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Cover Photo Credits:
1: Chicago Lighthouse, Photograph courtesy of U.S. EPA
2. Niagara Falls, Photograph courtesy of The Center for Great Lakes Aquatic Sciences
3. Sandhill Crane at Nest, Photograph by Thomas A. Schneider
EN 161-1/2-2009E-PDF
978-1-100-17486-0
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ABBREVIATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
1.0 MERCURY
2.0 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs)
3.0 DIOXINS/FURANS
4.0 HEXACHLOROBENZENE/BENZO(a)PYRENE [HCB/B(a)P]
5.0 SUBSTANCE/SECTOR WORKGROUP
6.0 STAKEHOLDER FORUM/INTEGRATION WORKGROUP.
45
7.0 SEDIMENT REMEDIATION CHALLENGE
8.0 LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT CHALLENGE
9.0 STATE OF THE GREAT LAKES.
69
APPENDIX A: GREAT LAKES BINATIONALTOXICS STRATEGY: COMPENDIUM OF ACTIVITIES 1997 - 2009
153
APPENDIX B: INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION REVIEW OF CHEMICALS OF EMERGING CONCERN AND ANALYSIS
OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN
189
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
TABLE OF CONTENTS ¦
ABBREVIATIONS ii I
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 I
1.0 MERCURY 3 I
2.0 POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCBs) 11 I
3.0 DIOXINS/FURANS 19 I
4.0 HEXACHLOROBENZENE/BENZO(a)PYRENE [HCB/B(a)P] 25 I
5.0 SUBSTANCE/SECTOR WORKGROUP 37 I
6.0 STAKEHOLDER FORUM/INTEGRATION WORKGROUP 45 I
7.0 SEDIMENT REMEDIATION CHALLENGE 51 I
8.0 LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT CHALLENGE 61 I
9.0 STATE OF THE GREAT LAKES 69
APPENDIX A: GREAT LAKES BINATIONAL TOXICS STRATEGY: COMPENDIUM OF ACTIVITIES 1997 - 2009 153
APPENDIX B: INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION REVIEW OF CHEMICALS OF EMERGING CONCERN AND ANALYSIS
OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN 189
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ABBREVIATIONS
AFFF Aqueous Fire-Fighting Foam
AHTN Acetyl Hexamethyl-Tetrahydronaphthalene
ANOVA Analysis ofVariance
ANPR Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
AOC Area of Concern
B(a)P Benzo(a)pyrene
BCF Bioconcentration Factor
BDE Brominated Diphenyl Ethers
BFR Brominated Flame Retardants
BGSU Bowling Green State University
BTBPE 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
CAA Clean Air Act
CAC Criteria Air Contaminant
CAD Confined Aquatic Disposal
CADAMP California Ambient Dioxin Air Monitoring
Program
CAMR Clean Air Mercury Rule
CAMU Corrective Action Management Unit
CanMETOP Canadian Model for Environmental
Transport of Organochlorine Pesticides
CCME Canadian Council of Ministers of the Envi-
ronment
COA Canada-Ontario Agreement
COP4 Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the
Parties to the Stockholm Convention
CTS Coal Tar Sealants
CWS Canada-wide Standard(s)
DBDPE Decabromodiphenyl ethane
DDD Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane
DDE Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene
DDT Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane
DEHP Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
D/F Dioxin/Furan
DLPCB Dioxin-Like PCBs
DP Dechlorane Plus
DSL Domestic Substances List
EAF Electric Arc Furnace
EC Environment Canada
EC-NWSB Environment Canada's National Wildlife
Specimen Bank
EMS Environmental Management System
ENEV Estimated No-Effect Value
ENGO Environmental Non-Governmental Organi-
zation
CDF
Confined Disposal Facility
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency
[ CEC
Commission for Environmental Coopera-
EPI
Estimation Program Interface
tion
EROD
Ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase
CEPA
Canadian Environmental Protection Act
ESCO
Environmental Services and Consulting
CGLI
Council of Great Lakes Industries
EU
European Union
ChAMP
Chemical Assessment and Management
Program
FE
Fort Erie
CI
Confidence Interval
FSU
Former Soviet Union
CMP
Chemical Management Plan
GIS
Geographic Information System
CMTI
Clean Manufacturing Technology Institute
GLBTS
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
(Indiana)
GLLA
Great Lakes Legacy Act
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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GLNPO
Great Lakes National Program Office
GLRC
Great Lakes Regional Collaboration
GLRI
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative
GLWQA
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
HARP
Hayton Area Remediation Project
HBB
Hexabromobenzene
HBCD
Hexabromocyclododecane
HCB
Hexachlorobenzene
HCH
Hexachlorocyclohexane
HE
Heptachlor epoxide
Hg
Mercury
HHCB
Hexahydrohexamethylcyclopentabenzopy-
ran
HIT
Harbin Institute of Technology
HPBA
Hearth, Patio and Barbeque Association
HPV
High Production Volume
HRAI
Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Institute of Canada
HWC
Hazardous Waste Combustors
H2E
Hospitals for a Healthy Environment
IADN
Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Net-
work
IDEM
Indiana Department of Environmental
Management
IJC
International Joint Commission
IJRC-PTS
International Joint Research Center for
Persistent Toxic Substances
l-TEQ
International Toxic Equivalents
IUR
Inventory Update Reporting [Rule]
LaMPs
Lakewide Management Plans
LDR
Land Disposal Restrictions
LRAT
Long-Range Atmospheric Transport
MACT
Maximum Achievable Control Technology
MCDI
Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
MDEQ
Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality
MHSW
Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste
MLE
Maximum Likelihood Estimation
MOE Ministry of the Environment (Ontario)
MPCA Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
MUCC Michigan United Conservation Clubs
MWC Municipal Waste Combustor
MWI Medical Waste Incinerator
NA North America
NAPS National Air Pollution Surveillance
NARAP North American Regional Action Plan
NCEP National Centers for Environmental
Prediction
NDAMN National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network
NEWMOA Northeast Waste Management Officials'
Association
NOAA National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration
NOTL Niagara-on-the-Lake
NP Nonyl Phenol
NPE Nonylphenol [and its] Ethoxylate[s]
NPL National Priority List
NPRI National Pollutant Release Inventory
(Canada)
NRDA Natural Resource Damage Assessment
NRTMP Niagara River Toxics Management Plan
NWF National Wildlife Federation
NYSDEC New York State Department of Environ-
mental Conservation
O&M Operation and Maintenance
OCP Organochlorine Pesticide
OCS Octachlorostyrene
OMOE Ontario Ministry of the Environment
OPPTS Office of Prevention, Pesticides and
Toxic Substances (US EPA)
OTS Ontario Tire Stewardship
OU Operable Unit
P&B Persistent and Bioaccumulative
P2 Pollution Prevention
PAH Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
PBDE Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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iv
PBEB Pentabromoethylbenzene
PBT [PB&T] Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic
PCBs Polychlorinated Biphenyls
PCDD Polychlorinated Dibenzo-Para-Dioxin
PCDF Polychlorinated Dibenzofuran
PCP Pentachlorophenol
PFAS Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonates
PFC Perfluorinated Compound
PFCA Perfluorocarboxylic Acid
PFDS Perfluorodecasulfonate
PFHxS Perfluorohexane Sulfonate
PFOA Perfluorooctanoic Acid
PFOS Perfluorooctanesulfonate
PFOSA Perfluoro-1 -octanesulfonamide
PFSA Perfluorosulfonates
PM Particulate Matter
PMRA Pest Management Regulatory Agency
PNEC Predicted No-Effect Concentration
POPs Persistent Organic Pollutants
PPCPs Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Prod-
ucts
PPM Parts per Million
PTS Persistent Toxic Substances
PUF Polyurethane Foam
PVOC Polar Volatile Organic Compounds
RAP Remedial Action Plans
RCO Recycling Council of Ontario
RCRA Resource Conservation and Recovery Act
RMA Rubber Manufacturers Association
RMS Risk Management Strategy
ROPS Remedial Options Pilot Study
R/V Research Vessel
SAB Science Advisory Board
SAR Structure-Activity Relationship
SLRIDT St. Louis River/lnterlake/Duluth Tar
Sn Tin
SOLEC State of the Lakes Ecosystem Conference
SOP Strategic Options Process / Standard Oper-
ating Procedure
SPMD Semi-permeable Membrane Device
SPP Security and Prosperity Partnership
SWAC Surface Weighted Average Concentration
SWARU Solid Waste Area Reduction Unit
SVOC Semivolatile Organic Compound
TBBPA Tetrabromo Bisphenol A
TBE 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
TBT Tributyltin
TCDD Tetrachlorodibenzodioxin
TCRA Time Critical Removal Action
TDSB Toronto District School Board
TEQ Toxic Equivalent
TRC Thermostat Recycling Corporation
TRI Toxics Release Inventory (U.S.)
TSCA Toxic Substances Control Act
TSMP Toxic Substances Management Policy
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme
US ACE United States Army Corps of Engineers
US EPA United States Environmental Protection
Agency
USFWS United States Fish and Wildlife Service
USGS United States Geological Survey
UVCB Unknown or Variable Composition, Com-
plex Reaction Products and Biological
Materials
VOC Volatile Organic Compound
WDNR Wisconsin Department of Natural Resourc-
es
WRDA
Water Resources Development Act
WG
Workgroup
WHO
World Health Organization
WLSSD
Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
WQS
Water Quality Standard
WWTP
Wastewater Treatment Plant
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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1
Sleeping Bear Dunes, Photograph by Robert DeJonge
During 2008 and 2009, the Great Lakes Binational
Toxics Strategy (GLBTS, or Strategy) forum continued
to pursue a new path forward in addressing
emerging chemical threats to the Great Lakes
Basin. Many of the challenge goals established by
Environment Canada (EC) and the United States
Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) with
the signing of the Strategy in 1997 have been met.
Thirteen of the Strategy's original 17 challenge
goals for Level 1 substances have been achieved,
and significant progress has been made toward the
remaining four. The GLBTS is hoping to build upon
the successes of the past to identify and address new
chemicals of concern to the Basin.
This report documents the progress achieved and
actions taken to reduce the use and release of GLBTS
Level 1 substances. This report also highlights the
activities of a new group focused on emerging
substances of concern and presents environmental
monitoring data collected by Great Lakes monitoring
and surveillance programs.
About This Report
This report contains a compilation of activities and
progress achieved under the GLBTS for the years
2008 and 2009. Chapters 1 through 4 present
highlights for the Level 1 substance workgroups
for mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),
dioxins and furans, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)
and benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), respectively. These
highlights include a summary of progress toward
the GLBTS challenge goals, a review of workgroup
meetings, and descriptions of activities undertaken
to reduce the use or emissions of the Level 1
substances. Chapter 5 documents the progress
of the Substance/Sector Workgroup. Chapter 6
presents a summary of Integration Workgroup
Introduction
Highlights of the report are presented below.
» The Mercury Workgroup is being phased-
out, as both Canada and the United States
have met their challenge goals. Canada has
reduced mercury releases by greater than
90%, and the U.S. has reduced uses and
releases of mercury by more than 50%.
» The PCB Workgroup is active and continues
to make progress toward reaching the PCB
challenge goals outlined in the Strategy.
activities, including four workgroup meetings,
and three Stakeholder Forums held in 2008 and
2009. Chapter 7 reports progress in remediating
contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes
Basin, including descriptions of Great Lakes
sediment remediation projects, estimated
sediment volumes remediated or capped, and
estimated volumes of contaminated sediment
remaining in specific Areas of Concern (AOCs).
Chapter 8 presents examples of efforts to
evaluate the contribution and significance of
the long-range transport of Strategy substances.
Chapter 9 presents the State of the Great
Lakes with regards to contaminant trends in
ambient air, fish, herring gull eggs, mussels,
and sediments and surface waters. Appendix A
includes a compendium of activities related to
the GLBTS that have been undertaken from 1997
to 2009.
» The Dioxin/Furan Workgroup has suspended
further active work, as the challenge goals
have been met for both countries. However,
both countries will continue to monitor
dioxin in the environment, investigate dioxin
data as available, and look for reductions in
uncontrolled combustion sources such as
burn barrels. The 2007 inventory of dioxin/
furan releases in Ontario totals 25.6 g l -TEQ
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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(international toxic equivalents)/year. The U.S.
has not updated the dioxin inventory since 2000.
Burn barrels and household garbage burning are
the largest quantified sources of dioxin emissions
in both countries.
» The work of the HCB/B(a)P Workgroup has
continued. For example, EC conducted testing
of certified wood stoves to evaluate emission
factors and completed a polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbon (PAH) Source Apportionment
Modeling project. US EPA continued its Midwest
Clean Diesel Initiative and launched a national
Burn Wise educational campaign to help reduce
wood smoke pollution.
I» The Substance/Sector Workgroup met several
times in person or by teleconference during 2008
and 2009 and gathered information on emerging
contaminant monitoring and surveillance efforts
in the Great Lakes.
I» In 2008, approximately 740,000 yd3 of
contaminated sediment were remediated from
U.S. and Canadian sites in the Great Lakes Basin.
|» Research continues into the contribution and
significance of long-range transport of toxic
substances to the Great Lakes. For example,
present modeling investigations indicate that
U.S. and Canadian emission sources made the
largest contribution to the loading of penta-
brominated diphenyl ether (penta-BDE) to North
American terrestrial surfaces, followed by China,
India, and Western Europe.
|» Canadian monitoring data indicate declining
ambient air concentrations of dioxins, furans,
coplanar PCBs, B(a)P, and HCB at Ontario sites.
» Similarly, data from US EPA's Great Lakes Fish
Monitoring Program and EC's Great Lakes
Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program show
declining concentrations of several Strategy
substances in Great Lakes fish. Brominated flame
retardants have been reported in fish tissues for
several years throughout the Great Lakes Basin,
and retrospective analyses have been conducted
on archived tissue samples.
» Contaminant levels in herring gull eggs collected
from Great Lakes colonies by the Canadian
Wildlife Service indicate that concentrations of
several flame retardants have accumulated in
herring gull eggs. PBDE contamination increased
rapidly from 1981 to 2000, primarily associated
with the penta-BDE formulation. Congeners
derived mainly from penta-BDE and octa-BDE
mixtures showed no increasing trend post-2000.
From 1982 to 2006, concentrations of BDE-209
and the octa- and nona-BDE congeners, which
result from the debromination of BDE-209,
continued to increase, with BDE-209 doubling
times ranging from 2.1 to 3.0 years.
» Recent data of legacy contaminant
concentrations in herring gull eggs from 1997
to 2007 suggest that there has been virtually
no significant decline in concentrations of most
legacy contaminants in gull eggs over the last 10
years.
» Data from NOAA's Mussel Watch Program
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration) indicate varying concentration
trends in mussel tissues and sediment for several
Strategy substances from 1993 to 2008. Many
substances show decreasing trends or no trend
at all. However, sediment concentrations of
several substances in the Great Lakes remain
high compared to national levels. Beginning in
2009, NOAA is making several enhancements to
the Mussel Watch Program with the primary goal
of improving data and information sharing, and
coordinating with the monitoring efforts of other
federal and state agencies.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Canadian Workgroup"cb'
Cascade River Falls into I «• Supoiioi. Photograph by Robert F. Beltran • i
Progress Toward Challenge Goals
U.S. Challenge: Seek by 2006, a 50% reduction
nationally in the deliberate use of mercury and a 50%
reduction in the release of mercury from sources
resulting from human activity.
Canadian Challenge: Seek by 2000, a 90%
reduction in the release of mercury, or where
warranted the use of mercury, from polluting sources
resulting from human activity in the Great Lakes
Basin.
Ontario:
Progress Toward the GLBTS Challenge
in Ontario, releases of mercury have been reduced
by slightly more than 90% between the 1988
baseline and 2006, thus achieving the Canadian 90%
reduction target. Figure 1-1 illustrates the progress
made toward the Canadian reduction target.1 This
figure shows that releases in Ontario have been cut
by more than 12,600 kg since 1988, based on EC's
2006 mercury inventory. Note that some of the
sources listed in the legend of Figure 1 -1 (e.g.,
paint, pesticides) refer to the baseline year of
emissions and are no longer current sources.
Figure 1 -2 illustrates the 2006 sources of mercury
releases in Ontario. This figure shows that
the primary sources of releases are municipal
(primarily land application of biosolids), electric
power generation, iron and steel, cement and
lime, and incineration. However, all of these
sectors have reduced releases when compared
to the 2003 inventory reported in the previous
progress report.2 Most notable is the reduction
in the electric power generation sector, which
contributed 19% of total releases in 2006
compared to 29% of total releases in 2003.
United States:
Progress Toward the GLBTS Challenge
The U.S. has met its challenge goals of a 50%
reduction in the deliberate use of mercury and a
50% reduction in releases of mercury nationwide.
According to the National Emissions Inventory,
1 This target is considered as an interim reduction target and, in consultation with stakeholders in the Great Lakes Basin, will be revised if
warranted, in accordance with periodic Canada-Ontario Agreement (COA) reviews of mercury use, generation, and release from Ontario sources.
2 US EPA and EC. (2006). Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy 2006 Annual Progress Report, Tenth Anniversary Edition. Prepared by US EPA and
Environment Canada. Report No. En161-1/2006E; 978-0-662-45249-2. Available at http://binational.net/bns/2006/2006GLBTS_en.pdf.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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U)
(0
<0
V)
re
©
£
£
3
£
0)
16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
1988
2006
Year
BTS
Target
¦ COA T arget for T otal
Releases
¦ Consumer products (paint,
pesticides, Hg devices)
~ Municipal (incineration,
sewage treatment plants, etc.)
~ Industrial (pulp and paper,
mining etc.)
~ Fuel combustion (fossil fuel
power generation, etc.)
Figure 1-1. Reductions in Mercury Releases in Ontario from 1988 to 2006, by Sector.
Source: Environment Canada, Ontario Region/Ontario Ministry of the Environment (2007)
Other
24%
Electric Power
Generation
9%
Municipal
21%
Iron and Steel
18%
Cement and Lime
10%
Incineration
Figure 1-2. Sources of Mercury Releases in Ontario (2006). Source: Environment Canada, Ontario Region/
Ontario Ministry of the Environment (2007)
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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U.S. mercury emissions decreased approximately
58% between 1990 and 2005.3 Figure 1-3 presents
the reduction in U.S. mercury emissions from 1990 to
2005 compared to the challenge goal.
Total mercury use in the U.S. is estimated to have
declined by more than 50% between 1995 and 2003,
based on data reported by the chlor-alkali, lamp,
and dental industries. Mercury use has continued to
decline since 2003. Figure 1 -4 depicts the reductions
in mercury uses since 1995, compared to the
challenge goal.
Workgroup Activities
On November 17-18, 2009, a Mercury Science &
Policy Conference with a Special Focus on the Great
Lakes and Northeast Regions was held in Chicago.
The GLBTS co-sponsored the conference with the
Northeast Waste Management Officials'Association
and the Council of Great Lakes Industries (CGLI).
Some points of significance recorded during the
conference include:
» The general trend regarding atmospheric
mercury levels was consistently shown to be
downward.
» The historic large sources of mercury to the
atmosphere were incinerators, which had
considerable local impact. They no longer exist
or have now been controlled.
» The latest modeling results show that little, if
any, reduction in fish tissue mercury levels are
predicted to result from significant reduction, or
even elimination, of remaining local sources. It
will take a substantial reduction in long range
transport contributions to provide significant fish
tissue mercury level reductions.
» The importance of the form of mercury relative
to the impact it has in the environment was
highlighted by many researchers. Oxidized
mercury is of primary concern. Focus should
not be placed on total mercury releases.
» Understanding of the health implications
of mercury exposure for both humans and
the ecosystem is increasing substantially.
Better communication of the risks of human
exposure is needed without overstating the
risks.
» While mercury is a factor in Great Lakes fish
consumption advisories, other contaminants
are the predominant controlling factor at
most locations. For example, the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment (MOE) suggested
that, for the general population in Ontario,
mercury was found to be responsible for
between just 1% and 17% of advisories.4 For
most areas, PCBs or other substances are
the basis for which advisories will remain in
place, even if mercury could be completely
eliminated from the system.
» Model results are useful for suggesting policy
needs, and the models continue to improve.
However, comparisons of model predictions
with actual test data are extremely important
and must be utilized for good decision-
making. For example, measurements have
shown that mercury emissions declined
by 50% between 1996 and 2008. At the
same time, measured deposition rates have
declined by only 10%.5 The models have
typically shown higher rates of decline in
deposition.
» Reductions of contaminants in environmental
media significantly lag reductions in
emissions. As a result of emission reductions
already made, additional reductions in fish
and wildlife levels are predicted to follow. This
encouraging news must be highlighted.
3 NEI (2007). National Emissions Inventories for the U.S. Web site prepared by US EPA. Available at http://www.epa.gov/ttnchie1/trends/.
4 USEPA & Northeast Waste Management Officials'Association. 2009. Mercury in Canadian Great Lakes Fish: A Concern for Human Consumption?
Presentation at 2009 Mercury Science & Policy Conference with a Special Focus on the Great Lakes & Northeast Regions, November 2009. Available
at http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/conferences/sciandpolicy/agenda.cfm.
5 USEPA & Northeast Waste Management Officials'Association. 2009. Comparison of Fish Tissue, Deposition, & Emission Trends. Presentation at 2009
Mercury Science & Policy Conference with a Special Focus on the Great Lakes & Northeast Regions, November 2009. Available at http://www.
newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/conferences/sciandpolicy/agenda.cfm.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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300
250
200
tf)
O 150
100
50
1990
2005
2006 Challenge
¦ Challenge
¦ Other
~ Hawaste Incin
~ EAFs
~ Chlor-alkali
~ Industrial Boilers
¦ Municipal Incin.
¦ Medical Incin.
¦ Utility Boilers
Figure 1-3. U.S. Mercury Emissions: 1990 Baseline and 2005 Estimates, Versus 2006 Challenge'
10
c
o
? 250
¦ Challenge
~ Other
~ Lighting
~ Dental
¦ Measurement & Control
¦ Electrical
¦ Chlor-alkali
1995
1997
2003 est
2006
Figure 1-4. U.S. Mercury Use: 2006 Challenge, 2003 and 1997 Estimates, and 1995 Baseline.7 8'9
US EPA 1990 NEI for HAPs, revised November 14, 2005; 2005 NATA NEI for HAPs, completed July 1, 2009.
USGS. (1995,1997). Minerals Yearbook. Mercury 1995, by Josef Plachy; Mercury 1997, by Robert G. Reese, Jr. United States Geological Survey.
Available at http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/myb.htm.
Chlorine Institute. (2004). Seventh Annual Report to EPA. Prepared by The Chlorine Institute, Arlington, Virginia.
NEMA. (2004). National Electrical Manufacturers Association, direct communication.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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» The nature of the ecosystem (chemical, biological,
and physical characteristics) appears to be the
controlling factor regarding the rate of mercury
methylation in the environment.
» Given the current advanced state of mercury
science, a review of the research agenda is
needed to focus attention on the factors most
likely to lead to additional progress on mercury
issues. Topics for which conference participants
suggested research priority included: improved
inventories, improved understanding of the
role of "new" atmospheric mercury oxidizers
(halogens) compared to traditional ones (ozone,
hydrogen oxide, etc.), indications that dry
mercury deposition is a larger portion of total
mercury deposition (wet and dry) than previously
thought, and emerging evidence of the reduction
of divalent mercury to its elemental form in coal-
fired power plant plumes.
U.S. Reduction Activities
Elemental Mercury Collection and
Reclamation Program
An Elemental Mercury Collection and Reclamation
Program formally began at Bowling Green State
University (BGSU) in Ohio in January 1998. The
program involves the collection and recycling
of uncontaminated elemental mercury that is
present in a variety of devices. These sources
include thermometers, manometers, barometers,
sphygmomanometers (blood pressure measurement
devices), mercury-containing heating thermostats,
and mercury switches, as well as individual containers
of elemental mercury. The program is available
and free to individuals, academic institutions, small
businesses, industries, medical and dental facilities,
emergency response and other governmental
agencies, spill response companies, and any
additional entity having unwanted, uncontaminated
elemental mercury.
Collaborative partners in the program include BGSU,
Ohio EPA (Division of Emergency and Remedial
Response), Rader Environmental Services,Toledo
Environmental Services, and ESCO (Environmental
Services and Consulting). The Wood County
Emergency Management Agency and the Wood
County Health Department have also assisted in
this effort. Since the program began, mercury has
been removed from numerous sources throughout
Ohio as well as from locations in Illinois, Indiana,
Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin,
West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Nebraska, Texas,
Georgia, and California. To date, nearly 24,500 lbs
of elemental mercury have been collected and
recycled.
A more detailed explanation of BGSU's collection
and reclamation program is available at: http://
www.bgsu.edu/offices/envhs/page18364.html.
Thermostat Recycling Corporation
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC)
reported that it collected over 135,000 mercury-
switch thermostats in its national U.S. program
in 2008, a 19% increase over 2007. This effort
diverted almost 1300 pounds of mercury from
solid waste in one year. "TRC collections have
now exceeded 100,000 thermostats per year for
three years running,"said Executive Director Mark
Tibbets.
National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery
Program
The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery
Program was initiated in August 2006 through
an agreement among vehicle manufacturers,
steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, auto shredders,
brokers, the environmental community, state
representatives, and US EPA. The program was
designed to recover an estimated 40 million
mercury-containing light switches from scrap
vehicles by promoting a voluntary program and
providing incentives for removal of mercury
switches from automobiles at the end of life. In
February 2008, the program collected its millionth
mercury-containing automotive switch, which
represents more than 1 ton of mercury that has
been removed from the environment. In July
2009, the program's voluntary incentive fund was
depleted. Incentive payments continue in states
where they are required by law (AR, IL, IA, MA, NJ,
Rl, UT, MD) or have a state funded program (NC,
SC,WA) but ceased in voluntary states. All other
aspects of the switch collection program continue,
and participants are encouraged to continue
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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removing switches. The program is scheduled to
continue until 2017, based upon an estimate that all
available mercury vehicle switches will have been
collected by that year, and continues to accept
switches at no cost to participants.10
Canadian Reduction Activities
Canada-wide Standards for Mercury
Since 2000, Canada-wide Standards (CWS) have
been developed by the Canadian Council of
Ministers of the Environment (CCME) for specific
mercury-containing products and sources of
mercury emissions. Currently, standards exist
for mercury-containing lamps, dental amalgam
waste, emissions from base metal smelting,
incinerators, and the coal-fired electric power
generation sector. In Canada, progress in
reductions related to these standards includes:
» Under the CWS for lamps, the mercury
content of fluorescent tubes has decreased
by more than 74%.
» As a result of implementation of the Ontario
Amalgam Waste Disposal Regulation," 100%
of dentists in Ontario installed amalgam
separators, which capture waste mercury,
before October 2008.
» As a result of CWS on Mercury for Dental
Amalgam Waste, 70% of dentists across
Canada installed amalgam separators in
2007. In 2002, only 27% of dentists across
Canada had installed separators.12
» Mercury emissions from coal plants have
decreased by approximately 55%, or more
than 300 kg, relative to the 1988 baseline, as
shown in Figure 1 -1. The closure of coal-
fired power plants, installation of control
technologies, reduced use of coal and the
increased use of alternative energy sources
for power generation (e.g., hydroelectric,
nuclear, wind) have contributed significantly
to the reduction in mercury emissions from
power plants. Ontario is phasing out coal
burning in power plants by 2014. Ontario
Power Generation currently has four coal-
fired power stations in operation. Ontario
provincial regulation ON 496/07 requires
that these four plants cease using coal for
electricity generation after December 31,
2014.13
» Mercury emissions from incineration have
decreased by over 70%, or more than 300
kg, relative to the 1998 baseline, as shown in
Figure 1-1.
Final Pollution Prevention Notice on Mercury
Switches in End-of-Life Vehicles
A Final Notice requiring the preparation and
implementation of Pollution Prevention (P2) Plans
with respect to mercury releases from mercury
switches in end-of-life vehicles processed by steel
mills was published in the Canada Gazette Part I in
December 2007. The P2 Notice requires the targeted
vehicle manufacturers and steel mills to prepare and
implement P2 plans to reduce mercury releases from
the mercury switches in end-of-life vehicles. The
targeted companies must consider the participation
of each vehicle manufacturer for 15 years after the
last model year in which mercury switches were
installed, and it requires the participation of targeted
steel mills until December 31,2017. The P2 Notice
also requires that a P2 Plan be prepared by June
2008 and implemented by December 2011.
10 US EPA. (October 07,2009). National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program. Available at http://www.epa.gov/mercury/switch.htm.
11 Ontario (2003). Dentistry Act, 1991; Ontario Regulation 205/94; Part III, Amalgam Waste Disposal Regulation 196/03. Citing Standard Practice
of the Profession for Amalgam Waste Disposal, published by the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario. Also citing Best Management
Practices for the Disposal of Dental Amalgam and Mercury Wastes in Ontario, Environment Canada, October 2003. Available at http://www.
search. e-laws.gov.on.ca/navigation?file=home&lang=en/.
12 CCME 2007. Canada-Wide Standards for Mercury. A Report on Compliance and Evaluation-Mercury from Dental Amalgam Waste. A Report on
Progress-Mercury Emissions and Mercury-Containing Lamps. 2007.
13 Government of Ontario, Canada. 2007. e-Laws: Ontario Regulation 496/07. Available at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/regs/english/elaws_
regs_070496_e.htm.
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Pollution Prevention Notice on Dental
Amalgam Waste
A Final Notice regarding P2 planning with respect
to mercury releases from dental amalgam waste
was published in the Canada Gazette Part I on
May 8th 2010.The P2 Notice requires targeted
dental facilities to prepare and implement
pollution prevention plans. They must consider
implementing Best Management Practices to
reduce mercury releases to the environment in
order to contribute to a 95% national reduction
in mercury releases from dental amalgam waste
relative to a base year of 2000. The P2 Notice also
requires that a P2 Plan be prepared by August 2010
and implemented by November 2010.
Risk Management Strategy for Mercury-
Containing Products
EC developed a Risk Management Strategy
(RMS) to manage mercury-containing products.
Mercury can be found in everyday products such
as thermometers, compact fluorescent lights,
switches and relays, and some measuring devices
and batteries. The RMS provides a framework
for the development of control instruments to
manage the environmental effects of mercury used
in products. The objective is to reduce mercury
releases to the environment from consumer
products to the lowest possible level by prohibiting
or limiting the mercury content in new consumer
products and by preventing releases from the
end-of-life mercury-containing products. EC held
public consultations on the proposed RMS in 2007.
A consultation document proposing a regulation to
implement the objective of the RMS was published
in December 2007. In 2008, consultation sessions
were delivered to stakeholders from industries,
associations, governments, environmental
organizations, and health organizations. EC
expects to publish a proposed regulation in the
Canada Gazette Part I by fall 2010.
For more information on EC's mercury-related
initiatives, please visit the"What's New?"section
on the Mercury and the Environment website at:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/MERCURY/EN/wn.cfm.
Summerhill Impact Builds on Successful
"Switch Out" Program
Summerhill Impact (formerly Clean Air
Foundation), a Canadian environmental not-
for-profit organization, manages two mercury
recovery programs in Canada. Switch Out (www.
switchout.ca) is Canada's national automotive
mercury switch recovery program that operates
in partnership with automotive recyclers across
Canada. Switch the 'Stat (www.switchthestat.
ca) is a residential and commercial thermostat
exchange program delivered in partnership with
the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
Institute of Canada (HRAI) and their member
contractors. Both initiatives aim to reduce the
amount of mercury released to the environment
from disposal of the end-of-life consumer
products, vehicles and thermostats.
Switch Out Program Results
Since the Switch Out program began in 2001,
through the voluntary participation of auto
recyclers across Canada in British Columbia,
Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Nova Scotia, more
than 352,403 mercury-containing switches have
been safely removed from end-of-life vehicles
prior to recycling in Canada. This is equivalent to
the recovery of approximately 300 kg of mercury.
Specifically, since national program funding
began in September 2007, approximately 188,699
mercury switches have been recovered, resulting
in the safe capture and storage of approximately
160 kg of mercury. More information about the
Switch Out program can be found at http://www.
switchout.ca.
Switch the 'Stat Program Results
Switch the 'Stat was officially launched
by Summerhill Impact (formerly Clean Air
Foundation) in partnership with 1,330 heating
and cooling contractors in the Province of
Ontario. Contractors encourage the installation
of energy-efficient programmable thermostats,
while simultaneously recovering older mercury-
containing thermostats. This diverts the older
mercury-containing thermostats from landfills to
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safe storage facilities. An old thermostat can
contain 2.5 to 10 grams of mercury. Since the
launch of the pilot project in April 2006, 20,000
thermostats (containing approximately 78 kg
of mercury) have been collected in Ontario.
Program partners and funders include Enbridge
Gas Distribution, Union Gas, HRAI, Aveitas Inc.
(formerly Fluorescent Lamp Recyclers), and
Purolator. More information about the Switch
the 'Stat program can be found at http://www.
switchthestat.ca.
Take Back the Light Program Managed by
Recycling Council of Ontario (RCO)
In 2005, the RCO studied and undertook a pilot
study with the Grand Erie District School Board,
which explored the feasibility of changing the
end-of-life management of fluorescent lamps.
Building upon this experience, the RCO worked
with the larger Toronto District School Board
(TDSB) in 2007. In theTDSB pilot, Osram-Sylvania
and Wolf Electric and Lighting worked with the
RCO to develop a reverse distribution system for
spent lamps. The RCO rolled out a Fluorescent
Lamp Stewardship program (called Take Back
the Light) to the institutional, commercial, and
industrial sectors in 2008. Its goal is to work with
both sellers and buyers of fluorescent lamps to
recover and recycle 10 million fluorescent lamps
by 2012 in Ontario. A total of 623,071 fluorescent
lamps have been recycled to date. The program
managed by RCO will continue to work with
industrial, commercial, and institutional sectors
to recycle additional fluorescent lamps.
Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste
Program in Ontario
On September 22,2009, the Ontario Minister
of the Environment approved the consolidated
Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW)
Program Plan. It expands on the current MHSW
program (phase 1), which started July 1,2008.
The MHSW program includes wastes discarded
in the residential stream and small quantities in
the business stream. The consolidated MHSW
Program is scheduled to commence in July 2010
and will accept additional wastes including
mercury-containing wastes such as thermostats,
mercury switches, mercury-containing measuring
devices (e.g., thermometers and barometers), and
fluorescent bulbs. The program is a producer-
responsibility diversion program that will make
industry responsible for full program costs, including
the collection and management of wastes.
Next Steps
The Mercury Workgroup has provided input to
the development of a draft Great Lakes Mercury
Emission Reduction Strategy sponsored by the Great
Lakes Regional Collaboration (GLRC).The workgroup
is being phased-out, as both Canada and the United
States have met their challenge goals. In place of
regular workgroup meetings, the GLBTS plans to
periodically organize and/or sponsor larger science
and policy conferences. The first of these was held in
Chicago on November 17-18, 2009. GLBTS progress
reports will continue to report on biennial activities
related to mercury.
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11
Progress Toward Challenge Goals
U.S. Challenge: Seek by 2006, a 90% reduction
nationally of high-level PCBs (>500 ppm) used in
electrical equipment. Ensure that all PCBs retired
from use are properly managed and disposed of to
prevent accidental releases within or to the Great
Lakes Basin,
Canadian Challenge: Seek by 2000, a 90%
reduction of high-level PCBs (>10,000 ppm) that
were once, or are currently, in service and accelerate
destruction of stored high-level PCB wastes which
have the potential to enter the Great Lakes Basin,
consistent with the 1994 COA.
The U.S. and Canada both continue to make progress
toward reaching the PCB challenge goals outlined
in the Strategy. However, as described below, some
data gaps still exist regarding the amount of PCBs
in remaining equipment and storage. Information
continues to be gathered and assessed by US EPA
and EC to determine whether the U.S. and Canadian
PCB challenge goals have been met in their entirety.
While the U.S. has made progress in reducing the
amount of equipment in service containing >500
ppm PCBs, the U.S. is still unable to determine,
with accuracy, the status of progress toward
the goal due to a lack of information. Based
on preliminary data received from EC on the
Canadian National inventory system for Ontario,
it appears that Ontario has achieved a 90.2%
reduction of high-level PCBs (>10,000 ppm PCB)
in storage. For PCBs that are still in service or in
use in PCB equipment in Ontario, preliminary
analyses indicate that approximately 68 to 70%
have been eliminated or destroyed. Further
reductions are expected due to the accelerated
mandatory phase-out of PCBs in service
and in storage as required by Canada's PCB
regulations.14
The PCB Workgroup is active and continues
to pursue reduction opportunities and
outreach activities, and plans to prioritize
recommendations developed in the 2006
Management Assessment for PCBs, which are
outlined below:
» Continue existing Level 1 programs that:
14 Canada Gazette. (November 4,2006). PCB Regulations. Proposed under Subsection 93(1) of CERA, 1999. Canada Gazette Part I, Vol. 140, no. 44.
Available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/ceparegistry/documents/regs/g1-14044_r1.pdf.
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Lake Huron Beach, Photograph courtesy of The Michigan Travel Bureau
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• Promote decommissioning of PCBs in use/
service (PCB equipment and small and large
capacitors containing > 50 ppm PCBs).
• Identify and control releases from storage
and disposal facilities.
» Promote compliance activities for mandatory
phase-out of PCBs in service as required by
new Canadian PCB regulations.
» Continue data gathering and assessment
to determine additional PCB sources and to
plan for future resource commitments.
» Prioritize PCB inventory update and source
emission studies.
» These recommendations have been
reviewed and accepted by the PCB
Workgroup. The workgroup plans to address
the following recommendations:
» Review the literature annually for new
information on PCB sources and new or
updated data on PCB levels and trends in the
Great Lakes.
» Prepare annual summary reports on the
literature reviews but consider that, even
though more information may be published,
specific information on PCB releases from
some sources are still poorly documented
(e.g., contaminated sites, dispersive PCB
sources).
Both Canada and the U.S. are evaluating
opportunities to comply with the Stockholm
Convention (Canada has both signed and ratified
the convention; the US is also a signatory, but has
not ratified it), which includes international goals
to phase-out PCBs.15 The PCB Workgroup will
continue to work with the COA program in order
to achieve COA goals in Ontario.16
Ontario: Progress Toward the GLBTS
Challenge
EC continues to update its inventory information
annually. The information below summarizes
previously compiled and evaluated inventory
information through 2006.
According to EC's 2006 PCB Inventory reports, about
90.2% of previously stored high-level PCB waste
had been destroyed (compared to 1993 baseline;
see Figure 2-1), and the number of PCB storage sites
had been reduced from 1,529 in 1993 to less than
400 (see Figure 2-2). As of 2006, 90% of high-level
PCBs in storage were reduced, which exceeded the
GLBTS target goal. Less than 400 PCB storage sites
remain in Ontario, down from 1,529 in 1993. A new
Canadian PCB regulation is accelerating mandatory
phase-outs of PCBs in storage and in use.
As noted above, Canada continues to update its
inventory of PCBs remaining in in-service equipment.
New mandatory reporting requirements will help
improve Canada's inventory information. In Ontario
at the end of 2006, there were still approximately
2,771 tonnes (in net tonnes) (5.5 million lbs) of
high-level PCBs in use/service that needed to be
targeted for phase-out (see Figure 2-3). Canada
hopes to meet its challenge goal of 90% reduction of
high-level PCBs in service (approximately 70% was
achieved as of the end of 2006).
United States: Progress Toward the GLBTS
Challenge
US EPA uses two sources of information to evaluate
the estimated inventory of PCB transformers
remaining in use: (1) annual reports submitted
by PCB disposers and (2) the PCB Transformer
Registration Database. The annual report data
has been compiled up to and including 2007. It
shows that PCB transformers and PCB capacitors
are still being disposed of each year, at an average
annual rate of 7500 and 2700 units, respectively,
15 Stockholm Convention. (May 22,2001). Stockholm [Sweden] Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Available at http://www.pops.int/.
16 EC. (2002-2007). Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. Prepared by Environment Canada. Available at http://
www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/documents/agree/Fin-COA07/toc.cfm.
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Trends in High-Level PCBs In-Storage, Ontario
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Ontario Ministry of Environment PCB Database
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Trends in Number of PCB Storage Sites in Ontario. Source: Environment Canada
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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9000
8000
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Figure 2-3.
1989
1991
1993
1995
1997
2000
2001
2003
2004
2006
Trends in High-Level (Askarel) PCBs (Net Tonnes) in Service in Ontario. Source: Environment
Canada
for the past five years. Based on the annual
report data through 2007, an estimated 64,312
PCB transformers and 1,293,000 large PCB
capacitors remained in use at the end of 2007.
The estimates for the amount of equipment
remaining in use in 2007 were obtained by
subtracting the annual disposal data from the
1994 estimated baseline.17 However, according
to the PCB Transformer Registration Database
(updated in January 2008), only about 14,150
PCB transformers were registered with US EPA.
Although the data from the annual reports is
important for compliance purposes and can
be used to compare trends for and between
facilities and years, it is not particularly useful for
determining the amount of PCB equipment that
is remaining in service. In the absence of more
specific or detailed data, US EPA will continue
to use this data to provide some insight into the
amount of PCB equipment that may remain in
service.
Workgroup Activities
Workgroup Meetings
The PCB Workgroup met on December 3,2008.
This meeting focused on four topics: (1) current
PCB data trends for the Great Lakes; (2) EC, the
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA), and
US EPA collected data trends and challenge goals;
(3) regulatory framework agendas, and (4) the PCB
Management Assessment. Much of the discussions
centered around the issue of providing better
accessibility for acquired or developed data and
programs.
The PCB Workgroup also met on December 1,2009.
This meeting focused on several topics: (1) an update
of the PCB equipment inventory; (2) the anticipated
US EPA Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on
the current remaining authorized uses of PCBs; (3)
PCBs in caulk; (4) PCBs in used oil; and (5) an initiative
to track potential remaining sources of PCBs based
on a PCB sales list provided by Monsanto.
The main topic areas discussed at the meetings
which have follow-up activities are identified later in
this chapter.
The baseline was determined by the US EPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides and Toxic Substances based on PCB registration data, industry- and
association-provided estimates, and other government-acquired data.
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PCB Management Framework
The PCB Workgroup distributed the final
Management Assessment for PCBs, dated January
2007, at its December 2008 workgroup meeting
and discussed the final management outcome from
the assessment. As identified in the Management
Assessment, the PCB Workgroup will retain an active
Level 1 status and as such, continue to pursue the
decommissioning of PCBs in use and/or service.
The PCB Workgroup will also pursue the following
activities identified in the Management Assessment:
» Further data gathering and assessment to
determine additional PCB sources and to
consider where and how to focus resources;
• Collect better information on PCB sources,
including updating the PCB inventory;
• Review literature annually for new
information on PCB sources and new or
updated data on PCB levels and trends in the
Great Lakes.
» Prepare annual summary reports on the
literature reviews but consider that, even though
more information may be published, specific
information on PCB releases from some sources
are still poorly documented (e.g., contaminated
sites, dispersive PCB sources).
U.S. Reduction Activities
US EPA Advance Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking on PCBs
US EPA is reevaluating the current remaining
authorized uses of PCBs and is planning to issue an
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on
PCBs. For background on the ANPR, Section 6(e)(2)
of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) prohibits,
among other activities, the distribution in commerce
and use of PCBs in a manner other than in a totally
enclosed manner, unless the US EPA Administrator
authorizes such activity by rule. To make such an
authorization, the US EPA Administrator must find
that the activity will not present an unreasonable
risk of injury to health or the environment. US EPA
is reevaluating its TSCA PCB use and distribution in
commerce regulations at 40 CFR Part 761 subparts
B and C, to address: (1) the use, distribution in
commerce, marking and storage for reuse of liquid
PCBs in equipment; (2) the use of air, gas, and liquid
pipelines and transmission systems containing or
contaminated with PCBs; (3) the use of non-liquid
PCBs in carbonless copy paper; and (4) the use
and distribution in commerce of PCBs in porous
surfaces. US EPA is also reevaluating certain
definitions in 40 CFR section 761.3. In the ANPR,
US EPA will solicit written comments on these and
other areas of the PCB use regulations. However,
US EPA is not soliciting comments on the PCB
disposal regulations in this notice. The ANPR is
tentatively scheduled to be announced in early
2010, and US EPA is planning to have several
public meetings on the ANPR, including one in
Chicago.
U.S. PCBs-in-Building Materials Program
In September 2009, US EPA began outreach work
for schools and childcare facilities related to
PCBs-in-Building Materials (also known as"PCBs-
in-Caulk"). While the program is relatively new,
baseline educational materials are now available
and guidance is currently being developed
to assist any facility with building materials or
debris having potential PCB contamination
(caulk containing PCBs); however, the highest
priority facilities would be those with children in
day-to-day attendance.
For some states where TSCA PCB wastes are
also listed as Resource Conservation and
Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous wastes, such as
Minnesota, additional guidance and discussion
over the following year will be crucial to assisting
stakeholders. The PCB Workgroup will share
information on this effort, as possible, as source
and emission reductions are voluntarily made.
At the December 1,2009, PCB Workgroup
meeting, the US EPA workgroup co-leads
provided an overview of the current issue and
available information, which is also available at the
following website:
http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/
pubs/caulk/index.htm.
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U.S. PCB Data Collection Efforts
The U.S. is continuing work on the identification
of potential abandoned and contaminated sites
through novel applications of older datasets.
Through a comparison and harmonization of
several older datasets (e.g., Monsanto sales
and distribution lists from 1970-1975) with
I other datasets (e.g., RCRA and TSCA generator
notification datasets), the U.S. hopes to better
I locate and identify potential PCB sites that may be
I of concern.
I The data are being used as a starting point in
I targeting potential sites of PCB concern. Since
I the data have not been evaluated completely
I to date (due to data, funding, and resource
I considerations), specific sources or proposed
pathways have not been identified at this time.
I Prior to beginning workgroup efforts, US EPA
PCB workgroup members will develop a more
detailed plan for employing older datasets
and will review this with stakeholders. For
I instance, in narrowing and focusing efforts by
applying current work to high priority areas (e.g.,
environmental justice areas, Great Lakes Areas of
Concern, etc.), it is expected that the data may be
better evaluated and analyzed.
I PCBs in Used Oil
Related to the aforementioned efforts to collect
data and identify potential sources of PCBs,
I US EPA initiated an informal evaluation of
occurrences of PCBs at regulated levels being
I found in the used oil recycling industry. Used
I oil can be any type of oil, but it is generally
I considered to be used motor/engine oil(s). US
I EPA Region 5 has found that, in the past several
I years, there have been at least 7 occurrences
| across the U.S. where PCB contaminated oil was
I found in the used oil recycling sector, shipped to
used oil facilities as non-PCB oil for recycling or
' processing. The sources of these PCBs have varied;
some sources come from criminally investigated
facilities (who are trying to dilute PCBs),
others come from facilities decommissioning
manufacturing engines/processes, and others from
unknown sources of used oil that contain PCBs.
Some of these occurrences resulted in hundreds
of thousands of gallons, or a million gallons of oil
becoming contaminated and therefore having to
be managed and disposed of as a regulated PCB
waste. US EPA will follow up on this issue with
representatives of the used oil industry to better
understand the extent and potential sources of this
problem and to determine ways to better respond,
utilizing "lessons learned"from these incidents and
possibly by identifying protocols to address PCB-
contaminated waste materials.
PCB Software - Financial Analysis of PCB
Transformer Phase-Outs - A Study of the Costs
and Benefits of PCB Phase-Out
Under a grant from US EPA, EMA Research &
Information Center, subcontractor to theTellus
Institute, developed a spreadsheet tool to determine
and compare the costs of phasing out PCB
transformers against the costs of continued use.
The tool was developed with the input of industry
representatives and was based on actual case study
information. During the December 6, 2006, PCB
Workgroup meeting and GLBTS Stakeholder Forum,
Dr. Deborah Savage of EMA Research & Information
Center discussed and gave a demonstration on
the PCB transformer phase-out tool. Some of the
major cost drivers and considerations were: the
transformer age, size, type and rating; the fluid
volume and PCB concentration; the location and
accessibility of the equipment; spill containment
and fire prevention; equipment reliability and
importance; and regulatory compliance. The
software specifically enables a firm to conduct an
itemized financial assessment for the scenarios
of keeping, removing, and retrofilling a PCB
transformer, including such factors as net present
value and payback, depreciation, taxes, inflation, and
discounting.
