spills of mercury and large quantities of sulfuric and phosphoric acids. These
substances have a significant impact on effluent quality, ultimately affecting both pollutant loadings and
the pH of receiving waters (MacDonald 1997). Table 2-2 lists reported spills that have entered the
Columbia River from Cominco operations in Trail from 1987 to 2001.
Between 1995 and 1999, the percent reduction for several key metals from all sources (air, slag,
and water) discharged directly into the Columbia River was reported to be 90% for arsenic, 84% for
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cadmium, 99% for copper, 77% for lead, 95% for mercury, and 92% for zinc (G3 Consulting 2001a). A
new lead smelter was commissioned in 1997 and became fully operational in 1999 (G3 Consulting
2001a). With the exception of releases to the Columbia River during upset conditions, Cominco slag
currently is being stockpiled while awaiting purchase (G3 Consulting 2001 a; MacDonald 1997).
Cominco has an active market development program seeking ways to use the slag beneficially (G3
Consulting 2001 a).
Cominco is conducting an ecological risk assessment (ERA) related to the Trail smelter
operations under the Contaminated Sites Regulation (CSR), which is a regulation under the B.C. Waste
Management Act (Beatty 2003). The CSR incorporates provisions for identifying, assessing, and
remediating contaminated sites in B.C. (Beatty 2003). The studies and assessments being conducted for
the Teck Cominco-Trail ERA are reviewed by the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection staff
to ensure they meet the requirements and intent of the CSR (Beatty 2003). The results will be integrated
with the findings of a human health risk assessment conducted by the Trail Lead Task Force. This task
force was composed of representatives from numerous Trail community groups, local government, the
Province of B.C., and Cominco. The Trail Cominco Study Area is shown in Figure 2-4. (Cantox 2000)
In 2001, Cominco initiated a groundwater investigation of the Trail Smelter Facility as part of
their ongoing work to inventory and characterize potential sources of contamination to the environment.
The purpose of the investigation was to obtain an estimate of the quantities of dissolved metals and other
substances discharging into the Columbia River, via groundwater, from under the smelter. The
investigation consisted of the installation and testing of 18 groundwater monitoring wells at eight
locations, including five along the back of the Columbia River. The investigation found evidence of
groundwater contamination (Cominco 1998a).
Additional work planned as part of the groundwater investigation at the smelter site includes five
more monitoring well sites in 2002 to allow a more complete assessment of the contaminant loadings to
the Columbia River. Additionally, regional groundwater investigations will be performed to identify
surface water drainages in the Cominco Study Area that may be effected by contaminated groundwater
discharge (Cominco 1998a).
2.3.2.2.1 TVail Smelter Case
The Cominco smelter discharged sulphur dioxide into the air through a brick stack 409 feet high.
The air pollution traveled south and remained trapped in the northern Stevens County Columbia River
Valley. In 1925, the Trail Smelter increased the discharge of sulfur dioxide into the air from 4,700 to
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10,000 tons a month. The citizens of Northport complained that sulfur pollution was threatening their
health and environment. They insisted that area soils and forests were becoming poisoned with sulfur,
causing their crops and forest land to die. They formed a "Citizens Protective Association" of farmers
and property owners who sent letters of protest to politicians in both Ottawa and Washington. The
matter, known as the Trail Smelter Case of 1926 to 1934, was the first case of air pollution brought
before an international tribunal. (Northport Pioneers 1981)
In 1926, a Northport farmer wrote to Cominco complaining about fumes. Cominco offered to
buy the property of those that had suffered damage. Washington State alien land laws prohibited foreign
corporations from owning American real estate, and the farmer was informed by local officials that he
could not sell his land to Cominco. (Northport Pioneers 1981)
The matter moved to the level of international diplomacy. The U.S. State Department opened
negotiations to collect damages from the Canadian government for the citizens of Northport. The State
Department pressed the case of the U.S. citizens, and the Canadian Consul-General wrote the prime
minister that their nation was facing what amounted to an international lawsuit. The Canadian
government suggested that the fumes problem should be placed on the agenda of the International Joint
Commission (IJC). The IJC did not consider the case until August 1928. In 1931, the IJC recommended
that the Canadian government stop polluting the atmosphere and pay damage's assessed against the
corporation in the amount of $350,000. The U.S. government, speaking for all of the claimants, refused
to accept the $350,000 award, and asked that the case be reexamined by an arbitration tribunal. In 1935,
President Franklin D. Roosevelt formally announced that the Treaty of Arbitration was in effect
(Northport Pioneers 1981). The Tribunal was constituted under, and its powers derived from and limited
by, the Convention between the United States of America and the Dominion of Canada signed at Ottawa
in 1935, also termed "The Convention" (Cloutier 1941). In 1938, the appointed members of the tribunal
announced its decision assessing an additional $78,000 in damages for injuries sustained from 1932 to
1937. They also decided that a regime or measure of control should be applied to the operations of the
Trail Smelter and should remain in full force unless and until modified in accordance with the
amendment or suspension of the regime. The Tribunal also decided that no damage caused by the Trail
Smelter in the Washington State occurred with respect to the period from October 1, 1937 to October 1,
1940. The Tribunal also found that, under the principles of international law, as well as the law of the
U.S., no state has the right to use or permit the use of its territory in such a manner as to cause injury by
fumes in or to the territory of another or the properties or persons therein, when the case is of serious
consequence and the injury is established by clear and convincing evidence. Considering the
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circumstances of the case, the Tribunal held that the Dominion of Canada is responsible in international
law for the conduct of the Trail Smelter. Apart from the undertakings of the Convention, the Tribunal
held that it is the duty of the Government of the Dominion of Canada to see to it that the conduct of the
Trail Smelter be in conformity with the obligation of the Dominion under international law. (Cloutier
1941)
2.3.3 Pulp Industry
Celgar Pulp Company (Celgar) operates a bleach kraft pulp mill in Castlegar, B.C.,
approximately 30 RMs upstream from the U.S.-Canada border (Figure 2-4). From 1961 until mid-1993,
the mill primarily used chlorine in its bleaching process. The pulp mill discharged effluent containing
chlorinated organic compounds, including dioxins and furans, into the Columbia River (USGS 1994).
As a result of concerns about health implications of dioxin and furan levels in fish downstream
of pulp mills, the provincial and federal governments initiated fish sampling in the Columbia River from
1988 to 1990 as part of a nationwide survey. Levels in a variety of species downstream of Celgar,
including rainbow trout, showed low or normal background levels of contamination, with the exception
of whitefish, which showed levels above background. In response to these findings, a consumption
advisory was issued by the local Medical Health Officer recommending that consumers of whitefish
caught in the vicinity of the area from the Hugh Keenlyside Dam to the U.S.-Canada border limit their
consumption to one meal per week. The 1990 whitefish consumption advisory prompted voluntary
changes to the mill's bleach plant to reduce chlorinated furan (i.e., 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofurans)
effluent discharges into the Columbia River. (Celgar 1994)
In 1993, Celgar completed a major expansion and modernization project including the
installation of a new bleach plant that uses chlorine dioxide instead of chlorine for bleaching pulp and a
secondary treatment process for plant effluent. According to Celgar, in the process of modernization,
which included reduction of chlorine usage, the plant reduced discharges of furans and by 1993 had
reduced dioxin and furan concentrations in effluent to below minimum detection limits. In 1995, the
Medical Health Officer removed the whitefish consumption advisory (USGS 1994, Celgar 1994).
As a result of pulp process effluent discharges, a fibre mat formed downstream of Celgar's
outfalls. Fibre mats often form when effluent containing wood debris and pulp fibres is discharged into
an aquatic environment and then settles to the substrate and accumulates. While fibre mats are readily
degraded by microorganisms (producing ammonia and hydrogen sulfide by-products), they often contain
persistent chemicals from pulp production and bleaching processes. Persistent chemicals documented in
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other fibre mats have included polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins, and
heavy metals. (USGS 1994)
In 1994, a physical, chemical, andvideo survey of the fibre mat located downstream of Celgar's
discharge was conducted for comparison with similar surveys done in 1990 and 1992, EVS Consultants
prepared a report on the fibre mat for Celgar which was submitted to the B.C. Ministry of Environment,
Land, and Parks in 1995. The study states that the fibre mat adjacent to the mill had decreased in size
and character as a result of process changes, and that the remaining mat now consisted of black silt
(flyash) and a wood debris mix. Recommended areas of study identified by EVS Consultants include:
characterize the fibre mat for organic contaminants, especially dioxins and furans; assess the toxicity of
the fibre mat to benthic invertebrates; monitor contaminant concentrations of dioxin and furan in
mountain whitefish and suckers for comparison with historical data; conduct an intensive survey of
benthic macroinvertebrates; and, describe and determine the physical extent of the fibre mat. (Celgar
1994)
In July 1998, October 1998, and September 1999, Hatfield Consultants Ltd, consultants for
Celgar, conducted additional field surveys including sublethal toxicological testing of final effluent, an
adult fish survey to evaluate the effects of effluent on fisheries resources, an erosional benthic
invertebrate survey, fibre mat monitoring, and dioxin and furan monitoring of fish tissues and sediments.
As a result of these investigations, Hatfield Consultants LTD concluded the following:
•	Celgar effluent did not negatively impact aquatic life;
•	Nutrient enrichment was not indicated for benthic invertebrate communities near the
facility;
•	Mountain whitefish and largescale suckers near the facility did not appear to be
negatively impacted;
•	Algae (Selenastrum) and invertebrate (C. dubia) reproduction exhibited a very low
toxicity to final effluent within 120 meters of the diffuser;
•	Organochlorine concentrations in the fibre mat had declined, however, downstream
stations (at 120 meters and 160 meters) indicated some toxicity and reduced benthic
invertebrate communities; and
•	Sediment and fish tissue dioxin and furan levels were below the B.C. Ministry of
Environment, Lands, and Parks objectives. (Celgar 2000)
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2.3.4 Other Potential Sources of Contamination
Cominco's 1997 environmental report identified Stoney Creek, located just upstream of the
Cominco smelter near RM 755, as a significant contributor of contaminants to the Columbia River
(Cominco 1998a). Data collected in 1995 show that the concentrations of dissolved arsenic, cadmium,
and zinc in Stoney Creek (Topping Creek) are higher than those in the effluents from the metallurgical
sewers (MacDonald 1997). The Stoney Creek watershed is affected by Teck Cominco's historic waste
dumping and current storage activities, which contribute metal-laden drainage from seepage and surface
runoff, as well as runoff from the urban area and a municipal landfill (G3 Consulting 2001b). Cominco's
1997 environmental report identified seepage from an old landfill site and an old arsenic storage site as
the source of contaminants from Stoney Creek (Cominco 1998a). Teck Cominco completed installation
of a seepage collection system in 1999 to collect and divert water from Stoney Creek (G3 Consulting
2001 b). Water and sediment in Stoney Creek contained elevated arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc
levels compared to other tributaries. Stoney Creek metal levels in both water (loads, calculated as
concentration multiplied by flow) and sediment were reportedly reduced substantially between 1995 and
1999, with the exception of copper levels, which increased in sediment. (G3 Consulting 2001b)
There are 54 storm sewers draining into the Columbia River from the City of Trail, B.C.
(MacDonald 1997). It is likely that storm water and snowmelt drainage from the cities of Trail and
Rossland also contribute significant quantities of contaminants (suspended solids, polynuclear aromatic
hydrocarbons and other hydrocarbons, and metals) to the river (MacDonald 1997). In addition, the
effluents from the municipal sewage treatment plants at Castlegar and Trail contribute to waste loadings
in the system (MacDonald 1997). Permitted waste discharges also enter the upper Columbia River
indirectly via the Colville River. These are mostly treated municipal wastes discharged into the Colville
River from the cities of Colville, Washington, and nearby Chewelah, Washington (USGS 1994).
2.4 PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS
Past investigations of the upper Columbia River have been conducted at varying levels of scope.
A summary of previous investigations is provided in the Upper Columbia River/Lake Roosevelt
Preliminary Assessment Report (E & E 2000). Past sediment studies have demonstrated the presence of
hazardous substances including arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc in sediments collected
from the upper Columbia River.
A 1992 study by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) assessed the sediment quality of Lake
Roosevelt and the reach of the Columbia River downstream from the U.S.-Canada border. The study
10:START-2\01020028NS772
2-18

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area included Lake Roosevelt and the Columbia River from the Grand Coulee Dam to the international
border with Canada. Elevated copper and zinc concentrations were associated with sandy sediment
found in the Northport reach of the Columbia River. In the study, the elevated concentrations in bed
sediments were explained by the presence of slag particles that contained concentrations of these trace
elements as high as 6,000 milligrams per kilogram (mglcg) for copper and 25,000 mg/kg for zinc. The
slag particles, consisting of dark glassy needles and angular grains, were progressively finer at sites with
downstream distance.
The presence of slag is likely a major influence on the benthic invertebrate communities in the
erosional habitat. A benthic invertebrate community includes the different taxa, or types, of invertebrates
that reside in or on the bottom of rivers and lakes. Many invertebrate species that reside in erosional
habitats require the spaces that occur in the substrate matrix. Small grain particles, as in silt or slag, can
reduce liveability by altering water movement, food quality, oxygen availability, and interstitial areas.
An analysis of benthic invertebrate communities in the Columbia River showed evidence of
environmental stress, most likely due to the presence of trace elements in bed sediments or the loss of
physical habitat from slag deposition. The benthic invertebrate communities observed in the erosional
habitats of the study area include midges (chironomids), worms (nematodes), and snails (gastropods).
Aquatic earthworms (oligochaetes), a common component of benthic communities, were not observed
from any of the erosional habitats. Lethal and sublethal effects were observed in laboratory toxicity tests
of selected aquatic organisms exposed to bed sediments collected from the Columbia River near the U.S.-
Canada boundary and from some sites in other reaches of Lake Roosevelt. A detailed discussion of the
study by the USGS can be found in the USGS Open File Report 94-315. (USGS 1994)
In 1994, the USGS, in cooperation with the LRWQC, analyzed a limited amount of fish tissue to
determine levels of mercury and other metals in three fish species (walleye, smallmouth bass, and
rainbow trout) in three reaches within the Columbia River: the reach between Northport and Kettle Falls,
the Spokane River Arm reach, and the Sanpoil reach. The highest concentrations of mercury were found
in walleye samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.11 mg'kg to 0.44 mg/kg. Smallmouth bass and
rainbow trout samples also contained mercury, Jjut at lower concentrations. Although the Federal Food
and Drug Administration standard of 1.0 parts per million was not exceeded, the USGS and WSDH
issued a fact sheet that advised the public to limit consumption of walleye taken from Lake Roosevelt
(USGS 1997). In 1998, the USGS initiated a follow-up fish tissue study to determine present
concentrations of mercury, dioxins and furans, and PCBs, and if possible, determine if concentrations
have changed since the 1994 studies. The study concluded that the concentrations of contaminants in
10:ST ART - 2\01020028\S772
2-19

