PROJECTS
MARINE DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE STUDIES
SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT STUDIES
INVESTIGATIONS
- Columbia Shuttle Recovery
- Capping Contaminated Sediments (Eagle Harbor, Wa)
- Criminal Investigation of Illegal Harvesting of a Submerged Old Growth Forest in Lake Washington
- Survey of recently dredged areas at Lockheed Shipyard, Harbor Island Superfund Site, Seattle, WA
- Survey of recently dredged areas at Harbor Island Superfund Site, East Waterway, Seattle, WA
- Portland Harbor Survey
- ADCM recovery, Oakland Bay/Hammersley Inlet, WA
- Yakima River Eutrophication Study, near Prosser, WA
- Criminal Investigation of Illegal Boat Dumping Site, “Crow’s Nest” Marina, Commencement Bay
- Survey of Terminal 117 Early Action Area, Duwamish Superfund Site, Seattle, WA
BIOLOGICAL & OCEANOGRAPHIC STUDIES
MARINE DISCHARGE COMPLIANCE STUDIES
Compliance Inspections of Permitted Discharges at Seafood Processors and Log Transfer Sites
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team has conducted compliance inspections of pollutant discharges permitted under the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) at seafood processors and log transfer facilities (LTF) in coastal Alaska.
Why: EPA periodically conducts "surprise" SCUBA-based inspections of pipes discharging wastes and any resulting deposits for compliance with the conditions of NPDES permits. Permit conditions include limitations on the size of discharged waste particles (e.g., ground to one half inch for seafood waste solids in most of Alaska) and the area of the deposition field (e.g., often one acre for both seafood processors and log transfer facilities). Thickness of waste deposits, impacts on benthic communities, and water quality conditions at discharge sites are data needed to evaluate permit compliance.
Where: Compliance inspections for seafood processors have been conducted throughout Southeast Alaska and Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands. LTF survey was in Port Fredrick near Hoonah, AK..
When: Compliance inspections customarily occur between April and October and have been conducted intermittently since 1977.
How: Observations are made, photographs and video records are taken, and core samples of sediment may be collected. All data are synthesized as inspection reports for the compliance record of each facility inspected.
Results: Inspection information is used to develop NPDES permit conditions as well as support enforcement actions when permit limits and conditions have been violated.
More Details: Compliance Inspection Reports and, in some cases, enforcement actions and civil penalties for violations of NPDES permit conditions.
Contact: Rob Pedersen at pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Salmon Net-pen Study
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team studied the benthic effects of five salmon net-pens in Puget Sound, WA.
Why: The culturing of salmon in marine net-pens results in the release of solid organic wastes (fish feces, unconsumed food, and carcasses) to the surrounding aquatic environment. Deposition of these organic materials may have effects ranging from none to biotic enrichment to an anoxic sea floor inhabited only by bacteria and nematodes. EPA's Dive Team was asked to study this range of impacts in support of the issuance of National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits to salmon net-pens in Puget Sound. The study objectives were: (1) assess the nature and extent of benthic impacts associated with net-pen operations and (2) recommend benthic survey requirements within NPDES permits for assessing such benthic impacts.
Where: Salmon net-pens were studied in Clam Bay, Rich Passage, Port Townsend, Port Angeles Harbor, and Cypress Island.
When: Spring, 1991
How: Observations were made, photographs taken, and core samples of sediment were collected along 200' transects extending away from the sides of the net-pens. Sediment cores were subdivided for the analysis of grain size, sediment chemistry, and infaunal macroinvertebrate communities.
Results: Benthic impacts, when present, were most intense under and immediately adjacent to the pens. The distance of the impact zone varied from zero to more than 200 feet. Scientific diving survey methods were developed and incorporated into NPDES permits for salmon marine net-pens in Puget Sound. These methods included transects, photography, and sediment sampling. Location of net-pens in areas of adequate depth (>50') and current speeds (> 0.2 knots) was important for ameliorating effects, particularly for large, high-production net-pens.
More Details: PTI Environmental Services. 1991. Puget Sound Estuarine Studies, Procedures for Monitoring Salmon Marine Net-Pens. Data Report for U.S. EPA Region 10. EPA Cont. No. 68-D8-0089, 35 p. + 8 App. (35 pp, 2 MB pdf to start)
Contact: Burney Hill at hill.burney@epa.gov
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Wyckoff Outfall Survey
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team performed an outfall and impact survey for the Wyckoff treatment plant to support the Region 10 Superfund program and USACE.
Why: The survey was designed to determine the level of impact of the outfall on nearby sediment and to observe the outfall to determine if was in need of maintenance. The outfall discharges treated effluent from the Wyckoff treatment plant which treats creosote contaminated groundwater as part of a Superfund cleanup of an old wood treating site.
Where: Near Eagle Harbor, City of Bainbridge Island
When: The survey was conducted in August, 2002.
How: Divers located the outfall, took still photos and video, then placed a transect along which surface sediment samples were taken. Samples of the top 2 cm were collected into 16 oz. jars using pre-cleaned stainless steel spoons with special care to include the very fine flocculent surface layer. In total, 54 samples were collected from the acute and chronic mixing zone/zone of deposit.
Equipment Used: Support vessel with GPS; down lines, nikonos V, Sony video camera.
Results: Samples were successfully collected, including still and video documentation.
