Benthic Workgroup

Agendas and Summaries of Past Meetings

 Oct-20-10

 Apr-22-10

 Aug-24-09

 Jun-03-09

Toxicity Workgroup

Agendas and Summaries of Past Meetings

 Apr-07-10

This was the first of two workshops in support of the Causes of Sediment Toxicity project (2009-2010) to investigate toxicity identification and evaluation (TIE) methods related to laboratory sedim

 Nov-06-08

2009

Guadalupe River Watershed Model, Year 2

Authors: John Oram, Michelle Lent, Lester McKee (SFEI)

High levels of PCBs and mercury have been detected in the Guadalupe River. The RWQCB, SFEI and other agencies have developed an extensive database of concentrations of contaminants in water, sediment, and fish tissues in the Guadalupe River watershed. In part based on these data, the Guadalupe River Watershed TMDL identifies fish mercury targets, bed and suspended sediment targets for runoff from mining areas, and load allocations from urban areas. The Bay Hg TMDL calls for Guadalupe River watershed load reductions of 98% and the Bay PCB TMDL calls for load reductions of >95% for urban areas. In response, managers in the Guadalupe River have already started implementing management actions to mitigate contaminant effects including experimenting with aeration in the reservoirs to reduce mercury methylation and removal of contaminated sediment from drainage lines.

The aim of this project is to begin the development of a numeric model to assist in estimating mass loads of mercury and PCBs; to extrapolate the data to determine long-term average loads for the period of extensive rainfall data collection (1973-present); and to determine the proportional sources in the watershed and refine the assumptions of the Guadalupe River Hg TMDL. Ultimately the model will be used to assess the effects of best management practices and impacts of wetland restoration (e.g., effects of South Bay Salt Pond restoration).

This multi-year project began in 2008. In 2008, a model was developed based on land use maps, precipitation, topography, and runoff. In 2009 information on sediment and contaminants will be incorporated into the model (this was not accomplished in 2008). In year two, continued testing of the model will occur and the model will be updated to include sediment transport. A draft report of the model will be prepared and distributed for review.

Small Tributaries Loading Study, Watershed 2 Zone 4 Line A

Author: Lester McKee and RMP staff (SFEI)

The Small Tributary Loading Strategy team is currently developing a list of priority questions and monitoring needs. It is anticipated that a small tributary loading study will be developed upon completion of the strategy.

Continued Development of Mercury Toxicity Thresholds for Egg Hatchability in Forster’s Terns

Authors: Collin Eagles-Smith and Josh Ackerman (USGS)

The goal of this project is to develop egg thresholds for mercury. The USGS has developed a method in which a small amount of the individual egg albumen is sampled for mercury using micro-techniques. The amount of albumen is so small that the egg remains viable. The egg is then tracked to determine the success of the hatch and chick. USGS began this technique in 2007 and will build upon the information collected to date. USGS will donate in-kind services to complete this project

Impacts of PAH-contaminated Sediment on Early Life History Stages of Benthic Fish, Year 2

Author: John Incardona (NOAA)

This is the second year of funding for a two-year project evaluating the effects of PAH-contaminated sediments on the development of juvenile flatfish. The impacts of pyrogenic PAHs (like those detected in San Francisco Bay) on juvenile flatfish development are largely unknown. In the first year, the effects of pyrogenic (higher molecular weight) PAHs on a model fish such as zebra fish are being determined. An update on the first year activities will be presented at the November Exposure and Effects workgroup meeting.

After the identification of biological endpoints with a model fish species, in the second year, the study will examine a native species. In addition, environmental sediment samples with a PAH signature similar to San Francisco Bay will be used.

Use of Mercury Isotopes to Determine Sources

Author: Joel Blum (University of Michigan)

The University of Michigan group led by Dr. Joel Blum is evaluating whether mercury isotopes can be used to identify sources of mercury to the aquatic foodweb. Working in conjunction with the diffusive gradient in thin film project discussed below and the small fish mercury project, these researchers will collect sediment, water, small fish and atmospheric samples from a number of Bay Area locations to ascertain whether certain sources are contributing more to the uptake of methylmercury in biota. Preliminary results from year one will be presented at the Annual Mercury meeting in February of 2009.

Use of Diffusive Gradient in Thin Films (DGTs) to Determine Sources of Bioavailable Methylmercury

Author: Holger Hintelmann (Trent University)

The Trent University group led by Dr. Holger Hintelmann is working in conjunction with the University of Michigan group and the RMP small fish project to assess the uptake of methylmercury using diffusive gradient in thin films (DGTs). This study will also assess whether DGTs can be used as a proxy for biosentinels such as small fish. Preliminary results from year one will be presented at the Annual Mercury meeting in February of 2009.

Identification of Sources of Perfluorinated Compounds to San Francisco Bay

Author: Meg Sedlak (SFEI)

The preliminary results of the RMP pilot study evaluating perfluorinated compounds in Pacific Harbor Seals indicates that concentrations of these compounds are an order of magnitude higher in San Francisco Bay seals than those seals sampled at the reference site (Tomales Bay approximately 45 miles to the north of San Francisco Bay). This study will provide data on several of the pathways to the Bay in attempt to understand what are the causes of significant concentrations observed in San Francisco Bay biota.

San Francisco Bay and small fish will be sampled to determine the reservoir of perfluorinated compounds in the Bay and concentrations in prey animals, respectively. In addition, small fish have high site fidelity and may indicate potential source areas. Wastewater treatment facilities will be sampled as they are believed to be a potentially significant source to surface waters. Lastly, this study will collaborate with the tributary loading studies to collect information on tributary loads.

White Paper on Contaminants of Concern in Wastewater Effluent

Author: Meg Sedlak (SFEI)

This special study will evaluate emerging contaminants from wastewater treatment facilities (e.g., pharmaceuticals, personal care products, nano-particles, and alkylphenol ethoxylates) to determine which compounds may, or may not, pose a concern for the Bay. This study will review the literature to obtain ranges of concentrations likely to be observed in effluents and evaluate these data in the context of literature values and effects thresholds. The white paper will then prioritize these contaminants and make recommendations for future monitoring projects. The scope of this project will be further refined at the October Emerging Contaminants workgroup meeting.

2008

Pilot Studies

Exposure and Effects Pilot Study

The Exposure and Effects Pilot Study was initiated in 2002 to understand the biological effects of the chemical contamination observed in the Estuary. This pilot study enters its last year of earmarked funding. Biological effects of contaminants have increasing become more important to regulators and regulated community (e.g. mercury TMDL which establishes thresholds for birds and fish). As a result, the RMP has expanded its monitoring program to include impacts to biota.

