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Great Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy
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Assessment of Level 1 Substances
SUMMARY OF THE MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT FOR THE LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT CHALLENGE
Sediments Challange
Challenge Goal Status
The GLBTS established one goal for both the U.S. and Canada, to “Complete or be well advanced in remediation of priority sites with contaminated bottom sediments in the Great Lakes Basin by 2006.” Progress toward this goal continues, as reported annually in GLBTS progress reports. Contaminated sediments remain at a number of sites in the Great Lakes. While it is estimated that tens of millions of cubic yards of contaminated sediment remain in priority sites, progress is made each year in the critical evaluation of sediments, identification of remedial needs, and remediation. On average, the U.S. has remediated over 450,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment each year since 1997. U.S. EPA has a goal of remediating 300,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment a year. It is anticipated that efforts in 2005 and projected efforts in 2006 will result in remediation of over half a million cubic yards of contaminated sediment by the end of 2006. In Ontario, since GLBTS reporting was initiated, sediment remediation projects have been undertaken at Thunder Bay and the St. Clair River. Decisions on natural recovery and natural recovery with administrative controls have been taken at the Severn Sound and Cornwall/St. Lawrence River Areas of Concern (AoCs), respectively. Work is continuing over the next two years on the development of sediment management strategies in 6 of 10 AoCs with sediment related issues in Ontario. Progress in U.S. AoCs is difficult to assess. Many U.S. AoCs are extremely large and have been broken down into manageable projects within an AoC. These manageable projects can take many years to remediate due to a variety of factors. For example, U.S. EPA, States, and other stakeholders are still assessing the magnitude and scope of contaminated sediment at some of these sites. In some cases, AoC boundaries have yet to be finalized. However, progress is being made every year. Typically, over three projects are initiated and three projects are completed each year. In 2004, work under the Great Lakes Legacy Act began, providing added emphasis to sediment remediation efforts in the Great Lakes. See the annual GLBTS progress reports for details about sediment remediation projects in the Great Lakes.
Environmental Analysis
There are sufficient data on the presence of contaminated sediments in the Great Lakes Basin to describe the degree and spatial extent of contamination based on exceedances of sediment quality criteria. Remedial interventions also involve assessments of toxicity, benthic community impacts, contaminant bioavailability/ biomagnification, and exposure pathways and risks. Although discharges of monitored toxic substances have declined dramatically over the past 30 years, the legacy of contamination persists in the sediments of many rivers and harbors where concentrations of contaminants remain high, and continue to pose potential risks to the health of aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans.
Management Assessment
Responsibility for the management and remediation of contaminated sites resides variously with federal, state, and provincial governments, industries, and other interested stakeholders. The GLBTS has provided a forum to report on activity and support outreach (for instance, in 2001, the GLBTS held a workshop to promote the transfer of sediment remediation technologies). The GLBTS reports annually the volume of sediments remediated from priority sites in the Great Lakes Basin (since 1997) and the quantity of Level 1 substances contained in those sediments. Refer to the most current version of the GLBTS Progress Report (at www.binational.net) for the most up-to-date sediment remediation estimates. Aside from the reporting and outreach efforts, the GLBTS provides no further opportunities to add value to current remediation activities.
Management Outcome
The Sediment goal remains relevant to the GLBTS, which supports continuing sediment evaluation and remediation activities at priority sites in the Great Lakes Basin. The GLBTS will continue to report annually the progress made in sediment remediation activities in the Basin, and identify opportunities to support additional information-sharing efforts (similar to the 2001 workshop) as needed.