More Details: EPA Wyckoff web page
Video: Surface Sediment Sampling Techniques, (2 minutes, Total file size 27 MB Windows Media format)
Contact: Rob Pedersen at pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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SEDIMENT MANAGEMENT STUDIES
Capping Contaminated Sediments (Denny Way Combined Sewer Overflow, Seattle, WA)
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the regional Water Resources Assessment Section by evaluating the capping of contaminated marine sediment in Elliott Bay in front of the Denny Way combined sewer overflow (CSO). Cap materials were clean upriver sands from the Duwamish River.
Why: Diver survey objectives were to: 1) describe the physical nature of the cap, 2) document conditions on the perimeter of the cap, and 3) evaluate colonization of the cap.
Where: Myrtle Edwards Park, Seattle waterfront, Washington. Approx. 47o 37' 04.7" Lat; 122o 21' 36.5 Long.
When: The 3-ft cap covering 3 acres was completed March 30, 1990. Dive surveys were conducted May 16, 1990.
How: Diver investigations included photographing and videotaping biota and sediment type along transects placed on top and adjacent to the cap.
Results: The cap was compact sand in a series of rolling mounds (4-6 ft relief). The surface was covered by an easily suspended organic deposit. Leaves and golf balls were common. Infauna appeared to be absent but mobile epifauna were common (crabs, sea stars, flatfish, nudibranchs, etc.).
More Details: Internal agency reports.
Contact: Rob Pedersen at pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Coeur d’Alene Lake Benthic Flux Instrument Deployment
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team helped USGS to deploy an in-situ benthic-flux meter (lander) to support a pilot study by the Region 10 Superfund program and USGS.
Why: The pilot study was designed to determine the magnitude of benthic flux of trace metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Hg, and Zn) and nutrients (ammonia, nitrate + nitrite, oxygen, orthophosphate, and silica) from contaminated lake bed sediments into the water column of Coeur d’Alene Lake. The primary question posed in this pilot study was, “Is the magnitude of the benthic flux of metals and nutrients in Coeur d’Alene Lake significant relative to riverine inputs?”
Where: Coeur d’Alene Lake, Idaho
When: The field work was conducted over a two-week period in August, 1999.
How: Divers submerged with the instrument, ensuring upright placement and a good seal on the lake bottom so that data collection would occur properly.
Equipment Used: USGS vessel with GPS; down lines.
Results: In this pilot study, flux estimates were made using both in-situ lander deployments and laboratory based core-incubations. While results were successfully collected using the lander, there were discrepancies between results of the lander and core-incubations. If further studies are planned, then concerns regarding the core incubation study would need to be resolved. To conclusively answer questions regarding benthic flux of nutrients and metals, a more spatially and temporally comprehensive study is recommended.
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/cleanup.nsf/sites/cda and http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/wri/wri004132/
Contact: Anne Dailey at dailey.anne@epa.gov
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Disposal of Dredged-material at Open-water Sites
What: The Region 10 Dive Team participated in an interagency effort to assess benthic conditions at dredged-material open-water disposal sites in Bellingham and Padilla Bays, located near Bellingham and Anacortes, WA, respectively.
Why: At Bellingham Bay there was concern that the 58 acre marine disposal site lacked the capacity to contain additional dredged material from Corps of Engineers and Georgia Pacific dredging projects. At Padilla Bay, state resource agencies wanted to evaluate the effect of disposing of 150,000 cubic yards of sandy Swinomish Channel dredged material on an existing silt bottom. It was believed that a sandier substrate might improve Dungeness crab habitat at the disposal site.
Where: Center coordinates for the disposal sites are: 48o 49' 40" N Lat. and 122o 31' 30" W Long. in Bellingham Bay; 48o 31' 04" N Lat. and 122o 33' 05" W Long. in Padilla Bay.
When: The Bellingham Bay site was inspected in February 1979 and April 1982. The Padilla Bay site was inspected in April 1982.
How: Benthic observations were made along transects radiating out from the approximate center of the disposal areas. A buoy was located near the center of each site. Still photographs were taken. No sediment samples were taken.
Results: In 1979 at Bellingham Bay, the divers noted that 1) the bottom was composed mainly of compacted clay and silty sand, 2) the profile in the disposal area was very uneven (hummocky), and 3) some of the dredged material was located outside of the established disposal site (it was unclear whether the cause was "drift" from the site or short-dumping). By 1982, the profile at the Bellingham Bay site appeared to be much more even and the dredged material appeared to have settled. No evidence of erosion was observed and benthic animals were recolonizing the area. In Padilla Bay, the divers noted that despite the disposal of sandy dredged material, the dominant substrate still appeared to be silt. Based on the observations, the interagency dive teams recommended that continued dumping could occur at both disposal sites.
More Details: Dive report.
Contact: Rob Pedersen; pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Diver Core Sample Collection, Portland Harbor Superfund Site, Terminal 4
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program in conducting sampling at Terminal 4 within the Portland Harbor Superfund Site.
Why: Divers collected core samples to assist the Project Manager in recommending cleanup actions for this Non-Time Critical Removal.
Where: Under piers located at Terminal 4 at 11040 N. Lombard, Portland, OR approx. Latitude 45° 36.0’ N Longitude 122° 46.3’ W. (Core locations, PDF, 869Kb)
When: March, 2004.
How: Divers utilized three and one foot core tubes depending on the depth of sediment. In rip-rap areas, jars were used to collect surface sediment. Due to frequent combined sewer overflow (CSO) in the Portland area, decon procedures were necessary. See the safety / SOP page for more information on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving.
