2006 gowanus canal sediment sampling report amec

FINAL

SEDIMENT SAMPLING REPORT

GOWANUS CANAL AND BAY ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECT DACW51-03-D-0014

DELIVERY ORDER NUMBER 003

Prepared for:

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New York District 26 Federal Plaza

New York, New York 10278-0090

Prepared by:

DMA, Inc. 410 Pine Street

Suite 210 Vienna, VA 22180

AMEC Earth & Environmental, Inc. 285 Davidson Ave., Suite 100

Somerset, NJ 08873

August 2006

FINAL Sediment Sampling Report Page i Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecosystem Restoration Study August 2006

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE....................................................................... 1

2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY .................................................................. 3

3.0 FIELD SAMPLING PROCEDURES ..................................................................... 5

3.1 Sample Locations .......................................................................................................... 5

3.2 Sampling Procedures ................................................................................................... 6 3.2.1 Equipment Decontamination .................................................................................. 6 3.2.2 Sediment Sampling Equipment.............................................................................. 6

3.3 Sample Analysis............................................................................................................. 7

3.4 Sample Labeling............................................................................................................. 8

3.5 Sample Handling and Shipment................................................................................. 8

3.6 Custody Procedures ..................................................................................................... 9

3.7 Decontamination ............................................................................................................ 9

3.8 Documentation ............................................................................................................. 10

4.0 SUMMARY OF SAMPLING EVENT .................................................................. 12

5.0 CHEMICAL AND BIOASSAY DATA ................................................................. 13

6.0 CONCLUSIONS................................................................................................. 14

7.0 REFERENCES................................................................................................... 15

Appendix A Sample Chain of Custody Sheets

Appendix B Sample Collection Summary

Appendix C Data Tables

Appendix D Bioassay Report

FINAL Sediment Sampling Report Page ii Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecosystem Restoration Study August 2006

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Title

1 Site Location Map

2 Sample Location Map

3 Focused Sample Location Map

FINAL Sediment Sampling Report Page 1 Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecosystem Restoration Study August 2006

1.0 INTRODUCTION AND PURPOSE

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New York District (NYD) is currently

conducting an Ecosystem Restoration and Feasibility Study to determine whether a

Federal interest exists in restoring the ecosystem of the Gowanus Canal and Bay

located in Brooklyn, New York. The Ecosystem Restoration and Feasibility Study is

being conducted as part of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary (HRE) Study. The HRE

evaluation program includes all waters of the New York and New Jersey harbor, as well

as tidally influenced portions of rivers and streams that empty into and/or ecologically

influence the harbors. The HRE Study has identified three spin-off sites, which are

areas where separate studies are proposed as appropriate because those studies

contribute to an overall understanding of the ecosystem. The Gowanus Canal and Bay

have been identified as a spin-off site under the HRE Study.

As part of the Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecological Restoration Study, the USACE is

preparing a Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) Model relative to the aquatic

biological resources that may potentially use the Gowanus Bay and Canal. As part of

the HEP model under development, an Ecological Risk Assessment (ERA) model will

be developed as a means of applying an ecologically-based degradation factor to the

HEP model development. Additionally, to support the development of the ERA model,

evaluation of sediment quality is required for technical inputs into the model.

The Gowanus Canal runs through a highly developed urban area located in Brooklyn,

New York. It borders residential communities such as Carroll Gardens and Red Hook.

The canal is impacted by poor water quality, contaminated sediments containing a

variety of inorganic and organic constituents, and a poor benthic community structure as

the result of a century of heavy industrial use.

Historic environmental evaluation activities have been conducted by the USACE in the

Gowanus Bay and Gowanus Canal system. In 2003, the USACE collected sediment


samples from 30 locations beginning at the head of the Gowanus Canal into Gowanus

Bay. The objective of that study was to characterize the physical and engineering

properties of the sediments, as well as to identify the types, levels and distribution of

contamination within the sediments. That data were used to provide information on the

excavation, removal, transportation, and disposal properties of the sediments.

The information gathered in that study was also used to provide preliminary data on the

types and methods of restoration procedures to be conducted with the Gowanus Canal

and Bay. Samples were analyzed for volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile

organic compounds (SVOCs), pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs),

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) metals, mercury, and total petroleum

hydrocarbons (TPH). Samples also received bacteriological analysis. Data from the

sediment sampling were evaluated by the USACE in a document entitled Sediment

Quality Evaluation Report, Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecological Restoration Project,

dated October 2004.

Under DACW51-03-D-0014, Delivery Order Number 003, USACE has requested

technical support relative to the preparation of the HEP and ERA modeling for the

Gowanus Bay and Gowanus Canal. In support of the HEP and ERA modeling,

sediment sampling was conducted within the Gowanus Canal to provide chemical and

bioassay information on the quality of sediments within the Canal. This report briefly

summarizes the field sampling activities and observations from the September 29, 2005

sampling event and presents the tabulated chemical data obtained from the samples.


2.0 SITE DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY

The Gowanus Canal and Gowanus Bay are located in Kings County (Brooklyn), New

York and are part of the New York Harbor Estuary (see Figure 1). The Gowanus Canal

was built in 1881 to facilitate commercial shipping, barge traffic and other commercial

users by excavating Gowanus Creek. For much of its length, the Gowanus Canal is

relatively narrow, with its banks stabilized by piers or bulkheads.

