EPA 910-K-11-005 I December 2011
www.epa.gov/region10/
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
EPA Region 10 Off ice
of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report
2010-2011
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Region 10
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EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
Joyce Kelly, Director
Ann Williamson, Associate Director
OEA Mission Statement:
The mission of the Office of Environmental Assessment
is to provide scientific/technical leadership, develop
partnerships for providing scientific/technical information,
assess the condition of the environment, and determine
the compliance status of pollution sources.
Our Priority Focus:
Support core media programs and National/
Regional strategic work and endeavors.
Ensure solid technical and scientific work is conducted in
the Region and participate in National initiatives to advance
innovative solutions to environmental problems.
Play a leadership role on important Regional
initiatives including Climate Change, Puget Sound,
Columbia River, and the Mercury strategy.
Highlights for 2010-2011
OEA Leads Investigation of Yakima Drinking Water Contamination
As a part of the Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) program in
Region 10, OEA led a collaborative sampling effort between several
offices (OWW, Region 10 Lab, ETPA, ORC, and ORD) in the Lower
Yakima Valley from February to April 2010. The main purpose of the
sampling was to provide information to evaluate the link between
high nitrate levels in private drinking water wells to the source
of that nitrate from nearby land uses. Three potential sources of
nitrate were evaluated: septic systems, irrigated cropland, and
dairies. The results from the sampling may provide information to
evaluate options for reducing nitrogen loadings to the land, and
therefore reduce nitrate levels in private drinking water wells.
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The sampling was in part a response to concerns raised by state and
local agencies, as well as community members, about high nitrate
levels in private domestic drinking water wells. Sampling data from
1990-2008 in the Lower Yakima Valley indicated that as many as
12% of private drinking water wells had nitrate levels above the EPA
drinking water standard (10 mg/L) and about 20% were found to
have bacterial contamination. These wells tend to be shallow and
in many cases are primarily used by tribal members of the Yakima
Nation, or by Spanish speaking families participating in the local
agricultural economy. However, these wells may be used by anyone
in the community not served by a public water-supply system.
While sampling for nitrate has been conducted in the Lower Valley
for decades, there has been little work linking sources of nitrate
to levels in drinking water
wells. As a first step in trying
to identify areas of impact,
OEA developed a GIS tool that
overlays potential sources:
septic systems, irrigated
cropland, and dairies. Sampling
was then conducted at almost
340 homes to identify those
with high nitrate levels. The
48-hour hold time for nitrate Taking a water sample at a
required close coordination residence in the Yakima valley
between our laboratory and
field team, and a willingness
to accept samples in the evening and on weekends, and commence
work immediately. Twenty-one percent of the homes sampled had
nitrate levels greater than the 10 mg/L drinking water standard.
Based on these results, combined with further GIS analysis, additional
sampling was conducted at 62 locations throughout the Lower
Yakima Valley, including water wells, treatment lagoons, water
treatment plants, and cropland soils. The goal was to provide a
linkage to the different sources of nitrate. Over 1200 samples were
collected and sent to six labs around the country for analysis. The
compounds tested included general water chemistry, pesticides,
hormones, veterinary Pharmaceuticals, and trace organics like
caffeine. In addition, age dating and isotopic analyses were used
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for all of the water wells as additional methods to identify drinking
water sources. The results are currently being evaluated and a
report will be completed at the end of 2011. The results will be
used to determine the next steps in trying to reduce the loadings
of nitrogen to the land, including potential enforcement actions.
OEA Continues to Provide Leadership in TMDL Science
Water quality models can have significant implications on the manner
in which Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) are established and the
subsequent decisions made to clean up rivers. The data produced
by these models can result in decisions by EPA and/or our Region
10 States requiring multi-million dollar efforts to reduce pollution.
Consequently, it's critical that models are rigorously developed
and documented so that they are accepted as reasonable scientific
tools by the TMDL program and the municipalities, industries,
and government agencies that are involved in implementing the
TMDLs. OEA's water quality modeler has provided strong leadership
in the successful development and acceptance of models in a
number of controversial settings. Here are two examples:
Resolving Science Disputes for the Spokane River TMDL For the
past few years, OEA's modeler has been directing the water quality
assessment portion of the TMDL for dissolved oxygen in Lake
Spokane, a man-made impoundment of the Spokane River. This
TMDL is focused on reducing nuisance algal blooms and reversing a
trend toward lower oxygen levels in the lake by reducing phosphorus
discharges. The scientific analysis for the TMDL is focused on defining
the level of reduction needed to meet water quality standards.
The Washington Department of Ecology requested that EPA lead
the technical work for this project, which involved development
and application of a sophisticated water quality model of the river
and lake. The project has been controversial from the beginning.
Because Washington's water quality standards for dissolved oxygen
are stringent and the population in the Spokane River valley is
growing, the scientific assessment points to the need for state-of-the-
art wastewater treatment in the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene corridor to
reduce phosphorus levels to near-natural conditions. The resulting
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Greenish hue of an algal bloom
in Lake Spokane (Source:
ecologywa.blogspot.comj
permit limits for the
treatment plants are among
the lowest in the country,
and some stakeholders have
questioned whether this level
of treatment is necessary.
The water quality model,
developed by Portland State
University (PSD) under
contract to EPA and Ecology,
was initially part of the
controversy. Several of the
affected municipalities and
industries in the area were critical of certain aspects of the model,
such as the model assumptions for groundwater inflows, algae
growth, and phosphorus releases from lake sediments. OEA's modeler
convinced the project team to build time into the TMDL project
schedule for an update to the model and an opportunity for peer
review by the consultants. This process culminated in a workshop
attended by both modelers and facility managers. In the end, the
peer review process was successful and the model was accepted by
the stakeholders and consultants. This approach moved the areas of
contention to policy aspects of the TMDL rather than the underlying
science; it proved to be a major accomplishment for the project
and helped move the TMDL toward completion in 2010. Ecology
has recently issued NPDES permits with the new phosphorus limits
for the City of Spokane and other sources. Construction of new
phosphorus treatment systems will begin in the next few years.
Klamath River TMDL The Klamath River TMDL for nutrients and
temperature is nearing successful completion by the States of
California and Oregon, thanks to the successful development
of a water quality model of the river from its headwaters
to the Pacific Ocean. The Klamath watershed has been the
focus of well publicized concerns with water demands; one
of the related problems is poor water quality. OEA's water
quality modeler led a consensus building effort to establish
an acceptable model and enable the TMDL to proceed.
