Publication Summary

The Washington State Department of Ecology measured dissolved copper concentrations in surface water samples collected from two Puget Sound marinas in August 2006 and March 2007. Marinas have been shown to be sources of copper to the marine environment, the primary source being antifouling paints on boat hulls.

The results are used to characterize and compare copper concentrations inside and outside the marinas, assess seasonal variation, and determine compliance with Washington State water quality criteria for protection of marine life.

The Washington State Department of Ecology measured dissolved copper concentrations in surface water samples collected from two Puget Sound marinas in August 2006 and March 2007. Marinas have been shown to be sources of copper to the marine environment, the primary source being antifouling paints on boat hulls. The objectives of the study were to characterize and compare copper concentrations inside and outside the marinas, assess seasonal variation, and determine compliance with Washington State water quality criteria for protection of marine life.

Results showed that exceedances of acute and chronic criteria were primarily restricted to the inner parts of the marinas, where dissolved copper concentrations were higher than criteria by factors of 2 - 4. Water flowing out of the marinas during ebb tide had significantly higher copper concentrations than incoming water during flood tide, but was within criteria in most instances. Seasonal variations in copper levels were generally not observed.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID AJOH051