Publication Summary

Sediment from 18 sites in lower Sinclair Inlet was collected in November 1999 and analyzed for PCBs (Aroclors). These data were needed to supplement existing information on the area to evaluate spatial distribution and range of PCBs concentrations in the southern portion of Sinclair Inlet adjacent to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS). Information on spatial distribution of PCBs in this area of the inlet will support development of a long-term compliance monitoring program for the PSNS.

Sediment from 18 sites in lower Sinclair Inlet was collected in November 1999 and analyzed for PCBs (Aroclors). These data were needed to supplement existing information on the area to evaluate spatial distribution and range of PCBs concentrations in the southern portion of Sinclair Inlet adjacent to the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard (PSNS). Information on spatial distribution of PCBs in this area of the inlet will support development of a long-term compliance monitoring program for the PSNS.

PCB levels were relatively low in all samples analyzed. Aroclors 1254 and 1260 were the only PCBs detected above the practical quantitation limit. Total PCB levels on a dry weight basis ranged from 39 – 190 ug/kg with a mean of 110 ug/kg. The highest PCB levels were measured at stations S-9 (190 ug/kg) and S-14 (170 ug/kg), the stations nearest to the PSNS. The lowest PCB levels were measured at stations S-17 (39 ug/kg) and S-16 (46 ug/kg), located in the southeastern portion of the study area. These stations were also some of the deepest areas sampled.

None of the total PCB concentrations measured exceeded Ecology Sediment Quality Standard (Marine Criteria) of 12 mgTPCB/kg, organic carbon. The highest total PCB concentration measured (5.9 mgTPCB/Kg, OC) was approximately one-half of the marine criterion.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID SINCLET