In 2007, the EEPS workgroup is developing a five-year plan for monitoring biota. Integral to this plan is work on avian exposure and effects and fish exposure and effects. In keeping with this five-year plan, the EEPS committee has approved the following three studies for 2008:

Avian Exposure and Effects

Author: Josh Ackerman and Collin Eagles-Smith (USGS)

Mercury (Hg) and selenium (Se) are known to impair reproduction in wildlife and these contaminants can accumulate to high concentrations in waterbirds breeding in San Francisco Bay. Although Hg and Se have different mechanistic modes of action, the primary risk of each contaminant to wildlife populations is impaired reproduction. Moreover, both contaminants are toxicologically linked such that they may interact with one another in an antagonistic or synergistic fashion. Because of their toxicological relationships, individual assessments of reproductive impairment related to either contaminant may be confounded by the relationship with the other. This study will examine the interaction of Hg and Se on the reproductive success (i.e., hatchability, abandonment, and chick survival).

Impacts of PAH-contaminated Sediment of Early Life History Stages of Benthic Fish

Author: John Incardona (NOAA)

EEPS will fund a study evaluating the effects of PAH-contaminated sediments on the development of juvenile flatfish. The impacts of pyrogenic PAHs (like those detected in San Francisco Bay) on juvenile flatfish development are largely unknown. This is a two year study which in the first year will examine the effects of pyrogenic (higher molecular weight) PAHs on a model fish such as zebra fish. After the identification of biological endpoints with a model fish, in the second year, the study will examine a native species such as the California flat fish. In addition, environmental sediment samples with a PAH signature similar to San Francisco Bay will be used.

Spatial Patterns in Uptake of Methylmercury into the Food Web

Author: Ben Greenfield (SFEI)

Small fish are a good indicator of spatial and temporal variability in contaminants in the Bay food web. This study will examine methylmercury concentrations in pelagic and benthic fish less than one-year in age. Small fish tend to have small ranges in habitat and are dominant food-source for piscivorous fish. The purpose of this study is three-fold: to provide information of the accumulation of methyl mercury into the food web; to determine the impacts of management actions on biota (e.g., restoration of wetlands in the South bay), and to provide data for food web modeling of exposure to wildlife. This study is a four-year study that began in 2005. The primary focus of this study has been mercury; however, in 2007, small fish were collected for analysis of trace organic concentrations (i.e., PCB, pesticide, and PBDEs).

Special Studies

Guadalupe River Watershed Model – Year 1

Authors: John Oram, Michelle Lent, Mikolaj Lewicki, Lester McKee

High levels of PCBs and mercury have been detected in the Guadalupe River. The RWQCB, SFEI and other agencies have developed an extensive database of concentration of contaminants in water, sediment, and fish tissues in the Guadalupe River watershed. In part based on these data, the Guadalupe River Watershed TMDL identifies mercury fish targets, bed and suspended sediment targets for runoff from mining areas, and load allocations from urban areas. The Bay Hg TMDL calls for Guadalupe River watershed load reductions of 98% and the Bay PCB TMDL calls for load reductions of >95% for urban areas. In response, managers in the Guadalupe River have already started implementing management actions to mitigate contaminant effects including experimenting with aeration in the reservoirs to reduce mercury methylation and removal of contaminated sediment from drainage lines.

A wealth of information has been collecting in the Guadalupe watershed. What is currently lacking is a validated linkage between management measures and changes in watershed loading through time. Such a tool would help managers decide for example, if mass is removed from drainage lines results in an equivalent reduction in an annual load to the Bay.

The aim of this project is to begin the development of a numeric model to assist in estimating mass loads of mercury and PCBs; to extrapolate the data to determine long term average loads for the period of extensive rainfall data collection (1973-present); and to determine the proportional sources in the watershed and refine the assumptions of the Guadalupe River Hg TMDL. Ultimately the model will be used to assess the effects of best management practices and impacts of wetland restoration (e.g., effects of South Bay Salt Pond restoration). It is envisioned that this would be a multi-year study.

Watershed-specific Sediment Loads

Authors: Mikolaj Lewicki, John Oram, Michelle Lent, Lester McKee (SFEI)

Suspended sediment loads to San Francisco Bay are vital for maintaining tidal marsh and mudflat habitats and delivering nutrients and organic carbon to the base of the food web. However, suspended sediments are also frequently a source of contaminants to marshes and mudflats. As a result, the TMDLs have proposed sediment targets for watersheds of 0.2 mg Hg/kg of sediment and perhaps 0.002 mg PCB / kg of sediment. The other targets include demonstration of loading trends and/or mass removed (loads avoided). In some watersheds (such as Coyote Creek), the 0.2 Hg target is already being achieved. In other watersheds such as Guadalupe River and perhaps some of the more heavily industrialized areas, the PCB and Hg targets are not met.

At this time, there are few data to determine where management actions might be most cost-effectively applied to achieve a mass loading target, a loads avoided target, or a sediment concentration target. The need for this project, as described in the draft language for the municipal regional permit (MRP), is to quantify sediment loads by watershed and to prioritize watersheds for which empirical observations should be conducted. In addition, this project would provide data for modeling the watershed and loads to the Bay.

Remote Sensing

Author: John Oram (SFEI)

Monitoring suspended sediment concentrations, SSC, in coastal waters and estuaries is crucial for proper ecosystem management. Such monitoring is traditionally done in-situ, with measurements representing SSC at a few discrete points in space and time. However, recent advancement of satellite remote sensing allows for synoptic views of coastal and estuarine dynamics that would otherwise be unavailable. Results are drastically altering our perceptions of coastal ocean transport processes.

This project proposes to use moderate-resolution (250m, 500m, and 1000m) MODIS satellite imagery to investigate episodic sediment transport patterns in San Francisco Bay. Development of an event-scale sediment budget has the potential to significantly improve current estimates of contaminant loading from the Delta to the Bay. It is conceptualized that such episodic contaminant loads account for a significant portion of annual contaminant loads. However, at present we know very little regarding the percent of episodic sediment and contaminant loads that remain within the Bay.

In 2007, this project identified suitable images. Funding for 2008 will be dedicated to processing the images and delineating the boundaries of the plumes.

Characterization of Thyroid Endocrine Disruption in San Francisco Bay Fish

Author: Kevin Kelley (California State University – Long Beach)

Animal endocrine systems are highly responsive to changes in environment, both natural and anthropogenic in origin (e.g., chemical contaminants). Thyroid hormones, part of the endocrine system, are unique in that they exert physiological effects on most tissues, and their target receptors are found in all cell types. Thyroid hormones are particularly critical for the regulation of growth and development, metabolism, and brain/neural development and function. Because alterations in the thyroid endocrine system may exert broad physiological and developmental impacts, disruption of this system by anthropogenic chemicals presents a significant concern for wildlife.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (PHAHs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have received extensive public and scientific attention in the last several years, as these types of chemicals are persistent in the environment and have ascribed endocrine-disrupting actions. Recently published experimental studies indicate that specific congeners of each class of these chemicals can cause thyroid disruption in fish. It has been most consistently observed that the thyroid plasma T4 concentrations significantly decline as part of the endocrine disrupted condition.

