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MASS BALANCE MODELLING OF PCBS IN THE FOX RIVER/GREEN BAY COMPLEX
Citation:
Kreis, R G. MASS BALANCE MODELLING OF PCBS IN THE FOX RIVER/GREEN BAY COMPLEX. Presented at NHEERL (Superfund) Seminar Series, Superfund Headquarters, Washington, DC, May 14, 2003.
Description:
The USEPA Office of Research and Development developed and applies a multimedia, mass balance modeling approach to the Fox River/Green Bay complex to aid managers with remedial decision-making. The suite of models were applied to PCBs due to the long history of contamination and fish consumption advisories in the system. Results of the mass balance indicated that the primary source of PCBs to the system was sediments from the Fox River and that atmospheric, tributary, and point sources were minor contributors. Using the suite of models, forecasts indicated that the no further action scenario would lead to continued fish consumption advisories for approximately 100 years. In contrast, sediment removal would reduce PCB concentrations in walleye and relax advisories within 10-20 years. Further efforts with the State of Wisconsin, USEPA Region V Superfund, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has resulted in a management decision to remove contaminated sediments from the Fox River.