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Developing an appropriate model was challenging due to several
factors: the fact that the Klamath watershed is heavily managed;
the large size of the river; and the different types of river systems
involved -free flowing, reservoirs, and estuaries. A contractor
developed the model for the two states involved (Oregon and
California), as well as EPA Regions 9 and 10. OEA's expert provided
internal guidance and review of the model for the project team.
The project suffered a set back in 2010 over criticism of the model
by USGS and the Bureau of Reclamation. The Bureau of Reclamation
is involved in managing the irrigation system for the river, and
will play a major role in TMDL implementation. In response to
the concerns that were raised, OEA's modeler, an ODEQ modeler,
and the contractor joined forces to address the USGS concerns,
culminating in a formal presentation supporting the modeling
work to California's North Coast Water Quality Control Board.
Subsequently, the local board decided that the model was
adequate and adopted the TMDL. Later, at the state level, the
California State Water Resources Control Board followed suit.
ODEQ is nearing completion of its TMDL for the portion of
the river in Oregon. USGS criticism of the modeling work has
diminished over time and after numerous interactions.
OEA Launching Climate Change Adaptation Strategy
Historical records and observations are showing that steady increases
in air and surface temperatures over the past few decades are
leading to significant weather-related changes in our region, such
as different timing and intensity of precipitation, earlier melting of
snowpack and sea ice in the spring, delayed formation of sea ice in the
fall, and increased likelihood of drought. These and other observed
changes are evidence that EPA's programs can no longer rely on
historical data as the best indicator of the future but must instead
incorporate information about the projected changes for some of
their analyses. To address this situation, OEA is launching a climate
change adaptation strategy that will deliver targeted information on
projected scenarios in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska to Region 10
program offices. It will also work with programs on how to incorporate
projected scenarios into their regulatory and implementation work.
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Changes in Alaska's Muir
Glacier between 1941
(above) and 2004 (below)
To develop its strategy, OEA is
partnering with the Office of
Water and Watersheds (OWW)
in conducting a pilot project
using climate change science
to identify critical issues for
water policy development.
Drawing from the most current
science on the climate change
impacts projected for the
Pacific Northwest and Alaska,
the project will identify how
those impacts will affect EPA's
ability to implement its water
quality programs, starting with
the TMDL program that sets
the pollution reduction goals
for impaired water bodies. The
goal of the pilot project is to
identify and fill science and
data needs, and highlight any
policy needs, so that projected
climate change scenarios are
integrated into TMDLs. While states conduct most of the TMDLs, EPA
is involved with those that are multi-jurisdictional, from which it is
likely a candidate watershed for the pilot project will be selected.
This pilot uses the "Awareness, Analysis, Action, Assessment, Adaptive
Management" paradigm. To date OEA has provided information
on likely changes in the Region under climate change scenarios,
and evaluated several completed TMDLs in order to identify
opportunities for integrating projected changes for specific TMDL
parameters. The next steps are to select a TMDL in its earliest stages
of development, incorporate relevant climate change impact data
in the most appropriate stages of analysis, and then evaluate how
the TMDL development process may need to adapt as a result of
the pilot. Expected outcomes are that OWW will modify its TMDL
analyses to include relevant projected climate change scenarios
and that OEA will develop information and provide suggestions
for action on needed tools, guidance, policy, and research. This
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pilot project will also provide OEA an opportunity to contemplate
any lessons learned and then to revise its approach for integrating
climate change scenario information in other programs.
RIO Science Steering Council Identifies Key Science Needs
One of the ways in which science is reinforced in Region 10 is via the
Science Steering Council (RSSC). Its goal is to develop broad based,
region-wide leadership to strengthen and sustain the role of science
as a core value in Region 10 decisionmaking. The group is co-chaired
by the Director of the Office of Environmental Assessment and an
Executive Team member. Science Steering Council members represent
the Region's offices that produce, maintain or use science information
either directly or indirectly in the fulfillment of their missions.
In 2010, the RSSC issued the results of its most recent Science
Needs Survey. The goals of the survey were to provide direction for
RSSC activities, identify training and staffing needs, focus requests
to the Office of Research and Development (ORD), and/or direct
discretionary resources. Survey responses were received from 140
participants and 58 narratives were provided. Participants included
staff and managers from each of Region 10's program offices.
Some highlighted needs from the survey findings:
Develop data and assessments to support air and water
permits for the outer continental shelf exploratory
drilling program in the Alaskan North Slope region.
Address Puget Sound toxics and water quality, with an emphasis
on emerging challenges, sustainability and cumulative impacts,
including data collection, data management, modeling,
improved detection methods and other science-based tools .
Characterize agricultural chemical and waste management
impacts in the Columbia River Basin and Snake River Plain.
Determine health risks of air toxics & criteria
pollutants in tribal communities.
Build resilience to the impacts of climate change in
human communities and ecosystems in Region 10.
Support succession planning for scientists and
enhance capacity of scientific staff.
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Based on the results of the survey, the RSSC will use its role in
competitive programs such as the Region's Sci/Tech scholarships,
Regional Applied Research Effort (RARE) proposals, and the Regional
Research Partnership Program to give additional weight to proposals
that address priority regional science needs. In addition, the RSSC
will identify potential resources to help address scientific research
needs by working collaboratively with ORD, EPA Programs, other
agencies, universities, nongovernmental organizations, and research
groups to address emerging, cutting-edge science initiatives.
One example of this are "Science Cafes" that are now hosted
by OEA. In August a cafe was held on the topic of "Greening the
Park Place Building". Several presentations were given on current
green building practices, as well as techniques that will be part
of the remodel process for the building. In conjunction with EPA's
Children's Health month, an October 2011 cafe Cafe featured an
ORD speaker on the topic of the National Children's Study.
More information on the work of the Science Council is available at:
http://rlOnapps3.rlO.epa.gov:9876/R10/INFOPAGE/oeainfo.
nsf/webpage/Region+10+Science+Steering+Council+(RSSC)
OEA Provides Technical Analyses for Outer Continental Shelf Permits
One of the more challenging regulatory areas for this Region
has been permitting exploratory oil and gas drilling projects on
the outer continental shelf (DCS) of Alaska. Having been granted
exploratory leases, oil companies such as Shell and ConocoPhillips
have applied for water pollution discharge permits and air quality
construction permits. These permits limit the air emissions and
water discharges for the vessels and support fleets that will conduct
oil exploration activities in Alaska's Arctic Outer Continental Shelf
in the Beaufort and Chukchi seas. Exploration work by Shell and
ConocoPhillips is slated for the 2012 and 2013 drilling seasons.
