Use of Sediment Bulk Chemistry Data for Dredged Disposal Management in Puget Sound

by D. Michael Johns, Tetra Tech Inc, Arlington, VA, USA,
Keith E. Phillips, Tetra Tech Inc, Arlington, VA, USA,
John F. Malek, Tetra Tech Inc, Arlington, VA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '87

Abstract:

Although no fully scientific approach for setting and interpreting sediment chemical levels is currently available, an effects-based approach for using bulk chemistry data was evaluated for Puget Sound. Among the approaches investigated were sediment quality values determined using water quality criteria, equilibrium partitioning and two techniques which attempt to relate bulk sediment chemical levels to observable biological effects. Following an analysis of all approaches, bulk chemistry data were found to provide useful information on the potential toxicity of sediments. This information was incorporated into the dredged material disposal decisionmaking framework.

Subject Headings: Sediment | Dredged materials | Chemistry | Water quality | Information management | Chemicals | Waste management | Washington | United States

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