-------
fish that were identified as a potential threat to human health have either not changed since the 1994
studies, or have decreased. The study found that concentrations of PCBs in rainbow trout remained
elevated and did not appear to be decreasing. Although dioxins and furans were still present in sport fish,
concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofurans had decreased in rainbowtrout, although not in
whitefish. The study found that concentrations of total mercury in walleye decreased by about 50% from
1994 to 1998. However, the WSDH determined that the small sample size collected for this study (eight
fish per reach) was not adequate to change the current consumption recommendations for this species
(Duff 2002).
The WSDH currently has a health advisory in place for the consumption of walleye, whitefish,
and sturgeon from Lake Roosevelt due to mercury anddioxin concerns. The health advisory for mercury
in these fish is a state-wide advisory. (WSDH 2002a)
Studies conducted by the Washington State Department of Ecology (Ecology) and the USGS
have included bioassay tests on Lake Roosevelt and upper Columbia River sediments (Ecology 2001).
Significant toxicity was reported at seven main stem Columbia River locations and near the mouths of
the Kettle and Sanpoil rivers, which are tributaries to the Columbia River (Ecology 2001). Based on the
toxicity results, these nine sediment sites were included on the federal Clean Water Act (CWA) Section
303(d) list of impaired water bodies for 1998 (Ecology 2001). Ecology's new listing policy as it relates
to sediments in Lake Roosevelt remains the same (White 2002).
In May 2001, Ecology conducted a reassessment of sediment toxicity in Lake Roosevelt and the
upstream reach of the Columbia River by analyzing sediment metals and toxicity at the nine sites
previously found to have sediment toxicity, and at a reference site located at Lower Arrow Lake in
Canada. A map showing Ecology's approximate sediment sampling locations is presented in Figure 2-5.
The objectives of the survey were to obtain current data on sediment metals concentrations and toxicity
on the nine CWA 303(d) listed sites within Lake Roosevelt and the upstream reach of the Columbia
River, and to determine if the sites should remain on the CWA 303(d) list. (Ecology 2001)
Sediment samples were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc.
Bioassays for sediment toxicity included Chironomus tentans 20-day survival and growth, Hyalella
azteca 10-day survival, and Microtox® 100% porewater. Ecology noted that sediment samples taken at
the upper Columbia River sampling sites (sites 1 to 3) consisted of a visibly dark sandy mixture, which
Ecology determined could possibly indicated the presence of slag from the Cominco smelter. Elevated
levels of copper and zinc were found at these same three sites. From this information, Ecology
concluded that slag material may still be present in the upper Columbia River. (Ecology 2001)
10:ST ART-2\01020028\S772
2-20

-------
T he study found that metals concentrations and toxicity levels in Lake Roosevelt and upper
Columbia River sediments remain relatively high. Ail but one sampling site (near Grand Coulee Dam)
had at least one elevated toxicity level from the suite of bioassay tests performed on the sediments. In
Lake Roosevelt, cadmium, mercury, and zinc concentrations were elevated, in the upper Columbia River
reach, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc concentrations were elevated. (Era and Serdar 2001)
Although the bioassay listing decisions for the study did not depend on the results of metal
concentrations for Lake Roosevelt sediments, Ecology noted the relationship between sediment toxicity
and metals concentrations. Ecology compared metals concentrations to Freshwater Sediment Quality
Values (FSQVs) for metals in Washington State and to Consensus-Based Threshold Effects
Concentrations (TECs) for freshwater sediments shown in Table 2-3.
Ecology's 2001 sampling found that metals concentrations and toxicity levels in Lake Roosevelt
and the upper Columbia River remain relatively high. Based on the existing policy for CWA 303(d)
listings, eight of the nine sediment sites should be listed on the CWA 303(d) list of impaired water bodies
(Ecology 2001).
10:START-2\0102O028\S772
2-21

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Table 2-1
TONS OF TAIL SLAG PRODUCED BY THE COMINCO SMELTER
1894 to 1994
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
	STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON	




Average Tail Slag

Lead
Blast Furnace Slag
Tail Slag
per Day
Year
(tons)
(tons)
(tons)
(tons)
1894 to 1905
33,577
47,008
39,957
9
1906
7,567
10,594
9,005
25
1907
10,192
14,269
12,128
33
1908
16,078
22,509
19,133
52
1909
21,838
30,573
25,987
71
1910
21,184
29,658
25,209
69
1911
12,013
16,818
14,295
39
1912
13,036
18,250
15,513
43
1913
24,163
33,828
28,754
79
1914
17,309
24,233
20,598
56
1915
20,089
28,125
23,906
65
1916
19,987
27,982
23,785
65
1917
22,130
30,982
26,335
72
1918
19,423
27,192
23,113
63
1919
20,855
29,197
24,817
68
1920
13,237
18,532
15,752
43
1921
28,842
40,379
34,322
94
1922
42,176
59,046
50,189
138
1923
47,971
67,159
57,085
156
1924
80,700
112,980
96,033
263
1925
118,040
165,256
140,468
385
1926
131,053
183,474
155,953
427
1927
145,521
203,729
173,170
474
1928
159,416
223,182
189,705
520
1929
150,217
210,304
178,758
490
1930
151,492
212,089
180,275
494
1931
138,843
194,380
165.223
453
1932
126,619
177.267
150.677
413
1933
127,319
178,247
151,510
415
1934
157,674
220.744
187.632
514
1935
164,329
230.061
195,552
536
1936
182,541
255.557
217,224
595
1937
206,579
289,211
245.829
674
1938
201,574
282.204
239,873
657
1939
191,439
268.015
227,812
624
1940
220,602
308.843
262,516
719
1941
229,203
320,884
272.752
747
1942
245,800
344.120
292.502
801
1943
224,845
314.783
267,566
733
1944
144,267
201,974
171.678
470
1945
163,266
228.572
194,287
532H
1946
165,849
232.189
197.360
: , 			M
2-22
Page 1 of 3

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Table 2-1


TONS OF TAIL SLAG PRODUCED BY THE COMINCO SMELTER


1894 to 1994


UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION

STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON





Average Tail Slag

Lead
Blast Furnace Slag
Tail Slag
per Day
Year
(tons)
(tons)
(tons)
(tons)
1947
162,155
227,017
192,964
529
1948
160,107
224,150
190,527
522
1949
146,176
204,646
173,949
477
1950
170,364
238,510
202,733
555
1951
162,712
227,797
193,627
53.0
1952
183,389
256,745
218,233
598
1953
166,356
232,898
197,964
542
1954
166,379
232,931
197,991
542
1955
149,795
209,713
178,256
488
1956
149,262
208,967
177,622
487
1957
144,017
201,624
171,380
470
1958
134,827
188,758
160,444
440
1959
140,881
197,233
167,648
459
1960
160,079
224,111
190,494
522
1961
171,833
240,566
204,481
560
1962
152,217
213,104
181,138
496
1963
155,001
217,001
184,451
505
1964
151,372
211,921
180,133
494
1965
186,484
261,078
221,916
608
1966
184,871
258,819
219,996
603
1967
187,567
262,594
223,205
612
1968
199,258
278,961
237,117
650
1969
195,822
274,151
233,028
638
1970
219,396
307,154
261,081
715
1971
163,000
228,200
193,970
531
1972
170,000
238,000
202,300
554
1973
172,000
240,800
204,680
561
1974
95,000
133,000
113,050
310
1975
138,000
193,200
164,220
450
1976
142,000
198,800
168,980
463
1977
150,000
210,000
178,500
489
1978
147,000
205,800
174,930
479
1979
140,000
196,000
166,600
456
1980
130,000
182,000
154,700
424
1981
131,500
184,100
156,485
429
1982
126,600
177,240
150,654
413
1983
132,300
185,220
157,437
431
1984
129,700
181,580
154,343
423
1985
132,300
185,220
157,437
431
1986
122,300
171,220
145,537
399
1987
87,700
122,780
104,363
286
1988
132,400
185,360
157,556
432
2-23
Page 2 of 3

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Table 2-1


TONS OF TAIL SLAG PRODUCED BY THE COMINCO SMELTER
1894 to 1994
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Year
Lead
(tons)
Blast Furnace Slag
(tons)
Tail Slag
(tons)
Average Tail Slag
per Day
(tons)
1989
114,100
159,740
135,779
372
1990
71,800
100,520
85,442
234
1991
96,000
134,400
114,240
313
1992
100,900
141,260
120,071
329
1993
96,130
134,582
114,395
313
1994
109,729
153,621
130,578
358
Total
11,269,634
15,777,488
13,410,864

Source: Hurst 2003.
2-24
Page 3 of 3

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Table 2-2

REPORTED SPILLS FROM THE COMINCO SMELTER TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER


1987 TO 2001

ADAPTED FROM ENVIRONMENT CANADA SPILLTRACKER DATABASE

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION

STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Year
Date
Contaminant
Reported Quantity
1987
September 2
Sulphuric acid (50%)
15 metric tons
1988
November 25
Zinc solution (150 grams per liter)
5 metric tons"
1989
May 1
Neutral thickener
60,000 liters
July 16
Gypsum and phosphoric acid
unknown8
July 17
Arsenic
unknown"
August 18
Yellow substance
305 meters long
1990
January 20
Sulphuric acid (93%)
unknown'
March 6
Mercury
14 kilograms
June 11
Sulphuric acid
909 liters
August 24
Sulphuric acid
16,000 liters
September 4
Zinc electrolyte
unknown
1991
January 30
Zinc
576 kilograms
February 5
Copper sulphate solution
3,000 liters
February 7
Phosphoric acid
0.9 to 1.8 metric tons
February 11
Sulfide residue (zinc)
4,546 liters
March 16
Sulphuric acid
4.54 metric tons
April 2
Phosphoric acid
15 metric tons
April 6
Phosphoric acid
1.35 metric tons
April 13
Sulphuric acid (15%)
1,000 liters
Sulphuric acid (160 grams per liter)
unknown
April 21
Zinc return acid (160 grams per liter)
220 liters
May 13
Zinc slurry
22.7 liters
Ammonia
90.9 liters
June 15
Phosphoric acid (weak)
2 metric tons
June 21
Phosphoric acid
unknown
Phosphates
6.7 metric tons
June 24
Phosphoric acid (27%)
2.72 to 3.63 metric tons
August 1
Coal dust/water
220 liters
September 9
Furnace oil
50 metric tons
September 16
Sodium bisulphite (20 liters per minute)
unknown
Sulphuric acid
132 to 176 liters
December 7
Zinc electrolyte
881 liters
December 20
Zinc pressure leach slurry
2,273 liters
1992
March 11
Phosphate
unknown
April 2
Phosphate
unknown
April 20
Zinc electrolyte solution
25,000 liters
April 22
Sulfide leach residue
unknown"
May 23
Zinc electrolyte solution
350 liters"
May 26
Phosphoric acid (21%)
5 metric tons
July 11
Phosphoric acid
unknown
July 23
Compressor oil
25 liters
August 3
Sulphuric acid
unknown"
September 30
Mercury
15 kilograms
November 3
Sulphuric acid
434 kilograms
Page 1 of3
2-25

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Table 2-2

REPORTED SPILLS FROM THE COMINCO SMELTER TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER


1987 TO 2001

ADAPTED FROM ENVIRONMENT CANADA SPILLTRACKER DATABASE

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION

STEVENS COUNTY. WASHINGTON

Year
Date
Contaminant
Reported Quantity
1992 (cont.)
December 8
Ammonium sulphate
12.3 metric tons
December 11
Ammonium sulphate
12 metric tons
December 16
Sulphuric acid (93%)
25 to 30 metric tons
1993
January 5
Mercury
up to 7 kilograms
January 7
Sulphuric acid (50 grams per liter)
13,000 metric tons "
Zinc sulphate (150 grams per liter)
600 kilograms
March 14
Ammonia
unknown
June 10
Mercury
1S kilograms
July 30
Sulphuric acid
10 metric tans
September 4
Arsenic (dissolved)
60 to 65 kilograms
November 3
Gidmium oxide
unknown
December 9
Arsenic (dissolved)
22 kilograms
1994
February 9
Arsenic
20 kilograms
February 10
Mercury
1.3 kilograms
March 5
Chlorine
< 1 kilogram
June 1
Ammonium sulphate
2 cubic meters
June 13
Ammonium sulphate
unknown
JuW 4
Mercury
< 1 kilogram
October 5
Ammonia
3,500 kilograms
October 24
Zinc oxide
unknown
1995
March 10
Dissolved cadmium
70 kilograms
Mav22
Coal dust suspected
unknown
June 13
Zinc
960 kilograms
June 25
Sulphuric acid
~1,000 liters
1996
January 17
Sulphuric acid and zinc
40,000 liters
February 26
Fume lead slurry
3 cubic meters
February 27
Sodium carbonate
3 cubic meters
Zinc
0.5 kilogram
Lead
0.3 kilogram
Cadmium
0.01 kilogram
ADril 7
White solution and foam
unknown
Mav23
White discoloration
unknown
Mav 10
Slae
25 metric tons
November 8
Barren slae
35 metric tons
December 31
White oxide dust
unknown
J 997
March 13
Dissolved cadmium and mercury
3,000 kilograms
March 25
Dissolved cadmium
22 kilograms
May 20
Acidic solution
unknown
July 23
Zinc slurry
500 kilograms
December 17
Zinc and mercury
700 liters
1998
March 6
Slurry with arsenic
5 cubic meters
Aoril 7
Barren slag
] metric ton
Mav 3
Cadmium solution
15 kilograms
June 2
Total arsenic
20.36 kilograms II
August 20
Slag, lead, zinc, water
-25,000 liters . U
Page 2 of 3
2-26

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Table 2-2

REPORTED SPILLS FROM THE COMINCO SMELTER TO THE COLUMBIA RIVER
1987 TO 2001
ADAPTED FROM ENVIRONMENT CANADA SPILLTRACKER DATABASE
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Year
Date
Contaminant
Reported Quantity
1998 (cont.)
October 24
Granulated slag
15 minutes duration

