The Challenge
Spheros Environmental conducted toxicological evaluations of marine sediments as part of a remedial investigation for cleanup efforts at the Blakely Harbor Park Site on Bainbridge Island, WA. The site formerly housed active mill operations up to 1929. Contaminants at the site posed concerns of metals, phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and dioxins/furans. A multi-year remedial investigation was conducted to determine potential impacts within soil, groundwater, and sediments.
Our Solution
The Ecotoxicology Department at Spheros Environmental performed three sediment bioassays with three different marine species following Washington State method guidance. Due to elevated concentrations of wood waste and sulfides, some samples underwent additional side-by-side treatments of either sulfide purging or removal of wood debris to account for potential toxicity effects caused by site-specific environmental factors.
Subcontractor
Results +What makes this unique
Results from the bioassay testing were used to determine potential impacts to sediment biota at the project site. Despite the large footprint for bioassay testing, all samples and side treatments were successfully tested simultaneously without batching and within the sample holding time of 56 days. This was achieved through active engagement between Spheros Environmental and the client to ensure chemistry results were interpreted correctly prior to bioassay testing and a lab work plan was in place to ensure all tests were initiated quickly and efficiently.
Project Experts
