[Federal Register Volume 67, Number 20 (Wednesday, January 30, 2002)]
[Notices]
[Page 4429]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 02-2236]


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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY

[FRL-7135-5]


Methods for Collection, Storage, and Manipulation of Sediments 
for Chemical and Toxicological Analyses: Technical Manual

AGENCY: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

ACTION: Notice of availability.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is publishing a 
technical manual containing recommendations for collecting, handling, 
and manipulating sediment samples for physiochemical characterization 
and biological testing. This technical manual provides a compilation of 
methods that are most likely to yield accurate, representative sediment 
quality data based on the experience of many monitoring programs and 
researchers.
    Availability of Document: Copies of the complete document, titled 
Methods for Collection, Storage, and Manipulation of Sediments for 
Chemical and Toxicological Analyses: Technical Manual (EPA-823-B-01-
002) can be obtained from the National Service Center for Environmental 
Publications, P.O. Box 42419, Cincinnati, OH 45242, by phone at 1-800-
490-9198 or on their Web site at www.epa.gov/ncepihom/orderpub.html. A 
pdf version of this document is available to be viewed or downloaded 
from the Office of Science and Technology's Web site on the Internet at 
www.epa.gov/waterscience/cs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Richard Healy, EPA, Standards and 
Health Protection Division (4305), Office of Science and Technology, 
Ariel Rios Building, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 
20460; or call (202) 260-7812; fax (202) 260-9830; or e-mail 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background Information

    Sediment contamination is a widespread environmental problem that 
can pose a threat to a variety of aquatic ecosystems. Sediment 
functions as a reservoir for common contaminants such as pesticides, 
herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic 
hydrocarbons (PAHs), and metals such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. 
Contaminated sediments represent a hazard to aquatic life through 
direct toxicity as well as to aquatic life, wildlife and human health 
through bioaccumulation.
    Assessments of sediment quality commonly include analyses of 
anthropogenic contaminants, benthic community structure, 
physicochemical characteristics and direct measures of whole sediment 
and pore water toxicity. Accurate assessment of environmental hazard 
posed by sediment contamination depends in large part on the accuracy 
and representativeness of these analyses. The methods described in this 
Manual provide sediment collection, storage, and manipulation methods 
that are most likely to yield accurate, representative sediment quality 
data (e.g., sediment chemistry and toxicity) based on the experience of 
many monitoring programs and researchers. Information contained in this 
manual reflects the knowledge and experience of organizations that have 
developed internationally-recognized procedures and protocols. These 
organizations include:
     American Society for Testing and Materials,
     Puget Sound Estuary Program,
     Washington State Department of Ecology,
     US Environmental Protection Agency,
     US Army Corps of Engineers,
     National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, and
     Environment Canada.
    This manual provides technical support to those who design or 
perform sediment quality studies under a variety of regulatory and non-
regulatory programs. The methods contained are widely relevant for 
anyone wishing to collect consistent, high quality sediment data. This 
manual is not guidance on how to implement any specific regulatory 
requirement but rather a compilation of technical methods on how to 
best collect environmental samples that most accurately reflect 
environmental conditions. This technical manual has no immediate or 
direct regulatory consequence. It does not impose legally binding 
requirements and may not apply to a particular situation depending on 
the circumstances. The EPA may change this technical manual in the 
future. EPA's Office of Science and Technology has reviewed and 
approved this technical manual for publication. Mention of trade names 
or commercial products constitutes neither endorsement by the EPA nor 
recommendation for use.

    Dated: November 27, 2001.
Geoffrey H. Grubbs,
Director, Office of Science and Technology.
[FR Doc. 02-2236 Filed 1-29-02; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6560-50-P