The elevation of the land surrounding the Gowanus Canal generally ranges from 0 to 30

feet above Mean Sea Level (MSL). Stormwater from the surrounding neighborhoods

drains into the Gowanus Canal. The Gowanus Canal extends from Hamilton Avenue to

Butler Street in Brooklyn (approximately two miles in length). The Gowanus Bay

extends from Bay Ridge Channel to the beginning of the Gowanus Canal at Hamilton

Avenue. Together, the Gowanus Canal and Gowanus Bay cover approximately 130

acres. The watershed feeding into the Gowanus Canal is approximately six square

miles.

The Canal passes through a heavily urbanized section of Brooklyn that is bordered by

residential communities such as Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, and Red Hook.

Throughout its history, the Canal has provided commercial shipping access for a variety

of industries, including oil refineries, machine shops, manufactured gas plants (MGP),

chemical plants, soap makers and tanneries. The Canal is under severe environmental

stress from a number of chemical releases and spills as a result of over 100 years of

industrial use. Stormwater and numerous combined sewer outfalls (CSOs) discharging

into the Canal have resulted in the continual release of contaminants into the Canal.

While the canal was constructed in 1881, it was not until 1987 that a sewage treatment

plant (Red Hook Wastewater Treatment plant) was constructed in an effort to improve

the area’s sewage problem and limit the load of contaminants being discharged into the

Canal.


The narrow width of the canal, coupled with its long reach from the bay, has limited the

ability of tidal movement to flush contaminants from the system, resulting in a semi-

stagnant body of water. In 1911, a water circulation system was constructed to bring

water into the Canal from the Buttermilk Channel in New York Harbor to increase the

movement of water within the canal (called the Gowanus Flushing Tunnel). The system

operated until the mid-1960’s at which time it ceased operation due to mechanical

failure. The system was reactivated in April 1999.

As noted in USACE (2003), the bottom of the Gowanus Canal is generally covered by a

soft, dark gray to black, highly plastic layer of clay. This clay unit typically had a

decaying organic odor associated with it and weak petroleum-type sheens were noted

in the 2003 sampling. Beneath the clay layer, the deeper sediments were characterized

as sands, silty sands, and poorly graded sands, often with traces of gravel.


3.0 FIELD SAMPLING PROCEDURES

Detailed procedures for sample collection, handling, and shipping are described in this

section. Procedures are included for the following items:

• Station locations and sample types;

• Sample identifiers;

• Sampling procedures; and

• Documentation.

3.1 SAMPLE LOCATIONS

Ten locations within the Gowanus Canal were selected to provide additional data to

support the HEP and ERA modeling that will be used as part of restoration alternative

evaluations by the USACE. Samples were collected from those locations (to the

maximum extent possible) on September 29, 2005. Some minor variation was made in

the sample locations at the time of collection due to field conditions and the inability to

penetrate to depth due to the presence of concrete, gravel and other impenetrable

objects. Samples were analyzed for metals; semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs),

including PAHs; polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and pesticides; grain size; and total

organic carbon (TOC). Samples were evaluated for characteristics of acute toxicity

using a salt-water sediment-dwelling macroinvertebrate, Ampelisca abdita. The

Ampelisca was selected as a test species because it is a standard species used in

marine bioassay tests, is readily available, and responsive to the presence of various

constituents of concern.

The locations were selected to fill data gaps in the understanding of sediment quality.

As only ten samples could be collected, they were positioned to maximize the spatial

coverage of sediment sampling. The sampling locations were selected to complement

the information that has either been collected to date, or to fill data gaps pending the


collection of the additional sediment samples. The sample locations were discussed

with, and approved by, the USACE prior to sampling.

The sediment sample locations are presented on Figure 2 and Figure 3.

3.2 SAMPLING PROCEDURES

The purpose of sediment sampling is to acquire accurate, representative information

about the chemical conditions of the sediment either at the sediment/surface water

interface or at representative depths below the sediment surface. The sediment

sampling was conducted using sampling devices designed to collect a specified volume

and surface area of sediment, from a required depth below the surface of the sediment.

Sediment sampling was conducted in such a manner as to maintain the integrity of the

collected sediment, to the maximum extent possible.

3.2.1 Equipment Decontamination

To ensure that cross-contamination did not occur, all equipment utilized for sediment

sampling was thoroughly decontaminated as described in the Sediment Sampling Work

Plan (AMEC, 2005). At a minimum, all equipment was steam-cleaned or underwent a

wash and rinse process. All wash and rinse water was collected, containerized, and

properly labeled. Clean equipment did not come into contact with contaminated

sediments or other contaminated materials. Equipment was kept on plastic or protected

in another suitable fashion.

3.2.2 Sediment Sampling Equipment

The sediment sampling was accomplished using a Vibracore. The Vibracorer has an

electric-powered mechanical vibrator located at the head end of the corer that applies

thousands of vertical vibrations per minute to penetrate the sediment. A core tube and

rigid liner (cellulose acetate butyrate or similar material) is inserted into the vibrating


head and the entire assembly is lowered into the water. The core length was no more

than 6 feet in length and was between 4 and 7 inches inner diameter. The Vibracorer

was operated from a support boat.