These permit reviews unfolded in a highly visible and controversial
setting, and involved technical, regulatory, and policy decisions on
issues EPA has not previously considered in this context. Two of the
permits were appealed to the Environmental Appeals Board last year
and parts of them were remanded back to the Region for additional
work. Media and public scrutiny were also high, with the permits
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I
The Shell Noble Discoverer is
one of the vessels that will
be drilling in the OCS.
drawing tens of thousands
of public comments in a 30
day public comment period.
There were numerous technical
hurdles associated with these
permits. Particularly challenging
was the lack of off-shore marine
environment air quality models
and over-water meteorological
and air quality data. OEA's air
team assisted the companies in
developing methodologies and
implementing both surface level
and upper air meteorological data collection systems in the remote
arctic marine environment. Our air modeling experts oversaw the
development of a marine environment meteorological preprocessor
and a non-guideline air dispersion model. This required an extensive
science review, code development, performance verification,
and independent evaluations. We also performed cumulative
impact analyses for nearby environmental justice communities.
Similarly, there were challenges on the water side. OEA water
quality experts assisted in preparing the Ocean Discharge
Criteria Evaluation document, which is designed to ensure the
discharges will not cause unreasonable degradation to the Arctic
environment. As on the air side, developing these evaluation
criteria were particularly challenging in the Arctic, with the short
drilling seasons and evolving technologies that were evaluated.
In short, OEA technical experts worked nearly around the clock to
help get these permits completed on an extremely tight deadline and
under intense scrutiny from all sectors - members of the Congress,
the oil industry, native whaling communities, environmental groups, as
well as national and international press. In doing so we demonstrated
that EPA can work through challenging environmental issues to
successfully permit these complex and unique drilling operations.
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Sampling for Mercury Contamination in NE Oregon Fish
EPA's national air modeling effort "REMSAD" has predicted a high
mercury deposition area in northeastern Oregon. A significant
human toxin, mercury also accumulates in the food chain. As a
result, consumption offish contaminated with mercury is the most
widespread human exposure to this toxin. Local residents fish in
northeastern Oregon lakes, so potential mercury ingestion is of
real concern to them. However, to date there is limited information
on mercury levels in fish
tissue in this region. Given
the suspected high levels of
deposition and the potential for
high human exposure through
consumption offish, OEA was
asked to assess fish tissue
from the area. Specifically,
this study was designed to
determine whether people are
at risk for elevated mercury
exposure from eating fish
caught in these water bodies.
Five reservoirs were selected
for sampling based on
their proximity to the high
deposition zone identified in
the model, combined with Preparing fish for tissue analysis
their widespread use by at one of NE Oregon's reservoirs
anglers and high consumption
of resident fish. OEA designed a sampling plan for total mercury
that was rigorous enough to generate data that would be
useful for fish consumption advisories as well as screening level
analyses. We targeted fish considered desirable for catching and
eating, as well as species that are more likely to bioaccumulate
mercury including bass, crappie, trout, and perch. Field
sampling was completed in June and sample processing and
tissue analysis will be conducted at the Region 10 Laboratory this
fall. OEA will complete the analysis and reporting this winter.
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This work supports key objectives of the Regional Mercury Strategy:
to characterize mercury levels in fish in the Region and provide
monitoring support. Significant involvement in planning this project
was provided by three Oregon State agencies: ODEQ, Oregon Health
Authority (OHA), and Oregon Dept of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW).
OEA Fosters Innovative Approaches to Help Region
10 States with PM2.5 Nonattainment Plans
In recent years, Region 10 has had relatively few nonattainment
areas based on the National Ambient Air Quality Standards
(NAAQS). However, with the 2006 revisions to the NAAQS, five new
nonattainment areas were designated based on unhealthy levels of
PM2.5. These five areas of pollution are unique in their combination
of emissions sources, complex geography, and contributing weather
patterns. State and local air agencies responsible for reducing levels
of PM2.5 have found it challenging to develop modeling tools and
analyses needed to project attainment of the new NAAQS standard.
Developing a credible and useful air quality modeling framework
(consisting of emissions models, meteorological models, and air
quality models) is essential for creating pollution control strategies
that are scientifically credible to the local communities coping with
dirty air. To address these challenges, OEA has worked with the
state and local air agencies to develop novel modeling strategies,
both in terms of the tools used and the philosophy of how technical
issues are prioritized. OEA's involvement helped to ensure that
modeling tools were developed in a way that was scientifically
sound, but at the same time minimized the resource burden
on the agencies involved. These strategies helped circumvent
the gridlock that often occurs when these agencies confront
EPA's National modeling policies and the challenges posed by
needing to understand and adapt to these unique situations.
One example is our work with Fairbanks, Alaska. Here OEA facilitated
dramatic modeling capacity building for the challenging and
unique Fairbanks Nonattainment Area, where the state and local
air agencies had to work under tight deadlines to put together
complicated and cutting-edge modeling tools. OEA helped to develop
local modeling expertise through a RARE grant, and facilitated
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Ice Fog in Fairbanks - Source:
http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com
consensus on complicated
technical issues such
as source mixtures,
temperature inversions and
the effects of ice fog.
OEA's investment in active and
collaborative relationships
with our counterparts in at
the state and local level has
helped provide the appropriate
modeling tools, so that local
communities and these
agencies, in collaboration with the Region's Air Program, can assess
pollution control strategies and reduce local air pollution. These
tools enable local stakeholders who are responsible for cleaning
up the air to support the control measures that are selected.
OEA Reports on the Status of Northwest Lakes
OEA has issued a report: "Ecological Condition of Lakes in
Idaho, Oregon, and Washington". Based on data generated
by the National Lakes Assessment, the report provides
a snapshot of a host of indicators related to physical,
chemical and biological conditions of these lakes.
This report was written by
members of OEA's Aquatic
Ecosystem Monitoring Team,
which has expertise in the areas
of aquatic community ecology,
water quality monitoring, and
landscape ecology. Since the
mid-1990s, the team has been
applying the tools developed
by EPA's Environmental
Monitoring and Assessment
Program to measure
environmental resources
and determine if they are in an acceptable condition relative to a
set of environmental values. These surveys provide information
OEA Scientists operating
sampling equipment
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vital to describing water resource quality conditions across
the Region, and examine associations between ecological
condition and natural/anthropogenic influences.
This latest OEA project demonstrates state-of-the-science techniques
in ecological monitoring. The analysis identifies physical habitat
quality of the lakeshore and shallow areas and nutrients as the
most widespread stressors in Region 10 lakes. Estimates of the
extent of a good, fair, or poor condition for important indicators are
presented. The report also includes a technical analysis of landscape
indicators that may be useful for assessing regional lake conditions,
and an in depth analysis of limiting nutrients in Region 10 lakes. This
work reflects a partnership between EPA Region 10, EPA's Office
of Water, EPA's Office of Research and Development, the Idaho
Department of Environmental Quality, the Washington Department
of Ecology, and the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
The report is available on the Region 10 website at: http://
www.epa.gov/regionlO/pdf/wetlands/lakes 04 25 11.pdf.
