Publication Summary

A Class II Inspection was conducted at the Sound Refining Company refinery in Tacoma, Washington on July 20-21, 1994. Related sediment sampling was conducted August 22, 1994. The effluent met all daily average and daily maximum NPDES permit requirements. The effluent BOD5 concentration met the daily maximum permit limit but was greater than the daily average permit limit. Plant treatment effectiveness generally fell within a range typical of similar facilities. Considerable nitrification was taking place. Split sample comparisons of Ecology and Sound sampling and analyses showed close agreement.

A Class II Inspection was conducted at the Sound Refining Company refinery in Tacoma, Washington on July 20-21, 1994. Related sediment sampling was conducted August 22, 1994. The effluent met all daily average and daily maximum NPDES permit requirements. The effluent BOD5 concentration met the daily maximum permit limit but was greater than the daily average permit limit. Plant treatment effectiveness generally fell within a range typical of similar facilities. Considerable nitrification was taking place. Split sample comparisons of Ecology and Sound sampling and analyses showed close agreement.

Of eight priority pollutant metals detected in the effluent, copper, mercury, and zinc exceeded State marine water quality criteria. Mercury exceeded the chronic criterion by a factor of 76. In effluent bioassay tests the fathead minnow and bivalve larvae showed significant mortality and developmental effects.

Seven VOA compounds were found in sediment samples near the outfall. Of the BNAs detected in sediment samples, bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate and hexachlorbenzene exceeded Marine Sediment Quality Standards criteria. A marine amphipod test showed a statistical difference for mortality.