The tool is currently available by contacting the US
EPA co-leads for the PCB Workgroup. The workgroup
is discussing options for marketing the tool and
making it available online. CGLI has offered to make
the software tool available to its constituents and
other interested parties.
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Canadian Reduction Activities
Canadian PCB regulations18 set deadlines for
ending the use and storage of PCBs, consistent
with Canada's obligations and international
agreements. The regulations aim to achieve
accelerated destruction and phase-outs of PCB, as
well as mandatory reporting and labeling of PCB-
containing equipment. The new regulations require
that equipment containing high-level PCBs (over 500
ppm) and low-level PCBs (50 to 500 ppm) in sensitive
locations must be phased-out by December 2009.
They also limit the maximum duration of storage by
generators to 1 year, to 1 year at authorized transfer
stations, and to 2 years at disposal/destruction
facilities. Mandatory annual reporting to a federal
online reporting system will provide current PCB
inventory data. Training videos and factsheets
explaining the online reporting system are available
on EC's website. More information concerning this
regulation can be accessed at:
http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/regulations/
detailReg.cfm?intReg=105.
The Canadian government conducted 10
information workshops and question and answer
sessions across Ontario during 2009. There are plans
to conduct a few more in 2010 in Northern Ontario
or as requested.
Next Steps
The workgroup and government agencies plan
to continue seeking PCB reduction commitments
and evaluate PCB Management Assessment
recommendations for implementation.
PCB Reduction Commitments
The PCB Workgroup will continue seeking
commitments to reduce PCBs through PCB reduction
commitment letters and other PCB phase-out
efforts, and to publicize other significant voluntary
achievements in PCB reductions as information on
such achievements is available.
Both EC and US EPA will also pursue outreach and
education on the regulations related to using PCBs,
final PCB phase-out regulations in Canada, and the
Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the
U.S.
PCB Management Assessment
Recommendations
The Final Management Assessment for PCBs
was discussed at the PCB Workgroup meeting of
December 3,2008. The workgroup has begun
working on the recommendations presented in
the report.
Because the workgroup has determined that
several data issues exist (e.g., data quality and
comparability issues as well as completeness)
regarding PCB sources, levels, and trends in the
environment, future workgroup activities will
include further evaluation of the available data
before final conclusions are made.
At this time, the workgroup recommends that
PCBs should continue an active Level 1 status. As
such, work targeting PCB-containing equipment
in service should continue (such as outreach to
industry), due to the potential for the equipment
to be a source of future releases. This work
should be coordinated with other efforts.
However, a priority will be placed on collecting
and assessing a more complete set of data on
PCB sources and environmental levels. The
primary goals of this exercise will be to: (1)
prioritize the remaining PCB sources (better
defining relative source contributions), (2) clarify
PCB trends and impacts on the environment, and
(3) assess the ability of the GLBTS to effect further
reductions.
The PCB Workgroup will continue to gather data
to identify and determine relative contributions
of PCBs to the environment from known and
potential sources. Once sufficient progress on this
work is made, a better determination can be made
of the activities that can be undertaken, and by
whom, to reduce releases from particular sources.
18 Environment Canada CEPA Environmental Registry: http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/regulations/detailReg.cfm?intReg=105.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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The workgroup will also consider future resource
commitments by workgroup members for any
future work.
Some of the specific activities regarding potential
sources the PCB Workgroup will pursue include (as
discussed above):
> Continuing work on the identification of
potential abandoned and contaminated sites
through novel applications of older datasets;
» Follow-up with representatives of the used
oil industry to better understand the extent
and potential sources of the finding of PCBs
at regulated levels in used oils shipped for
recycling.
In addition, the PCB Workgroup will update its
website (or evaluate other/better ways) to share
information on the above efforts.
Finally, although the PCB Workgroup will retain
an active Level 1 status, it does not plan to
continue having face-to-face meetings. Instead,
the co-lead will arrange conference calls to
discuss and follow-up on specific/focused
activities during the course of the year.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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19
^Inactive
Anita Wong
in Newman
Prairie Phlox, Photograpl
Progress Toward Challenge Goals
U.S. Challenge: Seek by 2006, a 75% reduction in
total releases of dioxins and furans (2,3,7,8-TCDD
toxicity equivalents) from sources resulting from
human activity. This challenge will apply to the
aggregate of releases to the air nationwide and of
releases to the water within the Great Lakes Basin.
Canadian Challenge: Seek by 2000, a 90%
reduction in releases of dioxins and furans from
sources resulting from human activity in the Great
Lakes Basin, consistent with the 1994 COA.
The U.S. has met its goal of a 75% reduction in
dioxin/furan releases (at 89% as of 2000), and Canada
has reached its 90% dioxin/furan reduction goal,
by achieving a 90% reduction (230 grams) of total
releases within the Great Lakes Basin in 2007, relative
to the 1988 Canadian baseline. Now that the GLBTS
challenge goals have been met for both countries,
the Dioxin Workgroup is suspending further active
work. However, both countries will continue to
monitor dioxin in the environment, investigate
dioxin data as available, and look for reductions
in uncontrolled combustion sources such as burn
barrels.
During the past year, US EPA and EC have
worked to reduce burn barrels and household
garbage burning, which is the largest quantified
source of dioxin emissions in both countries.
US EPA continued to distribute its toolkit for
municipalities, which is available online (http://
www.iisgcp.org/learnnot2burn/). EC also
conducted outreach and widely distributed
burn barrel information materials. Due to the
change in status of the Dioxin Workgroup, the
Burn Barrel Subgroup will continue to operate,
but under HCB/B(a)P Workgroup leadership.
Other sources of uncontrolled combustion such
as outdoor wood-fired boilers, wood stoves, and
agricultural burning remain a concern for dioxins,
HCB, and B(a)P.
Ontario: Progress Toward the GLBTS
Challenge
Canada has met the goal of a 90% reduction in
releases of dioxins/furans. This reduction is based
on the 2007 release inventory update for Ontario
sources,19 which estimates a total annual dioxin/
furan release of 25.6 grams. Figure 3-1 illustrates
19 Point sources are mostly based on: EC. (2005). National Pollutant Release Inventory Data (NPRI) data. Web site of Environment Canada. Available at
http://www.ec.gc.ca/pdb/npri/npri_dat_rep_e.cfm#highlights.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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1
1
20
2007 Dioxins I Furans Emissions (%) By Source
Non Ferrous
Foundries & Sec
Smelters
4%
Other
11%
Wood Preservation _
5%
Power Generation
6%
Primary Metals
Production
7%
On-road diesel
vehicles
8%
Figure 3-1.
Household Burning of
Waste
31%
Sewage Sludge Land
Application
10%
Cement Mfg
10%
Iron & Steel
8%
~ Household Burning of
Waste
¦Sewage Sludge Land
Application
~ Cement Mfg
~ Iron & Steel
¦On-road diesel vehicles
~ Primary Metals
Production
¦ Power Generation
~Wood Preservation
¦ Non Ferrous Foundries &
Sec Smelters
Dioxin/Furan Emissions by Sources (%), 2007. Source: Environment Canada, Ontario
Region
D/F Emissions (grams l-TEQ) 1988/2007 Comparison
~ 1988
¦ 2007
/v»
^ ^ *
Figure 3-2.
D/F Sources
Comparison of Dioxin/Furan Emissions (grams), 1988 and 2007. Source: Environment
Canada, Ontario Region
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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the remaining Ontario dioxin/furan release sources
for 2007. Figure 3-2 illustrates reductions in the top
Canadian (Ontario) dioxin/furan release sources since
1988.
Several source sectors offer opportunities for
potential reductions. For example, efforts by the
GLBTS Burn Barrel Subgroup, such as education and
outreach, can help reduce emissions from household
garbage burning, the largest source of dioxin
emissions in Ontario. In addition, Ontario has drafted
a regulation to phase-out coal-fired power units by
2014, and the last iron sinter plant was shut down
in 2007. Canada will continue to track increases in
emissions and emerging sources of dioxins/furans.
The top source of dioxins/furans continues to
be household burning of waste. The Burn Barrel
Subgroup remains active in addressing this source.
The contribution of dioxin/furan releases from the
remaining sources ranges from less than 1% to
10%. Most of these sources are being addressed
directly or indirectly through existing initiatives, as
indicated in Table 3-1.
Table 3-2 includes some of the sources in the
"other" category that currently release less than 1
g l-TEQ/year. The waste incineration and pulp and
paper sectors have been dominant sources in the
past but have since made significant reductions in
releases of dioxins/furans through a combination
of control instruments and facility shutdowns.
Table 3-1.2007 Total Dioxin/Furan Releases in Ontario (g l-TEQ/year)
Sector
1988 D/F
Total
2007 D/F
Total
2007
Percent
Initiatives
Household Burning
of Waste
6.10
8.00
31.2%
Burn Barrel Subgroup
Sewage Sludge
Land Application
2.55
2.55
9.9%
MOE/EC 2004 study showed insignificant
impact to environment
Cement Mfg
0.51
2.48
9.7%
Current fed/prov developing stds for CAC,
may look into toxics
Iron & Steel
29.20
2.14
8.4%
CWS for EAF and Iron sinter, the last sinter
plant shut down by 2007
On-road diesel
vehicles
1.06
2.11
8.2%
Cobenefits from regs. on vehicle emissions
(CAC) and fuel quality
Primary Metals
Production
2.90
1.92
7.5%
CEPA Code of Practice and P2 Plan
Power Generation
1.13
1.50
5.9%
Ontario to phase-out coal-fired power plants
by 2014
Wood Preservation
5.40
1.20
4.7%
PMRA - levels of D/F dropped significantly
from late 90s in PCP mfg
Non Ferrous
Foundries & Sec
Smelters
3.86
1.01
3.9%
Current EC studies examining sectors
Other
203.19
2.71
Ontario Total
255.90
25.63
100.0%
Source: Environment Canada
List of Acronyms Used:
CAC: Criteria Air Contaminants
CEPA: Canadian Environmental Protection Act
CWS: Canada-Wide Standard(s)
EAF: Electric Arc Furnace
EC: Environment Canada
MOE: Ministry of the Environment (Ontario)
PMRA: Pest Management Regulatory Agency
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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¦
Table 3-2. Other Sources of Dioxins/Furans in Ontario
(g l-TEQ/year)
Sector
1988
D/F
Total
Res
idential Wood Combustion
0.84
0.82
Cre
matorium
NA
0.79
On
-road Gasoline vehicles
0.14
0.20
Fee
leral Waste Incineration
3.34
0.16
Pul
p and Paper
147
0.04
Ha;
lardous Waste Incineration
7.40
0.00
Mu
nicipal Waste Incineration
4.40
0.00
Me
dical Waste Incineration
39
0.00
Source: Environment Canada
United States: Progress Toward the
GLBTS Challenge
According to An Inventory of Sources and
Environmental Releases of Dioxin-Like Compounds
in the United States for the Years 1987, 1995, and
2000, the U.S. has achieved an 89% reduction in
dioxin releases nationally. A significant portion
of those reductions are a direct result of the
maximum achievable control technology (MACT)
standards enacted under the Clean Air Act (CAA).
For example, MACT standards reduced municipal
waste combustion emissions from 8,905 grams
TEQ in 1987 to 83 grams in 2000. Other source
categories with significant reductions resulting
from the enactment of MACT standards include
Medical Waste Incinerators (MWIs), hazardous
waste-burning cement kilns, and secondary
copper smelting. These reductions result from
a combination of changes in processes and
equipment to comply with standards, pre-existing
actions in the design and retrofitting of facilities,
and facility closures. The total U.S. inventory for
dioxin releases has dropped from 13,965 to 1,422
gTEQDF-WHOg8/year. These figures, however,
do not reflect full implementation of the MACT
standards for medical waste incinerators. So while
that source is shown as the second largest source
of dioxin releases, US EPA has found substantial
reductions while monitoring MACT implementation
in subsequent years. It is now clear from these
inventory figures that the largest source of quantified
dioxin releases is household garbage burning.
The U.S. has not conducted a dioxin inventory since
2000. However, revisions to the 2000 inventory are
underway. Additionally, US EPA Administrator Lisa
Jackson has publicly committed to completion of
US EPA's "Exposure and Human Health Reassessment
of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin (TCDD) and
Related Compounds", more commonly referred to as
the Dioxin Reassessment by the end of 2010.20
Reduction Activities
Burn Barrels and Household Garbage Burning
The use of burn barrels and other household
garbage burning methods remains a high reduction
priority for the workgroup. Household garbage
burning is the largest quantified source of dioxin
emissions in both countries. The practice of
household garbage burning typically is carried out
in old barrels, open pits, wood stoves, or outdoor
boilers. The Burn Barrel Subgroup is working to
address this issue through continued outreach and
education. However, the subgroup now reports to
the HCB/B(a)P Workgroup due to the inactive status
of the Dioxin Workgroup.
Over the past two years, US EPA developed a web-
based burn barrel toolkit entitled Learn Not to Burn,
which provides resources for local officials to reduce
trash burning in their communities. The toolkit
includes individual fact sheets for each state and
case studies of efforts to reduce household garbage
burning in various communities. The toolkit is
available free of charge online at http://www.iisgcp.
org/learnnot2burn/.
In Ontario, open burning outreach material is being
developed for Canadian citizens and for the building
industry. Representatives attended the Spring 2009
Toronto Cottage Life show to share information on
open burning. The show attracted about 27,000
visitors. EC's dioxin brochure entitled, What Goes
Administrator Lisa Jackson testimony, Hearing on Scientific Integrity, before the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, June 9,2009,
available at http://www.epa.goV/ocir/hearings/testimony/111_2009_2010/2009_0608_lpj.pdf.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Up Must Come Down, was distributed at the show.
EC plans to include open burning and burn barrel
materials on the EC website in the near future.
Great Lakes states and tribes are continuing
activities, consistent with the Burn Barrel Subgroup's
Household Garbage Burning Reduction Strategy, to
educate residents and influence behavioral change,
supported by infrastructure and the institution
of local by-laws. Of particular note, the New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation
(NYSDEC) passed a statewide ban on open burning.
This new rule went into effect October 19,2009, and
prohibits burn barrels, as well as leaf burning and
agricultural plastic burning.
Next Steps
The GLBTS challenge goals have been met for both
countries. The Dioxin Workgroup considered its
ability to affect remaining sources of dioxin to the
Great Lakes Basin and decided to suspend further
work but to continue Burn Barrel Subgroup activities
(including the Burn Barrel subgroup website). The
Burn Barrel Subgroup now reports to the
HCB/B(a)P Workgroup. The Dioxin Workgroup
co-chairs will continue to track sources of dioxin
through release inventories and environmental
monitoring data. Canada is undertaking a modeling
project to assess the global transport of dioxins/
furans and its impact to Canada and the North
American region. The co-chairs may reactivate the
workgroup if warranted as new issues arise. The co-
chairs will also investigate potential opportunities to
reduce agricultural waste burning, through the Burn
Barrel Subgroup, and other poorly characterized
sources of dioxins/furans.
-------
1
1
24
0
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Sffl®
Wl
V
Mink, Photograph by Don Breneman
Progress Toward Challenge Goals
U.S. Challenge: Seek by 2006, reductions in releases
that are within, or have the potential to enter, the
Great Lakes Basin, of HCB and B(a)P from sources
resulting from human activity,
Canadian Challenge: Seek by 2000, a 90%
reduction in releases of HCB and B(a)P from sources
resulting from human activity in the Great Lakes
Basin, consistent with the 1994 COA.
The U.S. and Canada have both made significant
reductions in HCB/B(a)P emissions to the Great Lakes
Basin.
Ontario: Progress Toward the GLBTS
Challenge
HCB Reduction
From a 1988 baseline, Canada has reduced HCB
emissions to the Great Lakes Basin by approximately
71% as of 2007 (the latest year for which data
are available).21 Figure 4-1 shows the release
estimates and progress achieved toward
meeting the 90% reduction target.22 Over 80% of
the reductions achieved to date are due to:
» Lower residual HCB levels in pesticides and
reduced usage of certain pesticides known
to contain HCB;
» Implementation of a CWS for waste
incinerators and the closure of solid waste
incinerators, such as Hamilton's Solid Waste
Area Reduction Unit (SWARU);
» Reductions reported by the iron and steel
sector and the closure of Algoma's Wawa
sintering facility; and
» Process changes within Ontario's chlorinated
chemical manufacturing sector.
Canada's 2007 HCB releases in the basin are
estimated at 32 pounds (14.7 kilograms). Major
sources are pesticide application, household
waste burning, and ferric/ferrous chloride use.
Emission estimates for 2007 were slightly higher than those for 2006 due to higher reported industrial release emissions.
Based on "Hexachlorobenzene Sources, Regulations and Programs for the Ontario Great Lakes Basin 1988,1998 and 2000 Draft Report (No. 1), July
13,2000"prepared for Environment Canada by Benazon Environmental Inc., with releases updated by Environment Canada - Ontario Region, based
on NPRI facility release data, recent sector release assessments, and pesticide application release information received from Health Canada's Pest
Management Regulatory Agency on August 29,2005.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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26
Major Sectors of HCB in Ontario, 1988 to 2007
at
*
w
01
»
a
a
£
m
o
60
50
40
30
20
10
1988 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Year
¦ Other
¦ Cement FYoduction
~ Wood Preservation-Use of PCP-treated Wood
¦ Sewage Sludge Land Application
~ Sewage Treatment Plants (volatilization and
water discharge)
¦ Iron & Steel
~ Primary Metals Production (Mining)
~ Ferric & Ferrous Chloride Use
¦ Household Waste Burning (Burn Barrels)
~ Pesticide Applications (all)
Figure 4-1. Estimated HCB Releases (to Air and Water) in Ontario by Sector, 1988-2007. Source: Environment
Canada (Environmental Protection Operations Division - Ontario Region) Inventory as of
November 2009
Major Sources of B(a)P in Ontario, 1988 to 2007
20,000
18,000
16,000
14,000
O)
12,000
©
to
V
10,000
o
£L
8,000
CO
CO
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
1988
2000
2001
2002
2003
Year
2004
2005
2006
2007
~ Other
¦ On-road Diesel Vehicles
~ On-road Gasoline Vehicles
~ Residential Combustion (fossil fuel)
~ Ferrous Foundries
~ Household Waste Burning (Burn
Barrels)
~ Prescribed Burning (open burning)
~ Residential Wood Combustion
~ Wood Preservation-use of creosote
railway ties
~ Iron & Steel (Release number under
review)
Figure 4-2. Estimated B(a)P Releases in Ontario by Sector, 1988-2007. Source: Environment Canada
(Environmental Protection Operations Division - Ontario Region) Inventory as of November 2009
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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B(a)P Reduction
From a 1988 baseline, Canada has reduced B(a)P
emissions to the Great Lakes Basin by approximately
53% as of 2007 (the latest year for which data are
available). Figure 4-2 shows the release estimates
and progress achieved toward meeting the 90%
reduction target.23 Most of the B(a)P reductions
achieved to date have resulted from the following
activities:
» The iron and steel sector's implementation of a
best practices manual entitled "Environmental
Best Practice Manual for Coke Producers -
Controlling and Reducing Emissions of Polycyclic
Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) from Metallurgical
Coke Production in the Province of Ontario,"
which is consistent with EC's "Environmental
Code of Practice for Integrated Steel Mills";24
» Decreases in estimated wood consumption;
however, reliance on wood heat is expected to
increase due to rising oil and gas costs;
» Implementation of control technologies by the
petroleum refining sector; and
» Decreases in creosote-treating activities and
shutdown of the Northern Wood Preservers Inc.
facility in Thunder Bay.
Canada's 2007 B(a)P releases in the basin from
anthropogenic sources are estimated at 17,969
pounds (8,168 kilograms). Major sources are
residential wood combustion and the use of
creosote-treated railway ties. The release number
for the steel manufacturing sector is under review
due to changes in the sector's release estimation
methods.
United States: Progress Toward the GLBTS
Challenge
From a 1990 baseline, the U.S. has reduced releases
of HCB from approximately 8,519 pounds in 1990
to 2,911 pounds in 1999. From 1999 to 2002,
HCB emissions were reduced by an additional
28%. Figure 4-3 shows national HCB release
estimates and progress achieved between 1990
and 1999.25 This reduction is mainly attributed to
lower residual HCB levels in pesticides, along with
reduced HCB emissions from chlorinated solvent
production and pesticide manufacturing. These
three categories combined account for roughly
5,000 pounds per year of HCB reductions.
Differences in the 1990 and the 1999 emission
inventories and source categories complicate the
determination of the exact emission reductions
that have occurred. The inventories represent
the best emission estimates that are available
and provide a useful snapshot of HCB emissions
from several source categories in 1990 and 1999.
However, due to inconsistencies in the sources
included in the two inventories, they cannot
be used to establish a specific reduction in HCB
emissions between 1990 and 1999. During 2006,
US EPA commissioned work on an HCB Inventory,
similar to the EPA's 2000 Dioxin Inventory. The
HCB Inventory will employ emission factors and
activity estimates for source category emissions
rather than facility- or state-reported data. The
expected date for completion of the inventory is
uncertain.
Figure 4-4 shows B(a)P release estimates and
reduction progress within the U.S. Great Lakes
Basin from 1996 to 2001,26 B(a)P emissions from
the eight Great Lake states have been reduced by
approximately 77% during that time, with annual
23 Based on"B(a)P/PAH Emissions Inventory for the Province of Ontario 1988,1998 and 2000 Draft Report (No. 1), May 16,2000" prepared for
Environment Canada by Benazon Environmental Inc., with releases updated by Environment Canada - Ontario Region, based on NPRI facility release
data and recent sector release assessments.
24 Available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/nopp/docs/cp/1 mm7/en/toc.cfm
25 Based on EPA's 1990 National Toxics Inventory (with 1999 open burning estimates added) and 1999 National Emissions Inventory (updated with
1999 pesticide application emissions data).
26 Based on the Great Lakes Regional Air Toxic Emissions Inventory for 1996 through 2001, with Ontario emissions removed and petroleum refining
emissions reduced to approximately 5 lbs beginning in 1997, per revised estimates provided by the American Petroleum Institute (API, 2001).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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]
1
28
£
t
t
¦D
C
o
in
D
O
£
&
1999 HCB Emission Sources
Total Emissions:
-2,911 lbs/year**
1990 HCB Emission Sources
Total Emissions:
-8,519 lbs/year
¦ Ind. Org. Chems
~ Pest. Applic.
~ POTWs
~ Resid. Open Burning
¦ Plastics/Syn. Resins
¦ Chems/Chem. Prep.
~ Other
1 1 I
~ Pest Applic.
¦ Chi. Solv. Prod.
~ Pest Mfr.
¦ Cyclic Crude Prod.
~ Resid. Open Burning
¦ Mfg: Alk & Chi.
~ Other
Figure 4-3. Estimated U.S. HCB Releases for 1990 and 1999 (lbs/year) Source: US EPA 1990 National Toxics
Inventory, adjusted to reflect residential open burning emissions, and 1999 National Emissions
Inventory data updated with 1999 pesticide application emissions data27 28 29
CO
£
(0
a>
10
(0
a>
a>
(L
S
m
200,000
180,000
160,000
140,000
120,000
100,000
80,000
60,000
40,000
20,000
0
¦ Prim. Alum.
~ Other
~ POTWs
~ Coke Ovens
¦ Petroleum Ref.
~ Wood Comb.
ft
90,900
81,810
72,720
63,630
54,540
45,450
36,360
27,270
18,180
9,090
0
&
Figure 4-4.
Year
B(a)P Releases from the U.S. Great Lakes States, 1996-2001.30
O)
CO
a>
CO
a
©
a)
CC
IL
s
ffl
27 **1999 nei data excludes -8,500 lbs of HCB emissions which could not be verified by the reporting facility.
28 Pesticide application data assumes 100% volatilization of the HCB contaminant in pesticides.
29 1999 emissions from POTWs could not be verified.
30 Based on the Great Lakes Regional Air Toxic Emissions Inventory for 1996 through 2001, with Ontario emissions removed and petroleum
refining emissions reduced to approximately 5 lbs beginning in 1997, per revised estimates provided by the American Petroleum Institute (API,
2001).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
2002 Great Lakes Basin (including Ontario)
B(a)P Sources
26,858 kg (59,087 lbs)
2007 Ontario B(a)P Sources
8,168 kg (17,970 lbs)
Other
Petroleum 15%
Refining,
A
11%
\
A Open
Burning
^ Sources
Residential
13%
Wood ^-1 1
Combust- \ //
ion \ //
7
28% \//
Y
\_Coke
Ovens
33%
Residential
Wood
Combustion
29%
Other
6%
Iron & Steel
34%
Creosote
Railway Ties
31%
2002 US HCB Sources
-950 kg (2,100 lbs)
2007 Ontario HCB Sources
14 kg (31 lbs)
Refuse
Systems
14%
Pesticide
Application
29%
Other
Tires &
Tubes
Household
Waste
Burning
17%
Iron & Steel
7%
Ferric &
Ferrous
Chloride Use
10%
Other
11%
Household
Waste
Burning
28%
Pesticide
Application
44%
Figure 4-5. HCB and B(a)P Sources in the Great Lakes Sources: Great Lakes Commission, 2002 Inventory
of Toxic Air Emissions for the Great Lakes Region and Environment Canada (Environmental
Protection Operations Division - Ontario Region) Inventory as of November 2009.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
emissions in 2001 estimated at 43,700 pounds. Since
the 2001 inventory was prepared, B(a)P emissions from
the petroleum refinery sector have been essentially
eliminated and emissions from primary aluminum
manufacture and coke ovens substantially reduced. In
2001, residential wood combustion was the largest B(a)
P emission source in the Great Lakes.
Data from a reassessment of the 2002 Great Lakes
Regional AirToxic Emissions Inventory became
available in 2007. Total B(a)P emissions from the eight
Great Lake States and Ontario were estimated at
59,087 (see Figure 4-5) in this reassessment. Estimated
annual B(a)P emissions were higher in the 2002
inventory than in the 2001 inventory primarily due to
improvements in the inventory. The 2002 Inventory
of Toxic Air Emissions is available at www.glc.org/air/
inventory/2002/.
U.S. Reduction Activities
Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative
» The Midwest Clean Diesel Initiative (MCDI) is a
collaboration of federal, state, and local agencies,
along with communities and private companies,
working together to reduce emissions from
diesel engines in the Midwest (U.S. EPA Region
5). (See the MCDI website at http://www.epa.
gov/midwestcleandiesel.) MCDI reduces
diesel emissions by fostering projects that
use one or more of the "5 R's" of clean diesel
actions: retrofitting, reducing idling, refueling,
repowering, and replacing diesel engines in
the Midwest. In the past year, the initiative has
provided over $44 million in grants for retrofits
and other clean diesel technologies. Diesel
retrofits have been performed on school buses,
construction equipment, marine vessels, and
municipal and private fleets.The installation
of Advanced Truck Stop Electrification systems
provides diesel trucks the opportunity to "plug
in" rather than keep their diesel engines idling
for auxiliary power, and US EPA's SmartWay
Transport Partnership promotes voluntary
measures that will reduce fuel use and emissions.
As of November 2009, MCDI had impacted over
761,000 diesel engines (in a way that would
reduce their emissions). The MCDI goal is to
reduce emissions from 1 million diesel-powered
engines by 2010.
Burn Wise Campaign
On October 22, 2009, US EPA launched its
Burn Wise educational campaign (http://
www.epa.gov/burnwise) to help reduce
wood smoke pollution. The program
encourages people to burn the right wood
the right way, in the right wood-burning
appliance. This campaign follows a recent
US EPA announcement of particulate matter
(PM) designations. In many areas across
the nation, wood smoke is a significant
contributor to particle pollution. The
message is fairly simple: If people burn
wood, they can save money and have a safer
and healthier home by following these tips:
1. Burn only dry, seasoned wood. It's better
for the air - and your wallet. Look for
wood that is darker, has cracks in the
end grain, and sounds hollow when
hit against another piece of wood. Dry
seasoned wood is more efficient at
heating your home and therefore can
add up to significant savings over the
winter. Never burn painted or treated
wood or trash.
2. Maintain your wood stove or fireplace
and have a certified technician inspect
them yearly. A certified technician
can clean dangerous soot from your
chimney, and keep your wood stove or
fireplace working properly - reducing
your risk of a home fire.
3. Change to a US EPA-certified wood
stove or fireplace insert. These models
are more efficient than older models,
keeping your air cleaner, your home
safer and your fuel bill lower, while
keeping you warm in the winter. An
estimated 12 million Americans heat
their homes with wood stoves each
winter, and nearly three-quarters of
these stoves are not EPA-certified. An
EPA-certified wood stove can emit nearly
70% less smoke than older uncertified
models.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Wood Stove/Fireplace Initiatives
» US EPA has combined several websites into one
comprehensive website containing information
on wood smoke (www.epa.gov/burnwise).
The Burn Wise website provides consumers
with information on the health effects of
wood smoke, the benefits of using US EPA-
certified stoves, and guidance on burning wood
efficiently and safely. This website also provides
a guide for implementing a wood stove change-
out campaign. A wood stove change-out
campaign provides information and incentives
(e.g., rebates or discounts) to encourage people
to replace their old, conventional wood stove
with a US EPA-certified wood-burning appliance
that burns more cleanly and efficiently or with
alternative heating devices, including pellet, gas,
and propane appliances.
» A wood stove change-out fact sheet has been
developed that explains the problems with
using older, higher polluting wood stoves and
discusses the quantity and type of emissions
from residential wood combustion, the adverse
health effects from wood smoke, and a way
to address the problem by facilitating the
replacement of old and inefficient wood stoves
with newer, more efficient and cleaner burning
technologies through education, outreach, and
incentives (e.g., cash rebates).
» The Great Michigan Wood Stove Change-out
Campaign allowed Michigan residents to
take advantage of a more efficient, clean, and
safe way to heat their homes at a discounted
cost through an initiative by the Michigan
United Conservation Clubs (MUCC), who
partnered with the Michigan Department of
Environmental Quality (MDEQ), and the Hearth,
Patio and Barbeque Association (HPBA). This
initiative provided up to $500 in rebate and
discount incentives toward the replacement
of a conventional wood-burning stove with a
more efficient, cleaner wood, pellet, corn, gas,
or electric stove or fireplace insert certified by
the EPA. Made possible by a MDEQ/US EPA
grant,"The Great Michigan Woodstove Change-
out Campaign"aimed to educate Michigan
residents about the economic, health, safety,
and environmental benefits of switching to
modern home heating stoves, improving air
quality, and lowering wood smoke emissions.
MUCC performed extensive outreach on this
campaign through its magazine, television
shows, trade shows and public service
announcements. A $290 mail-in rebate from
MUCC was issued to qualified consumers
who performed the change-out through a
participating retailer. Retailers also offered
significant discounts and/or rebates as a part
of the campaign. In order to receive the $290
rebate from MUCC, Michigan residents must
have agreed to have their old stove rendered
inoperable. This extremely successful
program ran from May through July 2008 and
resulted in the replacement of 500 old, highly
polluting wood stoves.
» In addition to promoting Burn Wise tips, US
EPA has developed a guidance document for
state, local, and tribal agencies. "Strategies
for Reducing Residential Wood Smoke"
provides a comprehensive list of strategies to
help communities reduce wood smoke from
residential heating. The document includes
education and outreach tools, information
on regulatory approaches to reduce wood
smoke, as well as voluntary programs to
change out old, inefficient wood stoves and
fireplaces. To download a copy of'Strategies
for Reducing Residential Wood Smoke"
visit, http://www.epa.gov/ttn/oarpg/t1/
memoranda/strategies-doc-8-11-09.pdf
Outdoor Wood-Fired Boilers
» Outdoor wood boilers have combustion
chambers in small sheds outside of the
home. Burning occurs in the shed with no
emission control devices, and emissions
are vented through a small stack (generally
less than 12 feet). The cyclic nature of the
boiler operation does not allow for complete
combustion, which results in much higher
emissions than from wood stoves. The use of
outdoor wood boilers is increasing, with about
500,000 expected to be in place nationwide by
2010, primarily in the Northeast and Midwest,
including the Great Lakes area. Although
US EPA has not yet adopted regulations to
address outdoor wood boilers, it has taken
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the following steps: (1) development of a test
method specific to outdoor wood boilers is
complete; and (2) a voluntary incentive program
has resulted in an agreement with the major
outdoor wood boiler manufacturers (see http://
www.epa.gov/bumwise/testmethods.html). As
a result of this agreement, wood boilers that
emit 70% less emissions have been available
since 2007, and wood boilers emitting over 90%
less emissions are now available. In addition, a
model rule has been developed for states and
local agencies that includes limits requiring a
reduction of approximately 80% in particulate
matter emissions, zoning and stack height
restrictions, information on proper operation
and maintenance, and labels for new boilers
that verify that the model in question meets
applicable emission level. The status of all
aspects of this program is available at www.epa.
gov/bumwise.
Scrap Tires
» The Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA)
reported that scrap tire reuse now approaches
90% nationwide in the U.S. In 2007,89.3% of
the scrap tires generated in the U.S. by weight
were consumed in end-use markets, which
include tire-derived fuel, civil engineering
and ground rubber applications. The total
volume of scrap tires consumed in end-use
markets in the U.S. reached approximately
4.1 million tons of tires. "Old piles of scrap
tires are shrinking," said RMA Vice President
Michael Blumenthal. Managing scrap tires
to prevent tire fires that release B(a)P and
other pollutants is a priority of the HCB/B(a)P
Workgroup.
» Under a Scrap Tire Pile Mitigation Support
Project, US EPA finished developing a scrap
tire pile inventory for the Great Lakes States,
along with Geographic Information System
(GIS) mapping of large tire piles (>500 tires).
For more information about this project,
see http://www.epa.gov/reg5rcra/wptdiv/
solidwaste/tires/index.htm.
» Between 2005 and 2007, there has been a
reduction of about 24 million stockpiled tires
in the Great Lakes States of New York and
Pennsylvania, which now report less than 2
million tires. Michigan will continue to abate
stockpiles and should have nearly all pre-
1991 piles abated within the next year. Ohio
has cleaned up all known major abatement
sites and Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and
Indiana all report less than 1 million tires.
» In January 2006, US EPA completed a best
practices Scrap Tire Cleanup Guidebook on
how to manage scrap tire piles.
» Scrap tire market development, and the
protection of existing markets, must be a top
priority of states and industry.
Coke Ovens
» Amendments to the 1993 MACT standards
for coke ovens, which contain more stringent
emission limits for coke oven doors, charge
port lids, and off-take piping on 17% of U.S.
coke batteries, were promulgated in April
2005. This action, which addressed "residual
risk," was the first of its kind by US EPA. In
April 2006, new MACT rules went into effect
for coke plant emission points, not included
in the 1993 rules, for pushing, combustion
stacks, and quench towers. These MACT rules
apply to all U.S. coke plants.
» According to the American Coke and Coal
Chemicals Institute, coke production did not
change from 2006 to 2007 in either Canada
or the United States. In Canada, 100% of coke
is produced in the Great Lakes Basin. There
are some increases in heat recovery capacity
in the U.S., but nothing in Canada. Some
of the planned upgrades for the upcoming
year have been postponed or cancelled due
to the current state of the economy. No
upgrades are planned for the Great Lakes
region. Worldwide, China is the largest
producer of steel and has the largest demand
for coke. However, it too is affected by the
poor economy and has seen a reduction in
demand.
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Industry Reduces HCB Releases Reported to
Toxics Release Inventory (TRI)
» The number of facilities reporting HCB releases
to TRI remained around 40 from 2004 to 2007, a
decline from -50 facilities that reported annually
from 2000 to 2003.
» Reductions in HCB emissions reported to TRI
have leveled off in recent years (2006-2007, the
latest data available).
» Several companies reported declines in HCB
releases from 2006 to 2007, primarily due to
lower production levels.
• Dow Chemical Co. (Plaquemine, LA) reported
a reduction in stack HCB emissions by 98%,
from 53 lbs in 2006 to 1 lb in 2007.
• Dow's Freeport facility, in Freeport, TX,
reported a reduction in stack HCB emissions
from 28 lbs in 2006 to 10 lbs in 2007.
• Occidental Chemical Corp. Geismar Plant
(Geismar, LA) reported reductions in fugitive
HCB air emissions from 17 lbs in 2006 to 1 lb
in 2007.
• Clean Harbors Deer Park LP (La Porte,TX)
reported a decline in HCB water releases
from 6 lbs in 2006 to 0.1 lb in 2007. (The
facility had reported ~ 6 lbs since 2004.)
Coal Tar Sealants
There are two main kinds of driveway and parking
lot sealants: refined coal tar-based and asphalt-
based. The variation in the PAH content of each
can be significant. One study reported that refined
Coal Tar-Based Sealants (CTS) contain 3.4% to 20%
PAH dry weight basis, compared to 0.03% to 0.66%
in asphalt-based sealants, up to 670 times less
than CTS. The net difference in a lifecycle analysis,
however, may not be as significant; the experience
of users suggests that CTS lasts significantly longer
and is replaced less often than asphalt-based
alternatives. The reason for concern about the use of
CTS is the potential additional PAH contamination of
nearby watersheds from runoff close to driveways
and parking areas treated with CTS. Gravel and
concrete are other available alternatives to CTS
which could be considered. Like CTS and asphalt-
based sealants, each alternative has advantages
and disadvantages. In response to concerns raised
about CTS, some retail stores have stopped selling
products with CTS, and some local municipalities
have instituted laws prohibiting their use.
A study by the Stormwater Center of the
University of New Hampshire was conducted
on a parking lot test facility at the university
and provided some evidence of increased PAH
levels on newly applied CTS after the first rain,
compared to a similar application of asphalt
material. However, adverse weather conditions
inhibited curing of the newly applied CTS, which
may account for some or all of the observed
relative increase in PAH levels. The findings
underscore the importance of following
recommended application procedures to ensure
that CTS have sufficient time to cure before the
first rain event. An expansion of the University
of New Hampshire project was funded by US EPA
to determine total PAH loads transported offsite
from coal tar and asphalt sealed pavements by
means of wind and tire tracking.
A study supported by the Pavement Coatings
Technology Counci31 was performed in Austin,
Texas, which was the first city to ban the use
of CTS within its jurisdiction. The study looked
at pre- and post-ban levels of contaminants.
The study showed no significant differences in
the levels or sources of PAHs in runoff after the
ban compared to before the ban. The industry
continues to work with the HCB/B(a)P Workgroup
to provide additional information regarding the
contribution of PAHs from CTS.
Canadian Reduction Activities
Residential Wood Combustion
» EC has restructured the Residential Wood
Combustion focus to develop regulations and
DeMott, R.P., Gauthier,T.D., Wiersema, J.M. and Crenson, G. 2009. PAHs in Austin Sediments after a Ban on Pavement Sealers. Environmental
Forensics, In press.
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1
1
34
has reduced the outreach aspects of the work
since 2008.
» A DVD, developed by EC, containing three
videos (Advanced Technology Woodstoves - EPA,
Firewood Preparation, and Woodstove Operation)
has become very popular among retailers and
other interest groups. This DVD continues to be
distributed to participants of woodstove change-
out programs in the United States and Canada.
In early 2009, EC completed an EPA-certified
wood stove testing study on two appliances. The
purpose was to verify the emission factors from
these types of stoves under real-world conditions.
The results of the study indicate that the real-
world emission factors were either comparable
to or less than the average literature value. This
is explained by the fact that the two stoves were
modern stoves.
Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) Program
(from www.ontariots.ca)
» On September 1, 2009, the Ontario Tire
Stewardship program was launched. The
program will eliminate the"disposal fee"that
consumers have paid to dispose of their old
tires - whether or not they are buying new
ones - making it easy and free for Ontarians
to get their old tires recycled by dropping
them off at registered collectors across
Ontario.
» OTS will provide financial incentives for
registered organizations that collect,
transport, and process used tires or
manufacture recycled products in accordance
with the program plan. These incentives will
promote sustainable development and new
markets for recycled materials and innovative
uses for recycled rubber products. In the
first year of the program, this will represent
a $23 million investment in the Ontario tire
recycling industry in the first year alone,
stimulating economic growth and helping to
increase capacity.
» Within five years, the Program is expected to
divert 90% of scrap on-road tires and collect and
recycle 50% of all scrap off-road tires.
» OTS is also working with the MOE to develop
a tire stockpile abatement schedule and is
looking forward to starting clean-up projects in
municipalities in the spring as part of its 3-year
plan to eliminate the millions of stockpiled tires
in sites across Ontario.32
PAH Source Apportionment Modeling
» Research has been completed on identifying and
quantifying sources contributing to ambient PAH
levels in both urban and rural sites in Ontario
using receptor modeling techniques. Results are
currently being reviewed.
Next Steps
The workgroup will continue ongoing efforts to
improve the accuracy of the U.S. and Canadian HCB
and B(a)P emission inventories to ensure that all
significant emission sources have been identified
and included. The workgroup will also continue to
pursue emission reduction activities from significant
B(a)P source sectors, namely:
» Residential Wood Combustion - Research
activity will be pursued to learn more about the
extent of wood burning and emissions from
certified EPA woodstoves. In addition, voluntary
wood stove and outdoor wood boiler reduction
activities, e.g., wood stove change-out programs
and "Burn it Smart" and "Burn Wise" outreach
programs, remain a top priority.
» Scrap Tires - U.S. EPA Best Practices Guidebook
and additional training materials are available.
Also, scrap tire pile mapping and inventory
initiatives should continue; tracking progress
made by the OTS program should also continue.
» Coal Tar Sealants - EC is performing an
additional study to better establish the
environmental impact of coal tar driveway
sealers. Also, field measurements are anticipated
OTS News. Used Tires Program Benefitting Bottom Line. October 2009. Available at http://www.ontariots.ca/. Accessed January 2010..
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as a follow-up to an inventory that was
developed to identify the extent of CTS use
in Ontario municipalities. This work could be
developed alongside a similar investigation into
CTS on the U.S. side.
The workgroup will also support other actions and
ideas that impact HCB releases to the Great Lakes
Basin. Specifically, the workgroup will
» Continue to implement the Household Waste
Burning Strategy (Burn Barrel Subgroup of
Dioxin/Furan Workgroup).
» Examine potential opportunities for reductions
for major sources (pesticide application, ferric
and ferrous chloride use).
» Continue solicitation of voluntary HCB
reductions by chemical companies.
The workgroup will consider expanding its scope to
track other GLBTS substances closely associated with
HCB and B(a)P, namely, chlorobenzenes and other
PAHs.
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37
During 2008 and 2009, the Substance/
Sector Workgroup met, either in person or by
teleconference, as follows:
» April 8,2008 meeting in Chicago
» June 2-3, 2008 meeting in Burlington
» August 7,2008 teleconference
» September 24,2008 meeting in Chicago
» December 2-3,2008 meeting in Chicago
» March 31, 2009 meeting in Toronto
» December 2, 2009 meeting in Chicago
Under the Strategy, EC and US EPA agreed to
consider new substances that may pose threats to
the Great Lakes ecosystem, for potential reduction
activities. The Strategy challenges the Parties (EC
and US EPA) to consider:
.. whether new substances which present threats to
the Great Lakes ecosystem should be considered for
inclusion on the Level I or II lists."
The following efforts were undertaken in support of
the above challenge.
Substance/Sector Workgroup Activities
In addition, the Substance/Sector Workgroup
reported progress and discussed future
directions at GLBTS Integration Workgroup
meetings.
At these meetings, the Substance/Sector
Workgroup explored a new path forward under
the GLBTS by considering potential chemical
threats to the Great Lakes Basin. A draft
General Framework for Identifying Substances
to be Considered in the Great Lakes Basin was
developed. The framework illustrates a process
by which substances may be identified for
consideration under the GLBTS. The workgroup
prepared examples of using the framework to
consider potential threats to the basin. Based
on the amount of data available, the following
three candidate substances were chosen to
illustrate examples of implementing the general
framework:
Nonylphenol and its Ethoxylates (NPEs)
Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS)
To determine substances that may be national
priorities for both Canada and the U.S. in the
Great Lakes, the Substance/Sector Workgroup
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conducted an analysis of substances that are
common across Canada's Domestic Substances
List (DSL), US EPA's Inventory Update Reporting
(IUR), and the International Joint Commission's
(IJC's) List of Substances of Emerging Concern.
The analysis identified approximately 30 common
substances (or groups of substances). The analysis
demonstrated one approach to a GLBTS substance
selection process. The workgroup illustrated a
similar approach to identifying sectors for GLBTS
discussion. The analysis identified four common
sectors based on the DSL/IUR/IJC substance
analysis described above. Further discussions
with EC, US EPA, and stakeholders are needed
to refine the substance and sector selection
processes.
The Substance/Sector Workgroup gathered
information on emerging contaminant
monitoring and surveillance efforts in the Great
Lakes. The workgroup learned of monitoring
and surveillance activities being conducted
under Canada's Chemical Management Plan
(CMP), EC's Great Lakes Fish Contaminant
Surveillance Program, EC's Herring Gull Egg
Monitoring Program, EC's Great Lakes Sediment
Assessment Program, Integrated Atmospheric
Deposition Network (IADN), US EPA's Great Lakes
Fish Monitoring Program, Muir/Howard North
American Chemical Inventory Screening Project,
NOAA's Mussel Watch Program, U.S. Geological
Survey (USGS) tributary monitoring in the
Great Lakes, USGS monitoring of contaminant
effects on Great Lakes indicator species, and
other projects. Information gathered from
these monitoring programs will help inform the
workgroup's considerations of potential threats to
the basin.
In an effort to maintain consistency with the
efforts of various groups that may influence the
future direction of the GLBTS, the Substance/
Sector Workgroup kept up to date on a number
of current issues, including: renegotiation of
the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, IJC
Chemicals of Emerging Concern Workgroup,
US EPA's Chemical Assessment and Management
Program (ChAMP)33, and MOE's activities to address
Level 1 substances and chemicals of emerging
concern. A few of these efforts are described in
further detail below.
Related New Substance Work
Various efforts related to identifying and prioritizing
new chemicals serve to inform the Substance/Sector
Workgroup of the GLBTS. A few of these efforts
are summarized below. In addition, environmental
monitoring results for a limited number of emerging
substances of concern are presented in Chapter 9 of
this report.
Canada's Chemical Management Plan
The Canadian Great Lakes Substance Priorities
Working Group has been charged with providing
direction and recommendations regarding Canada's
priorities for substances in the Great Lakes Basin
for federal, joint-jurisdictional, and binational
programs. This will ensure that actions taken
are complementary to Canada's CMP, through a
coordinated Great Lakes approach to chemicals
management.
While the working group is charged with providing
recommendations concerning Canadian Great
Lakes Basin substance priorities, it will not conduct
assessments, nor determine specific management
actions. Substances identified by the working group
will be recommended for management, assessment,
review, and/or monitoring as necessary, within
best-placed programs. Specific actions and further
subsets of priorities can then be established within
these programs.
In order to achieve its objectives, the working group
is currently developing a chemical selection and
prioritization process. This process contains four key
elements, which are presented below.
33 ChAMP has been superseded by a comprehensive approach to enhancing EPA's current chemicals management program. Under the new
approach, EPA released action plans in December 2009 that describe steps EPA will take to manage concerns for phthalates, long-chain
perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), PBDEs in products, and short-chain chlorinated paraffins.
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1) Triggers for Considering Substances for Action
through a Great Lakes Approach
There are two triggers which identify substances to
be considered by the process, based on indication
of potential risk to the environment and/or human
health in the Great Lakes Basin:
a) Prioritization within national chemical programs;
and
b) Early warnings from monitoring and research
initiatives.
National program priority is considered a primary
trigger, in order to be responsive to the national
CMP while implementing a coordinated Great Lakes
approach. Categories of substances in various stages
of assessment and/or management that may be
considered national priorities include:
» Non-challenge substances (previously assessed
and/or managed substances)
» High priorities (challenge substances, as defined
under Canada's CMP)
» CMP II substances
Ideally, as each national priority substance
undergoes assessment and risk management, the
relevance of action through a Great Lakes approach
is routinely evaluated. In the immediate future, it will
be necessary to perform this evaluation for a backlog
of current national program priorities.
A Great Lakes approach can also provide utility
by recognizing the Great Lakes Basin as a sentinel
ecosystem for early warning and feedback to the
national programs. A substance may not currently
be a national priority because it has not been
recognized as a concern by national programs, it
is already under management in Canada, or it is
not used or released within Canada. However, the
substance may be in commerce in the U.S., deposited
in the basin from international sources through
long-range atmospheric transport, or be the subject
of new research that indicates potential concerns
not previously considered (e.g., endocrine disrupting
properties). Therefore, the substance is not a
national priority but is emerging or re-emerging
as a concern and should be considered under the
chemical selection and prioritization process.