OEA's Landscape Ecologist Collaborates in the
Development of PNW Forest Practice Rules
As a key player on the Regional Forest Team, OEA's landscape ecologist
has worked closely with both federal and state partners in reviewing,
developing, and modifying
current forest practices rules.
The goal is to ensure healthy
water quality conditions
through the elimination and
abatement of non-point source
temperature pollution resulting
from forest management
activities, and thereby meet
Clean Water Act (CWA)
requirements on forested
lands in the Pacific Northwest.
Specifically, our landscape
ecologist participates in the State of Idaho Forest Practices Act (IFPA)
shade rule subcommittee, which is tasked with developing revised
riparian (i.e., near a waterbody) forest management rules for private
Landscape Modeling is critical
for evaluating forest practices
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and State lands in Idaho. Work on this project has promoted a more
realistic assessment of the range of "natural disturbance" conditions
that should be used when developing forest management targets.
In addition, OEA's landscape ecologist participates on the Federal
"Riparian Management Science Roundtable" (SRT), which is tasked
with determining the effects of tree removal in riparian areas on
aquatic ecosystem function for federally managed forested lands
in western Oregon. In this role, he has helped develop modeling
guidelines and information requirements to be used in evaluating the
effects of tree removal, such as habitat impacts, as well as effects to
the species of interest. These recommendations will be utilized during
riparian forest management on federal forest lands in western Oregon.
CIS Team Improves Accessibility to Site Information
OEA's GIS team continues to receive an increasing number of
requests for mapping applications that display environmental
data at specific sites. Public requests for this kind of information
are also on the rise. Packaging the data in simple, user-friendly
mapping applications allows stakeholders and external partners
to quickly visualize the data spatially and temporally. The GIS
Queiy and display data on
map and in grid
Sort grid
Highlight grid records on
map
,..,.-.-..
Legend - shows the station type - River/Stream,
Lake.Well
Screen shots of the GIS Data Viewer
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group has combined a new regional database, web services and
mapping technologies in the release of an improved data viewer
that will allow easier access to these regional data sets.
A regional Ambient Water Quality Monitoring Database System
(AWQMS) was installed a year ago and is managed by the GIS
group. It houses regional data from select Superfund sites and
OEA projects, and now contains over 2 million chemical results
and 4000 monitoring locations for a variety of sites, including
the Coeuer d'Alene Basin, Portland Harbor, Midnite Mine, Upper
Columbia, Duwamish River and Sumas Mountain Superfund Sites,
as well as regional studies such as the Yakima Valley Nitrate study.
The new data viewer makes use of web services from both within
and outside the Agency to create an integrated environment
for the user. A link with a GIS Virtual Environment at EPA's
National Computer Center in Research Triangle Park now makes
this information available to the public as well. The GIS team
expects demand for this kind of work to grow in the future.
Evaluating Mercury Deposition in SE Idaho
OEA, in collaboration with OAWT, carried out a RARE-funded
study of mercury deposition in the Great Basin region of Southern
Idaho. For this project, EPA teamed up with the University of Utah,
which provided sampling and modeling expertise for the study.
Mercury deposition in Southern Idaho has become a concern for
multiple government agencies and programs within Region 10. High
concentrations of mercury in fish in Idaho have led to consumption
advisories for a number of water bodies within the state, including
Salmon Falls Creek Reservoir (SFCR) in south-central Idaho.
This research project had two primary objectives. One was to
quantify the amount of mercury that was being deposited to the
watershed via dry deposition. The other objective was to determine
the sources of that mercury. The mercury species measured included
gaseous elemental mercury (GEM), reactive gaseous mercury
(RGM) and particulate bound mercury (HgP). RGM is of particular
concern due to its ability to be converted to the more toxic methyl
mercury. GEM is important as it makes up approximately 99% of
global atmospheric mercury and can be oxidized into RGM.
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Mercury monitor mounted
on trailer housing
analytical equipment
The mercury air monitoring
field site was situated in a
remote location in south-central
Idaho approximately 25 miles
due west of the Salmon Falls
Creek Reservoir. The research
methodology included in situ
measurements of gaseous
and particulate mercury in the
atmosphere, the size-resolved
elemental composition of
particulate matter, and a variety
of meteorological parameters.
These measurements were collected in a series of four 4-week field
experiments (one in each season) during the first year of the study.
During the second year, state-of the-art models were applied to
the data to quantitatively apportion GEM and RGM to individual
sources. The in situ data was combined with appropriate models to
estimate the dry deposition of elemental gaseous mercury, reactive
gaseous mercury, and particulate mercury for each season of the
year. This data was combined with historic wet deposition mercury
data to quantify total atmospheric mercury deposition to the SFCR
watershed, which was estimated to be 14.65 micrograms/m2 per year.
This study indicated that the dry deposition of GEM and RGM is
responsible for nearly 80% of the total mercury deposition to the
SFCR watershed. Mining operations were identified as the most
significant regional source of GEM, contributing approximately 10%
of the winter and summer GEM. Other GEM source types identified
included biomass burning, Asian dust transport, coal combustion,
and surface reemission. For the more environmentally-active RGM,
background transport from the upper troposphere to the surface was
identified as the dominant source. Other sources contributing RGM
to the site included biomass burning, Asian dust transport, North
American dust transport, metal smelting, and mining operations.
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OEA and OCE Join in a Field Operations
Group Assessment of Region 10
In November 2010, a sampling or Region 10's field programs
were assessed under nine national Field Operation Group (FOG)
consensus standards. These consensus standards promote
tighter enforcement, encourage Regional consistency, provide
clear expectations for how we do our work, and assist in new
employee training. Our hazardous waste, air, community right-to-
know, underground injection and drinking water programs were
selected as representative of our regional compliance practices.
The FOG is comprised of Region 10, NEIC, and Headquarters
managers who are responsible for implementing compliance and
ambient field monitoring programs. The goal of the program is to
provide guidance and consistency among the various field programs
with respect to environmental sampling and field measurement
activities, inspection protocols, and enforcement activities.
Over the last several years, the FOG established nine infrastructure
consensus standards for field sampling and measurement activities
to promote consistency within the agency's field organizations.
The standards address:
Evidence Management,
Document Control,
Equipment and Instrument Inventory,
Calibration, and Maintenance,
Records Management,
Personnel Training and Records of Training,
Field Documentation,
Field Inspections and Investigations,
Reports, and
Audits (Internal Audits & Corrective Actions).
