Publication Summary

EPA priority pollutants/hazardous substances list compounds, resin acids, guaiacols, fatty acids, selected herbicides, polychlorinated dioxins, and polychlorinated furans were analyzed in sediment samples collected from ten sites in Grays Harbor estuary during May of 1988. The results indicated the level of chemical contamination was relatively low and generally comparable to non-urban reference ares in Puget Sound.

EPA priority pollutants/hazardous substances list compounds, resin acids, guaiacols, fatty acids, selected herbicides, polychlorinated dioxins, and polychlorinated furans were analyzed in sediment samples collected from ten sites in Grays Harbor estuary during May of 1988. The results indicated the level of chemical contamination was relatively low and generally comparable to non-urban reference ares in Puget Sound. Although sediments collected at two pulp mill outfalls in the harbor had concentrations of several organic compounds—polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 4-methylphenol, dibenzofuran, retene, and two phthalate acid esters—which appeared elevated relative to reference areas, concentrations did not exceed thresholds for adverse effects that have been determined through chemical analysis, infauna assessment, and bioassays of Puget Sound sediments. Amphipod bioassays Rhepoxynius abronius) of sediments collected in the vicinity of the outfalls showed no short-term (ten-day test) toxicity. Trace amounts of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzofuran and related compounds were detected near the outfalls.