Results: Divers found that most under pier areas were covered with rip-rap and that available sediment for sampling was limited. At the berth between Slip 3 and Wheeler Bay, substantial sediment depth was encountered, allowing the three foot core tubes to be used.
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/sites/T4
Contact: Sean Sheldrake, sheldrake.sean@epa.gov.
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Rob Pedersen, UDO with 1 foot cores and jars. | Divers under pier in slip1 | View of the bottom in 1
ft visibility: a thin layer of sediment over
rip-rap under pier in Slip 3 | |
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Divers entering the
water off the
EPA vessel Monitor | The Monitor in Wheeler Bay
with divers in
the water under-pier | Sampling in low visibility: Diver collecting a jar sample off the bottom where there was core refusal. | |
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Occidental Survey, Hylebos Waterway, Tacoma, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team with support from EPA Environmental Response Team divers (Edison, NJ) assisted the Superfund program in providing a video and hand-held Hydrolab survey, as well as installation of piezometers, passive diffusion samplers, and seepage meters for nearshore sediments off the Occidental site.
Why: Due to the discharge of contaminated ground water from the facility, Diver survey objectives were to locate any seeps that were visible to divers and document water quality in transition zone groundwater.
When: Dive surveys were conducted April through August, 2004.
How: Diver investigations included searches for seeps, water quality measurements on the bottom via Hydrolab, and installation of piezometers, passive diffusion samplers, and seepage meters. For more information on sample collection techniques used, see the EPA presentation at the March 2006 American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) conference (30 pp, 4.5 MB pdf). For more information on the AAUS, go to the AAUS website 
Surface supply was used for seepage meter emplacement/retrieval and for retrieval of the diffusion samplers. Diver decon was necessary due to the contaminants being discharged from the site. See the safety / SOP page for more information on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving.
Results: Though areas of visible, emerging seepage were not located on these dives, divers found white precipitate in areas where seepage had been reported in the past. Divers installed a number of piezometers across the facility (see Figure below). Water produced by the piezometers at times had pH exceeding 11, indicating the persistence of upland contamination in transition zone groundwater. Passive diffusion samplers were left in place for 3 weeks.
Where: Hylebos Waterway, approximately N47 16.89 W122 24.34
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/webpage/Hylebos+Waterway
Contact: Bruce Duncan, Duncan.Bruce@epa.gov
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Rhone Poulenc Groundwater Investigation, Duwamish River,
Seattle, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program in participating in a groundwater investigation at the Rhone Poulenc site in the Duwamish Waterway.
Why: Diver survey objectives were to install piezometers and provide core samples to assist in a groundwater/surface water interface study to determine the fate of organic and metals contamination known to be in groundwater.
When: Dive sampling was conducted in August, 2004.
How: Diver investigations included installation of piezometers and collection of core samples. Due to contaminants in sediments and the water column, diver decon was necessary to accomplish the scientific diving mission. See the safety / SOP page for more details on diver decon used by Region 10 and polluted water scientific diving in general.
Results: Diver assisted sampling helped to better understand the diffusion of chemicals into the river environment, and what threat these chemicals pose to aquatic receptors. See the attached report below for more information.
Where: Duwamish River, approximately N47 31.127 W122 18.309
More Details: See the attached data report (15 pp, 2 MB .pdf), appendix (30 pp, 775 KB .pdf), and dive plan (9 pp 350 KB pdf):
http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/LDW/Rhone-Poulenc+Incorporated
Contact: Bruce Duncan, Duncan.Bruce@epa.gov
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| Divers Rob Pedersen and Lisa Macchio discuss sediment core collection aboard the vessel Monitor | Upland sampling occurring of seepage areas |
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| Diver on tether brings piezometer tubing to surface for sample collection | Final adjustments for diver Rob Pedersen before descending. |
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INVESTIGATIONS
Columbia Shuttle Recovery Winter-Spring 2003
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team was called upon by the EPA Region 7 dive team for assistance with in-water recovery of parts of the Columbia Space Shuttle, which disintegrated upon re-entry on Saturday, February 1, 2003. Also involved under the overall direction of the U.S. Navy were divers from EPA’s Environmental Response Team, EPA Region 3, FBI, and Texas police search and recovery teams. All diving operations were conducted to support a FEMA request.
Why: Divers were called upon to dive areas suspected of having shuttle debris as determined by sonar search previous to each day of diving. EPA divers have special expertise needed for the many hazardous materials that could be encountered and for the low-visibility diving environment.
Where: Toledo-Bend Reservoir, near Jasper, Texas on the Texas/Louisiana State border.
When: Diving was conducted starting immediately after the accident, and continued for several months.
How: Divers on tether and in constant communication with the surface were directed in search patterns around a DGPS buoy marked “target.” Divers searched the bottom in low or zero visibility conditions by sweeping the bottom with legs and arms to locate any suspicious objects. The reservoir contains a submerged forest, so divers had to beware of the constant threat of entanglement with trees, horizontal logs, and stumps.
More Details:
http://www.nasa.gov/columbia/
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,78993,00.html
Contact: Sean Sheldrake at sheldrake.sean@epa.gov
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Dive Surveys of Contaminated Sediment Capping
Eagle Harbor, Bainbridge Island, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program by 1) installing and checking sediment traps equipment to monitor the success of placing a layer of clean riverine sediments over contaminated sediments (largely creosote) and 2) conducting surveys during and after capping contaminated sediments. Click here for more information regarding the Superfund program.