OCE and OEA staff prepared for months for the Region 10 assessment.
This preparation included coordinating with the Deputy Regional
Administrator, Region 10's Executive Team, managers, and staff
covered under the audit, and determining the most relevant program
offices to be assessed. When the assessment team arrived, the two-
day audit was coordinated between the Seattle Regional office and
our region's laboratory, and involved dozens of staff and managers.
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The assessment identified several areas where we are performing
well, as well as areas for improvement. The assessment showed that
the Region has developed good overarching Standard Operating
Procedures (SOPs), effective internet sites, a clear inspector credential
process, and has made great strides in inventorying our field
equipment. The FOG assessment also identified several areas for
improvement and of nonconformance. OCE's and OEA's review of the
report determined that the most significant areas for the Region were:
Records management,
Evidence management,
Inspection report format and content, and
Management of training records and on-
the-job training documentation.
OCE and OEA have also begun implementing some of the changes
recommended by the FOG assessment including the development
of over 25 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for field work,
training, and sampling procedures. Internet pages have also been
set up with relevant information; a Field Equipment Inventory
database and checkout system is also under development.
Implementing the recommendations in the assessment will improve
our efforts to protect human health and the environment.
Elwha River Dam Removal Baseline Survey
in the Strait of Juan de Fuca
The Elwha Dam removal project on the Elwha River at the north
end of the Olympic Peninsula is the largest dam removal project
in the US. After twenty years of planning, the physical removal
of the Elwha and Glines Canyon Dams began in September 2011
and will continue for three years. As the dams are removed, an
immense amount of sediment behind the dams will be released
into the Elwha River and the Strait of Juan de Fuca, changing the
structure of the riverbed and estuary below the dams. USGS studies
indicate that high concentrations of sediment will create turbid
conditions in the River and coastal waters during some seasons
for up to five years, a process that scientists hope to monitor.
The Puget Sound Team requested that the Region 10 Dive Unit
provide their scientific expertise to this important restoration project
by performing biological and habitat surveys in the straits near the
_ _ EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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mouth of the Elwha River. The
primary goals of the surveys
were to establish baseline
conditions that would allow us
to understand how underwater
plant and animal life react
and adapt to the downstream
effects of dam removal, and
also provide scientists a more
detailed and complete picture
EPA diver conducting the of the geological restoration.
algal swath survey
EPA also awarded a grant to
the US Geological Service
to conduct characterization work. The partnership between
EPA, USGS, and the Lower Elwha Klallum Tribe will better ensure
that sufficient, high quality data is collected for the Puget Sound
program. EPA divers along with USGS divers conducted three
separate, 5-day diving operations during July and August 2011.
Ninety individual dives were conducted in support of the project off
the EPA vessel "Monitor", fourteen of which were by USGS divers
diving under reciprocity with the EPA Dive Program. Additional
dives were also conducted by USGS on their own vessel.
The data collected by EPA and USGS will support research to assess
the effects of removing the Elwha River dams on shallow subtidal
benthic communities, including pre-removal baseline studies. Data on
organism density (macroalgae, invertebrates, and fish) and presence/
absence (for encrusting species, such as certain sponges), macroalgae
size and percent coverage, substrate composition, and sea-floor relief
were collected along transects. Instruments to monitor sedimentation
and turbidity were also deployed and will be collecting data
throughout the course of the study. The dive teams, in collaboration
with the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, established and surveyed marked
transects spread throughout the Elwha River nearshore zone, as
well as transect pairs at sites further from the Elwha River mouth.
These same strips of seafloor will be monitored during and after
dam removal to see how fish, kelp and invertebrate populations
respond to changes in deposited and suspended sediments.
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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EPA, USGS, and the Tribe will be monitoring this important
restoration project over the years. This once-robust salmon
stream will be watched with special interest as it regains
its former prominence and cultural importance.
EPA Region 10 Dive Team Supports Northwest Straits
Survey of Derelict Fishing Gear in Puget Sound
Decades of commercial and recreational fishing in Puget Sound have
left behind tons of abandoned fishing gear that kills marine life and
degrades habitat. Since 2002, the Northwest Straits Commission,
Marine Conservation Initiative (Northwest Straits), has operated
a program to survey and
remove this derelict fishing
gear from Puget Sound.
This effort received a major
boost when Northwest Straits
received $4.6M in American
Recovery and Reinvestment
Act Funding from NOAA
with the goal of removing 90
percent of the derelict nets
in Puget Sound between July
2009 and December 2010.
To leverage the NOAA grant
funding, the EPA RIO Dive
Team assisted Northwest
Straits and their contractors, Natural Resources Consultants
(NRC), in mapping derelict net locations in Puget Sound. Several
weeks of dive operations were devoted to this project from
March through November, 2010. Assisting NRC in surveying
derelict net locations allows them to focus more of their efforts
on gear removal rather than conducting visual dive surveys.
The Region 10 Dive Team received three types of information
from NRC related to potential derelict net locations: 1) side-scan
sonar imagery and GPS coordinates where bottom topography
and bathymetry show a high potential to snag abandoned
nets; 2) reports from fishermen and other reputable sources
that have direct knowledge of net locations; and, 3) shoreline
A monofilament gill net
and associated lead-
line being recovered
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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reaches with high potential for hosting derelict gear. Divers were
deployed in pairs at each potential location to perform a visual
bottom survey to determine if derelict nets were present.
Dive buddy teams descended on each target location and performed
a visual search for derelict nets while noting other significant
features such as bottom type and topography. Derelict gear was
identified at more than half of the survey locations. This gear varied
from thin, monofilament drift nets partly buried in the bottom
sand, to thick, heavy cotton nets that are piled up on the bottom.
Lead lines are often associated with abandoned nets as well. These
can leach out lead, causing toxic pollution in Puget Sound. At each
dive location, a tabulated descriptive report was provided to NRC
including latitude/ longitude GPS coordinate, depth, bottom type, and
descriptions about what type of gear was observed, if any. Locations
with abandoned nets present were then targeted for removal.
As a result of the Dive Teams assistance, in the 18 months of the
project, Northwest Straits was able to remove and recover nearly 2500
derelict nets, 140 abandoned crab pots, and other harmful debris
from Puget Sound. The efforts restored over 232 acres of critical
marine habitat. This important work will result in the improvement
of the overall health of Puget Sound by removing thousands of
pounds debris that are deadly to fish and marine mammals.