2) Relevance to the Great Lakes
The primary reason that national priorities or
substances of emerging concern would be
addressed under a coordinated Great Lakes
approach is that they are present in the
Great Lakes Basin ecosystem. One means of
accomplishing an evaluation of presence is
through the use of overlay analyses of national
program priorities with substances currently
detected in the Great Lakes Basin through
monitoring and surveillance initiatives. Steady
or rising trends, multiple detections, and/or the
presence of sectors as a potential source may
help in establishing presence. In order to prevent
the bias of finding only what is looked for, close
links with research and monitoring are necessary.
3) Present Management Considerations
If a substance is present in the Great Lakes
Basin ecosystem and carries an environmental
and/or human health concern, it is a strong
candidate for action under a coordinated Great
Lakes approach. The present management
status of the substance in national programs
is evaluated to determine whether actions are
necessary to complement any existing efforts.
Management of a substance within the U.S. and
through engagement in international fora is also
considered. Consultation with risk managers
and/or substance coordinators is suggested
as an effective way to evaluate the present
management status and to perform triage, in
order to help determine whether a substance
should be recommended for action (monitoring,
assessment, management, and/or review) within
best-placed programs.
4) Stakeholder Input
Stakeholder consultation constitutes an
important component of the substance selection
process, as it provides valuable insight from an
"on the ground"capacity and also facilitates
engagement at the subsequent risk management
stage. Unless circumstances demand otherwise,
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stakeholder consultation will occur once chemicals
have been recommended for action, under best-
placed programs. Consultation at this stage
will allow for the refinement of priorities and
for the development of specific actions within
these programs. Additionally, most best-placed
programs will already have an active and engaged
stakeholder base, which will facilitate the external
consultation process.
I Delisting
I By using the national programs as triggers for
I consideration, formal delisting may not be
I necessary. Substances should move forward as
I appropriate within the monitoring, assessment,
I management, and review processes of the best-
I placed programs. Substances not recommended
for action may simply be categorized by the
I working group as "no recommendation at this
I time,"with the second trigger of'emerging and
re-emerging concerns"available to elevate
the status of a substance, should it become
I necessary.
US EPA Chemical Management Activities
I EPA's Enhanced Chemical Management
I Program
In late 2009, US EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
I announced that US EPA would develop a
I comprehensive approach to enhance the current
I TSCA chemicals management program. The most
I important components involve:
I » Identifying chemicals that pose a concern to the
I public;
I » Moving quickly to evaluate them and determine
what actions need to be taken to address the
risks they may pose; and
I » Initiating appropriate action.
US EPA's chemical actions may include initiating
regulatory action to label, restrict, or ban a
chemical, or to require the submission of additional
data needed to determine a chemical's risk. If US EPA
determines that a chemical does not present a need
for action, US EPA will make respective information
available.
US EPA has posted four action plans to date.34 These
plans: (1) summarize available hazard, exposure,
and use information; (2) outline the risks that each
chemical may present; and (3) identify the specific
steps US EPA is taking to address those concerns.
As these actions continue, US EPA will make
opportunities available for public and stakeholder
comment and involvement. Chemicals were chosen
on the basis of multiple factors, including:
» Chemicals identified as persistent,
bioaccumulative, and toxic;
» High production volume chemicals;
» Chemicals in consumer products;
» Chemicals of particular potential concern for
children's health because of reproductive or
developmental toxicity;
» Chemicals subject to review and potential action
in international fora;
» Chemicals found in human blood in
biomonitoring programs; and
» Chemicals in categories generally identified as
being of potential concern in the new chemicals
program.
Region 5 Leadership in US EPA's Enhanced
Chemical Management Program
Region 5 is currently the US EPA Office of Prevention,
Pesticides and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) National
Coordinator for"Reviewing and Reducing TSCA
Chemical Risk." As part of that role, Region 5 works
closely with OPPTS, other regional offices, state and
local governments, tribes, stakeholders, and the
public to assist with chemical, chemical risk, or other
related projects in which there is potential concern
to human health and the environment. Region 5
projects include:
34 Plans posted to date include: phthalates, perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), PBDEs in products, and short-chain chlorinated paraffins.
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» Communicating national and regional chemical
program goals to US EPA offices, labs, and
regions.
» Strengthening coordination between OPPTS,
other US EPA offices, labs, and regions in multi-
media chemical and chemical risk projects.
» Coordinating with OPPTS and other US EPA
offices, labs, and regions and states regarding:
chemical or chemical risk assessment,
communication, identification, and management
methods and strategies; program activities
and respective tool, strategy, and network
development; enhanced resource leveraging,
and better communication strategies.
» Facilitating enhanced stakeholder dialogs on
chemical and chemical risk issues.
New Chemical Screening Work by Howard/
Muir
US EPA funded a project conducted by Philip
Howard of Syracuse Research Corporation and Derek
Muir of EC to identify emerging contaminants
and persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT)
chemicals that were not being sought out or
analyzed in current Great Lakes contaminant
monitoring and surveillance programs and to
determine how they could be chemically analyzed.
The Canadian DSL list totaling 11,317 compounds
was combined with the US EPA high production
volume (HPV) list, a list of 3,059 substances of
"Unknown or Variable composition, Complex
reaction products and Biological materials"
(UVCBs), the US EPATSCA IUR database for
years 1986,1990,1994,1998, 2002, and 2006,
and 500 chemicals from US EPA's HPV program,
which covered substances that were not in the
HPV program but were produced in amounts
over 1 million pounds during 2002. The CAS
numbers were cross-compared to remove
duplicates, yielding a total of 22,263. From that
list, 610 chemicals were identified by Structure
Activity Relationships (SARs US EPA EPI Suite)
and using expert judgment. Toxicity was
also assessed using SARs for aquatic toxicity
and cancer potential, but was not used to
prioritize the chemicals. This study has yielded
some interesting potential persistent and
bioaccumulative (P&B) substances that could be
considered for further study and monitoring and
surveillance in the Great Lakes region.
The major chemical groups in this analysis
include brominated, chlorinated, fluorinated,
silicone, and non-halogenated substances. Top
10 priorities were selected from each of the five
chemical groups, in order to identify a first round
of priority substances for further investigation.
The major criteria used to select the top 10 were
production volume, bioconcentration factor
(BCF), and persistence (atmospheric oxidation
half life: AO VA). Representatives of important
classes of compounds such as tetrabromo
bisphenol A (TBBPA) derivatives, cyclic siloxanes,
chlorinated pyridines, and cyclopentane/enes
were also identified. Chemicals for which there
were already measurements, for example, PBDEs,
synthetic musks, triaryl phosphates, and haloalkyl
phosphates, were omitted.
Most of the 50 top priorities identified are not
currently analyzed, yet most are in commerce
Spectacle Reef Lighthouse, Straits of Mackinac
Photograph courtesy of US Coast Guard
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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based on the 2002 and 2006 TSCA IUR information.
All of the top 50 and most of the larger list of 610
could likely be analyzed in environmental media,
although suitable analytical standards would need
to be available and method testing/refinements
would need to be conducted. The next phase of
this work includes the development of analytical
methods for the top priority substances.
The full report can be found at http://epa.gov/
greatlakes/p2.html under Identification of New,
Possible PB&T Substances Important in the
Great Lakes Region by Screening of Chemicals in
Commerce.
International Joint Commission Review
of Chemicals of Emerging Concern and
Analysis of Environmental Exposures in
the Great Lakes Basin
The U.S. co-chair of the Substance/Sector
Workgroup participated in a review of
chemicals of emerging concern and analysis
of environmental exposures in the Great Lakes
Basin. The review and analysis were conducted
by an advisory workgroup to the IJC, and the
results were compiled into a report that was
published by the IJC.35 The objectives of this
report were to review and compile all peer
reviewed scientific studies and reports since
1997 in relation to chemicals of emerging
concern that may pose threats to water quality
in the Great Lakes watershed. Emphasis was
placed on chemicals discharged to the Great
Lakes nearshore waters from wastewater
treatment plants as well as from other point
and non-point sources of rural and urban
pollution. The concentrations of chemicals in
various environmental media were assembled
into a database, which was statistically analyzed
to develop a quantitative understanding of
current environmental exposures. To develop
an initial assessment of their potential ecological
significance, the concentrations were compared
with currently available regulatory standards,
guidelines, or criteria. The abstract of the report
is presented below. A full summary of the study is
provided in Appendix B.
Over the past 10 years, 80 investigations have
reported the concentrations of a variety of chemicals
of emerging concern in the Great Lakes Basin and
watershed. This study was conducted to develop
a statistical understanding of environmental
exposures in the basin to a variety of environmental
contaminants, including current use pesticides,
pharmaceuticals, organic wastewater contaminants,
alkylphenol ethoxylates, perfluorinated surfactants,
flame retardants, and chlorinated paraffins. The
available literature was critically reviewed and used
to develop a database containing 19611 values for
326 substances. Many of the papers characterized
the sampling locations as being downstream
from municipal wastewater discharges, receiving
waters for industrial facilities, areas susceptible to
agricultural or urban contamination, or harbors and
ports. Concentrations in surface waters (n = 14841)
and biota (n = 3742) represented the majority of
the available data, with fewer values reported for
sediments (n = 1028). The analysis showed that
many chemicals of emerging concern are present
in the Great Lakes watershed. Concentrations were
generally the highest in the vicinity of sources such
as wastewater treatment discharges, agricultural
operations, or manufacturing sites; declined with
increasing distance from the source; and were
generally low or non-detectable in the open
waters of the Great Lakes. To develop an initial
assessment of their potential ecological significance,
the concentrations were compared with currently
available regulatory standards, guidelines, or criteria.
Ontario Ministry of the Environment
Activities to Address Level 1 Substances and
Chemicals of Emerging Concern
The Ontario government continues to address
harmful pollutants in the Great Lakes Basin through a
Great Lakes Chemicals of Emerging Concern Advisory WorkGroup to the International Joint Commission (IJC), 2009. Great Lakes Water Quality
Agreement Priorities 2007-2009 Series. Work Group Report on Great Lakes Chemicals of Emerging Concern, 2009 IJC, Special Publication 2009-01,
Windsor, Ontario, Canada. Available at http://www.ijc.org/en/priorities/2009/chemicals.
Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem. 2007. Available at http://www.ec.gc.ca/CEPARegistry/documents/agree/
Fin-COA07/toc.cfm. Accessed: January 2010.
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number of regulatory and non-regulatory programs
and in cooperation with federal partners under the
Canada-Ontario Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes
Basin Ecosystem.36
In 2008, the Ontario government announced
its commitment to remove and destroy PCB-
contaminated soils stored at the Pottersburg PCB
Storage Site in London, Ontario. This PCB site
was established in the 1980s to securely contain
PCB-contaminated soil, sediment, and debris
from the remediation of Pottersburg Creek and
some adjacent industrial properties. The ministry
acquired the facility and operated it as a storage
site until it became possible to destroy the PCBs
in an economical manner at an approved PCB
destruction facility. Also in 2008, the MOE continued
its support to the Summerhill Impact (formerly
Clean Air Foundation) "Switch the Stat" program
to divert nearly 7,000 old thermostat switches
containing mercury from the waste stream. On
September 22,2009, the Minister approved
Waste Diversion Ontario's revised program plan
for MHSW. The MHSW program diverts common
household hazardous or special wastes, such as
paints and solvents, from being disposed in landfills
or sewers. The program places the management
and funding responsibility on producers of these
products, and as of July 1,2010, the revised program
will divert additional types of wastes, including
mercury-containing products such as thermostats,
thermometers, fluorescent bulbs, and switches.
In June 2009, the Ontario government passed the
Ontario Toxics Reduction Act, 2009. The Act requires
owners and operators of regulated facilities to
develop plans to reduce their use and creation of
toxic substances, to track and quantify the toxics
that they use, create, and release, and to report to
the ministry and the public. Several GLBTS Level 1
and Level 2 substances have been identified for the
first phase of the Act's implementation, including
mercury, dioxins and furans, HCB, cadmium,
4,4-methylenebis (2-chloroaniline), and PAHs
including B(a)P. Subsequent phases of the Act's
implementation would include over 300 substances
on Canada's National Pollutant Release Inventory,
as well as information-gathering on selected
substances of concern, for which use and emissions
are not yet tracked in Ontario.
The MOE's science and monitoring programs
continue to track harmful pollutants, including
chemicals of emerging concern, in the Great
Lakes. Recently, the MOE conducted a screening
survey of chlorinated flame retardants in Great
Lakes sediment and fish. Ongoing collaborative
projects include: (1) examining sediments in
nearshore areas of the Canadian Great Lakes for
presence and trends of perfluorinated compounds
(PFCs), halogenated flame retardants, and
dioxin-like chemicals; (2) assessing atmospheric
contributions of persistent chemicals of emerging
concern to the Great Lakes by examining remote
sediment cores in proximity to the lakes;
(3) developing new analytical methods for the
analysis of halogenated flame retardants and
chlorinated flame retardants; (4) carrying out
passive sampling for pharmaceuticals and
personal care products in nearshore areas of
Lake Erie and Lake Ontario; and (5) assessing
nearshore inputs of current and past-use
chemicals from an urban area.
Next Steps
Monitoring and surveillance activities report a
great diversity of substances in the Great Lakes
environment. The Substance/Sector Workgroup
will continue to work with the Canadian and U.S.
federal and provincial/regional governments,
and others conducting monitoring in the
Great Lakes, to identify potential threats to the
Great Lakes Basin from emerging chemicals of
concern. This work will also involve input from
stakeholders.
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Stakeholder Forum and Integration Workgroup
meetings have long been a tradition of the
GLBTS. The meetings provide an opportunity for
stakeholders and the governments to come together,
get to know one another, share information, and
try to resolve issues of toxic substances affecting
the Great Lakes. Beginning in 2009, the Parties
decreased the frequency of Stakeholder Forum/
integration Workgroup meetings to one face-to-
face meeting per year. This change reflected several
factors affecting the GLBTS, including a declining
role of the Level 1 workgroups and transition to new
chemicals of concern, and limited travel budgets for
many GLBTS stakeholders.
Brief summaries of Stakeholder Forum and
Integration Workgroup meetings held over the past
two years are presented below.
Stakeholder Forum -
December 12,2007, Chicago
The December 12, 2007, Stakeholder Forum
featured a keynote address by Jim Willis of US EPA's
Office of Pollution Prevention and Toxics. Mr. Willis
presented an overview of the U.S./Canada/Mexico
Trilateral Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)
Agreement on Chemical Management Activities.
With the signing of the SPP agreement in
August 2007, the leaders of the U.S., Canada,
and Mexico committed to specific goals for
enhancing regulatory cooperation among the
three countries, accelerating and improving the
effectiveness of actions to safeguard health and
the environment, providing cost-effectiveness
for business and government, and retaining
national regulatory authority. U.S. commitments
under the SPP include, by the end of 2012,
assessing and initiating needed action on the
over 9,000 existing chemicals produced above 10
tons/yr in the U.S. Canadian commitments under
the SPP include, by the end of 2012, completing
assessments and taking regulatory action on the
highest priority substances resulting from the
DSL categorization, and initiating assessments
of medium-priority substances, and by 2020,
updating the DSL.
The substance workgroup leaders also reported
on progress toward the Strategy challenges for
mercury, dioxins/furans, PCBs, and HCB/B(a)P.
The forum was followed by substance workgroup
break-out sessions for mercury, PCBs, dioxins/
furans, and HCB/B(a)P,
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Integration Workgroup Meeting -
December 13,2007, Chicago
The December 13, 2007, Integration Workgroup
meeting included updates from the co-chairs of
the active substance workgroups (mercury, PCBs,
dioxins/furans, and HCB/B(a)P) on the previous
day's workgroup meetings. The Dioxin/Furan
| Workgroup decided to move to inactive status
and have the Burn Barrel Subgroup report to
I the HCB/B(a)P Workgroup (backyard burning is
I also a source of HCB and B(a)P). The Integration
I Workgroup also discussed several programs
I related to the new GLBTS Substance Group.
I Presentations at this meeting included:
I » North American Commission for
I Environmental Cooperation Tri-National Chemicals
I Management—Vic Shantora, Commission for
Environmental Cooperation Sound Management
of Chemicals Program
» Substance Workgroup Reports
• Mercury—Alexis Cain, US EPA
• PCBs—Ken De, EC
• Dioxins/Furans—Erin Newman, US EPA
• HCB/B(a)P—Tom Tseng, EC
» Overview of Canada's Chemicals Management
I Plan (CMP) —Suzanne Easton, EC
I » Great Lakes Chemicals Screening Project—Ted
I Smith, US EPA
I » Terms of Reference for the Substance and
I Sector Groups—Ted Smith, US EPA
Stakeholder Forum-
I June 4,2008, Burlington
The first Stakeholder Forum of 2008 featured a
keynote address by Ms. Susan Boehme, director
of the New York/New Jersey Harbor Project from
2000 to 2005. Ms. Boehme presented the findings
of the Harbor Project and implications for the
GLBTS. Dr. Jianmin Ma of EC presented the results
of a modeling study conducted by EC to investigate
the impact of intercontinental atmospheric transport
of lindane on the North American environment.
The meeting also included presentations on the
status and achievements of the mercury, PCB, and
HCB/B(a)P Workgroups. Having met the GLBTS
challenge goals, the Mercury Workgroup discussed
decreasing the frequency of face-to-face meetings
and examined alternative means of sharing
information, such as web-based meetings or focused
two-day meetings that are held periodically (e.g.,
every 2 years). The PCB Workgroup announced the
discontinuation of the PCB Recognition and Award
program for Canadian companies that voluntarily
decommission 90% or more of their in-service PCB
equipment. New Canadian PCB regulations have
mandated the phase-out of PCB equipment. The
HCB/B(a)P Workgroup continued to investigate
sources of release to the Great Lakes Basin and
identified coal tar sealants as a source of PAHs in
storm water runoff. The Stakeholder Forum was
followed by an afternoon Integration Workgroup
meeting.
Integration Workgroup Meeting -
June 4,2008, Burlington
The June 4,2008, Integration Workgroup meeting
was a shortened half-day meeting that followed a
morning GLBTS Stakeholder Forum. The Integration
Workgroup meeting focused on the path forward
for the Substance and Sector Workgroups. The
workgroup discussed the mission and scope of
the Substance and Sector Workgroups, a decision
framework as an approach for identifying substances
of potential concern to the Great Lakes Basin, and
stakeholder participation and public engagement
in the substance identification process. To reach
their goals, it was decided that the two groups
would be joined with one name: Substance/Sector
Workgroup.
Integration Workgroup Meeting -
September 25,2008, Chicago
At its September 25, 2008, meeting, the Integration
Workgroup continued discussions of the path
forward for the Substance/Sector Workgroup. The
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Stakeholder Highlights: National Wildlife Federation
Progress under the Binational Toxics Strategy, Fall 2008 - Fall 2009
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) has been involved in several activities involving the GLBTS and
chemicals policy more broadly in the Great Lakes region over the past year, including the following:
» NWF made progress on a project assessing the impact of environmental management system (EMS)
programs on releases of persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic chemicals at firms in the region. This
included working with the Indiana Clean Manufacturing Technology Institute (CMTI) at Purdue
University in identifying (through an analysis ofTRI data) several dozen candidate firms in the basin
to contact concerning serving as potential case studies, contacting a subset of firms, and receiving
three completed questionnaires on EMS programs and chemical releases. In addition, NWF received
a questionnaire from a publicly owned treatment works facility, and is in the process of finalizing a
report which will summarize case study findings and include general recommendations.
» NWF made progress in assessing broader environmental non-governmental organization (ENGO)
awareness of the GLBTS process, potential involvement, and interest in broader chemicals policy work
through revision to a survey and identification of over 150 Canadian and U.S. groups to survey, with
goals of having results and finalizing the report in early 2010.
» NWF also maintained significant involvement in related chemicals policy work, including Michael
Murray's involvement in the IJC Chemicals of Emerging Concern project (including providing
comments on the draft policy framework document, taking part in the 1 Vi day Expert Consultation
in March 2009, and researching and providing a bibliography of additional papers for the project to
consider).
» In addition to involvement in GLBTS Substance/Sector and Integration Workgroup meetings, NWF
has maintained involvement in other chemicals policy work involving the GLBTS, including providing
written comments on the draft 2008 GLBTS Newsletter and the draft Mercury Phasedown Strategy
under the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration. NWF has also continued correspondence with other
ENGOs on the future of chemical policy in the region (including discussions involving the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement), and taken part in webinars by (and shared information with) the Great
Lakes Green Chemistry Network.
co-chairs of the Substance/Sector Workgroup
proposed to identify candidate substances, in
consultation with national programs, to analyze
using the group's decision framework provisionally
by June 2009. A coalition of ENGOs advocated
that the governments pursue the zero discharge
and virtual elimination goals of the Great Lakes
Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA) and the GLBTS
Strategy for toxic chemicals into the Great Lakes
(as understood in those agreements, and neither
amended nor limited by later Canadian or U.S.
legislation). The co-chairs of the active substance
workgroups provided updates on the status of the
workgroups for mercury, HCB/B(a)P, and PCBs. The
Integration Workgroup discussed the frequency
of future GLBTS meetings and the format of
reporting through the GLBTS annual report
and periodic update brochures. The Mercury
Workgroup decided that biannual meetings
were no longer needed and instead supported
larger gatherings to be held occasionally and in
collaboration with other regions of the country.
The PCB and HCB/B(a)P Workgroups supported
reducing the frequency of face-to-face meetings to
once a year, with other means of communication
utilized between meetings (e.g., teleconferences).
The Integration Workgroup also decided to reduce
the frequency of preparing a GLBTS progress report
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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from annually to biennially, or once every two
years. Less formal reporting mechanisms, such as
newsletters, could be prepared in the interim.
Stakeholder Forum/Integration
Workgroup Meeting - December 4,2008,
I Chicago
I On December 4,2008, the GLBTS Stakeholder
I Forum and Integration Workgroup meeting
I were combined in a full, one-day meeting. This
I meeting was a milestone in that it was Danny
I Epstein's last meeting as Canadian co-chair
I of the GLBTS. Margaret Kenny of EC and Jim
I Willis of US EPA discussed the status of new
I chemical management programs in their
respective governments, including similarities
I and differences between the two. The co-chairs
of the substance workgroups provided updates
I on the status of the workgroups for mercury,
HCB/B(a)P, dioxin, and PCBs. Of note was the
announcement of Canada's PCB regulation,
which will significantly improve Canada's
progress in achieving the GLBTS goals for PCBs.
I The meeting included an update of progress in
developing a Mercury Emissions Phase-Down
I Strategy under the GLRC. Progress of the
Substance/Sector Workgroup and a timeline
for the workgroup from December 2008 to
December 2009 were also presented.
I GLBTS Update Teleconference - June 23,
I 2009
I In lieu of face-to-face meetings in Windsor, as
I previously scheduled, a teleconference was held
I on June 23,2009, to provide updates on several
I issues affecting the GLBTS:
I »Linda Klaamas of EC and Mark Elster of US EPA,
Office of International Affairs, provided an
update on the status of the GLWQA Revision.
» Karrisa Kovner of US EPA, Office of Pollution
Prevention and Toxics, presented an update,
from a U.S. perspective, of a United Nations
Environmental Program (UNEP) Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs) fourth meeting of
the Conference of the Parties (COP4) to the
Stockholm Convention. Nav Khera of EC,
Chemicals Management Division, presented
a Canadian perspective of the UNEP POPs
Conference and explained other key issues that
were discussed at COP4.
» Keith Houck of US EPA, National Center for
Computational Toxicology, presented an
overview and update on a US EPA Strategic Plan
for Evaluating the Toxicity of Chemicals—ToxCast
Chemical Prioritization Project.
» Alan Waffle of EC presented a brief overview
of the IJC Contaminants of Emerging Concern
Nearshore Workgroup Recommendations.
» Ted Smith of US EPA provided a Status Update
on Toxics under the Great Lakes Restoration
Initiative (GLRI).
GLBTS Update Teleconference - September
23,2009
On September 23,2009, a teleconference was held to
update GLBTS stakeholders on several initiatives:
» Allan-Paul Dane of EC provided an overview of
a new Canadian Great Lakes Chemical Priorities
Working Group, which brings together key
director-level representatives from Canadian
federal government agencies to recommend
Canadian chemical priorities in the Great
Lakes Basin and to ensure that these are
communicated to all programs that address
chemicals in the Great Lakes.
» Julie Schroeder of Ontario MOE reported on
Ontario's Toxics Reduction Strategy, which
includes the Toxics Reduction Act, passed by
MOE in June 2009, and subsequent regulations
in support of the legislation.
» Linda Klaamas of EC provided information
on progress made by the U.S. and Canada to
renegotiate the GLWQA.
» Ted Smith of US EPA described an upcoming IJC
GLWQA Biennial Meeting scheduled for October
7-8,2009, in Windsor, Ontario.
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Stakeholder Highlights: Industry Continues to Value GLBTS Process
Industry has continued to work extensively with GLBTS program managers and other stakeholders on the
evolution of the GLBTS chemical substance management effort throughout a time of transition. Since
inception of the GLBTS program, industry has appreciated the opportunity to work with governments,
environmental advocacy organizations, and others on chemical issues in this voluntary stakeholder-
based forum. Through these interactive activities, industry has joined other stakeholders to successfully
achieve chemical release reductions, provide chemical inventory and characterization information, and
draft chemical management policies. The process is taking on new dimensions to shift focus from legacy
substances to those now being discussed as materials of emerging concern. Industry representatives
continue to believe that the unique GLBTS multi-stakeholder voluntary process provides the best
opportunity to gain understanding of the significance of the presence of these materials in the ecosystem
and to seek the most appropriate action for long term sustainability.
In 2009, highlights of industry participation facilitated by CGLI include:
» CGLI recruited several experts on toxicology and chemical effects to the GLBTS process as the
discussion shifted to new substances. The experts evaluated and provided substantive comments
on framework proposals for the evaluation of chemicals of emerging concern. Information provided
demonstrated the importance of considering both hazard and risk when the significance of presence
for these substances is evaluated. Risk factors such as potential for exposure and the specifics
regarding exposures are critical elements in an assessment of the significance of a substance's
presence in the environment.
» CGLI provided information and experience regarding models used to predict chemical toxicity
characteristics based on molecular structure.
» CGLI contributed observations and experience related to ecosystem monitoring and surveillance
methodologies that can help differentiate ecosystem impacts related to differing stressors. Industry
supports a robust ecosystem-based monitoring and surveillance program in the Great Lakes. This will
enable monitoring and surveillance efforts to be guided, reviewed, and the results that are obtained
interpreted through a GLBTS workgroup charged to do this work.
» CGLI continues to develop and maintain a robust network of industry personnel that meet regularly
via teleconference and actively participate in GLBTS workgroups. They bring important expertise and
perspectives to the process.
The GLBTS process can efficiently bring government, academic, ENGO, and industry scientists together
to best review and draw conclusions from Great Lakes ecosystem characterization work on a continuing
basis.
» Alexis Cain of US EPA provided an overview of an
upcoming conference scheduled for November
17-18,2009, in Chicago: 2009 Mercury Science
and Policy Conference with a Special Focus on
the Northeast and Great Lakes Regions, led by
the Northeast Waste Management Officials'
Association (NEWMOA). Alexis also described
the status of the GLRC Great Lakes Mercury
Emissions Reduction Strategy.
» Melanie Neilson and Sean Backus of EC
presented an overview of Great Lakes
monitoring and surveillance activities under
Canada's CMP.
» Ted Smith of US EPA moderated a GLRI
Toxics Monitoring and Surveillance panel
presentation, which featured the following
speakers:
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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» Kimani Kimbrough of NOAA discussed
NOAA's Enhanced Mussel Watch Program in
the Great Lakes.
» Dave DeVault of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service (USFWS) described an early
warning system to identify effects of new
contaminants.
» Charlie Peters of the USGS described a
proposed effort to monitor contaminants in
Great Lakes tributaries.
» Tom Custer of USGS described monitoring
effects of contaminants on Great Lakes
indicator species.
» Todd Nettesheim of US EPA Great Lakes
National Program Office (GLNPO) described
US EPA's efforts to develop critical
information through monitoring and
surveillance.
Stakeholder Forum/Integration
Workgroup Meeting-
December 3,2009, Chicago
A combined Stakeholder Forum and Integration
Workgroup meeting was held in Chicago on
December 3,2009. The meeting included
updates on the status and progress of the
PCB, HCB/B(a)P, Dioxin/Furan, Mercury, and
Substance/Sector Workgroups. The Dioxin/Furan
and Mercury Workgroups are inactive, but the
workgroup co-chairs provided updates such as
the 2007 inventory of dioxin emissions in Ontario.
The formation of a new GLBTS Monitoring and
Surveillance Workgroup was proposed for the
purpose of evaluating ongoing monitoring and
surveillance efforts and identifying potential new
chemical threats to the Great Lakes ecosystem.
The meeting featured a Green Chemistry Panel
discussion with Rui Resendes of Green Centre
Canada and Lin Kaatz Chary of the Great Lakes
Green Chemistry Network.
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:.3 mm
o
Empire Bluff at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Photograph courtesy of The Michigan "l ravel Bureau
JL ^
Under the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy, EC
and US EPA committed to:
"Complete or be well-advanced in remediation of
priority sites with contaminated bottom sediments
in the Great Lakes Basin by 2006."
Highlights of sediment assessment and remediation
activities undertaken in the U.S. and Canada are
described below.
2009 Sediment Assessments with US EPA's
Research Vessel Mudpuppy
Contaminated sediments are a significant concern
in the Great Lakes Basin. Although toxic discharges
have been reduced over the past 30 years, high
concentrations of contaminants still remain in
the sediments of many rivers and harbors. These
sediments are of potential risk to the health of
aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans.
To assist in determining the nature and extent of
sediment contamination at these polluted sites,
US EPA GLNPO operates the Research Vessel (R/V)
Mudpuppy. The R/V Mudpuppy is a 32-foot-long,
flat-bottom boat that is specifically designed for
sampling sediment deposits in shallow rivers and
harbors. The boat is able to sample at water depths
between 2 feet and 50 feet. Using a vibrocoring
unit, the R/V Mudpuppy can take sediment core
samples of up to 20 feet in depth.
To adequately characterize a site, GLNPO uses an
integrated sediment assessment approach. This
involves collecting data for sediment chemistry,
toxicity, and the benthic community at a specific
site, and then using the results to determine the
extent of contamination that could be impacting
the aquatic ecosystem.
Since 1993, the R/V Mudpuppy has conducted
surveys at 41 locations, including 28 of the 31
original U.S. Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs).
In 2009, the following surveys were conducted
with the assistance of the R/V Mudpuppy:
» Lake Calumet, Chicago, IL - Assisted the
University of Illinois at Chicago with sampling
to investigate in-situ PBDE debromination in
sediments,
» Indiana Harbor, East Chicago, IL - Assisted
the University of Iowa with sampling to
determine the potential for PCB flux from the
sediments.
» Rouge River, Detroit, Ml - Conducted
sampling to determine the nature (chemistry,
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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I
1
52
toxicity, geotechnical properties) and extent of
sediment contamination.
» River Raisin, Monroe, Ml - GLNPO collected
sediment samples to define chemical and
physical properties of sediment and to delineate
horizontal and vertical extent of contamination.
» Ashtabula River, Ashtabula, OH - GLNPO
sampled surface sediment to evaluate post-
remediation sediment concentrations at the
Great Lakes Legacy Act (GLLA) site.
» Cuyahoga River, Cleveland, OH - GLNPO
collected sediment samples to determine the
nature and extent of contamination in the
sediments.
»Trenton Channel, Trenton, Ml - Assisted the
US EPA RCRA program with oversight of field
sampling activities.
Great Lakes Sediment Remediation
Projects - 200837
In 2008, approximately 740,000 yd3 of
contaminated sediment were remediated from
seven U.S. sites and one Canadian site in the
Great Lakes Basin. Remedial action was initiated
for the first time in 2008 at one U.S. site and
one Canadian site; that same Canadian site and
two U.S. sites completed their remedial actions
in 2008. Four U.S. sites, each under a different
cleanup authority, continued to make progress
in their remedial actions. The following is a list of
specific details about each site.
U.S. Sites
St. Louis River/lnterlake/DuluthTar, Duluth,
Minnesota - The St. Louis River/lnterlake/Duluth
Tar (SLRIDT) Superfund site is a state-led National
Priority List (NPL) site. In 2008, remedial activities
consisted of the completion of placement of cover
sand and armor material in Stryker Bay; completion
of the 54th Avenue south wetland excavation of
approximately 4,000 yd3; placement of covers
on both the south and north wetlands; dredging
of approximately 26,000 yd3 of contaminated
sediments located in the Federal Navigation Channel
and waters of the State of Wisconsin (south of the
confined aquatic disposal end dike in Slip 6 and
Minnesota Channel dredging); and completion of
Slip 7 capping, cover, and armoring. Additionally, the
Stryker Bay cap/surcharge continued to settle.
Hayton Area Remediation Project, Calumet
County, Wisconsin - The 2008 removal was the
first phase of removing what is likely the largest
PCB deposit in the project area. PCB-contaminated
sediment has accumulated in a series of wetlands
formed by glacial esker constrictions of the Pine
Creek valley about three miles downstream from
the release point. PCB concentrations in the first
wetland are as high as 2,600 ppm with much of the
deposit having concentrations of more than 50 ppm.
Removal activities will continue in 2009. Removal is
being conducted by isolating and pumping the work
area followed by mechanical removal. Contaminated
sediment with concentrations of less than 50 ppm
is being disposed of at a local landfill. A landfill in
Michigan is the disposal location for sediment with
concentrations of 50 ppm or more.
Lower Fox River, Operable Unit (OU) 1, Green
Bay, Wisconsin - In June 2008, the dredging
portion of the remedial work in OU1 (Little Lake
Butte des Morts) was completed by two responsible
parties under a court-approved consent decree
with Superfund and the Natural Resource Damage
Assessment (NRDA) Trustees. Approximately
41,000 yd3 were hydraulically dredged in 2008,
bringing the total volume of contaminated sediment
removed up to 370,000 yd3. PCB-contaminated
sediment was placed into geotubes for dewatering;
the water was treated on-site and returned to the
river. Contaminated sediment was taken to a nearby
landfill for proper disposal. Remaining areas with
lower levels of PCBs were capped with approximately
245,000 yd3 of sand and gravel. The OU 1 project has
a 1 ppm action level for PCBs and a surface weighted
average concentration (SWAC) standard of 0.25 ppm.
Allied Paper, lnc./Portage Creek/Kalamazoo
River, Kalamazoo, Michigan - The second phase
of a Time Critical Removal Action (TCRA) was
37 Sediment remediation data for 2008 are presented because data lag a year behind in reporting (i.e., 2009 data will become available in 2010).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
initiated by Georgia-Pacific and Millennium Holdings
contractors as a result of agreements negotiated
by the two companies, US EPA Superfund, MDEQ,
and the Natural Resource Trustees. In March 2008,
approximately 83,000 yd3 of PCB-contaminated
sediment were dredged from the Kalamazoo
River near the Plainwell Impoundment. Sediment
with more than 50 ppm PCB content was sent to
MDEQ's Wayne Disposal facility in Belleville, Ml. Less
contaminated material below 50 ppm was sent to
Allied Waste's C & C Landfill near Marshall, Ml, and its
Ottawa Farms Landfill near Coopersville, Ml.
Tittabawassee River, Reach D, Midland, Michigan
- In April 2008, approximately 130 yd3 of dioxin-
contaminated sediment were hydraulically dredged
from Reach D of the Tittabawassee River, completing
the two-year removal project required by a consent
order between US EPA and the Dow Chemical
Company. Sediment was pumped via pipeline to
a containment facility for dewatering, and then
disposed of at Dow's Salzburg Landfill.
Ashtabula River, Ashtabula, Ohio - In 2008, the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (US ACE) Buffalo
District hydraulically dredged 132,904 yd3 from the
Ashtabula River as authorized by Operations and
Maintenance (O&M) under Section 1 of the Rivers
and Harbors Act of 1937 and Water Resources
Development Act (WRDA) of 1986, and by Section
312(a) and (f)(3) of WRDA 1990, Public Law 101 -
640, as amended (33 U.S.C. 1272). To determine
the final sediment disposition, the sediment was
sampled, analyzed, and evaluated in accordance
with guidance contained in the Great Lakes
Dredged Material Testing and Evaluation Manual.
Based on this approach, the dredged material
was determined to be unsuitable for open lake
placement, and was therefore pumped via
pipeline to theTSCA-permitted disposal facility
specifically constructed for Ashtabula River
sediments as part of the Great Lakes Legacy Act
project.
Buffalo River, Buffalo, New York - In 2008, the
US ACE Buffalo District mechanically dredged
78,460 yd3 from the Buffalo River as part of the
US ACE's O&M dredging mission. To determine
the disposal location, the sediment was sampled,
analyzed, and evaluated in accordance with
7,000,000
6,000,000
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-------
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54
guidance contained in the Great Lakes Dredged
Material Testing and Evaluation Manual. Based
on this approach, the dredged material was
determined to be unsuitable for open lake
placement, and was therefore barged to and placed
in the Buffalo confined disposal facility (CDF).
Figure 7-1 presents the cumulative volume of
sediment remediated in the U.S. since 1997.
Information included in the bar graph represents
quantitative estimates as reported by project
managers. Data collection and reporting efforts
are described in the Great Lakes Sediment
Remediation Project Summary Support, Quality
Assurance Project Plan.39 Detailed project
information is available upon request from
project managers.
Canadian Sites
Sediment Remediation Guidance
Canada-Ontario Decision-Making Framework
for Assessment of Great Lakes Contaminated
Sediments - A risk-based decision-making
framework for contaminated sediments was
completed under the 2002-2007 Canada-Ontario
Agreement Respecting the Great Lakes Basin
Ecosystem (COA). The MOE has integrated the
document with existing guidance to produce
Guidelines for Identifying, Assessing and Managing
Contaminated Sediments in Ontario: An Integrated
Approach. The guidance document is currently
applied throughout the province. The Canada-
Ontario Decision Making Framework is being
applied to evaluate the need for sediment
management actions in a number of project sites
in the AOCs.
Remediation Update
The following information provides a status report
on all sites in the Canadian AOCs that involve
sediment investigations and known or potential
sediment remediation projects.
Bay of Quinte (Trent River) - As part of the
ongoing monitoring work to assess sediment
quality, elevated levels of dioxins and furans were
found in sediment atthe mouth of theTrent River
in 2001. An Ecological Risk Assessment completed
in 2007 predicted that there is negligible risk
to piscivorous wildlife and fish exposed to the
contaminated sediment. As such, monitored natural
recovery was chosen as the preferred management
option for this site. Studies to control the off-
site migration of contamination into the river are
continuing in the area.
Detroit River (Turkey Creek) - Turkey Creek
upstream of Walker Road has elevated PCB and metal
concentrations. Local stakeholders were consulted,
and negotiations with MOE, EC and municipal
and industry representatives regarding cleanup of
this site were completed. The creek and its banks
were successfully remediated between August and
November in 2008, which resulted in the removal of
975 m3 of contaminated sediment (including 8 kg of
PCBs).
Hamilton Harbour (Randle Reef) - An engineering
design study for the Randle Reef remedial option is
nearing completion. An engineered containment
facility about 7.5 hectares in size is being designed to
contain in-situ 130,000 m3 and another
500,000 m3 of hydraulically dredged PAH-
contaminated sediments. An Environmental
Comprehensive Study Report is being completed
for agency and public review. Federal and provincial
funding commitment of $60 million has been made
for the remediation itself, and further municipal and
industry stakeholder participation is being sought.
Construction could begin in 2011 and extend to
2019.
Niagara River (Lyon's Creek, East & West) - The
Lyon's Creek watercourse is bisected by the Welland
Canal.
Arsenic-contaminated sediment from Lyon's Creek
West was excavated (300 m3) in the summer of
2007 and placed in a secure landfill facility. The
geographic extent of the PCB contamination in the
sediment and soil of Lyon's Creek West is currently
being investigated byTransport Canada, the major
landowner of the contaminated site. It is anticipated
US EPA. (2008). Quality Assurance Project Plan for Great Lakes Sediment Remediation Project Summary Support. Revision 1.0. Unpublished GLNPO
document available from Mary Beth G. Ross (ross.marybeth@epa.gov).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
that removal and offsite disposal will take place in
2010/2011.
In August 2008, Monitored Natural Recovery was
selected as the preferred management option to
address PCB-contaminated sediments in Lyons Creek
East in order to protect the Provincially Significant
Wetland.
Peninsula Harbour - Results of assessments of
mercury and PCB bioaccumulation and ecological
risk have indicated the need for sediment
management. Sediment management options were
assessed in consultation with local stakeholders. In
2008, thin layer capping was chosen as the preferred
remedial option.
Port Hope Harbour - Remedial investigations on
harbour sediments are focusing on the uranium
and thorium series radionuclides, and secondarily
on heavy metal contamination (particularly arsenic,
copper, lead and nickel) and PCBs. Remediation
of harbour sediment is planned as part of the Port
Hope Area Initiative to clean up historic low-level
radioactive waste in the Port Hope area, pursuant
to a March 2001 agreement between the federal
government and local municipalities.
Preliminary design descriptions indicate that
hydraulic dredging has been identified as the most
appropriate means of remediating the approximately
110,000 m3 of contaminated sediments.
The sediment slurry will be conveyed through
a floating pipeline to a sediment dewatering
area, where it will be injected into sediment
containment tubes. De-watered sediment will be
deposited in a long-term waste facility designed
for the safe disposal of low-level radioactive waste.
Detailed engineering design is planned for 2010.
Remediation is planned for 2013 and 2014.
St. Clair River (Zones 2 & 3) - Zones 2 and 3
are downstream from the "Chemical Valley" area
of Sarnia. Various sediment investigations have
been undertaken. The Canada-Ontario Decision-
Making Framework is being applied to data from
2004 to the present (post Zone 1 remediation). It
is anticipated that priority areas will be identified
and an evaluation of the need for management
interventions conducted in 2009.
St. Marys River (Bellevue Marine Park) -
Assessments of contaminated sediment at
the Bellevue Marine Park (BMP) location were
undertaken in the fall of 2006. In addition, an
assessment of contaminated sediment at two
areas downstream of BMP was completed in 2008.
Reports from both assessments will be completed
in 2009.
Thunder Bay (North Harbour) - Results of
assessments of mercury bioaccumulation and
ecological risk have indicated the need for
sediment management. Sediment management
options are currently being assessed in
consultation with local stakeholders.
Wheatley Harbour - An Ecological Risk
Assessment undertaken in 2007 concluded
that there is negligible risk of PCB effects to
piscivorous wildlife in the Muddy Creek wetland.
Therefore, the Wheatley Harbour Implementation
Team recommended that no further action is
required in this AOC prior to delisting.
Supporting Table and Graphics
Table 7-1 reports progress on sediment
remediation projects at both AOCs and non-
AOCs in the U.S. and Canada, from 1997 through
2008. Figure 7-2 illustrates the progress and
achievements made in sediment remediation
activities in the Great Lakes in 2008. Information
included in the tables and map represents
quantitative estimates as reported by project
managers. Data collection and reporting efforts
are described in a US EPA Quality Assurance
Project Plan.40 Detailed project information is
available upon request from project managers.
On occasion, project managers may submit to
GLNPO updated sediment remediation estimates
on projects previously reported. Readers should
always refer to the most current version of the
GLBTS Progress Report or GLNPO's Contaminated
Sediments website at www.epa.gov/glnpo/
sediment/remed/index.html for the most up-to-
date sediment remediation estimates.
US EPA. (2008). Op.cit.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
©
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Table 7-1.
Progress on Sediment Remediation in the Great Lakes since 1997*
Site/AOC/non-AOC (*)
Cumulative Mass of Contaminant Remediated (kg)
Cumulative
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
1997 thru
2008 (yd3)
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
2008 (yd3)
Ultimate
Disposition
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U.S. Sites
Alma Iron and Metal/Smith Farms
Property*
15,904
Encapsulated on-site
Ashtabula River, OH
- Great Lakes Legacy Act
- Navigation Dredging
6,000
629,490
496,586
132,904
132,904
On-site TSCA landfill
Black River, OH
Black River, Ml*
- CR 681
25,000
Landfilled
Buffalo River, NY
- Buffalo Color - Area D
- Navigation Dredging
206,421
45,000
161,421
78,460
Encapsulated on-site
CDF
Clinton River, Ml
Cuyahoga River, OH
Deer Lake - Carp River, Ml
Detroit River, Ml
- Monguagon Creek
- Black Lagoon
- BASF Riverview
166,500
25,000
115,000
26,500
Landfilled
CDF
Encapsulated on-site
Eighteenmile Creek, NY
Fields Brook Superfund, OH*
53,094
Landfilled
Fox River, Green Bay, Wl
- Deposit 56/57
- Deposit N
- Deposit 0
- OU 1
- Phase 1
1,829
950
51
828
917,809
81,662
7,149
1,026
695,972
132,000
366,485
Landfilled
Landfilled
Landfilled
Landfiiled/capped
Landfilled
Grand Calumet, IN
- U.S. Steel/Gary Works
- U.S.S. Lead
382
7,897
0.03
865,570
840,200
25,370
On-site CAMU
CAMU & TSCA facility
Kalamazoo River, Ml
- Bryant Mill Pond
- Allied Paper/Portage Creek
10,000
274,000
150,000
124,000
87,000
Landfilled
Off-site TSCA/landfill
-------
Site/AOC/non-AOC (*)
Cumulative Mass of Contaminant Remediated (kg)
Cumulative
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
1997 thru
2008 (yd3)
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
2008 (yd3)
Ultimate
Disposition
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Manistee Lake, Ml*
Manistique River, Mi
4,771
161,162
Landfilled
Manitowoc River, Wi*
- HARP
1,570
27,150
9.750
Off-site TSCA facility
and landfilled
Maumee River, OH
- Fraleigh Creek (Unnamed
Tributary)
25,400
8,000
Landfilled
Menominee River, MI/WI
- Ansul Eighth Street Slip
13.000
Landfilled/
awaiting further
management
Milwaukee Harbor, WI
- North Ave. Dam
- Moss American
29,960
8,000
21,960
Landfilled
Landfilled
Muskegon Lake, Ml
- Ruddiman Creek
90,000
Landfilled
National Gypsum**
- Alpena, Ml
Niagara River, NY
- Scajaquada Creek
- Gill Creek
- Cherry Farm/River Road
- Niagara Transformer
77,850
17,500
6,850
42,000
11.500
Landfilled
Paw Paw River, Ml*
- Aircraft Components
349
Landfilled
Pine River, Ml*
- Velsicol Chemical SF Site
- TPI Petroleum, Inc.
351,080
718,076
669,975
48,101
Landfilled
Landfilled
Presque Isle Bay, PA
River Raisin, Ml
- Ford Monroe Outfall
- Consolidated Packaging Corp.
16,795
57,000
27,000
30.000
On-site TSCA facility
TSCA landfill/landfilled
Rochester Embayment, NY
Rouge River, Mi
- Evan's Product Ditch
- Newburgh Lake
250,000
4,000
246,000
406,900
6,900
400,000
Off-site TSCA facility
and landfilled
Saginaw River/Bay, Ml
360,213
- NRDA
4,500
342,433
Off-shore CDF
©
7.0 Sediment Remediation Challenge
57
-------
©
a6ud||eio uopeipduidy )uduiipd$ o 'L
Site/AOC/non-AOC (*)
Cumulative Mass of Contaminant Remediated (kg)
Cumulative
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
1997 thru
2008 (yd3)
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
2008 (yd3)
Ultimate
Disposition
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- Lake Linton
- Wickes Park
17,000
780
Landfilled
Landfilled
Sheboygan Harbor, Wl
250
20,727
Off-site TSCA facility &
landfilled
Shiawassee River, Ml*
63
Landfilled
St, Ciair River, Ml
St. Lawrence River, NY
- Reynolds Metals/Alcoa E.
