Publication Summary

Surface runoff from the abandoned Cascade Pole Company wood treatment plant in Olympia, Washington, was analyzed for EPA priority pollutant organics, metals (arsenic, copper, zinc), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). In addition, runoff samples were subjected to bioassays with Daphnia pulex and Salmonella bacteria (Ames Test).

Surface runoff from the abandoned Cascade Pole Company wood treatment plant in Olympia, Washington, was analyzed for EPA priority pollutant organics, metals (arsenic, copper, zinc), polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). In addition, runoff samples were subjected to bioassays with Daphnia pulex and Salmonella bacteria (Ames Test).

Results of these analyses indicate that copper in all discharges and pentachlorophenol concentrations in two of the discharges exceeded EPA criteria for the protection of saltwater aquatic life. Concentrations of most other contaminants were generally low. A high potential exists that PCDDs and PCDFs could be accumulating in marine sediments and organisms adjacent to the site. Bioassay results indicate that surface runoff was non-toxic to Daphnia pulex and non-mutagenic as measured by the Ames Test. Runoff calculations suggest that as much as 85-90% of precipitation at the site infiltrates.