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Port Angeles Harbor Sediments InvestigationA PUGET SOUND INITIATIVE location – Reaching the goal of a healthy, sustainable Puget Sound now and forever
Photo courtesy Connie Groven, Department of Ecology
Harbor PollutantsThere are many types of pollutants in Port Angeles Harbor that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. These pollutants also threaten fisheries and shellfish beds, and the people that depend on them. Some sources include wastewater pollution, industrial-based contaminants, and stormwater runoff.Wood debris and pilings can be coated with toxic treatments, such as creosote that leach out into the water. Decomposing wood often removes oxygen from the benthic (bottom) marine environment, and produces ammonia and sulfides, all of which are harmful to plants and animals. Dioxins and furans are chronic toxic chemicals and potential carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and may cause reproductive and development effects. They are stored in fatty tissues and accumulate as they move up the marine food chain. They come from natural and man-made sources, such as forest fires, burning seawater-soaked wood, garbage burning, and industrial incinerators, chlorine bleaching, and other industrial processes. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are also chronic toxics that accumulate in the marine food chain. They pose a risk to humans eating fish from the harbor, and to organisms living in the harbor. Banned in 1977, PCBs were once used as coolants and lubricants in electrical equipment. Because of their stability, however, these chemicals still persist in the environment. Their health effects are similar to those of dioxins. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of over 100 different chemicals formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, garbage, or other organic substances. They can accumulate in plants, animals, and breast milk. Animal studies have shown that PAHs can cause reproductive and immune system effects. They may also cause cancer in humans. Public Involvement OpportunitiesEcology wants to keep you involved! You will have the chance to review and comment on key documents during the investigation process. Documents can be found at this Web site and at three different repository locations (listed at right).April 28 – May 29, 2008 Public Comment Period
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