The objective of this work is to characterize the environment-related disruption of the thyroid endocrine system observed in Pacific staghorn sculpin and if possible shiner surfperch. In addition, chemical contaminants in individual fish will be measured to determine whether there is a correlation between contaminants and thyroid effects. The thyroid gland function will be assessed and attempts will be made to develop markers of endocrine disruption.

Comparison of Contaminant Patterns between San Francisco Estuary and the Coast

Authors: Michael Kellogg (CCSF), Robert Brodberg (OEHHA), and Ben Greenfield (SFEI)

The RMP has put significant effort towards understanding spatial and temporal patterns in contaminant concentrations within San Francisco Bay (e.g., Greenfield et al. 2005, Connor et al. 2006, SFEI 2006b, 2006a), and the City and County of San Francisco (CCSF) has been surveying multiple locations along the San Francisco coastline since 1987 (CCSF 2006). This study will directly address a recommendation of the RMP Technical Review Committee that the Program integrate data from other programs. The goal is to compare patterns in priority contaminants (in fish, sediment, and other matrices) present within San Francisco Bay and coastline stations at the mouth of the Estuary. This study will evaluate the combined CCSF and RMP data sets to test two hypotheses of interest to the RMP: 1. Are contaminant concentrations (Hg, PCBs, PAHs and DDTs) higher in the Estuary than along the coastline? 2. Are long-term trends in contaminant concentrations similar between the Estuary and the offshore coastline?

Perfluorinated Compounds in Biota

Authors: Meg Sedlak (SFEI) and Denise Greig (The Marine Mammal Center)

In the last 50 years, fluorinated alkyl substances have been used extensively in a variety of commercially available products including fire-fighting foams, refrigerants, stain repellants in textiles, and coatings for paper used in contact with food products. As a result of their chemical stability and widespread use, fluorinated alkyl substances such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been detected in marine mammals and aquatic organisms throughout the world including relatively pristine environments such as the Arctic, Southern Hemisphere and Pacific Ocean (Kannan et al. 2002). PFOS and related perfluorinated compounds have been associated with a variety of toxic effects including mortality, carcinogenity, and adverse development. The major manufacturer of PFOS, 3M Corporation, voluntarily phased out the production of PFOS in 2000 and recently the USEPA and eight manufacturers of PFOA agreed to reduce their presence in products by 95% by 2010. Nonetheless, both of these compounds continue to remain present in the environment because they are byproducts and degradation products of other perfluorinated compounds.

Preliminary data from the 2007 pilot study of seals suggests that the concentration of perfluorinated compounds, particularly PFOS, are elevated in seals. Based on the limited 2006/2007 sampling and the initial results, the EC workgroup recommended continued monitoring of these apex predators. The 2008 study will help us to determine background concentrations and the influence of age and gender on concentrations observed in seals.

Non-PBDE Current Use Flame Retardants in Biota

Authors: Susan Klosterhaus (SFEI) and Denise Greig (The Marine Mammal Center)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are chemicals used as flame retardants that have been incorporated into a variety of consumer products to comply with fire safety regulations. Studies conducted by a variety of research groups have revealed that the San Francisco Bay Area is experiencing exceptionally high PBDE bioaccumulation, with concentrations in harbor seals, birds, fish, and people that are among the highest ever reported (She et al. 2002; She et al. 2004; Brown et al. 2006). Environmental and human health concerns have resulted in a ban of the most toxic PBDE mixtures (Penta- and Octa-BDE) in California, which became effective in 2006. Ecological and human health concerns also exist for Deca-BDE, which is historically the PBDE mixture used in the highest volume, but the use of Deca-BDE continues unrestricted in California. Efforts to ban Deca-BDE are ongoing in several states, including California, but to date have only been successful in Washington and Maine. Despite the unrestricted use of Deca-BDE in most states and countries (with the exception of Sweden), many large international electronics companies have reportedly phased-out the use of Deca-BDE in their products (Pakalin et al. 2007). The decline in use of PBDEs will result in an increase in the use of non-PBDE flame retardant chemicals since consumer product flammability standards have not changed and a national furniture flammability standard is in development in the United States. Risk assessment reports on the potential replacement chemicals for Penta- BDE in polyurethane foam and Deca-BDE in polymeric applications in electrical and electronic equipment have been released (US EPA 2005; European Chemicals Bureau 2007). However, compared to the PBDEs, much less is known regarding the toxicity and fate of these alternative flame retardant chemicals and information on their use (e.g. volume, locations) is generally not available. Substantial data gaps exist for non-PBDE flame retardant chemicals in the San Francisco Estuary. Assessment of the current concentrations of these compounds in the Estuary will allow us to determine the risk of exposure of these chemicals to the estuarine foodweb and to humans consuming sport fish.

2007

Pilot Studies

Exposure and Effects Pilot Study

In 2007, the RMP will continue the Pilot Study of contaminant exposure and effects in the Bay. The 2003 RMP Program Review Panel recommended an increase in the Exposure and Effects Pilot Study (EEPS) budget and stated that biological effects research should be a priority. In response to this concern, the SC increased the funding for the EEPS budge to $200,000 per year and extend the pilot study through 2008. This budget includes funds for SFEI labor, subcontractors (e.g., analytical laboratories), and direct costs.

The study is multifaceted, and has included a variety of different exposure and effects indicators of beneficial use impairment. The purpose of EEPS is to develop suite of environmental indicators that can be incorporated into the core Status and Trends monitoring program.

• Evaluating Endocrine Disruption in Bay Fish
• Development of Forster’s Tern Egg Monitoring as an Effects Indicator

Special Studies

Small Tributary Load Study (Zone 4 Hayward)

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

Davis et al. (2000) recommended that six observation watersheds picked on the basis of land use. This long standing recommendation by the SPLWG was indorsed by the WG during 2005 and written into the SPLWG 5-year Work Plan (McKee, 2005). To-date most information on the functioning of small tributaries in the Bay Area is based on water and sediment data collected by the USGS. During WY 2003-2006, the SPLWG oversaw the 1st Small Tributaries Loading Study on the Guadalupe River (McKee et al., 2004, 2005, 2006) chosen based on recommendations by Leatherbarrow et al. (2002). During 2005, the SPLWG oversaw and small pilot reconnaissance study of small tributaries in an effort to make a decision on where to begin a 2nd Small Tributaries Loading Study. Given that historic and current industrialized areas are found mainly on the lower-rainfall Bay margin, the SPLWG decided to recommend a small industrial watershed. Through a process of voting and WG discussion, Zone 4 Line A was chosen. Study of this small 4 km2 area in industrial/commercial Hayward will provide valuable information on loads derived from small, low rainfall, but highly impervious, commercial and industrialized “storm drain watersheds” on the Bay margin. This is particularly important for updating regional TMDL estimates of Hg and PCBs loads derived from urban runoff. In addition, loadings studies will provide baseline data so that trends through time can be assessed, and provide data for models that describe biological effects in the Bay.

