This study evaluated sediment chemistry, sediment toxicity and benthic community structure (i.e., the Sediment Quality Triad) at stations in tidal segments of the bohemia, Elk, Northeast, and Severn Rivers in Maryland. The Triad sampling was scheduled during the summer/fall index period for determining the Benthic Index of biotic Integrity (B-IBI). An additional goal was to examine concentrations of water column contaminants in these tributaries, with sampling scheduled for the spring to capture possible influences from runoff. To evaluate the feasibility of conducting 'in situ' toxicity tests with a prototype caging system, larval sheepshead minnows ('Cyprinidon variegatus') were exposed in the Severn River and a reference area (Wye River).