For more information go to: http://www.derelictgear.
org/Progress/ARRA-Project.aspx
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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OEA Develops Innovative Technique for Measuring Asbestos in Soil
Determining asbestos content in soil is a significant challenge at
many contaminated sites. Asbestos fibers from soil can be released
into the air by wind or soil-disturbance, and become a significant
source of inhalation exposure to humans. Working with scientists
from the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), OEA has developed a
novel method for detecting
low-level concentrations of
asbestos in soil using a fluidized
bed asbestos segregator
(FBAS). As incoming air
fluidizes the sample, the FBAS
segregates asbestos fibers
and deposits them onto an
air filter, allowing an analysis
of the filter by transmission
electron microscope (TEM)
to determine the releasable
asbestos content of the soil.
Chrysotile asbestos fibers from
a sample of sediment from
Whatcom County that was
processed with the fluidized bed
asbestos segregator (FBAS).
Technician operating the FBAS
The initial prototype FBAS
was designed and built by
Battelle Energy Alliance under
contract with INL as part of an
EPA RARE project. Additional
funding was provided from EPA
Headquarters for an interagency
agreement (IAG) between EPA
Region 10 and the Department
of Energy. Since receiving the
original prototype, OEA has
made several modifications
to the original design and
manufactured four identical
FBAS units for evaluation. OEA
operates one of the units at the
EPA Region 10 Laboratory, two of the units are being used at the EPA
Region 8 soil preparation laboratory in Libby, Montana, and one of
the units is on loan to a commercial laboratory in Cinnaminson, New
Jersey, through a cooperative research and development agreement
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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(CRADA). For the past two years, OEA has coordinated efforts between
laboratories to evaluate the FBAS using performance evaluation (PE)
samples that contain known concentrations of asbestos. In addition,
field samples from asbestos sites located in California, Montana,
North Carolina, Texas, Vermont, and Washington have been prepared
and analyzed to produce data that can be compared with results
obtained through traditional sampling and analytical techniques.
Initial performance evaluation studies have shown that analyses of
filters prepared using the FBAS technique are able to detect asbestos
at levels that are much lower than most standard analytical methods
for the analysis of asbestos in bulk materials. In addition, preliminary
field-based testing suggests that asbestos results for soil prepared
using the FBAS technique may correlate with activity-based air
sampling results typically used for Superfund site assessment work.
This information suggests that the FBAS technique is potentially a
useful risk screening method to complement the more resource
intensive activity-based air sampling.
OEA Scientist Helps Develop and Troubleshoot
Methods for Stable Isotope Analysis
A scientist from OEA's quality assurance team participated in a
Regional Research Partnership Project (RRPP) with the Western
Ecology Division (WED) of EPA's
National Health Environmental
Effects Research Laboratory.
The RRPP participant took part
in various aspects of stable
isotope research occurring at
WED's Integrated Stable Isotope
Research Facility (ISIRF).
Stable isotopes provide a
unique tool for studying
Isotope ratio mass spectrometer biological and environmental
with GasBench II system processes, and conditions,
as well as evaluating sources
of environmental contaminants. Because the physical properties
of isotopes of a given element differ, the isotopes fractionate
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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during chemical reactions or physical changes. Fractionation
changes the isotopic content of chemicals or substances as the
chemical or physical process takes place in the environment.
Applications of stable isotopes to ecological and environmental
studies are numerous and increasing rapidly. The objective for
this Regional Research Partnership Project was to understand
applications of stable isotopes that may be used to enhance
environmental studies in Region 10. Specifically, the work focused on
laboratory procedures used to analyze for stable isotopes in order
to support the work of the Region 10's quality assurance team.
OEA's scientist worked with ISIRF's laboratory manager to implement
and trouble-shoot a method for the analysis of nitrogen and oxygen
isotopes of nitrate in water samples. The method involves denitrifying
dissolved nitrate with bacteria in a sealed test tube, where the
nitrate is reduced to nitrous oxide by the bacteria. The nitrous oxide
is then purged from the test tube and analyzed using a Gas Bench II
autosampler and gas chromatograph (GC) with an Isotope Ratio Mass
Spectrometer. Initial work involved trouble-shooting procedures for
method development and preparing standard operating procedures
(SOPs) for future use. The bacterial denitrification portion of the
method was successful, however, isotope ratios seen in the standards
and method blanks indicated a need to identify and eliminate
sources of nitrate contamination. Resolving this issue will be the
next step in implementing this method at ISIRF, prior to scaling
the method up to accommodate a large number of samples.
The knowledge attained in this partnership will allow technical transfer
of information to Region 10 for application in regional work, including
planning site investigations, evaluating isotope data quality limitations,
and technical review of proposed work within Region 10 by
government agencies and private entities. ORD benefited by receiving
assistance implementing a method that ISIRF can use to analyze
nitrate in water samples for nitrogen and oxygen isotope composition.
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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EPA and the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Indian
Reservation Complete Comprehensive Tribal Exposure Survey
OEA scientists and Superfund staff, working with the Confederated
Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT), have completed over 6,000
interviews for a comprehensive survey to estimate total dietary
intakes and other activities that could have
potential for exposure from the Upper
Columbia River site (UCR). The survey
will also assess current resource
avoidance due to perceived or
actual contamination of tribal
resources. The results of the
survey will support exposure
assessment, risk assessment,
\\A ^TNL \WIV1 9 risk management, and risk
\\1 alnlll/ communication to inform and
promote healthy dietary and
lifestyle choices for members of
the CCT. The UCR Site extends 150
river miles from the U.S. - Canadian border
to the Grand Coulee Dam. The survey is part of a large Remedial
Investigation and Feasibility Study performed under a Settlement
Agreement with Teck, Inc., which operates a large lead and zinc
smelter on the Columbia River in Trail, British Columbia.
The eligible survey population included residents of the 2,100 square
mile Colville Reservation. The survey collected data from interviews
conducted by CCT Tribal members using three survey instruments
administered over 18 months. The dietary component combined
data from two survey instruments with state-of-the-art methods
developed by statisticians from the National Cancer Institute:
An Automated Multi-Pass (AMPM) 24-hour recall
instrument, used by the National Health and Nutrition
Examination Survey, repeated 2 or more times: http://
riskfactor.cancer.gov/diet/usualintakes/method.html
A CCT-specific annual Food Questionnaire (FQ) that was
used to supplement multiple 24-hour AMPM recalls with
dietary patterns representative of the previous year, including
collecting the locations of locally gathered foods.
