Toxics Monitoring Project in the Willamette Watershed

Background

• Developed, solicited input and finalized a sampling and analysis plan to document the distribution and concentration of toxic pollutants in surface waters and fish of the Willamette River Basin that pose the greatest threat to human health and the environment
• Conducted water sampling at 20 selected mainstem and tributary locations in the Willamette River Basin during base-flows and again during rising flows for organic pollutants
• Reinitiated water sampling for toxic metals such as lead and copper at established sites throughout the basin
  Conducted fish collections at 11 selected sites in the Willamette River and its tributaries. Fillets will be analyzed for mercury and other toxic contaminants.
  

What do we know about toxics in Oregon waters?

Toxic pollution comes from many sources: surface water runoff from roads, parking lots, urban and rural lands; legacy contamination of sediments, such as in Portland Harbor; air pollution from Oregon and around the world; wastewater discharges from industrial and municipal facilities; and soil erosion.

U.S. Geological Service studies in the Willamette Basin and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) studies of the Columbia River have shown significant levels of pesticides and other toxic pollutants in water and some species of fish. In 2001, the Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS) issued a consolidated fish consumption advisory based on elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury in the Willamette River. Additionally, in 2004, DHS issued special restrictions for eating bass, carp and catfish caught in the Portland Harbor based on elevated levels of PCBs in fish tissue.

In cases where non-attainment of water quality standards occur, DEQ may implement source controls in the form of Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs) or permit adjustments. Monitoring provides the basis for instituting source controls as well as critical feedback regarding the effectiveness of pollution abatement actions.
DEQ will complete organic and inorganic analysis and evaluate findings from its 2008 water and fish sampling network. This new information will be assessed in light of other knowledge and monitoring efforts of local, state and federal agencies, and tribal governments.

DEQ will review toxic pollutant monitoring data and work with other agencies and stakeholders to address existing information gaps. Findings from 2008 monitoring activities will be presented in a written report of findings and all contaminant analysis will posted on its public website. Data and interpretive reports will be used to refine monitoring strategies in the Willamette River Basin anticipated for 2009.

• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring: Year one Findings
• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring Locations
• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan
• Fish Sampling and Analysis Plan
• Water Sampling and Analysis Plan