Publication Summary

Chemical and biological testing of sediments from the Midwest Site in lower Budd Inlet was performed in June 1998, to determine if this area should still be listed on the Washington State Department of Ecology Contaminated Sediment Site List. Chemical screening (metals and organics) was also conducted near several other potential sources to determine if further sediment investigation was warranted at these locations. For comparison, a reference site in Totten Inlet was also sampled.

Chemical and biological testing of sediments from the Midwest Site in lower Budd Inlet was performed in June 1998, to determine if this area should still be listed on the Washington State Department of Ecology Contaminated Sediment Site List (CSSL). Chemical screening (metals and organics) was also conducted near several other potential sources to determine if further sediment investigation was warranted at these locations. For comparison, a reference site in Totten Inlet was also sampled.

Concentrations of both metals and organics were low in most of the areas sampled in lower Budd Inlet. The majority of chemical contamination noted seems to be associated with specific discharges. Four chemicals were present above the Sediment Management Standards (SMS). Of the six individual violations of the SMS measured, only two were above the Cleanup Screening Levels: bis(2-ethyl hexyl)phthalate near the Fiddlehead Outfall and in East Bay at the mouth of Indian/Moxlie Creek. No immediate action is recommended at these sites, however,activities with the potential to disturb sediments in these areas should include prior sediment monitoring to evaluate the potential to transport contaminated sediments. Tributyltin concentrations inside the West Bay Marina and near the Fiddlehead Outfall exceeded the interim screening level recommended by the Puget Sound Dredge Disposal Analysis (PSDDA)/SMS programs, which requires biological testing to be performed. Concerning the Midwest Site, no chemicals were measured above the SMS. Toxicity evaluation using the amphipod and juvenile polychaete bioassays indicated that sediments from the Midwest Site should not have adverse effects on biological communities. Based on a preponderance of evidence,the Midwest Site should be re-scored by Ecology′s Sediment Management Unit and be considered for removal from the CSSL.

Link to EIM data for User Study ID BUDINLET