- Alcoa Grasse River ROPS
10,000
112,000
86,000
26,000
Landfilled/capped
Landfilled
St. Louis River/Bay, MNAA/I
- Newton Creek/Hog Island Inlet
- Interlake/Duluth Tar
359,643
52,143
307,500
68.000
Landfilled
Capped/on-site CAD
St. Marys River, Ml
- Cannelton
- Tannery Bay
33
42,912
3,000
39,912
Landfilled
Landfilled
Ten Mile Storm Drain*
- St. Clair Shores. Ml
18,500
Landfilled
Tittabawasee River, Ml*
- Reach D
- Reach 0
28,528
12,130
16,398
130
Landfilled
Torch Lake, Ml
Torch Lake, Ml
USX Vessel Slip*
3,200
On/off-site landfilled
Waukegan Harbor, IL
White Lake, Ml
- Tannery Bay
- Occidental Chemical Corp.
495f
4951
105,500
95,000
10,500
Landfilled
Landfilled
Willow Run Creek, Ml*
200,000
450,000
On-site TSCA facility
Wolf Creek - Unnamed Tributary,
Ml*
1,948
Landfilled
TOTALS
351,080
495t
415
539,507
0.03
6,246,469
742,729
'Denotes non-area-of-concern sites.
Mass displayed is the combined total of PCBs and HCB.
Abbreviations: CAD = confined aquatic disposal; CAMU = corrective action management unit; CDF = confined disposal facility; TSCA = Toxic Substances Control Act
Footnote: Information included in the matrix are Quantitative estimates as reported bv oroiect manaaers. Data collection and reoortina efforts are described in the "Great Lakes
Sediment Remediation Project Summary Support" Quality Assurance Project Plan (GLNPO, June 2008). Detailed project information is available upon request from project managers.
-------
Site/AOC/non-AOC
Cumulative Mass of Contaminant Remediated (kg
Cumulative
aldrin/ dieldrin
benzo(a)
pyrene
chlordane
DDT
(+DDE/DDD)
hexachloro-
benzene
alkyl-lead
mercury &
compounds
mi rex
octachloro-
styrene
PCBs
dioxins/
furans
toxaphene
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
1997 thru
2008 (cm)
Volume
Sediments
Remediated
2008 (cm)
Ultimate
Disposition
Canadian Sites
Bay of Quinte
- Trent River
Detroit River
- Turkey Creek (Windsor)
8
975
975
Landfilled
Hamilton Harbour
- Randle Reef
- Windermere Basin
- Dofasco Boatslip
Jackfish Bay
Niagara River (Ontario)
- Lyons Creek East
- Lyons Creek West
300
Landfilled
Nipigon Bay
Peninsula Harbor
Port Hope
St, Clair River
- Dow Chemical
- Zones 2 & 3
19.3
13,690
Landfilled
St. Lawrence River
- Cornwall
St. Marys River
- Algoma Boatslip
- Bellevue Marine Park
2,630
Landfilled
Severn Sound
Spanish River
St. Lawrence River
- Cornwall
Thunder Bay
- Northern Wood Preservers
- North Harbour
2,700
11,000
21,000
Thermal treatment
Berm enclosure &
capped
TOTALS
2,700
19.3
8
49,595
975
Footnote: Information included in the matrix are Quantitative estimates as reported bv oroiect manaaers. Data collection and reoortina efforts are described in the Great Lakes
Sediment Remediation Project Summary Support Quality Assurance Project Plan (GLNPO, June 2008). Detailed project information is available upon request from project managers.
©
7.0 Sediment Remediation Challenge
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60
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
61
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
MMBmB
ivif (fepiatihg S. Venkatesh)
Under the Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy, EC
and US EPA committed to:
"Assess atmospheric inputs of Strategy substances to
the Great Lakes. The aim of this effort is to evaluate
and report jointly on the contribution and significance
of long-range transport of Strategy substances from
worldwide sources. If ongoing long-range sources are
confirmed, work within international frameworks to
reduce releases of such substances."
The following efforts are presented as examples
of projects undertaken in support of the above
challenge.
Numerical Assessment of the Impact of
Regional and Global Emissions, Intra- and
Inter-continental Atmospheric Pathways
of Polyhrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs)
and Dioxins/Furans on the North American
and the Great Lakes Environments - Current
Research Program and Progress
Prepared by: Jianmin Ma, Yifan Li, and Anita Wong,
Environment Canada
EC's global atmospheric transport model for
persistent toxic chemicals, Canadian Model for
Environmental Transport of Organochlorine
Pesticides (CanMETOP), has been applied to
simulate the atmospheric transport and multi-
compartment fate of PBDEs and dioxins/
furans. A gridded global emissions inventory
of PBDEs has been established subject to
the usage, human development index and
population intensity index. Based on currently
available information of PBDE usage, the U.S.
is the largest source of penta-BDE, followed by
Western Europe, Canada, and China. Multiple
model scenario runs have been conducted
using this emissions inventory. The contribution
of emissions from those major source regions
to the total deposition (dry deposition + wet
deposition) of PBDEs to the North American
environment was assessed numerically. The
present modeling investigations indicate that
U.S. and Canadian emission sources made the
largest contribution to the loading of penta-BDE
to North American terrestrial surfaces, followed by
China, India, and Western Europe. The modeling
results also suggest that episodic trans-Pacific
atmospheric transport is a primary atmospheric
pathway that delivers PBDEs from East and South
Asia to North America. While sources of dioxins/
furans in the U.S., Canada and Western Europe
-------
have been well-identified, China has been regarded
as a major source of dioxins/furans globally in
recent years. Identifying dioxin/furan emissions
in China is a major gap in compiling a global
dioxin/furan emissions inventory. Progress has
been made in the establishment of an emissions
inventory of dioxins/furans in China, especially
southern and eastern China, which are the most
industrialized regions. Ongoing modeling
studies of global atmospheric transport and
source-receptor relationships of dioxins/furans
will provide detailed information on air and soil
concentrations, atmospheric transport, and
depositions to Canada and the Great Lakes
environment.
Quantifying the Contributions to y-HCH
Deposited to North America and Great
Lakes from Major Source Regions
Prepared by: Yi-Fan Li41-42, Chong-GuoTian42,
Nan-Qi Ren42, Jianmin Ma41, S. Venkatesh41
Abstract
A joint project"China - North America Joint
Project on Reduction of Lindane Usage in China
and its Impact Globally and on North America"
between the North American (NA) Commission
for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) and the
International Joint Research Center for Persistent
Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), Harbin Institute of
Technology (HIT) began in 2005. Funded by
EC, CEC, US EPA, and HIT, the project explored
the impact of airborne HCH from China and
other major sources to the environment of
North America and the Great Lakes. The project
aimed to quantify the contributions of y-HCH
deposited to North America and the Great
Lakes from major source regions worldwide.
Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is a Level 2
substance under the GLBTS.
Using a recently constructed global y-HCH
emission inventory as input, the CanMETOP was
employed to simulate the atmospheric transport
and deposition of y-HCH in this study. Modeled
air concentrations of y-HCH matched well with
measured data both spatially and temporally,
indicating the reasonable accuracy of both the
inventories and modeled results. Total depositions of
y-HCH due to global sources in 2005 were 30 tonnes
(t) in Canada, 121 in the USA, and 1 t in Mexico. In
Canada, the percentage contribution from major
global sources was 93%, of which 7% was from
China, 8% from India, 2% from the Former Soviet
Union (FSU), 3% from Europe (the FSU is excluded),
and 72% from North America. In the USA, total
deposition of y-HCH due to global sources was 82%,
of which 17% was from China, 31% from India, 6%
from Europe, 4% from FSU, and 25% from North
America. In Mexico, global sources contributed 71%
of total deposition, of which 11% was from China,
39% from India, 9% from Europe, 2% from FSU, and
10% from North America. Total deposition of y-HCH
in the Great Lakes due to global sources in 2005
was 386 kg, and contributions from the five major
sources were 3.2% from Europe, 68% from North
America, 7.7% from China, 1.6% from FSU, and 12%
from India. The remaining 7.5% was from other
sources.
Introduction
1,2,3,4,5,6-HCH, is an organochlorine pesticide (OCP)
and belongs to the group of POPs. HCH is available
in two technical formulations. Technical HCH is the
mixture of several isomers in the proportions a,
53-70%; p, 3-14%; y, 11 -18%; 6,6-10%; e, 3-4%.
The other formulation, lindane, contains the only
insecticidal isomer, y-HCH. Due to its effectiveness
and low price, technical HCH was one of the most
widely used insecticides in the world (Willett, et al.,
1998). Although production and use of technical
HCH has been banned worldwide, lindane had still
been produced and used in some countries until
the middle of the 2000s. Since HCH is a toxic and
persistent pollutant of concern, the CEC North
American Regional Action Plan (NARAP) on lindane
(y-HCH) and other HCH isomers seeks to identify and
quantify the sources of both HCH production and
Science and Technology Branch, Environment Canada, 4905 Dufferin Street, Downsview, Ontario, Canada M3H 5T4
42 International Joint Research Center for Persistent Toxic Substances (IJRC-PTS), State Key Laboratory of Urban Water Resource and Environment,
Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, China
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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atmospheric transport of various HCH isomers in
order to quantify and assess its impact on the North
American and the Arctic environment. The three
North American countries, Canada, Mexico, and the
U.S., are seeking to determine practical options for
managing the risks associated with HCH isomers,
especially y-HCH.
Methods
Global Soil Residues of y-HCH in 2005
Gridded soil residue inventories of y-HCH are
crucial to the modeling of atmospheric transport
and deposition for this chemical. Global y-HCH
soil residues in 2005 were used as initial conditions
for the model simulations (Figure 8-1). Original
global y-HCH soil residues were obtained based
on data from historical usage of technical HCH and
lindane in the world (Li et al., 2004). As shown in the
figure, the major sources of y-HCH across the world
in 2005 were in India, China, central Europe, and
the Canadian Prairie provinces. According to our
calculation, total soil residues of y-HCH in 2005 were
136001 in the world and 19001 in China, 30001 in
India, 12001 in the FSU, 37001 in Europe (excluding
the FSU, used throughout this paper or specified),
and 22001 in North America. The total amount of
y-HCH in soils of the five regions consists of 88%
of global total residues. Fresh use of substances
containing y-HCH, such as the current use of lindane
in India and accidental emission due to agitation
of external force on those sinks, such as cultivation
of agricultural soil, may lead to a sharp rise in
concentrations of the chemical in the atmosphere
in the local region. However, detailed information
on these causes is missing (Abhilasha et al., 2008).
Thus, it was assumed in the research that neither
technical HCH nor lindane was used in 2005, and
only emission of y-HCH from soil was considered.
Results and Discussion
Annual Air Concentrations
Figure 8-2 shows modeled global annual mean air
concentrations of y-HCH at 1.5 m above ground
level in 2005. It is expected that the high air
concentration happened in the major source regions,
such as India, Europe, China, and Canadian Prairie
provinces. It is interesting to note that the annual
mean air concentration was the highest in India
but the soil concentration was not (see Figure
8-1). This phenomenon is attributed to the effect
of higher temperature in India, which leads to
higher volatilization of y-HCH (Wania et al., 1995;
Wania et al., 1998). The figure also depicts that
long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT) of the
chemical is weak near ground due to influences
of surface drag over land, turbulent diffusion and
exchange between water/soil and air at the near
ground, since relatively high air concentrations
of y-HCH are only found in and/or close to those
mainly source regions (Zhang et al., 2008; Koziol
et al., 2006). This distribution pattern is different
at 3000 m height, as shown in Figure 8-2b, due
to the LRAT occurring in the mid-troposphere
(Zhang et al., 2008; Koziol et al., 2006). Relatively
high air concentrations can be identified almost
all over the northern hemisphere in the upper
air, demonstrating the existence of LRAT in
upper air, as reported by Zhang et al., 2008 and
Koziol et al., 2006. This can be attributed to the
pattern of atmospheric circulations (Zhang et
al., 2008). A marked extending plume of y-HCH
from the major source regions toward the east is
clearly found in Figure 8-2b, which is associated
with prevailing westerly winds over mid-high
latitude zone. Another extending air plume of
the substance appears toward the west near
the equatorial zone caused by trade winds over
the belt. Therefore, North America seems to
experience a converging attack from both sides
(Zhang et al., 2008).
Figure 8-3 shows modeled gridded annual mean
air concentrations of y-HCH at 1.5 m above
ground level in the Great Lakes in 2005. It is
expected that annual mean air concentrations are
the highest around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario.
This phenomenon is attributed to soil residues of
y-HCH around the lakes due to historical use of
technical HCH and lindane on agricultural lands,
especially around Lake Erie and Lake Ontario
(Figure 8-1).
Annual Deposition
Atmospheric y-HCH dry and wet deposition was
simulated by the model. Dry deposition was
calculated from the effective deposition velocity of
particles at 1.5 m multiplied by the concentration
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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]
1
64
Figure 8-1. Gridded Global y-HCH Soil Residues (t cell1) in 2005 with 1°x1° Latitude/Longitude
Resolution. Source: Environment Canada.
Figure 8-2. Modeled Average Daily Air Concentrations (pg m3) of y-HCH in 2005 at: (a) 1.5 m Height
Above Ground Level, and (b) 3000 m Height Above Ground Level. Source: Environment
Canada.
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• 't-11 * SirlrtileJs
I
/
T.
i&:
Vv/ V
fry di &
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,; A"' .- ^" I
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260
100
50
10
5*
1
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Figure 8-3. Gridded Air Concentrations (pg/m3) of y-HCH in the Great Lakes with 1°x1° Latitude/
Longitude Resolution. Five major monitoring sites under iADN (Integrated Atmospheric
Deposition Network) are also shown. Source: Environment Canada.
I
I
65
80 -j
Figure 8-4.
NA
India
China
Europe
FSU
~ Deposition
¥ 40
ST
Canada
He
Countries
Mesnco
30
25
50
isi
in
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-------
Superior Michigan Huron Erie Ontario
i China
i India
Europe
IFSU
NA
Other
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
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. J L
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Superior Michigan Huron Erie Ontario
Figure 8-5. Deposition of y-HCH to Five Great Lakes from Different Sources. Top: in kg; bottom: in
percentage. Source: Environment Canada.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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in air at the same height. The wet deposition flux
was calculated from the product of the vertically
integrated concentration and a scavenging ratio. A
detailed description related to the computational
methods can be found in the previous study (Ma et
al„ 2004).
Total depositions of y-HCH in the countries in North
America (Canada, the USA, and Mexico) due to
global sources and contribution ratios from the five
major regions are illustrated in Figure 8-4. Total
depositions of y-HCH due to global sources in
2005 were 301 in Canada, 121 in the USA, and 1 t
in Mexico. In Canada, the percentage contribution
from major global sources was 93%, of which 7%
was from China, 8% from India, 3% from Europe, 2%
from FSU, and 72% from North America. In the USA,
total deposition of y-HCH due to global sources was
82%, of which 17% was from China, 31% from India,
6% from Europe, 4% from FSU, and 25% from North
America. In Mexico, global sources contributed 71%
of total deposition, of which 11% was from China,
39% from India, 9% from Europe, 2% from FSU, and
10% from North America.
Total depositions of y-HCH to the Great Lakes due to
global sources and contribution ratios from the five
major regions are illustrated in Figure 8-5. The total
deposition of y-HCH in the Great Lakes due to global
sources in 2005 was 386 kg, and contributions from
the five major sources were 3.2% from Europe, 68%
from North America, 7.7% from China, 1.6% from
FSU, and 12% from India. The remaining 7.5% was
from other sources.
References
Abhilasha PC and Singh N (2008) Distribution of
hexachlorocyclohexane isomers in soil samples from
a small scale industrial area of Lucknow, North India,
associated with lindane production Chemosphere
73(6):1011-1015.
Koziol A and PudykiewiczJ (2001) Global-scale
environmental transport of persistent organic
pollutants. Chemosphere 45(8):1181 -1200.
Li Y, Struger J, Watie D, & Ma JM (2004) Gridded
Canadian lindane usage inventories with 1/6x1/4
Latitude and Longitude resolution. Atmospheric
Environment 38:1117-1121.
Li Y, Venkatesh S, and Li DC (2004) Modeling global
emissions and residues of pesticides. Environmental
Modeling and Assessment 9(4):237-243.
Li Y, Zhulidov A, Robarts R, and Korotova LG (2004)
Hexachlorocyclohexane use in the former Soviet
Union. Archives of Environmental Contamination
and Toxicology 48:10-15.
Ma J, Daggupaty S, HarnerT, Blanchard P, and
Waite D (2004) Impacts of lindane usage in the
Canadian Prairies on the Great Lakes ecosystem.
2. Modeled fluxes and loadings to the Great Lakes.
Environmental Science & Technology 38(4):984-990.
Wania F, Haugen J, Lei Y, and Mackay D (1998)
Temperature dependence of atmospheric
concentrations of semivolatile organic
compounds (SVOC). Environmental Science &
Technology 32(8):1013-1021.
Wania F and Mackay D (1995) A global
distribution model for persistent organic
chemicals. Science of the Total Environment
160/161:211-232.
Willett K, Ulrich E, and Hites R (1998)
Differential toxicity and environmental fates of
hexachlorocyclohexane isomers. Environmental
Science & Technology 32:2197-2207.
Zhang L, Ma J, Venkatesh S, Li Y-F, and Cheung
P (2008) Modeling Evidence of Episodic
Intercontinental Long-RangeTransport of
Lindane. Environmental Science & Technology
42(23):8791-8797.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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f 9.0 STATE OF THE
GREAT LAKES
Satellite Image of the Great Lakes, Photograph courtesy of The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) |
Environmental monitoring programs maintained
by government agencies and other organizations
collect data with which to assess the state of the
Great Lakes with respect to toxic substances.
This chapter presents monitoring data for
environmental indicators in the air over the Great
Lakes and in Great Lakes fish, herring gull eggs,
bivalves (mussels), sediment, and surface waters.
Trends in atmospheric concentrations are described
by ambient air monitoring data collected by the
IADN and the National Air Pollution Surveillance
(NAPS) network. Levels in fish tissue are illustrated
by data collected from Canada's Great Lakes Fish
Contaminant Surveillance Program and US EPA's
Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program. The status
of toxic substances in Great Lakes herring gull eggs
is described by data collected and analyzed by the
Canadian Wildlife Service. The NOAA Mussel Watch
Program provides monitoring data with which to
track trends of legacy substances and emerging
contaminants of concern. Spatial and temporal
trends in Great Lakes sediment are described by
data collected from various water and sediment
contaminant monitoring programs operating in
the Great Lakes. The State of the Lakes Ecosystem
Conference (SOLEC), hosted every 2 years by US
EPA and EC, provides another opportunity for Great
Lakes researchers to report the results of monitoring
and surveillance efforts in the Great Lakes. For
more information about SOLEC, see http://www.
epa.gov/solec/ and http://binational.net/solec/
pub_e.html.
Trends in Ambient Air
Photo: Lake Michigan beach, Petoskey, Michigan
Michigan Travel Bureau. Courtesy of US EPA
GLNPO.
Ambient Air Monitoring of Great Lakes
Toxics
Submitted by Tom Dann and Liisa Jantunen,
Environment Canada, and Todd Nettesheim, US EPA
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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This section presents data from two air monitoring
networks in the Great Lakes Basin. The National
Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS) network was
established in 1969 as a joint program of the
federal and provincial governments to monitor
and assess the quality of ambient air in Canadian
towns and cities. The NAPS network collects
, data on ambient air levels of a variety of toxics at
rural, suburban, city-centre, and industrial sites in
I Canada. The Integrated Atmospheric Deposition
I Network (IADN) is a joint United States/Canada
I atmospheric monitoring network that has been in
I operation since 1990.
I National Air Pollution Surveillance (NAPS)
I Network
I The NAPS program includes measurement of
I volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including
I toxics and ground-level ozone precursors; polar
I volatile organic compounds (PVOCs) such as
aldehydes and ethers; components of fine
particulate matter (PM), including metals and
I inorganic and organic ions; and persistent, toxic
semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)43, such
as B(a)P and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins
(PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs), coplanar PCBs, HCB,
I pentachlorophenol (PCP) and octachlorostyrene
(OCS). NAPS began sampling for PBDEs in 2009
at 10 sites across Canada, including 5 in Ontario,
but data are not yet available.
Examples of trends in GLBTS Level 1 and Level 2
I substances are shown in Figures 9-1 to 9-7. The
I box plots show median, 25th and 75th percentiles,
I and non-outlier minimum and maximum. Note
I that the vertical axes in the figures have different
I scales, and in some cases the plots are logarithmic
I rather than linear.
| Ambient concentrations of dioxins, furans,
I and coplanar PCBs, represented as TEQ, have
decreased over time (Figures 9-1 and 9-2),
I with the largest declines at urban sites, where
concentrations were the highest. Ambient air
concentrations are well below the Ontario Ambient
Air Quality Criteria for dioxins/furans. Similarly,
the NAPS data show B(a)P concentrations in urban
areas decreasing slightly over time (Figure 9-3).
B(a)P concentrations in rural areas are significantly
lower than concentrations in urban areas and are
near the method detection limit. HCB (Figure 9-4)
and PCP (Figure 9-5) concentrations at Ontario sites
appear to have slowly declined over the past decade.
Concentrations of the Level 2 compounds cadmium
(Figure 9-6) and lead (an indicator for alkyl lead,
Figure 9-7) have decreased in the past few years at
Ontario sites.
Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network
(IADN)
IADN was initiated in 1990 to measure atmospheric
concentrations of persistent toxic pollutants in the
Great Lakes Basin. These measurements have been
conducted at five master stations, one on each
of the Great Lakes, as well as 10 satellites stations
(see Figure 9-8). Concentrations of PCBs, PBDEs,
organochlorine pesticides, PAHs, and trace metals
are measured in air (gas phase) and precipitation and
on suspended particles at each station. These data
are used to examine spatial and temporal trends of
toxic contaminants and to calculate atmospheric
loadings to the Great Lakes.
In the figures of IADN data that follow, the master
stations are represented by lake names: "Lake
Superior" represents data collected at Eagle Harbor,
"Lake Michigan" represents data collected at
Sleeping Bear Dunes,"Lake Huron" represents data
collected at Burnt Island,"Lake Erie" represents data
collected at Sturgeon Point, and "Lake Ontario"
represents data collected at Point Petre.
PCBs. Figure 9-9 illustrates that there has generally
been a decline in total PCB concentrations in Great
Lakes air over the past 30 years. Figure 9-10 depicts
the changes since the year 1992. Half-lives for
temperature-corrected IADN data (data since 1992)
for gas-phase PCBs are 7 to 27 years; the longer half-
lives are for the more remote sites on Lakes Superior
and Huron (Sun et al., 2007). Using data through
43 SVOC measurements are made with a high-volume filter/Poly Urethane Foam (PUF) sampling system. The filter and PUFs are extracted together
to represent a total (particle + vapor phase) measurement.
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300
250
200
150
100
50
t—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—r
B •
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. St IBbSB^-.£69'= .
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
WINDSOR
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
HAMILTON
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
TORONTO
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250
200
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100
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W 0
300
250
200
150
100
50
0
t—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—r
t—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i-i i-i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—r
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
BURNT ISLAND
. . .
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
SIMCOE
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
EGBERT
t—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—i—r
¦ ¦ ¦
Median I 125%-75% I Non-Outlier Range
1995 1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
POINT PETRE
Figure 9-1. Trends in 2,3,7,8-TCDD Toxic Equivalents (TEQ) (fg/m3) (1995-2008) at Urban (Windsor,
Hamilton, Toronto) and Rural (Burnt Island, Simcoe, Egbert, Point Petre) Ontario Sites44
Unpublished data, Tom Dann, Environment Canada.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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72
CO
E
m
o
Q_
CD
—r
c
8
3
o
• •
2005 2006 2007 2008
Windsor
I I I I I
2005 2006 2007 2008
Burnt Island
I I I I I
• 1
2005 2006 2007 2008
Point Petre
2005 2006 2007 2008
Hamilton
2005 2006 2007 2008
Toronto
t i i i i i i i i i i r
2005 2006 2007 2008
Simcoe
2005 2006 2007 2008
Egbert
Median I 125%-75% I Non-Outlier Range
Figure 9-2. Trends in Dioxin-Like PCB Concentrations (pg/m3) (2005-2008) at Urban (Windsor, Hamilton,
Toronto) and Rural (Burnt Island, Simcoe, Egbert, Point Petre) Ontario Sites45
Unpublished data, Tom Dann, Environment Canada.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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^ I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I 11 I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
5.000 ¦ T
0.500
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0.005
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1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006
1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008
C9
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ht
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1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006 1990 1994 1998 2002 2006
1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008 1992 1996 2000 2004 2008
Burnt Island
Simcoe
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Median I 125%-75% I Non-Outlier Range
I i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i 11
1990 1994 1998 2002 2006
1992 1996 2000 2004 2008
Pt. Petre
Figure 9-3. Trends in Benzo(a)pyrene Concentrations (ng/m3) (1990-2008) at Urban (Windsor, Hamilton,
Toronto) and Rural (Burnt Island, Simcoe, Egbert, Point Petre) Ontario Sites46
Ibid.
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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¦
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Windsor
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Hamilton
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Toronto
D) 0.10
O o.oo
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Burnt Island
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Simcoe
Egbert
Median I 125%-75% I Non-Outlier Range
i i i i i i i i i i i i i i i I
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
Point Petre
Figure 9-4. Trends in HCB Concentrations (ng/m3) at Urban (Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto) and Rural (Burnt
Island, Simcoe, Egbert, Point Petre) Ontario Sites (1996-2008)47
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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5.000
0.500
0.050
0.005
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1996 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Windsor
n
E
~0)
c
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o
Q_
5.000
0.500
0.050
0.005
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Burnt Island
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Point Petre
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l | I l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Hamilton
l l l l l l l l l l l l l l
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Simcoe
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Toronto
I I I I I I I I I I I I I I
1997 1999 2001 2003 2005 2007
1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008
Egbert
Median I I 25%-75% I Non-Outlier Range
Figure 9-5. Trends in PCP Concentrations (ng/m3) at Urban (Windsor, Hamilton, Toronto) and Rural (Burnt
Island, Simcoe, Egbert, Point Petre) Ontario Sites (1997-2008)48
Ibid.
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¦
<0
E
~D)
C
E
D
'E
"O
(0
O
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
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—i r~
—i 1 1 1—
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
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i i i i
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Windsor
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Simcoe
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2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Wallaceburg
¦ ¦
J_ _L
iTiS
. ^xr -U
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Toronto
¦ Median
I I 25%-75%
Non-Outlier Range
Figure 9-6. Trends in Cadmium Concentrations (ng/m3) (2004-2008) at Ontario Sites49
Unpublished data, Tom Dann, Environment Canada.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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12
10
8
6
4
2
0
n
E
"o)
c
"O 12
CO
10
¦
I I I I I I
I I I I I I I
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2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Windsor
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Wallaceburg
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Simcoe
2004 2006 2008
2005 2007
Toronto
¦ Median
I 125%-75%
Non-Outlier Range
Figure 9-7. Trends in Lead Concentrations (ng/m3) (2004-2008) at Ontario Sites:
Unpublished data, Tom Dann, Environment Canada.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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78
IADN Steering Committee, unpublished data, 2009. Sources for pre-1992 PCB data: Achman et ah, 1993; Baker and Eisenreich, 1990; Cotham and
Bidleman, 1995; Doskey and Andren, 1981; Eisenreich etal., 1981; Eisenreich, 1987; Hornbuckle etal., 1993; Hornbuckleet al., 1994; Manchester-
Neesvig and Andren, 1989; Monosmith and Hermanson, 1996.
Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network - IADN
M Lu*N Tulur^lF-r
Envuflrnnml i: tr-*u
3000
2500
2000
1500
1000
Suite PCBs Gas Phase
—¦—Michigan
A Huron
)( Erie
)l( Ontario
9 Chicago
[ Cleveland
Figure 9-8. Map of IADN Monitoring Stations
Figure 9-9. Long-term Gas-Phase Annual Average Total PCB Concentrations (pg/m3)51
Btwf
t lJ-W
¦EL
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Suite PCBs Gas Phase
3000
2500
2000
^ 1500
a
1000
500
11992
11993
1994
11995
1996
1997
1998
11999
2000
12001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
Superior Michigan Huron Erie Ontario Chicago Cleveland
Figure 9-10. Gas-Phase Annual Average Total PCB Concentrations (pg/m3):
140
120
100
E
"S3
80
60
40
20
Gas Phase HCB
Superior
Michigan
Erie
Chicago
Cleveland
Figure 9-11. Annual Average Gas-Phase HCB Concentrations (U.S. sites only) (pg/m3)5
IADN Steering Committee, unpublished data, 2009.
IADN Steering Committee, unpublished data, 2009. HCB data not available for Canadian stations due to breakthrough on polyurethane foam (PUF)
sampling media.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2007 and correcting for other factors including
temperature, population, time, wind speed and
wind direction, the half-life of PCBs in the Great
Lakes atmosphere is estimated to be 13 +/- 0.7
years (Venier and Hites 2010).
It is assumed that PCB concentrations will continue
to decrease slowly. However, as concentrations
i decrease, the absolute size of subsequent
decreases will diminish, as shown by the fairly
I consistent values from the mid-1990s to the
I present. Further data will confirm whether
I concentrations continue to decline and whether
I remaining sources of PCBs, including legacy
I sources in the U.S. and long-range transport
I from other countries, may be contributing to the
I relative stability of PCB levels in the Great Lakes
I region.
Sturgeon Point, the Lake Erie master station,
I consistently shows higher PCB concentrations
I compared to the other master stations. Back-
I trajectory analyses have shown that this is
due to possible influences from upstate New
York (the site is 20 km southwest of Buffalo)
and the East Coast (Hafner and Hites, 2003).
PCB concentrations at the satellite stations in
the urban areas of Chicago and Cleveland are
about 10 times higher than those at the more
I remote master stations. It is expected that PCB
I concentrations should be elevated in the urban
I areas because of the widespread use of PCBs in
I industrial applications in the mid-20th century.
I Back-trajectory analyses have revealed that the
I influence of the Chicago urban area as a source
I of PCBs may reach as far away as Lake Superior
(Hafner and Hites, 2003). Data from the Cleveland
I station, where monitoring began in 2003,
I indicate that PCB levels in that city are lower than
I those in Chicago, but higher than at the master
I stations. A multiple linear regression model for
I IADN air concentrations demonstrates that local
human population is the most important factor in
explaining the variability of PCB concentrations,
accounting for about 55% of the total variability.
Seasonality also plays a significant role in
explaining PCB concentrations, accounting for
about 23% of the total variability (Venier and Hites
2010).
HCB. IADN data for HCB from the three U.S. master
stations on Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Erie
show decreasing trends with half-lives of 12 to
18 years (Sun et al., 2006e). However, like PCBs,
HCB concentrations increased somewhat during
the late 1990s (see Figure 9-11), perhaps due to
atmospheric circulation phenomena such as the
North Atlantic Oscillation and El Nino-Southern
Oscillation (Ma et al., 2004). A similar increase has
been observed in recent years. The longer half-
lives may be due to continued releases of HCB into
the environment as a byproduct of manufacturing
processes and contaminant pesticides. HCB also
has an atmospheric lifetime of about 2 Vi half years
(Brubaker and Hites, 1998), making it capable of
global transport and therefore making the Great
Lakes susceptible to inputs from global emissions.
Organochlorine Pesticides. In general, gas-phase
concentrations of banned or restricted pesticides
measured by the IADN are decreasing over time in
the air, with half-lives generally between 4 and 9
years (Sun etal., 2006e). The half-life of a-HCH of 3.3
+/- 0.04 years recently reported with data through
2007 using a multiple linear regression model (Venier
and Hites 2010) is similar to the half-life of 3.8 years
reported with data through 2003 (Sun et al., 2006e).
It is worthwhile to note that a-HCH continues to be
eliminated rapidly from the environment after its ban
about 40 years ago.
Figures 9-12 and 9-13 present data for a-HCH and
total p,p'-DDT. These declining trends correlate well
with declining global use of these pesticides. Some
pesticides, including chlordane and DDT, are found
at higher levels in urban areas. This is demonstrated
for DDT in Figure 9-13, but other compounds such as
HCHs do not show an urban source (Figure 9-12 and
9-14). A multiple linear regression model for IADN
air concentrations demonstrates that local human
population is a significant factor in explaining the
variability of concentrations of total-DDT and total-
chlordane, accounting for about 22% and 28%
of the total variability. Chlordane was used as a
termiticide in buildings, and DDT was sprayed in
urban areas in the U.S. to control mosquitoes (and is
still used in some other countries for malaria control).
However, seasonality plays the most important role
in explaining the concentrations of total-DDT and
total-chlordane, accounting for about 43% and 47%
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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a-HCH Gas Phase
250
200
m
E
"S3
a
150
100
50
Superior
Michigan
Huron
Erie
)l( Ontario
Chicago
Cleveland
1992 1993 19941995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 20012002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Figure 9-12. Annual Average Gas-phase Concentrations of a-HCH (pg/m3)5
Total DDT Gas Phase
(p,p'-DDT+DDE+DDD)
« 50
a. 40
Superior
Michigan
Huron
Erie
Ontario
Chicago
Cleveland
Figure 9-13. Annual Average Gas-phase Total DDT (p,p'-DDT+DDE+DDD) Concentrations (pg/m3)5
IADN Steering Committee, unpublished data, 2009.
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
of the total variability (Venier and Hites 2010). This
suggests that soil reservoirs continue to release
these compounds in the atmosphere through
temperature-dependent exchanges.
Vapor-phase concentrations of lindane (y-HCH)
at Chicago, Sleeping Bear Dunes, and Sturgeon
Point were similar but significantly higher than
concentrations at Eagle Harbor, Point Petre, and
Burnt Island (Sun et al., 2006e). Lindane was used
in Canada through 2004. On January 1,2005,
Canada withdrew registration of lindane for
agricultural pest control. U.S. registrants agreed
to a voluntary cancellation of the registrations for
lindane in December 2006, which was ratified by
the U.S. Office of Pesticide Programs in January
2007. Use of existing stocks for seed protection
in the U.S. was allowed to continue until October
2009. Levels of lindane at IADN sites have
decreased in recent years (Figure 9-14), and it
is expected that this trend will continue as use
ends in North America. The half-life of lindane
reported with data through 2007 using the
multiple linear regression model (3.8 +/- 0.08
years) is considerably lower than the half-life
estimated with data through 2003 (6.1 +/- 2.1
years). The more rapid rate of decline may be
the result of Canada's ban on lindane's use in
2004. An even more rapid rate of decline might
be expected in future years as the programs
implemented in the U.S. take full effect. Lindane
concentrations have generally peaked in the
summer in concordance with agricultural usage.
Endosulfan. Endosulfan concentrations show
significant decreases at some sites in some
phases, but no decrease in the vapor phase at
Eagle Harbor, Sleeping Bear Dunes, or Sturgeon
Point (Sun et al., 2006e). However, a multiple
linear regression model using data through 2007
estimates that the half-life of total endosulfans
(a-endosulfan, p-endosulfan, and endosulfan
sulfate) increased from 5.9 +/- 3.6 years (Sun et al.,
2006e) to 12 +/-1.4 years (Venier and Hites 2010).
Higher endosulfan concentrations were observed
at Point Petre, Sturgeon Point, and Sleeping Bear
Dunes in all phases, which could be explained by
agricultural usage in surrounding areas (Hoh and
Hites, 2004). Similar to lindane, concentrations of
endosulfan are also generally higher in the summer
following use. Seasonality (i.e., temperature)
explains about 68% of the variability in total
endosulfan concentrations based on the multiple
linear regression model.
PAHs. In general, concentrations of PAHs can be
roughly correlated with population, with the highest
levels observed in Chicago and Cleveland and lower
concentrations at the remote master stations (Sun
et al., 2006a,d). In general, PAH concentrations in
Chicago and Cleveland are about 10 to 100 times
higher than at the master stations. A multiple
linear regression model for IADN air concentrations
demonstrates that local human population is the
most important factor in explaining the variability of
PAH concentrations, accounting for about 74% of the
total variability. Other factors including temperature,
time, wind speed, and wind direction only accounted
for 7% of the variability in explaining concentrations
of PAHs (Venier and Hites 2010).
Concentrations of PAHs in the particle and gas
phase are decreasing at Chicago, with half-lives of
3-10 years in the gas phase and 5-15 years in the
particle phase. At other sites, most gas-phase PAH
concentrations showed significant, but slow, long-
term decreasing trends (half-lives >15 years). Using
data through 2007 and correcting for other factors in
the multiple linear regression model, the half-life of
PAHs in the Great Lakes atmosphere is estimated to
be 14 +/- 3.6 years (Venier and Hites 2010). For most
PAHs, decreases in PAHs measured on particles and
in precipitation were only found at Chicago (Sun et
al., 2006d; Sun et al., 2006a).
Figure 9-15 shows the annual average particle-
phase concentrations of B(a)P as an example of PAH
concentrations.
Octachlorostyrene. Gas-phase octachlorostyrene
(OCS) data, available for the U.S. stations only, is
shown in Figure 9-16. OCS concentrations are
low, in the single pg/m3 range, and appear to be
decreasing. Initial data from Cleveland indicate that
concentrations of OCS are higher there than at the
remaining stations, including Chicago, suggesting
nearby sources in that metropolitan area.
Dioxins/Furans. From 2004 to 2007, dioxins and
furans were measured at four U.S. IADN sites. The
average concentrations of dioxins and furans are
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
y-HCH Gas Phase
100
90
80
70
60
rn
4 »
Q.
40
30
20
10
Superior
Michigan
Huron
Ontario
Chicago
Cleveland
# J* J* J* J3 J" J*
^ J- J3 J* J? J3 J"
V V V V V V V V v v ir V V V V T
Figure 9-14. Annual Average Gas-Phase Concentrations (pg/m3) of Lindane (y-HCH) :
1200
1000
800
i«°
a
400
200
Benzo(a)pyrene Particle Phase
11992 11993 I 1994 11995
1996 I 1997 ¦ 1998 ¦ 1999
2000 ¦ 2001 I 2002 2003
2004 2005 2006 2007
Superior Michigan Huron Erie Ontario Chicago Cleveland
Figure 9-15. Annual Average Particle-phase B(a)P Concentrations (pg/m3)57
Ibid.
Ibid. [Note: B(a)P data for 2007 are preliminary.]
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
I
I
84
no
E
"So
Q.
OCS Gas Phase
Superior
Michigan
Erie
Chicago
Cleveland
1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Figure 9-16. Annual Average Gas-phase OCS Concentrations (pg/m3):
displayed in Figure 9-17 as total PCDD/F and
total TEQdf. While there was no significant
temporal trend, concentrations of dioxins and
furans showed a significant seasonal trend at
all sites, except Chicago. The date of maximum
concentration averaged December 6, which
is consistent with residential heating being an
important source of PCDD/Fs to the atmosphere
(Venier et al., 2009). Using data from IADN and
other monitoring networks in North America,
concentrations of dioxins and furans were shown
to be significantly related to local population, as
evidenced by Figure 9-18.
PBDEs. PBDEs are a group of brominated
flame retardant chemicals used in a variety of
commercial products, including furniture and
electronics, and the penta- and octa-formulations
have been banned by the Stockholm Convention
due to their toxicity, persistence, bioaccumulation
and potential for long range transport. PBDEs
have been found in the Great Lakes environment,
including in air at the IADN stations. The highest
mean concentrations of total PBDEs have been
found at the urban sites in Chicago and Cleveland,
while the lowest concentrations were found at the
remote site in Eagle Harbor, as shown in Figure 9-19.
This figure also illustrates that BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-
100, and BDE-209 comprise about 70-80% of the
total PBDEs, with BDE-47 being the most abundant
congener. The different congener distribution
pattern seen in Cleveland is probably the result of a
few samples containing very high concentrations of
BDE-209 (Venier and Hites, 2008).
Figure 9-20 shows the concentration of total PBDEs
and BDE-209 with temperature, indicating no
significant seasonality. Insignificant temperature
dependence was found of the lighter congeners
(BDE-47 and 99), suggesting the importance of
advective inputs.
PBDEs were measured separately in gas and particle-
bound phases at Point Petre (Figure 9-21). BDE-209
was found only on particles, where BDE-47 and
100 were in the gas and particle phases. In the
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
EH CH SB SP
(44h (46f (491-
Figure 9-17. Total PCDD/PCDF Concentrations (fg/m3) and Total TEQDF Concentrations (in fg TEQ per m3) at
Four Great Lakes Sites Ordered from West to East. The horizontal lines represent the median,
and the dotted lines represent the mean. The boxes represent the 25th and 75th percentiles,
and the whiskers represent the 5th and 95th percentiles. The numbers in parentheses
represent the number of samples reported at each site.59
DkOCi Spnnd'
Iri1 Jcnn
log population
Figure 9-18. Atmospheric Total PCDD/F Concentrations (fg/m3) as a Function of Human Population within a
25-km Radius of the Sampling Site in North America (n = 60). The black line represents a linear
regression of the data. The symbols are color-coded as follows: red) NDAMN sites, cyan) NAPS
sites, green) CADAMP sites, yellow) sites reported in Venier et a I., 2009. The black dotted lines
represent the 95% confidence limits.60
^ Venier et al., 2009..
m Venier et al., 2009. The analysis was restricted to large sampling networks in the North American region: US EPA National Dioxin Monitoring Network
(NDAMN), which deployed samplers mainly in rural and remote locations around the U.S.; the California Ambient Dioxin Air Monitoring Program
(CADAMP), which collected samples predominantly in heavily populated areas of California; and the Canadian NAPS, which sampled air throughout
Canada. For consistency among data sets, only data collected in 2002 were used, with the exception of data from Venier et al., 2009. Two outliers are
highlighted in the figure: Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and Dixon Springs, Illinois.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
]
1
86
1«M
iPM
I
10
£h
Cm
set
CL
SP
(«]
(73)
[72)
fe
<77 > A
1
i
1
i
i
J
i
I
1
T
1
w M
EH CH SB CL 5P
Figure 9-19. (A) Total PBDEs Concentrations (pg/m3) at the Five IADN Sites, Ordered from West to East.
The thin black horizontal line represents the median and the thick one the mean. The box
represents the 25th and 75th percentiles, and the whiskers represent the 5th and the 95th
percentiles. The numbers in parentheses are the number of detects. (B) Percentage of Total
PBDEs of BDE-47 (black), BDE-99 (dark grey), BDE-100 (light grey), and BDE-209 (white).
Standard errors are included.61
^100
E
zl
a.
10
I H
v
j.,
Ar
. i
p / »
I* . ¦
* V "
, »¦ ¦¦
V A
m * '
.*-4
w »
" A A \
.» J \
.*/ I \
- . * « k
j_ r * A
fer # *
#
¦fl ,
¦ £. fBDE BDE-209 * Temp.
-i r
30
20 o
3
10 1
0 s
-103
-20
01/02 06/02 10/02 05/03 01/04 05/04 11/04
Sampling month
Figure 9-20. Concentration of IPBDEs and BDE-209 with Temperature at Point Petre, 2002-2004.®
Venier and Hites, 2008.
Su et al., 2009.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
I
I
87
etE-T BDE-W BPt*» BCi-ttS K.E-W4 BC'E-«3 BE'lf-W®
if
SO
so
40
20
0
j Q—
\
\
\
V
Jun 20-23, 2004
y
Temp IS 2
CO ur>
f* ¦ I « 1 i
lag (PLfPi)i
OQ CNi
Figure 9-21. Gas-particle Partitioning at Point Petre. Top) Particle-bound percentage of seven PBDEs in
four different temperature ranges. Bottom) Example of the gas-particle partition, fitted to the
Junge-Pnakow model.63
same temperature ranges (the same color bars in
Figure 9-21), heavier congeners were more particle-
bound than lighter ones. For the less brominated
congers, the particle-bound percentage increases
with decreasing temperature. This is consistent with
laboratory studies, and the gas-particle partitioning
of PBDEs fits well to the Junge-Pankow model (Su et
al., 2009).
Using a little over 3 years of data (2003-2006),
temporal trends were assessed for total (gas +
particle phase) PBDEs, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-
209 in Figure 9-22. For total PBDEs, statistically
significant decreasing trends were found at
the urban sites of Chicago and Cleveland,
corresponding to half-lives of 4 +/-1.5 and 3.4 +/-
1.6 years, respectively. For BDE-47 and BDE-99,
the atmospheric concentrations are decreasing
rapidly (half-lives of approximately 2 years) at all
sites except for Chicago, This rapidly decreasing
trend seems to indicate that the voluntary phase-
out of the penta- and octa-BDE formulations
by the sole U.S. manufacturer in 2004 has had
immediate environmental benefits. Additional
63 Ibid
-------
I
1
88
>.PSOEs
uPt-*7
B-D12D3
V
£
Chicago
*Y,A
'¦
. "¦» *
1 • • " M* ,
* /
* ,t'" +#
Cleveland
~ *» *
. -
* • .
* ¦ * ¦
¦»¦«*«¦ * * m * ¦
•, - 1 , • • *
: »* f „ v
¦
w
*
'-if
S'urgeon Point
s ,
*
4 ¦ ? t1! . ¦¦
rr^r-v"
¦ ¦ + * *
* %; ~ ¦
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^ * * *«
Steeping Dunes
I
J ~,
*
¦ •* +
* ~
> ~» . V
¦ *+ •* " . »*•
*l . ! ^ .* -
*
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il •>
* -
tsgle HarlDor
«
* m * ft
* 4-
/ '
" \
* ^ I?? ^ i^ ^ ^ ^ t!& $p tgp ^
tin* |d»y»i
Figure 9-22. Temporal Trends of Total PBDEs, BDE-47, and BDE-209 (gas plus particle phase concentrations) in
pg/m3 at Five IADN Sites. The curves were fitted as described in Venier and Hites, 2008; if no curve
is given, the regression was not significant.64
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
National Atmosphere D&pos^on program
Mercury Deposition Network
'l
¦Jv,
-1
~ - J
7'f _ *« c *
-<** * » _ ?-<•
_ "JL j ¦ ¦* *
: * \ .v t ''• •
¦ * - >
. ¦ -" r j
"r ¦- . '
, • .¦ . ' i '«•--
i ¦. "
a 4*1
* ,
» -> 1
~ i'jt'J
t» ji
m
r 4
Figure 9-23. Mercury Deposition Network Sites'
M ¦ | -x
*4.^
¦ f
-i--.
tJat' i
*-¦
* * l« Jl
- * -1
¥* "* §-
I . ¦ S
IN" (
¦fi
' n
[35 1
...
• fi«l
Ui
*m« ¦
un fc
rtnff m
Nl«» r
Figure 9-24. Trends in Wet Deposition of Total Mercury, Concentration in Precipitation, and Amount of
Precipitation from the Mercury Deposition Network, 1996-200564
m National Atmospheric Deposition Program, Mercury Deposition Network. 2009. http://nadp.svvs.uiuc.edu/mdn/.
m Prestbo and Gay 2009.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
data will help determine whether these trends
will continue or level off. Concentrations of BDE-
209 are not decreasing at any of the five U.S. sites
(Venier and Hites 2008). This was expected given
that the deca-BDE formulation was still being
manufactured. On December 17,2009, as the
result of negotiations with US EPA, the two U.S.
producers of decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-
I BDE), Albemarle Corporation and Chemtura
Corporation, and the largest U.S. importer, ICL
I Industrial Products, Inc., announced commitments
I to voluntarily phase-out deca-BDE in the U.S.
I Other Brominated Flame Retardants.
I 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (TBE) was
I heavily produced in the U.S. from 1986 to 1994,
I but this compound may have been recently
I reintroduced to the market as a substitute
forocta-BDE. Decabromodiphenyl ethane
I (DBDPE) was introduced to the market as an
I alternative for BDE-209. Dechlorane plus (DP)
was introduced to the market as a replacement
for dechlorane (aka mirex) when its use was
I restricted in the 1970s. TBE, DBDPE and DP were
detected at all sites, but there were insufficient
data to determine temporal trends for these
compounds (Venier and Hites 2008).
More information about IADN, including a report
I published by EC and US EPA on the atmospheric
I loadings of monitored PBTs to the Great Lakes
I using data through 2005, is available online at
I http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/monitoring/air2/
I iadn/resources.html.
I Mercury Deposition Network (MDN)
I Another important North American monitoring
I network is the Mercury Deposition Network
I (MDN), which is part of the National Atmospheric
| Deposition Program (NADP). This program began
I monitoring pH and major inorganic ions related
to "acid rain" in the United States in 1978. In 1995,
' NADP began an experimental monitoring program
for wet deposition of mercury, the MDN. This
program has grown into an international network
with sites in the U.S. and Canada (Figure 9-23).
