EPA 904/9-77-032
PB 276 042
AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS OF PCB *
IN THE SOUTHEAST FROM
STORET DATA AND SELECTED EPA STUDIES
OCTOBER 1977
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION A8KNCY
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS WVltlON
ATHENS, 0E0R81A
-------
Ambient Concentrations of PCBs in the Southeast from STORET
Data and Selected EPA Studies
Publication date
6.
7. Authorfs)
R. J. Bruner, D.W. Hill
8. Performing Organization Rept.
No.
9. Performing Organization Name and Address
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Surveillance and Analysis Division
College Station Road
Athens, GA 30601
10. Project/Task/V'orlc Unit No.
11. Contract/Grant No.
12. Sponsoring Organization Name and Address
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Surveillance and Analysis Division
College Station Road
Athens, GA 30601
13, Type of Report 8t Period
Cohered
Final
15. Supplementary Notes
BIBLIOGRAPHIC DATA
SHEET
t. Report No.
EPA 904/9-77-032
4, Title and Subtitle
I
16, Abfl^cฅCg problem in the southeast came to light in 1976 with the discovery of high
concentration of PCBs in fish tissues collected from Lakes Weiss and Hartwell. Tissue,
sediment and water data from these lakes are reported and analyzed.
Big Cypress Swamp data are presented and analyzed to determine background concentra-
tions of PCBs in areas remote from human activities.
STORET data for the states of NC, SC, GA, FL, AL, MS, TN and KY were analyzed and
all stations having one or more concentrations greater than 100 pg/kg PCBs in sediments
and 0.1 iig/1 in whole wates are reported and potential problem areas are defined. The
extent of the PCB problem is evaluated and recommendations are made regard'ng future
sampling needs.
17, Key Words and Document Analysis. 17ซ, Descriptor#
Water quality, biological tissue extracts, biphenyls, chlorine aromatic compounds,
liquid dielectrics, stream pollution, water chemistry, lakes
17b, Mentificts/Opcn-Ended Terms
17 c. cosati Field'Group 0808 Limnology, stream pollution
1302 Civil engineering, water quality
18, Availability Statement
Release unlimited
If. Security Class (This
Report)
wklashf g"
20. Security Class (This
Page
UNCI-ASSI TIED
22. Price
"OHM ntis-sb ihev. 10-731 ENDORSED BV ANSI AND UNESCO.
THIS FORM MAY BE REPRODUCED
USCOMM-OC 8285-P74
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AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS
OF PGSa IN THE SOUTHEAST
FROM STORET DATA AND
SELECTED EPA STUDIES
BY
R, J. BRUNER, III
DAVID W. HILL
SURVEILLANCE AND ANALYSIS DIVISION
REGION IV
U. S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
ATHENS, GEORGIA 30601
-------
CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION ........ 1
STANDARDS. . ...... ..... 1
BACKGROUND CONCENTRATION - BIG CYPRESS SWAMP 2
CONTAMINATED AREAS 6
LAKE HARWELL 6
COOSA RIVER 11
AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS . 16
FT. LAUDERDALE FLORIDA AREA 16
MIAMI FLORIDA AREA. 17
EVERGLADES AREA ............ ....... 17
ATLANTA GEORGIA AREA. ........................ 17
ROME GEORGIA AREA . 19
MISSISSIPPI AREA . ป 19
RECOMMENDATIONS 19
REFERENCES ..... 21
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LIST OF TABLES
1. Pesticide and PCB Levels In Big Cypress Swamp and Ten Thousand
Islands . 4
2. Pesticide and PCB Analyses on Biological Samples from Big Cypress
Swamp and Ten Thousand Islands for January, 1972 5
3. Pesticide and PCB Analyses on Biological Samples from Big Cypress Swamp
and Ten Thousand Islands for April, 1972 8
4. Total PCB Concentrations in Water and Sediments of Lake Hartwell ... 9
5. Mean Concentrations of Total PCBs for Various Groups of Fish From
Lake Hartwell, , , . . 10
6. Total PCB Concentrations in Water and Sediments of the Coosa
River and Lake Weiss 14
7. Mean Concentrations of PCBs for Various Groups of Fish From the
Coosa River and Lake Weiss , 15
8. PCB Concentrations at Selected Stations in the Southeast 18
V
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LIST OF FIGURES
I. Location of the Pesticide and PCB Stations In Big Cypress Swamp
and Ten Thousand Islands 3
II. Sampling Locations PCB Study Lake Hartwell Vicinity August, 1976 ... 1
III. Coosa River and Lake Weiss Sampling Locations 13
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AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS
Of PCBb in the southeast
FROM STORET DMA AMD
SELECTED EPA STUDIES
INTRODUCTION
PCBs and many other similar organic compounds are concentrated In
biological tissues by biomagnification through the food chain and through
absorption from the water. The magnitude of the environmental PCB hazard
in the Southeast has only recently been brought into focus. Previously, envir-
onmental agencies had not been sufficiently monitoring critical portions of
the environment for toxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic compounds. Water and
sediment samples had been routinely analyzed, but only a few fish flesh samples
had been collected. This still remains a critical area which needs many more
resources for effective monitoring programs.