Pharmaceuticals in Effluent and the South Bay

Authors: Daniel Oros (SFEI)

Pharmaceuticals such as antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin and trimethoprim), analgesics (e.g., ibuprofen and acetaminophen), antiinflammatories (e.g., diclofenac and naproxen), antidepressants (e.g., Prozac), antihypertensives (e.g., atenolol and propranolol), anticancers (e.g., paclitaxel and tamoxifen), and sexual performance enhancers (e.g., Viagra and Levitra), among other drugs, are used to treat illness, disease, and medical conditions in humans and animals. The primary pathway is ingestion followed by subsequent excretion into the municipal sewage system, while the secondary pathway is disposal of unused and outdated medications directly into the sewage system. These biologically active compounds and their metabolites are not completely removed by current wastewater treatment technologies and are often found in treated effluents and receiving waters.

The objective of this study is to evaluate the extent of the concentration levels and occurrence of pharmaceuticals in the San Francisco Bay water and in influent and effluent from two Bay area wastewater treatment plants. A total of 30 samples will be collected: ten from the South Bay and five influent and effluent samples from two wastewater treatment plants.

Perfluorinated Compounds in Pacific Harbor Seals

Authors: Meg Sedlak (SFEI) and Denise Greig (The Marine Mammal Center)

This study will determine concentrations of perfluorinated compounds in Pacific harbor seals (Phoca vitulina richardsi). Harbor seals are an ideal indicator species for persistent bioaccumulative contaminants in the Estuary because they are apex predators that eat a diet consisting primarily of fish. Perfluorinated compounds are of particular concern because they are very stable compounds that are not known to undergo abiotic or biotic degradation (Martin et al. 2004). In addition to perfluorinated compounds, this study will also determine concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and other flame retardants in seal blood.

Remote Sensing of Sediment Transport

Authors: John Oram (SFEI) and Nikolay Nezlin (SCCWRP)

Monitoring suspended sediment concentrations, SSC, in coastal waters and estuaries is crucial for proper ecosystem management. Such monitoring is traditionally conducted in-situ, with measurements representing SSC at a few discrete points in space and time. However, recent advancement of satellite remote sensing allows for synoptic views of coastal and estuarine dynamics that would otherwise be unavailable. Results are drastically altering our perceptions of coastal ocean transport processes.

This project will use moderate-resolution (250m, 500m, and 1000m) MODIS satellite imagery to investigate episodic sediment transport patterns in San Francisco Bay. Development of an event-scale sediment budget has the potential to significantly improve current estimates of contaminant loading from the Delta to the Bay. It is conceptualized that such episodic contaminant loads account for a significant portion of annual contaminant loads. However, at present we know very little regarding the percent of episodic sediment and contaminant loads that remain within the Bay.

The project includes three tasks: 1) identify MODIS images with a high percentage of coverage in the Bay corresponding to periods of high Delta flow and process these images to produce true- and false-color images showing two-dimensional sediment transport patterns and quantifying relative concentrations of suspended matter, 2) where appropriate, utilize existing edge-detection algorithms (Oram et al. 2005) to delineate the boundaries of plumes exiting the Golden Gate and estimate mass of suspended sediment within the plume, and 3) compare remote observations with in-situ USGS SSC measurements collected at Mallard Island to determine the fraction of material entering the Bay via the Delta that is lost to the Pacific Ocean during a given event.

Mercury and Trace Organic Pollutants in Small Fish

Authors: Ben Greenfield (SFEI)

This study monitors bioavailable mercury in three different San Francisco Bay Open water habitats at eight fixed sampling locations by using the food web to assess interannaul and spatial trends in small fish. In 2007, a new component was added to this study which involves sampling for trace organic concentrations in small fish to determine PCB, pesticide, and PBDE concentrations by collecting additional fish from shoreline areas distributed throughout the San Francisco Estuary.

Development of a Refined Conceptual Model for Aquatic Food Webs

Authors: Ben Greenfield (SFEI)

The special study will focus on obtaining an improved conceptual understanding of spatial variation in the San Francisco Bay food web. Particular emphasis will be placed on the diets of white croaker and shiner surfperch, as they are important species for understanding of the bay with respect to recovery from impairment by PCB and the results of actions taken to implement the TMDL. The special study will include a combination of literature review and field dietary studies to develop a better understanding of food web transfer pathways for contaminants. It is critical to further our understanding of the diet of target species, specifically to discern between the relative contribution of water column and sediment prey items to the diet of aquatic and other wildlife in and around the Bay. This will help evaluate the relative importance of water and sediment PCBs to white croaker and shiner surfperch, and inform managers on effective implementation actions.

2006

Pilot Studies

Mercury Deposition Network

Authors: Don Yee (SFEI)

One pathway of pollutants to the Estuary is atmospheric deposition, which was examined in the RMP Atmospheric Deposition Pilot Study. That study was suspended after metals (including mercury) and PAH/PCB data were incorporated into the mass budget models, indicating that atmospheric deposition is not a primary source or pathway for most of these contaminants, with the exception of PAHs. The only remaining component to the study is the continued measurement of rain samples for mercury as part of the national Mercury Deposition Network (MDN) at a station at NASA Ames (MDN CA 72) through 2004, a five-year commitment made at the start of the RMP study. Pending approval by the TRC, RMP will continue data collection at this MDN station for 2006.

The continuing objectives of this monitoring are to:

• Evaluate concentrations of mercury in rainwater as part of TMDL refinement
• Contribute to the national database to evaluate contributions of mercury from large urban areas and long-range aerial transport from outside the region to surface waters

Winter Pilot Study

Authors: Sarah Lowe (SFEI)

In 2005, the first year of a two-year winter pilot study was conducted. Estuarine water was sampled at three historical RMP stations (i.e., Sacramento River (BG20), Yerba Buena Island (BC10), and Dumbarton Bridge (BA30)) during the 2005 winter season (February 2005). These water samples were analyzed for contaminants on the California Toxics Rule priority pollutant list.

Wet weather S&T contaminant monitoring is potentially an important element of the RMP. At the present time, the annual S&T monitoring occurs during the dry season, and seasonal variation is not captured by this sampling plan. The results from this Pilot Study will enable SFEI to evaluate the spatial and temporal trends of pollutants in the winter. Wet season monitoring results have been an important resource provided to environmental managers of Region 2 for use in NPDES permitting and the 303(d) listing processes.