The following steps were followed to obtain a representative sediment sample using the

Vibracore sampler:

• The support boat was positioned over the sampling location using bearings

from near shore landmarks and the actual positioned fixed with a GPS

locator;

• The properly decontaminated coring device was fitted with a sleeve and

attached to the motor head and the device was lowered into the water column

until contact was made with the sediment surface;

• The motor was then activated and the sampler was driven into the sediment

to a depth that exceeded the desired sampling depth by a minimum of six

inches;

• Following sample acquisition, the sampler was brought up to the water

surface and hoisted unto the boat, care was given to keep from bouncing the

sampler such that sample integrity was compromised;

• Once in the boat, the core sleeve was extracted from the core cylinder and

sectioned off for submission to the laboratory for analysis;

• The sample was then labeled and immediately placed on ice in a cooler; and

• Logging of each sample was conducted using the Unified Soil Classification

system and entered into a boring log form.

3.3 SAMPLE ANALYSIS

Sediment samples were analyzed using the following analytical techniques:

� Priority Pollutant metals utilizing EPA SW-846;


� Semi-volatile organics utilizing EPA SW-846 Method 8270;

� Pesticides and PCBs utilizing EPA SW-846 Method 8081/8082;

� Total Organic Carbon (TOC) using Standard Method 5310B; and

� Grain size using Method ASTM D-422.

Samples were also evaluated for characteristics of acute toxicity using Ampelisca

abdita.

3.4 SAMPLE LABELING

A sample label was affixed to each individual sample container. Clear tape was then

placed over each label to prevent the labels from tearing or falling off and to prevent

loss of information on the label. The following information was recorded with a

waterproof marker on each label:

� Project name;

� Project number (if applicable);

� Sample identification number;

� Date and time of collection;

� Sampler's initials;

� Sample preservatives (if applicable); and

� Analysis to be performed on sample.

3.5 SAMPLE HANDLING AND SHIPMENT

All appropriate U.S. Department of Transportation regulations (e.g., 49 CFR, Parts

100-199) were followed in shipment of air, soil and water samples collected during

monitoring programs. Procedures include those listed in this subsection.

Immediately following collection, all samples were labeled according to the procedures

outlined in Section 3.4. The lids of the containers were sealed with duct tape, but were


covered with custody seals or placed directly into self-sealing bags. The sample

containers were placed in a cooler with ice in double, sealed zip-lock bags. Samples

occupied the lower portion of the cooler, while the ice occupied the upper portion. Prior

to shipping, glass sample containers were wrapped on the sides, tops, and bottoms with

bubble wrap or other appropriate padding to prevent breakage during transport.

Samples were picked up by the laboratory courier the day after sampling.

3.6 CUSTODY PROCEDURES

For samples intended for chemical analysis, sample custody procedures were followed

through collection, transfer, analysis, and disposal to ensure that the integrity of the

samples was maintained. Custody of samples was maintained in accordance with EPA

chain-of-custody guidelines as prescribed in EPA NEIC Policies and Procedures,

National Enforcement Investigations Center, Denver, Colorado, revised May 1986;

EPA's RCRA Ground Water Monitoring Technical Enforcement Guidance Document

(TEGD), Guidance for Conducting Remedial Investigations and Feasibility Studies

Under CERCLA (EPA OSWER Directive 9355 3-01), Appendix 2 of the Technical

Guidance Manual for Solid Waste Water Quality Assessment Test (SWAT) Proposals

and Reports, and Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste (EPA SW-846). Chain-of-

custody documents are included in Appendix A.

3.7 DECONTAMINATION

All re-usable sampling equipment was decontaminated between each use to ensure the

integrity of each of the representative sediment samples. The decontamination

procedure consisted of the following:

1) Wash with a non-phosphate detergent (alconox, liquinox, or other suitable

detergent) and potable water solution (the decontamination fluids were

changed after each decontamination cycle);


2) Rinse with potable water; and

3) Rinse with deionized water.

3.8 DOCUMENTATION

The integrity of each sample from the time of collection to the point of data reporting

was maintained throughout the study. Proper record-keeping and chain-of-custody

procedures were implemented to allow samples to be traced from collection to final

disposition. The various logs and forms that were required to adequately identify and

catalog station and sample information included the following:

� Field Logbook - Work conducted during the course of the sediment-sampling

program was documented so as to provide a concise, permanent record of

field activities. A daily field logbook was kept as the primary record for

documenting all investigative activities. Field logbooks were bound and had

numbered water-resistant pages. Pertinent information regarding the areas of

investigation and sampling procedures were documented, with notations

made in logbook fashion, noting the time and date of entries. Information

recorded in the logbook included the following information:

1. Date and time of onsite arrival/departure;

2. Name of person keeping the logbook;

3. Names of personnel present and associated with the daily field activities;

4. Daily objective;

5. Sketch of sampling locations in relation to landmarks;

6. Samples collected;

7. Methods used in sample collection;

8. Media sampled and parameters analyzed for;

9. GPS location and visual bearings from sampling locations;

10. Qualitative observations of biota and biological conditions;


11. Weather conditions; and

12. Description of photographs taken.

Each gear deployment event was also recorded in the field logbook. The

station name, date, gear, cast number, water depth, time, and location

coordinates were recorded on each log sheet. Penetration depth, sediment

type, sediment color, and sediment odor were recorded for sediment

samples. The sample type, sample identifier, and sample number were

recorded on the station/sample log sheet.

