Publication Summary

Priority pollutant polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were measured in surface sediments at 18 sites in Lake Washington, near Quendall Terminals/ J.H. Baxter site, a historical refining and wood preserving operation. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.8-7300 mg/kg, dry weight basis.

Priority pollutant polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were measured in surface sediments at 18 sites in Lake Washington, near Quendall Terminals/ J.H. Baxter site, a historical refining and wood preserving operation. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.8-7300 mg/kg, dry weight basis.

The most widespread and severe PAH contamination occurs along a historical T-Pier at Quendall Terminals. PAH levels at two stations along this pier were high enough to adversely effect benthic communities, based on guidelines established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment for the protection of aquatic biological resources. In addition, sediments were toxic to Hyalella azteca in a bioassay, and showed reduced diversity in the benthic macroinvertebrate community. Peak PAH concentrations near Quendall Terminals/J.H. Baxter are in the same range as those for receiving waters by roughly ten times. Also, lead, cadmium, mercury, and silver effluent concentrations exceeded the EPA chronic toxicity criteria. Rainbow trout, Daphnia magna and Ceriodaphnia dubia bioassays found no measurable toxicity in the Spokane Industrial Park effluent.