R2 AM Contaminated Harbor and River Sediment
Thursday, 17 November 2005: 8:00 AM - 11:40 AM in Ballroom 2

(EMS-1116-970281) Synergistic Source Identification and Risk Assessment Approach for Sediment Investigation in Narragansett, Rhode Island.

Emsbo-Mattingly, S¹, Hinkley, D², Speicher, J³, Leather, J⁴, Yeutter, L³, ¹ NewFields, Roskland, MA, USA² EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., Sparks, MD, USA³ U.S. Navy Engineering Field Activity Northeast, Lester, PA, USA⁴ U.S. Navy Space and Naval Warfare, San Diego, CA, USA

ABSTRACT- The ever increasing convergence of risk assessments and source identification in ports and harbors is largely a function of improved conceptual site models, refined chemistry methods, and sophisticated source identification tools. The need for lower detection limits and source signature traceability is readily demonstrated at sites with regulatory action levels approach local background conditions. Under these circumstances, the proliferation of non-detects threatens to increase uncertainty within the risk assessment and obscure compositional differences between point and non-point source releases. This presentation features the use of modern techniques for measuring the concentration and character of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and associated material for the purposes of distinguishing sediment impacts from a creosote operation, fire fighter training area, and marina facility in a harbor off Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island. In this study, the use of alkylated PAHs, biomarker fingerprints, total organic carbon (TOC), and rapid sediment characterization (RSC) protocols helped attribute most of the PAH contamination to background and local marinas. These data helped the Navy project team complete a screening-level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) with a more clear understanding of PAH sources and remediation priorities.

Key words: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, storm water, creosote pilings, fire fighter training facility