The discovery of PCB concentrations in excess of the U. S. Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) "action level" in edible portions of fish (5.0 mg/kg)
caught in Lake Hartwell led to an intensive sampling program in this area
beginning in the Spring of 1976. Subsequently, a similar survey was conducted
in the Upper Coosa liver Basin. A warning against consumption of fish from
the Seneca River arm of Lake Hartwell has been issued jointly by the South
Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SC-DHEC) and the
U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As a result of actions Initiated
by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GA-EPD)(1), the following
areas are currently closed to commercial fishing; the Coosa liver from the
Georgia-Alabama stateline to Rome, the Etowah River from its confluence with
the Oostananla to the US 441 bridge, and the Oostananla River from its con-
fluence with the Etowah to the GA 156 bridge.
STANDARDS
The first area of concern in developing and maintaining a PCB water
quality criterion is the protection of humans from the ingestion of PCBs in
l.
-------
food and/or water. PCBs in food are regulated by the FDA Cfor interstate
commerce) and the EPA has authority to establish maximum concentrations in
drinking water. The FDA has established the "action level" of 5 mg/kg for
total PCBs in edible tissues on a wet weight basis. 1PA has not yet established
a limit for PCBs in drinking water because of lack of chronic health-effect
information available. In the absence of maximum contaminant level in drinking
water, a concentration of 1 pg/1 is being used as the "level of concern" (2).
The second area which must be considered Is the protection of indigenous
species of aquatic life and the consumers thereof. This portion of the problem
is approached through the use of stream classifications for the protection of
"fish and wildlife." The Quality Criteria for Water (3) gives guidance for
developing applicable standards. The criterion for the protection of "fresh-
water and marine aquatic life and for consumers thereof" is a maximum concentration
of 0.001 pg/1 (1 ng/1) of total PCBs. This level is below the practical detection
limit of standard methodology but is necessary due to the high degree of bio-
accumulation of PCBs. Preliminary research indicates that tissue concentration
should not exceed 0.5 mg/kg for the protection of carnivorous mammals (e.g.,
mink, raccoon, otters, etc.) whose diets consist primarily of fish and other
aquatic animals.
BACKGROUND CONCENTRATIONS
The wide dissemination of PCB, DDT and other persistent man-made organic
compounds requires that background concentrations be established, since nearly
all living organisms will contain at least trace quantities of these compounds,
and only when measured concentration exceed background levels can localized
contamination be detected. In an attempt to establish background levels of
PCBs for the southeast, data from the Big Cypress Swamp (4) for January through
November 1972 were analyzed (See Tables 1 and 2). This area was chosen because
2
-------
Figure I. Location of the Pesticide and PCB Stations In Big Cypress Swamp
and Ten Thousand Islands.
3
-------
fable 1, Pesticide and PCB Levels In Big Cypress Swamp and fen Thousand
Islands. tS,
DDT
DDD
Station
Jan,
Apr.
July
Nov.
Station
Jan.
Apr.
July
Nov.
1
ndZS.
3.2
ND
2.2
1
0.48
3.2
ND
0.88
2
ND
2.9
ND
ND
2
ND
2.9
1.0
1.4
3
2.7
160
ND
ND
3
13
160
ND
2.6
4
0.78
0.22
ND
ND
4
0.68
0.22
ND
ND
5
ND
0.69
ND
ND
5
1.8
0.69
ND
0.44
6
ID
0.58
ND
ND
6
0.61
0.58
ND
1.7
7
ND
0.22
ND
ND
7
ND
0.22
ND
ND
DDE
PCB
Station
Jan.