November 24
Arsenic
20 kilograms

December 25
Zinc
87 kilograms


Cadmium
3 kilograms
200.0
February 18
Zinc
350 kilograms


Cadmium compound
10.5 kilograms
2001
May 27
Oil
10 liters
Source: MacDonald 1997; Boyd 2003
" Surface spills - potential for groundwater contamination.
2-27
Page 3 of3

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Table 2-3
WASHINGTON STATE DEPARTMENT OF ECOLOGY
2001 SAMPLING EVENT
COMPARISON OF METALS IN LAKE ROOSEVELT SEDIMENTS TO TECs and FSQVs
FOR FRESHWATER SEDIMENTS
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Site Name
Station
(mg/kg) |

Number
Arsenic
Cadmium
Copper
Lead |
Mercury
Zinc R
Lower Arrow Lake
10
2.0 U
0.47
3.5
11
0.0004 U
26.9
Boundary
1
6.6
M
494
182
0.10
3730
Auxiliary Gage
2
5.0
18.0
2210
324
0.02
16100
Goodeve Creek
3
20.0
16.2
2210
344
0.08
12200 |
Kettle River
4
2.0 U
L0
16
5
0.0007 U
34 |
Castle Rock
5
8.3
M
66
173
0.68
471 E
Whitestone Creek
6
13.0
11.9
1A
285
1.2S
952 1
Whitestone Creek (duplicate)
6
13.0
12.4
76
292
1.07
979 |
Sanpoil
7
3.5
L2
20
19
0.03
70 |
Swawilla Basin
8
11.0
12.4
73
295
1.25
1040
Grand Coulee Dam
9
92
1.8
11
17
0.03
86
Consensus-Based TECs*

9.79
0.99
31.6
35.8
0.18
121
FSQVs
57
5.1
390
450
0.41
410
Source: Ecology 2001.
Note: Bold type indicates sample concentration is above tfce FSQV.
Ihidertined type indicates the sample concentration is above the TEC
a Guideline used to evaluate the relationship between metals concentrations and the possibility of effects to benthic life. TECs are concentrations below which harmful effects on sediment dwelling
organisms are not expected to occur,
b Value used to evaluate potential effects of metals concentrations to benthic life.
Key:
FSQV	= Freshwater Sediment Qualify Values.
mg/Vg	= milligrams per kilogram.
TEC	= Threshold Effects Concentrations.
U	- The analyte was not detected. The associated numerical value is the contract required detection limit.
2-28

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3. FIELD ACTIVITIES AND ANALYTICAL PROTOCOL
A SQAP for the upper Columbia River ESI activities was developed by WESTON prior to
performing the field sampling (WESTON 2001a). The SQAP was based on background information
collected by E & E. The SQAP describes the sampling strategy, sampling methodology, and analytical
program used to identify hazardous substances potentially present in sediments within the upper
Columbia River and the potential impact to targets. A detailed discussion of field activities and
analytical protocol for the nine sediment samples collected from the sandbar/beach and boat launch areas
at Le Roi/Northport Smelter can be found in the Upper Columbia River Mines and Mills Preliminary
Assessments and Site Inspections Report (E & E 2002a).
The field sampling event was conducted with the assistance of various organizations and
individuals. Mark Munn and G1 Bortleson (retired) of the USGS provided planning and logistical advice
to the field crew. Craig Sprankle of the BOR, provided updated information on lake levels and draw
down operations. Adeline Fredin of the Colville Confederated Tribes History/Archaeology Department
facilitated coordination of the EPA's planned sampling activities with the Colville Confederated Tribes'
Archaeology Department. Steve Tromly, archaeologist with the Colville Confederated Tribes'
History/Archaeology Department provided archaeology assistance in the field. Ray DePi^dt, NPS
Archaeologist and Scott Hebner, NPS Natural Resource Specialist, provided archaeology assistance in
the field, and reviewed all proposed river sediment sampling locations. Approximately 15 sampling
locations were offset in order to avoid known cultural resources. Vaughn Baker, Gig LeBret, and Dan
Mason of the NPS made park resources available to the field sampling crew, including provisions for
back-up vessels and emergency assistance, and secure overnight equipment storage. A1 Johnson of the
U.S. Forest Service assisted with sample collection. Dennis Francis of the City of Grand Coulee assisted
in locating and providing access to drinking water supply sampling points at the City of Grand Coulee.
Sampling was conducted using EPA research vessels (R.V. Monitor, and a 17-foot Boston Whaler)
operated by Doc Thompson and Dave Terpening of the EPA.
The field event was conducted by WESTON from May 14 to June 28, 2001. In total, 195
samples were collected (Figure 3-1) from the upper Columbia River and potential receptors/targets.
Potential receptors/targets may include wetland areas, fisheries, surface water intakes, sensitive
10:START-2\01020028\S772
3-1

-------
environments, etc. as defined in the EPA HRS; Final Rule (EPA 1990). Samples were analyzed for
Target Analyte List (TAL) metals, chlorinated pesticides (pesticides)/PCBs, volatile organic compounds
(VOCs), semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and total organic carbon (TOC). The samples
collected consist of:
Upper Columbia River and its Tributaries
•	49 surface sediment samples between RM 675 and the U.S.-Canada border.
•	110 surface sediment samples from tributaries to the upper Columbia River between RM
675 and the U.S.-Canada border.
•	9 sediment samples from the sandbar/beach and boat launch areas at the Le
Roi/Northport Smelter collected by E & E during the June 29, 2001 sampling event.
Grand Coulee Dam
•	3 sediment samples near the Grand Coulee Dam.
•	1 surface water sample from the City of Grand Coulee municipal drinking water system
distribution point (CW001) and 1 surface water sample from Lake Roosevelt near the
system intake (CW002).
Pend Oreille County and Stevens County (in conjunction with mine and mill site visits)
•	10 sediment/soil samples from locations upstream/upland of mine and mill sites visited
in Pend Oreille County and Stevens County.
•	7 surface water samples from tributaries to the lower Pend Oreille River and upper
Columbia River.
•	6 soil samples from mine and mill sites visited.
Discussions of analytical results in this report will be limited to only TAL metals results from the
sediment samples collected in the upper Columbia River. Tributary sediment sample results are
presented in a December 2001 trip report prepared for the EPA by WESTON (WESTON 2001b). A
copy of analytical results tables from this report are included in Appendix C, Figures depicting data
results of arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc in tributary sediment samples are provided
in Appendix D.
Samples near the Grand Coulee Dam were collected to determine the concentration of potential
hazardous substances near or at the municipal intake. Since these samples were collected outside the ESI
study area (i.e., the U.S.-Canada border to RM 675), they will not be included in the surface water targets
discussed in Section 7 of this report. However, analytical data summary tables for these samples are
provided in Appendix C. The two surface water samples collected from the City of Grand Coulee
1OSTART- 2\01020028'\S772
3-2

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municipal drinking water system distribution point (CW001) and from Lake Roosevelt near the system
intake (CW002) did not contain pesticide/PCBs or SVOCs at concentrations above detection limits. The
analysis for VOCs revealed the presence of chloroform at 26 micrograms per liter in water sample
CW001. The concentration of chloroform and detected metal concentrations were not above existing
federal drinking water standards.
A discussion of analytical results for samples collected in conjunction with the Stevens County
and Pend Oreille County mine and mill site visits can be found in the Upper Columbia River Mines and
Mills Preliminary Assessments and Site Inspections Report, dated October 2002 and the Lower Pend
Oreille River Mines and Mills Preliminary Assessments and Site Inspections Report, dated April 2002
(E & E 2002a; E & E 2002b).
3.1 SAMPLING MEraO DO LOGY
ESI sample identification, types, and methods of collection are described below. A list of all
samples collected for laboratory analysis are contained in Table 3-1. A discussion of the upper Columbia
River sediment sample results is contained in Section 6. Photographic documentation of ESI field
activities are contained in Appendix E.
3.1.1 Sample Identification
At the request of the EPA, station identification (ID) codes applied in the field were revised for
reporting purposes to follow a sequential order from downstream to upstream along the river. Table 3-1
presents the original station codes (listed as the Internal Sample ID) and its corresponding new station
code (listed as the Station ID). The sample IDs consist of a two-letter code indicating the station type,
followed by a three-digit sequential number. The following station type codes were used:
CS	—	Columbia River sediment
CW	—	Columbia River surface water
TS	—	Tributary sediment
US	—	Tributary sediment/soil (upstream/upland sampling location)
UW	—	Upland surface water
RS	—	Rinsate of sediment sampling equipment
RW	—	Rinsate of water sampling equipment
TB	—	Trip Blank
10:START-2\01020028\S772
3-3

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3.1.2 EPA Contract Laboratory Program Sediment Sampling
Sediment samples were collected from the upper Columbia River, including Lake Roosevelt,
during a period of draw down/rapid refill. The mean high water (MHW) or average annual full pool
elevation for Lake Roosevelt is 1,290 feet AMSL. All sediment samples from the river were collected
from locations below the apparent MHW elevation, as determined by estimated water level elevations
and observed shoreline MHW level indicators (e.g., watermarks on shoreline, tree lines). Water levels
measured at Grand Coulee Dam during the river sediment sampling period ranged from 1,237.01 feet
AMSL on May 14, 2001, to 1,277.88 feet AMSL on June 8, 2001. Many ofthe sampling locations were
subaerially exposed during the sampling event because of the low water levels. Both exposed and
submerged sediment samples were collected. The sediment samples were collected from the most
downstream locations to the most upstream locations.
All sediment samples were collected using stainless steel sampling equipment, including a petit
ponar dredge, hand auger, and/or bowls and spoons. All sampling was conducted in accordance with the
procedures outlined in the SQAP (WESTON 2001a).
Submerged stations were sampled using a petit ponar dredge sampler deployed from the EPA
research vessel Monitor. Sampling with the petit ponar dredge required between one and five grabs to
collect the required sample volume. Penetration depths using the dredge ranged from 0 to 5 inches below
the sediment surface. The sediment samples at Haag Cove (CSO17) and Pingston Creek (CS024) were
collected from depth intervals ranging from 18 to 24 inches belowthe sediment surface. All other
sediment samples were collected from 0 to 8 inches belowthe sediment surface.
Tributary sampling locations were identified based on USGS7.5-minute series topographic
maps. Samples from tributaries were collected using a bowl and spoon. Water depths at tributary
sampling locations were generally 0 to 4 inches, but depths up to 12 inches were recorded. Depths of
tributary sediment samples ranged from 0.5 to 10 inches belowthe sediment surface.
Observations of sample material characteristics such as grain size, color, odor, and the presence
of debris (including suspected slag material) were noted on a Field Sampling Record Form for each
sample (Appendix F). Sample grain size was described according to visually estimated percentages of
gravel, sand, silt, and clay.
After the sample containers were filled, the samples were photographed and packed in coolers
with ice for shipment to analytical laboratories.
10:START-2\01020028\S772
3-4

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3.2	ANALYTICAL PROTOCOLS
In general, all samples were analyzed in accordance with the methods and procedures specified
in the SQAP (WESTON 2001 a). A summary of chemical analyses performed on each sample and a
summary of sample QA/QC analysis is presented in Appendix G.
3.3	GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM
The locations illustrated in the figures are based on differentially corrected Global Positioning
System (GPS) data recorded in the field using NAD 83 datum and on location notes recorded on Field
Sample Record forms. A table of corrected GPS coordinates and location notes for each sampling station
is provided in Appendix H. Copies of the Field Sample Record Forms for each sample are provided in
Appendix F.
3.4	EQUIPMENT DECONTAMINATION AND INVESTIGATION-DERIVED WASTE
Procedures specified in the SQAP (WESTON 2001a) for decontaminating equipment and
disposing of investigation-derived waste (IDW) were followed during field activities. Every effort was
made to minimize the need for decontamination of sampling equipment through the use of dedicated
pre-cleaned sampling equipment (e.g., bowls, spoons); however, the use of non-dedicated sampling
equipment (e.g., dredge samplers) was required in some locations, as discussed previously. When used,
the non-dedicated sampling equipment was decontaminated prior to each use to avoid sample
cross-contamination.
WESTON made every effort to minimize the generation of IDW that could not be disposed of as
solid waste. All extra sediment volume collected for a sample remained at the sampling location.
Disposable personal protective equipment generated during field activities was double-bagged in plastic
garbage bags and disposed of at a solid waste disposal facility. No IDW water was generated during the
investigation.
] 0:START-2\01020028\S772
3-5

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Table 3-1
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLE SUMMARY TABLE
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Station ID
Station DescriDtion

Sample Identification
Analyses
Samole Date
Sample
Time
Sample Interval
(inches below
media surface)
Regional
Tracking#
Inorganic
CLP#
Organic
CLP#
Internal
Samole ID
TAL Metals
pesticide/
PCBs
roc
CS004
Lake Roosevelt near
Inchelium
0-4"
01204110
MJ08Z0
JX433
CR-005-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1000
CS005
Lake Roosevelt at point south
of Hall Creek
0-4"
01204111
MJ08Z1
JX434
CR-006-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1045
CS006
Lake Roosevelt at Mission
Point
0-4"
01204112
MJ08Z2
JX435
CR-007-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1130 H
CS007
Lake Roosevelt north of
Daisy Station
0-2"
01204113
MJ08Z3
JX436
CR-008-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1330 1
CS008
Lake Roosevelt south of
Cheweka Creek
0-4"
01204114
MJ08Z4
JX437
CR-009-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1415 I
CS009
Lake Roosevelt south of
Chalk Grade Point
0-7"
0120411S
MJ08Z5
JX438
CR-010-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1445
CS010
Lake Roosevelt south of
Bamaby Island
©
©
1ft
*
01204116
MJ08Z6
JIX439
CR-011-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1600
CS011
Lake Roosevelt on fiats north
of Quiilisascut Creek
0-2"
01204117
MJ08Z7
1X440
CR-012-SD
X
X
X
17-May-01
1700
CS012
Lake Roosevelt on flats north
of Quiilisascut Creek
0-3"
01204118
MJ08Z8
JX441
CR-013-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1030
CS013
Lake Roosevelt on flats
between French Point Rocks
and La Hear Creek
0-4"
01204119
MJ08Z9
JX442
CR-014-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1100
CS014
Late Roosevelt on mid-
channel bar east of French
Point Rocks
0-4"
01204120
MJ0900
JX443
CR-015-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1230
CS01S
Lake Roosevelt north of
French Point
0-8"
01204121
MJ0901
JX444
CR-016-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1330
CS016
Lake Roosevelt on flats
North of Bradbury Beach
0-1"
01204122
MJ0902
JX445
CR-017-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1430
CS0I7
Lake Roosevelt on flats
fronting Haag Cove
0-6"
01204123
MJ0903
JX446
CR-018-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1530 1
CS017
Lake Roosevelt on flats
fronting Haag Cove
. 18-24"
01204124
MJ09E2
. 1X550
CR-066-SD
X
X
X
18-May-01
1545 J
CS018
Lake Roosevelt on flats south
ofColville River „
0-6.5"
012O4125
MJ0904
JX447
CR-019-SD
X
X
X
19-May-01
900
CS019
Lake Roosevelt in bay at
Colville River mouth
0-5"
01204126
MJ0905
JX448
CR-020-SD
X
X
X
19-May-01
1045
CS020
Lake Roosevelt south of
Boise Cascade Log Boom
0-4"
01204127
MJ0908
JX451
CR-023-SD
X
X
X
19-May-01
1130
CS021
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus
Flats, northwest of Martin
Spring Creek
0-4"
01214102
MJ0907
JX450
CR-022-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1030
Page 1 of4
3-6