MDN collects weekly precipitation samples and
analyzes them for total mercury and, at the option
of the sponsoring agency, for methylmercury. MDN
data show that concentrations of total mercury in
precipitation are decreasing for much of the U.S.,
but there is no trend for the stations in the upper
Midwest (Figure 9-24) (Prestbo and Gay, 2009).
References
Brubaker, Jr., W.W. and Hites, R.A. 1998.
OH reaction kinetics of gas-phase a- and
g-hexachlorocyclohexane and hexachlorobenzene.
Environmental Science and Technology 32 (6):766-769.
Hafner, W. and Hites, R. 2003. Potential Sources of
Pesticides, PCBs, and PAHs to the Atmosphere of the
Great Lakes. Environmental Science and Technology
37(17):3764-3773.
Hoh, E. and Hites, R. A. 2004. Sources of toxaphene
and other organochlorine pesticides in North
America as determined by air measurements and
potential source contribution function analyses.
Environmental Science and Technology 38(15): 4187-
4194.
Ma, J., Hung, H., Blanchard, P. 2004. How Do Climate
Fluctuations Affect Persistent Organic Pollutant
Distribution in North America? Evidence from a
Decade of Air Monitoring. Environmental Science and
Technology 38(9):2538-2543.
Prestbo, E.M. and Gay, D.A. 2009. Wet Deposition of
Mercury in the U.S. and Canada, 1996-2005: Results
and analysis of the NADP Mercury Deposition
Network (MDN). Atmospheric Environment 43:4223-
4233.
Su, Y., Hung, H., Brice, K.A., Su, K., Alexandrou,
N., Blanchard, P., Chan, E., Fellin, P., 2009. Air
concentration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers
(PBDEs) in 2002-2004 at a rural site in the Great
Lakes: Comparison to measurements in the Arctic,
Atmosp. Pollut.43,6230-6237.
Sun, P., Backus, S., Blanchard, P., Hites, R.A. 2006a.
Annual Variation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Concentrations in Precipitation Collected near the
Great Lakes. Environmental Science and Technology,
40(3): 696-701.
Sun, P., Basu, I., Hites, R.A. 2006b.Temporal Trends of
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Precipitation and
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
91
Air at Chicago. Environmental Science & Technology,
40(4): 1178-1183.
Sun, P., Backus, S.t Blarichard, P., Hites, R.A. 2006c.
Temporal and Spatial Trends of Organochlorine
Pesticides in Great Lakes Precipitation. Environmental
Science and Technology, 40(7): 2135-2141.
Sun, P., Blanchard, P., Brice, K.A. and Hites, R.A.
2006d. Trends in Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon
Concentrations in the Great Lakes Atmosphere.
Environmental Science and Technology, 40(20), 6221 -
6227.
Sun, P., Blanchard, P., Brice, K.A., Hites, R.A.
2006e. Atmospheric Organochlorine Pesticide
Concentrations near the Great Lakes: Temporal
and Spatial Trends. Environmental Science and
Technology, 40(21): 6587-6593.
Sun, P., Basu, I., Blanchard, P., Brice, K.A. and Hites, R.A.
2007. Temporal and Spatial Trends of Atmospheric
Polychlorinated Biphenyl Concentrations near the
Great Lakes. Environmental Science and Technology,
41(4): 1131-1136.
Venier, M. and Hites, R.A. 2008. Flame Retardants in
the Atmosphere near the Great Lakes. Environmental
Science and Technology, 42 (13): 4745-4751.
Venier, M„ Ferrario, J., Hites, R.A. 2009.
Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and
Dibenzofurans in the Atmosphere Around the Great
Lakes. Environmental Science and Technology, 43 (4):
1036-1041.
Venier, M. and Hites, R.A. 2010. Regression Model of
Partial Pressures of PCBs, PAHs, and Organochlorine
Pesticides in the Great Lakes'Atmosphere.
Environmental Science and Technology, 44 (2): 618-
623.
63 In the spring of 2006, Environment Canada assumed the responsibilities of the Department of Fisheries and Ocean (DFO) Fish Contaminant
Surveillance Program. All data included in this report were produced by DFO.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
Trends in Great Lakes Fish
Contaminants in Whole Fish
Submitted by
Elizabeth Murphy, US EPA Great Lakes National
Program Office
Sean Backus, Environment Canada
The Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
(operated by US EPA GLNPO) and the Great
Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
(operated by EC)67 monitor contaminant
burdens in open water fish species from
throughout the Great Lakes. These programs
provide data to describe temporal and
spatial trends of bioavailable contaminants
as an indicator of ecosystem health. The two
monitoring programs annually monitor the
burden of a suite of toxic chemicals in fish and
fish communities throughout the Great Lakes.
They were developed in direct response to the
needs of Annex 11 (Surveillance & Monitoring)
of the GLWQA (1978), which states the need
"To provide information for measuring local and
whole lake response(s) to control measures using
trend analysis and cause/effect relationships
and to provide information which will assist in
Photo: Lake trout, Lake Superior Minnesota
Steve Geving, Minnesota Department of Natural
Resources. Courtesy of US EPA GLNPO.
Open Lake Fish Contaminants
Monitoring Program - Great Lakes:
-------
the development and application of predictive
techniques for assessing the impact of new
developments and pollution sources." Annex 11
also contains a requirement for the identification of
emerging problems and provides support for the
development of Remedial Action Plans (RAPs) at
AOCs and Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs)
for Critical Pollutants pursuant to Annex 2 of the
I GLWQA.
I The programs also address requirements of
I GLWQA Annex 12, Persistent Toxic Substances.
I They provide the specific monitoring capabilities
I required in section 4 (a-d) of the Annex plus an
I early warning system capability (section 5a) and
I the development and maintenance of a biological
I tissue bank (section 5e) to permit retrospective
I analysis of recently identified compounds.
Since its inception in 1997, significant progress
I had been made towards the GLBTS challenge
I goals. In order to ensure that this pathway of
I progress continues into the future, Canada
and the U.S., with help from the many partners
involved in the GLBTS, continue to identify
opportunities to reduce GLBTS substances on the
road to virtual elimination. To further this effort,
a number of actions have been undertaken,
including, but not limited to, continued
I monitoring in air, water, sediment, and biota, and
I the consideration of impacts to the Great Lakes
I Basin ecosystem from Level 2 substances and
I other potential chemicals of concern.
I Program Background Information
I Long-term (>25 yrs), basin-wide monitoring
I programs that measure whole body
I concentrations of contaminants in top predator
I fish (lake trout and/or walleye) and in forage fish
I (smelt) are conducted by US EPA GLNPO through
I the Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program and by
EC through the Great Lakes Fish Contaminants
I Surveillance Program.
The U.S. program annually monitors contaminant
burdens in similarly sized lake trout (600-700 mm
total length) and walleye (Lake Erie, 400-500 mm
total length) from alternating locations by year
in each lake. Approximately 50 whole body fish
are collected at each site annually. Samples are
then composited by size and location into 10,5 fish
composites, for a total of 10 composites per site. The
Canadian program annually monitors contaminant
burdens in similarly aged lake trout (4+ to 6+
year range), walleye (Lake Erie), and in smelt. The
program monitors approximately 10 Great Lakes sites
annually. On Lake Ontario, four stations (Niagara,
Port Credit, Cobourg, Eastern Basin) are monitored
annually, while Lake Erie has sites in both the eastern
and western basins. There are traditionally two sites
per year monitored each on Lake Superior and Lake
Huron. The two annual sites are rotated among
four indicator stations on each of the Lakes (Lake
Superior: Thunder Bay, Jackfish Bay, Marathon,
Whitefish Bay-Sault Ste. Marie; Lake Huron: North
Channel, French River, Meaford, Goderich) with the
intent of collecting two consecutive years of data at
any single site every three to four years. Lake trout
(or walleye for western Lake Erie) are collected at
each site, and elements of the food web (alewife/
sculpin/smelt + invertebrate diet items) are collected
at a subset of the 10 sites annually. Approximately
450 individual (top predator) and composite (forage
species) fish samples are analyzed annually.
While both US EPA and EC fish monitoring programs
collect and analyze contaminant burdens in Great
Lakes fish on an annual basis, differences in the
programs'collection and analytical methods do
not allow for direct comparisons between the two
programs. However, although the programs differ,
they both show the same general declining trend for
legacy contaminants. Recently, the two programs
have begun sharing samples between analytical
laboratories for comparison. Results are expected
shortly.
Great Lakes Top Predator Fish Contaminant
Concentrations
Since the late 1970s, concentrations of
historically regulated contaminants such as PCBs,
dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), and
mercury (Hg) have generally declined in most
monitored fish species. Concentrations of other
currently regulated and unregulated contaminants
have generally demonstrated slowing declines.
The changes are often lake-specific and relate to
the characteristics and sources of the substances
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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involved and the biological composition of the fish
community. For example:
» Lake Superior - Contaminants in Lake Superior
are typically atmospherically derived. The
dynamics of Lake Superior allow for the retention
of contaminants much longer than any other
lake.
» Lake Michigan - Food web changes are critical
to Lake Michigan contaminant concentrations, as
indicated by the failure of the alewife population
in the 1980s and the presence of the round goby.
Aquatic invasive species have had a significant
impact on the food web; zebra and quagga
mussels in particular have been associated
with major declines in Diporeia, an important
food source for many fish species. The threat of
Asian carp entering Lake Michigan through the
Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal is also a major
concern due to the danger the fish pose to the
food web.
» Lake Huron - Contaminant loadings to Saginaw
Bay in Lake Huron continue to be reflected in fish
tissue contaminant concentrations. Significant
changes to the Lake Huron food web in recent
years, including significant declines in many
zooplankton and forage fish, have had a critical
impact on fish contaminant concentrations.
» Lake Erie - Aquatic invasive species are of major
concern to Lake Erie because of the potential to
alter the pathways and fate of persistent toxic
substances. This results in differing accumulation
patterns, particularly near the top of the food
chain.
» Lake Ontario - The impact of historic point
sources in the Lake Ontario Basin and along
the Niagara River continue to be reflected in
fish tissue contaminant concentrations. Food
web changes are critical for fish contaminant
concentrations. Dioxins and furans,
contaminants of concern for Lake Ontario, were
added to the monitoring program's analyte list in
recent years, but trend data are not yet available.
Monitored Contaminants
I PCBs. In general, total PCB concentrations in
Great Lakes top predator fish have declined since
their phase-out in the 1970s (Figures 9-25 and
9-26). However, rapid declines are no longer
observed, and concentrations in fish remain above
the US EPA wildlife protection value of 0.16 ppm
(US EPA, 1995) and the GLWQA criteria of 0.1 ppm
for the protection of birds and animals that eat
fish. Concentrations remain high in top predator
fish due to the continued release of uncontrolled
sources and their persistent and bioaccumulative
nature.
I DDT. In general, total DDT concentrations
in Great Lakes top predator fish have declined
since the chemical was banned in 1972 (Figures
9-27 and 9-28). However, large declines are
no longer observed; rather, very small annual
percent declines predominate, indicating near
steady-state conditions. The concentrations
of this contaminant remain below the GLWQA
criterion of 1.0 ppm. There is no US EPA wildlife
protection value for total DDT because the PCB
value is more protective. The CCME guideline for
the protection of wildlife consumers of aquatic
life is 14.0 ppm for total DDT.
Mercury. Concentrations of mercury are similar
across all fish in all lakes (Figure 9-29). It is
assumed that concentrations of mercury in top
predator fish are atmospherically driven. Current
concentrations in GLNPO top predator fish in
all lakes remain above the GLWQA criterion
of 0.5 ppm, and Canadian smelt have never
been observed to be above the GLWQA criteria.
Mercury was only recently added to the GLNPO
routine analyte list, in 2001.
IChlordane. Concentrations of total chlordane
have consistently declined in whole top predator
fish since its ban in the late 1980s (Figures 9-30
and 9-31). Total chlordane is composed of c/'s- and
frans-chlordane, c/'s- and frans-nonachlor, and
oxychlordane, with frans-nonachlor being the
most prevalent of the compounds. While trans-
nonachlor was the minor component of the total
chlordane mixture, it is the least metabolized and
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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predominates within the Laurentian Great Lakes
aquatic food web (Carlson and Swackhamer, 2006).
Mirex. Concentrations of mirex are highest in Lake
Ontario top predator fish due to historical releases
from sources near the Niagara River (Figures 9-32
and 9-33).
Dieldrin. Concentrations of dieldrin in lake trout
appear to be declining in all lakes and are lowest
| in Lake Superior and highest in Lake Michigan
(Figures 9-34 and 9-35). Concentrations in Lake
I Erie walleye were the lowest of all lakes. Aldrin is
I readily converted to dieldrin in the environment.
I For this reason, these two closely related
I compounds (aldrin and dieldrin) are considered
I together by regulatory bodies.
Toxaphene. Decreases in toxaphene
I concentrations have been observed throughout
I the Great Lakes in all media following its ban in
I the mid-1980s. However, concentrations have
remained the highest in Lake Superior due to
its longer retention time, cold temperatures,
and slow sedimentation rate. It is assumed that
concentrations of toxaphene in top predator fish
are atmospherically driven (Hites, 2006).
I Data used in this section are from whole body
fish and are not intended for fish advisories or
statements regarding human consumption.
I However, levels of mercury and PCBs in some
I sport-caught fish are sufficiently high, in some
I cases, to trigger fish consumption advisories
issued by the states and the Province of Ontario.
I Current Contaminants of Concern
I There are a number of chemicals of current
I concern within the Great Lakes Basin. Several
I of these have been detected in Great Lakes fish.
The foremost is the group of brominated flame
I retardants (BFRs), which include PBDEs and HBCD.
These contaminants have been reported in fish
tissues for several years throughout the Great
Lakes Basin, and retrospective analyses have been
conducted on archived tissue samples.
PBDEs. Both the U.S. and Canada analyze for
PBDEs in whole top predator fish. PBDEs are used
in everyday items, such as furniture upholstery
and foam, to make them difficult to burn. Analyses
of whole lake trout (walleye in Lake Erie) indicate a
declining trend in total PBDE concentrations in the
Great Lakes from 1999 to 2005. The declining trends
seen in the Great Lakes are an example of the success
that can be achieved through voluntary efforts—the
sole U.S. manufacturer of PBDEs agreed to voluntarily
phase-out production of these chemicals by the end
of 2004. As illustrated in Figure 9-36, the highest
concentrations are found in Lake Michigan. This is
consistent with the large human population and
intense industrial activity surrounding Lake Michigan
(Zhu and Hites, 2004).
HBCD. One of the most widely used BFRs is HBCD.
This chemical is mainly used as a flame retardant in
polystyrene insulation boards and the back coating
of upholstery fabric. Based on its use pattern, as
an additive BFR, it has the potential to migrate into
the environment from its application site. Recent
studies in Lake Ontario (Tomy et al., 2004) have
confirmed that HBCD isomers do bioaccumulate in
aquatic ecosystems and do biomagnify as they move
up the food chain. Table 9-1 presents total HBCD
concentrations (a and y isomers) for various species
in the Lake Ontario food web.
Table 9-1. Lake Ontario Food Web
Bioaccumulation of HBCD Isomers
SPECIES
(ng/g wet wt ±S.E.)
ZHBCD (a+Y isomers)
Lake Trout
1,68± 0.67
Sculpin
0.45± 0.10
Smelt
0.27± 0.03
Alewife
0.13± 0.02
Mysis
0.07± 0.02
Diporeia
0.08 ±0.01
Plankton
0.02± 0.01
Source: Tomy et al., 2004
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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95
25
20
« 10
CD
O
Total PCBs in even year whole EPA
Lake Trout composites (Walleye in
Lake Erie)
Superi
or
Michig
e$^ tfS* dS* rS? rS?' ^
Year
Total PCBs in odd year whole EPA
Lake Trout composites (Walleye in
Lake Erie)
Superi
Michig
# ^ ct? J>
Figure 9-25. Total PCBs in Great Lakes Top Predator Fish, Even Year (left) and Odd Year (right) Sites.
Source: US EPA GLNPO Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
Nm**
Figure 9-26. Total PCBs in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source: Environment
Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
TvW PC»l bi 4 cH IndivHiMl wttc4*
Erwhenrrwht £unod* L*ta Trout
-------
¦
Total DDT in even year whole EPA Lake Trout
composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
Superior
Michigan
Huron
Erie
Ontario
^ i^ ^ ^ ^
Year
Total DDT in odd year whole EPA Lake Trout
composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
Superior
Michigan
Ontario
^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
Year
Figure 9-27. Total DDT in Great Lakes Top Predator Fish, Even Year (left) and Odd Year (right) Sites. Source: US
EPA GLNPO Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
Total DDT in 4 - 6 year old individual
Environment Canada Lake Trout
5
4.5
4
3.5
_D) 3
§>2.5
2
I
-Ontario
-Erie
-Huron
Superior
i? ^ i? i? >? ^ i? Vear ^
Total DDT in Environment Canada
composite Rainbow Smelt
Ontario
Huron
Superior
Nq>x nO)x
Figure 9-28. Total DDT in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source: Environment
Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Mercury in 4 - 6 year old individual
Environment Canada Lake Trout
-Ontario
-Erie
Huron
Superior
v v v v v v "^Ye&r ^ ^
Mercury in Environment Canada composite
Rainbow Smelt
= 0.06
-Ontario
-Erie
Huron
Superior
Year
Figure 9-29. Mercury in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source: Environment
Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
Total Chlordane in even year whole EPA Lake
Trout composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
2
1.8
1.6
? I"4
5- 1-2
1
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0
Superior
Michigan
Ontario
Year
Total Chlordane in odd year whole EPA Lake
Trout composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
Superior
Michigan
Ontario
a 0.5
o 0.2
Year
Figure 9-30. Total Chlordane in Great Lakes Top Predator Fish, Even Year (left) and Odd Year (right) Sites.
Source: US EPA GLNPO Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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¦
Total Chlordane in 4 - 6 year old individual
Environment Canada Lake Trout
raO-14
5*0.12
£0.06
O0.04
Ontario
Erie
Huron
Superior
/A oN aS <£> cy* o& p\ c& r\^ c&
Year
Total Chlordane in Environment Canada
composite Rainbow Smelt
0.035
50.025
<50.015
° 0.01
° 0.005
¦Ontario
Erie
Huron
Superior
^ aQ qN (A rS? oN O& f)N rib nfo q\ rS) fN rft rfo
Year
Figure 9-31. Total Chlordane in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source:
Environment Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
Mirex in even year Lake Ontario whole EPA
Lake Trout composites
2 0.6
^ f if ^ ^ f ^ K# ^ ^ ^ f f J
Year
Mirex in odd year Lake Ontario whole EPA
Lake Trout composites
I 0.9
a
V V V v .b? N® N*
Mirex levels in other lakes very low and Year
•r
Figure 9-32 Mirex in Lake Ontario Lake Trout, Even Year (left) and Odd Year (right) Sites. Source: US EPA
GLNPO Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Mirex in 4 - 6 year old individual Environment
Canada Lake Trout
Ontario
Huron
Superior
Year
Mirex in Environment Canada composite
Rainbow Smelt
Ontano
Huron
Supenor
Year
Figure 9-33. Mirex in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source: Environment
Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
Dieldrin in even year whole EPA Lake Trout
composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
0.6
?
0.5
Q.
Q.
0.4
C
k_
"O
0.3
a
Q
0.2
0.1
0
Superior
Michigan
Huron
, —^Erle
I Ontario
Year
Dieldrin in odd year whole EPA Lake Trout
composites (Walleye in Lake Erie)
Superior
Michigan
Ontario
f ^ ^ ^ J ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ J J"
Figure 9-34. Dieldrin in Great Lakes Top Predator Fish, Even Year (left) and Odd Year (right) Sites. Source:
US EPA GLNPO Great Lakes Fish Monitoring Program
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
Dieldrin in 4 - 6 year old individual
Environment Canada Lake Trout
0.25
Ontario
Erie
Huron
Superior
n 0.15
o 0.05
/A ^ oN o2> Qy) oS gd C&> ^ <£» c?'
Year
Dieldrin in Environment Canada
composite Rainbow Smelt
O)
3
C
"C
©
Q
Ontario
Erie
Huron
Superior
Year
Figure 9-35. Dieldrin in Great Lakes Lake Trout (left) and Great Lakes Smelt (right). Source: Environment
Canada Great Lakes Fish Contaminant Surveillance Program
0.9
0.8
^ 0.7
10.6
Q.
LLI 0.5
Q
£ 0.4
I 0.3
H 0.2
0.1
0
* Even year
" Odd year
Total PBDE in whole EPA Lake Trout composites* **
(Walleye in Lake Erie)
Total PBDE = BDE 47+99+100+153+154
= ri
r—i—i
Superior
Michigan
Huron
Lake
Erie
Ontario
~ 1999
¦ 2000
~ 2001
~ 2002
¦ 2003
~ 2004
¦ 2005
samples collected: Apsotle Islands - LS, Saugatuck - LM, Rockport - LH, Middle Bass Island - LE, Oswego - LO
samples collected: Keewenaw Pen. - LS, Sturgeon Bay - LM, Port Austin - LH, Dunkirk - LE, North Hamlin - LO
Figure 9-36. Temporal Trends in Total PBDE Concentrations in Whole Fish in the Great Lakes (1999-2005).
Source: USEPAGLNPO
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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References
Carlson, D.L. and Swackhamer, D.L. 2006. Results
from the U. S. Great Lakes fish monitoring program
and effects of lake processes on bioaccumulative
contaminant concentrations. Journal of Great Lakes
Research, 32 (2), 370-385.
Cook, P.M., Robbins, J.A., Endicott, D.D., Lodge, K.B.,
Guiney, P.D., Walker, M.K, Zabel, E.W., and Peterson,
R.E. 2003. Effects of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-
Mediated Early Life Stage Toxicity on Lake Trout
Populations in Lake Ontario during the 20th Century.
Environmental Science and Technology. 37(17) 3878-
3884.
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement of 1978.
International Joint Commission, United States and
Canada. September, 1989. http://www.ijc.org/rel/
agree/quality.html.
Hites, R.A. 2006. Persistent Organic Pollutants in the
Great Lakes. Hites, R. A. (editor), Persistent Organic
Pollutants in the Great Lakes: An Overview (pp. 13-
70). Berlin Heidelberg, Germany: Springer.
Martin, J.W., D.M. Whittle, D.C.G. Muir, and S.A.
Mabury. 2004. Perfluoroalkyl Contaminants in the
Lake Ontario Food Web. Environ. Sci.Technol. 38.
5379-5385.
Muir, D.C.G. and P.H. Howard. Are There Other
Persistent Organic Pollutants? A Challenge for
Environmental Chemists. Environ. Sci.Technol., ASAP
Article 10.1021/es061677a S0013-936X(06)01677-4
Web Release Date: November 2,2006.
Stock, N.L., J. Bonin, D.M. Whittle, D.C.G. Muir, and
S.A. Mabury. 2003. Perfluoronated Acids in the Great
Lakes. SETAC Europe 13th Annual Meeting, Hamburg,
Germany, April 27 - May 1,2003.
Tomy, G.T., W. Budakowski,T. Halldorson, D.M.
Whittle, M. Keir, C. Marvin, G. Maclnnis, and
M. Alaee. 2004. Biomagnification of a- and
Y-hexabomocyclododecane in a Lake Ontario Food
Web. Environ. Sci. Technol. 38 (2298-2303).
US EPA Document # 820B95008. Great Lakes Water
Quality Initiative Criteria Documents for the Protection
of Wildlife: DDT Mercury 2378-TCDD PCBS. March
1995. http://tinyurl.com/3cruv9.
Whittle, D.M., D.C. MacEachen, D.B. Sergeant, MJ.
Keir, and M.D. Moles. Food Web Biomagnification
of Brominated Diphenyl Ethers in Two Great Lakes
Fish Communities. 3rd International Workshop
on Brominated Flame Retardants (pp. 183-186).
Toronto, ON, June 6-9,2004.
Zhu, L. Y. and R.A. Hites. 2004.Temporal Trends
and Spatial Distributions of Brominated Flame
Retardants in Archived Fishes from the Great
Lakes. Environ. Sci. Technol, 38(10):2779-2784.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Trends in Great Lakes Herring Gull Eggs
I
Photo: Herring gull, unknown location
National Park Service, Indiana Dunes National
Lakeshore. Courtesy of US EPA GLNPO.
Canadian Wildlife Service Great Lakes
Herring Gull Egg Monitoring Program:
Trends in Emerging and Legacy
Contaminant Levels in Herring Gull Eggs
Submitted by
D.V. Chip Weseloh, Dave Moore, and Robert
Letcher
Canadian Wildlife Service
Environment Canada, Ontario Region
As part of EC's Great Lakes Herring Gull Egg
Monitoring Program, the Canadian Wildlife
Service and the Wildlife and Landscape Science
Directorate have analyzed the temporal and
spatial trends of contaminant concentrations
(e.g., PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and PCDD/
PCDFs) in herring gulls via analysis of eggs
collected from 15 colonial sites on the Great
Lakes for over 35 years. Eggs have been collected
since the early 1970s from the surroundings of
up to eight water bodies within the Great Lakes
Basin: the St. Lawrence, Niagara, and Detroit
Rivers and Lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, Michigan,
and Superior. This section presents an analysis
of trends in legacy contaminants in herring gull
eggs from 1974 to 2007, an analysis of recent data
only on trends in gull eggs (1997-2007), and an
update on spatial trends to identify which sites
are the most (and least) contaminated by legacy
substances, based on herring gull egg data from
2003 to 2007. Changes in aquatic food webs and
their impact on the contaminants being monitored
in herring gulls are also discussed. Results are also
presented for emerging compounds. In recent
years, spatial and retrospective temporal trends
of emerging contaminants have been carried out
using egg homogenates that have been archived
in EC's National Wildlife Specimen Bank (EC-
NWSB). For example, emerging contaminants
classified as brominated flame retardants (BFRs)
and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), and their
degradation and precursor products, respectively,
have been identified and trends assessed. In
addition, there have been studies on Great Lakes
herring gulls that investigated effects, for example,
on the competitive binding to thyroid hormone
transport proteins as an indicator of effects on
circulating thyroid hormones. Recent results are
available in the published literature (see References).
Study Areas and Methods
The methods and protocol for the Great Lakes
Herring Gull Egg Monitoring Program have been
described previously (Mineau, et al., 1984; Ewins,
et al., 1992; DiMao, et al., 1999; Hebert et al., 1999,
Weseloh et al., 2006). Briefly, 10 to 13 fresh herring
gull eggs from 15 colonies spanning all five Great
Lakes, as part of EC's Great Lakes Herring Gull Egg
Monitoring Program, were collected (Figure 9-37).
Collections were made in late April to early May
ranging from 1974 to 2009 (depending on the
study). Eggs were sent to the Canadian Wildlife
Service National Wildlife Research Centre (Ottawa,
Canada), where they were processed into individual
and pooled egg homogenates and then refrigerated
at -40°C, prepared, and analyzed for various legacy
POPs within 8 weeks of collection (Won et al.,
2001). For emerging POPs, and in very recent years,
analysis has occurred within the year the eggs were
collected (Gauthier et al., 2007; Gebbink et al. 2009).
However, for retrospective temporal trends studies,
egg samples have been obtained from the EC-NWSB
archive (Gauthier et al., 2008,2009; Gauthier and
Letcher, 2009). Prior to 1986, all eggs were analyzed
individually. Although eggs are still prepared
individually, since 1986 a sub-sample from each egg
has been taken to form a single site pool homogeny
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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I
I
103
o
&
Q annual monitor
colonies
Liko Superior 7
X_,
Si. Mary* Ftrvor
Grjir le l%l,i rid
. AgiHr« Rocta
Big SWh liJ.iHfI
< Gull IflMd
Ch*nn*h5h*iw HJ*nn
Doubt* ItiatKl
Chinbt Isfcwm
righbng I BnnJ
M11JU o hifflntt
Port Co^bomt
Niagara Fttvw
H jmiHor Harbour
Tertnnrj HartKHjT
¦4 Sn+J?M JtlBUd
" SlfriChih h it ml
¦0 V,7-p *:- '
W
jC/u
• r.
Lake
Huron
\
St. Lawrence Rivnf
VE
o K
Lako
Michigan
13.-'
O
/ to
Detroit ftiv«. ^ ^ Eriv '
St. Claur River
Lake St. Clair
6'
y*r;
¦, ^
" Uko
Ontorks /
Niagara River
J
Figure 9-37. Locations of the 15 Herring Gull Colonies Sampled in This Study, Source: Canadian Wildlife
Service.
on an equal wet weight basis (ng/g wet wt.)( which is
then analyzed.
Many of the compounds presented in this report
include different kinds of flame retardants,
such as total PCBs, PBDEs (penta-BDE, octa-
BDE and deca-BDE derived isomers, including
BDE-209), various non-PBDE brominated flame
retardants (including hexabromobenzene
(HBB), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB),
pentabromotoluene, 1,2-bis(2,4,6-
tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE), (isomer-specific)
hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), and derivatives
of tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA)), as well as
isomers of the chlorinated flame retardant DP. In
addition, this report includes various kinds of
polyfluorinated precursor compounds including
perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs; including PFOS and its
isomers and precursors), perfluorocarboxylic
acids (PFCAs), and the PFOS precursor to
perfluoro-1-octanesulfonamide (PFOSA). Due
to analytical difficulties, there are no new results
for dioxins and furans beyond those presented in
the 2006 GLBTS Progress Report.68
it is well-known that there have been dramatic
declines in virtually all the legacy compounds
in gull eggs since the program started; many
compounds at most sites have declined more
than 90% (Pekarik and Weseloh, 1998; Weseloh
et al., 2003, 2005; Hebert et al., 2008a), Therefore,
the new data presented in this report deal mainly
with temporal and spatial trends over the last 10
years for which we have data, 1997-2007.
USEPA and Environment Canada. 2007. Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy Progress Report, February 2007. Available at http://www.epa.gov/
glnpo/bns/reports/2006glbtsprogressreport.pdf.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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All temporal trends were determined by linear
regression on log transformed data, using
sequential Bonnferroni-adjusted p-values to assess
significance (due to multiple independent tests,
by site, for each compound; Rice, 1989). Individual
annual data for all compounds and sites can be
found in Bishop et al. (1992), Pettit et al. (1994),
Pekarik et al. (1998), and Jermyn et al. (2002;
Canadian Wildlife Service, unpublished report). To
I determine spatial trends, mean values of seven
I major contaminants in herring gull eggs were
I calculated for each site for the five-year period
I 2003-2007. The sites were ranked according to
I the concentrations of each compound relative to
I fish flesh criteria for the protection of piscivorous
I wildlife, and a single overall rank was calculated
I for each site (Weseloh et al., 2006; S. deSolla,
unpubl. data).
I Herring gull eggs were collected from the
I following sites (Figure 9-37):
I » St. Lawrence River (SLR) - Strachan Island
(near Cornwall)
» Lake Ontario (LO) - Snake Island (near
Kingston), Tommy Thompson Park (Toronto
Harbour) and Neare Island (Hamilton Harbour)
» Niagara River (NR) - an unnamed island 300
m above Niagara Falls
I » Lake Erie (LE) - Port Colborne Lighthouse
I and Middle Island
I » Detroit River (DR) - Fighting Island
I » Lake Huron (LH) - Chantry Island, Double
I Island (North Channel), and Channel-Shelter
I Island (Saginaw Bay)
I » Lake Michigan (LM) - Gull Island and Big
| Sister Island (Green Bay)
»Lake Superior (LS) - Agawa Rocks and Granite
I Island (Black Bay)
Current concentrations of eight contaminants
and percentage change during the study period
were calculated as the average value of the sites
within each water body (Table 9-2). One site in
Lake Ontario (Hamilton Harbour, site 12) and one in
Lake Huron (Saginaw Bay, site 5) were not included
for this calculation because their time series were
not continuous with the two other sites from each of
those lakes.
Temporal and Spatial Trends of Emerging
Contaminants
Results
Flame Retardants
For the Laurentian Great Lakes, reports on DP have
been limited to sediment and fish, and temporal
trends in Great Lakes wildlife are unknown. Both syn-
and anti-DP isomers were detected in herring gull
egg pools spanning collection years from 1982 to
2006, and from seven colonies in the five Laurentian
Great Lakes (Gauthier et al., 2007; Gauthier and
Letcher, 2009) (Figure 9-38). The sum (Z) of syn- and
anti-DP concentrations were generally <15 ng/g wet
wt. and variable depending on the colonial site and
year, although Z-DP concentrations were generally
higher post mid-1990s for all sites (Gauthier and
Letcher, 2009). Syn- and anti-DP concentrations
ranged from 310 to 1400 ng/g wet wt. and 130 to
4400 pg/g wet wt., respectively. There was a weak
but significant, negative relationship (as determined
by Spearman's rank correlation coefficient rs = -0.31,
p < 0.001) between the Z-DP concentration and
distance from the only DP production facility in
North America at Niagara Falls, New York. However,
the fraction of the anti-DP to the Z-DP concentration
(fanti) was 0.69 ± 0.08 (for all seven colonies and
years, n = 101 pools). There was no significant,
negative relationship (rs= -0.18, p = 0.07) offanti
with increasing distance from the production facility
at Niagara Falls, New York, which indicated that there
was no temporal or spatial enrichment of either
isomer relative to the commercial DP mixture. Over
the past 25 years, it is clear that DP isomers have
accumulated in the food web of female herring gulls,
with subsequent transfer during ovogenesis.
Norstrom et al. (2002) reported on the geographical
distribution of 25 di- to hepta-bromo-BDE
congeners, derived from penta-BDE and octa-BDE
mixtures, in Great Lakes herring gull eggs (13 egg
pools) from the 15 monitoring colonies. PBDEs
were found at concentrations ranging from 192 to
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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f
tp.
?
w
V
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, i.
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A.
Figure 9-38.
Total Concentrations (ng/g wet wt.) of Dechlorane Plus Isomers (anti and syn) and Temporal
Distribution (1982-2006) in the Eggs of Herring Gulls at Seven Representative Colonies in the
Laurentian Great Lakes.69
1400 ng/g, mean of 662 ± 368 ng/g wet wt. (of egg
contents). The highest concentrations were found
in northern Lake Michigan and Toronto Harbour
(1000-1400 ng/g), and the lowest were found in Lake
Huron and Lake Erie (192-340 ng/g). The distribution
suggested that input from large urban/industrial
areas through air or water emissions contributes
local contamination to the herring gull food web in
addition to background levels from regional/global
transport. The congener composition was similar
among sampling sites. Major congeners were BDE-
47 (43%), BDE-99 (26%), BDE-100 (13%) BDE-153
(11 %), BDE-154 (4%), BDE-183 (2%), and BDE-28
(1%).
Temporal trends of PBDE contamination from
1981 to 2000 were established by analysis of
archived herring gull eggs (10 egg pools) from
colonies in northern Lake Michigan, Saginaw Bay,
Lake Huron, and eastern Lake Ontario (Norstrom
et al., 2002). BDE-47, -99 and -100, and BDE-153,
-154 and -183 concentrations were grouped
Gauthier and Letcher, 2009.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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]
I
106
\ 2
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Figure 9-39. (A-G) Temporal Trends between 1982 and 2006 for Concentrations of BDE-209, ZOcta-BDEs (BDE-
194, -195, -196, -197, -201,-202, -203); INona-BDEs (BDE-206, -207, -208) in Herring Gull Egg
Pools from Seven Representative Great Lakes Colonies; (H) The Congener Pattern of Individual
Octa- and Nona-BDE Congeners in Eggs from Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario and Channel-Shelter
Island Herring Gull Colonies (collected in 2006).70
| rf
l
I:
+ f f
/ /
~ #
I '•
| brt
Am
IK
l m
If
,|
AM
1
121 i i III
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1 ::
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///
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,li
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III
"fell j H
i,l i I i i I ,11.1 iti.li
Figure 9-40. Temporal Distribution for Hexabromobenzene (HBB), 1,2-Bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane
(BTBPE), and 1,2-Dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)cydohexane (sum of a- and p-isomers) at Four
Representative Herring Gull Colonies on the Laurentian Great Lakes.71
Gauthier et al., 2008.
Gauthier et al., 2008.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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separately for analysis because these two groups
had different trends and are primarily associated
with the penta-BDE and octa-BDE flame retardant
formulations, respectively. BDE-47, BDE-99, and
BDE-100 concentrations were 5-12 ng/g wet wt. in
1981 -1983 and then increased exponentially (p<
0.00001) at all three sites to 400-1100 ng/g over the
next 17 years. Doubling times were 2.6 years in Lake
Michigan, 3.1 years in Lake Huron, and 2.8 years
in Lake Ontario. BDE-154, BDE-153, and BDE-183
concentrations generally increased but varied in
an erratic fashion among sites and decreased as a
fraction of PBDE over time. Concentrations of BDE-
154, BDE-153, and BDE-183 were 100-200 ng/g in
eggs from all three colonies in 2000. Therefore, most
of the dramatic increases in PBDE concentrations
observed over the past 20 years in the Great Lakes
aquatic ecosystem seem to be connected with the
penta-BDE formulation, which is mainly used as
a flame retardant in polyurethane foam in North
America. It was concluded that, if these rates of
change continued, concentrations of PBDEs would
equal or surpass those of PCBs in Great Lakes herring
gull eggs in 10-15 years.
However, in a very recent study, 43 PBDE congeners
were monitored, and the temporal (1982-2006) and
spatial trends were reported for quantifiable PBDEs,
and in particular BDE-209, in pooled samples of
herring gull eggs from seven colonies spanning the
Great Lakes (Gauthier et al., 2007,2008). BDE-209
concentrations in 2006 egg pools ranged from 4.5 to
20 ng/g wet wt. and constituted 0.6-4.5% of Z3gPBDE
concentrations among colonies, whereas Zocta-BDE
and Znona-BDE concentrations constituted from 0.5
to 2.2% and 0.3 to 1.1 %, respectively. From 1982 to
2006, the BDE-209 doubling times ranged from 2.1 to
3.0 years, whereas for Zocta-BDEs and Znona-BDEs,
the mean doubling times ranged from 3.0 to 11 years
and from 2.4 to 5.3 years, respectively (Figure 9-39).
The source of the octa- and nona-BDE congeners
(e.g., BDE-207 and BDE-197) is the result of BDE-
209 debromination, and they are either formed
metabolically in Great Lakes herring gulls and/or
bioaccumulated from the diet and subsequently
transferred to their eggs. In contrast to BDE-209 and
the octa- and nona-BDEs, congeners derived mainly
from penta-BDE and octa-BDE mixtures (e.g., BDE-
47, BDE-99, and BDE-100) showed rapid increases
up until 2000; however, there was no increasing
trend post-2000. The data illustrated that PBDE
concentrations and congener pattern trends in
Great Lakes herring gull eggs had dramatically
changed between 1995 and 2006. Regardless
of BDE-209 not fitting the pervasive criteria as
a persistent and bioaccumulative substance, it
clearly has been of increasing concern in Great
Lakes herring gulls, and provides evidence that
regulation of deca-BDE formulations may be
warranted.
The production and use of non-PBDE (BFR)
alternatives have been on the rise, although
their assessment in environmental samples is
largely understudied. Several non-PBDE BFRs
were found in the egg pools of herring gulls
from seven colonies in the five Laurentian
Great Lakes (collected from 1982 to 2006)
(Gauthier et al., 2007, 2009). Of the 19 non-PBDE
BFRs monitored, hexabromobenzene (HBB),
1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE),
decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and a- and
p-isomers of 1,2-dibromo-4-(1,2-dibromoethyl)
cyclohexane (TBECH) were present in eggs from
all the colonies (Figure 9-40). In 2005 and 2006
eggs, the concentrations of DBDPE were highest
at three of the seven colonies (1.3 to 288 ng/g
wet wt.) and surpassed concentrations of BDE-
209. HBB (0.10 to 3.92 ng/g wet wt.), BTBPE (1.82
to 0.06 ng/g wet wt.), and X-TBECH (0.04 to 3.44
ng/g wet wt.; mainly the p-isomer 52 to 100% of
X-TBECH) were detected at lower concentrations
(and generally, XPBDE concentrations). Spatial
trends were observed, although temporal trends
were not obvious in most cases. Regardless,
over the past 25 years, non-PBDE BFRs have
accumulated variably in female herring gulls and
have been transferred during ovogenesis to their
eggs, indicating that there has been continual
exposure and bioaccumulation of several BFRs in
the Great Lakes.
Per- and Poly-Fluorinated Contaminants
Environmentally important PFCAs and PFSAs,
as well as per- and polyfluorinated precursor
compounds (PFCs) including several sulfonamides,
telomer acids, and alcohols were determined in
individual herring gull eggs collected (in 2007)
from 15 colonies located at Canadian and some
American sites across the Laurentian Great Lakes
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108
Figure 9-41. Arithmetic Mean PFOS Concentrations (ng/g wet wt. ± SE) in Individual Herring Gull Eggs (n
= 13) Collected in 2007 from 15 Colonies in the Laurentian Great Lakes: (1) Granite Island, (2)
Agawa Rocks, (3) Big Sister Island, (4) Gull Island, (5) Channel-Shelter Island, (6) Double Island, (7)
Chantry Island, (8) Fighting Island, (9) Middle Island, (10) Port Colborne, (11) Niagara River, (12)
Hamilton Harbour, (13) Toronto Harbour, (14) Snake Island, and (15) Strachan Island.72
(Chu and Letcher, 2009; Gebbink et al., 2009).
The pattern of PFSAs (C6, C8, and C10 chain
lengths) was dominated by PFOS (>90% of
ZPFSA concentration) regardless of collection
location (Figure 9-41). Concentrations of ZPFSA
were significantly higher (p < 0.03) in eggs from
Middle Island (western Lake Erie; 507 ± 47 ng/g
wet wt.), Toronto Harbour (484 ± 49 ng/g wet
wt.), and Strachan Island (486 ± 59 ng/g wet wt.)
(Lake Ontario) compared to eggs from colonies
on Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron. PFCAs
ranging in chain length from C8 to C15 were
detected in the eggs, with perfluoroundecanoic
acid (PFUnA) and perfluorotridecanoic acid
(PFTrA) being the dominant compounds. PFOA
and perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) were more
abundant in the ZPFCA in eggs from Lake Superior
and Michigan colonies, and PFUnA and longer
chain PFCAs were more abundant in the ZPFCA
in eggs from Lakes Erie and Ontario colonies. In
contrast to ZPFSA, the highest concentrations of
ZPFCA were found in eggs from Double Island, Lake
Huron (113 ± 12 ng/g wet wt.), followed by eggs
from colonies on Lakes Erie and Ontario. Among
the PFOS or PFCA precursor compounds assessed
(6:2,8:2, and 10:2 fluorotelomer alcohols and acids
and PFOSA), none were detectable in eggs from
any sampling location. The exception was PFOSA
(average concentration <1 ng/g wet wt.), which
suggests that PFOS in the gulls and subsequently in
their eggs may be due, in part, to biotransformation
of PFOSA to PFOS in the gull and/or in their diet
and food web. The accumulation of PFSA and PFCA
from mainly aquatic dietary sources was suggested,
and was highly lake- and/or colony-dependent,
especially showing a northwest and southeast spatial
trend, with higher concentrations in eggs from
colonies in close proximity to highly urbanized and
industrialized sites in Lakes Erie and Ontario.
Linear and branched [six mono(trifluoromethyl)
and four di(trifluoromethyl)] isomers of PFOS were
72 Gebbink et al., 2009.
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analyzed for and the spatial patterns examined
in individual herring gull eggs (n = 13 per site)
collected (in 2007) from 15 colonies across the
Great Lakes (Gebbink and Letcher, 2010). Linear
PFOS (L-PFOS) consistently dominated the isomer
pattern in all eggs, comprising between 95.0%
and 98.3% of the XPFOS concentration. L-PFOS
was highly enriched in the gull eggs, as the
Xbranched-PFOS to L-PFOS isomer concentration
ratios were very constant (overall average 0.038
± 0.001) and much lower compared to technical
PFOS (range 0.27 - 0.54). The highest proportions
of L-PFOS were generally observed in the eggs
from the lower lakes'colonies (Erie and Ontario).
All six mono(trifluoromethyl) branched isomers
were detected in the eggs from all the colonies.
Comparable to technical PFOS (T-PFOS), the
percentage of the mono(trifluoromethyl) isomer
to XPFOS concentration was much lower than
L-PFOS, and decreased as the branch substitution
was located in the alkyl chain backbone closer
to the sulfonate group (i.e., perfluoro-6-methyl-
heptanesulfonate (P6MHpS), 0% - 2.5%; perfluoro-
5-methyl-heptanesulfonate (P5MHpS), 0.43%
-1.18%; perfluoro-4-methyl-heptanesulfonate
(P4MHpS), 0.25% - 0.69%; and perfluoro-3-methyl-
heptanesulfonate (P3MHpS), 0.32% - 0.74%). This
suggests that the apparent dilution/degradation
of the mono(fluoromethyl) isomers from
environmental processes that occur prior to final
accumulation in herring gull eggs is independent
of the mono(fluoromethyl) isomer structure.
Although at even lower fractional composition
than the mono(trifluoromethyl) isomers, of the
di(trifluoromethyl) isomers, detected in >60% of the
individual eggs per site was perfluoro-3,5-dimethyl-
hexanesulfonate (P35DMHxS) and perfluoro-4,5-
dimethyl-hexanesulfonate (P45DMHxS) for Toronto
Harbour (Lake Ontario), P35DMHxS for Chantry
(Lake Huron) and Fighting Island (Detroit River), and
P45DMHxS for Gull Island (Lake Michigan). Relative
to T-PFOS, and independent of colonial location,
the high and consistent enrichment of L-PFOS in
gull eggs is likely a function of several processes,
including PFOS or precursor sources, and isomer-
specific PFOS or precursor exposure, accumulation,
biotransformation, retention and/or elimination.
Discussion
The spatial distribution of flame retardants and
subsequent trends are affected by a variety
of factors relating to bioaccumulation. Many
concentrations are variable regardless of the
year of collection and source site. This reflects
the spatially different and temporarily variable
diet of the gulls (Gauthier et al., 2007,2008,
2009; Gauthier and Letcher, 2009; Gebbink et
al., 2009; Hebert and Weseloh, 2006; Hebert et
al., 2008a, 2008b, 2009a, 2009b). It is confirmed
that changes in the food web and thus the diets
of herring gulls are manifested in their eggs,
including contaminant levels. Proximity to areas
of concentrated human habitation and industrial
activity also affect contamination levels spatially
and temporally. For example, concentrations of
PBDEs were highest from Gull Island, perhaps
because gulls from the northern Great Lakes are
known to migrate and over-winter close to urban
centers like Milwaukee and Chicago (Gauthier et
al., 2008; Norstrom et al., 2002).
Future studies should focus on a few different
aspects in the study of these concentration
levels. Gauthier et al. (2008) suggest that
there is a need to reassess the need to restrict
production and commercial usage of many
formulations, including deca-BDE. Further
studies are already underway regarding
spatial and temporal trends assessments of
many flame retardants including PBDEs and
DP isomers; however, it is important that the
scientific community continue to monitor new
and existing flame retardants as well as other
anthropogenic chemicals in the Great Lakes
environment. Finally, Hebert et al. (2009a)
suggest that incorporating an integrated
application of ecological tracers will ultimately
help lead to new insights in food web ecology,
which will aid in understanding the health of
herring gulls with respect to contaminants in this
environment.
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110
Table 9-2.
Current, Recent and Historical Concentrations of Eight Contaminants in Herring Gull Eggs from
1974 (or year of first analysis*) to 2007a. Also shown are the direction and amount of change
between 2005 and 2007, and the percentage decline from 1974 to 2007.