Apr.
July
Nov.
Station
Jan.
Apr.
July
Nov.
1
0.14
2.3
ND
0.40
1
ND
20
ND
ND
2
ND
2,4
0.73
1.1
2
130
5.7
ND
ND
3
4.2
96
ND
1.1
3
ND
5.2
ND
11
4
0.39
0.09
ND
ND
4
8
1.5
ND
ND
5
1.1
0.29
ND
0.37
5
ND
4.1
ND
4.2
6
0.23
0.28
ND
0.89
6
ND
ND
ND
ND
7
0.09
0.21
ND
fJD
7
ND
2.6
ND
ND
/a - Sediment concentrations were calculated on a dry weight basis. All values
are in yg/kg.
/b - ND (None Detected).
4
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Table 2. Pesticide and FCB Analyses on Biological Samples from Big
Cypress Swamp and Ten Thousand Islands for January, 1972,CSL
Size Range
Station Type of Total Length DDE DDD DDT PCBs
No. Sample (mm) Vg/kg Pg/kg Pg/kg vg/kg
1
Largemouth bass
84
11
2.8
7.0
35.
1
Brook silversides
32-82
6.8
0.7
2.3
12.
1
Spotted sunfish
122-134
4.2
1.1
2.3
12.
2
Florida gar
362
8.6
52.
25.
ml*.
38.
2
Golden shiner
162
0.6
0.3
8.
2
Redear sunfish
179
2.3
4.8
2.3
22.
3
Brook silversides
40-69
9.5
5.7
1.7
22,
3
Gambusia
19-40
26.
15.
9.1
42.
3
Florida gar
486
200.
94.
40.
110.
4
Flagfish
22-36
8.1
6.8
4.6
24.
4
Gambusia
22-46
18.
11.
10.
31.
4
Marsh killifish
83
23.
14.
11.
52.
5
Gambusia
17-44
16.
12.
6.5
28.
5
Florida gar
471
24.
20.
4.0
34.
5
Largemouth bass
197
9.2
11.
5.4
104.
6
Sheepshead
256
8.0
7.2
2.0
37.
6
Mangrove snapper
215
5.8
3.2
1.6
47.
6
Eastern oysters
-
0.7
1.0
0.76
22.
7
Sheepshead
380
12.
3.1
2.8
47.
7
Mangrove snapper
240
7.8
3.8
2.0
35.
Eastern oysters
-
1.7
1.8
1.0
16.
8^ฃ.
Snook A
228
42.
51,
11.
85.
8
Snook B
156
40.
56.
12.
120.
/a - Based on whole fish analyses, calculated on a wet weight basis,
/b - ND (None detected).
/c - Station 8 was a station on Henderson Creek.
5
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Table 3. Pesticide and PCB Analyses on Biological Samples Prom Big Cypress
Swamp and Ten Thousand Islands for April, 1972, /ง_
Size Range
Station Type of Total Length DDE DDD DDT PCBs
No, Sample (mm) wg/kg ug/kg ug/kg wg/kg
1
Bowfin
561
8.7
9,1
6.3
nd/*>
1
Florida gar
662
320.
59.
4.5
110,
1
Yellow bullhead
313
3.2
3.9
2.3
ND
2
Bluegill
101-236
14.
7.8
17
26,
2
Warraouth
116
3,4
ND
ND
ND
2
Spotted sunflsh
86-201
7,4
3.8
6.8
23.
3
Bluegill
122-135
6,1
8.8
8.6
16.
3
Redear
98-129
6.7
3.4
4.0
ND
3
Gambusia
18-34
34.
48.
7.2
38.
4
Spotted aunfish
112-120
8,9
8.0
5.7
13.
4
Striped mullet
378
7.4
13,
5.5
76.
4
Gambusia
19-38
36.
13,
5.7
11.
5
Sailfin molly
28-56
14.
19,
13.
14.
5
Striped mullet
87
2,2
1.0
ND
ND
5
Redfin needlefish
316-318
24.
22.
16.
ID
6
Sheepshead
387
13,
9.3
3.8
ND
6
Gafftopsail catfish
428
12.
12.
7.6
ND
6
Eastern oyster
_
18.
