Publication Summary

This is the quality assurance project plan for the Vancouver Lake PCBs, Chlorinated Pesticides, and Dioxins Fish Tissue Investigation.

The Washington State Department of Ecology has identified Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides in fish tissue from Vancouver Lake and Lake River, the outlet stream. Exceedances of the Environmental Protection Agency′s National Toxics Rule Human Health Criteria for total PCBs and 4,4′ dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) have been documented in previous monitoring efforts. This study proposes collection of three species of sport fish and sediments from Vancouver Lake and Lake River. In an effort to target the most often caught and consumed fish in each waterbody, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife was consulted and provided recommendations.

Study results from analysis of fish tissue will be forwarded to the Washington State Department of Health for an assessment of whether a fish consumption advisory is warranted. A total of 12 composites of five fish each from the three target species will be collected and analyzed for PCB aroclors, chlorinated pesticides, and dioxin/furans. Bottom sediments from four locations in Vancouver Lake and one site downstream in Lake River will be collected and analyzed for PCBs and chlorinated pesticides. Study results will be used to determine the need for a more detailed assessment of the lake which could include a Total Maximum Daily Load.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID RCOO0006