New Bedford Harbor Superfund Project, Acushnet River Estuary Engineering Feasibility Study of Dredging and Dredged Material Disposal Alternatives. Report 4. Surface Runoff Quality Evaluation for Confined Disposal
Abstract
Surface runoff water quality tests were conducted on contaminated sediment collected from New Bedford Harbor/Acushnet River, New Bedford, MA. The site was contaminated with poylchlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations ranging from 10 to 100,000 mg/kg. Sediment with PCB concentrations less than 100 mg/kg was selected for the surface runoff tests because similar dredged material would be used to cap other dredged material with the higher concentrations. Samples were collected from each storm event and analyzed for suspended solids, PH conductivity, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, zinc, iron, manganese, PCBs, and polyaromatic hydrocarbons. The surface runoff water quality tests predicted that filtered copper and zinc concentrations would exceed the selected criteria in surface runoff water quality from the Ned Bedford sediment. Initially, total or unfiltered concentrations of heavy metals and PCBs would be high, but associated primarily with the particulates. Contaminants durign this period could be controlled by removing the sediment particulates in the runoff before being discharges from the site. As the material dries and oxides, some heavy metals will become more soluble; however, only soluble copper and zinc will exceed the USEPA criteria at the discharge weir. A mixing zone beyond the discharge weir should be considered to evaluate the concentration of the metals in the receiving water and the need for further restrictions or control measures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200462
Entities
People
- Dennis L. Brandon
- John G. Skogerboe
- Richard A. Price