Statewide Toxics Monitoring Program

Background

The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality received funds from the 2007 Oregon Legislature to establish a watershed-based toxics monitoring program for Oregon’s waters. DEQ began implementing the program in early 2008 with an initial focus on the Willamette Basin. Since 2008, DEQ laboratory staff collected water samples in ten basins across the state. This sampling is continuing through 2012 and 2013 to complete the initial statewide effort.

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.
 

Initial Findings

Staff completed the evaluation of the Willamette basin data. The most recent sampling data from other basins are in review. The following classes of compounds are frequently detected in water at low levels:

• Current use pesticides, specifically herbicides
• Pharmaceuticals & personal care products

In fish, the following classes are frequently detected at levels above fish consumption screening values:

• PCBs
• Mercury
• Dioxins/Furans

The laboratory also detected an emerging class of pollutants in fish known as brominated flame retardants. There are currently no screening values for these, but some studies suggest these compounds behave similarly to PCBs.

All data from this program is publically available via Oregon DEQ’s online LASAR database. In addition, technical reports and public outreach documents will be completed for each effort.

Next Steps

Once the initial statewide monitoring rotation is complete, DEQ will review these efforts and use the data to guide future sampling strategy. Staff will review other toxic pollutant monitoring data and work with other agencies and stakeholders to address existing information gaps. In addition, DEQ will align its toxics monitoring program with other toxics initiatives at the agency including the Pesticide Stewardship Partnerships and the agency’s Toxics Reduction Strategy. The overall goal of the program is to work with local stakeholders to utilize the information generated to guide local toxics reduction efforts, restoration plans, and additional data collection.

Sampling Results and Reports

• Willamette Toxic Monitoring Final Report
• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring Locations
• Watershed-based Toxics Monitoring Program 2008 Progress Report: Willamette River Basin - Final
• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring: Year one Findings

Sampling and Analysis Methods

• Willamette Basin Toxics Monitoring Quality Assurance Project Plan
• Fish Sampling and Analysis Plan
• Water Sampling and Analysis Plan

 

For more information, please contact: Jim Coyle Toxic Monitoring Program Coordinator

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