In November 2006, the EPA, Federal Region IX, completed a limited site assessment of the Halaco site and the immediate surrounding area. Preliminary chemical concentration data collected from the site indicate that additional information on the extent of contamination, and the risk associated with that contamination will need to be collected in the near future.

NOAA provided significant technical support to the EPA Emergency Response On-Scene Coordinator and the EPA Site Investigation Program during the development of a work plan used to preliminarily identify the extent of contamination released from the Halaco facility. Based on NOAA’s knowledge of historical and current industrial activities, previous sampling data, and potential risk to NOAA trust resources, NOAA was able to advise EPA on appropriate sampling locations in both the adjacent impacted wetlands and the seasonally open estuarine lagoon.

NOAA will continue to work with EPA to ensure that remedial actions are protective of NOAA trust resources, and will also work with interested co-trustees to determine impact and potential injury to benthic species, fish, and other wetland receptors.