A workgroup will be convened in October 2005 to discuss the winter sampling needs for 2006 and beyond. A key discussion point for this meeting will be understanding regulatory needs and assessing whether the scope of the pilot study needs to be expanded to additional sites or matrices. Changes to the scope of the Winter Pilot study will need to be discussed and approved by the TRC and SC.

Exposure and Effects

In 2006, the RMP will continue the Pilot Study of contaminant exposure and effects in the Bay. The 2003 RMP Program Review Panel recommended an increase in the Exposure and Effects Pilot Study (EEPS) budget and stated that biological effects research should be a priority. In response to this concern, the SC increased the funding for the EEPS budge to $200,000 per year and extend the pilot study through 2008. This budget includes funds for SFEI labor, subcontractors (e.g., analytical laboratories), and direct costs.

The Study is multifaceted, and has included a variety of different exposure and effects indicators of beneficial use impairment. The purpose of EEPS is to develop suite of environmental indicators that can be incorporated into the core Status and Trends monitoring program.

Special Studies

Contaminant Loads from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

As outlined in the Sources, Pathways, and Loadings Workgroup Report (Davis et al. 1999), large uncertainties exist with regard to loading estimates from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. Analyses from this multi-year study have suggested that our previous estimates for both suspended sediment load and Hg load were high and this has greatly affected the implementation recommendations in the recently released Hg TMDL report (Johnson and Looker, 2003). The question remains as to how accurate are our estimates. The San Francisco Bay is listed (Clean Water Act 303(d)) as impaired for mercury, selenium, PCBs, and chlorinated pesticides. This study aims to address information gaps associated with loadings of these substances (with the exception of selenium) so that a better understanding of relative inputs from urban point and non-point sources, erosion and resuspension in the Bay, and the inputs from the Central Valley rivers can be developed.

Small Tributary Load Study (Guadalupe)

Authors: Lester McKee and John Oram (SFEI)

Small tributaries form a major pathway for loads of contaminants that enter the Bay each year. Models developed for the Bay are highly sensitive to the magnitude of loads from small tributaries but present load estimates for this pathway lack accuracy and precision. This study will accurately measure contaminant loads from a small tributary representative of one that may contribute significant loads of sediment and associated contaminants to the Bay, help evaluate the significance of this load as a means of prioritization of further loadings studies, demonstrate a new methodology, and compare these accurate loads measurements to existing simple model estimates.

Sediment Coring Study (Joint with CEP)

Authors: Don Yee (SFEI)

This study is part of a joint study overseen by CEP and RMP that was described under the data integration section. The joint RMP/CEP project (CEP Project 4.26) supports efforts underway to construct a mechanistic model that advances our understanding of contaminant behavior in the Bay. The project includes sampling and analysis of sediment cores from various Bay segments and wetlands along their margins that will enhance our understanding of Bay sediment processes and its influence on the distribution of associated contaminants.

Although existing models can draw upon a pool of data characterizing surface sediment concentrations in the Bay (e.g., RMP, NOAA/EMAP), there are far fewer data for characterizing pollutants at depth. Improved data are required to better quantify the pool of legacy and emerging pollutants in the Bay, verify or place bounds on certain model parameters, and test model results against field data.

The collection of sediment cores and analyses for pollutants and radioisotopes will be used to achieve the following three objectives: (1) provide a more comprehensive characterization of contamination with depth that can be used to assess future changes, (2) verify the historic loading of pollutants to the Bay and how those loads have changed in the last several decades, and (3) provide valuable data for parameterization and evaluation of the multi-box or other Bay models.

Monitoring of Mercury in the South Bay

Authors: Letitia Grenier (SFEI)

approximately 15,000 acres are slated for wetland restoration. The potential exists to inadvertently increase the risk of mercury (Hg) accumulating in South Bay fish and wildlife through hydrological modification of salt ponds as part of the South Bay Salt Pond Restoration Project (SBSPRP). The concern is that management actions will favor conversion of Hg into toxic methylmercury (MeHg) and its uptake into local food webs. The SBSPRP has initiated a two-year study to identify indicators that can be monitored.

Information Workshop on Benthic Assessments

Authors: Aroon Melwani and Sarah Lowe (SFEI)

The Regional Water Quality Control Board has developed sediment quality objectives (SQOs) that are scheduled to be promulgated in 2008. The Water Board will need an understanding of baseline conditions of benthic assemblages in the Bay which currently does not exist. To fill this data gap, it is proposed that the RMP begin studying benthic assemblages in the Bay in 2008.

Based on discussions with the TRC and the EEPS Science Advisory Panel, it is clear that there is a need to build consensus on a benthic assessment process. Key RMP staff have met with the Regional Water Quality Control Board to discuss a benthic assessment workshop. This workshop will be held in the Spring 2006.

2005

Pilot Studies

Mercury Deposition Network

Authors: Don Yee (SFEI)

The Air Deposition Pilot Study was suspended after metals and PAH/PCB data were incorporated into the mass budget models. The only remaining component is the measurement of rain samples for mercury to continue as part of the national Mercury Deposition Network through 2004, after which a decision will be made annually as to whether or not to continue data collection. For 2005, the TRC has elected to fund this project. The project includes SFEI staff time for sampling and trouble-shooting assistance, participation in site audits, and coordination with City of San Jose staff as necessary. The City of San Jose is providing in-kind sampling assistance, with samples being shipped to the MDN laboratory.

Exposure and Effects Pilot Study

Authors: Jen Hunt (SFEI)

The RMP in 2005 will continue a Pilot Study of contaminant exposure and effects in the Bay. The Exposure and Effects Advisory Panel assembled to guide this study has recommended a narrowed focus on the following topics: fish, birds, seals, benthos, and toxicity. The 2003 RMP Program Review Panel recommended an increase in the Exposure and Effects Pilot Study (EEPS) budget and stated that biological effects research should be a priority. In response to this concern, the SC allocated $200,000 for the EEPS for 2005. This includes funds for SFEI labor, subcontractors (e.g., analytical laboratories), and grant proposal development. Also in response to the Review Panel recommendation, the SC and TRC extended the duration of the study for another two years (through 2008).

The Study is multifaceted, and has included a variety of different exposure and effects indicators of beneficial use impairment. In 2003 and 2004, EEPS work was scaled back. In 2004, indicators tested included cormorant eggs (chemical trend indicators), mercury concentrations in harbor seals (exposure and effects indicators), sediment dose-response sensitivity testing comparing laboratory and resident amphipod species, and benthic community evaluations using a multi-metric approach (effects). Diving duck samples (human health indicator) were also collected in 2004. However, due to a freezer malfunction, the samples were compromised and it was decided not to analyze these samples. In 2004 the Exposure and Effects Advisory Panel met and provided input on a conceptual framework for the study that was developed at the Panel’s request.

