Publication Summary

As part of a multi-agency study on low survival of Chehalis River coho salmon, chemical analyses and bioassays of final effluents from the Weyerhaeuser and ITT pulp mills in Grays Harbor were conducted on samples collected during unannounced inspections between March and June 1989. The primary differences observed in effluent chemistry were an order of magnitude higher concentrations of chromium and chloroform in ITT effluent and similarly elevated concentrations of phenols, quaiacols, catechols, resin acids, and fatty acids in Weyerhaeuser effluent. Based on TOX concentrations, the combined load of total halogenated material discharged to the inner harbor was estimated to be 8,800 pounds per day.

As part of a multi-agency study on low survival of Chehalis River coho salmon, chemical analyses and bioassays of final effluents from the Weyerhaeuser and ITT pulp mills in Grays Harbor were conducted on samples collected during unannounced inspections between March and June 1989. The primary differences observed in effluent chemistry were an order of magnitude higher concentrations of chromium and chloroform in ITT effluent and similarly elevated concentrations of phenols, quaiacols, catechols, resin acids, and fatty acids in Weyerhaeuser effluent. Based on TOX concentrations, the combined load of total halogenated material discharged to the inner harbor was estimated to be 8,800 pounds per day.

Weyerhaeuser effluent failed 3 of 8 rainbow trout bioassays (0 -13% survival in 65% effluent) and showed varying degrees of toxicity in 4 of 8 Microtox bioassays. ITT effluent showed no significant toxicity in these two tests. Both discharges were consistently, extremely toxic in bioassays with Pacific oyster larvae and echinoderm sperm cells. Receiving water dilution may not be adequate to reduce effluent concentrations to no-effect levels observed in these two tests. Concentrations of the various chemicals analyzed were too low to account for effluent toxicity indicating new lines of investigation should be followed in future studies. Other potentially responsible constituents are discussed in the report. These data, as well as data collected by EPA and industry, show effluent quality during coho smolt bioassays and live box studies conducted by other study participants was generally typical of normal discharges.