Why: Diver survey objectives were 1) assess the nature of the cap during and after capping including evidence of recontamination, 2) evaluate recovery by benthic macrofauna and algae after cap placement and 3) assess movement of cap sediments (due to resuspension).
Where: Eagle Harbor near Bainbridge, Washington. Eastern end of the harbor, between the ferry terminal and the green channel buoy.
When: The caps were placed in several phases through 2001. Dive surveys were conducted several times during and after placement. Diver surveys continue in support of EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD) work to study long-term cap effectiveness in 2004, 2005, and 2006.
How: Diver investigations included photographing and videotaping biota and sediment type along transects; measuring cap thickness atop settlement plates; measuring any increases in sedimentation in a nearby marina, and surveys of nearby eelgrass beds. Divers also helped place and retrieve sediment traps.
Equipment Used: Support vessel with GPS; transect lines; scooters, sediment traps, Nikonos V camera, video camera, transect quadrats.
Results: The cap was smooth in the south part of the harbor and “hummocky” in the north. A lot of woody debris was present. Creosote "marbles" were observed in the south on two occasions (see pictures below). Some settlement plates were lost (tipped over, broken, dragged, buried). Divers could feel the difference in substrate type (sand placed over mud). Recovery by macrofauna was rapid. Anemones pulled up through the cap and crab, flatfish, and drift algae were common. Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in samples from the sediment traps (see photo below) at times. Only minor accumulations of sediment occurred around stakes in a nearby marina. Nearby eelgrass beds were probably not affected. A survey was conducted in December, 2003 of areas that formerly seeped or pooled creosote (Area 4 within figure below) which was capped in 2000-2001. Life on the cap included various types of anenomes including the frilled anenome (Metridium senile), seastars including the sunflower star (Pycnopodia helianthoides) sea lettuce (Ulva), unidentified bivalves, unidentified tube worms, and sporadic eel grass (Zostera marina). Several fish including unidentified sole, ratfish (Hydrolagus colliei), and other unidentified small fish were seen on the bottom or above the cap in addition to various crab- including dungeness (Cancer magister).
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/webpage/Wyckoff-Eagle+Harbor
Read more on ORD work with Region 10 (23 pp, 2 MB pdf) to study long-term cap effectiveness; 2006 status (25 pp, 3 MB pdf).
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Diver removing lines
used to lower
sediment trap. | Creosote "marbles" on
the Harbor bottom. | Map of Eagle
Harbor cleanup site | Sediment stakes
used to track
sediment movement. | |
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Sediment cap
being placed | Diver placing
sediment trap. | Sea Lettuce on
Harbor bottom | | |
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Criminal Investigation of Illegal Harvesting of a Submerged
Old Growth Forest in Lake Washington
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team collected evidence and provided documentation to criminal investigators in late 1994 for a case involving the illegal harvesting of trees owned by the State of Washington.
Why: Approximately 1000 years ago, a major seismic event caused landslides that carried trees into Lake Washington adjacent to Mercer Island. Some of the still-standing trees are well preserved. The lake bottom and its resources are property of the State of Washington, Department of Natural Resources. Consequently, criminal investigations were initiated by the State of Washington after a salvage barge was observed removing large trees from the lake.
Where: The salvager, suspected of removing submerged trees and logs from several sites in the lake, was actually observed harvesting submerged trees off the southeast side of Mercer Island by ancient tree researchers who were working in the area. The Region 10 Dive Team survey was centered in this area, but the southwest side of the island was also surveyed with underwater scooters.
When: November 1994.
How: Several bottom transects, 100 to 230 m in length, were laid on the lake bottom in the area where the ancient tree researchers observed the illegal harvesting operations. Freshly cut tree stumps (root balls) and tops were counted along the transects. The bottom along some of the transects was documented by underwater video and 35 mm photographs. Due to the extended bottom times and water depths, Nitrox II was used by the divers.
Results: Nearly 60 cut stumps and tree parts were documented.
Product: Video and 35 mm camera photos, and a detailed report were provided to the criminal investigators. An EPA diver consulted with Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorneys for King County, Washington; the county prosecuted the case for the state. After a six-week trial which included testimony from the EPA diver, a jury found the salvager guilty on multiple counts including profiteering, theft and trafficking in stolen property.
Contact: Rob Pedersen at pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Survey of recently dredged areas at Lockheed Shipyard, Harbor Island Superfund Site, Seattle, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program in providing a video survey of recently dredged areas at the facility that were failing to meet environmental concentration-based goals, post dredging.
Why: Diver survey objectives were to: 1) describe the physical nature of the bottom, 2) document any obstacles found, and 3) evaluate the depth of unconsolidated material.
Where: Lockheed site on Harbor Island, approximately N. 47° 35.1' W. 122° 21.6'
When: Dredging in the area surveyed was completed in early 2004. Dive surveys were conducted on February 10, 2004.
How: Diver investigations included videotaping 250' feet from 5 known locations on compass headings. Due to contaminants in sediment and the water column, diver decon was necessary to accomplish the scientific diving mission. See the safety / sop page for more details on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving.
Results: Divers found the bottom to have at least one foot of unconsolidated material in most areas (likely non-native material). Debris encountered included concrete, pipes, rebar, and other miscellaneous material. Material was mounded several feet high between many of the holes created by the dredge bucket. Much of the bottom material was white and had a cake-like consistency. The dive video was used by the responsible party and the Agency to determine what follow-on actions were necessary in the area.