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Table 3-1
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLE SUMMARY TABLE
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Station ID
CS022
Station Description
Sample Interval
(inches below
media surface)
Sample Identification
Analyses
Sample Date
Sample
Time
Regional
Trackine #
Inorganic
CLP#
Organic
CLP#
Internal
Sample ID
TAL Metals
pesticide/
PCBs
TOC
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus
Flats, southwest of Pingston
Creek
0-4"
01214104
MJ0909
JX452
CR-024-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1050
CS023
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus Flats
(west bank)
0 < 0.25"
01214106
MJ0910
JX453
CR-025-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1200
CS024
Marcus Flats, north of
Pingston Creek
18-24"
01234124
MJ0BK4
JX804
CR-062-SD
X
X
X
8-Jun-01
945
CS025
Lake Roosevelt on Marcus
Flats west of Pingston Creek
0-3"
01214108
MJ0911
JX454
CR-026-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1245
CS026
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus
Flats, south of Marcus Island
0-3"
01214114
MJ0914
JX457
CR-029-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1415
CS027
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus
Flats, east of Kamloops
0-4"
01214110
MJ0912
JX455
CR-027-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1330
CS028
Lake Roosevelt, Marcus Flats
northeast
0-2"
01214112
MJ0913
JX456
CR-028-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1445
CS029
Lake Roosevelt north of
Summer Island
0-2"
01214116
MJ0915
JX458
CR-030-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1545
CS030
Lake Roosevelt on flats at
Evans Campground
0-1"
01214118
MJ0916
JX459
CR-031-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1645
CS031
Lake Roosevelt east of Snag
Cove
0-2"
01214120
MJ0917
JX460
CR-032-SD
X
X
X
21-May-01
1800
CS032
Lake Roosevelt on flats south
of Bossburg
0- 1"
01214122
MJ0918
JX461
CR-033-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1000
CS033
Lake Roosevelt on flats north
of Bossburg
0-5"
01214124
MJ0919
JX462
CR-034-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1100
CS034
Lake Roosevelt on flats south
of North Gorge (east bank)
0-1"
01214128
MJ0921
JX464
CR-036-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1400
CS035
Lake Roosevelt on flats south
of North Gorge (west bank)
0-0.25 "
01214126
MJ0920
JX463
CR-035-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1200
CS036
Lake Roosevelt east of Flat
Creek (north bank)
0-2"
01214130
MJ0922
JX465
CR-037-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1500
CS037
Lake Roosevelt at China Bar
0-2"
01214132
MJ0923
JX466
CR-038-SD
X
X
X
22-May-01
1630
CS038
Lake Roosevelt near
navigation light south of
Crown Creek
0-3"
01214134
MJ0924
JX467
CR-039-SD
X
X
X
23-May-Ol
1015
CS039
Lake Roosevelt north of
Rattlesnake Creek (east
bank)
0-4"
01214136
MJ0925
JX468
CR-040-SD
X
X
X
23-May-01
1130
'

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Table 3-1
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLE SUMMARY TABLE
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
CS040
Station DescriolioB
Sample Interval
(inches below
media surface)
Sample Identification
Analyses
Sample Date
Sample
Time
Regional
Tracking #
Inorganic
CLP#
Organic
CLP#
Internal
Sample ID
TAL Metals
pesticide/
PCBs
TOC
Lake Roosevelt north of
Onion Creek
0-2"
01214138
MJ0926
JX469
CR-041-SD
X
X
X
23-May-01
1245
CS041
Upper Columbia River
southern tip of island
northwest of Onion Creek
0-3"
01214140
MJ0927
JX470
CR-042-SD
X
X
X
23-May-01
1330
CS042
Upper Columbia River
southern tip of island south
of Squaw Creek
0-2"
01214142
MJ0928
JX471
CR-043-SD
X
X
X
23-May-01
1400 |
CS043
Upper Columbia River north
of Fivemile Creek
0-2"
01214144
MJ0929
JX472
CR-044-SD
X
X
X
23-May-01
1515 1
CS044
Upper Columbia River on
beach at Northport
0-4"
01224150
MJ0930
JX473
CR-045-SD
X
X
X
31-May-01
1045 j
CS04S
Upper Columbia River north
of Big Sheep Creek
0-3"
01224151
MJ0931
JX474
CR-046-SD
X
X
X
31-May-01
1215 |
CS046
Upper Columbia River south
of Steamboat Rock
0-1"
01224154
MJ0932
JX475
CR-047-SD
X
X
X
31-May-01
1430
CS047
Upper Columbia River
northeast of Steamboat Rock
0-1"
01224155
MJ0933
JX476
CR-048-SD
X
X
X
31-May-01
1515
CS048
Upper Columbia River north
of Goodeve Creek
0-3"
01224157
MJ0934
JX477
CR-049-SD
X
X
X
31-May-01
1630
CS049
Upper Columbia River on
point bar southwest of
Senver Creek
0-2"
01224160
MJ0935
JX478
CR-050-SD
X
X
X
l-Jun-01
930
CSOSO
Upper Columbia River south
of Tom Bush Creek
0-2"
01224162
MJ0936
JX479
CR-051-SD
X
X
X
l-Jun-01
1145 1
CS051
Upper Columbia River at
"Black Sand Beach-
0-4"
01224163
MJ0937
JX480
CR-052-SD
X
X
X
1 Jun-01
1230 |
CS052
Upper Columbia River on
boulder bar near border
0-3"
01224164
MJ0938
JX481
CR-053-SD
X
X
X
l-Jun-01
1415
NSSL01
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264431
MJ0GP0

NSSL01SD
X


28-Jun-01
1315
NSSL02
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264432
MJ0GP1

NSSL02SD
X


28-Jun-01
1350
NSSL03
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264433
MJ0GP2

NSSL03SD
X


28-Jun-01
1410
NSSL04
Near Northport Smelter.
0-6"
01264434
MJ0GP3

NSSL04SD
X


28-Jun-Ol
1420
NSSL05
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264435
MJ0GP4

NSSL05SD
X


28-Jun-01
1430
NSSL06 .
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264436
MJ0GP5

NSSL06SD
X


28-Jun-01
1515 I
NSSL07
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264437
MJ0GP6

NSSL07SD
X


28-Jun-01
1530 j
NSSL08
NSSL09
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264438
MJ0GP7

NSSL08SD
X


28-Jun-01
5545 1
Near Northport Smelter
0-6"
01264439
MJ0GP8

NSSL09SD
X


28-Jun-01
1625 1
Page 3 of 4
3-8

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Key:
#	= Number.
CLP	= Contract Laboratory Program.
ID	= Identification.
pesticide	= Chlorinated pesticides.
PCB	= Potychlorinated biphenyls.
TAL	= Target analyte list.
TOC	= Total organic carbon.

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4. QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL
QA/QC data are necessary to determine precision and accuracy of analytical results and to
demonstrate the absence of interferences and/or contamination of sampling equipment, glassware, and
reagents. Specific QC requirements for laboratory analysis are incorporated in the USEPA Contract
Laboratory Program (CLP) Statement of Work (SOW) for Inorganics Analysis ILM04.1 (EPA 2000),
USEPA Contract Laboratory Program Statement of Work for Organics Analysis OLM04.2 (EPA 1999a),
and requirements listed in the other EPA analytical methods and laboratory standard operating
procedures. These QC requirements or other equivalent requirements were followed for analytical work
performed on the upper Columbia River ESI, unless otherwise noted. This section describes the QA/QC
measures taken for the ESI and provides an evaluation of the usability of data presented in this report. A
detailed discussion of QA/QC for the nine sediment samples collected from the sandbar/beach and boat
launch areas at Le Roi/Northport Smelter can be found in the Upper Columbia River Mines and Mills
Preliminary Assessments and Site Inspections Report (E & E 2002a).
4.1	LABORATORY ANALYSES
A total of 212 samples (187 soil/sediment, 15 water including? QA/QC samples) were submitted
to laboratories for analysis. Inorganic analyses of TAL metals were performed at Sentinel, Inc., of
Huntsville, Alabama, and at DataChem Laboratories of Salt Lake City, Utah, following CLP SOW
ILM04.1 (EPA 2000). Inorganics analyses of TOC were performed by North Creek Analytical (NCA) of
Bothell, Washington, following EPA SW-846 Method 9060 (modified). Organics analyses for VOCs,
SVOCs, and pesticide/PCBs were performed by Compuchem, Inc., of Cary, North Carolina. Additional
pesticide/PCBs analyses were conducted by Mitkem, Inc., of Warwick, Rhode Island. All organics
analyses followed CLP SOW OLM04.2 (EPA 1999a).
4.2	QA/QC SAMPLES
QA/QC samples included laboratory duplicate samples, matrix spike (MS) and matrix spike
duplicate (MSD) samples at a rate of one duplicate and one MS per 20 samples submitted to CLP
laboratories for metals analysis. For organics and TOC analyses, QA/QC samples included MS and
10:START-2\01020028\S772
4-1

-------
MSD samples at a rate of one MS and one MSD per 20 samples submitted to CLP or commercial
laboratories.
4.3	DATA VALIDATION
All data from analyses performed at the CLP laboratories were reviewed and validated by EPA
chemists or by chemists from their Environmental Services Assistance Team contractor. In the latter
case, EPA chemists provided a QA review of the data deliverables generated by the contractor. Data
qualifiers were applied as necessary according to the following guidance:
USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Inorganic Data
Review (EPA 1994),
USEPA Contract Laboratory Program National Functional Guidelines for Organic Data Review
(EPA 1999b), and
The Manchester Environmental Laboratory Quality Assurance Manual (rev May 1995).
In the absence of other QC guidance, method-specific QC limits also were utilized to apply
qualifiers to the data. TheSTART-2 reviewed EPA data validation reports to check for consistency and
to add bias qualifiers as necessary. Results of these reviews and the associated data validation QA
memoranda are provided with the laboratory forms in Appendix 1.
4.4	SATISFACTION OFDATA QUALITY OBJECTIVES
The laboratory data were reviewed to ensure that the data quality objectives (DQOs) were met
for the project. The following EPA guidance document was used to establish DQOs for the project: Data
Quality Objectives Process for Superfund, Interim Final Guidance (EPA 1993),
4.4.1 Precision and Accuracy
Precision measures the reproducibility of sampling and analytical methodology. Accuracy
measures the degree of conformity of a measured or calculated value to its actual or specified value.
Precision is defined as the relative percent difference (RPD) between duplicate sample analyses. The
laboratory duplicate samples measure the precision of the analytical method (both preparation and
analysis), and RPD values are reviewed for each sample delivery group and analyte. The following
analytes failed to meet duplicate precision criteria for the indicated number of samples: iron (20
samples), calcium (36 samples), cadmium (16 samples), copper (16 samples), and lead (13 samples).
10:START-2\01020028\S772
4-2

-------
These sample results were qualified as estimated (J or UJ) based on duplicate sample analysis. Overall,
the project DQOs for precision of 85% were met.
Accuracy is measured as the MS and MSD percent recovery (%R) for each analysis. Together,
laboratory MS/MSD samples and native spike samples measure the accuracy of the analytical method.
The %R values were reviewed for all appropriate sample analyses. The following analytes failed to meet
matrix spike recovery for the indicated number of samples: antimony (123 samples), arsenic (27
samples), barium (20 samples), copper (16 samples), lead (29 samples), silver (16 samples), and selenium
(28 samples). Overall, the project DQOs for accuracy of 85% were met.
4.4.2	Completeness
Data completeness is defined as the percentage of usable data (usable data divided by total
possible data). All laboratory data were reviewed for data validation and usability. All of the data, with
the exception of one result for mercury (which was rejected due to low percent solids), were determined
to be usable; therefore, the project DQO for completeness of 90% was met.
4.4.3	Representativeness
Data representativeness expresses the degree to which sample data accurately and precisely
represent the characteristic of a population, parameter variations at a sampling point, or an environmental
condition. The number and selection of samples were determined in the field to accurately account for
site variations and sample matrices. The DQOs for representativeness of 85% were met.
4.4.4	Comparability
Comparability is a qualitative parameter expressing the confidence with which one data set can
be compared to another. Data produced for this project followed applicable field sampling techniques
and specified analytical methodology. Therefore, the DQOs for comparability were met.
4.5 LABORATORY AND FIELD QA/QC PARAMETERS
The laboratory data also were reviewed for holding times and blank sample analysis. These
QA/QC parameters are summarized below. In general, these parameters were considered acceptable.
See Appendix 1 for sample results that were qualified based on these QA/QC exceedances.
10:START-2\01020028\S772
4-3

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4.5.1	Holding limes
All samples met EPA, Region 10, and method specific holding time criteria.
4.5.2	Initial and Continuing Calibration
With few exceptions, all initial and continuing calibration and check sample acceptance criteria
were met. Following are those analytes whose concentrations were qualified as estimated (J) due to QC
exceedances: 4-chloroaniline (2 samples), 2,4-dinitrophenol (2 samples), benzo(k)fluoranthene
(2 samples), indeno(c,d-l,2,3)pyrene (2 samples), hexaclorocyclopentadiene (2 samples), and
pentachlorophenol (2 samples). All atrazine results (4 samples) were rejected based on QC check failure.
See Appendix I for sample results that were qualified based on QC exceedances.
4.5.3	Laboratory Blanks
All laboratory blanks met frequency criteria. The following COCs were detected in the
laboratory blanks associated with metals and organic analyses:
•	Metals - Antimony, arsenic, aluminum, beryllium, cadmium, calcium, copper, iron, lead,
manganese, silver, sodium, thallium, and vanadium.
•	Organic Compounds - Acetone, methyl acetate, di-n-butylphthalate, and
bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate.
Any associated sample result less than five times the blank contamination were qualified as not
detected (U). Associated sample results were qualified as estimated quantities (J or UJ) if the sample
result was less than five times the absolute value of the negative blank concentration. See Appendix 1 for
sample results that were qualified based on laboratory blank contamination.
4.5.4	TWp and Rinsate Blanks
During the ESI, two trip blank samples and five rinsate samples were collected. No analytes
were detected above sample quantitation limits (SQLs) in any trip or rinsate blank samples.
10:START-2\01020028\S772
4-4