Water
Body
Year
PCBs
DDE
HCB
ocs"
Mercury*
Dieldrin
Mirex
HE
1974*
62.75
16.72
0.253
0.0052
0.36
0.516
1.0528
0.1569
Lake
2005
3.71
0.20
0.003
0.0005
0.14
0.008
0.0029
0.0072
Superior
2007
3.29
0.70
0.009
0.0008
0.14
0.021
0.0146
0.0176
(n=2)
[2007 - '05]1
-0.42
0.5
0.006
0.0003
0
0.013
0.0117
0.0104
[1974 - '07]2
94.70%
95.80%
96.40%
84.60%
61.10%
95.88%
99.72%
88.80%
1977*
107.99
29.17
0.128
0.0047
0.42
0.820
0.3570
0.4010
Lake
2005
7.33
0.60
0.003
0.0005
0.12
0.010
0.0053
0.0072
Michigan
2007
4.86
1.05
0.007
0.0005
0.12
0.025
0.0099
0.0144
(n=2)
[2007 - '05]1
-2.47
0.45
0.004
0
0
0.016
0.0046
0.0072
[1977 - '07]2
95.50%
96.40%
94.50%
89.40%
71.40%
96.90%
98.52%
96.41%
1974*
71.01
17.40
0.383
0.0052
0.22
0.503
1.3370
0.1570
Lake
2005
2.31
0.16
0.002
0.0005
0.09
0.005
0.0080
0.0027
Huron
2007
2.76
0.38
0.006
0.0011
0.10
0.014
0.0203
0.0086
(n=2)
[2007 - '05]1
0.45
0.22
0.004
0.0006
0.01
0.009
0.0124
0.0059
[1974 - '07]2
96.10%
98.70%
98.40%
78.80%
93.90%
97.28%
99.41%
94.52%
1978*
115.09
9.44
0.281
0.055
0.21
0.182
0.1273
0.0955
Detroit
River (n=1)
2005
16.48
0.28
0.003
0.003
0.16
0.004
0.0001
0.0022
2007
18.94
1.37
0.015
0.012
0.17
0.037
0.0108
0.0168
[2007 - '05]1
2.46
1.09
0.012
0.009
0.01
0.033
0.0108
0.0146
[1978 - '07]2
83.50%
85.50%
94.50%
78.20%
19.00%
79.46%
99.96%
82.40%
1974*
72.46
7.13
0.291
0.017
0.22
0.355
0.6400
0.1610
Lake
2005
9.38
0.15
0.003
0.001
0.09
0.005
0.0050
0.0030
Erie
2007
18.27
0.91
0.015
0.005
0.15
0.484
0.0219
0.0215
(n=2)
[2007 - '05]1
8.89
0.76
0.012
0.004
0.055
0.478
0.0169
0.0185
[1974 - '07]2
87.70%
87.20%
94.80%
76.50%
33.18%
-36.39%
99.23%
86.68%
1979*
50.47
4.01
0.173
0.0052
0.24
0.465
7.0150
0.1549
Niagara
River (n=1)
2005
3.98
0.16
0.003
0.0005
0.09
0.010
0.0844
0.0052
2007
3.88
0.50
0.011
0.0017
0.11
0.028
0.2811
0.0137
[2007 - '05]1
-0.1
0.34
0.008
0.0012
0.02
0.018
0.1967
0.0085
[1979 - '07]2
92.30%
87.50%
93.60%
67.30%
54.20%
94.06%
98.80%
91.16%
1974*
153.03
22.35
0.580
0.017
0.48
0.201
0.4930
0.0900
Lake
2005
8.33
0.45
0.009
0.002
0.13
0.002
0.0192
0.0017
Ontario
2007
9.22
1.46
0.015
0.004
0.20
0.009
0.0572
0.0076
(n=2)
[2007 - '05]1
0.89
1.01
0.006
0.002
0.07
0.007
0.0380
0.0059
[1974 - '07]2
94.00%
93.50%
97.40%
76.50%
58.30%
95.57%
96.11%
91.56%
1986*
28.90
3.59
0.052
0.026
0.30
0.158
0.9454
0.0649
St.
2005
6.29
0.35
0.002
0.001
0.17
0.007
0.0560
0.0028
Lawrence
2007
8.60
0.90
0.007
0.003
0.22
0.014
0.1866
0.0073
River (n=1)
[2007 - '05]1
2.31
0.55
0.004
0.002
0.05
0.007
0.1306
0.0045
[1986 - '0712
70.2
74.90%
86.50%
88.50%
26.70%
91.39%
94.08%
88.75%
* First year of analysis.
a All concentrations reported in |jg/g wet weight. The average contaminant levels were calculated from the sites for each water body as listed under
Study Areas and Methods, except for Lake Ontario, where only samples from Snake Island and Tommy Thompson Park (Toronto Harbour) were used,
and Lake Huron, where only samples from Chantry and Double Islands were used.
5 OCS first analyzed in 1987, at all sites except at Strachan Island, St. Lawrence River (1st yr = 1988).
c First year of mercury analysis on Lake Michigan was 1982; on the Detroit River was 1981; and on Niagara River was 1981.
1 The change between 2005 and 2007.
! Percentage decline from the year of first analysis to 2007.
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25
20
O)
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Figure 9-42. DDE Concentrations in Herring Gull Eggs from Chantry Island, Lake Huron, 1974-2007. A) Linear
scale; B) Log scale - Showing the significant regression line and an overall constant rate of
decline. Source: Canadian Wildlife Service (see Study Areas and Methods).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Figure 9-43. Contaminant Concentrations in Herring Gull Eggs, 1997-2007: A) Significant decline, PCBs,
Strachan Island, St. Lawrence River (regression line included); B-D) Non-significant patterns:
Mercury at Agawa Rocks, Lake Superior, dieldrin at Chantry Island, Lake Huron and mirex in
Toronto Harbour, Lake Ontario, respectively. Source: Canadian Wildlife Service (see Study Areas
and Methods).
Legacy Compounds
Results
Temporal Trends
To better establish the context of the recent 1997-
2007 analysis, results of the regression analysis
of the eight contaminants from 1974 (or from
when first analyzed) to 2007 are presented first.
In that analysis, there were significant (P<0.001)
declining regressions for 95% (114 of 120) of the
contaminant-site comparisons. All 15 regressions,
for each of PCBs (1:1), DDE. mirex, dieldrin, HCB,
and heptachlor epoxide (HE), showed significant
declines over the 33-year period (see Figure 9-42
for a typical example). Fourteen of 15 regressions
for OCS and eight of 15 for mercury also showed
significant declines. These results are very similar
to those reported in 2007 and in that sense they
represent very little"new" information.
If one compares contaminant concentrations in
herring gull eggs from 2007 with those from 2005
(Table 9-2), the most recent data in the 2006 GLBTS
Progress Report,73 there are an overwhelming
number (61/64,95.3%) of small increases or no
changes in concentration; only three comparisons
declined: PCBs in Lake Superior, Lake Michigan
and the Niagara River. When comparing 2005 with
2003 (data not shown), most changes were in the
other direction; they increased slightly. Therefore,
to better assess recent data (and their variability)
on contaminant trends in herring gull eggs, we also
conducted a regression analysis on data from the
last 10 years available, 1997 to 2007. When these
data were examined, only 5.8% (7 of 120) of the
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Figure 9-44. Spatial Distribution of Contaminant Concentrations of Four Compounds among the 15
Herring Gull Egg Monitoring Sites, 2003-2007. "Measured in pg/g wet weight, 2003-2005.
Source: Canadian Wildlife Service (see Study Areas and Methods).
MOST
contaminated-
LEAST
contaminated
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Figure 9-45. Spatial Rankings of the 15 Herring Gull Egg Monitoring Sites From Most to Least Contaminated,
2003-2007. Source: Canadian Wildlife Service (see Study Areas and Methods).
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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contaminant-site comparisons showed significant
regressions (P< 0.001). The significant regressions
were for PCBs at six locations and DDE at one (see
Figure 9-43 for typical examples). This analysis
suggests that, with the seven exceptions, mainly
PCBs, there has been virtually no significant decline
in concentrations of most legacy contaminants in
gull eggs in the last 10 years.
A relatively recently recognized group of
I contaminants in the Great Lakes whose trend does
I not fit that portrayed by the legacy contaminants
I above are the polybrominated diphenyl ethers
I (PBDEs). Though their appearance in the Great
I Lakes ecosystem is relatively recent, Canadian
I Wildlife Service researchers have been able to
I analyze for them in archival herring gull eggs
I which have been maintained in the National
Wildlife Specimen Bank. In the early 2000s,
I Norstrom et al. (2002) showed a continuously
increasing trend for PBDEs in gull eggs starting
in the early 1980s. More recently, Gauthier et
al. (2008) have shown that lower brominated
I congeners have stabilized or declined, while
highly brominated congeners, especially
decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) have
increased. The Canadian Wildlife Service will
continue to track these contaminants.
I Spatial Trends
I With 15 sample sites distributed among all five
Great Lakes and three connecting channels,
I the Herring Gull Egg Monitoring Program also
lends itself very well to a spatial analysis of
contaminant concentrations. In the 2006 GLBTS
Progress Report,74 results from 1998 to 2002 were
I presented in a spatial context. For this report, we
I have conducted the spatial analysis on data from
I 2003 to 2007, i.e. updating the previous report
| by 5 years. The spatial distribution for mirex, sum
I PCBs, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, and mercury among the 15
herring gull sites is shown in Figure 9-44.
For an overall assessment of all 15 sites together,
we used a weighted ranking scheme (see Study
Areas and Methods), where concentrations of PCBs,
sum DDT, and 2,3,7,8-TCDD contributed the most
(83.5%, 9.5%, 5.0%, respectively) to this process. Gull
eggs from Middle Island (western Lake Erie), Fighting
Island (Detroit River) and Channel-Shelter Island
(Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron) ranked as the three most
contaminated sites. Eggs from Agawa Rocks (eastern
Lake Superior), Double Island (North Channel, Lake
Huron) and Chantry Island (southern Lake Huron)
ranked as the three least contaminated sites (Figure
9-45,Table 9-3) (Weseloh et al., 2006; S. deSolla,
unpubl. data).
Discussion
The major finding represented in this analysis is
the near universal lack of a significant decline in
concentrations of nearly all (legacy) contaminants
measured in gull eggs at these 15 sites during the
last 10 years, 1997-2007. The only exception to this
was PCBs at several sites and DDE at one site; they
continued to decline significantly. A slow-down in
the rate of decline of contaminant concentrations
has been noticed in fish since the late 1980s (Stow et
al., 1995; DeVault et al., 1996; and Hickey et al., 2006)
and has been addressed more recently (Bhavsar
et al., 2007). Pekarik and Weseloh (1998) analyzed
herring gull eggs from 1974 to 1995 by change-
point regression and showed that only 19% of 143
contaminant-site comparisons showed a slower
rate of decline in recent years. Also, in a short-term
regression analysis, just over half of the contaminant
comparisons that were significantly declining in the
early 1980s had slowed in their rate of decline in the
early 1990s.
The contaminant concentrations and their spatial
and temporal trends shown in herring gull eggs
presented in this section follow, to some extent, the
data from fish monitoring programs in the
Great Lakes (Carlson and Swackhamer, 2006; Murphy
et al., 2006). For example, DDE values were greatest
in samples from Lake Michigan, mirex and OCS
were greatest in Lake Ontario, and mercury values
did not vary significantly at sites from across the
Great Lakes water bodies. The gull data differ from
the fish data in that most of the sites that had the
greatest concentrations of various contaminants
were located in the western Lake Erie to Saginaw
74 USEPA and Environment Canada. 2007. Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy Progress Report, February 2007. Available at http://www.epa.gov/
glnpo/bns/reports/2006glbtsprogressreport.pdf.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Table 9-3. Mean Weighted Rank of Each Site, 2003-2007 (arranged from most to least contaminated) and
Range in Rank (1 = most, 15 = least contaminated site).75
Mean
Colony weighted
rank
Middle Island 1.4
Fighting Island 2.5
Channel Shelter Island 2.9
Hamilton Harbour 4.3
Snake Island 4.6
Gull Island 5.6
Leslie Street Spit 6.9
Strachan Island 7.1
Big Sister Island 7.4
PortColborne 10.4
Granite Island 10.7
Niagara River 10.9
Agawa Rock 12.0
Double Island 12.6
Chantry Island 14.2
Least
contaminated rank
for this site
12
15
11
12
8
13
8
14
15
15
12
13
13
14
15
Most
contaminated
rank for this site
1
2
1
3
1
1
1
2
1
10
3
2
1
6
8
Homologous
groups
A
AB
AB
BC
BCD
CD
D
D
D
E
E
E
EF
EF
F
The ranks were weighted with a measure of contaminant toxicity using the ratio between mean egg concentrations of each compound and the
corresponding fish flesh criteria for the protection of piscivorous wildlife (Newell et al., 1987).
* In or within herring gull feeding range of an Area of Concern.
1 Colonies with the same letter are not significantly different (SNK test, a = 0.05).
Data updated from Weseloh et al., 2006.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Bay (southwest Lake Huron) corridor and most of
the sites with the least contaminated gull eggs
were in eastern and northern Lakes Huron and Lake
Superior. For the fish data, the areas of greatest and
least contamination were Lake Michigan and Lake
Superior, respectively. Part of the difference for
the least contaminated lake may be because many
of the herring gulls that breed on Lake Superior
i spend the winter on the lower lakes or the south
end of Lake Michigan (Hebert 1998), where
I they are exposed, temporarily, to more elevated
I contaminant concentrations.
I Fish and gull research both show that the food
I webs in the Great Lakes are changing due to a
I number of factors, including the presence of
I non-native species (Hebert et al., 2006, 2008b,
I 2009b; Hebert and Weseloh, 2006; Murphy et al.,
2006). The net result of this is that, in some cases,
I predators may now be consuming prey from
different food webs than in the past. This can
have important impacts on contaminant trend
interpretation (Hebert and Weseloh, 2006, Ismail
I etal., 2009). For example, feeding lower in the
food web will reduce exposure of predators to
biomagnifying contaminants, possibly leading
to over-estimates of declines in contaminant
availability in the environment. Conversely,
changes in diet leading to increased contaminant
I exposure may give a false impression of increases
I in environmental contaminant availability.
Clearly, altered food webs and concomitant
I impacts on the diets of biomonitoring species
need to be considered when interpreting
I contaminant temporal trends.
I Future studies of the Herring Gull Egg Monitoring
I Program include continuation of the annual
I monitoring and tracking of spatial and temporal
| contaminant trends and further research into
I the use of stable isotopes, fatty acids, and other
ecological tracers to give more detailed meaning
[ to the trends. Recent research is also highlighting
the value of the program in identifying trends
(Gauthier et al., 2007,2008,2009; Gebbink et al.,
2009) and sources of emerging contaminants
(Hebert et al., 2009a).
Acknowledgements
We are appreciative of Abde Idrissi and his Lab
Services staff at the National Wildlife Research Centre
(NWRC) for preparation and analysis of the gull
eggs for legacy POPs and early analysis of emerging
PBDE contaminants. For emerging POPs, later PBDE
studies, non-PBDE BFRs and PFCs, we thank the staff
and students in the Organics Research Group at
NWRC. Clive Hodder provided field assistance; Craig
Hebert provided comments on a previous version of
the manuscript.
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Contaminant Trends in Mussels
Photo: Mussels, unknown location
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,
Center for Coastal Monitoring and Assessment.
Courtesy of US EPA GLNPO.
Mussel Watch Program
Submitted by
Kimani Kimbrough, Ed Johnson, Dennis Apeti and
Gunnar Lauenstein
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Background
Founded in 1986, the Mussel Watch Program is
one of the longest-running national monitoring
programs for estuarine and coastal pollutants in
the U.S. Mussel Watch was designed to monitor the
status and trends of local chemical contamination of
U.S. coastal waters, including the Great Lakes, and is
based on yearly and decadal collection and analysis
of bivalves (oysters and mussels) and sediment,
respectively. Today the program monitors over 150
analytes. Initially, 145 test sites were established
along the coasts, with additional sites in the Great
Lakes added in 1992. The program has expanded
over time to include nearly 300 monitoring sites
(Figure 9-46).76 Mussel Watch also stores samples
in a specimen bank for future use, such as tracking
trends of new and emerging contaminants of
concern.
The information presented here details the status
and trends of chemical concentrations in the
Great Lakes between the years 1993 and 2008,
and compares them to national concentrations.
It was not until the 2009 summer sampling in
the eastern Great Lakes that US EPA AOCs were
first sampled; those data will become available in
the near future. Our results showed few trends
for trace metals. Many organic contaminants
showed decreasing concentrations, probably
resulting from state and federal regulation.
Bivalves are sessile organisms that filter
particles and accumulate contaminants
from water; making them good integrators
of contaminants in a given area (Berner et
al., 1976; Farrington et al., 1980; Farrington,
1983; and Tripp and Farrington, 1984), and
surrogates for environmental quality (Roesijadi
etal., 1984; Sericano, 1993). Using bivalves for
monitoring adds another dimension beyond
abiotic environmental monitoring because the
presence of contaminants in bivalves is evidence
of bioaccumulation. Additionally, contaminants
found in bivalves may also be found in fish at
higher concentrations as a result of consumption
by organisms higher on the food chain.
Because one single species of mussel or oyster
is not common to all coastal regions, a variety
of species are collected to gain a national
perspective. A target species is identified for each
site based on abundance and ease of collection.
76 Lake Superior was not included in the initial sites sampled in the Great Lakes but has been added to the monitoring program. However, current
sampling in Lake Superior is not as extensive as in the other Great Lakes because zebra mussel densities are lower in Lake Superior.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
120
Figure 9-46. NOAA Mussel Watch Program Monitoring Sites. Source; NOAA Mussel Match Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
to the entire nation. Sediment samples are collected
from Mussel Watch sites approximately once
every 10 years, when new sites are established,
or following extreme events such as oil spills.
Bivalve and sediment sites are taken from areas in
close proximity to one another. The top 3 cm of
sediments, representing recent deposition, are used
in this analysis. Three sediment grabs are collected
from three stations and composited. Sediment
collection sites are located as near as possible to, but
generally not more than, 2 km from the bivalve site,
and in low energy depositional areas.
Chemical concentration trends were assessed by
correlating contaminant concentrations with time.
Spearman's rank correlation was used to evaluate
whether concentrations co-varied predictably
as a function of time (Zar, 1999). That is, as time
progressed from the beginning of our monitoring
records (1992, Great Lakes) to our most current data
(2008), did the concentration of contaminants also
progress in an increasing or decreasing manner?
The Spearman's rank correlation procedure is a
nonparametric technique that is free of assumptions
about concentrations being normally distributed
with a common variance about sites. The variables
used for the Spearman's test were year and site
Mussels (Mytilus species) are collected from
the North Atlantic and Pacific coasts, oysters
(Crassostrea virgirtica) from the mid-Atlantic
(Delaware Bay) southward and along the Gulf
Coast, and zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena
species), both invasive species, are collected from
sites in the Great Lakes (Figure 9-46). Mussel
Watch began monitoring the Great Lakes in
1992, within a few years of the introduction of
the invasive zebra mussels which first appeared
in 1988 in Lake St. Clair (Hebert et al., 1989).
Where possible, sites were selected to coincide
with historical mussel and oyster monitoring
locations from other programs, such as the
US EPA's Mussel Watch sites that were sampled
from 1976 to 1978 (Goldberg et al., 1983), and
to complement sites sampled through state
programs, such as the California Mussel Watch
Program (Martin, 1985). Hot spots were initially
avoided; however, as a result of increased
coordination with stakeholders, monitoring at
polluted areas, such as US EPA AOCs, has been
initiated by the program.
Sediments described in this report are used to
compare Great Lakes contaminant measurements
-------
Tissue Status
Tissue Trends
Sediment Status
4;,
V
r\ "w t
II
0.60-2.7
2.8-7.0
• 7.1-15.
Increasing
Decreasing
• No Trend
0.00-0.16
0.17-0.50
0.51-1.2
Figure 9-47. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Trends
(Tissue Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for Aldrin/
Dieldrin. All concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
~ M -
|4 30 -I
at 20 -
ir 1<>
e
U o
¦ iil
—I 1 1 1 1—
WJ4 ys/96 wmo iura
Year
T
T
M7.,UX
Figure 9-48. Aldrin/Dieldrin Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008.
Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
Tissue Sums
Tbiuc Trends
Sdimtnl Slum's
" ' \
t4 yp J
Wt>x -
> » 4 y,:
« 0.0-1.1
^ Inqreeaing
¦ 20-125
Decreasing
12W26
• 2140
• No Trenrl
¦ 4J7-IS50
Figure 9-49. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Tissue Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for B(a)P. All
concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
it
o
w
93/94 95m
91 m wm i>i;o2
Year
03/0-1 05/06 0 im
Figure 9-50. B(a)P Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source: NOAA
Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
concentration rank median (n = 8). Concentration
was standardized by ranking to allow for inter-
species comparison. All comparisons of sediment
and tissue concentrations presented in this
document are derived from the Mussel Watch data
set.
Aldrin/Dieldrin
» The highest levels of aldrin/dieldrin were found
in Lake Michigan tissue samples (Figure 9-47).
» Decreasing trends were observed throughout
the lakes in more than half the sites, while no
increasing trends were found. This is similar
to national trend results for aldrin/dieldrin
(Kimbrough et al., 2008). Overall, trends have
decreased to an asymptotic level in the Great
Lakes (Figure 9-48).
» High and medium sediment concentrations
in the Great Lakes are elevated relative to the
national Mussel Watch median and mean (0 and
0.15 ng/g dry wt.). However, they are lower than
the maximum national Mussel Watch sediment
value (8.5 ng/g dry wt.).
Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]
» For both tissue and sediment, the highest B(a)P
values occurred near urban areas (Figure 9-49).
» Most sites showed no trend; however, there were
three decreasing trends and no increasing trends
(Figure 9-49). Year-to-year variability for B(a)P
supports the fact that sources of B(a)P and other
PAHs still exist in the Great Lakes (Figure 9-50).
» The lowest concentrations found at Great Lakes
sediment sites are above the national sediment
median (14.7 ng/g dry wt.) but an order of
magnitude lower than the highest national
concentration (19,700 ng/g dry wt.). The national
mean of 209 ng/g dry wt. is in the range of Great
Lakes values.
Chlordane
» Elevated levels of chlordane were observed in
sediment and tissue samples from urban and
agricultural sites (Figure 9-51).
» There were only four decreasing trends, at tissue
sites associated primarily with agricultural areas
(Figures 9-51 and 9-52). Most sites showed no
trend.
» All Great Lakes sediment concentrations were
higher than the national median (0.04 ng/g
dry wt.). The highest Great Lakes sediment
concentrations were all higher than the
national mean but several times lower than
the highest national concentration (0.36 and
11.81 ng/g dry wt., respectively). I
DDT (+DDD+DDE)
» Elevated levels of DDT (+DDD+DDE, or I
dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane and I
dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) are I
distributed throughout the Great Lakes in I
both mussels and sediment (Figure 9-53).
» Nine sites showed decreasing tissue
concentrations, and an overall decreasing
trend is exhibited for the Great Lakes (Figures
9-53 and 9-54). I
» Elevated sediment concentrations in
Great Lakes Mussel Watch samples are
above the national mean but orders of
magnitude lower than the national Mussel
Watch maximum (2.8 and 107 ng/g dry wt.,
respectively).
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) I
» Elevated levels of HCB in tissue samples are
associated primarily with urban/industrial
areas (Figure 9-55). I
» At most sites, tissue measurements showed
no trend (Figure 9-55).
» Stable concentrations across all Great Lakes
sites (Figure 9-56) are consistent with stable
levels in HCB air and water releases reported
to US EPA's TRI from 1990 to 2005 (US EPA,
2007).
» Sediment levels of HCB in the Great Lakes are
high when compared to national median and
mean concentrations of 0.03 and 0.53 ng/g dry
wt., respectively. The highest Mussel Watch
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
]
I
124
Tissue Status
Tissue Trend*
Scdimenl Status
HUB
if ^
• O.U-1.6
1.7-5.9
^ Increasing
Deceasing
0.05-0,17
0.18-0.55
• ft.0-13 • No Trend ¦ 0.56-1.0
Figure 9-51. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Tissue Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for Chlordane. All
concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
£
c
-3
Si
s
+
u
E
30
25
20
15
in
5
0
- 1
1 ¦ ¦ B ¦
¦ ¦¦
')5Wi vim
9mo 01/02
Year
03/04 05/06 07/1IH
Figure 9-52. Chlordane Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source:
NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
Tiwut Statu1.
Tissue Trends
Scdimciit Si lii us
"« t- -
\ 1
Jo x.'J
tfrx ¦¦
• 0.59-12
~ -46
I Increasing
Decreasing
0.27-17
2.8-9.2
* 47-92 • No Trend ¦ 93-14
Figure 9-53. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve
Concentrations (TissueTrends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status)
for DDT (+DDD + DDE). All concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel
Watch Program.
250 -
s
2«KJ -
1m
X)
150 -
all
|
-------
Tissue Sialus
Tissue Trends
Sediment Mains
i% £?
<«>
^ Increasing 1
Decreasing
• No T fend I
Figure 9-55. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for HCB, All concentrations
reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
(~.IK-1 3
1,4-_U)
0.1 l-2.ll
:.«i .'J
MM ft
C
if
9
w
III
93/94 W>6 97m 99AM) nl,t!2 03rtM (15/06 Q7AB
Year
Figure 9-56. HCB Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source: NOAA
Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
sediment concentration (16 ng/g dry wt.) occurs
in the Great Lakes (Figure 9-55).
Mirex
» High levels of mirex in both sediment and
tissue occur in Lake Ontario (Figure 9-57). The
distribution of mirex in Lake Ontario is consistent
with its history of manufacture in the region.
» Three of the four Lake Ontario sites, where
concentrations were the highest, showed
decreasing trends; all other sites throughout the
lakes showed no trend (Figure 9-57).
» Elevated sediment mirex concentrations found
in Lake Ontario are the highest Mussel Watch
sediment measurements in the nation (3.5
ng/g dry wt.; Apeti and Lauenstein 2006). Low
sediment concentrations in the Great Lakes are
below the national mean (0.06 ng/g dry wt.).
» Across all Great Lakes Mussel Watch sites, mirex
tissue levels have declined since 1993 (Figure
9-58).
PCBs
» Great Lakes PCB tissue concentrations range
several orders of magnitude (Figure 9-59).
» Most sites showed no trend; however, overall,
PCB concentrations in mussels appear to be
higher in the early years than in more recent
years (Figure 9-60).
» All Great Lakes PCB sediment concentrations
are higher than the national median (1.0 ng/g
dry wt.), with elevated concentrations all being
higher than the national mean (8.14 ng/g
dry wt.). The highest national Mussel Watch
sediment concentration is 124 ng/g dry wt.
Cadmium
» Elevated levels of cadmium in tissue samples are
distributed throughout the Great Lakes (Figure
9-61).
» Decreasing trends in tissue concentrations were
observed uniformly throughout the Great Lakes
(Figure 9-62).
» All Great Lakes sediment measurements are
higher than the national median and mean of
0.16 and 0.27 pg/g dry wt., respectively. The
highest cadmium sediment concentration in
the nation occurs in the Great Lakes (2.24 pg/g
dry wt.; Apeti et al., 2009).
Heptachlor (+Heptachlor Epoxide)
» Elevated concentrations of heptachlor in
tissue samples occur in all of the Great Lakes
(Figure 9-63).
» About one-third of the sites showed
decreasing trends; no trends were observed
in Lake Erie and southern Lake Huron (Figure
9-64); however, across all sites, more recent
concentrations are lower than historic tissue
concentrations (Figure 9-64).
» The highest Mussel Watch heptachlor
sediment concentration occurs in the Great
Lakes (2.0 ng/g dry wt.). Most of the Great
Lakes measurements are above the national
Mussel Watch mean (0.065 ng/g dry wt.).
Pentachlorobenzene
» Most tissue levels were below detection
limits; only four sites were elevated (Figure
9-65).
» No trends were observed in Lake Michigan
and Lake Huron; in contrast, most sites
in Lake Erie and Lake Ontario showed a
decreasing trend (Figure 9-65).
» Across Great Lakes Mussel Watch sites,
pentachlorobenzene concentrations in
mussel tissue have declined since 1997
(Figure 9-66).
Tributyltin (TBT)
» Elevated levels of TBT in mussels were highest
in western Lake Erie and southern Lake
Michigan (Figure 9-67).
» Most sites showed no trend, but decreasing
trends were observed at three sites in southern
Lake Michigan. Increasing trends in TBT
concentrations were observed at two sites in
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
]
I
128
!~muir Siatus
Tissue Trends
Sfdlmtnt Si a 1 us
\ _
frV «
S» '/
"
• 0,[KMW7
O.&S'l.S
I Increasing
Decreasing
• U.LiCMMi-t
0.05-0.33
• J,9-7,3 • No Trend ¦ GJ4-15
Figure 9-57. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for Mirex. All
concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
20 -
95 m
97/98 WtN) 0IM2
Year
03AP4 05A>6 117/TJK
Figure 9-58. Mirex Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source: NOAA
Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
I
I
129
Tissue Status
Tissue Trends
Sediment Status
CP
• 1,1-152
153-461
* 4fc I -!165
Figure 9-59.
^ rnarieasing
Decreasing
• No Trend
4.1-S.I
8.2-Sh
57-W
Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve
Concentrations (Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for
PCBs. All concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Wll -
NKI -
41Ki -
l>vVI
95/96
«w
-------
]
I
130
©
a ¦
n^ui- stuius
Tissue Trvuds
ScdhtiL-nt StiiEut
I
1
lr
'2 4 * . S-w
V4
VrA..**
• C.K4-2.S
2.9-4.7
• 4.7-10
A Increasing
Deereasjfligi
• No Trend
n "1-0 55
0.56-1.0
J. I-2.2
Figure 9-61. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for Cadmium. All
concentrations reported in uglg dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
I
#
10 -
X -
ci
6 -
M.
4 -
o
£
s
(J
2 -
0 -
F=aiBfeJ
93/94
97m 99/00 01/02
Year
03/04 05/06 07/08
Figure 9-62. Cadmium Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source:
NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
western Lake Erie and may be associated with
recreational boat use (Figure 9-67).
» Across all Great Lakes sites, Mussel Watch TBT
tissue concentrations have declined considerably
since 1993, largely the result of the phase-out of
TBT compounds as an anti-fouling agent (Figure
9-68).
Mercury
» The highest levels of mercury were found in
Green Bay,Thunder Bay, Saginaw Bay, Traverse
Bay, and Black River Canal (Figure 9-69).
» Decreasing trends were observed at only three
sites (Figure 9-69).
» High and medium mercury sediment levels
were found in western Lake Erie at Stony Point
and Reno Beach, Green Bay in Lake Michigan,
and Lake Ontario near Olcott and Cape Vincent.
Stony Point had the highest reported sediment
mercury level in the country (0.68 pg/g dry wt).
» Across Great Lakes Mussel Watch sites, mercury
tissue levels showed no increasing or decreasing
trend (Figure 9-70).
Tetrachlorobenzene
» The highest tissue concentrations were observed
in Lake Huron at Saginaw Bay and Lake Michigan
at Milwaukee Bay but were below the national
high of 18.8 ng/g dry wt.
» Most sites showed no trend; however, there were
nine decreasing trends, primarily in Lakes Erie
and Ontario, and no increasing trends (Figure
9-71).
» The highest sediment concentration measured
in the Great Lakes was also the highest in the
country (11.0 ng/g dry wt.).
» Across the Great Lakes, recent
tetrachlorobenzene levels at Mussel Watch sites
are lower than historic values (Figure 9-72).
Overall Findings
» Like national bivalve concentrations, tissue
concentrations are higher than sediment
concentrations.
» Nationally, sites are distributed in areas
representative of ambient levels of
contamination; therefore, hotspots are often
avoided, though sites like Milwaukee were
established in an AOC and therefore may
indicate elevated contaminant levels, which
may also be found once data for additional
AOCs become available. This may result in
Great Lakes concentrations that are higher
than those found at the national level
because of the high density of industry and
urbanization in the Great Lakes or the slow
water turnover rate in the Great Lakes.
» As with many of the compounds,
concentrations are decreasing for those
with relevant legislation. However, for
others, concentrations may not appear to
be decreasing because they have reached
an asymptotic background level and may
still be receiving input from atmospheric
deposition, ground water, or rivers and
streams.
» Our results showed few trends for trace
metals. Most organic contaminants show
decreasing concentrations, probably
resulting from state and federal regulation.
Enhancements to the Mussel Watch Program
Beginning in 2009, NOAA is making several
enhancements to the Mussel Watch Program. The
primary goal of these enhancements is improved
data and information sharing, and coordination
with the monitoring efforts of other federal
and state agencies. Specific to the Great Lakes,
the Mussel Watch Program has expanded the
number of monitoring sites and environmental
measurements used to characterize Mussel Watch
sites. Some of the benefits of these enhancements
will be:
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
132
Tissue Status
Tissue Trend*
Srdi merit Statu?)
|i J*
-
»»t. >a
fri, • • T
i>
• o.h-i:
I.KL8
Increasing
Decreasing
No Trend
n.MMlJW
ij.4tMJ.93
ii.94-2.tl
Figure 9-63. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for Heptachlor
(+ Heptachlor Epoxide). All concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch
Program.
MM 95/96 97/98
99/00 OljQl
Year
OMM 05X16 07/08
Figure 9-64. Heptachlor (+ Heptachlor Epoxide) Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites,
1993-2008. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
0.0
0,01-033
0.34-13
^ Increasing
Decreasing
• No Trend
0-0.34
0.35-Q.^I
0.'J2-L#
1
I
133
Tissue Status
Tisiui- Trends
ScdirtKMii Status
a--¦**
58 f #*8
O
HP"
* n
-
Figure 9-65. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve
Concentrations (Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for
Pentachlorobenzene. All concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel
Watch Program.
Figure 9-66.
97/98 9
-------
]
I
134
Tissue Status
Tissue Trends
Sediment Status
.. a
'¦>.
*11
• 0,OO*OJ$
0.87-M
• 4.^8,9
^ Increasing
Decreasing
• No Trend
Q,tMm.34
11,34-11,^1
0.91-1.75
Figure 9-67. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for TBT. All concentrations
reported in ng Sn/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
£
c
"w
e
V)
at
o
U
120 -
100 -
80 -
6(1 -
40 -
2i>
0
93/94 95/% 97/98
9MH0 01/02 03/04 05/06 07/08
Year
Figure 9-68. TBT Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source: NOAA
Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
135
Tissue Status
Tissue Trends,
Scdimeni Slams
if**' J
ft"-s
b
0,021 - 0.026
IMI27 (U1SS
0,[J^5 - 0.W4
^ Incrfiasing
Decfuaslrig
• No Trend
<1.0? ¦ <112
<1 13 -0.2W
«,2Si - 0,6*
Figure 9-69. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve
Concentrations (Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) for
Mercury. All concentrations reported in pg/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
0,20
4 k. 15 -
t'
-p
M ft in -
st
E
O
ft ft 5
ftiKl A
i =J u
1 + ¦ ¦ * m
93ii94 9S/% 97AJS Wi/DO 01AI2 U3J04 05/06 07/PK
Year
Figure 9-70. Mercury Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1993-2008. Source:
NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
]
I
136
Tissue Slat lis,
Tiwut Trends
Sediment Status
^ ...
V *Ov
%»
V
DJO - OJ
0.4 - O.W
* 1.0- 3.2
^ Increasing
DGcreasng
• No Trend
0 J - 0J59
0.6 - 1.5
1.6- II 0
Figure 9-71. Maps with 2006/2007 Bivalve Concentrations (Tissue Status); 1992-2007 Bivalve Concentrations
(Trends); and 2006/2007 Sediment Concentrations (Sediment Status) forTetrachlorobenzene. All
concentrations reported in ng/g dry wt. Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
S
C
&£
ai
=
c
f %
w
SO
4t!
30 -
20 -
Li)
0
* B
.
97m 99/HO £31/1)2 03/04
Year
o5/i¥i
—i—
07AHH
Figure 9-72. Tetrachlorobenzene Whisker Plots for Mussel Watch Tissue from Great Lakes Sites, 1997-2008.
Source: NOAA Mussel Watch Program.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
-------
» Use of Mussel Watch data to assess the
effectiveness of remediation efforts in the Great
Lakes.
» Use of contaminant monitoring data for an AOC
redesignation into Recovery Stage and for the
formal delisting of an AOC.
» Increasing spatial coverage of contaminant
monitoring.
» Creation of a warning network for detecting
contaminants of emerging concern.
» Expand coordination of monitoring efforts with
other agencies.
References
Apeti, D. A., Lauenstein, G. G. and Gerhardt, R. F.
2009. Cadmium distribution in coastal sediments
and mollusks of the U.S. Marine Pollution Bulletin 58:
1016-1024.
Apeti, D. D. and Lauenstein, G. G. 2006. An
assessment of mirex concentrations along the Great
Lakes. American Journal of Environmental Science 2:
95-103.
Berner, L.H., J. McGowan, J.H. Martin, and J.Teal.
1976. Sampling marine organisms. In: Strategies for
Marine Pollution Monitoring, E. D. Goldberg, (ed.).
John Wiley & Sons, NY. pp. 269-73.
Farrington, J. W. 1983. Bivalves as sentinels of coastal
chemical pollution: the Mussel (and oyster) Watch.
Oceanus 26(2):18-29.
Farrington, J. W., J. Albaiges, K. A. Burns, B. P. Dunn,
P. Eaton, J. L. Laseter, P. L. Parker, and S.Wise. 1980.
Fossil fuels. ln:The International Mussel Watch.
National Research Council. National Academy of
Sciences - Office of Publications, Washington, D.C.
pp. 7-77.
Goldberg, E.D., M. Koide, V. Hodge, A.R. Flegal, and J.
Martin. 1983. U.S. Mussel Watch: 1977-1978 results
on trace metals and radionuclides. Estuarine Coastal
Shelf Science 16:69-93.
Hebert, P. D. N., B. W. Muscaster, and G. L. Mackie.
1989. Ecological and genetic studies on Dreissena
polymorpha (Palla): a new mollusk in the Great
Lakes. Can. J. Fish. Aquat. Sci. 46:1587-1591.
Kimbrough, K. L., W. E. Johnson, G. G. Lauenstein,
J. D. Christensen and D. A. Apeti. 2008. An
Assessment of Two Decades of Contaminant
Monitoring in the Nation's Coastal Zone. Silver
Spring, MD. NOAATechnical Memorandum NOS
NCCOS 74.105 pp.
Martin, M. 1985. State Mussel Watch: Toxics
surveillance in California. Marine Pollution Bulletin
16(4):140-146.
Roesijadi, G., J.S.Young, A.S. Drum, and J.M.
Gurtisen. 1984. Behavior of trace metals in
Mytilus edulis during a reciprocal transplant
field experiment. Marine Ecology Progress Series
18:155-70.
Sericano, J.L. 1993. The American Oyster
(Crassostrea virginica) as a Bioindicator ofTrace
Organic Contamination. Doctoral dissertation,
Texas A&M University, College Station, TX. 242
pp.
Tripp, B.W., and J.W. Farrington. 1984. Using
sentinel organisms to monitor chemical
changes in the coastal zone: progress or
paralysis. Submitted to the Coastal Society,
9th Annual Conference, October 1984, Atlantic
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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138
additional information on the occurrence of
persistent toxic substances or emerging chemicals of
concern. The following paragraphs summarize some
of the recent results used to establish trends in Great
Lakes sediments and surface waters.
A screening-level survey of recently deposited
sediments was undertaken for Canadian tributaries
to the Great Lakes over a five-year period ending
in 2005. The geographical scope of the program
was from the Quebec provincial border on Lake
Ontario in the east to the Canadian/American border
on Lake Superior in the northwest. A total of 431
tributaries were sampled and analyzed for 52 organic
compounds.
PFCAs were detected in all of the tributary sediments
analyzed. The distribution of concentrations is
shown in Figure 9-74. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
had the highest mean concentration of PFCA in
surfkial sediment, which showed a west to east
concentration gradient across the Great Lakes. There
was no similar pattern for the other PFCAs.
Perfiuorosulfonate compounds were not found
in every tributary analyzed. While PFOSA was the
most common, detected in all but two samples, the
highest concentrations were found for both PFOS
and perfluorodecasulfonate (PFDS). While high
levels of PFOS accompanied with significant levels
of PFDS and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)
often reflect an influence from released aqueous fire
fighting foam (AFFF), the Lake Ontario tributaries
often had much higher PFDS concentrations than
PFOS. This difference likely indicates a significant
source other than AFFF.
While the highest values for perfluoroalkyl
sulfonates (PFAS) were found near large urban
areas, not all large urban tributaries contained
high concentrations of PFAS. The distribution of
concentrations is shown in Figure 9-75. The highest
values of total perfluorocarboxylates and total
perfluorosulfonates were found in the tributaries of
large centers such as Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington
(Lake Ontario), Sarnia (Lake Huron), and Windsor.
However, none of the six tributaries in Thunder Bay
and Sault Ste Marie (Lake Superior) had elevated
levels PFAS. It is also noteworthy that none of
the sampled tributaries to Lake Erie had elevated
concentrations, which may be a reflection of its
City, NJ. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
Contribution No. 5830.
Zar, J.H. 1999. Biostatistical Analysis. 4th Edition.
Prentice-Hall: Upper Saddle River, NJ. 931 pp.
Trends in Great Lakes Sediments and
Surface Waters
Photo: North Shore stream flows into Lake
Superior
Lake Superior, Minnesota
Minnesota Extension Service, Dave Hansen.
Courtesy of US EPA GLNPO.
Spatial and Temporal Trends in Selected
Pollutants in Great Lakes Waters and
Sediments
Debbie Burniston, Brad Hill, Joanne Parrott, and
Chris Marvin
Environment Canada
Burlington, ON
Water and sediment contaminant monitoring
programs began in the late 1970s to the mid-
1980s and are ongoing in the open waters and
interconnecting channels of the Great Lakes
(Figures 9-73a and b). Due to the comprehensive
nature of these programs, spatial and temporal
trends can be assessed over the breadth of the
entire Great Lakes Basin and can illustrate the
response in the ambient environment to toxic
reduction initiatives at local and regional scales.
Meanwhile, threat assessment studies can provide
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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1
I
139
• fl
¦ Fcr 5t
Figure 9-73a. Open-lake arid Interconnecting Channel Water Quality Sites Monitored for Persistent Toxic
Substances. Source: Environment Canada
'<¦ . . :
i. a- » ¦ *
'¦' ¦:
ii,
4 ..
i ' » « ¦
't V .v
Figure 9-73b. Open-lake Bottom Sediment Sites Monitored for Persistent Toxic Substances.
Source: Environment Canada
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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rural character. Contrary to these observations,
Marsh Creek, a tributary in the small community
of Picton, Ontario, which drains into the Bay of
Quinte (Lake Ontario), had the highest levels of
perfluorocarboxylates and the second highest
levels of perfluorosulfonate.
The results of this survey provide information
about recently deposited sediment quality, and
can be used to help determine whether Canadian
I watersheds are sources of pollutants to the Great
I Lakes.
I Archived sediment samples taken from several
I Environment Canada monitoring programs
I established the occurrence and spatial
I distribution of PBDEs and perfluorinated
I compounds (PFCs) on sediment in the Detroit
I River. The Detroit River is one of the connecting
rivers between Lake Huron and Lake Erie. Its
I watershed is highly urbanized and industrialized,
I and the resultant pollution contributes to its
I designation as a binational AOC. Levels of both
new and emerging chemicals were relatively low
compared to historic concentrations of PCBs. Of
the PFCs, only PFOS was detected consistently.
I There appeared to be little influence on the
concentrations from the tributaries. In contrast,
PBDEs showed an opposite trend, with increasing
I levels down the river. While some PBDEs are
I still in production, several formulations have
I been prohibited, and there is no evidence that
I environmental levels have decreased in the
I Detroit River.
I Figure 9-76 shows the occurrence and spatial
I distribution of PFOS in Detroit River suspended
I sediment in 2000. Levels decrease down
I the corridor leading to Lake Erie. Decreasing
I levels may be attributed to dilution by non-
| contaminated sediment and/or partitioning into
I the dissolved water phase. Further sources of
PFOS down the corridor may include tributaries
to the river. While Turkey Creek had the second
highest levels of PFOS found in all of the Canadian
tributaries to the Great Lakes, the level of 1.1
ng/g does not appear to influence sediment
concentrations in the river, suggesting that
loadings from the tributary are not great. Other
tributaries along the corridor had only minimal
concentrations of PFOS.
In contrast to PFOS, the concentration of total PBDEs
did not decrease as it moved down the Detroit River
(Figure 9-77). While this trend is less clear in 2000
due to the high value in the upper reaches of the
river, it should be noted that concentrations between
samples were highly variable. PBDE and PFOS show
a significant increase in concentration at the top of
the river; however, PBDE concentrations continue to
increase as the sediment moves down the corridor
in 2006, and after a decline in 2000. Differences in
the levels of total PBDE at the bottom of the river in
the two channels provide evidence that the majority
of PBDE loadings are along the western shoreline.
The distribution of PBDEs in the Detroit River is
comparable to the distribution of HBCD, also a
current-use flame retardant.
Environment Canada visited Lake Superior in 2001
and Lake Huron in 2002 to evaluate the current
extent of sediment contamination, determine
spatial trends of contaminants, and identify areas
of associated sources. Tributary sediment surveys
of Lakes Superior and Huron were conducted in
2006 and 2004, respectively. Nearshore sediment
samples were collected in 2005 campaigns for Lake
Superior, St. Marys River, North Channel, and in 2002
for Lake Huron. These samples were collected to
determine the occurrence and spatial distribution
of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs, dioxin-like
polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs), and PBDEs; and
to identify potential sources of these contaminants
to the lakes. Results indicate PCDD/F and DLPCB
levels at high-level sites are significantly different
from the mean level across the Lakes Superior and
Huron basins.
Figure 9-78 shows PCDD/F and DLPCB
concentrations in sediments from the study regions.
Generally, PCDD/Fs and DLPCBs at most sampling
sites were found at low levels. Highest levels of these
contaminants were observed at tributary sites and
an off-shore site. PCDD/Fs across the Lakes Superior
and Huron basins were generally lower than those
observed in Lakes Ontario and Erie.
PBDE concentrations in Lake Huron sediment are
shown in Figure 9-79. Generally, PBDEs in sediments
were observed at low-ppb levels with a lakewide
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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* •>
10
/!~ .'. V
J; /
'j tee-con
'01 -ftim
Figure 9-74. Levels of Perfluorocarboxylates in Canadian Tributaries to Great Lakes, 2000 - 2005/
Jy
3 2
9
Figure 9-75. Levels of Perfluorosulfonates in Canadian Tributaries to Great Lakes, 2000 - 2005.'
" Burniston et al., 2006.
7? Ibid.
1
I
141
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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142
The NRTMP is approved by Four Parties: Environment Canada, United States Environmental Protection Agency (Region II), Ontario Ministry of the
Environment, and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Photo 9-1. Sediment Retrieval in Randle
Reef. Courtesy of Joanne Parrott,
Environment Canada.
average of 4000 pg/g dry wt. The concentrations
observed in this study are similar to those
found in Lake Superior, and slightly lower
than those previously reported in Lake Huron.
Environmental releases of PBDEs to the Great
Lakes are believed to be from the use of the
penta- and/or deca-mixtures.
Environment Canada conducted sediment
surveys to detect PBDEs in the open water of
Lake Superior in 2001, Lake Huron including
Georgian Bay and North Channel in 2002, and
Lake Michigan in 2002 to evaluate the current
extent of sediment contamination, determine
spatial trends of contaminants, and identify areas
of potentially associated sources. Environment
Canada also conducted a tributary screening
survey on Lake Superior in 2006 and Lake
Huron in 2004 by sampling surfkial sediments
near the mouths of Canadian tributaries. The
survey provides an indicator of water quality and
contaminant loadings in Canadian watersheds
around the lakes. Water quality in the nearshore
areas of the Great Lakes is regularly monitored
by the MOE through the Great Lakes Nearshore
Monitoring and Assessment Program.
Photo 9-2. Sprayer Suits on Randle Reef.
Courtesy of Joanne Parrott,
Environment Canada.
The sum of 17 PBDE concentrations is shown in
Figure 9-80. PBDEs are widely dispersed and display
a large variation across the watersheds of Lake
Superior, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. In general,
the open water areas of Lake Huron and Lake
Michigan exhibit slightly higher levels of PBDEs than
Lake Superior (Figure 9-81). Nearshore sediments
had PBDE concentration ranges similar to offshore
sediments in Lake Superior and Lake Huron (Figure
9-81, Shen etal.,2008).
Results from the Upstream/Downstream Program,
part of the Niagara River Toxics Management Plan
(NRTMP),79 are intended to determine whether
concentrations of specified chemicals at the mouth
of the Niagara River at Niagara-on-the-Lake (NOTL)
are statistically different from concentrations at
the head of the Niagara River at Fort Erie (FE),
and to assess trends over time. The Upstream/
Downstream Program measures the concentrations
of trace metals in whole water and trace organic
contaminants in both water and suspended solids.