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/webpage/Harbor+Island+(Lead)
Contact: Sean Sheldrake at sheldrake.sean@epa.gov.
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Looking N/NW
from dive area | Looking N/NE to
dredge barge | |
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Tenders Lyn Frandsen and Joe
Goulet deploying gps located
buoy start points. | Rob Pedersen and Sean Sheldrake
preparing to conduct transects and
getting video footage of dive entry
location. | |
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Survey of recently dredged and capped areas at Harbor Island Superfund Site, East Waterway, Seattle, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program in providing a video survey of dredged areas in the Harbor Island East Waterway. Later, Dive Team support was requested to survey the cap that was placed in the area.
Why: Diver survey objectives [post dredging] were to: 1) describe the physical nature of the bottom, 2) document any obstacles found, and 3) note the approximate type and quantity of organisms found. Once the area had been capped, divers were asked to determine cap depth in various locations, the degree of mixing with native material, and to note the occurrence of any cap sloughing in sloped areas, such as near the “mound.”
Where: Harbor Island Superfund Site, East Waterway, approximately N47 34.791 W122 20.571
When: Dive surveys were conducted on April 15, 2004, July 15, 2004, and June 15, 2005.
How: Diver investigations included videotaping two 1000’ transects from East to West across the waterway near pier 27 and 28 (start) to Berths 4, 5, and 6 (end) and searches for submerged objects. Post capping work included 4 transects in various locations across the cap up to 500 feet in length. Due to contaminants in the water column and in sediments, diver decon was required. See the safety / sop page for more information on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving.
Results: Divers found “bucket holes” in several areas approximately 3’ deep and more than 6’ across. Divers found an abundance of life on the “mound” near pier 27, such as anenomes particularly on substrate such as partial pilings and algal growth on the bottom. Mid-channel, bivalve siphons were observed in addition to some species of flatfish. Object locations were determined. A narrated video was produced from the dives for the Superfund Project Manager and Aquatic Resource Unit staff.
Post capping work included a narrated video of 4 transects conducted with observations made every 50 to 100 feet. Generally, the cap was found to be 3-4 inches thick in many places with a high degree of variability (some areas no cap seemed present, in other areas, the cap was 12 inches thick). Armoring of the mound area did not seem to have any evidence of sloughing.
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/webpage/Harbor+Island+(Lead)
Contact: Sean Sheldrake, sheldrake.sean@epa.gov.
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Portland Harbor Survey
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team with assistance from divers with the EPA Environmental Response Team (ERT) out of Edison, NJ performed a survey near the McCormick and Baxter site (creosote seeping into the Willamette River, in Portland Harbor) to support hydrogeological field investigations by the Region 10 Superfund program and Oregon Department of Environmental Quality.
Why: The survey was performed to assess the sediment, ground water, and surface water quality to compare to previous data from the site, and to have a comprehensive set of data (together with on-site ground water monitoring well sampling, shore sampling with mini-piezometers and seepage meters, and sampling with semi-permeable membrane samplers) just prior to installation of a barrier wall at the site and prior to final design of the sediment cap (both expected in early 2003).
Where: Off-shore of the McCormick and Baxter Superfund site in the Willamette River, Portland, Oregon.
When: Surveys were conducted in July 2001 and September, 2002.
How: Divers performed a survey of the area to describe biota and bottom conditions and used three techniques to collect and evaluate ground water discharge through the river bottom to the surface water. In addition, sediment cores were collected and bottom water samples were collected by carrying a Niskin-type sampler to the bottom without disturbing the surface layer, then triggering the device by hand. Due to contaminants in the water column from frequent CSO and in the sediment, diver decon was required. See the safety / sop page for more information on diver decon and polluted water diving.
Ground-water Sampling Techniques: One of the sampling techniques employed was a “push probe," essentially a large syringe. This sampling technique allows the diver to collect a sample of sediment pore water at various depths to determine a realistic exposure point concentration to benthic organisms from contaminants from upland seeps and bottom sediments. Another technique tested was the use of “seepage meters.” These are used to measure relative flux of groundwater through the sediment. Using buckets with calibrated bags connected to them, estimates can be made of the flux of groundwater through the bottom. The third technique was installation of minipiezometers. These thin tubes with a screened section at the lower end are pushed into the sediment (generally deeper than the push probe described above), tubing is connected to the surface via the vessel's anchor chain and pore water is pumped up to collection bottles for analysis.
Equipment Used: Support vessel with GPS; down lines, seepage meters, push probes, minipiezometers, hand-held Niskin-type water samplers, sediment corers, field analytical kit for pH, conductivity, etc., sample collection jars.
Contact: Bruce Duncan at duncan.bruce@epa.gov
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Diver decontamination | Diver with sediment cores | Diver with mini-piezometer | |
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Diver holding seepage meter | Diver preparing
to enter water | | |
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ADCM recovery, Oakland Bay/Hammersley Inlet, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Washington State Department of Ecology in deployment, recovery, and maintenance of current meters, including one acoustic doppler current meter (ADCM) being used to develop water quality limits, or total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for the area. Washington is delegated responsibility for implementation of the Clean Water Act.