The EEPS will return to its full funding and activity level ($200,000) in 2005. The Exposure and Effects Workgroup will meet in early 2005 to develop a new multi-year plan. Several projects discussed by the Workgroup in the past will be considered for funding in 2005:

• Diving duck analyses for Selenium (Se), Hg and organochlorines
  
  Selenium concentrations in diving ducks are arguably the most important indicator for selenium in the Bay. Diving ducks winter in the Bay and migrate to Canada and Alaska breeding grounds in the summer. During their stay on the Bay, they gradually build up elevated concentrations of selenium (Urquhart et al. 1989). Two species have been extensively sampled in the past: surf scoters and greater and lesser scaup. Of these surf scoter accumulated higher concentrations due to their preference for Potamocorbula and other benthic invertebrates. These species were collected in 2002. Selenium concentrations were low relative to historic data, but high interannual variation has been observed in the past. Surf scoters and scaup will again be collected in Suisun Bay, San Pablo Bay, and South Bay. Ten ducks of each species will be collected from each area and their muscle tissue will be analyzed for selenium and other persistent contaminants in order to evaluate trends in potential human exposure due to duck consumption. This study will be performed in collaboration with USGS and will build on their existing studies of contaminants in diving ducks. A manuscript on the 2002 data will be prepared and submitted to California Fish and Game or a similar journal
  
• A field study on mercury risks to clapper rails
  
  The California clapper rail is a wetland species that is on both the federal and state endangered species list. They dwell and nest in salt marshes that contain pickleweed and cordgrass (USFWS Recovery Plan for California Clapper Rail). The clapper rail is a resident species in the Estuary and is a site-specific indicator. The rail diet is high in invertebrates such as clams, mussels and crabs (USFWS Recovery Plan for California Clapper Rail). Recent analysis of Hg in fail to hatch rail eggs collected from a Central Bay salt marsh (Wildcat Marsh) found elevated concentrations of Hg (Schwarzbach and Adelsbach, 2003). Concentrations of Hg in rail eggs were relatively high compared to other aquatic birds from various regions of the Bay/Delta, and appear to be high relative to the effect threshold for this species, which is particularly sensitive to methylmercury exposure. Embryonic deformities, embryonic hemorrhaging and depressed hatchability may affect clapper rail populations. The Bay clapper rail population is producing fewer young per nest than rail populations from other ecosystems (Schwarzbach et. al., 2003), and it is plausible that mercury-induced embryo mortality is a significant factor in this suppression of reproduction. Links to contaminants can be attempted through comparison of contaminant concentrations in field and laboratory studies.
  
• Funding of work on fish effects (an RFP for this will be developed early 2005)
  
  In November 2004, the fish effects work group (including Bob Spies, Swee Teh, Bill Bennett, Bruce Herbold, Mark Carls, Lyndal Johnson, Kathy Hieb, and Karen Taberski) gathered to discuss the current state of knowledge of fish effects due to contaminants. This group had the expertise of fish biologists, population biologists and ecotoxicologists. The group brainstormed potential research ideas for the $50,000 set aside for fish effects work. This funding could be used for a stand alone project or to augment an already existing project. RMP staff will develop an RFP to further define the research goals of the fish effects study. The group will reconvene in 2005 to decide how best to use the available funding.
  
• Report on sediment toxicity, benthos, and sediment chemistry in San Francisco Bay from RMP and EMAP (possibly NOAA) data
  SFEI is part of a project combining statewide sediment/benthic data into a centralized database (CASQO database) to be used in establishing sediment contaminant thresholds for the state. Using SF Bay data, SFEI staff has developed an Index of Biotic Integrity (IBI) which is a method for assessing potential effects to the benthos from contamination. Using the CASQO database, Subtask 4 proposes to compare three sediment assessment methods (i.e., SCCWRP method, BRI method (Moss Landing Marine Labs) and the IBI method) using San Francisco Bay data. The findings of the assessment comparisons will be part of a larger report produced for the State Water Board. The State Board report will be completed by the end of 2005.
  

Winter Pilot Study

Authors: Sarah Lowe (SFEI)

The primary purpose of this Pilot Study in 2005 is to comply with an NPDES permit provision for ambient water monitoring for dischargers in the San Francisco Bay area. Estuarine water will be sampled at three historical RMP stations (i.e., Sacramento River (BG20), Yerba Buena Island (BC10), and Dumbarton Bridge (BA30)) during the 2005 winter season (February 2005). These water samples will be analyzed for contaminants on the California Toxics Rule priority pollutant list.

Wet weather S&T contaminant monitoring is an important element of the RMP. At the present time, the core monitoring program, S&T, occurs during the dry season, and seasonal variation is not captured by this sampling plan. The results from this Pilot Study will enable SFEI to evaluate the importance of seasonal variation. Seasonal contaminant monitoring results have been an important resource provided to environmental managers of Region 2 for use in NPDES permitting and the 303(d) listing processes.

A workgroup will be convened in 2005 to determine additional needs for winter sampling within the RMP

Special Studies

Contaminant Loads from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

As outlined in the Sources, Pathways, and Loadings Workgroup Report (Davis et al. 1999), large uncertainties exist with regard to loading estimates from the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers. During 2004, nine years of sediment data were analyzed and sediment loads estimated. The results were written up in a revised sediment section of the “Mallard Island Progress Report” and also submitted to the Journal of Hydrology for review and publication. In addition, we completed a chapter in the progress report on Hg and a further chapter on trace organics loads. These new analyses suggest that our previous estimates for both suspended sediment load and Hg load were high and this has greatly affected the implementation recommendations in the recently released Hg TMDL report (Johnson and Looker, 2003). The question remains as to how accurate are our estimates. The San Francisco Bay is listed (Clean Water Act 303(d)) as impaired for mercury, selenium, PCBs, and chlorinated pesticides. This study aims to address information gaps associated with loadings of these substances (with the exception of selenium) so that a better understanding of relative inputs from urban point and non-point sources, erosion and resuspension in the Bay, and the inputs from the Central Valley rivers can be developed. The RMP TRC endorsed the continuation of the study in future years with the following work plan:

Ten Year Synthesis of Contaminant Status and Trends

Authors: Jay Davis (SFEI)

In 2003, the RMP status and trends data from 2001 became available, completing the nine year period employing the original fixed station RMP design. The end of this initial era of the RMP marks an appropriate time to perform a thorough, definitive analysis of the data generated with the original Status and Trends Program design. Nine years of monitoring also represents a substantial body of work for the other aspects of the RMP, and a synthesis of these findings from these elements is also worthwhile at this time. In addition, the last synthetic overview of contamination in the Estuary was completed in 1991 (Davis et al. 1991), and Bay contamination, and understanding and regulation of Bay contamination, have changed considerably since that time.

In 2005, this special study will be completed. The final part of this study is a technical synthesis. In the 2004 workplan this was identified as a technical report: Status and Trends Report – 2001. In discussions in 2004, it was decided to publish this technical synthesis as a special issue of the journal Environmental Research. Dr. Russ Flegal of UC Santa Cruz has agreed to edit the issue and is performing much of the coordination.