1.6
7.4
ND
7
Sheepshead
300
8,
1,2
6.3
ND
7
Crevalle jack
288
32,
4,8
7.2
76.
7
Eastern oyster
_
12.
1.3
ND
20.
/a - Whole fish analysis calculated on a wet weight basis,
/b - ND (None detected).
6
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the Impact of human activity was considered minimal. Apparently, from these data,
backgrounds as high as 30 pg/kg in sediment and 120 vg/kg in tissue can he expected.
In January, Station 2 had a PCB concentration of 130 yg/kg in sediments;
a concentration which varied greatly from the other observed values. This
station Is located along FL 84 (See Figure 1) which would make it susceptible
to PCB contamination from electric transformers or other sources, thus this
observation was not considered indicative of a true background level.
CONTAMINATED AREAS
The two problem areas mentioned in the introduction of this report, Coosa
River - Lake Weiss and Lake Hartwell, have been under extensive investigation
by GA-EPD, AWIC (Alabama Water Improvement Commission) and EPA; and GA-EPD,
SC-DHEC, mid EPA, respectively. This section presents an analysis of the
data collected in these two areas. Much of the data collected are on fish
tissue samples collected by electro-fishing. Concentrations are reporter on
a wet weight basis for edible fillets since the purpose of sampling was to
determine acceptibility for human consumption as indicated by the FDA "action
level."
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is located on the Savannah River between South Carolina
and Georgia. Water, sediment, and fish tissue samples were collected from
the lake in August, 1976 and tissue samples were collected again in April,
1977 as part of a continuing cooperative sampling effort by US-EPA, SC-DHEC
and GA-EPD. Results from the analyses of these samples are presented in
Tables 4 and 5. Figure II gives the sampling location for the water and
sediment stations.
The maximum concentration of PCBs in water and sediment samples (2.02
pg/1 and 22.08 mg/kg, respectively) collected during the August survey occurred
7
-------
Figure II. Sampling Locations PCB Study Lake Hartwell Vicinity August, 1976
-------
Table 4
Total FCB Concentration In Water and Sediments of Lake Hartvell
Total PCB
Total FCB
Station
Location
Bate
Water
Sediment
yg/1
mg/kgiฎ.
L-01
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
NnZt
L-02
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
ND
L-03
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
ND
L-04
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
ND
L-05
Lake
Hartwell
(Tugaloo R.)
8/24/76
0.02
L-06
Lake
Hartwell
(Tugaloo R.)
8/24/76
__
0.61
L-07
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
0.87
L-08
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
3.24
L-09
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
2.64
L-10
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
ND
L-ll
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
0.23
L-12
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
ND
L-13
Lake
Hartwell
8/24/76
0.65
L-14
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
6.59
L-15
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
3.46
L-16
Lake
Hartwell
(Seneca R.)
8/24/76
5.48
L-17
Lake
Hartwell
(Keowee 1.)
8/24/76
0.85
L-18
Lake
Hartwell
(12 Mile Cr.)
8/24/76
18.76
L-19
Lake
Hartwell
(12 Mile Cr.)
8/25/76
0.73
L-20
Lake
Hartwell
(12 Mile Cr.)
8/25/76
4.0
L-21
12 Mile Creek
8/25/76
0.09
L-22
12 Mile Creek
8/25/76
0.53
L-23
12 Mile Creek
8/25/76
0.05
L-24
12 Mile Creek
8/25/76
0.26
L-25
12 Mile Creek
8/25/76
3.47
L26
North Fork 12
Mile Cr.
8/25/76
0.03
L-27
Middle Fork 12
1 Mile Cr.
8/25/76
ND
L-40
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
22.08
L-41
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
2.02
L-42
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
1.69
L-43
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
3.34
L-44
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
0.10
L-45
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
<0.20
L-46
Town
Cr,
8/25/76
ND
L-47
Town
Cr.
8/25/76
<0.06
L-48
Wolf
Cr.
8/25/76
ND
L-49
Wolf
Cr.
8/25/76
ND
L-50
Wolf
Cr.
8/25/76
ND
L-51
Wolf
Cr.
8/25/76
ND
MF-1
Middle F. 12 Mile Cr.
8/24/76
ND
0.23
MF-2
Middle F. 12 Mile Cr.
8/24/76
ND
TO
/a - Calculated on a dry weight basis.