� Chain-of-Custody Form - The sample and tag numbers of each sample

container were recorded on a chain-of-custody form. This form identified the

sample collection date and time, the type of sample, the project, and the

person responsible for sample handling. The chain-of-custody form was sent

to the laboratory along with the sample. Chain-of-custody forms were

completed in triplicate with the field team leader retaining one copy.

� Sample Label and Custody Seal - A sample label was completed for each

sample. Sample containers were labeled at the time of sampling with the

following information: sample number, site name, sampling date and time,

sampling personnel, preservative (if appropriate), and tag number. A custody

seal was placed across the lid of the cooler prior to shipping.

At the end of each day and prior to shipping or storage, chain-of-custody

entries were made for all samples. Finally, information on the labels was

checked against station/sample log entries, and samples were re-counted.


4.0 SUMMARY OF SAMPLING EVENT

Sampling within the Gowanus Canal took place on September 29, 2005. Weather for

the sampling event began sunny and partly cloudy, and rapidly degraded through the

day to finish with extreme winds, rain, and small craft warnings. The sampling was

completed prior to complete degradation of the weather. Sampling was conducted in

accordance with the procedures outlined in Section 3.0. A sufficient quantity of

sediment was collected at each location to allow for chemical analyses and for bioassay

evaluation. Observations and characterization of each sample location, including

photographs, is included in Appendix B.


5.0 CHEMICAL AND BIOASSAY DATA

Sediment samples were analyzed using the following analytical techniques:

� Priority Pollutant metals utilizing EPA SW-846;

� Semi-volatile organics utilizing EPA SW-846 Method 8270;

� Pesticides and PCBs utilizing EPA SW-846 Method 8081/8082;

� Total Organic Carbon (TOC) using Standard Method 5310B; and

� Grain size using Method ASTM D-422.

Samples were evaluated for characteristics of acute toxicity using a salt-water

sediment-dwelling macroinvertebrate, Ampelisca abdita. Chemical results are tabulated

and presented in Appendix C. The bioassay report is presented in Appendix D.


6.0 CONCLUSIONS

Chemical data that was obtained from the sediment samples will be incorporated into an

ecological risk assessment (ERA) model to evaluate the potential for impacts to higher

trophic level organisms. The results of the food-chain modeling will be used to assess a

degradation factor to planned HEP modeling to be conducted on the sediment benthic

community within the Gowanus Canal. The ERA model will be a standard food chain

model looking at the uptake of constituents of concern in sediment by sediment-dwelling

organisms and the feeding of those prey parameters into higher trophic level organisms.


7.0 REFERENCES

AMEC. 2001. Sediment Sampling Work Plan; Gowanus Canal And Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project; DACW51-03-D-0014. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). 2003. Site Investigation Gowanus Bay and Gowanus Canal Kings County, NY, Final Report Volume 1. USACE Baltimore District. Baltimore, MD. USEPA. 1985. Chemical, Physical, and Biological Properties of Compounds Present at Hazardous Waste Sites. EPA/530-SW-89-010. Office of Solid Waste. Washington, D.C. USEPA. 1987b. Municipal Waste Combustion Study: Report to Congress. EPA 530-SW-87-021a.Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, Washington, D.C. USEPA. 1990. Suspended, Canceled, and Restricted Pesticides. USEPA/2OT-1002. Office of Pesticides and Toxic Substances. Washington, D.C. USEPA. 1992. Sediment Classification Methods Compendium. EPA 823-R-92-006. Office of Water. Washington, D.C. USEPA. 1993. Selecting Remediation Techniques for Contaminated Sediments. EPA-823-B93-C01. Office of Water. Washington, D.C. USEPA. 1994. EPA’s Contaminated Sediment Management Strategy. EPA 823-R-94-001. Office of Water. Washington, D.C. USEPA. 2001. Methods for Collection, Storage, and Manipulation of Sediments for Chemical and Toxicological Analyses: Technical Manual. EPA-823-B-01-002. Office of Water. Washington, D.C.

FINAL Sediment Sampling Report Gowanus Canal and Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project August 2006

