Publication Summary

The potential adverse effects of contaminated sediments in freshwater systems have recently become issues of concern. Sediment Management Standards (WAC 173-204) were adopted by Washington State and included a reserved section for freshwater sediments. The Freshwater Sediment Criteria Development Project has as its goal to produce criteria or guidelines that will define levels of contaminants expected to adversely affect aquatic life. This status report summarizes the first 20 months of research on criteria development and reviews the several different elements of the research (March 1990 through October 1991).

The potential adverse effects of contaminated sediments in freshwater systems have recently become issues of concern. Sediment Management Standards (WAC 173-204) were adopted by Washington State and included a reserved section for freshwater sediments. The Freshwater Sediment Criteria Development Project has as its goal to produce criteria or guidelines that will define levels of contaminants expected to adversely affect aquatic life. This status report summarizes the first 20 months of research on criteria development and reviews the several different elements of the research (March 1990 through October 1991).

The project has produced several reports and products. FSEDCRIT is a summary of all guidelines proposed or used by other agencies. FSEDBIB is a computerized bibliography of pertinent freshwater sediment literature, guidelines and methods. FSEDLIST is a database of chemical values of freshwater sediment in Washington State. Several freshwater bioassays have been compared and Hyalella azteca, Hexagenia limbata, and Microtox are recommended for further work. Other elements of the criteria work that were not completed at the time of the status report were a review of benthic community analysis, field study reports of test sites, and a contaminants of concern list. All these elements eventually will be integrated to provide freshwater screening levels.