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5. ANALYTICAL RESULTS REPORTING AND BACKGROUND SAMPLES
This section describes the reporting and methods applied to analytical results presented in
Section 6 of this report, and discusses background sediment samples. A list of all samples collected for
laboratory analysis is presented in Table 3-1.
5.1 ANALYTICAL RESULTS EVALUAHON CRITERIA
Analytical results presented in the data summary tables in Section 6 show all analytes detected
above laboratory detection limits in bold type. The analytical results of sediment samples collected from
the upper Columbia River project area (i.e., CS004 through CS052) were compared to background
concentrations. Analytical results indicating significant concentrations of contaminants in sediment
samples with respect to background concentrations are shown underlined and in bold type. The
analytical summary tables present all detected analytes; however, this report only discusses those
analytes that were detected at significant concentrations. For purposes of this investigation,
significant/elevated concentrations are defined, using criteria in Table 2-3 of the EPA HRS; Final Rule
for determining observed releases (i.e., significant or elevated concentrations), as follows:
Equal to or greater than the sample's Contract Required Detection Limit (CRDL) or the
SQL when a non-CLP laboratory was used; and
Equal to or greater than the background sample's CRDL or SQL when the background
concentration is below detection limits; or
• At least three times greater than the background concentration when the background
concentration equals or exceeds the detection limit.
All hazardous substances detected at target locations and meeting evaluation criteria can be used
to document an observed release to the target/receptor.
10;START-2\01020028\S772
5-1

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5.2 DATA PRES ENTATIO N
Based on QC data provided by the laboratory, analytical results can be qualified during data
validation. The following data qualifiers were used:
B
K
H
J
Detected inorganic concentration is below the method reporting limit
(MRL)/CRDL but is above the instrument detection limit.
High bias.
The analyte was positively identified, but the associated numerical value is an
estimated quantity because QC criteria were not met or because concentrations
reported are less than the quantitation limit or lowest calibration standard.
Unknown bias.
L
Low bias.
NJ
The analysis indicates the presence of an analyte that has been "tentatively
identified" and the associated numerical value represents its approximate
concentration.
U
R
QC indicates that data are unusable (compound may or may not be present).
Resampling and reanalysis are necessary for verification.
The compound was analyzed for, but not detected.
UJ
The compound was analyzed for, but was not detected; the associated
quantitation limit is an estimate because QC criteria were not met.
5.3 BACKGROUND SEDIMENT
For HRS purposes, background sediment samples are typically collected from locations upstream
of potential sources of contamination and upstream of areas of known sediment contamination. For
purposes of this ESI, EPA identified Lower Arrow Lake in Canada as an ideal location for the collection
of background sediment samples (see Figure 2-2). Lower Arrow Lake is upstream of potential sources of
contamination to the Columbia River and areas of known sediment contamination south and north of the
U.S.-Canada border. Since the Spring of 2001, the U.S. Government made repeated requests to the
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) for permission to conduct
sampling at Lower Arrow Lake in Canada. At the time of the field sampling event, a decision from
DFAIT still had not been provided. In January 2003, subsequent to the field event, DFAIT
communicated its decision refusing this request from the U.S. Government (Appendix J). For this
reason, existing data for a sediment sample collected from Lower Arrow Lake by Ecology in May 2001
will be used as the background sediment sample for this report (Ecology 2001; Appendix K).
10:START-2\01020028\S772	5 -2

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5.3.1	Background Sample Location and Description
The background sediment sample collected by Ecology from Lower Arrow Lake in Canada was
determined to be located at latitude 49°20.379' and longitude 117°52.452' using GPS data (NAD83
datum; see Figure 2-4). The sample was collected 20 feet off the left bank and 0.1 mile upstream of a
boat ramp. The depth of water was estimated to be 7 feet (Ecology 2001).
5.3.2	Background Sampling Method
The sediment sample was collected using a 0.1 square meter van Veen grab sampler. The van
Veen grab sampler was lowered three times and the top 10 centimeter layer of each grab was removed
with a stainless steel spoon or scoop, placed in a stainless steel bowl, and homogenized by stirring. The
homogenized sediment was placed in an 8-ounce glass container with a Teflon lid liner. The glass
container was precleaned to EPA QA/QC specifications. (Ecology 2001)
Stainless steel implements used to collect the sediment sample were cleaned by washing with
Liquinox detergent, followed by sequential rinses with tap water, 10% nitric acid, and deionized water.
The equipment was then air-dried and wrapped in aluminum foil. Between-sample cleaning of the van
Veen grab sampler consisted of thorough brushing and rinsing with on-site water. (Ecology 2001)
Puget Sound Estuary Protocols procedures (EPA 1996) for collection, preservation,
transportation, and storage of the sediment sample were followed in an effort to limit sources of bias.
The sediment sample was placed on ice immediately after collection and transported to the Ecology /EPA
Manchester Environmental Laboratory (MEL) within two days of collection. Chain-of-custody was
maintained throughout the sampling and analysis. (Ecology 2001)
5.3.3	Background Sample Laboratory Analysis
Table 5-1 shows the reporting limits, analytical methods, and laboratories used by Ecology
during the May 2001 sampling event. Chemical analysis was conducted by Ecology/EPA MEL in Port
Orchard, Washington. Grain size analysis was conducted by Rosa Environmental and Geotechnical
Laboratory in Seattle, Washington (Ecology 2001). The sediment sample was analyzed for the metals
listed in Table 6-1.
5.3.4	Data Quality
Chemical data relating to the 2001 Ecology study met laboratory QC analysis requirements
(Table 5-1). QC samples for the chemical analysis included a laboratory duplicate, one MS, one MSD,
10:START-2\01020028\S772
5-3

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method blanks, and laboratory control samples. A laboratory triplicate analysis was conducted for grain
size. (Ecology 2001)
MS recovery values for the metals data were consistently near 100%, indicating little or no bias
due to possible sample matrix interference (Ecology 2001).
Replicate field samples were compared to determine the overall precision of the data (sampling
techniques and laboratory analysis). The RPD for each replicate was well within the DQO of 25%.
(Ecology 2001)
5.3.5 Background Sediment Sample Analytical Results
Analytical results of sediment sample 01198040 collected by Ecology in May 2001 are presented
in Table 6-1.
10:START-2\01020028VS772
5-4

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Table 5-1

ANALYTICAL METHODS, REPORTING LIMITS, AND LABORATORIES

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION

STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

Analysis
Reporting Limit
Method
Laboratory
Arsenic
4 mg/kg, dry
ICP/AES - EPA 3050B/6010B
Manchester
Cadmium
0.5 mg/kg, dry
ICP/AES - EPA 3050B/6010B
Manchester
Copper
1 mg/kg, dry
ICP/AES - EPA 3050B/6010B
Manchester
Lead
3 mg/kg, dry
ICP/AES - EPA 3050B/6010B
Manchester
Mercury
0.003 mg/kg, dry
CVAA-EPA 7471A/245.5
Manchester
Zinc
0.5 mg/kg, dry
ICP/AES - EPA 3050B/6010B
Manchester
TOC
0.1%
Combustion/C02 - EPA (1996)
Manchester
Solids
0.1%
Gravimetric - EPA (1996)
Manchester
Grain Size
0.1%
Sieve & Pipet - EPA (1996)
Rosa Environmental
Key:
AES	= Atomic emission spectroscopy.
C02	= Carbon dioxide.
CVAA	= Cold vapor atomic absorption spectroscopy.
EPA	= United States Environmental Protection Agency.
ICP	= Inductively coupled argon plasma,
mg/kg	= Milligrams per kilogram.
TOC	= Total Organic Carbon.
5-5

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6. ANALYTICAL RESULTS
The following subsections describe the results of samples analyzed by EPA CLP methods.
Analytical results presented in this section were evaluated according to criteria as previously described in
subsection 5.1.
6.1	SAMPLE LOCATIONS
A total of 58 sediment samples were collected from the upper Columbia River (CS004 to CS052
and NSSL01SD through NSSL09SD) to determine whether hazardous substances are present in this area
of the river at significant concentrations relative to background concentrations. The portion of the river
addressed in this report, referred to as the upper Columbia River, extends approximately 70 RMs through
northeast Washington from approximately RM 675 near Inchelium, Washington, to the U.S.-Canada
border (see Figure 2-2). Four sampling locations were within the Colville Reservation boundaries, 34
locations were within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and 20 locations were north of the
recreation area. A brief description of each sample location is provided in Table 3-1. Sample locations
(except NSSL01SD through NSSL09SD) are presented in Figure 3-1.
The approximate location of sediment samples NSSL01 SD through NSSL09SD, collected from
the sandbar/beach and boat launch areas along the Columbia River adjacent to the Le Roi/Northport
Smelter, are presented in Figure 2-3. The samples were collected within the overland surface water
drainage routes identified by E & E. The samples appeared to consist of dark brown to black medium
sand. No odor or staining was noted during sample collection.
6.2	ANALYTICAL RESULTS
Table 6-1 presents results for all TAL metals detected and Figures 6-1 and 6-2 provide data
results for arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc at each sample point for sample locations
CS004 through CS052.
Antimony was detected at significant concentrations at 20 locations ranging from 4.1 mg/kgto
61.3 mg/kg. Arsenic was detected at significant concentrations at 51 locations ranging from 2.8 mg'kgto
42.8 mg/kg. Barium was detected at significant concentrations at 54 locations ranging from 105 mg/kgto
10:START-2\01020028\S772
6-1

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2,440 mg^kg. Cadmium was detected at significant concentrations at 40 locations ranging from
1.5 mg/kgto 11.1 mg/kg. Chromium was detected at significant concentrations at 15 locations ranging
from 38.0 mg/kgto 165 m^kg. Cobalt was detected at significant concentrations at 18 locations ranging
from 10.6 mj^kgto 85.7 mg/kg. Copper was detected at significant concentrations at 56 locations
ranging from 11.8 mg'kg to 3,300 mg'kg. Iron was detected at significant concentrations at 57 locations
ranging from 11,500 mg'kg to 245,000 mg/kg. Lead was detected at significant concentrations at 51
locations ranging from 86.6 mg/kg to 1,590 mg/kg. Magnesium was detected at significant
concentrations at 49 locations ranging from 5,190 m^kgto 26,600 mg/kg. Manganese was detected at
significant concentrations at all 58 locations ranging from 181 mg'kgto 4,360 mg/kg. Mercury was
detected at significant concentrations at 28 locations ranging from 0.13 m^Tcgto 1.7 mg/kg. Potassium
was detected at significant concentrations at 40 locations ranging from 1,400 mg/kg to 4,330 mg/kg.
Silver was detected at significant concentrations at 25 locations ranging from 2.1 mg/kgto 12.6 mg/kg.
Vanadium was detected at significant concentrations in 55 locations ranging from 19.2 mg/kgto
45.0 mg/kg. Zinc was detected at significant concentrations at 55 locations ranging from 84.2 mg/kg to
24,900 mg'kg.
Estimations of grain size were performed visually and recorded at all sediment sampling stations.
The grain size estimates indicate that river sampling stations averaged 54% total fine-grained sediment
(silt and clay, i.e., "fines"), and 45% total sand. Grain size estimates for sample locations CS004 through
CS052 are included in Appendix L.
Previous surveys of the upper Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt have suggested that sediment
toxicity may be attributed to metals contamination of sediments (Ecology 2001). Although this sampling
investigation did not include bioassay tests on river sediments, it is worth comparing the ESI metals
concentrations to sediment quality values and guidelines as provided in Table 6-2 for arsenic, cadmium,
copper, lead, mercury, and zinc. Although there are no Washington standards or EPA national criteria
for metal contamination in freshwater sediments, there have been many different freshwater sediment
quality guidelines created in the U.S. In Table 6-2, select ESI T AL metals results are compared to
FSQVs for metals in Washington and to Consensus-Based TECs for freshwater sediments. FSQVs and
TECs represent different analytic approaches to evaluate the relationship between metals concentrations
and the possibility of effects to benthic life (Johnson et al. 2001, S erdar et al. 2000).
The Washington FSQVs are guidelines, not standards. T he FSQVs were derived by analyzing
freshwater bioassay and chemistry data sets collected in Washington, and by reviewing freshwater and
marine sediment criteria developed in Canada and the U.S., including Washington standards for marine
10: START-2\01020028\S772
6-2

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waters. The creators of the FSQVs concluded that, when applied to freshwater, the existing sediment
management standards for marine waters provided the best mix of sensitivity and efficiency in predicting
effects to the bioassay organism Hyalella azteca and essentially minimum chemical concentrations
expected to cause adverse effects on biological resources. (Ecology 2001)
TECs are consensus-based standards derived from existing sediment quality guidelines (SQGs)
that have been established for the protection of sediment-dwelling organisms. The consensus-based
approach involves collecting, evaluating, and grouping existing standards. Consensus-based standards
are then calculated by determining the geometric mean of the grouped SQGs. The geometric mean,
rather than the arithmetic mean, is calculated because it provides an estimate of central tendency that is
not unduly affected by outliers and because the SQGs may not be normally distributed. As the term
implies, consensus-based SQGs are intended to reflect the agreement among the various SQGs by
providing an estimate of their central tendency. TECs are intended to identify contaminant
concentrations below which harmful effects on sediment-dwelling organisms are unlikely to be observed.
(MacDonald et al. 2000).
10:START-2\01020028\S772
6-3

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Table 6-1






UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EPA Sample ID

01204110
01204111
01204112
01204113
01204114
01204115
01204116
01204117
01204118
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ08Z0
MJ08Z1
MJ08Z2
MJ08Z3
MJ08Z4
MJ08Z5
MJ08Z6
MJ08Z7
MJ08Z8
CUP Organic ID