Figures

EAST RIVER

GOWANUS CREEK

Figure 1

SITE LOCATION MAPGOWANUS CANAL HEP/ERA MODELING

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

EAST RIV

ER

GOWANUS CREEK

GO

WAN

US EXPW

Y

GOW

ANU

S CA

NAL

PROSPECT EXPWY

GC-03-30

GC-03-29

GC-03-28

GC-03-27

GC-03-26

GC-03-25GC-03-24

GC-03-15GC-03-17

GC-03-18 GC-03-20

GC-03-19GC-03-16

GC-03-13

GC-03-14

GC-03-12

GC-03-11

GC-03-10

GC-03-09

GC-03-05

GC-03-06

GC-03-07

GC-03-02GC-03-04

GC-03-03

GC-03-01

GC-03-22GC-03-23

GC-03-21

GC-03-08

GC-03-12

Figure 2

ERA MODELINGSEDIMENT SAMPLING LOCATIONS

GOWANUS CANAL HEP/ERA MODELINGBROOKLYN, NEW YORK

2003 SAMPLE LOCATIONS

ERA MODELING SAMPLE LOCATIONS

EXPW

Y

CANA

L

GC-03-30

GO

WA

NU

S

GOW

ANUS

GC-03-28

GC-03-26

GC-03-15

GC-03-20

GC-03-19

GC-03-16

GC-03-21

GC-03-22

Figure 3

FOCUSED SAMPLE LOCATION MAPGOWANUS CANAL HEP/ERA MODELING

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

2003 SAMPLE LOCATIONS

ERA MODELING SAMPLE LOCATIONS

PHASE 2 SAMPLE LOCATIONS


Appendix A

Chain-of-Custody Sheets


Appendix B

Sample Collection Summary


DATA COLLECTION SUMMARY

Date of Sampling: September 29, 2005

Sampling Marshalling Point: Liberty Science Center Boat Dock

Initial Meeting Time: 0730

AMEC Sampling Team Leader: Charles Harman

Boat/Sampling Subcontractor: Aqua Survey, Flemington, New Jersey

Boat Captain: Steve Brodman

Boat Travel Course: Depart Liberty Science Boat Dock and cross New York harbor

Time at Mouth of Gowanus Canal: 0800

Time at Head of Gowanus Canal after moving through bridges: 0900


Sample Location GC-30

Location: Latitude 40° 40.882'; Longitude 73° 59.222'

Water Depth: 3.7 feet

Time of Collection: 0912

Depth of Vibracore Penetration: 4 feet

Sediment Description:

0-1 foot interval – soft clay/silt, black in color, slight petroleum odor

1-3 foot interval – sandy silt, black; stiffer and not as wet, heavier

petroleum odor, some organic debris present

General observations: No benthic invertebrates

Photographs:

Description: Facing the head of the canal from the sampling location.


Sample Location GC-30 (Continued):

Description: Facing downstream; note the Union Street Bridge in background

Description: Typical sediment sample.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.785'; Longitude 73° 59.290'; sample was located just

north of the Union Street bridge





0 -3 foot interval – soft, wet, black silt, some organic debris, no petroleum

odor


Photographs:

Description: Facing the Union Street bridge from the sample location; Carroll Street bridge can be seen in the background through the bridge.



Description: Facing the northern bank from the sample location.

Description: Facing the southern bank from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.636'; Longitude 73° 59.352'; sample collected

downstream of Carroll Street bridge



Depth of Vibracore Penetration: 3.5 feet


0 -2 foot interval – stiff black silt, moderate petroleum odor, some organic

debris


Photographs:

Description: Facing downstream towards the 3rd Street bridge from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.490', Longitude 73° 59.419'

Water Depth: 5 feet




0 -2 foot interval – stiff black silt, moderate petroleum odor, some organic

debris


Photographs:

Description: Facing the head of the 3rd Street Turning Basin from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.543', Longitude 73° 59.455'; located just upstream of

the confluence of the Gowanus Canal and the 3rd Street Turning Basin



Depth of Vibracore Penetration: 4.5 feet


0 -2 foot interval – very soft, soupy black silt, slight petroleum odor, large

quantities of organic debris


Photographs:

Description: Facing upstream from the sample location.



Description: Facing the southern bank from the sample location.

Description: Facing the 3rd Street Turning Basin from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.563', Longitude 73° 59.584'





0 – 6 inch interval – soft stiff black clay; heavy petroleum tar odor

6 inch – 2 foot interval – sand/gravel mixture; very heavy petroleum odor

with large sheen coming to the water surface upon sediment disturbance

General observations: No benthic invertebrates; Original location was just

upstream of a barge that appears to be permanently moored on the northern side

of the Canal. However, due to an inability to retain any sediment in the coring

device, the sample was field located to just downstream of the barge.

Photographs:

Description: Facing the sample location while adjacent to the aforementioned barge.



Description: Facing north bank from the sample location.

Description: Facing downstream the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.522', Longitude 73° 59.606'; sample located

approximately mid-way up the 2nd Street Turning Basin

Water Depth: 8 feet




0 – 1 foot interval – very soft black silt; strong organic odor

1 – 3 foot interval – stiff silty clay; black, strong petroleum odor; sheen on

the sediment sample


Photographs:

Description: Facing the head of the 2nd Street Turning Basin from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.480', Longitude 73° 59.668'; sample located in the 1st

Street Turning Basin





0 – 2 foot interval – very soft, wet, black silt; slight petroleum odor


Photographs:

Description: Facing the head of the 1st Street Turning Basin from the sample location.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.510', Longitude 73° 59.729'; sample located just

upstream of the confluence of the Gowanus Canal and the 1st Street Turning

Basin





0 – 6 inch interval – very soft black silt with some embedded gravel; heavy

petroleum tar odor

6 inch – 2 foot interval – very stiff silty clay; very heavy petroleum odor

with major globs of oil coming to the water surface upon sediment

disturbance; heavy tar residue adhered to the coring barrel

General observations: No benthic invertebrates; from an apparent standpoint,

the worst sediment quality from any location.

Photographs:

Description: Facing the upstream from the sample location.


Sample Location GC-15 (Continued)

Description: Facing the downstream from the sample location; note the 1st Street Bridge.