These activities will address an objective of the Program that has not yet been adequately addressed: the synthesis of RMP and non-RMP data into an integrated assessment of status and trends in contamination of the Bay and the effective communication of this information. The special issue will effectively communicate RMP information to the scientific community. These articles will also provide a rich resource for development of communication material for nontechnical audiences.

Small Tributary Loading Study

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

Small tributaries form a major pathway for loads of contaminants that enter the Bay each year. Models developed for the Bay are highly sensitive to the magnitude of loads from small tributaries but present load estimates for this pathway lack accuracy and precision. This study will accurately measure contaminant loads from a small tributary representative of one that may contribute significant loads of sediment and associated contaminants to the Bay, help evaluate the significance of this load as a means of prioritization of further loadings studies, demonstrate a new methodology, and compare these accurate loads measurements to existing simple model estimates.

During WY 2003, the study was funded by the CEP. In WY 2004, the CEP funded the labor portion of the budget ($75k out of $125k). The RMP funded the laboratory analysis portion of the budget ($50k). In WY 2005 USACE has provided $100k for analysis of total, dissolved Hg and total and dissolved MeHg, fieldwork and reporting. SCVURPPP has provided $23k for bed load sampling and Hg analysis, and RMP has provided $50k for trace organics analysis and reporting. The total budget is $173,000, greater then ever before and perhaps an indication of the interest in the study.

Dredging Effects on Contaminant Bioaccumulation in the San Francisco Bay Food Web

Authors: John Oram (SFEI)

The question of incremental contaminant loads to the ecosystem from dredging and in-Bay disposal activities is frequently raised in discussions regarding regulatory policy development (e.g., TMDLs, etc.) suggesting that substantial effects could result. However, to date, the RMP has done little to put numeric bounds on just how much mass of a given contaminant is incorporated into the food web as a result of dredging and in-Bay disposal of dredged sediment. Impairment assessments for the Bay (e.g., mercury, PCBs, dioxins) have focused on accumulation of contaminants in sport fish, and several of the most contaminated fish are benthic foragers that frequent harbors and marinas. The proposed study will build a conceptual model of contaminant transfer to benthic-foraging fish species from dredging activities, including in-Bay disposal, and attempt to identify the steps necessary to give a first-order estimate of the incremental contribution of dredging activities to identified impairments. By focusing on pathways, the proposed work will help refine the box models that have, to now, been the main tool for understanding the fate of contaminants in the Bay. The conceptual model will incorporate the alternative to dredging, which is not dredging, to summarize what is known and needs to be known about availability to the food chain of contaminants associated with sub-surface sediments in depositional areas. The study will synthesize existing knowledge of dredged-sediment quality, suspended sediment dynamics, chemical pathways in bedded sediment, fish distribution, and food-web structures, and will include a review of available literature on these topics.

Reconnaissance Work to Identify Appropriate Sediment Loading Sites

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

This project will make recommendations on potential sampling locations in “representative observation watersheds” that could be used to form a “regional network” of contaminant loads monitoring stations. We will synthesize pertinent existing information on contaminant sources and pathways, hydrology, watershed physiography, and land use to prioritize potential representative watersheds for water quality and loads observations. We will then carry out a site reconnaissance in the top six prioritized watersheds to re-rank the watersheds according to on-site logistical constraints. The results will be presented in a technical memo and verbally in a SPLWG meeting

Filling PBDE Information Gaps

Authors: John Oram and Daniel Oros (SFEI)

This is a joint project between the Clean Estuary Partnership (CEP) and the RMP to develop a conceptual model and impairment assessment (CM/IA) for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the San Francisco Bay. The CEP has allocated $30,000 for SFEI labor to prepare the CM/IA, while the RMP has contributed $25,000 to cover costs of sample analyses to fill in critical data gaps.

The work to be conducted is an impairment assessment and development of a PBDE conceptual model. Given the limited resources and time, this effort will have to be completed by SFEI staff over a 12-month period with oversight from the CEP Technical Committee. The project will include chemical analyses of various field samples to fill critical information gaps, submission of a draft CM/IA report to the CEP Technical Committee for peer-review, and the delivery of a final CM/IA report.

2004

Pilot Studies

Mercury Deposition Network

Authors: Don Yee (SFEI)

The Air Deposition Pilot Study was suspended after metals and PAH/PCB data were incorporated into the mass budget models. The only remaining component is the measurement of rain samples for mercury to continue as part of the national Mercury Deposition Network through 2004, after which a decision will be made as to whether or not to continue data collection. The project includes SFEI staff time for sampling and trouble-shooting assistance, participation in site audits, and coordination with City of San Jose staff as necessary. The City of San Jose is providing in-kind sampling assistance, with samples being shipped to the MDN laboratory.

Exposure and Effects Pilot Study

Authors: Jen Hunt (SFEI)

In response to the revised RMP objectives and the recommendations of the redesign workgroups, the RMP is developing a new component for the S&T Program to monitor contaminant exposure and effects in the Bay. The RMP is implementing this 5 year Pilot Study to develop several indicators, using resident species, that can provide measures of contaminant exposure and effects at several trophic levels, at different levels of biological organization (biochemical, individual, population, and community levels), and at different spatial scales (locally or regionally).

An Exposure and Effects Workgroup (EEWG) with a 4 member Advisory Panel (Bob Spies, Steve Weisberg, Harry Ohlendorf, and Don Weston) is guiding this Pilot Study. The EEWG has developed a draft five year workplan. The Study is multifaceted, including a variety of different exposure and effects indicators of beneficial use impairment to be tested over the course of five years. Indicators being tested include diving duck muscle (a human exposure indicator), cormorant and Forster’s tern eggs (chemical trend indicators), hatchability of Forster’s terns, least terns, and clapper rails (effects indicators), blood chemistry and biomarkers in harbor seals (exposure and effects indicators), biomarker and effects studies in fish, aquatic and sediment toxicity testing of resident species (effects), and benthic community evaluations using a multimetric approach (effects). Elements to be tested in 2004 are the subject of continuing discussion by the EEWG side-by-side comparison of EPA-laboratory and resident species in dose response studies for aquatic or sediment toxicity tests.

Special Studies

Contaminant Loads from the Sacramento and San Joaquin Rivers

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

As outlined in the Sources, Pathways, and Loadings Report issued in 2001 (Davis et al. 2001), fairly large uncertainties exist with regard to loading estimates from the two large rivers, and these loads are potentially significant components of the mass budgets for many contaminants. McKee et al. (2002) determined that USGS data on suspended solids concentrations are suitable for estimating suspended solids loads with reasonable confidence, and that these data, if coupled with data on sediment-associated contaminants of concern, could be used to develop estimate contaminant load estimates entering the Bay from the Central Valley in a manner that includes characterization of the large loads that occur during large runoff events. The USGS and other partners currently have funding to continue sampling at Mallard Island until 2004, and at that time, there will be a total of 10 years of nearly continuous data.