JX433
JX434
JX435
JX436
JX437
JX438
JX439
JX440
JX441
Station Location ID
Background
CS004
C$005
CS006
CS007
CS008
CS009
CS010
CS011
CS012
Metals (mg/kg)
Aluminum

13700
12100
4430
4700
8240
7440
21200
14300
14300
Antimony
4UJ
1.5 JL
1.6 JB
0.76 ITJK
0.85 UJK
0.97 JB
0.65 UJK
0.63 UJK
3.6 JB
3.3 JB
Arsenic
2.0 U
7.7 U
8.1 U
2.2 U
4.0 U
5.1 U
6.6
5.0
13.7
14.9
Barium
112
230
269
42.2 JB
57.4
105
61.1
227
512
596
Cadmium
0.46
3.6
4.0
0.12 JB
0.33 JB
0.73 JB
0.25 JB
4.4
8.1
9.4
Calcium

5970
7670
4420
2510
13200
3350
4920
14100
15900
Chromium
12.0 J
30.1
29.8
8.8
15.7
23.3
20.4
14.0
35.7
35.9
Cobalt
2.1
8.5 JB
8.1 JB
3.3 JB
3.6 JB
6.9 JB
6.7 JB
5.8 JB
9.4 JB
9.4 JB
Copper
4
48.5 JL
41.6 JL
10.4 JL
11.8 JL
22.5 JL
21.9 JL
33.9 JL
91.7 JL
86.8 JL
Iron
3650 J
23400
22300
8630
14400
16600
16500
14300
28300
29600
Lead
12
219
238
6.2
21.5
24.4
16.7
86.6
464
535
Magnesium
1690 J
6990
7720
3140
2760
5990
4860
3220
11200
12400
Manganese
47.0
719
533
121
267
37.6
250
347
808
698
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.66
0.49
0.06 U
0.07 U
0.08 U
0.05 U
0.14
1.7
0.97
Nickel
13.4
24.6
24.1
9.6 JB
10.5 JB
21.0
21.0
14.4
27.0
27.4
Potassium
447 J
2570 JL
2230 JL
763 JB
672 JB
1770 JL
1070 JB
1400 JL
2520 JL
2500 JL
Selenium
5.0 U
1.3 U
1.2 U
0.87 U
0.96 U
1.1U
0.74 U
0.72 U
1.5 U
1.4 U
Silver
0.5 UJ
1.7 JB
1.6 JB
0.48 JB
0.71 JB
0.94 JB
0.85 JB
0.76 JB
2.7 JB
2.7 JB
Solium

345 JB
359 JB
197 JB
200 JB
289 JB
231 JB
287 JB
406 JB
429 JB
Thallium
5.0 U
1.5 U
1.4 U
0.99 U
1.1 U
1.3 U
0.85 U
0.82 U
1.7 U
1.7 U
Vanadium
5.93
36.9
36.2
17.3
27.7
32.0
27.9
26.7
39.9
40.6
Zinc
27
52a
600
36.8
77.9
99.0
90.9
230
1060
1210
6-4
Page 1 of 8

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Table 6-1






UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EPA Sample ID

01204119
01204120
01204121
01204122
01204124
01204125
01204126
01204127
01214102
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ08Z9
MJ0900
MJ0901
MJ0902
MJ09E2
MJ0904
MJ0905
MJ0908
MJ0907
CLP Organic ID

JX442
JX443
JX444
JX445
JX550
JX447
JX448
JX451
JX450
Station Location ID
Background
CS013
CS014
CS015
CS016
CS017
CS018
CS019
CS020
CS021
Metals (mg/kg)
Aluminum

12800
15400
9120
13600
15600
8180
11900
6670
12800
Antimony
4 UJ
3.2 JB
4.1 JL
1.5 JB
1.5 JB
0.72 UJK
1.7 JL
2.1 JL
5.4 JB
3.6 JL
Arsenic
2.0 U
19.0
12.3
6.2
M.
2.8
7.8
4.5 JB
6.8
9.5
Barium
27.2
755
468
229
261
175
422
231
180
364
Cadmium
0.46
11.1
7.5
3.4
3.8
0.43 JB
4.9
1.4 JB
1.8 JB
6.5
Calcium

27000
12100
7040
7150
5560
12400
9340
7630
8230
Chromium
12.0 J
25.9
38.0
21.1
28.6
9.4
18.9
20.4
17.0
33.1
Cobalt
2.1
7.4 JB
10 JB
5.9 JB
8.7 JB
4.0 JB
5.4 JB
7.4 JB
5.4 JB
9.2 JB
Copper
4
73.4 JL
111 JL
49.2 JL
73.0 J L
15.6 JL
40.6 JL
41.8 JL
66.7 JL
88.2 JL
Iron
3650 J
26800
29400
16800
23800
11500
17400
20400
15500
25200
Lead
12
841
440
190
162
26.8
232
64.9
72.7
441
Magnesium
1690 J
18100
10300
6130
7240
2970
8970
7000
5610
8200
Manganese
47.0
515
610
294
572
315
337
392
303
673
Mercury
0.0004 U
1.6
1.0
0.54
0.31
0.06 U
0.43
0.14 U
0.13 U
1.2
Nickel
13.4
21.9
28.5
16.5
24.0
9.2 JB
16.6
18.7 JB
13.6 JB
25.9
Potassium
447 J
1970 JL
2680 JL
1630 JL
2290 J L
1060JB
1490
2020 JB
1270JB
2440
Selenium
5.0 U
0.83 U
1.7 U
0.76 U
0.84 JB
0.82 U
0.77 U
1.9 U
1.9 U
1.5 U
Silver
0.5 UJ
1.9 JB
2.9 JB
1.4 JB
1.7 JB
0.32 JB
0.78 JB
0.75 JB
1.1 JB
2.0 JB
Sodium

301 JB
490 JB
249 JB
248 JB
381 JB
242 JB
480 JB
426 JB
471 JB
Thallium
5.0 U
0.95 U
1.9 U
0.87 U
0.80 U
0.94 U
0.89 U
2.2 U
2.2 U
1.8 U
Vanadium
5.93
38.5
42.4
25.8
37.2
19.2
24.2
26.7 JB
20.2 JB
35.8
Zinc
27
1460
1000
470
462
84.2
581
250
455
901
6-5
Page 2 of 8

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Table 6-1






UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EPA Sample ID

01214104
01214106
01234124
01214108
01214114
01214110
01214112
01214116
01214118
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ0909
MJ0910
MJ0BK4
MJ0911
MJ0914
MJ0912
MJ0913
MJ0915
MJ0916
CLP Organic ID

JX452
JX453
JX804
JX454
JX456
JX455
JX456
JX458
JX459
Station Location ID
Background
CS022
CS023
CS024
CS025
CS026
CS027
CS028
CS029
CS030
Metals (mg/kg)

Aluminum

11600
10400
6810
9920
8000
9090
12400
7150
11200
Antimony
4 UJ
3 .4 JB
1.0 JB
1.6 UJK
4.9 JB
4.8 JB
1.3 JB
3.9 JB
1.9 JB
4.7 JB
Arsenic
2.0 U
10.3
4.2
5.8
10.6
9.5
3.4 JB
9.7
7.0
11.1
Barium
27.2
240
190
147
505
375
113
370
342
624
Cadmium
0.46
5.9
1.6
0.10U
4.3
2.9
0.29 JB
2.8
3.2
7.2
Calcium

7740
5470
162000
21200
16600
4800
16100
11500
20500
Chromium
12.0 J
30.4
25.7
12.9
25.0
21.9
21.1
30.1
17.7
30.6
Cobalt
2.1
7.9 JB
8.2 JB
4.7 JB
7.9 JB
7.7 JB
6.0 JB
9.6 JB
5.0 JB
9.0 JB
Copper
4
67.6 JL
53.9 JL
18.1 JL
120 JL
118 JL
25.0 JL
114 JL
65.7 JL
205 JL
Iron
3650 J
22400
18000
11700
27500
23000
16000
29000
15900
26800
Lead
12
282
93.8
6.7 JL
211
159
21.3
149
208
369
Magnesium
1690 J
7930
6150
5090
13800
11100
5190
11900
7940
14200
Manganese
47.0
392
392
327
528
411
284
589
256
388
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.90
0.25
0.08 U
0.49
0.20
0.09 U
0.17 JB
0.53
1.1
Nickel
13.4
23.2 JB
23.0
14.3
21.4
18.0
16.2
24.8
14.1
23.1
Potassium
447 J
2280 JB
2390
1330JB
1960JB
1560JB
1380 JB
2480
1250
1820
Selenium
5.0 U
2.0 U
0.68 U
1.2 U
1.8 U
1.2 U
1.3 U
1.6 U
0.68 U
1.1
Silver
0.5 UJ
1.5 JB
0.98 JB
0.32 U
2.0 JB
1.8 JB
0.52 JB
1.7 JB
1.5 JB
3.1
Sodium

623 JB
186 JB
377 U
483 JB
354 JB
385 JB
397 JB
200 JB
258 JB
Thallium
5.0 U
2.3 U
0.78 U
1.3 U
2.1 U
1.4 U
1.5 U
1.9 U
0.78 U
0.80 U
Vanadium
5.93
33J
32.1
16.6 JB
30.5
25.6
29.0
36.7
21.4
33.1
Zinc
27
617
280
42.3
855
940
104
787
600
1250
6-6
Page 3 of 8

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Table 6-1






UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EPA Sample ID

01214120
01214122
01214124
01214128
01214126
01214130
01214132
01214134
01214136
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ0917
MJ0918
MJ0919
MJ0921
MJ0920
MJ0922
MJ0923
MJ0924
MJ0925
CLP Organic ID

JX460
JX461
JX462
JX464
JX463
JX465
JX466
JX467
JX468
Station Location ID
Background
CS031
CS032
CS033
CS034
CS035
CS036
CS037
CS038
CS039
Metals (mg/kg)
Aluminum

6940
9410
9240
8720
8540
8790
18900
12400 JL
4950 JL
Antimony
4UJ
21.5 JL
4.7 JB
7.0 JB
5.7 JB
2.2 JB
10.8 JB
17.2 JL
10.4 JB
3.4 JB
Arsenic
2.0 U
11.5
8.7
13.0
10.7
7.9
10.4
26.9
17.3 JH
9.6 JH
Barium
27.2
533
295
618
391
255
438
1070
603 JK
768 J K
Cadmium
0.46
4.3
3.5
6.9
3.6
2.3
2.8
2.8
2.1
M
Calcium

26300
15400
26100
19600
10800
22300
49600
28900 JL
46900 JL
Chromium
12.0 J
29.9
26.4
29.4
25.8
23.4
28.1
59.1
35.1 JL
12.5 JL
Cobalt
2.1
10.7 JB
8.6 JB
9.0 JB
8.6 JB
7.3 JB
10.6
22.3
15.1 JL
4.1 JB
Copper
4
387 JL
150 JL
251 JL
156 JL
76.8 JL
309 JL
1460 JL
823
102
Iron
3650 J
36300
24700
28900
25500
19800
42300
176000
109000 JL
25000 JL
Lead
12
256
165
392
190
112
209
1590
784 JL
289 JL
Magnesium
1690 J
11800
10200
15300
12800
8570
10300
7230
5020 JL
25000 JL
Manganese
47.0
661
481
435
545
467
946
3390
2090 JL
442 JL
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.40
0.19
0.73
0.32
0.16
0.16
0.07 JB
0.13
0.29
Nickel
13.4
16.0
21.1
20.9
19.8
19.1
15.0
10.3
8.5
10.9
Potassium
447 J
1440JB
1.900
1620
1760
1610
1400
3620
2300 JL
883 JB
Selenium
5.0 U
1.6 JB
0.97 JB
1.2
0.69 U
0.68 U
1.4
0.68 U
4.2
0.82 JB
Silver
0.5 UJ
3.4
2.1 JB
M
2.2
1.2 JB
2.1
4.0
2.9
0.63 JB
Sodium

374 JB
266 JB
269 JB
207 JB
237 JB
384 JB
1310
723 JB
228 JB
Thallium
5.0 U
1.6 JB
0.84 U
0.92 U
0.79 U
0.78 U
0.81 JB
4.0
2.4
I.I JB
Vanadium
5.93
23.6
29.4
30.2
28.6
28.3
27.1
39.0
29.5 JL
23.0 JL
Zinc
27
2560
1030 J
1660
1100
592
3090
24900
13900
1990
6-7
Page 4 of 8

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Table 6-1
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
EPA Sample ID

01214138
01214140
01214142
01214144
01224150
01224151
01224154
01224155
01224157
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ0926
MJ0927
MJ0928
MJ0929
MJ0930
MJ0931
MJ0932
MJ0933
MJ0934
CLP Organic ID

JX469
JX470
JX471
JX472
JX473
JX474
JX475
JX476
JX477
Station Location ID
Background
CS040
CS041
CS042
CS043
CS044
CS045
CS046
CS047
CS048
Metals (mg/kg)
Aluminum

6520 JL
6550 JL
9280 JL
15500 JL
21100
4710
17400
17800
18100
Antimony
4 UJ
19.2 JL
17.2 JL
20.7 JL
27.1 JL
53.5
9.9 JB
57.5
45.2
34.9
Arsenic
2.0 U
9.1 JH
8.7 JH
13.9 JH
20.3 JH
25.5
7.6
30.3
21.6
30.3
Barium
27.2
452 JK
495 JK
632 JK
1140 JK
2160
486
1970
1690
1660
Cadmium
0.46
1.9
2.1
1.6
1.6
0.06 U
M
0.07 U
0.19 JB
0.06 U
Calcium

24700 JL
28200 JL
26500 JL
46900 JL
69900
54000
57600
66400
58600
Chromium
12.0 J
27.1 JL
32.8 JL
44.8 JL
76.8 JL
142
20.7
135
112
113
Cobalt
2.1
12.0 JL
13.7 JL
17.7 JL
35.2 JL
59.0
8.4 JB
73.5
47.3
33.8
Copper
4
362
451
720
1550
2900 JL
245 JL
2520 JL
2160 JL
2160 JL
Iron
3650 J
37600 JL
48200 JL
79700 JL
137000 JL
239000
28000
176000
178000
179000
Lead
12
172 JL
175 JL
446 JL
1040 JL
316
199
409
417
317
Magnesium
1690 J
9750 JL
9960 JL
5520 JL
5780 JL
5770 JL
26600 JL
5040 JL
10000 JL
6030 JL
Manganese
47.0
743 JL
908 JL
1500 JL
3060 JL
4040
585
3680
3240
3130
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.08 JB
0.07 JB
0.13
0.06 JB
0.05 U
0.06 JB
0.06 U
0.05 U
0.05 U
Nickel
13.4
11.1
10.2
9.6
12.2
17.0
10.4
15.6
14.4
13.0
Potassium
447 J
1330 JL
1260 JL
1740 JL
3750 JL
4300
888 JB
3580
3490
3480
Selenium
5.0 U
1.8
2.1
3.2
4.5
0.68 UJK
0.67 UJK
1.4 JL
0.68 UJK
1.4 JL
Silver
0.5 UJ
2.1
L2
3.9
5.7
7.5
1.6 JB
10.2
M
5.9
Sodium