Description: Oil globs from the disturbed sediment.



Location: Latitude 40° 40.425', Longitude 73° 59.800'; sample located just

downstream of the 1st Street Bridge





0 – 2 foot interval – Stiff black silty clay; moderate petroleum odor

General observations: No benthic invertebrates; this station had to be relocated

numerous times due to the coring device meeting refusal and unable to penetrate

to depth. Much of this section of the canal has extensive gravel beds mixed in

the sediment.

Photographs:

Description: Facing the downstream towards the sample location; sample location was located just upstream of the large tree in center of the photograph on the opposite bank.



Description: Facing towards a small turning basin just downstream of the sample location.

Description: Facing upstream from the sample location, note the 1st Street Bridge.


Appendix C

Data Tables

Table 1Sediment Analyte Concentrations

Gowanus CanalNew York City, NY

Sample ID Chronic Chronic Acute AcuteLab ID Sediment Benchmark Sediment Benchmark

Sample Date Benchmarks Reference Benchmarks ReferencePercent Moisture

SVOCs (ug/kg)1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 5062 b NC NA 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 U1,2-Dichlorobenzene 294 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U1,3-Dichlorobenzene 1315 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U1,4-Dichlorobenzene 318 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 75 J 100 J 44 J 76 J 76 J 8000 U2,4,5-Trichlorophenol NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 208 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2,4-Dichlorophenol 81.7 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2,4-Dimethylphenol 304 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2,4-Dinitrophenol 6.21 b NC NA 660000 U 89000 U 44000 U 17000 U 7400 U 6700 U 3500 U 7800 U 4900 U 32000 U2,4-Dinitrotoluene 14.4 b NC NA 33000 U 4500 U 2200 U 830 U 370 U 330 U 180 U 390 U 240 U 1600 U2,6-Dinitrotoluene 39.8 b NC NA 33000 U 4500 U 2200 U 830 U 370 U 330 U 180 U 390 U 240 U 1600 U2-Chloronaphthalene 417 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2-Chlorophenol 31.9 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2-Methylnaphthalene 20.2 b NC NA 1000000 13000 J 17000 1800 J 120 J 410 J 100 J 990 J 3800 110002-Methylphenol (o-Cresol) 55.4 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U2-Nitroaniline NC NA NC NA 330000 U 45000 U 22000 U 8300 U 3700 U 3300 U 1800 U 3900 U 2400 U 16000 U2-Nitrophenol NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U3,3'-Dichlorobenzidine 127 b NC NA 330000 U 45000 U 22000 U 8300 U 3700 U 3300 U 1800 U 3900 U 2400 U 16000 U3-Nitroaniline NC NA NC NA 330000 U 45000 U 22000 U 8300 U 3700 U 3300 U 1800 U 3900 U 2400 U 16000 U4,6-Dinitro-2-methylphenol NC NA NC NA 660000 U 89000 U 44000 U 17000 U 7400 U 6700 U 3500 U 7800 U 4900 U 32000 U4-Bromophenyl-phenylether 1550 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U4-Chloro-3-methylphenol 388 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U4-Chloroaniline 146 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 3800 J 1000 J 240 J 750 J 220 J 390 J 110 J 8000 U4-Chlorophenyl-phenylether NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 U4-Methylphenol (p-Cresol) 20.2 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 140 J 71 J 160 J 74 J 96 J 8000 U4-Nitroaniline NC NA NC NA 330000 U 45000 U 22000 U 8300 U 3700 U 3300 U 1800 U 3900 U 2400 U 16000 U4-Nitrophenol 13.3 b NC NA 660000 U 89000 U 44000 U 17000 U 7400 U 6700 U 3500 U 7800 U 4900 U 32000 UAcenaphthene 6.71 b NC NA 460000 14000 J 34000 13000 690 J 3200 820 J 8800 5600 39000Acenaphthylene 5.87 b NC NA 87000 J 9400 J 12000 7100 720 J 2600 830 J 3800 2800 17000Anthracene 57.2 b 33300 e 280000 21000 J 34000 14000 1000 J 3500 1100 7700 5500 44000Benzo(a)anthracene 108 b 133200 e 150000 19000 29000 15000 2200 6000 2100 8000 5800 37000Benzo(a)pyrene 150 b 129600 e 120000 17000 23000 13000 2100 6300 2100 7400 5300 32000Benzo(b)fluoranthene 10400 b NC NA 52000 8000 11000 7900 1800 3800 1400 4000 3000 14000Benzo(g,h,i)perylene 170 b 28800 e 48000 J 6000 J 6800 J 2700 J 510 J 1000 J 430 J 1300 J 960 J 7900 JBenzo(k)fluoranthene 240 b 120600 e 72000 12000 16000 11000 2000 5400 2200 5800 4300 23000bis(2-Chloroethoxy)methane NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 Ubis(2-Chloroethyl)ether 3520 b NC NA 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 Ubis(2-Chloroisopropyl)ether NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 Ubis(2-Ethylhexyl)phthalate 182 b NC NA 94000 J 160000 71000 33000 8900 24000 8300 9800 3700 15000Butylbenzylphthalate 1970 b NC NA 160000 U 9800 J 11000 U 4200 U 440 J 1000 J 320 J 1900 U 1200 U 3500 JCarbazole NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 450 J 4200 U 130 J 1700 U 66 J 190 J 160 J 370 JChrysene 166 b 41400 e 180000 22000 J 32000 17000 2400 6600 2400 8400 6200 41000Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene 33 b 11700 e 16000 U 2400 2800 740 180 U 530 180 560 420 2700Dibenzofuran 449 b NC NA 36000 J 2100 J 2500 J 4200 U 180 J 1700 U 100 J 700 J 460 J 2800 JDiethylphthalate 295 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UDimethylphthalate NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UDi-n-butylphthalate 1114 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 1300 J 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UDi-n-octylphthalate 40600 b NC NA 160000 U 10000 J 4400 J 2700 J 1800 U 3000 560 J 850 J 1200 U 8000 UFluoranthene 423 b 91800 e 260000 31000 52000 29000 4600 12000 4000 14000 10000 66000Fluorene 77.4 b 14400 e 270000 9200 J 9100 J 3500 J 520 J 1700 U 190 J 3000 3400 17000Hexachlorobenzene 20 b 2160 e 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 UHexachlorobutadiene 26.5 b NC NA 33000 U 4500 U 2200 U 830 U 370 U 330 U 180 U 390 U 240 U 1600 UHexachlorocyclopentadiene 901 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UHexachloroethane 584 b NC NA 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 UIndeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 200 b 28800 e 38000 5500 5500 2300 550 1100 450 1400 990 7200Isophorone 432 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UNaphthalene 176 b NC NA 1700000 15000 J 30000 7900 310 J 570 J 200 J 1200 J 4100 21000Nitrobenzene 145 b NC NA 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 UN-Nitroso-di-n-propylamine NC NA NC NA 16000 U 2200 U 1100 U 420 U 180 U 170 U 88 U 190 U 120 U 800 UN-Nitrosodiphenylamine NC NA NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UPentachlorophenol 23000 b NC NA 660000 U 89000 U 44000 U 17000 U 7400 U 6700 U 3500 U 7800 U 4900 U 32000 UPhenanthrene 204 b 85500 e 780000 47000 58000 29000 2800 1600 J 1000 19000 16000 90000Phenol 49.1 b NC NA 160000 U 22000 U 11000 U 4200 U 1800 U 1700 U 880 U 1900 U 1200 U 8000 UPyrene 195 b 76500 e 420000 48000 71000 34000 5600 18000 5800 22000 15000 90000