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Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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A Resource Utilization and Practices Questionnaire (ReUP) that
collected data on all non-dietary cultural practices, including:
Sweat lodge use and construction
Crafts such as weaving, tanning, and
processing materials by mouth
Spiritual and medicinal practices using
plants, animals, or minerals
A CCT Advisory Committee consisting of Tribal elders, CCT
staff, and subject experts in language, culture, plants, wildlife,
ethnobotany, and a medical doctor was assembled to assist
with review and design of the survey instruments. Statistical
representativeness was achieved by enumerating the entire CCT
population to estimate accurate sample weights for the
probabilistic samples supplemented by recruitment of self-
identified "heavy traditional users". The survey is unique in
terms of its sample size, budget, reliance on validated survey
instruments which were cognitively tested with the study
population, and inclusion of virtually all potential sources of
exposure. Data analysis and report development is ongoing.
Regional Lab Continues to Expand Services
The Region 10 Laboratory in Manchester, Washington, is a critical
component of OEA and figures prominently in the work of the
Region. The highlights that follow, while representative of the
important work performed at the Lab, are only a fraction of it.
Developing Chemical Warfare Agent Testing Capability: In June 2011,
EPA's Manchester Laboratory completed a $3.5 million laboratory
renovation project that gave it the capability to analyze ultra-dilute
chemical warfare agents (CWA). This work is part of a national effort
supporting the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) goal of
creating an integrated network of laboratories that can be accessed
during a national incident. EPA created the Environmental Response
Laboratory Network (ERLN), and designated Region 10's Laboratory
as the lead ERLN Laboratory in the region , as well as one of seven
laboratories in the US to analyze ultra-dilute chemical warfare agents
(CWA). This new category of CWA was created by the Department of
Defense specifically for EPA's program, in order to limit the amount
of agent required for developing analytical methods, and therefore
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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Special handling system for
Chemical Warfare Agents
limit exposure risk for EPA
laboratory staff. These agents
are some of the most acutely
toxic compounds known to
mankind, and mobilizing this
new capability represented a
significant new challenge. As
part of the mobilization effort,
staff demonstrated proficiency
by analyzing Performance Test
samples that were prepared
and scored by the Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory.
As the lead laboratory for the ERLN in Region 10, the Region 10 Lab
also has responsibility for training other ERLN-member laboratories
in the northwest. On August 20-27, 2010, we conducted a Joint
Functional Exercise training event that involved EPA Regions 9 and
10, the EPA Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water (OGWDW),
the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), and the Centers for
Disease Control (CDC). The event assessed our ability to respond to a
combined chemical and biological warfare agent attack. The incident
notionally occurred in the Seattle area. Region 10's Emergency
Response Unit (ERU) stood up an Incident Management Team (IMT)
and activated EPA's ERLN. The ERLN labs analyzed chemical warfare
agent degradates and toxic industrial chemicals. Together some 28
partner laboratories, including state, public utility and private sector
laboratories, participated in the event. By lunch time on the fourth
day, 2.5 days post sample receipt, data had been uploaded by the
partner labs, validated by Region 10 QA staff, and electronically
transferred into a database to prepare GIS maps. The event was so
successful that the IMT was demobilized one day ahead of schedule.
Adding Methyl Mercury Capability: Cycling of mercury in the
environment is complex. Understanding this cycle requires
quantification of various forms of mercury, including methyl mercury,
which is much more toxic to organisms than inorganic mercury, and
takes longer to eliminate. The analytical method for methyl mercury,
which is available as a draft EPA method, is challenging, with a
reporting limit (0.05 ng/L) that is 10-fold lower than our 'ultra-clean'
low level mercury method or 1000-fold lower than traditional mercury
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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Preparing samples for
Methyl Mercury analysis
methods. The Region 10
Laboratory undertook methyl
mercury method development
to complement our capability
to analyze trace level inorganic
mercury in support of the
Region 10 Mercury Strategy.
While numerous papers have
been published regarding
methyl mercury analysis,
critical steps in the method,
such as the distillation
process, which uses a chemical
reagent to enhance the volatility of the mercury species, are still
being studied and refined. In practice, failure to fully understand
and control this critical first step in the method leads to poor overall
recovery and precision. Over that past year, scientists at OEA's
Laboratory conducted a significant number of studies aimed at
better understanding the distillation process, and have improved
method robustness, precision, and accuracy in our laboratory. This
method was applied to over a hundred water samples from the
Willamette River Bioaccumulation and Cycling Study this summer.
Method performance will be assessed to determine if the Region
10 methyl mercury method is sufficiently robust for future work.
Commencement Bay-South Tacoma Channel Well 12A: Both 24-
hour analytical results and extensive technical expertise were
provided to a remedial design phase of a clean-up effort on the
Commencement Bay - South Tacoma Channel Well 12A Superfund
site. This support included 300 volatile organic analyses with a 24-
hour turnaround time from the time of sampling, and over 200
samples for other organics and TCLP metals. This extraordinarily
short turnaround time was not available either through our CLP
or FASTAC Tier 4 contracts. During the sampling, the on-site staff
discovered an underground storage tank which contained some
oily waste. Our regional expert modified an existing method for
oily material and determined the presence of more than one type
of PCB aroclor. This discovery was a surprise to the design team
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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as PCBs had not been found at the site previously. Additional PCB
aroclor analyses were then conducted to determine the extent of
the pollution, which is likely to affect the remedial design plan.
Nez Perce Tribal Support: Water quality and quantity have
important cultural and economic significance for Tribal Nations.
Our laboratory provided support to the Nez Perce Tribe Water
Resources Division's (WRD) total maximum daily load (TMDL)
project. The mission of the WRD is to "provide a foundation for
management of the water rights secured by the Treaties of 1855
and 1863, and for monitoring the quality of water resources vital
to the long-term sustainability of the Nez Perce Tribe and its heirs".
Long-term viability of this resource depends on the development
of comprehensive management programs for watersheds located
on the reservation and ceded lands. Partnering with the tribe, the
Region 10 Laboratory supported 290 sample analyses for nitrate-
nitrite, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), ammonia, total phosphorus,
dissolved phosphorus, and total suspended solids (TSS). These data
will be used in the development and implementation of water quality
standards for the Nez Perce Reservation, in TMDL development,
and to determine support of designated beneficial uses. They will
also be used to support the Nonpoint Source Assessment project
to identify water bodies impaired by nonpoint-source pollutants.