Why: Diver objectives were ADCM deployment, recovery, and checking of other current meters. Information on currents will be used to develop and calibrate a hydrodynamic model for the inlet. The model is being used to determine the maximum amount of bacteria and nutrients that can be discharged to the waterbody and still meet environmental and human health standards. This and other bacteria can lead to problems for shellfish and recreation in the Bay. Diver deployment of the meters ensures their proper placement for data collection and that anchoring is in place to ensure instrument/data recovery. See the Ecology website below for more details.
When: Dives were conducted in April and October 2005, December 2005, and February 2006.
How: Divers were deployed using tethered SCUBA off the Ecology vessel Skookum. Deployment: Diver descended the winch cable to the inlet bottom, then anchor the instrument in with stakes hammered into the bottom; a dgps location is simultaneously noted. Recovery: After locating instruments via sonar and GPS deployment coordinates, one diver deploys with winch hooks to attach to the instrument, removes anchor stakes, then returns to the surface.
Results: Current meters were successfully deployed/recovered/checked.
Where: Oakland Bay/Hammersley Inlet, WA.
More Details: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/tmdl/watershed/oakland_bay/
Contact: Rob Pedersen, pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Yakima River Eutrophication Study, near Prosser, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted US Geological Survey (USGS), South Yakima Conservation District, and Benton Conservation District in a joint eutrophication study on the Yakima River.
Why: The study’s major focus is the substantial increase in plant growth in the lower river in recent years which has lead to extremely low dissolved oxygen levels (3-6 mg/L) and extreme pH swings (e.g., 7.4 to 9.5). WDOE intends to use the information from this study to begin developing a TMDL for dissolved oxygen and pH in the lower river.
Where: 1) Two reaches along the Lower Yakima River; the Kiona Reach, river miles (RMs) 18 to 30 (down stream of Benton City), and Mabton/ Prosser Pool Reach, RMs 47 to 55 (upstream of Prosser Dam). 2) Grandview WWTP Outfall, RM 55 (400 meters downstream of Euclid Bridge).
When: Dives were conducted on August 30 and 31, 2005.
How: Divers would pendulum from the anchored dive platform out to as many as 5 sites per transect to collect aquatic plant biomass for identification on the surface and later analysis at the University of Idaho. Diving was used as a number of surface collection methods were found to be unsuccessful for the types of plants found. Due to the persistent low levels of pesticides in the water column, divers wore drysuits and conducted abbreviated decontamination. See the safety / sop page for more information regarding polluted water scientific diving and diver decon.
Results: Divers found substantial plant biomass in the Kiona reach, but little to no plant life in the Prosser Pool reach. Samples are being analyzed now in this ongoing study. While in the area, divers also conducted an outfall inspection for the Grandview waste water treatment plant. This inspection found no physical defects in the outfall.
More Details: http://or.water.usgs.gov/projs_dir/yakima_nutrients/
Contact: Chad Schulze, schulze.chad@epa.gov
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Criminal Investigation of Illegal Boat Dumping Site, “Crow’s Nest” Marina, Commencement Bay
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team collected evidence and provided documentation to criminal investigators in 2004 of boats illegally sunk in Commencement Bay.
Why: Witnesses reported suspicious towing and sinking of vessels in the vicinity of the marina. Several oil sheens that were reported near the marina were suspected to have originated on vessels sunken without removal of diesel/gasoline/other hazardous materials.
Where: Crow’s Nest Marina, Commencement Bay (near Tacoma, Washington). Approximately Lat N 47 deg 17’62” W 122 deg 25’14”
When: March, May, November, and December, 2004.
How: Over 20 dives were conducted by EPA Region 10 and Environmental Response Team (ERT) divers. A Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and sector scan were also deployed by ERT to aid in identification of wrecks for further diver investigation to “optimize” the use of diver time. NOAA Nitrox I (32% oxygen) was used on some deeper dives to enhance diver safety and prolong safe dive times, provided courtesy of the NOAA Dive Center. Due to the presence of contamination in the water column from sunken vessels, diver decontamination was undertaken. See the safety / sop page for more information on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving.
Results: Dozens of sunken vessels were documented in video, still footage, and sector scan imaging. Many of the vessel observations included evidence of purposeful sinking, such as concrete block filled holds, and holes deliberately punched in the side of vessels. Many vessels were piled one on top of another, with riggings still attached, which presented a hazardous dive environment.
Product: Video, digital, and sector scan images were taken and a detailed report was provided to the criminal investigators.
Contact: Sean Sheldrake, sheldrake.sean@epa.gov
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Survey of Terminal 117 Early Action Area, Duwamish Superfund Site, Seattle, WA
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the Superfund program in providing a survey of an area to be dredged in the Duwamish Waterway
Why: Diver survey objectives were to: 1) describe the physical nature of the bottom, and 2) document any obstacles found.
Where: Duwamish Superfund Site, N47 31.720 W122 18.756 near the Southpark Marina.
When: Dive surveys were conducted on April 13, 2006.
How: Diver investigations included surveying transects pictured below.
Results: Divers found very little debris except at the toe of the bank slope in the marina.
More Details: http://yosemite.epa.gov/R10/CLEANUP.NSF/LDW/Terminal+117
Contact: Sean Sheldrake, (206) 553-1220, sheldrake.sean@epa.gov.
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BIOLOGICAL & OCEANOGRAPHIC STUDIES
Baseline Marine Benthic Surveys near Elwha River
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in conducting surveys of nearshore benthic habitat in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, WA, near the mouth of the Elwha River.