/b - ND (None detected).
a
-------
iaoซte J , /v
Mean Concentration of Total PCBs^~ for Various Groups'
of Fish from Lake Hartwell
Fish
Grouping
12 Mile Creek
Area
Seneca River
Area
26 Mile Creek
Area
Tugaloo River
Area
Savannah River
Area
Aug 76
Apr 77
Aug 76
Apr 77
Aug 76
Apr 77
Aug 76
Apr 77
Aug 76
Apr 77
Catfish/Bullhead
54 CIO)
45 (2?)
5.3 (8)
8.9 (23)
1.2 (7)
3,3 (27)
0.1 (2)
0.3 (22)
2.4 (7)
0;8 (28)
Striped Bass/
White Bass/
Hybrid Stripe Bass
25 (11)
10 (22)
7.5 (8)
5.1 (14)
3.4 (7)
6.5 (23)
0.1 (3)
4.1 (37)
2.3 (10)
6.1 (26)
Largemouth Bass/
Coosa Bass/
Spotted Bass
23 (8)
7.5 (24)
4.8 (7)
1.3 (25)
0.6 (5)
0.6 (20)
0.2 (6)
0.3 (22)
1.2 (11)
0.6 (25)
Bluegill
16 CI)
1.1 CD
__
__
Walleye
110 CD
_
1.0 (6)
,
Crappie
11 (3)
__
/a - All concentrations are for fish fillets and are reported mg/kg on a wet weight basis.
/b - Grouped according to feeding and migration habits.
/c - The number in parenthesis indicates the number of fish used to calculate the mean.
-------
on Tom Creek at Stations L-40 and L-41. The next highest sediment concentration
(18.76 mg/kg) was on the 12 Mile Creek arm of Lake Bartveil (Station L-18).
In general, sediment concentrations of PCBs decreases with distance from Town
Creek and the 12 Mile Creek arm of the lake (downstream from Sangamo Electric
Company).
Fish tissue samples collected in both the August 1976 and April 1977
studies show the same general trends as did the sediment samples. Mean tissue
concentrations collected in the 12 Mile Creek arm of the lake were well above
the FDA "action level" during both surveys (see Table 5). The samples taken
in the Seneca River area (i.e., Lake Hartwell between the 1-85 bridge and the
US 123 bridge) had lower mean concentrations of PCBs than the samples from
12 Mile Creek arm, but the values were still in excess of the FDA "action
level" for both catfish and stripped bass.* Except for concentrations found
in striped bass, mean tissue analyses for the other areas sampled were less
than the FDA "action level."
Striped bass are migratory feeders which move throughout the lake, the
presence of PCBs in their tissue indicate overall contamination, while PCBs
in the more territorial catfish and largemouth bass indicate more localized
contamination. This is Illustrated in Table 5 by the relatively consistent
concentrations found in the striped bass from various areas of the lake and
the elevated levels in catfish and largemouth bass from the 12 Mile Creek area.
Coosa River
Fish tissue samples for the Coosa River and Lake Weiss were collected by
the GA-EPD, AWIC and EPA between May 7, 1976 and October 22, 1976. A summary
* Striped bass as used in this report refers to striped bass (Morone Saxatilis),
white bass Qtorone Chrysops), and hybrid stripe bass (Morone Sp. (Hybrid).
11
-------
of the results from these samples Is presented in fable 7. fable 6 gives
results for water and sediment samples collected between August 18, 1976
and September lv 1976. Station locations and areas where fish were collected
are given in Figure III.
The maximum concentration detected In sediments (10.9 pg/kg) was in
Dry Creek adjacent to the General Electric Company at Rome, GA. This level
was reflected somewhat in the Oostananla River below Dry Creek with a sediment
concentration of 0,14 yg/kg as compared to non-detectable concentration upstream.
This concentration is low, however, when compared to the sediment concentration
downstream from the Rome STP (Station C-2) of 1.00 yg/kg.
Areas of sedimentation within Lake Weiss (C-5 and C-7) had the highest
sediment concentrations (2.4 pg/kg and 1.5 yg/kg; and 3.9 ug/kg, respectively)
except for Dry Creek. Water samples collected from the lake showed a decreasing
trend from the headwaters (0.13 yg/1) to the dam (0.05 Pg/1). The concentration
at the Cedar Bluff water intake was 0.12 yg/1 which is below the drinking
water "level of concern." All water concentrations were in excess of the
water quality criterion for the protection of fish and wildlife.
