REGION 10 DIVE TEAM
www.epa.gov/region10/dive
EPA Region 10 Dive Team
ASARCO Cap Survey, Ruston, WA
What: At the request of the Environmental Cleanup program, the EPA Region 10 Dive Team surveyed
the Superfund sediment cap at the ASARCO/Ruston site.
Why: Diver survey objectives were to: 1) describe the baseline physical nature of the bottom, 2)
photograph & locate objects and features of the cap such as mounds and debris, and 3) assess the
amount or presence of cap material under-pier.
Where: ASARCO Superfund Site, Ruston, WA
When: Dive surveys were conducted in June, 2007.
How: Diver investigations included several dives to collect bottom samples and video.
Results: Divers found mounds of cap material, probably due to thicker placement areas. An assortment
of life was found including crabs, various bivalves, and anemones in some areas. Limited cap material
was found under-pier. Black sand (likely slag) was found mixed in with cap material in places.
More Details: http://vosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/webpage/Asarco+Smelter+-+Ruston
Contact: Joe Goulet (206) 553-6692, Goulet.ioe@epa.gov

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Photos:
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Surface view of cap area being surveyed/dock in background
Piling on the cap & diver Rob Rau holding GPS float (All photos from Dive #1 taken by Divemaster
Bruce Duncan)

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Ledge with anemones
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06/06/2007
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Mounded area

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Georeferericed photo locations and transect map of baseline diver survey
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Diver Rob Rau noting objects on cap
Return to EPA Region 10 Dive Team homepage.

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