377 JB
475 JB
666 JB
1660
2210
269 JB
2230
1610
1530
Thallium
5.0 U
1.2 JB
0.78 U
2.3
4.6
0.78 U
0.77 U
0.87 U
0.78 U
0.76 U
Vanadium
5.93
21.5 JL
21.4 JL
26.2 JL
39.2 JL
42.3
22.1
39.1
37.7
36.3
Zinc
27
2770
3760
8710
15000
20100
2430
17500
18200
16500
6-8
Page 5 of 8

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Table 6-1
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
EPA Sample ID

01224160
01224162
01224163
01224164
01264431
01264432
01264433
01264434
01264435
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ0935
MJ0936
MJ0937
MJ0938
MJ0GP0
MJ0GP1
MJ0GP2
MJ0GP3
MJ0GP4
CLP Organic ID

JX478
JX479
JX480
JX481
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
Station Location ID
Background
CS049
CS050
CS051
CS052
NSSL01SD
NSSL02SD
NSSL03SD
NSSL04SD
NSSL05SD
Metals (mg/kg)




Aluminum

18700
8170
21100
11000
6170
13400
15700
17800
19200
Antimony
4 UJ
7.4 JB
20.0
6t.3
51.4
18.8 JL
40.1 JL
49.1 JL
44.9 JL
59.4 JL
Arsenic
2.0 U
7.6
11.8
42.8
23.1
7.5
15
19.3
23.9
41.4
Barium
27.2
681
763
2440
989
255
1270
1610
1910
2150
Cadmium
0.46
0.06 U
2.4
0.06 U
0.07 U
1.6
0.81 JB
0.74 JB
1.5
1.7
Calcium

46900
25300
72400
30800
29100 JL
47600 JL
56000 JL
63900 JL
70200 JL
Chromium
12.0 J
64.0
30.2
165
72.0
18
85
103
121
139
Cobalt
2.1
15.0
7.9 JB
85.7
33.4
7.4 JB
34.6
41.1
45.9
54.2
Copper
4
997 JL
444 JL
3300 JL
1330 JL
238 JL
1540 JL
2070 JL
2530 JL
2960 JL
Iron
3650 J
165000
67100
245000
96900
25000
134000
167000
193000
212000
Lead
12
282
309
512
276
230 JK
246 J K
292 JK
388 JK
507 J K
Magnesium
1690 J
5750 JL
8540 JL
5970 JL
3990 JL
12300 JK
6900 JK
5960 JK
5800 JK
5830 JK
Manganese
47.0
2950
1080
4360
1990
477
2540
3140
3630
4130
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.05 U
0.29
0.05 U
0.06 U
0.06 U
0.06 U
0.07 U
0.06 U
0.06 U
Nickel
13.4
8.1 JB
12.5
19.4
13.6
8.4 JB
13.1
14.7
15.8
17.6
Potassium
447 J
3770
1400
4330
2160
1170JB
2800
3340
3870
4260
Selenium
5.0 U
2.1 JL
1.4 JL
0.68 UJK
1.5 JL
0.85 U
0.91 U
0.91 U
0.89 U
0.86 U
Silver
0.5 UJ
3.7
2iZ
12.6
8.5
1.9 JB
7.8
7.8
8.2
10.3
Sodium

1050
385 JB
2630
1000JB
463 JB
1430
1760
1960
2400
Thallium
5.0 U
0.79 U
0.91 U
0.78 U
0.89 U
1.3 U
1.4 U
1.4 U
1.3 U
1.3 U
Vanadium
5.93
38.2
28.8
45.0
28.6
20.8
31.7
33.4
36.5
39.8
Zinc
27
15400
4900
22300
8820
1520
10500
13000
15100
16900
6-9
Page 6 of 8

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Table 6-1


UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES ANALYTICAL RESULTS DATA SUMMARY
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION


STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON

EPA Sample ID

01264436
01264437
01264438
01264439
CLP Inorganic ID

MJ0GP5
MJ0GP6
MJ0GP7
MJ0GP8
CLP Organic ID

NA
NA
NA
NA
Station Location ID
Background
NSSL06SD
NSSL07SD
NSSL07SD
NSSL08SD
Metals (mg/kg)




Aluminum

7170
7250
7180
7530
Antimony
4 UJ
10.9 JB
19.2 JL
8.6 JB
9.4 JB
Arsenic
2.0 U
10.9
12.3
11.1
15.9
Barium
27.2
582
762
804
411
Cadmium
0.46
3.3
4.9
3.0
3.2
Calcium

33300 J L
40500 JL
38400 JL
21300 JL
Chromium
12.0 J
25.9
22.4
24.8
20
Cobalt
2.1
9.8 JB
8.8 JB
7.9 JB
11.4 JB
Copper
4
349 JL
257 JL
347 J L
357 JL
Iron
3650 J
44900
35900
54600
54200
Lead
12
470 JK
548 JK
597 JK
845 JK
Magnesium
1690 J
13900 JK
18700 JK
15500 JK
6680 J K
Manganese
47.0
864
617
1190
1170
Mercury
0.0004 U
0.08 JB
0.11 JB
0.08 JB
0.29
Nickel
13.4
10.5 JB
14.7
9.2 JB
12.8
Potassium
447 J
1570
1520
1450
1830
Selenium
5.0 U
0.99 U
0.91 U
1.1 JB
0.83 U
Silver
0.5 UJ
2.8 JB
2.3 JB
2.8
3.1
Sodium

807 JB
528 JB
695 JB
870 JB
Thallium
5.0 U
1.5 U
1.4 U
1.4 U
1.3 U
Vanadium
5.93
28.6
28.4
28.1
24.5
Zinc
27
3920
2800
5430
5280
6-10
Page 7 of 8

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Key:
B	= Detected inorganic concentration is below the method reporting limit contract required detection limit but is abtne the
instrument detection limit.
CLP	= Contract Laboratory Program.
EPA	= United Stated Environmental Protection Agency.
H	= High bias.
ID	= Identification.
J	= The analyte was positively identified, but the associated numerical value is an estimated quantity because quality control
criteria were not met or because concentrations reported are less then the quantitation limit or low est calibration standard.
J	= The analyte was positively identified. The associated numerical result is an estimate. (Ecology 2001)
K	= Unknown bias.
L	= Low bias,
mg/kg	= Milligrams per kilogram.
U	= The compound was analyzed for, but was not detected.
UJ	--- The analyte was not detected at or above the reported estimated result. (Ecology 2001)
6-11
Page 8 of 8

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Table 6-2


COMPARISON OF COLUMBIA RIVER SEDIMENT SAMPLES RESULTS TO TECs AND FSQVs
FOR FRESHWATER SEDIMENTS
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Analyte
Range of Detected
Concentrations
(mg/kg)
Detection
Frequency
Consensus-Based
Threshold Effects
Concentrations*
(mg/kg)
Freshwater Sediment
Quality Values for
Metals in
Washington Stateb
(mg/kg)
Arsenic
2.8-42.8
51/58
9.79
57
Cadmium
1.5- 11.1
40/58
0.99
5.1
Copper
8.8 -3.300 JL
58/58
31.6
390
Lead
6.2 - 1,590
58/58
35.8
450
Mercury
0.13 - 1.7
28/58
0.18
0.41
Zinc
34.5 - 24,900
58/58
121
410
a Guideline used to evaluate the relationship between metals concentrations and the possibility of effects to benthic life TECs are concentrations below
which harmful effects on sediment dwelling organisms are not expected to occur.
b Value used to evaluate potential effects of metals concentrations to benthic life.
Key:
FSQV = Freshwater Sediment Quality Value
J	= The analyte was positively identified, but the associated numerical value is an estimated quantity because quality control criteria were not
met or because concentrations reported are less then the quantitation limit or lowest calibration standard
L = Low bias
mg/kg = Micrograms per kilogram.
TEC = Threshold EtYects Concentration.
6-12

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7. TARGETS/RECEPTORS SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY
7.1 SURFACE WATER MIGRATION PATHWAY
Sediment contamination in the upper Columbia River has been documented in this ESI near the
U.S.-Canada border at RM 745, and at sample intervals downstream to Inchelium, Washington at RM
675. The surface water pathway target distance limit (TDL) is defined as the section of the upper
Columbia River from RM 745 to RM 675. An observed release to the surface water migration pathway
has been documented by sampling and analysis of sediments in the upper Columbia River by the EPA
(Section 6).
The average annual precipitation is 17.20 inches in Colville, Washington (WRCC 2002). The
2-year, 24-hour rainfall event for the area ranges from 1.4 to 2.0 inches (NOAA 1973). The flow rate of
the Columbia River at the U.S.-Canada border averages 116,500 cubic feet per second (USGS 2002).
The upland drainage area is estimated to be 59,700 square miles (USGS 2002).
Surface water is used for domestic purposes, such as irrigation, livestock watering, fire
protection, power generation, and commercial purposes within the surface water TDL (E & E 2000). The
average number of people per housing unit in Stevens and Ferry counties is 2.64 and 2.49, respectively
(USCB 2000). There are four domestic intakes from the Columbia River in Stevens County serving an
estimated population of 11 people and seven domestic intakes in Ferry County serving an estimated
population of 17 people (WSDH 2002b). One municipal intake is present at Kettle Falls (WSDH 2002b).
This intake is not used for drinking water purposes, but is maintained for emergency use to augment fire
suppression water supplies (Gassaway 2002). Since other listed surface water intake applications did not
specify the source of the surface water, and therefore were not counted in this estimate, the actual
number of people served by drinking water intakes on the Columbia River may be higher.
Portions of the upper Columbia River ESI study area are located within the Lake Roosevelt
National Recreation Area (i.e., from RM 675 to Onion Creek which is located just south of Northport,
Washington). The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, comprising the lake and its shorelines,
attracts more than 1 million visitors per year. Recreational activities include boating, swimming,
hunting, fishing, and camping. Lake Roosevelt, including the upper Columbia River and its tributaries in
the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, support a varied fish community that today is considerably
10:STA RT-2\01020028\S772
7-1

-------
different from the native fish community of the early 1900s. Changes over time have been caused by the
introduction of nonnative species and habitat alterations such as water pollution, the damming of rivers,
and reservoir draw downs. Today, there are possibly 28 native and 12 nonnative species of fish that
inhabit the recreation area's waters. (DOl 2000)
Between 1990 and 1996, the number of angler trips to Lake Roosevelt ranged from 171,725 to
594,508 per year (DOI 2000). Walleye, rainbow trout, and kokanee were the fish most often caught and
harvested by anglers (DOl 2000). The Spokane Tribe of Indians reported in the Lake Roosevelt Fisheries
Monitoring Program 1993 Annual Report (the latest year available) prepared for the Bonneville Power
Administration, that approximately 33,959 fish were harvested from Columbia River within Section 1,
which is the section from approximately Little Jim Creek at RM 681 to approximately Ryan Creek at RM
723 (Underwood and Shields 1996). This section is completely within the ESI study area representing a
harvest of approximately 40,820 pounds of fish for that year as demonstrated in Table 7-1. More current
fish catch harvest data was provided to the EPA by the Lake Roosevelt Fisheries Evaluation Project, a
cooperative project amongst the Spokane Tribe of Indians, the Colville Confederated Tribes, and the
Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (WSDFW). This data indicates that over a 10-week,
period from July 13, 2002 to September 20, 2002, anglers caught 576 fish from Lake Roosevelt (Lee
2002). These fish consisted of 338 walleye, 221 rainbow trout, and 17 kokanee salmon (Lee 2002).
The WSDFW only tracks sturgeon, salmon, and steelhead in its freshwater sport fishing data.
They list that four sturgeon were harvested between Grand Coulee Dam and the Canadian border in
1998. No steelhead or salmon are reported to have been harvested during 1998 (WSDFW 2001).
Tribally-sensitive areas of central importance to the Colville Confederated Tribes include those
areas used for ceremonial, cultural, traditional, subsistence, or economic purposes. Tribal lands and the
North Half are areas where tribal members utilize the river for subsistence, economic, and cultural
purposes. The Colville Confederated Tribes' ancient hunting and fishing camps are located throughout
the river as well as the final resting place for the Tribes' ancestors (Stone 2003).
The fisheries, wildlife, and plant materials of the upper Columbia River basin are of central
importance to the Tribes' subsistence and culture. The fisheries of Lake Roosevelt provide sustenance to
many tribal members, and the economic opportunities presented by the lake in the form of tourist and
recreation enterprises are increasingly relied upon by the tribal membership and tribal government, (see
PA Petition, Appendix A)
Historically, tribal members consumed large numbers of anadromous and resident fish species
(Ray 1972). Salmon were the primary species sought but other species including steelhead trout,
10 :ST A RT-2\01020028\S772
7-2