In order to simplify the data presentation, fish species were separated
into 6 groups according to similar feeding habits. A mean concentration for
each group was then calculated for each area where samples were collected
(Table 7). Gizzard Shad collected in Area 1 had the highest mean concentration
(66 mg/kg) of all the fish collected (based on two fish). Catfish had high
concentrations in all areas, but the lowest concentration was in Area 2 which
had the highest sediment concentration of all the areas where fish were caught.
Carp and buffalo, the other bottom feeders sampled, had a mean PCB concentration
of 14 mg/kg in Area 2. This was slightly less than the catfish caught in the
area but well above the FDA "action level."
12
-------
Figure III. Coosa River and Lake Weiss Sampling Locations
-------
Table 6
Total PCB Concentration In Hater and
Sediments of the Coosa River and Lake Weiss
Station
Number
location
Date
Total PCB
Water
ing/1
Total PC
Sedimen
mg/kgฃ
0-1
Oostananla River
9/1/76
0.14
0-2
Oostananla River
9/1/76
rofiL
0-T-1
Dry Creek
9/1/76
10.9
1-1
Etowah River
9/1/76
ND
E-2
Etowah River
9/1/76
ND
0-1
Coosa River
9/1/76
0.08
C-2
Coosa liver
9/1/76
1.00
C-3
Coosa River
9/1/76
0.45
C-4
Coosa River
8/31/76
0.76
C-5
Lake Weiss
8/19/76
0.13
2.4
8/31/76
1.5
C-6
Lake Weiss
8/31/76
0.70
CBWI
Lake Weiss
8/18/76
0.12
C-7
Lake Weiss
8/31/76
3.9
C-8
Lake Weiss
8/31/76
0.18
C-9
Lake Weiss
8/31/76
0.88
C-9a
Lake Weiss
8/18/76
0.05
/a - Calculated on dry weight basis,
/b - ND (None detected),
14
-------
Table 7
Mean Concentration of FCBstS- For Various GroupsOL
Of Fish From The Coosa River and Lake Weiss
Fish
Grouping
Area 1
Near Mayos
L&D
Area 2
Near AL/GA
Stateline 1
Area 3
Near Cedar
Bluff Water
Intake
Area 4
Near Spillway
Dam
Catfish
(Channel/
Blue/Flat-
head)
46(4)
20(8)
46(13)
43(13)
Largeraouth
Bass
3.9(2)
8.3(14)
4.6(11)
8.2(14)
Crappie
(Black/
White)
2.6(8)
2,8(8)
5.9(11)
Bream
(Bluegill/
Sunfish)
7.8 (2)
5.2(5)
Carp/
Buffalo
14(4)
__
Gizzard
Shad
66(2)
~
/a - All concentrations are for fish fillets and are reported in mg/kg of
Aroclor 1254 a wet weight basis. Aroclor 1254 was the only PCB found
in these santpes.
/b - Grouped according to feeding and migration habits.
/c - The number of parenthesis indicates the number of fish used to calculate
the mean.
15
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Largemouth bass, crappie and bream (blueglll and sunfieh) had much lower
mean PCB concentrations than the bottom feeders or the shad. However, several
of the mean concentrations exceeded the FDA "action limit." There is bo
significant trend within these groups.
FCBs appear to be distributed homogeneously throughout the Coosa River-
Lake Weiss area sampled in this survey. Some heterogeneity is apparent
In sediment concentrations of total FCBs with high concentrations correlating
strongly with areas of sedimentation within the lake. There is no apparent
correlation between high PCB concentrations in fish and in sediment. This
finding coupled with the detectable PCB concentrations in the water and the
high concentration of PCBs in gizzard shad. Implies that the PCBs are entering
the food chain directly from the water probably through the plankton and/or
periphyton communities, and possibly directly through the gills.
ป
'AMBIENT CONCENTRATIONS
In an attempt to determine potential PCB problem areas in the southeast, PCB
data were retrieved from the STOEET water quality file.' The STQRET data in some
instances have been supplemented with data provided by the states and the USGS
through personal communications (5)(6). Data presented in Table 8 represent
those stations with one or more observations of total PCB concentration equal
to or greater than: 100 vg/kg in the sediments, or 0.1 yg/1 in whole water
samples.