Why: The U.S. Department of the Interior proposes to fully restore the Elwha River ecosystem and native anadromous fisheries through the removal of the Elwha and Glines Canyon dams. The two dams completely block salmon access to vast, undisturbed spawning habitat in the Olympic National Park. Dam removal and reestablishment of anadromous fish runs in the upper Elwha River basin were evaluated in a National Park Service (NPS) environmental impact statement (EIS). The baseline surveys were used to address potential impacts to downstream migrating juvenile salmon caused by increased stream sediment loads after dam removal.
Where: Primary survey area was at the mouth of the Elwha River.
When: July, August 1994
How: Data were collected along approximately 45 GPS-positioned transects, 600 feet in length. One meter square grids at 60-foot intervals on each transect were surveyed for macro algae species and percent coverage, benthic invertebrates, and substrate particle size and size-class coverage. Transects were also documented by narrated underwater video.
Results: The USFWS baseline data on habitat quality was used by the NPS for preparing the EIS. The data collection effort was for specific algal species, substrate type, and percent coverage estimates. The mixed cobble substrate provides excellent habitat for lush macro algal populations. Some kelp beds are also evident.
More Details: Seavey, F. and G. Ging. 1995. Marine resources of the Elwha River Estuary, Clallam County, Washington. Rep. for Nat. Park Ser., prepared by U.S. Fish Wildlife Ser., W. WA Office, N. Pac. Cst. Ecoregion. 29 pp. + 3 Figs., 10 Maps, 1 App. June 1995 (47 pp, 8 MB pdf)
Contact: Rob Pedersen at pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Eelgrass Surveys
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team documented changes in stalk density in three eelgrass beds within or near Eagle Harbor, Puget Sound, WA.
Why: It was unknown whether capping of contaminated sediments in Eagle Harbor as part of a Superfund remedial project would impact nearby eelgrass beds.
Where: Eagle Harbor and Murden Cove (next cove to the north of Eagle Harbor), near Bainbridge, WA.
When: October 1993 to August 1997.
How: Density of eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) was recorded as counts of stalks within 0.1 m2 quadrats; 30 quadrats were placed randomly in a 100 m by 20 m rectangle in the middle of each bed.
Equipment Used: Support vessel with GPS; 100m transect line; 10m transect line; quadrat; slates
Results: Shoot density differed; the Wyckoff bed (nearest the sediment cap) consistently had the least amount of eelgrass and the Murden Cove bed (to the north of Eagle Harbor) the most. Changes within beds appeared to be related to the natural cycle of winter reduction rather than the movement and subsequent deposition of cap sediment. Variability among divers in counting stalks was highest when the density was high and within 1 or 2 stalks when density was low.
More Details: Duncan, P.B. and D.W. Karna. 1996. Eelgrass surveys in Eagle Harbor, WA, following capping of adjacent contaminated sediments. Proc. Amer. Acad. Underwater Sci. 1996 Sci. Diving Symp. p. 107-111. (6 pp, 300 KB pdf)
Contact: Bruce Duncan; duncan.bruce@epa.gov
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Lake Union and Duwamish River Uptake Survey - ORD and Texas A&M
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team assisted Texas A&M, an EPA Office of Research and Development grantee, with placement and retrieval of salmon and crayfish cages on the bottom of Lake Union and the Duwamish River to study uptake in these species of contaminants off the bottom.
Why: The study is designed to determine the level of uptake of contamination emanating from Gasworks Park for both territorial and transitory life. Shifts in DNA metabolism were detected in Coho fingerlings; methods development for chronic toxicity testing are in progress. Study design for the Duwamish River concerns the impacts of PCBs on territorial and transitory fish.
Where: Lake Union, just off of Gasworks Park and the Duwamish River, near the 16th Avenue South bridge (between river miles 3.3. and 3.6).
When: Samples were collected in March/August, 2002 and March/July 2004 in Lake Union. Samples were collected July 2005 and July 2006 in the Duwamish.
How: Divers assisted in placement of the cages to ensure the correct exposure location was obtained for the crayfish and salmon (Lake Union) and sculpin and salmon (Duwamish River). Cages were retrieved approximately one week later. Due to the presence of sediment and water column contamination, diver decontamination was undertaken. For more information on diver decon and polluted water scientific diving, see the the safety / sop page.
Equipment Used: Support vessel with GPS; down lines.
Results: Samples were successfully collected.
More Details: http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/79408_gasworks20.shtml
http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/cleanup.nsf/sites/lduwamish
Contact: Rob Pedersen; pedersen.rob@epa.gov
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Mussel Growth and Bioaccumulation
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team deployed mussels to and retrieved them from the East and West Waterways of the lower Duwamish River, Puget Sound, WA, adjacent to the Harbor Island Superfund site.
Why: The project objectives were to answer the following 1) Did mussels accumulate contaminants associated with sediments? 2) Did stations differ with respect to bioaccumulation and growth? 3) Was there a relationship between sediment contamination, bioaccumulation, and growth?, and 4) Which sites and contaminants were of most concern?
Where: Lower Duwamish from Kellogg Island downstream into the East and West Waterways and the entrance to Elliott Bay, WA.
When: October 16, 1991 to January 7, 1992.
How: Juvenile and adult mussels were placed in mesh cages (trays and bags, respectively) at 12 sites around Harbor Island and at one control site (Carr Inlet), approximately 1 m off the substrate. Each juvenile mussel was measured and weighed before and after placement. Adult mussel tissues were combined for analysis. Tissue concentrations were normalized to water quality criteria. Sediment concentrations were normalized to NOAA's ERMs (effects range median; these are sediment concentrations associated with effects on organisms).