A comparison of recombined whole water and whole
water sampling results (90% Confidence Interval)
with the most stringent agency water quality criteria
for the period 2001 through 2005 reveals:
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Utur
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I
143
Figure 9-77. PBDE Concentrations in Suspended Sediment in the Detroit River 2000 and 2006.1
Burniston and Marvin, 2009.
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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]
I
144
5T*
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Figure 9-78. PCDD/F and DLPCB Concentrations (pg/g dry wt.) in Lakes Superior and Huron Sediment.'
'¦J COO
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Figure 9-79. PBDE Concentrations (pg/g dry weight) in Lake Huron Sediment.1
'* Shen et al., 2009.
Shen et al., 2007.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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3
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84 Shen et al., 2008.
Ibid.
I
I
145
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l
I
146
17 of the 71 compounds sampled showed
exceedences of the strictest agency
guidelines between 2001-2002 and 2004-
2005.
> 13 ofthe 17 compounds that show
exceedences, including dieldrin, HCB, total
chlordane, mirex, pp-DDT, pp-DDE, total DDT,
total PCB, benz(a)anthracene, benzo(b/k)
flouranthene, chrysene/triphenylene,
benzo(a)pyrene, and mercury are part of the
NRTMP's 18 "Priority Toxics".
» The remaining four compounds that
exceed strictest agency guidelines include
benzo(g,h,i)perylene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)
pyrene, aluminum, and iron.
» Mirex, HCB, chrysene/triphenylene, total
chlordane, benzo(a)pyrene, benz(a)
anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene, iron,
and mercury exceeded their criteria only at
NOTL.
» Dieldrin p,p-DDT, p,p-DDE, total DDT,
total cogener PCBs (TCPCBs), benzo(b/k)
fluoranthene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, and
aluminum exceeded strictest agency criteria
at both FE and NOTL, suggesting Lake Erie/
upstream sources to the river.
» Based on the particulate phase only, mercury
concentrations exceeded the strictest whole
water criteria (1.3 ng/L) once in the four-year
period (2001-2002) and only at the NOTL site.
In addition to identifying water quality criteria
exceedences, the Niagara River Upstream/
Downstream Monitoring Program is used to
examine trends in the concentrations and
loadings of toxic compounds.
The trend of dieldrin concentration in the
dissolved phase at NOTL and FE is shown in Figure
9-82. The concentrations and rate of decrease
are similar at both stations. This suggests that the
major input of dieldrin to the river is from Lake
Erie/upstream, and that the changes occurring
at both the FE and 16 NOTL stations are being
dictated by changes in dieldrin concentrations
upstream ofthe river.
Changes in HCB concentrations in suspended
sediment using annual Maximum Likelihood
Estimations (MLEs) at the NOTL and FE stations
are shown in Figure 9-83. In contrast to dieldrin
concentrations, HCB concentrations are vastly
different at the two stations.
In some cases, compounds are not detected at the
upstream FE site and trends can only be seen at
NOTL. This is the case, for example, for OCS and
mirex (Figure 9-84). This indicates that the chemical
is originating from Niagara River sources, and the
concentrations and changes in concentration reflect
what is happening at those sources.
The PAHs benzo(b/k)fluorathene and benzo(a)pyrene
are shown in Figures 9-85 and 9-86, respectively. The
results suggest that there is an increasing trend for
these contaminants in the suspended sediment at FE
and NOTL. The reason for the increases is not known
at present, but one theory is that the increases may
be due to the change in the characteristics ofthe
bottom sediments as a result of zebra and quagga
mussel colonization of the eastern basin of Lake Erie.
Evidence also seems to suggest that increasing PAH
levels may be related to increased vehicular traffic at
border crossings in the Niagara region (Van Metre,
2000).
The Aquatic Ecosystem Protection Research Division
& Aquatic Ecosystem Management Research Division
of Environment Canada86 assessed the toxicity
of Hamilton Harbour sediments and waters to
laboratory fish prior to Randle Reef dredging and
remediation activities. Sediments were collected (see
Photo 9-1), and semi-permeable membrane devices
(SPMDs) were deployed at several locations in Randle
Reef (see Photo 9-2), Windermere Arm, Hamilton
Harbour and Lake Ontario. Chemicals such as PAHs
and PCBs taken up by fish can cause increases
in detoxifying enzymes in the liver. Juvenile
rainbow trout exposed for 4 days to sediments had
increased liver enzyme activities (ethoxyresorufin-
O-deethylase, EROD) 5- to 15-fold above controls.
The most potent EROD-inducing sediments were
Environment Canada, National Water Research Institute, Burlington, Ontario.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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1
I
147
D#Wri# m Ihf- OtM^cMvfd PHm*
j—¦ ¦ ¦ *r:T- Jmm I" —•— rg m W J * » » -sxw CS Ci I
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Figure 9-82. Annual Dissolved Phase Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Upper 90% Confidence
Interval (CI) of Dieldrin from 1986-1987 to 2004-2005.87
|—¦— ble - ¦ - w.--. -•** *s"> r - «- - w-wn isj - • - i-opg kt% a |
MX
IS'SB
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Figure 9-83. Annual Suspended Sediment Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Upper 90%
Confidence Interval (CI) of HCB from 1986-1987 to 2004-2005.88
Niagara River Secretariat, 2007.
Ibid"
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]
I
148
MM* I Ml M NOT L
±*enm —< — jmrifl* © I
nm
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Figure 9-85. Annual Suspended Sediment Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Upper 90% Confidence
Interval (CI) of Benzo(b/k)fluoranthene from 1986-1987 to 2004-2005.90
Ibid.
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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B*n*& I PytH* ir 3kn,pwndwd
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Figure 9-86. Annual Suspended Sediment Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) and Upper 90%
Confidence Interval (CI) of Benzo(a)pyrene from 1986-1987 to 2004-2005.91
Ibid.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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from Randle Reef, and these sediments contained
the highest concentrations of PAHs, including
benzo(a)pyrene, anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene,
benzo(g,h,i)perylene, perylene, and phenanthrene.
Fish embryos exposed to Randle Reef sediments for
15 days showed changes in growth, development
and survival of eggs and newly-hatched fish.
I Embryos exposed to 60 and 200 g of Randle
Reef sediment/L had increased egg and larval
I mortality, as well as severe deformities (Figure
I 9-87). In addition, exposure to Randle Reef
I sediments reduced larval size compared to water
I controls and reference-exposed groups. Analysis
I is ongoing to determine if individual PAHs or
I groups of certain PAHs (in sediments or SPMD
I extracts) can account for most of the fish EROD
I and fish embryo toxicity (Figure 9-88). The results
allow Environment Canada to assess and rank
I the potency of Hamilton Harbour sediments in
I terms of fish responses prior to clean-up. Fish
responses will be compared to future post-
remediation sediments to demonstrate changes
I in fish toxicity after remediation.
References
Burniston D, Dove A, Backus S, and Kraft J. 2006.
Environment Canada, Sediment Quality in
Canadian Lake Huron Tributaries: A Screening-
Level Survey. Report No. ECB/EHD-OR/06-01/1.
Burniston D, Furdui V, Dove A, Backus S, Reiner
I E, Kraft, J. 2006. Perfluoroalkyl Compounds in
I Surficial Sediment from Canadian Great Lake
I Tributaries. 22nd International Symposium on
I Halogenated Environmental Organic Pollutants
I (2006), Organohalogen Compounds, Vol. 68.
I Burniston, D and C Marvin. 2009. Polybrominated
| Diphenyl Ethers and Perfluorinated Compounds
I in Detroit River Sediment. 24th International
Symposium on Halogenated Environmental
' Organic Pollutants (2009). Organohalogen
Compounds, Vo I u m e 71.
Hill, B and P Klawuun, 2009. Niagara River
Upstream/Downstream Monitoring Program
Report 2001 -2002 to 2004-2005. For Data
Interpretation Group, River Monitoring Committee.
Niagara River Secretariat'2007. Niagara River Toxics
Management Plan (NRTMP) Progress Report and
Work Plan.
Parrott J, Colavecchia M, and Marvin C, Environment
Canada, Burlington, Ontario.
Shen L, Gewurtz S, Reiner E, KolicT, MacPherson
K, Helm P, Howell T, Burniston D, Brindle I, Marvin
C, 2007. PCDD/Fs, Dioxin-like PCBs, PBDEs in
Surficial Sediments of Lakes Superior and Huron.
23rd International Symposium on Halogenated
Environmental Organic Pollutants (2007).
Organohalogen Compounds Volume 69.
Shen L, Gewurtz S, Reiner E, KolicT, MacPherson
K, Helm P, Howell T, Burniston D, Brindle I, Marvin
C, 2008. PBDEs In Surficial Sediments of the Great
Lakes: Lakes Superior, Huron and Michigan.
23rd International Symposium on Halogenated
Environmental Organic Pollutants (2008).
Organohalogen Compounds Volume 70.
Shen, L., Gewurtz, S.B., Reiner, E.J., MacPherson,
K.A., Kolic,T.M., Khurana, V., Helm, P.A., Howell,
E.T., Burniston, D. A., Brindle, I. D., Marvin, C. H.,
2009. Occurrence and sources of polychlorinated
dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and dioxin-like
polychlorinated biphenyls in surficial sediments of
Lakes Superior and Huron. Environmental Pollution,
157 (4), p.1210-1218.
Van Metre PC, Mahler BJ, and ET Furlong, 2000.
"Urban Sprawl Leaves its PAH Signature", Environ. Sci.
Technol., v34, p.4064-4070.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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E
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Windjirrtlfrrt Arm <10 WA|
*<•
Randle Reef Priority Zone 1 (RR1)
In-harbour Reference jRRO)
"'[" "T -I
0 50 100 150 200 250
Exposure (g ww sedlment/L)
Figure 9-87. Percentage of Larva Deformed after Exposure to Sediments from Reference Site (green line),
Randle Reef (red line) or Windermere Arm (black line). Source: Environment Canada
EROD induction in trout is related to
total PAH in sediments
25 f — Randle Reef
o
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125 at
150 giL
Ham Harb &
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100
Total PAH (ug/g sed)
1,000
Figure 9-88. EROD Induction (pmoles/mg protein/minute) in Trout Exposed to Different Concentrations (10
to 150 g/L) of Various Sediments from Hamilton Harbour. Randle Reef sediments contained
the highest concentrations of PAHs and caused the highest EROD responses in fish. Source:
Environment Canada
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153
wMmDiom&Awmm
'isconsin, Photograph by Carole Y. Swinehart
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GREAT LAKES
BINATIONAL TOXICS STRATEGY (GLBTS)
PROGRESS OVERVIEW 1997 - 2009
GLBTS Development, Integration Workgroup,
| and Stakeholder Forum
1997
I - 4/7/97 U.S. and Canada sign the GLBTS: Canada-United States Strategy for the Virtual Elimination of
Persistent Toxic Substances in the Great Lakes
- 6/26/97 Stakeholders invited to workshop to develop a draft GLBTS Implementation Plan
I -12/97 GLBTS Implementation Plan distributed and Substance participation solicited
I -12/97 GLBTS Website is developed
I 1998
- 3/23/98 Kick-off implementation meeting in Chicago to form seven substance workgroups
I - 6/19/98 The first GLBTS Integration Workgroup meeting is convened in Romulus, Michigan
I - 6/98 GLBTS Website is redesigned; PCBs and Mercury Workgroup pages added
- 7/98 GLBTS Website is redesigned; Integration, Dioxins, Pesticides, HCB/B(a)P, Alkyl-lead, and OCS
I Workgroup pages added
I - 10/21-23/98 GLBTS display and presentation (including GLBTS handouts, a brochure, Website cards,
GLBTS progress timeline and activity sheets) at SOLEC in Buffalo, NY
-11/16/98The first GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is convened in Chicago, IL
-11/16/98The first GLBTS Progress Report is distributed
1999
I -1/26/99 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
I - 4/27/99 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Toronto, Ontario
I - 4/28/99 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
| - EC and US EPA develop draft communications strategy, present it to Integration Workgroup, and revise
I strategy based on stakeholder comments
- 8/24/99 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Detroit, Michigan
I - 9/23-26/99 US EPA, EC and invited speakers give GLBTS session presentation at the IJC Great Lakes Water
Quality Forum in Milwaukee, Wl
- 9/24/99 A preliminary draft GLBTS Progress Report issued at IJC meeting in Milwaukee, Wl
-10/99 GLBTS main and Mercury Workgroup web pages are redesigned
-10/7/99 A Canadian GLBTS Report on Level II Substances is posted on the GLBTS Website
-11/18/99 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
-11/19/99 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
-12/99 Preliminary planning initiated for a PCP Workshop (to include the GLBTS pesticides, HCB and Dioxin/
Furan Workgroups)
-12/3/99 a U.S. GLBTS Report on Level II Substances is posted on the GLBTS Website
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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-12/15/99 Draft (Full) 1999 GLBTS Progress Report issued
-1999 (various dates) Development of a Canadian GLBTS communications plan
2000
-1/28/00 Municipal Solid Waste and Incineration Workgroup planning conference call
- 2/11/00 Municipal Solid Waste and Incineration Workgroup planning conference call
- 2/15/00 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
- 5/15/00 Protecting the Great Lakes, Sources of PBT Reductions Workshop on Municipal Solid Waste
Management is held in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/16/00 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held, with the theme"Meeting the Challenge"
- 9/22/00 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
- 2000 (various dates) GLBTS communications plan is finalized by EC;"key messages"finalized; various
communications products in development (brochure, business cards, display unit, letterhead, Website
improvements, success stories)
2001
- 2/20/01 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
- 2/21/01 GLBTS 2000 Progress Report is posted to GLBTS Website
- 5/17/01 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/18/01 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
- 6/18/01 GLBTS Sector Subgroup begins a series of conference calls to select a short list of sectors for a
pilot effort
- 8/28/01 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
- 9/19/01 GLBTS Sector Subgroup begins information-gathering phase focusing on the short list of sectors
-11/14/01 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL, with the theme"lmplementation - Partners in
Progress"
-11/15/01 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
-11/16/01 GLBTS/LaMP Workshop in Chicago, IL, with the theme of "Program Synergies - Partners in
Progress, Exploring how we can mutually support the pollutant reduction needs and efforts of each
program synergistically"
2002
- 1/25/02 GLBTS Sector Subgroup begins summarizing findings
- 2/26/02 GLBTS Sector Subgroup presents summary of findings to Integration Workgroup
- 2/26/02 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
-The GLBTS EC/US EPA Website"binational.net" is created
- 5/29/02 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum and Five-Year Anniversary event are held in Windsor, Ontario
- 5/29/02 GLBTS Five-Year Perspective report issued
- 5/30/02 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
- 9/16/02 GLBTS Sector Subgroup holds conference call to discuss a pilot sector project
- 9/18/02 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
-12/3/02 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
-12/3/02 Draft GLBTS 2002 Progress Report issued
-12/4/02 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2003
2/25/03 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
3/01/03 GLBTS Binational.net bookmark created as a marketing tool
- 4/01/03 GLBTS CD ROM containing the Strategy, annual progress reports (1998,1999, 2000,2001, & 2002),
Five-Year Perspective, and various Strategy Updaters (all in both French and English) is created and 5,000
copies are sent to basin stakeholders and Washington and Ottawa government officials
- 4/03/03 GLBTS presentation to the Lake Superior LaMP Forum in Duluth, Minnesota
- 5/05/03 GLBTS presentation to International Pulp and Paper Conference in Portland, Oregon
- 5/13/03 GLBTS presentation to Commission for Environmental Cooperation, Sound Management of
Chemicals (SMOC) meeting in Windsor, Ontario
- 5/14/03 Final GLBTS 2002 Progress Report posted at www.epa.gov/glnpo/bns and binational.net
- 5/14/03 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum held in Windsor, Ontario, in conjunction with CEC SMOC public
meeting
- 5/15/03 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
- 6/01/03 GLBTS Update prepared, as well as GLBTS displays in French, Spanish, and English
- 6/11/03 GLBTS presentation to Canadian P2 Roundtable in Calgary, Alberta
- 6/16/03 Conference call with Agricultural Subgroup of Integration Workgroup
- 6/23/03 GLBTS presentation to IAGLR in Chicago, Illinois
- 7/31/03 GLBTS Public outreach tent set up at Chicago Tall Ships event in Chicago, Illinois
- 8/11/03 GLBTS presentation at Emerging Chemicals Workshop in Chicago, Illinois
- 8/19/03 Conference call with LaMP leads to discuss GLBTS/LaMP Crosswalk of priorities
- 9/01/03 GLBTS 2003 Activity Update prepared
- 9/04/03 Conference call held with small number of Integration Workgroup members to discuss draft
GLBTS Level I Substance Assessment Process
- 9/11/03 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
- 9/11/03 GLBTS Fall 2003 Workgroup Activity Update distributed
- 9/18/03 GLBTS attendance at the IJC Public Forum in Ann Arbor, Michigan
-10/24/03 GLBTS presentation to European delegation at EU REACH Program in Chicago, Illinois
- 11/25/03 Conference call with LaMP and GLBTS Stakeholders to discuss GLBTS Level I Substance
Assessment Process
- 12/02/03 GLBTS presentation to Lake Superior LaMP Task Force in Thunder Bay, Ontario
-12/16/03 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
-12/16/03 Draft GLBTS 2002 Progress Report issued
-12/17/03 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
2004
- 2/04 Final GLBTS 2003 Progress Report posted at www.epa.gov/glnpo/bns and binational.net
- 4/13/04 - 4/15/04 GLBTS Management Framework Workshop in Chicago, Illinois
- 6/17/04 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Toronto, Ontario
- 6/18/04 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
-10/07/04 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario: Draft Management Assessment for OCS
and Management Assessment forDioxin and Furans presented
-10/07/04 GLBTS Fall 2004 Workgroup Activity Update distributed
-11/16/04 - 11/18/04 Presentation at Workshop on Environmental Health Effects of Persistent Toxic
Substances - Hong Kong: "The GLBTS as a Governance Model to reduce PTS"
-11/30/04 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
-12/01/04 Draft GLBTS 2004 Progress Report issued
12/01/04 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2005
- 2/10/05 GLBTS update presented to Lake Superior LaMP Chemical committee in Marquette, Ml, given by
Alan Waffle and E.Marie Wines
- 3/09/05 GLBTS update presented at GLRPPR in Chicago, IL, given by Alan Waffle
- 3/11/05 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle) at EC's Workshop on Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care products
in Burlington, Ontario
- 3/23/05 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario: Draft Management Assessments forHCB,
B(a)P, PCB, mercury, alkyl-lead, and pesticides presented
- 3/29/05 GLBTS attendance at IJC Chemical Exposure Workshop in Chicago, IL
- 4/11/05 GLBTS display presented at US National Environmental Partnership Summit
- 5/05 Final GLBTS 2004 Progress Report posted at http://binational.net/bns/2004/index.html
- 5/17/05 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/18/05 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/24/05 GLBTS presentation given by Ted Smith at IAGLR in Ann Arbor, Ml
- 6/01/05 GLBTS presentation at Canadian Pollution Prevention Roundtable in Victoria, British Columbia,
given by Tricia Mitchell and Alan Waffle
- 9/15/05 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
- 9/27/05 GLBTS update presented to Lake Superior LaMP Workgroup in Thunder Bay, Ontario, given by
Alan Waffle
- 9/29/05 GLBTS attendance (Ted Smith and Alan Waffle) at SOLEC Chemical Integrity Workshop in Windsor,
Ontario
- 11/02/05 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle) at IJC GLWQA Public Meeting in Windsor, Ontario
- 12/06/05 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
- 12/07/05 Draft GLBTS 2005 Progress Report issued
- 12/07/05 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
2006
- 2/08/06 Presentation to Binational Executive Committee in Chicago on GLBTS successes and path
forward by Gary Gulezian and Danny Epstein
- 2/16/06 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Windsor, Ontario
- 3/07/06 to 3/08/06 GLBTS attendance (Ted Smith and Alan Waffle) at Environment Canada/Ontario
Ministry of the Environment "Emerging Chemicals Workshop" in Toronto, Ontario
- 3/29/06 to 3/30/06 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle and Tricia Mitchell) at Environment Canada's
"Workshop on Pharmaceuticals" in Burlington, Ontario
- 4/26/06 to 4/27/06 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle) at CEC SMOC meeting in Windsor, Ontario
- 4/28/06 GLBTS attendance (Ted Smith and Alan Waffle) at EC & US EPA GLWQA Review in Chicago
- 4/28/06 to 12/06 GLBTS participation as the US (Ted Smith) and Canadian (Alan Waffle) co-chairs of the
Toxics Workgroup reviewing the GLWQA
- 5/17/06 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/18/06 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Toronto, Ontario
- 5/31/06 GLBTS presentation to Lake Superior LaMP Workgroup in Duluth, Minnesota, given by Alan Waffle
- 6/14/06 GLBTS presentation at Canadian Pollution Prevention Roundtable in Halifax, given by Alan Waffle
- 6/22/06 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle) at Great Lakes Cities Initiative meeting in Perry Sound, Ontario
- 7/31/06 Final GLBTS2005 Progress Report posted at http://binational.net/bns/2005/2005-GLBTS-English-
web.pdf
- 08/02/06 GLBTS and GLWQA presentations at DePaul University, Chicago, given by Danny Epstein and
Susan Nameth
- 8/03/06 to 8/07/06 GLBTS promotion booth at Tall Ships event on the Chicago Waterfront, hosted by staff
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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from EC (Canadian lead Tricia Mitchell) and US EPA (US EPA Lead E.Marie Wines)
- 9/19/06 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
- 9/19/06 GLBTS presentations at Harbin Institute of Technology in Harbin, China, given by Alan Waffle
- 9/25/06 to 9/26/06 International Workshop on Contaminated Site of Lindane and POPs in China, Xian, China,
given by Alan Waffle, S. Venkatesh, and Yi-Fan Li
-10/11/06 to 10/12/06 GLBTS attendance (Alan Waffle) at State of Lake Huron Workshop in Honey Harbour,
Ontario
-11/01/06 GLBTS display booth at SOLEC
-11/05/06 to 11/09/06 GLBTS attendance (Tricia Mitchell) at Society of Environmental Toxicology and
I Chemistry 27th Annual Meeting in Montreal
I -11/20/06 GLBTS Presentation at University of Toronto, given by Alan Waffle, S. Venkatesh, and Tricia
I Mitchell
I -12/06/06 GLBTS Stakeholder Forum is held in Chicago, IL
I -12/07/06 Draft GLBTS 2006 Progress Report issued
I -12/07/06 GLBTS Integration Workgroup meets in Chicago, IL
I -12/12/06 to 12/14/06 GLBTS attendance (Ted Smith and Alan Waffle) at first U.S. Conference
I Characterizing Chemicals in Commerce in Austin,Texas
I 2007
I -1/24/07 GLBTS presentation to Richview Collegiate physics students, Toronto, given by Alan Waffle and
I Tricia Mitchell
- 2/21/07 Integration WG meeting, held in Windsor
- 3/5/07 GLBTS attendance by Tricia Mitchell at Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the
Canadian Environment: Research and Policy Directions, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- 3/27/07 GLBTS attendance by Tricia Mitchell at Lake Ontario Contaminant Monitoring & Research
Workshop - Planning for the 2008 Cooperative Monitoring Year, Grand Island, New York
- 3/28/07 GLBTS attendance by Tricia Mitchell at Lake Ontario LaMP Workgroup meeting, Grand Island,
I New York
- 4/16/07 GLBTS presentation by Danny Epstein at CEC Sound Management of Chemicals Meeting,
I Monterey, Mexico
I - 5/23/07 BTS 10 Year Anniversary Evening Reception and Dinner, held in Chicago, along with Stakeholder
I Forum
- 5/24/07 to 5/25/07 BTS 10th Anniversary Workshop: Strategy's Future Focus and Challenges, held in
I Chicago
I - 6/14/07 Presentation to Canadian Pollution Prevention Roundtable, Winnipeg, given by Alan Waffle
I - 6/25/07 GLBTS attendance by Ted Smith at American Water Resources Association, Vail, Colorado
I - 8/9/07 GLBTS attendance by Ted Smith at New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission on
I PPCPs, Portland, Maine
| - 9/20/07 Integration WG meeting, held in Windsor
I - 9/26/07 GLBTS presentation of proposal for new Substance and Sector Groups to Binational Executive
Committee, by Danny Epstein
' -10/9/07 GLBTS presentation by Ted Smith at North American Hazardous Materials Management
Association, San Diego, California
- 10/23/07 Attendance at Lake Ontario LaMP WG meeting, Grand Island, NY, by Alan Waffle
-10/29/07 Attendance at"Making a Great Lake Superior," Duluth, Minnesota, by Alan Waffle
-11/12/07 GLBTS presentations by Ted Smith at Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry,
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
-11/15/07 GLBTS presentation at Univ. of Toronto, by Alan Waffle and Tricia Mitchell
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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-12/12/07 Stakeholder Forum, held in Chicago, IL
-12/13/07 Integration WG meeting, held in Chicago, IL
2008
- 01/25/08 to 01/26/08 GLBTS participation in Lake Superior Binational Forum in Two Harbors, MN, by Alan
Waffle and Martin Nantel
- 05/09/08 Attendance at Lake Superior Binational Forum meeting, Nipigon, Ontario, by Martin Nantel
- 06/04/08 Stakeholder Forum, held in Burlington, Ontario
- 06/04/08 Integration WG meeting, held in Burlington, Ontario
- 06/11/08 to 06/12/08 GLBTS participation at Lake Superior LaMP WG meeting, Thunder Bay, Ontario, by
Martin Nantel and Alan Waffle
- 09/02/08 to 09/04/08 GLBTS participation at Lake Superior LaMP WG meeting, Bayfield, Wisconsin, by Alan
Waffle and Martin Nantel
- 09/25/08 Integration WG meeting, held in Chicago, IL
-10/15/08 to 10/16/08 GLBTS presentation at Lake Erie LaMP meeting, Erie, PA, by Alan Waffle
-10/22/08 to 10/23/08 GLBTS display at SOLEC, Niagara Falls, Ontario, by Alan Waffle and Martin Nantel
-12/04/08 Stakeholder Forum and Integration WG meeting, held in Chicago, IL
-12/09/08 to 12/11/08 GLBTS participation at Meeting Current and Emerging Environmental Challenges
within the Great Lakes - St Lawrence Basin: An Environment Canada Environmental Prediction Needs
Assessment Workshop, Cornwall, Ontario, by Alan Waffle and Martin Nantel
2009 and ongoing
- 01/30/09 to 01/31/09 Attendance at Lake Superior Forum Meeting, Superior, Wisconsin, by Martin Nantel
- 03/20/09 GLBTS presentation at Univ. of Toronto, by Alan Waffle and Martin Nantel
- 03/25/09 to 03/26/09 GLBTS attendance and presentation at the Lake Superior ThinkThank (Restoring
and Protecting the Lake Superior Basin: Actions Today and Ideas for Tomorrow), Thunder Bay, Ontario, by
Alan Waffle and Martin Nantel
- 04/14/09 GLBTS attendance at BEC meeting, with presentation of proposed GLBTS reporting and
operational changes, by Alan Waffle
- 04/21/09 to 04/22/09 GLBTS presentation at Lake Erie LaMP meeting, Erie, PA, by Alan Waffle
- 04/29/09 to 04/30/09 Attendance at Cooperative Science and Monitoring Workshop (by Alan Waffle and
Martin Nantel) and Chemical Session lead (Martin Nantel), Duluth, MN
- 05/06/09 to 05/07/09 Attendance and GLBTS presentation at Lake Ontario Management Committee
Meeting, Picton, Ontario, by Martin Nantel
- 06/02/09 to 06/04/09 Attendance at Lake Huron Binational Partnership Program, Les Chenaux, Michigan,
by Alan Waffle
- 06/16/09 to 06/18/09 Attendance at Lake Superior LaMP WG meeting, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, by Alan
Waffle and Martin Nantel
- 06/22/09 Cooperative Science and Monitoring Initiative (CSMI) Priority Setting Discussion for Lake
Superior Chemicals, Burlington, Ontario, by Martin Nantel
- 06/23/09 GLBTS Status Update Teleconference with stakeholders
- 09/22/09 to 09/24/09 Attendance at Lake Superior LaMP WG meeting, Munising, Michigan, by Alan Waffle
and Martin Nantel
- 09/23/09 GLBTS Status Update Teleconference with stakeholders
-10/07/09 to 10/08/09 Attendance and workshop participation (Eutrophication and Chemicals of Emerging
Concerns) at the IJC Biennial Meeting, Windsor, Ontario, by Alan Waffle, Martin Nantel, Tricia Mitchell, and
Kelly Phillips
-10/17/09 to 10/18/09 GLBTS green chemistry meeting with Executive Director of the Green Centre Canada,
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Kingston, Ontario, by Alan Waffle
-11/05/09 to 11/06/09 Attendance at Lake Superior Binational Forum Meeting,Thunder Bay, Ontario, by
Martin Nantel
-11/05/09 Release of the GLBTS 2008 Status Report (hard copy, web, CD)
-11/20/09 to 11/20/09 GLBTS attendance at BEC meeting, by Alan Waffle and Tricia Mitchell
- 12/03/09 Stakeholder Forum and Integration WG meeting, held in Chicago, IL
Substance Activities: Mercury (Hg)
GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998
- 3/23/98 Workgroup (WG) is formed at the first implementation meeting
- 5/5/98 WG conference call is held
- 8/24/98 Background Information on Mercury Sources and Regulations is posted on the GLBTS Website
- 9/10/98 Options Paper Developing a Virtual Elimination Strategy for Mercury is posted on the GLBTS
Website
-11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-11/17/98 GLBTS workshop on Potential Mercury Reductions at Electric Utilities is held in Chicago
1999
-1/99 GLBTS web postings include: Wisconsin Mercury Source Book on community Hg reduction plans,
findings of the Mercury Reduction at Electric Utilities workshop, and Mercury Success Stories
- 2/99 Information and FAQs on mercury fever thermometers posted on the GLBTS Website
- 3/99 GLBTS web postings include: The WDNR guide, Mercury in your Community and Environment, and a
manual for hospitals, Reducing Mercury Use in Health Care
- 4/99 Workshop on community initiatives for reducing Hg
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-11/99 Draft GLBTS Step 1&2 Sources and Regulations report for mercury is posted on the GLBTS Website
2000
- 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- 6/00 GLBTS web page on Mercury Thermometers and FAQs is updated
- 8/00 Memo on progress in reducing mercury use posted on the GLBTS Website
- 9/1/00 A final draft GLBTS Reduction Options (Step 3) report for mercury is prepared and posted on the
GLBTS Website on 9/29/00
-10/17/00 Expansion of mercury web page links
-11/18/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto
2001
¦ 5/17/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto
11/14/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
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2002
- 5/29/02 - 5/30/02 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
-12/2/02 WG meeting in Chicago, IL on reducing impact of dental mercury
-12/3/02 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2003
- 5/14/03 - 5/15/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
- 12/16/03 - 12/17/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2004
- 6/17/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- 8/04/04 Workgroup report revised: Options for Dental Mercury Reduction Programs: Information for State
and Local Governments
-11/30/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2005
- 5/17/05 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
- 12/06/05 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2006
- 02/06 WG finalizes Management Assessment for Mercury
- 5/17/06 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
-12/06/06 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2007
-1/31/07 WG teleconference to discuss possible new challenge goals
-12/12/07 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2008 - 2009
- 6/03/08 WG meeting in Burlington, Ontario
-11/17/09 to 11/18/09 2009 Mercury Science and Policy Conference with a Special Focus on the Northeast
and Great Lakes Regions, held in Chicago, IL
Other Mercury Related Activities
1997 and Earlier
- Chlorine Institute voluntary mercury commitment to reduce mercury use by 50 percent by 2005
-12/97 Mercury Report to Congress is released by US EPA
1998
- 5/8/98 Chlorine Institute releases progress report on voluntary mercury commitment
- 6/25/98 US EPA and AHA sign an MOU on reducing medical wastes
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9/15/98Three northwest Indiana steel mills commit to developing mercury inventories and reduction plans
-10/98 IDEM household mercury collection efforts
- Dow Chemical Company commits to mercury reductions
- PBT Strategy grant to the Northeast Waste Management Officials'Association to encourage state mercury
reduction efforts
1999
- 8/99 As part of 1998 agreement, mercury inventories at Indiana steel mills are completed
-10/99 Mercury waste collection component of the Cook County (Illinois) Clean Sweep pilot begins
- Six Ontario hospitals sign MOU to voluntarily reduce Hg
- Pollution Probe investigates Hg reduction options for electrical products sector in Ontario
- Automotive Pollution Prevention Project efforts to phase-out Hg
- US EPA grant to Ecology Center of Ann Arbor: promoting mercury P2 in the health care industry
- Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) begins multimedia zero discharge pilot / focus on Hg
- Michigan Mercury Pollution Prevention Task Force
-11/16/98 Draft PBT National Action Plan for Mercury is released by US EPA
-Total mercury used in lamps declines from an estimated 17 tons in 1994 to an estimated 13 tons in 1999,
even though significantly more mercury-containing lamps are sold in 1999 than in 1994.
2000
- Chlorine Institute reports 42 percent reduction, production-adjusted, in mercury use
- US EPA, state agencies, and academic researchers conduct meetings with chlor-alkali industry
representatives to coordinate mercury reduction projects
- Olin Corp. cooperates with US EPA, state, and academic researchers on mercury monitoring project at
chlor-alkali plant
- Indiana steel mills complete mercury reduction plans; extend invitation to suppliers to commit to
developing mercury inventories and reduction plans
- Auto Alliance commits to eliminate mercury switches in auto convenience lighting; New York DEC and
Michigan DEQ implement mercury removal programs at auto scrap yards
- Hospitals for a Healthy Environment produces a Mercury Virtual Elimination Plan for hospitals under the
AHA-US EPA MOU. State and local governments provide technical assistance to hospitals, and the National
Wildlife Federation (NWF) continues its outreach and education efforts, signing up nearly 600 medical
facilities to NWF's"Mercury Free Medicine Pledge."
-Wisconsin DNR and Department of Agriculture conduct a dairy mercury manometer replacement
program; approximately 375 mercury manometers are recycled.
- University of Wisconsin extension creates a Website and list server to share information about mercury in
schools.
-The Thermostat Recycling Corporation collects over 500 lbs of mercury from over 57,000 thermostats
collected and processed from January 1,1998 to June 30,2000. The program is expanded to the Northeast
and will gradually be expanded to include the entire U.S.
-The Great Lakes Dental Mercury Reduction Project funded by the Great Lakes Protection Fund produces
a brochure template: Amalgam Recycling and Other Best Management Practices. Great Lakes Dental
Associations reprint and distribute this document to their memberships. The University of Illinois-Chicago
dental school and the Naval Dental Research Institute conduct research on controlling mercury in dental
wastewater and help to educate dentists about best management practices.
- Coalitions including Health Care Without Harm and the National Wildlife Federation successfully encourage
several national retailers to stop the sale of mercury-containing thermometers to the public. Duluth,
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Minnesota, Ann Arbor Michigan, unincorporated areas of Dane County, Wisconsin, and several Dane Country
municipalities, ban the sale of mercury thermometers.
2001
- 651 hospitals join the National Wildlife Federation's Mercury-Free Hospitals campaign
- Ispat-lnland Indiana Harbor Works, Bethlehem Steel-Burns Harbor Division, US Steel-Gary Works, the Delta
Institute, and Lake Michigan Forum created the Guide to Mercury Reduction in Industrial and Commercial
Settings
- Mercury Switch-out Pilot Program launched by Pollution Probe, Ontario Power Generation, Ontario
Ministry of the Environment, and Environment Canada to collect mercury switches from old vehicles
- 2/21/01 A workshop entitled "Extended Producer Responsibility and the Automotive Industry" is
sponsored by the Canadian Autoworkers Union'sWindsor Regional Environment Council and Great Lakes
United
2002
- 2/27/02 Great Lakes United kicks off series of information-sharing sessions about auto mercury-switch
removal programs for State agency staff
- 4/5/02 Chlorine Institute releases its Fifth Annual Report to EPA, showing a 75 percent reduction in
mercury use by the U.S. chlor-alkali industry between 1995 and 2001, more than meeting this sector's
commitment to reduce mercury use 50 percent by 2005
-10/1/02 Thermostat Recycling Corporation announces that it collected 28,000 thermostats and 231 lbs
of mercury in the first half of 2002, a 15 percent increase from mercury collections in the first half of 2001.
The program began to serve the 48 continental U.S. States in the fall of 2001.
-10/18/02 The Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (H2E) program has 335 partners representing 1,019
facilities: 347 hospitals, 618 clinics, 22 nursing homes and 32 other types of facilities. These partners are
health care facilities that have pledged to eliminate mercury and reduce waste, consistent with the overall
goals of H2E.
2006
- 6/06/06 US EPA reaffirms Clean Air Mercury Rule (CAMR)
- 8/06 National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program established by agreement among vehicle
manufacturers, steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, auto shredders, brokers, the environmental community,
state representatives, and the US EPA.
-12/9/06 EC published a Proposed Notice under Part 4 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act of
1999 outlining proposed requirements to prepare and implement pollution prevention plans for mercury
releases from mercury switches in end-of-life vehicles processed by steel mills. The Notice targets vehicle
manufacturers and steel mills.
-12/20/06 EC posted a Risk Management Strategy (RMS) for Mercury-containing products and is holding
consultations to obtain the views of Canadians. The RMS provides a framework for the development of
control instruments to manage the environmental effects of mercury used in products.
2007
- 2/07 NWF issues report, Putting the Brakes on Quicksilver: Removing Mercury from Vehicles in Ohio.
- 4/17/07 Report to Congress: Mercury Contamination in the Great Lakes released. Available at http://www.arl.
noaa.gov/data/web/reports/cohen/NOAA_Great_Lakes_Mercury_Report.pdf
- 5/07 Chlorine Institute releases its Tenth Annual Report to EPA, showing an 89 percent capacity-adjusted
reduction in mercury consumption by the U.S. chlor-alkali industry between 1995 and 2005.
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8/07 GLRC released draft Great Lakes Mercury in Products Phase-Down Strategy for public comment.
- 9/07 Switch the 'Stat program launched by the Clean Air Foundation in partnership with 850 heating and
cooling contractors in Ontario, to encourage programmable thermostats and collect mercury-containing
thermostats.
2008 and Ongoing
- 8/07 Draft Mercury Phase-Down Strategy posted to GLRC website.
- 6/08 Final Mercury Phase-Down Strategy posted to GLRC website.
- 04/09 EC posts Proposed P2 Notice in Canada Gazette Part I requiring targeted dental facilities to prepare
and implement BMPs regarding mercury releases from dental amalgam waste.
- 9/09 Draft Mercury Emission Reduction Strategy posted for comment to GLRC website.
Substance Activities: Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs)
GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998 and Earlier
- As of January 1993, approximately 25,000 tonnes of high-level PCBs are either in use or in storage in
Ontario; 1529 active PCB storage sites in Ontario
- 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
- 6/15/98 WG requests that the IG develop a strategy on sediments
-11/10/98 Options Paper Virtual Elimination of PCBs is posted on GLBTS Website
-11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
1999
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-11 /99 Draft GLBTS Step 1&2 Sources and Regulations report for PCBs is posted on the GLBTS Website
- WG solicits and gains commitment of 3 U.S. auto manufacturers to reduce PCBs
- WG solicits commitment of steel producers to reduce PCBs
2000
- 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- Final draft GLBTS Step 3 Reduction Options report for PCBs is prepared (7/14/00) and posted (9/29/00) on
the GLBTS Website
- WG continues to use PCB reduction commitment letters, through EC and US EPA, to seek commitments to
reduce PCBs. Specific companies are targeted, primarily major owners of PCB transformers and capacitors,
and associations, such as CGLI
- WG solicits and gains commitment to reduce PCBs from 2 Canadian auto manufacturers, 4 Canadian steel
producers, and over 30 municipal electrical utilities in Ontario
- WG leaders and Council of Great Lakes Industries (CGLI) finalize outreach letters used to seek PCB reduction
commitments from trade associations. CGLI identifies specific trade associations to begin outreach. EC mails
letters to trade initial associations. US EPA mailings to follow.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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- WG begins to compile case study reports on reasons why companies remove their PCBs
- WG begins to collect photographs of PCB-containing electrical equipment to assist potential owners with
identification of equipment which may contain PCBs
- WG drafts a fact sheet on PCB-containing submersible well pumps to be used for outreach to potential
users of wells and servicers of well pumps.
- As of April 2000, approximately 7,500 tonnes of high-level PCBs are either in use or in storage in Ontario;
1,191 active PCB storage sites in Ontario
2001
- WG continues to mail letters to companies and trade associations seeking commitments to phase-out
PCBs
- WG prepares case studies submitted by Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Burns Harbor Division and ComEd
Energy Delivery, a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation, for posting on the GLBTS Website
-1/01 PCB federal databases are updated for Canada.
- 5/01 PCB WG progress meeting held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. WG discusses two reasons that
companies are unable to commit immediately to PCB reductions: 1) reduction/replacement is dependent
on companies'internal planning and budgeting cycle; 2) reduction/ replacement is tied to market
conditions. US EPA and EC will continue mailing out the voluntary reduction and commitment letters to
the priority sectors and associations seeking additional commitments to reduce PCBs.
- 5/17/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto
- 7/01 US EPA compiles and analyzes data for 1995-1999 submitted by U.S. PCB disposers
- 8/29/01 WG posts photographs of electrical equipment which may contain PCBs (transformers, and
capacitors) to GLBTS Website to help increase awareness of the types of equipment that may contain PCBs
- 9/01 In coordination with LaMP activities, EC mails a package of information to all small quantity PCB
owners (over 300 owners) in the Lake Superior and Lake Erie Basins to help raise awareness of PCB
initiatives underway in support of the GLBTS. The information package contained a copy of PCB Owners
Outreach Bulletin, fact sheets, and maps of PCB Storage sites in the Lake Erie and Lake Superior Basins.
-11/01 PCB WG meeting is held in Chicago, IL. WG discusses the need for more outreach, especially toward
small and medium sized companies. Representatives of General Motors outline the company's plan to
phase-out all PCB materials from its North American facilities.
- As of April 2001,80 percent of high-level PCBs (Askarel > 1 percent, 10,000 ppm) had been destroyed
in Ontario, Canada; however only 25 percent of low-level PCBs were destroyed, mostly from stored
contaminated soil from a contaminated site cleanup in Ontario.
- As of April 2001, approximately 6,000 tonnes of high-level PCBs are either in use or in storage; 992 active
PCB storage sites in Ontario.
- 8/30/01 Fact sheet posted to GLBTS Website: PCBs in Submersible Well Pumps
-11/14/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2002
- WG continues to modify BNS-PCB Website based on recommendations received in an email survey
conducted by EC and US EPA in November 2001
- 5/02 WG meeting is held at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
- 5/02 Hydro One representative states that the company is free of all high-level PCBs but still has several
small stations and other sources of low-level PCBs. Hydro One has introduced a PCB management program
that extends to the year 2020.
- 5/02 MOE representative presents a strategy to implement an annual charge for having equipment with
PCBs. Amendments for Regulation 362 are proposed, including the addition of a schedule of destruction
targets.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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-10/02 Approx. 400 PCB commitment letters are sent to school boards and other sensitive sites in Ontario.
-10/02 Canada develops a new (draft) plan of outreach and recognition to try to increase the rate of PCB
phase-out in Canada. The main elements of the draft plan are to identify and recognize contributions made
by individual companies or their industry associations that go beyond regulatory requirements and to
publicize success stories.
- As of April 2002, 84 percent of high-level PCBs (Askarel > 1 percent, 10,000 ppm) had been destroyed in
Ontario, compared to 1993.
-As of April 2002, approximately 4,147.4 tonnes of high-level PCBs are either in use or in storage in Ontario;
916 active PCB storage sites in Ontario.
2003
- 5/14/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
- 9/11/03 PCB Reduction Recognition Awards presented to Enersource Hydro, Hydro One, Slater Steel, and
Stelpipe Ltd.
-12/16/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2004
- 6/17/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- 6/17/04 PCB Reduction Recognition Awards presented to City of Thunder Bay and Canadian Niagara
Power
-11/30/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2005
- 5/17/05 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
- 12/06/05 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2006
- 5/17/06 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
-12/06/06 WG meeting in Chicago, IL. Management Assessment for PCBs finalized.
2007
-12/12/07 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2008
- 6/03/08 WG meeting in Burlington, Ontario
- 12/03/08 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2009
-12/01/09 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Other PCB Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
- US EPA finalizes PCB regulations which include a requirement for U.S. owners to register their PCB
transformers
- EC and Ontario government hold two workshops on PCB management in the Toronto area
-10/99 PCB waste collection component of the Cook County (Illinois) PCB/Hg Clean Sweep pilot begins
- U.S. PCB transformer registration database is updated
- Requests for voluntary PCB reduction commitments are mailed to automotive, iron & steel, and municipal
electrical power utilities in Ontario
2000
- Region 5 PCB Phasedown Program and pilot phasedown enforcement policy are finalized
- A PBT workgroup continues to work on a National Action Plan for PCBs
- 2/00 EC mails survey to approximately 500 registered owners of in-use PCB equipment in Ontario,
requesting updated information
- Cook County PCB/Hg Clean Sweep pilot concludes
-11/00 Canada mails letter to over 2000 registered PCB waste storage owners/managers in Ontario for
a recent update of their stored PCB inventory which will be used to modify federal databases for better
tracking and monitoring
- Update and modification of Federal PCB databases started in 2000 and will continue until completion in
2003
-Three Canadian Federal PCB Regulations are being amended: (1) Chlorobiphenyl Regulation; (2) Storage
of PCB Material Regulations; (3) PCB Export Regulations
- Extensive Public Consultation is conducted during summer and fall of 2000 and will continue
2001
- 5/2/01 Final Reclassification of PCB and PCB-contaminated Electrical Equipment rule becomes effective
- US EPA finalizes a rule on Return of PCB Waste from U.S. Territories Outside the Customs Territory of the
U.S. The rule clarifies that PCB waste in U.S. territories and possessions outside the customs territory of the
U.S. may be moved to the customs territory of the U.S. for proper disposal at approved facilities.
- EC updates National PCB In-Service Inventory from survey of registered owners and prepares fact sheet
- EC's regulatory amendment process proposes the strengthening of federal regulations regarding PCB
management
2002
- 42 electrical utilities submit voluntary reduction commitment letters to Environment Canada
- Algoma voluntarily commits to eliminate 71,103 kgs (44,400 litres) of PCBs by Dec. 2005
- Approximately 27 school boards and sensitive sites respond to PCB commitment letters; 18 of those
companies reported that all PCBs were eliminated from their inventories; 3 reported that all high-level PCBs
were eliminated from their inventories
2003
- Amended Canadian PCB regulations are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette I and II in 2003.
These regulations will target phase-out of high-level PCB use by 2007, low-level PCB use by 2014, and
prohibit storage after 2009.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2005
- 06/05 An event report on the May 2005 PCB Award Ceremony is published under the title: "Ontario
companies recognized for PCB phase-out" page 8, Canadian HazMat Magazine, June/July 2005, accessible at
www.hazmatmag.com.
2006
-11/04/06 Proposed Canadian PCB regulations are published in the Canada Gazette I.
2007
-1/3/07 EC received comments on PCB regulations from 43 stakeholders (following 60-day comment
period).
I - 10/25/07 EC proposed PCB Regulations Policy Changes to EP Board regarding end-of-use deadlines
I for lower risk PCBs, criteria for proposed extension system, and implementation approach for proposed
I extension system.
I - 9/20/07 City of Toronto and Dofacso Inc. received PCB Phase-Out Awards for reductions in the number of
I PCB transformers in use.
2008 and Ongoing
- 9/17/08 Final PCB Regulations are published in the Canada Gazette II.
- 9/09 US EPA begins PCBs-in-Building Materials outreach program for schools and childcare facilities.
I -12/09 EC's mandatory phase-out deadline for equipment containing high-level PCBs (over 500 ppm) and
low-level PCBs (50 to 500 ppm) in sensitive locations in Canada.