Microbial Source Tracking in Puget Sound: The Region 10 Lab's
microbiology section has been conducting Microbial Source
Tracking (MST) studies in Washington since 2006. Keying on genetic
differences in the bacteria of humans and ruminants, this method is
used to identify source(s) of
fecal contamination, such as
improper agricultural practices,
failing septic drainfields, or
leaking sewer lines. Because
one of the Region's strategic
goals is clean-up of the Puget
Sound Basin, this program
has consistently been called
upon to identify sources
Hmmm, I wonder where this stuff
came from ? Hopefully, MST will
help us identify the source!
associated with embayments
where closures of tribal and
commercial shellfish harvesting,
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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and TMDL listings, have been a problem due to elevated fecal coliform
levels. This tool has also been used to investigate sources linked
to recreational and drinking water contamination. Since 2010, we
have completed intensive studies in Birch Bay, Drayton Harbor, and
the Samish Watershed. Although we are only able to differentiate
human and ruminant sources, we have assisted Conservation and
County Health Districts, as well as the Washington State Department
of Ecology in identifying sources and empowering them to conduct
further investigations where warranted, or to use the information
in a public forum to negotiate with farmers or private landowners.
Bioassay for Endocrine Disrupters Coming On-Line: The Lab's
microbiology team is using the molecular technical capability
developed there to support a new area of genetic testing. Some
personal care products and Pharmaceuticals contain chemicals
that remain in the effluent after wastes are treated in conventional
wastewater treatment plants. These substances, known as endocrine
disrupting chemicals (EDCs), mimic endocrines and can have a
harmful effect on male fish populations. In Puget Sound, minimizing
these effects is a specific goal of the ongoing recovery plan.
Currently, with help from the Cincinnati ORD lab, the laboratory
is participating in a round robin evaluation of this method, which
will allow us to detect an early genetic alteration in fish due to
low level exposure to EDCs, like an early warning system. This
method has been under development in Cincinnati for several
years and is just now ready for round robin testing. After the
method is implemented here at the laboratory, OEA, together
with the Office of Water, the Washington Department of Ecology,
and industry, will conduct a study (funded by the Puget Sound
program) to determine if state-of-the-art sewage treatment
techniques geared towards reducing nutrient loading will also
reduce the level of these EDCs in Puget Sound and associated
waterways. Although this EPA method is still in draft, its use in testing
various wastewater treatment plants will go a long way towards
encouraging municipalities to improve their treatment techniques.
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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Maintaining a Strong Quality Assurance Program
The Region 10 Quality Assurance (RIO QA) team in OEA plays an
integral role in all projects, grants and contracts involving the
generation and use of environmental data in the Region. Our QA
team is responsible for the development, review and approval
of QA Project Plans (QAPPs); sample control; analytical services
procurement; laboratory scheduling; management and oversight
of OSWER's Contract Laboratory Program (CLP); data validation;
field and laboratory support and assessments; and QA oversight of
Region 10 States, local agencies and tribal government programs.
In FY11, the team reviewed and approved more than 300 QAPPS
and coordinated, scheduled and monitored the collection,
shipment, analysis, data submission and payment of over 28,000
samples that were sent to CLP labs and the EPA Region 10 Lab for
various chemical analyses. All CLP-generated analytical data are
validated by the QAteam prior to authorization for payment.
The RIO QA team also participated in the joint Region 9 and
10 Emergency Response Laboratory Network (ERLN) exercise
mentioned earlier in this report. In this exercise, the QA team
tested the newly developed web-based electronic data review
software and identified bottlenecks in the data submission
process, issues with electronic data deliverable formats, as well
as strengths and weaknesses of the validation software.
The RIO QA team is a major contributor to the revision and update
of the QA section of the Sediment Evaluation Framework (SEF)
for the Pacific Northwest. The SEF manual provides regulation
guidelines for the assessment and characterization of fresh water
and marine sediments in Idaho, Oregon and Washington. In
addition, the RIO QAteam, in cooperation with the Region 10
Sediment Management Unit, the Army Corps of Engineers, and
the Washington Department Ecology, developed and created
approximately 4,000 units of Sediment Reference Material (SRM)
for low concentration level dioxins, furans, PCB congeners and
PCB Aroclors as a QA tool for the Dredge Material Management
(DMMP), Superfund and RCRA Clean-up programs. Currently,
Region 10 alone has SRM materials for these low-level analyses.
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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The RIO QA team is also committed to working with our partners to
ensure that they are successful in their QA efforts. An example of this
commitment is the team's work with the Northwest Indian Fisheries
Commission (NWIFC), one of the Puget Sound Lead Organizations
responsible for managing large amounts of grant dollars in support
of Puget Sound restoration. The Commission, in turn, distributes
grant funding to Tribal governments that are involved in this effort.
The RIO QA team assisted the Commission in the development,
review and approval of their Quality Management Plan. In addition,
as the NWIFC establishes its own capacity and capability for a
QA Program, the RIO QA team is working with the individual
Tribes to assist them in the development, review, and approval of
their QAPPs. The RIO QA team will also provide NWIFC technical
assistance during field and laboratory Quality System and Technical
System Audits (QSR and TSA, respectively) for funded projects.
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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Contact Information
OEA Office Director:
Joyce Kelly Kelly.Joyce@epa.gov 206-553-4027
OEA Associate Director:
Ann Williamson Williamson.Ann@epa.gov 206-553-2739
OEA Lab Director:
Barry Pepich Pepich.Barry@epa.gov 360-871-8701
Environmental Services Unit:
Mark Filippini Filippini.Mark@epa.gov 206-553-6327
Risk Evaluation Unit:
Sheila Fleming Fleming.Sheila@epa.gov 206-553-1417
Environmental Characterization Unit:
Mahbubul Islam lslam.Mahbubul@epa.gov 206-553-6985
Environmental Chemistry Group:
Gerald Dodo, Supv. Chem. Dodo.Gerald@epa.gov 360-871-8728
OEA Links
OEA Intranet Website:
http://rlOnapps3.rl0.epa.gov:9876/R10/INFOPAGE/
oeainfo.nsf/7919D39DDA013F4D88256A5400754688/592
B462BF1915CE1882573390063CE04?Open Document
OEA Internet Website:
http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/OEA.NSF/
webpage/Environmental+Assessment
OEA Access to Technical Assistance
(i.e., menu of expertise, "Tec Tasks" database):
http://204.47.216.153:9876/rlO/infopage/oeainfo.ns
f/4bb5d2c2196a420e8825650f00711e3b/fec236c80
4519659882570d800644316?OpenDocument
OEA "In the Spotlight" Articles:
http://204.47.216.153:9876/rlO/infopage/oeainfo.ns
f/7919d39dda013f4d88256a5400754688/c609d224
5ab4b3e688257498005ccafc?OpenDocument
OEA's Regional Laboratory in Manchester, Washington:
http://rlOnapps3.rl0.epa.gov:9876/R10/INFOPAGE/labinfo.
nsf/lAC4DBB9903E8797882575BD007DB98E/7B5D75
AA7F24A3B0882575BD007DA647?Open Document
EPA Region 10 Office of Environmental Assessment
Highlights Report for 2010-2011
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vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
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