The values presented in Table 8 are annual and gross means of one or more
values and, therefore do not always meet the above criteria. However, in all
cases, at least one observation met the stated criteria.
Ft. Lauderdale, Florida Area
There were a large number of stations in the Ft. Lauderdale area which
exceeded the criteria and are included in Table 8. Of these stations, six had
16
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mean sediment concentrations (i.e., the mean of all data for the period of
record at the station) greater than 100 pg/kg. The gross mean of 1900 ug/kg
at Station 261345080274500 (S-ll Canal at Levee 38E near Andytown) is of questionable
Importance, however, since it represents only one sample collected during 1972.
The station of major concern is station number 260514080110800 (N, New River
Canal at SW 31st Ave., Ft. Lauderdale), located near a marina, with a gross
mean of 168,158 pg/kg. The highest concentration encountered (1,300,000 pg/kg)
could be due to paints and other coatings containing PCBs as plasticizers which
enter the sediments as a result of boat painting and repair operations at the
marina.
Miami, Florida Area
There were five stations in the Miami area which are included in Table 8.
However, no data are available for these stations since 1973. Of the stations ซ
listed, two had gross mean sediment concentrations in excess of 300 pg/kg, one
of which was a result of only one sample collected during 1973 and the other
a result of samples collected prior to 1972.
Everglades
Five stations in the Everglades water conservation area met the criteria
for inclusion in Table 8. This was somewhat surprising since this area is
isolated and thus should be removed from suspected contamination. Two of
these stations (255120080540000 and 254550080403000) are located along US 41,
which could provide a pathway for FOB contamination from transformer leakage
associated with powerlines along the roadway.
Atlanta, Georgia Area
This area includes the Chattahoochee River from Atlanta to Franklin, GA,
and the Ocaulgee River Basin from Atlanta to Macon, GA, which also encompasses
South, Yellow, and Alcovy Rivers. Several stations in this area met the criteria
for inclusion in Table 8. However, data after 1973 is sparse. Gross mean
17
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Tit>iซ a
CCB Concentration At 5el*eted station In this Southeast
Keen Concentric ton Sed latent Cross Maxim* Cone.
vg/kg mm' Hhl. Water Samples
Station Mo.
location
1972
1973
1974
1975
1978
yi/tw
M*/l
Ft, Lauderdale Area
262000080520500
North few R. C, *b, s-7
40
20
85
ป
51
2613M080274500
S-ll . i Levee 38E nr Andytowa
1900
1900
0.0
02284700
H. Hew *. Canal t 10 Mile Send
48
2*3
0
39
320
1*3
0.0
02215400
South New R. C. ป S-9
5
7
15
0
0
8
<0.1
260919080172300
Middle R, C. nr Lauderhlll
0
67
44
0
35
0.1
2M>807080ป0200
Plantation C,, HW 65th Ave., Pie.
602
12
560
0
327
0,0
02281200
Plantation Rd, C. 9 S-33 nr Ft. Laud.
157
80
170
46
0
109
<0,1
26074308Q10310Q
N, Fork New R. g ft. Lauderdale
15
155
7
31
0
55
0.0
260717080094700
M. Fork Mew Irud. Blvd., Pi, Laud.
68
110
9*
0,0
260702080085800
Mew B. SV 4th 6 7th Ave.. Ft, Laud.
50
10
20
160
60
51
<0.1
26051408011(1800
N. New t.C. 8 5W Slat Ave., Ft. Laud.
20
14706
7
1300000
168158
<0.1
260333080084300
Daria Cutoff C., ซ. of FtOUl Br.
100
0
50
0.0
260207080110600
Rainfall, 2202 N. 45th Ave., Hollywood, FL
--
<0.1
1600310BQMSJ00
Davie Id., C. # Pembroke Fines, FL
10
33
29
110
0
30
0.0
SB281S0O
Hillsborough C, nr DeerfleW leach
O
0
0
0
0
0
0.1
02282000
Fcxapano C. f Posipano Beach
125
90
20
17
180
119
0,0
02282100
Cypreปs Cr. C. 9 S-37A nr Pom-
3D
20
2
0
38
29
<1,0
Mianl Area
254T190B01S1300
254812080182000
02288500(WFlฃfe)
254818060180100
02290510
1st St, Drain Bitch. Hlซปl
Bartow Pit 0. # Ludlow id.