-------
sturgeon, white fish, bull trout, and various rough fish species were captured and consumed (LeCaire
2001). Today, resident fish species play a large role in subsistence fishing by tribal members (LeCaire
2001). Tribal members who fish for subsistence in the "blocked area" above Chief Joseph and Grand
Coulee Dams including Lake Roosevelt rely on resident fish species such as rainbow trout
(Oncorhynchus), kokanee salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka), white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus),
walleye (Stizustedion vitreum), and white fish (Prosopium williamsoni) (LeCaire 2001). Bull trout
(Salvelinus confluentus), until very recent times, was also used for subsistence and played a significant
role in tribal culture (LeCaire 2001). Salmon and the river are still a large part of tribal life and culture
(Stone 2003). Tribal members fish for salmon to the base of Chief Joseph Dam and in the Okanogan
River (Stone 2003).
Kokanee salmon are of special interest to tribal members because they are a landlocked or
resident form of the sockeye salmon that used to migrate past Kettle Falls in great numbers (LeCaire
2001). Kokanee salmon have dwindled to a point that there may not be sufficient numbers to prevent
extirpation (LeCaire 2001). Kokanee salmon survive in Lake Roosevelt despite contamination, heavy
fishing pressure, and the lack of a natural-production kokanee run (Scholz et al. 1985). Mountain
whitefish have always been present in the upper Columbia River basin (Scholz et al. 1985). Mountain
whitefish were an integral part of the Columbia River fishery critical to the subsistence of the River
Indian bands (Scholz et al. 1985). Mountain whitefish numbers are depressed (Stone 2003). Walleye, a
non-native species, illegally introduced to Lake Roosevelt during the late 1950s, have become numerous
and are an important fish resource on Lake Roosevelt (Scholz et al. 1985). The walleye fishery is
important to the regional economy through fish license sales and through fuel, grocery, motel, and
tourism expenditures (Stone 2003).
The Spokane Tribe, the Colville Confederated Tribes, and the WSDFW are the primary agencies
directly involved in managing the Lake Roosevelt fisheries. The Spokane Tribe is coordinating the
development of a Lake Roosevelt fisheries plan, funded by the Bonneville Power Administration in
cooperation with the WSDFW, the Colville Confederated Tribes, and other involved parties. Two
kokanee salmon hatcheries are operated by the Spokane Tribe and the WSDFW to support the resident
fishery in Lake Roosevelt. The hatcheries produce thousands of kokanee for release into Lake Roosevelt
annually. The Spokane Tribe also has initiated a program of rearing rainbow trout at its hatchery for
release into Lake Roosevelt. (DOI 2000)
In addition to the hatchery operations, there are numerous rainbow trout pens on Lake Roosevelt.
These fish-rearing pens provide thousands of trout annually to support the recreational fishery (DOI
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2000). The resident rainbow trout fishery is managed as a "put and take" fishery supported by various
Bonneville Power Administration-funded projects and hatcheries (with the exception of the Sanpoil
River adfluvial rainbow trout; Stone 2003). The success of this project in providing catchable-size
rainbow trout resulted in its expansion to more than 30 net pens in several locations on Lake Roosevelt
by 1995 (DOl 2000). In addition, some of the net pens are now being used to rear kokanee before release
(DOI 2000).
Three species protected under the Endangered Species Act are present in or along the upper
Columbia River. Of these, peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) are endangered, and the bald eagle
(Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) are threatened. The WSDFW also
lists peregrine falcons as endangered and the bald eagle as threatened. (DOl 2000)
Peregrine falcon nests have been found in the areas surrounding the Lake Roosevelt Reservoir.
Use of the area by peregrine falcons normally occurs during spring and fall migrations. Peregrine falcon
foraging and nesting habitats are usually associated with tall cliffs near water. Their diet consists
primarily of waterfowl, shorebirds, and passerine species commonly found on and around lakes and
streams. (DOl 2000)
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has guidance policies for conducting activities within a
400-meter zone of sight avoidance distance for disturbing activities to nesting bald eagles (USFWS
1986). The recommended policy of work in the impact zone of the wintering bald eagle period is late
November to March on Lake Roosevelt (LRNRA Files 2000 andCCT Survey of 2000 Maureen
Murphy). More than 21 bald eagle nests are in the vicinity of the project area and bald eagles appear to
be becoming more productive each year. A maximum of 15 territories have been occupied in any one
year. Bald eagle habitat is usually associated with large bodies of water that provide an abundant source
of food. Bald eagles feed primarily on fish, waterfowl, and carrion. (DOl 2000)
Bull trout historically occupied a vast geographic area of the Columbia River (DOl 2000). Today
the remaining populations are isolated and remnant (DOl 2000). Native bull trout have declined
significantly in the last 10 years, in part due to predation by and competition with introduced species
such as walleye (DOl 2000). No bull trout hatcheries are present on the Columbia River or its tributaries
between the U.S.-Canada border and RM 675 (Buckley 2003). Further, no efforts have been made to
reintroduce bull trout into this segment of the river (Buckley 2003). A representative from the U. S. Fish
and Wildlife Service stated that any bull trout found in this segment of the river would be wild and
therefore protected under the endangered species act (Buckley 2003). Bull trout typically migrate from
lakes in the fall to spawn in clear streams with flat gradient, uniform flow, and uniform gravel or small
10: ST A RT- 2\01020028\S772
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cobble (DOl 2000). Each year a few bull trout have been observed in the Columbia River north of
Inchelium, Washington, primarily at the mouths of tributaries to the Columbia River (Scholz 2003).
Adult kokanee trapping in Big Sheep Creek documented the presence of two adult bull trout in spawning
condition during the fall 2000 (LeCaire 2001). The presence of juvenile bull trout was recorded during
1990 in Onion Creek (LeCaire and Peone 1999). A bull trout was documented at Hawk Creek by Eastern
Washington University (Scholz 2001).
The white sturgeon is listed by the Colville Confederated Tribes as a protected sensitive species
due to its cultural importance and its serious decline in Lake Roosevelt. In January 200 1, the Colville
Confederated Tribes' Colville Business Council approved and enacted a resolution for the total closure
of all white sturgeon fisheries in all waters within the exterior boundaries of the Colville Reservation.
(Cawston 2001)
Additional sensitive environments within the surface water TDL include 5.97 linear miles of
wetland frontage (USFWS various dates).
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Table 7-1

1993 FISH HARVEST DATA
UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER EXPANDED SITE INSPECTION
STEVENS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Species
Numbers Harvested
Average Weight (pounds)
Harvest in Pounds
Kokanec
27
4
108
Rainbow trout
7.071
2
14,142
Walleye
26,232
1
26,232
Smallmouth bass
267
0.6
160
Sturgeon
66
Not Available
—
Other species
296
0.6
178
Total
33,959

40,820
Source: Underwood and Shields 1996,
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8. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
In the spring and summer of 2001, the EPA and its authorized contractors conducted an
investigation of hazardous substance contamination in the upper Columbia River beginning near
Inchelium, Washington, and extending approximately 70 RMs upstream to the U.S.-Canada border. The
site investigation involved an evaluation of 58 sediment samples collected along intervals within the
upper Columbia River. The evaluation of the technical data was conducted using the EPA HRS model
criteria as described in subsection 5.1 of this report.
Analytical data show that widespread contamination is present in lake and river sediments
throughout the upper Columbia River between Inchelium, Washington, and the U.S.-Canada border. An
evaluation of the analytical data relative to background sediment shows elevated concentrations of
arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, and zinc in the majority of samples ranging from 48% of all
samples for mercury to 97% of all samples for copper. The area of elevated contamination extends from
sample point CS004 located near Inchelium, Washington, to sample point CS052 at the U.S.-Canada
border and includes sediments within the boundaries of the Colville Confederated Tribes' Reservation
(as documented by the presence of contamination in sediment samples CS004, CS005, CS006, and
CS010 located within reservation boundaries; Stone 2003). Concentration gradient maps for copper,
lead, and zinc are presented as Figures 8-1 through 8-6. These maps demonstrate that the concentrations
of these three analytes tend to increase with distance upstream. The highest concentrations of copper and
zinc were found near the U.S.-Canada border with elevated concentrations approximately two orders of
magnitude over other elevated concentrations located further downstream. Concentrations of cadmium
and mercury tend to be highest toward the downstream portion of the study area.
During the 2001 EPA sampling event, several sediment samples collected at the upper Columbia
River consisted of a visibly dark glassy sandy mixture characterized by EPA field personnel as slag. Slag
is a by-product of the smelting furnaces, principally a black sand-size material, containing glassy
particulate matter and metals. The presence of slag in upper Columbia River sediment has been
documented by prior studies conducted by other federal and state agencies. Canadian government staff
and Cominco personnel observed deposits of slag during a 1991 boat trip into the U.S. conducted for
purposes of examining slag and gypsum deposits in back eddy areas and on sand and gravel bars
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(BC Environment 1991). The largest deposit in Washington of what appeared to be predominantly slag
was observed on the southwest side of a large sand/gravel bar located just north of Northport,
Washington. Samples were collected at several locations for analysis (BC Environment 1991).
A previous study by the USGS documented that benthic invertebrate communities in the
erosional habitats of the Northport reach of the Columbia River resembled those often associated with
contaminated or habitat-degraded areas. Benthic invertebrate communities were relatively low in
abundances and diversity. Although it is not possible to state definitively the degree to which elevated
trace-element concentrations have influenced the present structure of the benthic community, results
from the benthic invertebrate, sediment chemistry, and sediment toxicity parts of this study indicate that
concentrations of trace elements may have affected the benthic community. The presence of slag in the
erosional habitats of the Northport reach of the Columbia River may also be a factor because slag has
filled in interstitial spaces, thereby reducing available habitat. (USGS 1994)
Benthic organism groups found in substrate samples collected from Lake Roosevelt in 1992
include snails, midges, caddisflies, worms, and scuds (Griffith and McDowell 1992). Worms
0Oligochaeta) can accumulate toxins that are attached to sediment particles that the worms ingest (COA
2003). Accumulation of contaminants in sediments can cause death, reproduction failure, growth
impairment, or other detrimental changes in the organisms exposed to these contaminants (COA 2003).
The toxins accumulated in worms can be transferred up the food chain to higher predators such as fish
(COA 2003). Potential sources of contamination to the upper Columbia River include industries such as
mining, milling, smelting, pulp, and others that have discharged hazardous substances into the river. A
discussion of operations and processes at the former Le Roi/Northport Smelter in "Northport, Washington,
the Cominco smelter in Trail, B.C., and the Celgar Pulp Mill in Castlegar, B.C., is included in subsection
2.3. A discussion of active, inactive, and abandoned mines and mills in Stevens County and Pend Oreille
County can be found in separate reports (E & E 2002; E & E 2001).
Other potential sources of contamination to the river include permitted waste discharges in the
Columbia River from the municipal wastewater treatment facilities in Castlegar and Trail, B.C., seepage
from an old landfill site and an old arsenic storage site located upstream of the Cominco smelter, and the
wastes from the cities of Colville and Chewelah, Washington, discharged into the Colville River
tributary. (G3 Consulting 2001b)
Results of the EPA site investigation indicate that the Cominco smelter in Trail, B.C., is a
primary source of contamination to the upper Columbia River (G3 Consulting 200 lb). Smelter
operations have been underway in Trail, B.C., since 1896 with the direct discharge of slag into the
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Columbia River (G3 Consulting 2001 b). In late-1996, the B.C. Ministry of Environment, Land, and
Parks prohibited continued discharge of slag into the Columbia River, however; slag has continued to be
released into the river during upset conditions (MEL&P 1992; MacDonald 1997). Reportedly, up to
145,000 tons of slag, and possibly 1 86,703 tons of slag (see subsect ion 2.3,2.2), had been discharged
annually which moved downstream to settle out in slower flowing, sandy areas (G3 Consulting 2001 b).
The environmental effects of slag discharge to the river includes both chemical and physical components
(G3 Consulting 2001 b). Chemical effects include increased loads of heavy metals and potential
bioaccumulation and toxicity problems in river organisms (G3 Consulting 2001 b). Physical effects
include scouring of plant and animal life from river substrates, damage to gills and soft tissues of aquatic
insects and fish, and smothering of habitat and food sources (G3 Consulting 2001 b).
Cominco's 1996 environmental report includes a trend graph of metals in effluents from the
metallurgical operation from 1980 to 1996. According to the 1996 report, the average discharges for
total dissolved metals were as high as I 8 kg/d of arsenic, 62 kg/d of cadmium, 200 kg/d of lead, 4 kg/d of
mercury, and 7,400 kg/d of zinc. Additionally, fertilizer plant operations contributed up to 4 kg/d of
mercury and 350 kg/d of zinc. A new lead smelter was commissioned in 1997 and became fully
operational in 1999, reportedly providing improved air emission and effluent treatment controls.
Eleven domestic intakes serving an estimated population of 28 people are located within the area
of contamination. Sport, subsistence, and commercial fishing is conducted within the area of actual
contamination. The Federal endangered peregrine falcon, and the Federal threatened bald eagle and bull
trout use this area of the river. Approximately 5.97 linear miles of wetlands are located within the area
of contamination. Sediment contamination is present within the Lake Roosevelt National Recreation
Area. The Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, comprising the lake and its shorelines, attracts
more than 1 million visitors per year. Lake Roosevelt is one of the few large lakes in northeastern
Washington that has an abundance of shoreline that is accessible to the public for recreational use.
Recreational activities include boating, waterskiing, sailing, swimming, fishing, camping, hiking,
picknicking, wildlife watching, and sightseeing.
Between 1990 and 1996, walleye, rainbow trout, and kokanee were the fish most often caught
and harvested by anglers in Lake Roosevelt. In 1998, sturgeon were harvested between Grand Coulee
Dam and the U.S.-Canada border. The area is also of economic and cultural significance to Native
American populations. Tribally sensitive areas of central importance to the tribes include areas used for
cultural, ceremonial, traditional, subsistence, and economic purposes. Subsistence fishing constitutes a
major portion of some residents' diets.
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A 1994 study by the USGS to determine concentrations of mercury and other metals in three fish
species (walleye, smallmouth bass, and rainbow trout) found mercury in the walleye samples at
concentrations ranging from 0.11 mg/kgto 0.44 mg'kg. While the Federal Food and Drug
Administration standard of 1.0 parts per million was not exceeded, the USGS and the WSDH issued a
fact sheet summarizing the study and advising the public to limit consumption of Lake Roosevelt walleye
(E & E 2000). Currently, the WSDH has health advisories issued for the consumption of walleye,
whitefish, and sturgeon from Lake Roosevelt due to mercury and dioxins concerns (WSDH 2002a).
Additional concerns include potential threats to human health posed by contact with slag on the
beaches of the upper Columbia River and contact with contaminated sediments exposed during low draw
down periods. Routes of human exposure to slag and contaminated sediment include inhalation of
airborne particles, dermal contact, and ingestion. There is also a concern of human exposure from
ingestion of lake/river water contaminated as a result of contact with slag or contaminated sediments.
Further detailed investigation of the upper Columbia River under CERCLA is recommended,
including consideration of the site for proposal to the NPL, based on an evaluation of hazardous
substances found in sediment samples collected from the upper Columbia River and based on a review of
prior studies conducted documenting elevated levels of metals, dioxins, and furans in sediment samples
at numerous locations from the U.S.-Canada border to Lake Roosevelt.
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] 0;START-2\01020028\S772
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Lee, Chuck, October 3, 2002, Spokane Tribe of Indians, Lake Roosevelt Weekly Angler Reports to July
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10:START-2\01020028\S772
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