I Substance Activities: Dioxins/Furans
I GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998
I - 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
I -11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
1999
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
[ - 6/1/99 WG Conference call: sources discussions
- 7/7/99 WG Conference call: sources discussions
- 9/7/99 WG Conference call: developing a decision tree source prioritization process
-10/5/99 WG Conference call: finishing development of a decision tree process
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-12/7/99 WG Conference call: application of the decision tree process
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2000
-1/11/00 WG Conference call: continuing the decision tree process
- 2/1/00 WG Conference call; decision made to initiate a Burn Barrel Subgroup
- 3/7/00 WG Conference call: continuing the decision tree process
- 4/4/00 WG Conference call: continuing the decision tree process
- 4/4/00 Burn Barrel Subgroup has inaugural teleconference
- 4/25/00 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: strategy matrix discussed
- 5/2/00 WG Conference call: continuing the decision tree process
- 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario: decision tree process is
completed
- 5/26/00 GLBTS draft Step 1&2 Sources and Regulations report is prepared
- 7/11/00 WG Conference call: developing reduction projects for high priority sectors
- 8/1/00 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: discussion Terms of Reference; link to Lake Superior LaMP
- 8/18/00 An addendum to the GLBTS Draft Sources and Regulations report is prepared to addressed the
newly released U.S. Dioxin Reassessment and the draft report is posted (9/29/00) on the GLBTS Website
- 9/12/00 WG Conference call: developing reduction projects
- 9/12/00 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: discussion of Chisago County "Buyback" program;
discussion of survey questions regarding state/local regulatory frameworks, and garbage quantity/quality
questions.
- Final GLBTS Step 3 Reduction Options report is prepared (9/27/00) and the report is posted (9/29/00) on
the GLBTS Website
-11/14/00 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: outline of a strategy document prepared.
-11/00 Discussion papers on Landfill Fire and Incinerator Ash Management prepared for workgroup
review.
2001
-The WG continues to collect information regarding emissions from steel manufacturing, landfill fires, and
incinerator ash management
-1/16/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Burn Barrel Strategy
- 2/6/01 WG Conference call
- 2/13/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Review presentation for Integration Workgroup
- 3/13/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Status of efforts to prepare regulatory profile
- 4/10/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Proposal for US EPA funding of subgroup activities
- 5/8/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Review Strategy/ Implementation Plan document
- 5/17/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto: WG approves Burn Barrel Strategy/
Implementation Plan document; Canadian and US presentations on wood preservation
- 6/12/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Implementation activities for Summer/Fall
- 6/22/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup receives $55k of US EPA PBT funding
-10/9/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Regional Lake Superior campaign
-11/6/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Sharing information
-11/14/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-12/18/01 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Sharing information
2002
- 2/12/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: web page initiation, bylaws/ordinance discussion.
- 3/19/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: web page & list serve development, outreach updates
- 4/5/02 Lake Superior Region workshop on household garbage burning issue - Thunder Bay, ON
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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4/16/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: web page & list serve development
4/24/02 WG Conference call: discussing ash management
- 5/14/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: finalize web page, prepare for Windsor GLBTS meeting
- 5/30/02 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor: demonstration of newly launched
subgroup Website "Trash and Open Burning in the Great Lakes". The WG meeting was held jointly with the
HCB/B(a)P WG due to common issues that are of interest to both workgroups.
- 6/18/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Planned activities for summer, addressing "burners"for sale;
purchase Website domain name www.openburning.org
- 7/24/02 WG Conference call: discussing the treated wood issue
- 9/10/02 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Updates on activities in various jurisdictions
-11/13/02 WG Conference call: discussing a pilot project on the treated wood issue
2003
- 3/18/03 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Exploring partnerships with health organizations
- 5/14/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
- 6/3/03 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: US EPA Office of Solid Waste outreach materials
- 7/31/03 WG teleconference: Draft two-year workplan
- 9/9/03 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: WDNR's"Air Defenders" kit
-11/4/03 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference: Addressing suppliers of small backyard incinerators
-11/4/03 WG teleconference: Draft two-year workplan; finalizing the Burn Barrel Strategy
-12/16/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2004
- 3/02/04 WG teleconference: Progress on issue papers
- 3/09/04 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 5/11/04 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 6/04 Draft issues papers prepared on Emissions from Agricultural Burning, Structure Fires, Tire Fires, and
Wildfires and Prescribed Burning
- 6/17/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- 9/14/04 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 9/09/04 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
-10/14/04 WG teleconference: Draft Management Assessment for Dioxins
-11/30/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2005
- 05/17/05 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
- 12/06/05 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2006
- 05/17/06 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
-12/06/06 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2007
- 02/07/07 WG conference call to review management outcomes of framework assessment for dioxins/furans
and to discuss the status of the WG
- 03/20/07 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
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2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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- 05/29/07 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 07/10/07 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 09/25/07 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
-11/13/07 WG conference call to discuss the Dioxin Decision Tree
-12/12/07 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2008
- 04/15/08 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 06/24/08 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
-10/14/08 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
2009 and Ongoing
- 03/17/09 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
- 08/27/09 Burn Barrel Subgroup teleconference
Other Dioxin/Furan Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
- WLSSD begins multimedia zero discharge pilot / focus on dioxins
-Two Ontario utilities eliminate use of PCP in treated poles
2000
-1/00 WLSSD report on open barrel burning practices is released
- 2/00 Wood stove changeover pilot programs in Traverse City, Ml, and Green Bay, Wl
- 6/12/00 draft chapters of the U.S. Dioxin Reassessment for external scientific review are released
- 9/28/00 Three draft chapters of the U.S. Dioxin Reassessment for SAB review are released
2001
- February 2001, Release of National Inventory of Releases of Dioxins and Furans, Updated Edition, by EC
- May 2001, Release of report"Characterization of Organic Compounds from Selected Residential Wood
Stoves and Fuels" by EC
2002
- PCP re-registration review proceeding as joint Canada/U.S. endeavor
2003
- 7/18/03 CEC draft Phase One North American Regional Action Plan on Dioxins and Furans, and
Hexachlorobenzene available for public comment
- Ash Characterization Study in Ontario
- Secondary metal smelter release inventory study in Ontario
- US EPA develops Backyard Trash Burning Website and brochures available at www.epa.gov/nsw/backyard
- Public release of first US National Dioxin Air Monitoring Network (NDAMN) ambient air monitoring data
- Canada-wide Standards for iron sintering and steel manufacturing endorsed in March 2003
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Release of Wisconsin "Air Defenders" Kit for Burn Barrel education
Dioxin sampler added at an Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN site), Burnt Island
2004
- US EPA compiles case studies of open burning reduction efforts
2007
-1/31; 2/11; 5/22; 10/3/07 US EPA staff conducted open burning outreach presentations at conferences and
meetings for local officials in Ohio, Florida, Pennsylvania, and San Diego, among others.
2008 and Ongoing
-10/14/09 New York (NYSDEC) adopts ban on most open burning, including agricultural plastics burning,
statewide.
Substance-Specific Activities: Pesticides
GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998
- 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
-11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-12/31/98 Draft GLBTS Challenge report for the Level I pesticides is posted on the GLBTS Website
1999
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2000
- 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- GLBTS U.S. Pesticides Challenge Report: The Level 1 Pesticides in the BinationalStrategy is finalized (3/1/00)
and posted (9/29/00)
- 5/00 EC announces that with the cooperation of PMRA they have reevaluated their position on Level I
pesticides, and that based on all available information have met the Level I challenge.
2001
- WG reviews pollution prevention opportunities for Level II pesticides (endrin, heptachlor, lindane and HCH,
tributyl tin, and pentachlorophenol) and begins preparing report
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Other Pesticide Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
-10/96 EC prepares report: Canada-Ontario Agreement Objective 2.1: Priority Pesticides Confirmation of No
Production, Use, or Import in the Commercial Sector in Ontario
- US EPA funding to four existing Clean Sweep programs for pilot data collection efforts for Level I pesticides
2000
- Draft National Action Plan for Level 1 Pesticides under the U.S. National PBT Initiative completed and
released for review and public comment
- PBT Pesticides Workgroup reviewing toxaphene remediation in Brunswick, GA
- Level I PBT pesticides (except mirex) are regularly collected by ongoing Clean Sweep programs
- Phase-out of the Level II Pesticides lindane and tributyl tin compounds are the subject of bi-national
negotiations through pesticide regulatory agencies in the U.S. and Canada
2001
-Waste pesticide collections (Clean Sweeps) continue
-10/5/01 Members of the world's primary maritime organization, the International Maritime Organization,
adopt the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-fouling Systems on Ships. The agreement
calls for a global prohibition on the application of organotin compounds by January 1,2003, and a
complete prohibition by January 1,2008.
2002
- PCP re-registration review proceeding as joint Canada/U.S. endeavor
2004 and Ongoing
- At the end of 2004, lindane use was discontinued in Canada.
- In 2006 U.S. manufacturers agreed to relinquish the remaining registrations for lindane (use will cease in
the U.S. in 2009).
Substance-Specific Activities:
Hexachlorobenzene (HCB)/Benzo(a)pyrene
(B(a)P)
GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998
- 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
- 9/98 & 10/98 Discussions are held with the pesticide manufacturing, chlorinated solvent manufacturing,
and petroleum refinery industries regarding their emission levels, and to determine any success stories,
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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pollution prevention opportunities, and other planned or possible emission reduction actions
-11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
1999
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-11/99 Draft GLBTS Step 1&2 Sources and Regulations Reports for B(a)P and HCB are posted on the GLBTS
Website
2000
I - 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
I - Discussions held with the U.S. Scrap Tire Management Council and scrap tire managers in the Midwest
I - 6/15/00 Final drafts GLBTS Step 3 Reduction Options reports for B(a)P and HCB are prepared
I - 7/12/00 Final drafts GLBTS Step 3 Reduction Options reports for B(a)P and HCB are posted on the GLBTS
I Website
I - 9/21/00 WG conference call is held
I -10/00 draft Canadian Steps 1& 2 reports for HCB/B(a)P (PAHs) circulated to stakeholders and workgroup
members for comments
I 2001
- 5/17/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto
I -11/14/01 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
- Canada implements Strategic Options Processes with steel mills and wood preservers
- Algoma Steel signs an Environmental Management Agreement with EC and Ontario MOE to address
environmental priorities
I - A Woodstove Changeout Program is held in Georgian Bay, Ontario, in conjunction with the Hearth
Products Association of Canada
2002
- 5/30/02 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
I - Wood stove change-out outreach material in development, a Website may be developed to promote
I change-outs and share information with stakeholders
I - Petroleum refinery B(a)P emissions analysis completed
I - Preparation of incentives for scrap tire pile recycling begins
I - Status and potential for reduction of newly inventoried primary aluminum B(a)P emissions determined
I - Work with Council of Great Lakes Industries (CGLI) and pesticide industry continues to determine pesticide
| HCB contaminant levels
I - Success stories of reductions in HCBTRI releases from the chemical industry are identified
- Outreach activities (e.g., Website development, preparation of consumer information sheets) are
I conducted to increase public awareness of environmental impacts, safe handling, and applications of used
treated wood
- WG seeks to improve linkages and integration of release information and environmental data on persistent
toxics
- WG works to fill release data gaps, resolve questions about company NPRI release estimates for Level I
substances, and develop reduction projects with stakeholders
-12/3/02 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
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2003
- 5/14/03 WG meeting at GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Windsor, Ontario
- Work with CGLI and pesticide industry, to determine pesticide HCB contaminant levels, continues
- Rubber Manufacturers Assn. provides detailed information on scrap tire management in the Great Lakes
Basin
- Resource needs identified to successfully implement a Scrap Tire Outreach Plan
- B(a)P emissions from coke ovens in basin continue to decline as a result of shutdowns and regulations
- Work on more accurate B(a)P inventory (especially for air emissions)
- Several conference calls held on Woodstove Smoke Reduction contract to encourage best practices and
develop outreach materials
- Natural Resources Canada Burn it Smart! campaign conducts over 300 residential wood-burning
workshops across Canada; campaign presentation to be updated to include wood stove change-out and
more workshops planned for Ontario
- Initial discussions held with Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers'Association on verification of B(a)P release
estimates for the on-road motor vehicle sector
-12/16/03 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2004
- 6/17/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- US EPA wood stove/fireplace initiatives: media outreach package, Website, fact sheets and labeling
program promoting EPA-certified stoves and clean/safe wood burning practices.
- Fifty-one Burn it Smart! public education workshops delivered in 40 Ontario rural and First Nations
communities in 2004
-Work with CGLI and pesticide industry to determine pesticide HCB contaminant levels, continues
- Re-assessment of Ontario HCB/B(a)P releases from use of pentachlorophenol-treated and creosote-
treated wood products.
-11/30/04 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
2005
- 5/17/05 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
- Prepared Management Assessment Reports for HCB and B(a)P using the General Framework to Assess
Management of GLBTS Level 1 Substances
- 31 Burn it Smart! workshops held in various First Nation communities, Ontario communities and 2 U.S.
border cities
- Conducted tests on artificial logs to determine emissions
- Worked with CGLI, pesticide industry, and the Pest Management Regulatory Agency of Health Canada to
determine HCB releases from pesticide application
- Surveyed 2001 Georgian Bay Wood Stove Changeout and Education seminar attendees to follow-up on
changes to their wood burning practices
- Continued to promote scrap tire pile inventory development and mapping, and cleanup initiatives
- 12/06/05 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2006
- 05/17/06 WG meeting in Toronto, Ontario
-17 Burn it Smart! workshops held in various First Nation and tribal communities, Ontario communities, and
two U.S. border cities. Approximately 220 people attended these workshops.
- Initiated a North American HCB modeling project to evaluate long-range transport impacts
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- Worked with CropLife Canada and Pest Management Review Agency to improve estimates of Canadian HCB
releases from pesticide application.
- New York Academy of Sciences held a conference call in October with stakeholders from both U.S. and
Canada to discuss estimates of PAH releases from creosote-treated wood.
-12/06/06 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2007
- 09/07 A US EPA gold medal for exceptional service awarded for the production of Scrap Tire Cleanup
Guidebook
-12/12/07 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2008
06/03/08 WG meeting in Burlington, Ontario
12/03/08 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
2009
-12/01/09 WG meeting in Chicago, IL
Other HCB/B(a)P Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
- Dow Chemical Company commits to HCB reductions
-Two Ontario utilities eliminate use of PCP in treated poles
- U.S. chlorothalonil manufacturer reduces HCB content through process improvements
-10/99 Draft Report, Global HCB Emissions (Robert Bailey, 1999), is distributed to the WG
-1/99 wood stove changeover pilot program for Eastern Ontario
2000
-1/00 WLSSD report on open barrel burning practices is released
- 2/00 Wood stove changeover pilot programs in Traverse City, Ml, and Green Bay, Wl
- PBT workgroups continue to work on draft National Action Plans for HCB/B(a)P
- 5/5/00 Robert Bailey prepares report, HCB Concentration Trends in the Great Lakes, for the WG
2001
- 2/01-4/01The Hearth Products Association expands the Great Lakes Great Stove Changeout Program to 12
States
- 6/01 US EPA issues an administrative order requiring Magnesium Corporation of America (Rowley, UT)
to ensure proper handling, containment, and disposal of anode dust found to contain high levels of HCB
(>12,000 ppm), as well as dioxins, PCBs, and chromium
2002
- Source release information to improve inventories collected through voluntary stack testing
- An emission testing program for wood burning in fireplaces, wood stoves, and pellet stoves developed and
implemented with partners to fill information gaps
- PCP re-registration review proceeding as joint Canada/U.S. endeavor
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2003
- 7/18/03 CEC draft Phase One North American Regional Action Plan on Dioxins and Furans, and
Hexachlorobenzene available for public comment
- A US EPA rule to control emissions (including HCB) from hydrochloric acid production is promulgated
- The "Voluntary Woodstove/Fireplace Smoke Reduction Activities and Outreach Materials" contract awarded
by US EPA
- A US EPA rule for the control of coke oven battery stack emissions (including B(a)P) is promulgated
- HCB added to CEPA listing of prohibited toxic substances; proposed regulation published to prohibit
products with concentrations greater than 20 ppb
2004
-Twelve Wood EnergyTechnologyTransfer Inc. training workshops held in Ontario
- US EPA Scrap Tire Pile Mitigation Support Project underway promoting mapping and cleanup of tire piles
- Scrap tire pile cleanup forum held in Chicago on February 23 - 24,2004
- Proposed Ontario Tire Stewardship scrap tire diversion program awaiting approval from the Ontario
Ministry of the Environment
- Independent third party audits verify Ontario's four metallurgical coke producers meeting reduction
goals set out in best practice manual for controlling PAH (includes B(a)P) releases)
2005
- Amendments to U.S. Air Toxics Standards for Coke Oven Batteries came out in April 2005.
- US EPA finalized rules on wastewater discharges from iron and steel facilities.
- Developing U.S. best practices Scrap Tire Cleanup Guidebook.
- Partnered with The Home Depot to promote Burn it Smart! at six stores in Eastern Ontario.
- Partnered with the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency to conduct more emissions testing on wax firelogs and
regular cordwood.
- Commenced Ontario B(a)P mapping project to highlight priority areas.
2006
- US EPA initiated Green Stoves Labeling Program.
- US EPA initiated studies to evaluate Outdoor Wood Boilers.
- EC commenced information gathering exercise with Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association of Canada
on outdoor wood boiler usage in Ontario and Eastern Canada.
- EC completed B(a)P mapping project for the Great Lakes Basin by adding Ontario information
- EC worked with Ontario Ministry of the Environment and initiated other projects to improve the emission
inventories of HCB/B(a)P.
- New York Academy of Sciences published an Ecological Assessment and Pollution Prevention Report
detailing PAH releases from all sources in New York and New Jersey Harbor
- Burn-it-Smart! public education information provided at Cottage Life Shows in Toronto in April and
November, at the International Plow Match in Peterborough in September, and the Home Hardware
national sales meeting in St. Jacobs (north of Waterloo) in September
- EC produced final report on artificial log study with Puget Sound Clean Air Agency
- EC partnered with Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association on emission testing of five conventional wood
stoves and drafted report
- Ontario Ministry of the Environment announced that the Used Tire Program was deferred beyond the
immediate future
- US EPA initiated a Mid-West Clean Diesel Initiative in Region 5 to reduce diesel emissions
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2007
- 04/07 Agreement between US EPA and major outdoor wood boiler manufactures takes effect;
manufacturers must offer at least one model of wood boiler that will produce 70 percent less emissions, with
further reductions in subsequent years.
- 05/07 EC and the Hearth, Patio, and Barbecue Association partnered to conduct a study of conventional
wood stoves, results presented at 16th Annual Emission Inventory conference in Raleigh, NC.
- 09/25/07 Comprehensive workshop in Philadelphia on outdoor wood boilers, wood stove change-outs,
local air districts'efforts to reduce wood smoke.
2008 and Ongoing
-10/22/09 US EPA launched its Burn Wise educational campaign (http://www.epa.gov/burnwise) to help
I reduce wood smoke pollution.
Substance-Specific Activities: Alkyl-lead
I GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
I 1998
- 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
I -11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-12/31/98 Draft GLBTS Challenge report for alkyl-lead is posted on the GLBTS Website
1999
-1/99 EC prepares Alkyl Lead Inventory Study - Sources, Uses and Releases in Ontario, Canada: A Preliminary
I Review, and posts report on the GLBTS Website. The report concludes that the Canadian challenge of
I reducing alkyl-lead use by 90 percent between 1988 and 2000 has been exceeded.
- 9/8/99 GLBTS and PBT workgroups meet with National Motor Sports Council to discuss voluntary phase-
out of leaded gasoline
I -10/29/99 draft GLBTS Sources, Regulations and Options (Steps 1,2 & 3) Report for Alkyl-Lead is posted on
I the GLBTS Website
2000
- GLBTS Sources, Regulations, and Reduction Options (Step 1,2 & 3) report for alkyl-lead is finalized (6/00) and
posted (9/29/00) on the GLBTS Website
' - GLBTS U.S. Challenge on Alkyl-lead: Report on the Use of Alkyl-lead in Automotive Gasoline is finalized (6/00)
and posted (9/29/00) on the GLBTS Website
2001
-The U.S. meets the challenge of confirming no use of alkyl-lead in automotive gasoline. The US EPA PBT
Program takes the lead for the U.S. in coordinating stakeholder efforts to reduce remaining alkyl-lead
releases
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Other Alkyl-lead Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
-Work begins on a draft National PBT Action Plan for Alkyl-lead
2000
- 8/25/00 A Draft PBT National Action Plans for alkyl-lead is posted on the PBT Website for public review and
comment
- Auto racing industry expresses interest in working with US EPA to find lead-free gas substitutes
2001
- US EPA begins working with NASCAR to permanently remove alkyl-lead from racing fuels used,
specifically in the Busch, Winston Cup, and Craftsman Truck Series
Substance-Specific Activities:
Octachlorostyrene (OCS)
GLBTS Workgroup Activities and Reports
1998
- 3/23/98 WG is formed at the first implementation meeting
- 6/16/98 Background Paper and Draft Action Plan for OCS posted on GLBTS Website
-11/16/98 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
-12/31/98 Draft GLBTS Challenge report for OCS is posted on the GLBTS Website
1999
- 4/27/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
-11/18/99 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Chicago, IL
- Data on OCS trends in fish is assessed by the WG
2000
- 5/16/00 WG meeting at the GLBTS Stakeholder Forum in Toronto, Ontario
- 6/30/2000 EC draft report on Octachlorostyrene Sources, Regulations and Programs for the Province of
Ontario 1988,1998, and 2000 forwarded to interested stakeholders
- 9/22/00 Draft GLBTS Stage 3 report for OCS is distributed at the 9/22 Integration Workgroup meeting and
e-mailed to the OCS Workgroup
-12/00 US EPA and EC convene a meeting of North American magnesium producers to promote sharing of
lessons regarding methods for preventing and managing OCS and other chlorinated hydrocarbon wastes
2004
- 8/04 Draft Management Assessment for OCS (Step 4) Report prepared
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Other OCS Related Activities
1999 and Earlier
- 3/10/99 CGLI report, OCS and Suggested Industrial Sources: A Report to the GLBTS Workgroup, is submitted
to the workgroup
2000
- 8/25/00 A Draft PBT National Action Plan for OCS is posted on the PBT Website for public review and
comment
2002
-4/02 Toxics Release Inventory data for 2000 is made available to the public
Substance/Sector Workgroup Activities
2007
- 11/30/07 Introductory meeting of Substance/Sector Group (joint meeting conducted by teleconference)
to review draft terms of reference for the new groups.
2008
- 06/02/08 to 06/03/08 WG meeting in Burlington, Ontario
- 07/08/08 to 07/09/08 WG leaders conference, Toronto, Ontario
- 08/07/08 WG teleconference
- 09/25/08 WG meeting in Chicago
-12/02/08 to 12/03/08 WG meeting in Chicago
2009
- 03/31/09 WG meeting in Toronto
-12/02/09 WG meeting in Chicago
-12/30/09 US EPA released action plans for phthalates, long-chain perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs),
polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in products, and short-chain chlorinated paraffins.
Sediments
Canadian and U.S. Activities
1998 and Earlier
- 6/15/98 PCB WG requests that the IG develop a strategy on sediments
- 6/19/98 Integration WG discusses sediments challenge
- US EPA provides guidance to workgroups on how to deal with sediments within chemical-specific
workgroups
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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1999
-1 /26/99 Overview and presentation of IJC SedPAC Activities given at Integration WG meeting
- 2/99 Integration WG members develop a draft charge for a sediments subgroup
- 4/28/99 Draft Sediments subgroup charge presented at Integration WG meeting
2000
- 2/15/00 US EPA and EC present a draft sediment reporting format at the Integration WG meeting. The
proposed format will map progress and report annually on
sediment remediation in the Great Lakes Basin using 1997 as the baseline year
- 5/16/00 At the Stakeholder Forum, US EPA and EC present the draft sediment reporting format and
commit to hold a sediment technology workshop
2001
- 4/24/01 US EPA and EC host a two-day workshop on "Removing and Treating Great Lakes Contaminated
Sediment," presenting sediment remediation technologies and case studies
2002 and Ongoing
- Ongoing assessments and remediations in both the U.S. and Canada within the Great Lakes watershed
(see Section 7.0)
Related Sediment Activities
1998 and Earlier
-11/97 The IJC's Sediment Priority Action Committee (SedPAC) issues draft white paper Overcoming
Obstacles to Sediment Remediation in the Great Lakes Basin
-12/1-2/98 IJC SedPAC holds "Workshop to Evaluate Data Interpretation Tools Used to Make Sediment
Management Decisions" in Windsor, Ontario
2002
-1/02 The second National Sediment Quality Survey report to Congress, The Incidence and Severity of
Sediment Contamination in Surface Waters of the United States, National Sediment Quality Survey: Second
Edition, is released for review by US EPA.
2004
-Work under The Great Lakes Legacy Act begins.
2008
- 9/28/08 Congress passed the Great Lakes Legacy Act of 2008, which extends the Legacy Act for two years
at a funding level of $54 million per year.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Long-Range Transport (LRT) Activities
1999
¦ 11/19/99 EC presents the status of their LRT effort at the Integration WG meeting.
2000
- 3/27/00 EC prepares report: Long-Range Transport of Persistent Toxic Substances to the Great Lakes: Review
and Assessment of Recent Literature (Ortech Environmental)
2001
- Several studies are undertaken in the U.S. and Canada to characterize global transport processes.
2003 and Ongoing
- 9/16/03 - 9/17/03 EC and US EPA sponsor LRT Workshop in Ann Arbor, Ml, with support of the CEC, the IJC,
and the Delta Institute.
- 9/03 LRT workshop background paper, the workshop program, presentations, and draft summary
document are posted on the Internet at http://delta-institute.org/pollprev/lrtworkshop/_workshop.html
- Research into long-range transport of persistent toxic substances to the Great Lakes continues.
General Activities Related to Reductions in
GLBTS Substances
US EPA Regulatory Determinations
1998 and Earlier
-12/95 Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) rules for large Municipal Waste Combustors (MWC)
are promulgated
- 9/97 MACT rules for Medical Waste Incinerators (MWI) are promulgated
- 4/15/98 Pulp, Paper, and Paperboard Cluster Rule is promulgated
- 6/29/98 Amendments to the PCB Disposal Regulations are finalized
-11/12/98 Federal Plan for MACT Implementation for large MWCs is finalized
1999
- 5/28/99 An Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is released for the RCRA LDR for Mercury-Bearing
Hazardous Wastes
- 7/6/99 Federal Plan for MACT Implementation for MWI is proposed
- 8/30/99 MACT for small MWCs are proposed (expected to be final in 2000)
- 9/30/99 Final Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants for HWC are promulgated
-10/29/99TRI Amendments: new PBT reporting thresholds
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2000
-12/00 Compliance deadline for large MWC MACT
- 9/02 Compliance deadline for MWI MACT
-1/1/00 NewTRI reporting thresholds for PBTs become effective
2001
- US EPA finalizes the Reclassification of PCB and PCB-contaminated Electrical Equipment rule and a rule on
Return of PCB Waste from US Territories Outside the Customs Territory of the US
2002
- PCP re-registration review proceeding as joint Canada/U.S. endeavor
- 4/02 the first year of data reported under TRI PBT rule become available
- 2/14/02 President Bush announces Clear Skies Initiative to cut mercury emissions from power plants by 70
percent
2005
- 5/18/05 US EPA publishes Clean Air Mercury Rule
2006
- 6/06/06 US EPA reaffirms Clean Air Mercury Rule
2007
- 9/20/07 US EPA publishes a Proposed Rule under 40 CFR Part 63 on Electric Arc Furnace Steelmaking
Facilities, regarding a MACT standard for controlling emissions of mercury when such facilities use steel
scrap that contains auto switches and other devices that contain mercury (72 FR 53814-53836).
US EPA Activities
1999 and Earlier
- 6/97 Deposition of Air Pollutants to the Great Waters: Second Report to Congress is released
-12/97 Mercury Report to Congress is released
- 4/98 Final Emission Inventory Data for Section 112(c)(6) Pollutants is released
-11/16/98 US EPA's Multimedia PBT Strategy is announced
-11/16/98 Under the PBT Strategy, a draft National Action Plan for Mercury is released
- PBT Strategy grant awarded to WLSSD to work on reducing open trash burning
- U.S. PCB transformer registration database is updated
- Sample collection begins for the National Study of Chemical Residues in Fish
- U.S. GLBTS workgroup leaders participate in development of Draft National Action Plans of part of PBT
Strategy
2000
- 6/00 Deposition of Air Pollutants to the Great Waters: Third Report to Congress is released
- 6/12/00 draft chapters of the U.S. Dioxin Reassessment for external scientific review are released
- 9/00 US EPA's 1996 National Toxics Inventory is released
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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9/28/00 Three draft chapters of the U.S. Dioxin Reassessment for SAB review are released
PBT workgroups continue to work on National Action Plans for HCB, B(a)P, the Level I pesticides, and PCBs
- US EPA's Office of Air and Radiation and Office of Water collaborate on an Air-Water Interface Workplan to
address atmospheric deposition of toxics and nitrogen to U.S. water bodies.
2001
- 5/23/01 U.S. signs the United Nation's global treaty on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
2002
-1 /02 The Incidence and Severity of Sediment Contamination in Surface Waters of the United States, National
Sediment Quality Survey: Second Edition is released for review
- 7/23/02 Final PBT National Action Plan for Alkyl-lead published
- Preliminary data from first year of National Study of Chemical Residues in Lake Fish Tissue released
2004
- 5/18/04 Great Lakes Interagency Task Force created by U.S. Executive Order
2009
- 05/07/09 EPA releases 2010 budget, which includes $475 million for the Great Lakers Restoration Initiative
EC Regulatory Determinations
1999 and Earlier
- Canadian Environmental Protection Act is renewed
2000
- Canada-Wide Standards (CWS) (release limits) are developed for mercury, particulate matter, ozone, and
benzene, and are being developed for dioxins/furans.
- Canadian Strategic Options Processes (SOPs) are under development for the Iron and Steel Manufacturing
sector and finalized for the Wood Preservation sector
- 6/19/00 EC solicits public comments on proposed amendments to the PCB regulations under CEPA
2001
- 2/19/01 Canada announces $120.2 million in new regulatory and other measures to accelerate action on
clean air
- 7/7/01 A notice with respect to Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Automotive Shredder Residue is published
in the Gazette, Part I, for automobile shredding facilities that generated PCB-contaminated residue during
1998,1999, or 2000.
- EC proposes amendments to the Chlorobiphenyl Regulations and Storage of PCB Material Regulations
promulgated in 1977 and 1992, respectively
- Canada's PCB Waste Export Regulations (SOR/97-108) are being amended
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2005
- 6/05 CCME accepts in principle a draft CWS for the coal-fired electric power generation sector. Final
endorsement of the CWS is expected prior to the end of 2005.
2006
-11/04/06 Proposed Canadian PCB regulations are published in the Canada Gazette, Parti.
-11/21/06 to 1/20/07 Province of Ontario collected public comments on a risk-based decision-making
framework for contaminated sediments completed under the 2002-2007 Canada-Ontario Agreement
Respecting the Great Lakes Ecosystem.
-11/29/06 Final regulatory amendments to include Pentachlorobenzene, and Tetrachlorobenzene on the
Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substance Regulations, 2005 were published in Canada Gazette, Part II
-12/08/06 Canada announces intention to commit $300 million over four years to implement the
Chemicals Management Plan.
-12/13/06 Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) was added to the Virtual Elimination List with a level of
quantification in chlorinated solvents.
2007
-12/9/06 Environment Canada published a Proposed Notice under CEPA 1999: requiring the preparation
and implementation of pollution prevention plans for mercury (Hg) releases from mercury switches in
end-of-life vehicles processed by steel mills.
2008
- 9/17/08 Final PCB Regulations are published in the Canada Gazette II.
EC Activities
1999 and Earlier
- Ontario "Drive Clean" program
-1/99 The Canadian Dioxins and Furans and Hexachlorobenzene Inventory of Releases is finalized.
- EC upgrades and digitizes its National PCB database
2000
- Draft HCB, B(a)P (PAH), and OCS release inventories for Ontario are updated and circulated for review
- EMA with Algoma Steel being finalized.
- EC, in coordination with the Hearth Products Association, conducts testing of conventional and US EPA-
certified wood stoves to investigate releases of dioxins/furans, PAHs, HCB, and particulate matter
2006
-12/06 Canada's Chemicals Management Plan (CMP) is launched to protect Canadians and the environment
by ensuring any risks posed by chemicals are assessed and managed properly.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2007
-02/07 CMP Challenge initiative is launched to collect information on the properties and uses of-200
chemical substances identified as high priorities for action. The information will be used to make decisions
regarding the best approach to protect Canadians and their environment from any risks these substances
might pose.
2009
-05/09The Canadian Great Lakes Chemical Priorities Working Group is charged with providing directions
and recommendations regarding Canada's priorities for chemicals in the Great Lakes Basin for federal, joint-
I jurisdictional and binational programs.
Other Activities
I 1998 and Earlier
- CEC issues Continental Pollutant Pathways Initiative
I - 7/98 UNEP POPs negotiations initiated
I 1999
- Under the GLWQA, The Lake Ontario LaMP Stage 1 report is released
- By the end of 1999, emission control retrofits either completed or underway at all large MWC in the U.S.
- The initial Great Lakes Regional Air Toxics Emissions Inventory, using 1993 data, is released
-The Lake Ontario LaMP Update 1999 is released
2000
- Under the GLWQA, Canada and the U.S. work on restoring beneficial uses to 43 AOCs in the Great Lakes
Basin through the RAP program
I -The Lake Erie, Lake Michigan, and Lakes Superior LaMPs 2000 are released
-The Lake Ontario Lamp Update 2000 is released
I -The Lake Huron Initiative Action Plan is released
- Numerous pilot projects and pollution prevention/reduction agreements relevant to toxics of concern are
I underway with the steel, automobile, and other manufacturing industries and utilities in Ontario and the
I U.S. Great Lakes States
| -11/8/00 - 11/9/00 Atmospheric deposition workshop held, Using Models to Develop Air Toxics Reduction
I Strategies
-12/00 Final POPs negotiations
[ -The 1996 Great Lakes Inventory of Toxic Air Emissions is prepared by the Great Lakes Commission
2001
- 2/01 21st session of the UNEP Governing Council is held: UNEP will undertake a global study on the health
and environmental impacts of mercury
- 8/22/01 The IJC issues a Review of Progress under the Canada-United States Great Lakes Binational Toxics
Strategy
- Monitoring of air deposition of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes Basin under IADN
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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2002
- Monitoring of air deposition of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes Basin continues under IADN
2003
- 9/19/03 - 9/20/03 IJC 2003 Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting in Ann Arbor, Ml
- Monitoring of air deposition of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes Basin continues under IADN
2004
- 4/23/04 Great Lakes Commission releases 2001 Great Lakes Regional Air Toxic Emissions Inventory,
available at www.glc.org/air
-10/6/04 - 10/8/04 State of Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) held in Toronto, Ontario
2006
-11/01/06 - 11/03/06 State of Lakes Ecosystem Conference (SOLEC) held in Milwaukee, Wl
- Monitoring of air deposition of toxic pollutants in the Great Lakes Basin continues under IADN
2007 and Ongoing
- 2/07 NWF issues report, Environmentally Preferable Purchasing in the Great Lakes Region
- 7/16/07 US EPA workshop, Building an Integrated Surveillance System for Emerging Chemicals in the
Great Lakes and Nationwide, held in Chicago
- 8/21/07 Montebello Accord - U.S./Canada/Mexico Security and Prosperity Partnership Agreement
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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OF CHEMltMfO¥EMERGING CONCERN AND
ANALYSIS O^ENVIifeTiMEflTAL EXPOSURES IN
ffit GREAT LAKES BASIN
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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INTERNATIONAL JOINT COMMISSION REVIEW OF CHEMICALS OF EMERGING CONCERN AND
ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES IN THE GREAT LAKES BASIN
Submitted by: Gary Klecka, Carolyn Persoon, and
Rebecca Currie
The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, Ml
The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
Goals of the Study
I To assess the current status of chemicals of
emerging concern in the basin with a focus on
water quality through:
I » Literature search
I » Database of reported concentrations
» Statistical analysis to define current
I environmental exposures
To develop a preliminary assessment of
I their potential ecological significance, the
concentrations were compared with currently
available regulatory standards, guidelines, or
criteria.
I Introduction
Environmental analysis and monitoring have
I long been recognized as a means for assessing
I environmental quality. Within the Great Lakes
I watershed, the governments of the United
I States and Canada, together with collaborating
I agencies, have performed numerous surveys
of environmental contaminants in the air,
[ water, sediments, and biota. Environmental
monitoring programs are necessary to develop
comprehensive descriptions of environmental
quality, including at spatial and temporal
scales, and to provide a sound basis for effective
measures, strategies, and policies to address
environmental problems (Calamari et al., 2000).
While an important use of monitoring data is to
inform environmental risk assessment, information
gained from environmental measurements is also
important for priority-setting regarding potential
hazards of chemical contaminants.
Over the past 10 years, the emphasis on monitoring
has shifted from the analysis of so-called legacy
pollutants to a wide array of new chemicals being
discovered in the environment that are often referred
to collectively as "chemicals of emerging concern."
While it has been known for over 20 years that
compounds such as pesticides, detergents, personal
care products, and pharmaceuticals enter the
environment, improvements in the instrumentation
and analytical methodology for detecting chemical
substances in various environmental media (air,
water, sediment, biota) have brought increased
awareness and concern over the presence and
potential risk that these chemicals may pose
(Daughton, 2001). Although thousands of chemicals
are listed on chemical inventories in both the United
States and Canada, very few have regulations
governing their release to the environment. The
term "chemicals of emerging concern" has come to
define the emerging awareness of the presence in
the environment of many chemicals used by society
that are unregulated or inadequately regulated,
along with concern over the risk that these chemicals
may pose to the health of humans and ecosystems.
The topic of chemicals of emerging concern is not
new to the International Joint Commission Boards
and was specifically addressed by the Science
Advisory Board with its Expert Consultation on
Emerging Issues of the Great Lakes in the 21st Century
held February 5-7,2003 at Wingspread, Wl. Several
papers in the 2003-2005 Priorities Report dealt with
the issue. Muir et al. (2006) summarized the various
means for tracking, categorizing, and assessing
chemicals in commerce, and presented an overview
of recent measurements of "new" chemicals in the
Great Lakes. Walker (2006) addressed whether
currently available tools, such as quantitative SARs,
can identify emerging pollutants that will threaten
the Great Lakes ecosystem. Fox (2006) discussed the
importance of monitoring programs in the context of
meeting the requirements of the Great Lakes Water
Quality Agreement.
In October, 2007, the International Joint Commission
began work on the 2007-2009 Nearshore Framework
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Priority. The purpose of this Priority is to assemble
and report on the latest scientific, policy, and
governance information on the nearshore of
the Great Lakes so as to assess the binational
implications of nearshore conditions and stressors.
Nearshore problems are pressing and have
significant social, economic, and environmental
impacts. Current nearshore water quality is being
adversely impacted by increased human population
and problems due to impervious surfaces and
fertilizer use. Nearshore water quality is also
influenced by land-based discharges from urban
and agricultural sources, sediment resuspension,
habitat loss and degradation, and atmospheric
deposition, as well as by offshore waters. As the
population increases, sewage discharges to receiving
waters increase and impinge on water quality in
the nearshore. Water quality in the nearshore is
important to fish, aquatic birds, amphibians, and
reptiles, since nearly all fish species spawn, have
nursery grounds, and feed in the nearshore at some
time in their development. The link between land-
based activities and the nearshore has become
recognized as the key challenge to protecting and
restoring the chemical, physical, and biological
integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin
Ecosystem.
Within the context of the 2007-2009 Nearshore
Framework Priority, the Priority on Chemicals of
Emerging Concern will allow a more thorough
review of the scientific and policy aspects related to
identification, impact, and management. The current
challenge is to apply the latest information based
on regional, national, and international approaches
to the existing binational policy framework(s) for
the Great Lakes to identify potential shortcomings
or gaps. As a first step, the body of current
scientific knowledge on chemicals of emerging
concern specific to the Great Lakes watershed
will be reviewed, to be followed by an expert
consultation to identify and assess opportunities for
strengthening actions to protect the Great Lakes.
The consultation will include scientists and other
experts from governments, industry, and other key
stakeholders in order to ensure the process is as
inclusive as possible within an expert and informed
group of participants.
The objectives of this report were to review and
compile all peer reviewed scientific studies and
reports since 1997 in relation to chemicals of
emerging concern that may pose threats to water
quality in the Great Lakes watershed. Emphasis
was placed on chemicals discharged to the
Great Lakes nearshore waters from wastewater
treatment plants as well as from other point and
non-point sources of rural and urban pollution.
The concentrations of chemicals in various
environmental media were assembled into
a database, which was statistically analyzed
to develop a quantitative understanding of
current environmental exposures. To develop an
initial assessment of their potential ecological
significance, the concentrations were compared
with currently available regulatory standards,
guidelines, or criteria.
Some Binational Findings on Chemicals of
Emerging Concern in the Great Lakes Basin
» Current Use Pesticides - Concentrations
of many current use pesticides are below
current regulatory criteria. For others (e.g.,
2,4-D, metolachlor, and metribuzin), 95th
percentile concentrations were below
standards, but exceedences were noted
for maximum concentrations. Atrazine,
azinophos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon,
and parathion exceeded regulatory
standards in 6% to 32% of the samples. More
information can be found in the full report.
» Pharmaceuticals - Detectable
concentrations of pharmaceutical
compounds were present in 34% of the
samples. At present, there are no standards,
guidelines, or criteria with which to compare
environmental concentrations.
» Organic Wastewater Contaminants,
Personal Care Products, Steroids, and
Hormones - Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate
(DEHP) was detected in a single sample at
levels which exceeded the US EPA Maximum
Contaminant Level for drinking water, the
EC Interim Water Quality Guideline, and the
European Union (EU) predicted no effect value.
The maximum concentration of bisphenol-A
exceeded the Canadian predicted no-effect
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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concentration (PNEC) for water but was below
the PNEC for sediment organisms.
Synthetic Musks - Maximum concentrations of
musk xylene, musk ketone, acetyl hexamethyl-
tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), and
hexahydrohexamethylcyclopentabenzopyran
(HHCB) in environmental media from the Great
Lakes indicated that all values were below the
PNEC.
» Alkylphenol Ethoxylates - None of the
samples exceeded the US EPA Water Quality
Criterion for nonylphenol (NP); 22% of
the samples exceed the NP equivalent
Canadian Water Quality Guideline. Sediment
concentrations exceeded the NP equivalent
Canadian Sediment Guideline in 31% of the
samples.
» Perfluorinated Surfactants - Risks
for secondary poisoning from the
ingestion of food were indicated for
PFOS and total perfluorinated surfactant
concentrations. Concentrations of PFOS and
perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in water were
below available PNEC and estimated no-effect
value (ENEV).
» Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers -
Sediment concentrations for various PBDEs
were below PNEC and ENEV values. Tetra and
penta-brominated congener concentrations
were above the Canadian ENEV criteria value
for secondary consumers (0.0084 mg/kg
food).
» Chlorinated Paraffins - All exposures were
below the no effect values (ENEV/PNEC).
Some Binational Findings and
Recommendations on Policy for Great
Lakes Chemicals of Emerging Concern
» Industrial chemicals in the U.S. and Canada are
subject to pre-manufacturing notification, review
and approval by the federal government.
» International treaties have been developed for
the identification, assessment and management
of persistent organic pollutants.
» There are voluntary stewardship initiatives in
place on both sides of the border that address
some chemicals of emerging concern (e.g., U.S.
PFOS Stewardship Initiative).
» There are gaps or inadequacies in chemicals
assessment and management for certain classes
of chemicals that are not subject to TSCA or CEPA
regulations, with regard to their potential impact
in the environment, including: pharmaceutical
compounds, some personal care product
constituents, nanomaterials, and chemical
constituents in imported goods.
» The U.S. should ratify the Stockholm Convention
on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the
United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
Convention on Long RangeTransboundary Air
Pollution.
» A renewed GLWQA should include a description
of the underlying principles and processes by
which the Parties would establish priorities,
rather than a specific list of substances.
» An emphasis should be placed on moving
upstream and adopting sustainable solutions
to the design, production and consumption
of chemicals of emerging concern in the Great
Lakes Basin.
» A pre-manufacturing notification level of review
should be conducted for all chemical classes,
including grandfathered TSCA substances,
pharmaceuticals, personal care product
constituents and nanomaterials, as well as
constituents in imported goods.
» Adoption of enhanced wastewater treatment
technologies to provide improved control and
management of chemicals of emerging concern
should be implemented. Wastewater treatment
is an essential component for controlling a wide
diversity of chemicals that are discharged to the
Great Lakes, and there is a need for accelerated
continuous improvement of existing facilities.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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» Strict regulations and enforcement should be put
into place for waste and nutrient management
practices for all farm operations to protect the
Great Lakes. The adequacy of current regulations
to mitigate inputs of chemicals of emerging
concern needs to be reviewed and strengthened,
including assistance and support to encourage
compliance from farm operators.
» New policies need to be developed to manage
chemicals of emerging concern in the Great
Lakes with new and innovative approaches that
continue to use sound scientific methods and
principles.
» Consumer education should be conducted and
incentives should be provided to encourage
conservation and consumer choices that can
help drive changes in consumer products and
create marketplace incentives for manufacturers.
» Further emphasis should be placed on gaining
knowledge and understanding of human health
effects as they pertain to the major categories of
chemicals of emerging concern.
Conclusions
There has been an increasing shift in focus from
industrial point sources to dispersed, non-point
releases of chemicals and substances, such as those
in consumer products and pharmaceuticals that may
require new analyses and approaches, including risk
management approaches. General conclusions from
this project include the following:
» A wide variety of chemicals have been detected
in various media within the Great Lakes Basin.
» Our ability to detect chemicals in the
environment exceeds our ability to understand
the significance of the findings.
» The availability of data varies considerably.
» Some substances have relatively extensive
datasets covering broad regions of the basin
while other studies focused on more localized
areas or regions.
» A limited amount of data was available for many
substances, and many concentrations are < 1
ug/L.
» The highest concentrations were found
in the vicinity of sources (e.g., wastewater
treatment plants, or WWTPs) and declined with
increasing distance from sources.
» Low to non-detect levels of many substances
were found in open waters.
» Results of comparisons of environmental
exposures to regulatory criteria yielded mixed
results: For some, levels are below ENEVs, I
PNECs, and water quality standards (WQSs);
for others, current exposures may indicate a I
potential risk. I
» Criteria have not been established for many
substances. I
» Regulatory and/or voluntary actions to I
reduce or eliminate emissions are underway I
for a number of substances included in the
analysis.
References
Calamari, D., K. Jones, K. Kannan, A. Lecloux,
M. Olsson, M.Thurman, P. Zannetti. 2000.
Monitoring as an indicator of persistence
and long-range transport. In Evaluation of
Persistence and Long-Range Transport of Organic
Chemicals in the Environment, G. M., Klecka et
al., eds. Society of Environmental Toxicology and I
Chemistry, Pensacola, FL.
Daughton, C.G. 2001. Pharmaceuticals in the
environment: overarching issues and overview.
In Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products
in the Environment: Scientific and Regulatory
Issues, Daughton, C.G. and Jones-Lepp,T. (eds.),
Symposium Series 791; American Chemical
Society: Washington, D.C., pp. 2-38.
Fox, G.A. 2006. Back to the future: rediscovering
the requirement for monitoring in the Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement. In Expert
Consultation on Emerging Issues of the Great Lakes
in the 21st Century. Report of the Great Lakes
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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Science Advisory Board to the International Joint
Commission, November, 2006.
Muir, D.,M. Alaee, and B.Scott. 2006. Identifying
potential and emerging chemical contaminants
in the Great Lakes. In Expert Consultation on
Emerging Issues of the Great Lakes in the 21st
Century. Report of the Great Lakes Science
Advisory Board to the International Joint
Commission, November, 2006.
Walker, J.D. 2006. Can QSARs identify emerging
pollutants that will threaten the Great Lakes
ecosystem? In Expert Consultation on Emerging
Issues of the Great Lakes in the 21st Century.
Report of the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board
to the International Joint Commission, November,
2006.
Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
2008-2009 Biennial Progress Report
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For more information, contact us:
Alan Waffle, P. Eng.
Head, Great Lakes
Great Lakes Section
Environmental Protection Operations Division
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Toronto, Ontario M3H 5T4
CANADA
E-mail: Alan.Waffle@ec.gc.ca
www.binational.net
Edwin R. (Ted) Smith
Pollution Prevention &
Toxics Reduction Team Leader
Great Lakes National Program Office
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
77 W. Jackson Blvd. (G-17J)
Chicago, IL 60604
USA
E-mail: Smith.Edwin@epamail.epa.gov
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