During 2006, granulated activated carbon (GAC) was applied to less than 1 acre of the lower Grasse River to evaluate its ability to sequester PCBs within the sediments and reduce PCBs in the water column and biota.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is participating in a cooperative assessment with co-Trustees and the Companies (Alcoa and GM). We are evaluating injury to ecological resources, recreational fishing, and cultural resources.

Protection and restoration of coastal watersheds requires the synthesis of complex environmental issues. NOAA has developed a decision-support tool for the St. Lawrence project that combines the use of a standard database structure; data query software and a database-mapping application (Query Manager/MARPLOT). Contaminants of concern include but are not limited to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), dibenzofurans, aluminum, fluoride, and cyanide. Concentrations of numerous contaminants in sediment and tissues of aquatic and terrestrial organisms collected from the St. Lawrence River watershed can be analyzed and visually displayed. This integrated approach simplifies data synthesis and communication of critical information and can be used to assess degree and exetnt of contaminantion, identify and evaluate risks to the environment; develop cost-effective strategies for assessment and cleanup, quantify injuries to natural resources, and serve as a tool in restoration of natural resources. NOAA has used this approach in several watersheds, which have been affected by contaminant releases from Superfund sites and other sources.

For more information:

• NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration Watershed Database and Mapping Projects