5860 64 60 62 66

GC-31

09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/200509/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/200559

GC-28 GC-30673763

70 70 45

GC-22 GC-26

09/29/2005

GC-15 GC-16 GC-19 GC-20 GC-21673766 673765 673764673770 673769 673768 673767 673762 673771

Analyte concentration data.xlsSediment 9-05

Table 1Sediment Analyte Concentrations

Gowanus CanalNew York City, NY

Sample IDLab ID Sediment Benchmark Benchmark

Sample Date Benchmarks Reference ReferencePercent MoisturePesticides (ug/kg)

4,4'-DDD 4.88 b 540 e 85 P* 380 P* 22 U 220 P* 48 17 U 220 38 P* 12 U 2404,4'-DDE 3.16 b 1710 e 49 P* 110 U 400 230 30 270 110 48 12 U 80 U4,4'-DDT 4.16 b 6390 e 140 P* 110 U 620 P* 380 P* 19 P* 280 P* 18 U 46 P* 12 U 80 UAldrin 2.0 b 720 e 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 Ualpha-BHC 6.0 b 900 e 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 Ubeta-BHC 5.0 b 1890 e 46 110 U 84 33 P* 19 U 50 18 U 20 P* 12 U 80 UChlordane 3.24 b 540 e 160 U 1100 U 1500 940 190 U 840 810 360 120 U 800 Udelta-BHC 71500 b NC NA 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UDieldrin 3.3 c 8190 e 39 110 U 280 180 19 U 180 49 P* 19 U 12 U 80 UEndosulfan I 3.26 b NC NA 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UEndosulfan II 1.94 b NC NA 26 P* 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 120 P*Endosulfan Sulfate 34.6 b NC NA 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UEndrin 2.22 b 11700 e 16 U 110 U 43 P* 32 P* 19 U 22 P* 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UEndrin Aldehyde 480 b NC NA 54 P* 170 P* 130 P* 170 19 U 17 U 18 U 59 180 80 UEndrin Ketone NC NA NC NA 82 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 93 20 P* 12 U 80 Ugamma-BHC (Lindane) 2.37 b 90 e 21 140 P* 22 U 20 P* 19 U 19 P* 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UHeptachlor 0.60 b NC NA 16 U 880 P* 22 U 17 U 19 U 17 U 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UHeptachlor Epoxide 2.47 b 450 e 16 U 110 U 22 U 17 U 19 U 52 P* 18 U 19 U 12 U 80 UMethoxychlor 13.6 b NC NA 110 P* 110 U 22 U 17 U 22 P* 17 U 18 U 44 P* 12 U 210 P*Toxaphene 0.077 b NC NA 160 U 1100 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 800 U