Htami C. nr Hisleah Hell Field
Drain 0, *1 Cor. Mlaal Int.
Mlaal C. ? W 27th Ave.
20 357
95 - ซ 63
45 ~ ~ 28
320 320
0,0
0.1
0,0
0.4
02286780
HiaaS C. ง S-fi nr Lake Harbor
400
110
82
0
130
255120080540000
Cypress 5v. nr Jetport Borrow
0
0
367
105
0.0
254550080403000
Levee 67C. 1 5*121 nr Honeiteid
20
0
8500
0
1706
0 - WP1 indicates that the station Is located at a Water Treatment Plant Intake.
/c - Also GA-EPD station no. 04113001 at same locution.
fd_ - "Subsequent Investigations did not verify this number," according to October 13, 1976 letter from Larry Neal.
(*_- This area ts currently under surveillance by GA-EPO, AWIC, and US-EPA.
18
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concentrations In sediments for this area were high compared to other areas
included in the "Ambient Concentrations" section of this report (10 of 11 >100
ug/kg and 6 of 11 >300 wg/kg). The most critical location in this area is
station 05010001 on the Ocmulgee River at the Macon Water Treatment Plant
intake. Since the 6000 pg/kg concentration was detected in August, 1975,
the Seorgia Environmental Protection Division (1PD) has investigated the
intake and area upstream as far as Lake Jackson and "no high PCB contamina-
tions were found" (5).
Rome, Georgia Area
This area has the highest gross mean concentrations in sediments of any
area included in this study. The area is currently wider a commercial fishing
ban and is being investigated by the US-EPA, AWIC, and GA-EPD (See "Contaminated
Areas - Coosa River" this report). Station 14250001 is located at the Rome
Water Treatment Plant intake.
Mississippi Area
Only two stations in the State of Mississippi met the criteria for inclusion
in Table 8. Of these stations, the gross mean concentrations in sediments at
one was based on only one samples collected prior to 1972 and the other has only
two observations in sediments the most recent of which was 1 pg/kg. This area,
therefore, would carry the lowest priority for concern of the areas included
in this study.
RECOMMENDATIONS
1, Surveillance should continue along the Coosa, Oostananla, Conasauga
and Etowah livers in the Rome, GA area until the PCB problem is abated.
2. Surveillance should also continue in Lake Hartwell, especially in the
Twelve Mile Creek and Seneca River arms, until the PCB problem is abated.
Striped bass should be monitored throughout all areas of the lake.
19
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3. Periodic surveillance, Including fish tissue and sediment analyses,
should be continued along the Chattahoochee and Ocmulgee Rivers (including
South and Yellow Rivers below Atlanta, GA). Particular attention should
continue to be given to the stretch of the Ocmulgee adjacent to the Macon
Water Treatment Plant Intake,
4. Periodic surveillance, including fiah tissue and sediment analyses,
should be conducted in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, and Everglades Water
Conservation areas of South Florida. A thorough investigation should
be conducted in the vicinity of station 260514080110800 (N. New River
Canal at SW 31st Ave., Ft. Lauderdale) to determine the source and
extent of PCI contamination in this reach.
5. Periodic sampling for PCB and other persistent organic compounds in
sediments and fish tissues should be carried out as part of on-going
ambient monitoring programs In order to detect build-ups of these
compounds before hazardous concentrations are reached.
20
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REFERENCES
Cutts, Bean, "Fishing Ban Expanded to Etowah, Oostananla,"
Atlanta Conatltutlon. October 14, 1976.
Personal communication with Or. Mark KcClanahan, Water Supply
Branch, Region I?, Environmental Protection Agency.
Quality Criteria for Water (EP-400/9-76-023) U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, July 1976.
Carter, Michael R., et. al., Ecosyatema Analysis of the Big Cypress
Swamps and Estuary (EPA 904/9-74-002), U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency, June, 1973.
Heal, Larry A., Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Environmental
Protection Division, Letter of October 13, 1976 to David W. Hill,
US-EPA regarding PCB monitoring.
Grantham, Rod. U.S. Geological Survey, Doraville, GA, Letter of
October 12, 1976 to David W. Hill, US-EPA regarding PCB monitoring.
21
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