Publication Summary

Errata: The July 2005 pdf (linked above) is a revision of the original publication posted in June 2005.

The detections of the chemical, heptachlor epoxide, reported in the June publication were incorrect. Heptachlor epoxide was not detected in any fish samples from either river; therefore, heptachlor epoxide should not have been recommended for 303(d) listing as was stated in the report.

The total PCB data were correct and are recommended for listing, as stated in the June publication.

The Skagit River and Pend Oreille River are included on the 2002/2004 Section 303(d) list of the federal Clean Water Act for contaminants in fish tissue. The 303(d) listings are based on older data that may no longer be indicative of current river conditions. Fish from both rivers were collected and analyzed by the Washington State Department of Ecology to assess the appropriateness of the 303(d) listings.

Total PCBs, though found at concentrations below the 30th percentile when compared to statewide levels, continued to exceed NTR human health criteria in most samples. DDT metabolites and dieldrin were also detected but were present at concentrations below the NTR human health criteria. Over half of the contaminants analyzed for were not detected.

It is recommended that both the Skagit and Pend Oreille rivers should be included in Category 5 of the 303(d) list for total PCBs in fish tissue. A total of six other contaminant listings for fish tissue were recommended for removal from the list.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID BERA0002