Results: Mussels from Harbor Island accumulated higher concentrations of contaminants and had significantly lower growth rates than the reference-site mussels. One site on Harbor Island had mussels with the lowest growth rates and highest contaminant concentrations. Tributyltin (TBT) and copper were the contaminants of greatest concern in both tissues and sediments; lead and zinc were also of concern in sediments. Growth rate was significantly reduced as a function of bioaccumulation and sediment contamination.
More Details: Salazar, M.H., Duncan, P.B., Salazar, S.M., and K.A. Rose. 1995. In-situ bioassays using transplanted mussels: II. Assessing contaminated sediment at a Superfund site in Puget Sound. Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment - Third Volume, ASTM STP 1218, J.S. Hughes, G.R. Biddinger, and E. Mones, Eds., Amer. Soc. Test. Materials, Philadelphia.(22 pp, 1 MB pdf)
Contact: Bruce Duncan at duncan.bruce@epa.gov
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Scuba-based Protocol for Community Assessments of Soft-bottom
Sea Floors in Puget Sound
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team and the University of Washington Fisheries Research Institute cooperated in the development of a SCUBA-based protocol for the assessment of benthic communities in silty and sandy sea floors in Puget Sound, WA.
Why: EPA divers often assess environmental degradation by observing the general appearance of the sea floor, sediments, and benthic marine life. These observations complement assessments of infaunal macroinvertebrates and sediment structure and chemistry. The Dive Team sought to develop a survey method which could quantify gross impacts quickly and accurately, producing quantitative data from diver observations.
Where: Alki Point, Seattle; Fay Bainbridge State Park, Bainbridge Island; Picnic Point, Everett; Global Aqua salmon net-pens, Clam Bay, Manchester; and Birding Seafoods salmon net-pens, Port Townsend.
When: December 1992 through July 1993.
How: SCUBA divers recorded observations on the numbers of different species of large, benthic organisms along 50 m transects at depths of 10 m, 20 m and 30 m. A 2 m PVC pipe was equipped with 4 wheels (5-gal bucket lids); two in the center that also supported a spool which held a 50 m transect line and two on the outer ends. Two divers, one on each side of the spool, push this Metric Underwater Transect Tool ("MUTT"), unwinding the transect line, making observations across the 1 m swath between the wheels, and recording their observations on mounted PVC slates for each five meters of the transect line. Divers are trained using a booklet of photographs of the target organisms which include sea stars, brittle stars, sea cucumbers, clams (siphons), snails, nudibranchs, anemones, and sea pens.
Results: The Metric Underwater Transect Tool served as a powerful asset in quantifying observations of the sea floor and its large, benthic communities by SCUBA divers. The MUTT provided both a non-permanent transect length marker (that did not require any set up time before surveys) and a clear boundary as used in quadrat sampling. The application of this protocol to soft-bottom sea floor assessment is limited by depth considerations (narcosis hampers quantification) and by the low densities, few species, and high variability in epibenthic communities of organisms observable by divers (large numbers of replicate observations are needed).
More Details: Miller, S., Miller, B., Jensen, G., and B. Hill, 1994. Development of a SCUBA-based protocol for the rapid evaluation of benthic degradation due to organic accumulation in the nearshore soft-bottom habitat of Puget Sound. University of Washington Fisheries Research Institute. FRI-US-9406. (90 pp, 10 MB pdf)
Contact: Burney Hill at hill.burney@epa.gov
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Dive team members checking photos of organisms to identify during dive | Dive team deploying the MUTT | Dive team recording observations using the MUTT. | |
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Survey of Shellfish for Psp and Domoic Acid
What: The EPA Region 10 Dive Team collected snails and clams for a limited survey of paralytic shellfish poison and domoic acid.
Why: To assess the PSP and domoic acid concentrations in predatory and other gastropods and bivalves within the Puget Sound basin and potential human health risk.
Where/When: Agate Passage September 1994 & April 1995, Double Bluff September 1994, and Mystery Bay October 1994, all in Puget Sound, WA.
How: Moon snails (Polinices lewissi), dogwinkle (Nucella lamellosa), an omnivorous snail (Searlesia dira), Pacific oysters (Crassostera gigas), blue mussels (Mytilus edulis), and horse mussels (Modiolus modiolus) were collected by hand from shallow subtidal areas. Butter clams (Saxidomus gigantus), Pacific littleneck clams (Protothaca stamina), and soft-shell clams (Mya arenaria) were dug from the intertidal area. All tissues were frozen. Analyses for PSP and domoic acid were performed by NMFS's NW Fisheries Science Center.
Results: Analyses of tissue from two predatory gastropods, moon snails and dogwinkles, indicated a presence of PSP, but domoic acid was not detected. Puget Sound predatory marine snails accumulate PSP toxins to levels above the regulatory level (80 mg of STX equiv./100 g). In 1994, moon snails in Agate Passage averaged 145 mg of STX equiv./100 g, while butter clams from the same area averaged 73 mg of STX equiv./100 g.
More Details: Wekell, J.C., R.M. Lorenzana, M. Hogan, and H. Barnett. 1996. Survey of paralytic shellfish poison and domoic acid in Puget Sound predatory gastropods. J. Shellfish Res. 15(2):231-236. (6 pp, 1 MB pdf)
Contact: Roseanne Lorenzana at lorenzana.roseanne@epa.gov
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