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GREAT LAKES CONTAMINATED SEDIMENTS PROGRAM
Citation:
Impact/Purpose:
Problem harbor and tributary areas in the Great Lakes basin have been identified and labeled as "Areas of Concern" (AOCs). The 31 AOCs on the U.S. side of the basin are locations where beneficial uses are impaired for any one of 14 designated criteria. To address these beneficial use impairments, each AOC developed a Remedial Action Plan (RAP). All RAPs written to date have identified contaminated bottom sediments as a significant problem that must be addressed to attain beneficial uses. Before developing specific plans that detail how to remediate these contaminated sediment problems, it is critical to characterize the nature and extent of sediment contamination.
Description:
Contaminated sediments are a significant problem in the Great Lakes basin. Although discharges of toxic substances to the Great Lakes have been reduced in the last 20 years, persistent high concentrations of contaminants in the bottom sediments of rivers and harbors have raised considerable concern about potential risks to aquatic organisms, wildlife, and humans. Problem harbor and tributary areas in the Great Lakes basin have been identified and labeled as "Areas of Concern" (AOCs). The 31 AOCs on the U.S. side of the basin are locations where beneficial uses are impaired for any one of 14 designated criteria.