In this Special Study (the “Mallard Island Study”), which began in 2002, SFEI is gathering data on sediment-related contaminant concentrations at Mallard Island for the purposes of developing statistical relationships between concentrations and optical backscatter measurements. These relationships can be used to estimate time-continuous concentration data that would then be combined with estimates of discharge to estimate loads. Contaminants being measured include mercury, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and PAHs. This work is being performed in collaboration with other groups already carrying out fixed-time and flood-response water sampling (Interagency Ecological Program) so that costs can be reduced and lessons already learned can be readily incorporated into the sampling design. Although this Special Study is closely aligned with the goals of the Clean Estuary Partnership, it also meets the sources and loadings objective of the RMP, and was initiated as part of the RMP.

Ten Year Synthesis of Contaminant Status and Trends

Authors: Jay Davis (SFEI)

After ten years of RMP monitoring, it is an appropriate time to perform a retrospective evaluation of the RMP and contamination in the Bay. In 2003, the data from 2001 became available, completing the nine year period employing the original fixed station RMP design. The end of this initial era of the RMP marks an appropriate time to perform a thorough, definitive analysis of the data generated with the original Status and Trends Program design. A decade of monitoring also represents a substantial body of work for the other aspects of the RMP, and a synthesis of these findings from these elements is also worthwhile at this time. In addition, the last synthetic overview of contamination in the Estuary was completed in 1991 (Davis et al. 1991), and Bay contamination, and understanding and regulation of Bay contamination, have changed considerably since that time.

The synthesis of data from the first phase of the RMP will continue to provide a general theme for the Program over the next 2 years. An integrated series of products and events are planned to accomplish an evaluation and long term summary of the many components of the Program. In chronological order, these are:

1. 2003 Pulse: Ten Year Synthesis Part 1 (long term syntheses on RMP work on Hydrography and Phytoplankton, Sediment Dynamics, and Water and Sediment Toxicity)
2. 2003 Annual Meeting (similar to 2003 Pulse)
3. RMP Overview: 1993-2001 (a non-technical overview of the success of the Program in meeting all of its objectives)
4. 2004 Pulse: Ten Year Synthesis Part 2 (include summaries of trace elements, organics, USGS contaminant studies)
5. 2004 Annual Meeting (similar to 2004 Pulse)
6. Technical report: Contaminant Status and Trends Report Update – 2001 (including a rigorous analysis of trends from the Base program and incorporation of non-RMP data into an overall assessment of contamination in the Bay)

These activities will address two objectives of the Program that have not yet been adequately addressed, including a rigorous evaluation of long term trends and the synthesis of RMP and non-RMP data into an integrated assessment of status and trends in contamination of the Bay.

The activities that will occur in 2004 are 4, 5, and 6. Workplans and budgets for the developing the Pulse and holding the Annual Meeting are already covered in the 2003 Monitoring Plan under tasks 2.3 (Information Dissemination) and 2.4 (Annual Reporting).

Small Tributary Loading Study

Authors: Lester McKee (SFEI)

The Sources, Pathways, and Loadings Workgroup (SPLWG) concluded that small tributaries probably represent a significant pathway for contaminant loading to the Bay (Davis et al. 2001). The SPLWG recommended that a study be performed to gather empirical data on small tributary loading. The recommended study was identified as an appropriate project for CEP funding, and the CEP initiated the project in 2003. This project meets the overlapping objectives of both the RMP and CEP.

This Study is applying the same basic technique as in the Mallard Island Study (see 5.1 above), combining continuous monitoring of suspended sediment concentration with strategic collection of samples for chemical analysis. The tributary selected for sampling is the Guadalupe River, which has a major source of mercury in its watershed and suspected sources of PCBs and organochlorine pesticides. The study will accurately measure contaminant loads from a small tributary representative of those that may contribute significant loads to the Bay and demonstrate an innovative method for measuring these loads. Contaminants being measured include mercury, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides and PAHs.

Dredged Material Testing Data Evaluation

Authors: Thomas Jabusch and Don Yee (SFEI)

This new special study will evaluate whether information that addresses RMP objectives and management questions can be gleaned from the datasets generated for dredged material testing. For many years dredgers have collected data on the chemical quality and toxicity of Bay sediments from around the fringes of the Bay from a variety of marinas, ports, and waterside marine related businesses, as well as data from the Corps federally maintained navigation channels. This Study will evaluate these data in detail. If the data are found to be valuable to the RMP, a subsequent step would be to establish a data management system for them to make them accessible and usable. The data management system would be included in the 2005 RMP. This effort would meet not only RMP objectives to synthesize information from all sources, but also an objective of the Dredged Material Management Office (DMMO) to make the data publicly accessible. Making these data available would benefit future dredging proponents, the regulatory agencies, interested environmental groups, researchers on overall environmental state of the Estuary, and Estuary habitat restoration entities.

Tasks in this Study will include data compilation, data interpretation, reporting, and development of the beginnings of a data management system. Most of the effort will go to data interpretation and reporting. Data interpretation will include a thorough evaluation of several technical issues with the data, including what data are collected, whether the data are of sufficient quality for rigorous interpretation, and what the samples analyzed are really telling us about the Bay. For example, one question to be answered would be: Is the contamination measured in sediment samples from harbor channels an index of local or regional contamination? While the dredged material testing data may not be directly comparable to RMP data, they may still contain valuable information about contamination and sediment dynamics in the Bay.

Sediment Remobilization of Mercury in South San Francisco Bay

Authors: Jim Kuwabara (USGS)

This project integrates an existing USGS study by Jim Kuwabara and colleagues with information needs identified by the Clean Estuary Partnership, San Francisco Estuary Institute, San Francisco Regional Water Resources Control Board and local stakeholders. Specifically, it will provide initial determinations of dissolved total and methyl-mercury flux from the sediments into the water column of South Bay. These determinations will be made at two times in the year: once following the spring phytoplankton bloom in the South Bay, and the other during late summer when, in contrast, surficial settling of biogenic material would be minimal. The time-series of concentration data will be used for flux calculations that directly include bioturbation effects.

Quantifying and understanding the magnitude and variability of these fluxes are critical to the accurate assessment of sources and loads of biologically reactive forms of contaminants as well as to the development of process-integrated water-quality models for this Estuary. A progress report on the 2003 sampling will be provided in summer 2004. The final report on this effort will be provided to SFEI by June 2005.

Estuary RMP Insert

Current Issue

December 2010

Past Issues

December 2009

December 2008

December 2007

October 2006

August 2005

Winter 2004/2005

Autumn 2002

Autumn 2000