PCBs (ug/kg)Aroclor-1016 7.0 d 4770 e 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 UAroclor-1221 67 c NC NA 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 UAroclor-1232 NC NA NC NA 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 UAroclor-1242 NC NA NC NA 2500 35000 2400 2200 190 U 1800 180 U 190 U 120 U 730Aroclor-1248 30 d 13500 e 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 UAroclor-1254 60 d 3060 e 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 350 170 U 340 330 120 U 160 UAroclor-1260 5.0 d 2160 e 5200 2200 U 4100 3000 190 U 2200 180 U 280 120 U 540Aroclor-1262 NC NA NC NA 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 UAroclor-1268 NC NA NC NA 330 U 2200 U 220 U 170 U 190 U 170 U 180 U 190 U 120 U 160 U

Metals (mg/kg)Antimony 2.0 a 25 f 2.9 UN 4 BN 3.8 UN 2.9 UN 3.2 UN 3.5 BN 3.1 UN 3.5 BN 2.1 UN 2.8 UNArsenic 6.0 a 33 f 14.3 14.4 18.2 12.3 7.5 10.8 6.9 6.7 4.4 8.4Beryllium NC NA NC NA 0.59 B 0.7 B 0.83 B 0.65 B 0.84 B 0.7 B 0.85 B 0.9 B 0.49 B 0.67 BCadmium 0.60 a 9.0 f 16 34.6 29.4 7.3 2.1 B 10 1.5 B 2 B 0.15 U 2.9Chromium 26 a 110 f 272 N 416 N 518 N 166 N 90.5 N 207 N 86.2 N 86.3 N 39.7 N 82.7 NCopper 16 a 110 f 540 818 874 370 245 482 217 229 120 217Lead 31 a 110 f 732 N 1120 N 1160 N 670 N 420 N 882 N 306 N 366 N 110 N 330 NMercury 0.15 a 1.3 f 5.4 5 4.3 2.5 3.1 2.5 1.8 1.4 0.44 2.1Nickel 16 a 50 f 135 D 268 D 283 D 94.3 D 49.3 D 133 D 44.2 D 45.6 D 20.8 D 41.2 DSelenium NC NA NC NA 2.3 B 3.7 3.2 B 2.5 2.3 U 2.4 B 2.9 3.8 1.5 U 2.9Silver 1.0 a 2.2 f 9.1 19.5 20.5 7.3 8.4 8.8 5.6 6.1 2.4 B 5.5Thallium NC NA NC NA 1.2 U 1.6 U 1.6 U 1.2 U 1.3 U 1.2 U 1.2 U 1.4 U 1.7 U 1.1 UZinc 120 a 270 f 1010 1530 1680 825 557 1010 484 517 180 494

Other (mg/kg)TOC NC NA NC NA 158000 161000 145000 9300 72700 104000 61500 78600 26500 84700

Grain Size (%)Gravel NC NA NC NA 14.1 2.0 0.0 15.4 0.70 0.10 0.10 1.1 0.60 1.8Sand NC NA NC NA 26.3 12.7 5.8 26.6 17.4 25.4 17.2 25.9 64.6 33.4Silt NC NA NC NA 49.4 70.1 79.4 48.8 66.6 62.5 70.6 57.6 27.3 54.1Clay NC NA NC NA 10.2 15.2 14.8 9.2 15.3 12 12 15.5 7.5 10.6

NOTES: References:NC - No criteria a - NYSDEC "Technical Guidance for Screening Contaminated Sediments" (1999) Lowest Effects Level NA - Not applicable b - EPA Region 5 "RCRA Ecological Screening Levels (ESLs)" (2003) Detected concentration above the chronic sediment screening benchmark c - EPA Region 4 Supplimental Guidance to RAGS: Region 4 Bulletins, Ecological Risk Assessment" (2001) Detected concentration above the acute sediment screening benchmark Sediment Screening Values for Hazardous Waste Sites.Detected concentration with no associated sediment screening benchmark d - NJDEP "Guidance for Sediment Quality Evaluations" (1998) Lowest Effects LevelQualifiers: e - NJDEP "Guidance for Sediment Quality Evaluations" (1998) Severe Effects Level (Using Average TOC of 9.0%)B - Reported value is less than the Practical Quantitation Limit but greater than or equal to the Instrument Detection Limit. f - NYSDEC "Technical Guidance for Screening Contaminated Sediments" (1999) Severe Effects Level D - Duplicate analysis is not within control limits.J - Mass spectral data indicates the presence of a compound that meets the identified criteria. The result is less than the specified quantitation limit but greater than or equal to the method detection limit. The concentration given is an approximate value.N - The spiked sample recovery is not within control limits.P - For duel column analysis, the percent difference between the quantitated concentrations on the two columns is greater than 40%.U = The compound was not detected at the indicated concentration. * - For duel column analysis, the lowest quantitated concentration is being reported due to coeluting interference.

67377109/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005 09/29/2005

GC-31673770 673769 673768 673767 673766 673765 673764 673763 673762

GC-28 GC-30

45

GC-15 GC-16 GC-19 GC-20 GC-21 GC-22 GC-26

5809/29/2005

59 70 70 60 64 60 62 66

Analyte concentration data.xlsSediment 9-05


Appendix D

Bioassay Report

2006 gowanus canal sediment sampling report amec

Documents

sediment sampling equipment

sample handling

sample locations

sample analysis

field sampling procedures

summary of sampling

new york district nyd

federal plaza new york