Review of Annex 1 of the GLWQA

Review of Annex 1 of the GLWQA

March 21, 2001 WorkshopMarch 21, 2001 Workshop

Ann Arbor, MichiganAnn Arbor, Michigan

Limno-Tech, Inc.Environmental Engineering

Prepared for:Prepared for:Parties Implementation Work GroupParties Implementation Work GroupScience Advisory Board, IJCScience Advisory Board, IJC

Outline

• Objectives of ReviewObjectives of Review

• Presentation of Approach and FindingsPresentation of Approach and Findings

• Issues to ResolveIssues to Resolve

Objectives of Review

• Compile information on:Compile information on:– Status of the Great Lakes relative to chemicals listed in Status of the Great Lakes relative to chemicals listed in

Annex 1Annex 1

– Relationship of current policy values to Specific Relationship of current policy values to Specific ObjectivesObjectives

– Conceptual basis and rationale for current policy valuesConceptual basis and rationale for current policy values

– How each agency assesses compliance with their How each agency assesses compliance with their policy values for open waters of the Great Lakespolicy values for open waters of the Great Lakes

Caveat

• Not exhaustive compilation of all data availableNot exhaustive compilation of all data available

• Data do not represent comprehensive spatial or Data do not represent comprehensive spatial or temporal coveragetemporal coverage

• Data were assumed to meet QA/QC requirementsData were assumed to meet QA/QC requirements

• Did not interview every agency with a regulatory Did not interview every agency with a regulatory mandate in the Great Lakesmandate in the Great Lakes

• Comments related to key omissions are Comments related to key omissions are welcomed - Report is a draftwelcomed - Report is a draft

Annex 1 Specific Objectives

I. ChemicalI. Chemical– Persistent Toxic SubstancesPersistent Toxic Substances

Organic Inorganic

– Non-Persistent Toxic SubstancesNon-Persistent Toxic Substances Organic Inorganic

– Other Substances Other Substances

II. PhysicalII. PhysicalIII. MicrobiologicalIII. MicrobiologicalIV. RadiologicalIV. Radiological

Persistent Toxic Substances; Organic

Concentration not to be ExceededConcentration not to be Exceeded

A.A. Persistent Toxic SubstancePersistent Toxic Substance1. 1. OrganicOrganic

WaterWater(ug/l)(ug/l)

Whole Body Whole Body Fish (ug/g, ww)Fish (ug/g, ww)

Edible Fish Edible Fish (ug/g, ww)(ug/g, ww)

(a)(a) PesticidesPesticides

Aldrin/DieldrinAldrin/Dieldrin 0.0010.001 0.30.3

ChlordaneChlordane 0.060.06

DDT and MetabolitesDDT and Metabolites 0.0030.003 1.01.0

EndrinEndrin 0.0020.002 0.30.3

Heptachlor/Heltachlor EpoxideHeptachlor/Heltachlor Epoxide 0.0010.001 0.30.3

LindaneLindane 0.010.01 0.30.3

MethoxychlorMethoxychlor 0.040.04

MirexMirex <DL<DL <DL<DL

ToxapheneToxaphene 0.0080.008

(b)(b) Other CompoundsOther Compounds

Phthalic Acid EsthersPhthalic Acid Esthers 0.2 - 4.00.2 - 4.0

PCBsPCBs 0.10.1

Unspecified Organic CompoundsUnspecified Organic Compounds <DL<DL <DL<DL <DL<DL

Persistent Toxic Substances; Inorganic


A.A. Persistent Toxic SubstancePersistent Toxic Substance2. 2. InorganicInorganic

WaterWater(ug/L)(ug/L)



(a)(a) Metals (total)Metals (total)

ArsenicArsenic 5050

CadmiumCadmium 0.20.2

ChromiumChromium 5050

CopperCopper 55

IronIron 300300

LeadLead 10/20/2510/20/25

MercuryMercury 0.20.2 0.50.5

NickelNickel 2525

SeleniumSelenium 1010

ZincZinc 3030

(b)(b) Other Inorganic SubstancesOther Inorganic Substances

FluorideFluoride 12001200

Total Dissolved SolidsTotal Dissolved Solids 200200

Non-Persistent Toxic Substances and Other Substances


B.B. Non-Persistent Toxic SubstanceNon-Persistent Toxic Substance1. 1. Organic SubstancesOrganic Substances

WaterWater(ug/L)(ug/L)



(a)(a) PesticidesPesticides

DiazinonDiazinon 0.080.08

GuthionGuthion 0.0050.005

ParathionParathion 0.0080.008

Other PesticidesOther Pesticides ToxicityToxicity

(b)(b) Other SubstancesOther Substances

Unspecified Non-Persistent Toxic Unspecified Non-Persistent Toxic Substances & Substances & Complex EffluentsComplex Effluents

ToxicityToxicity

2.2. Inorganic SubstancesInorganic Substances

Un-ionized ammoniaUn-ionized ammonia 2020

Total ammoniaTotal ammonia 500500

Hydrogen SulfideHydrogen Sulfide 22

Comparison to Most Recent Field Data

• Screening-level comparison of current (past 5 Screening-level comparison of current (past 5 years) representative datayears) representative data

• Selected data for open water onlySelected data for open water only

• Selected data that are representative and Selected data that are representative and sufficient to make comparisons (=, <, >)sufficient to make comparisons (=, <, >)

• Contacted primarily federal agencies that monitor Contacted primarily federal agencies that monitor open watersopen waters

• Obtained data for same media as objective Obtained data for same media as objective (water, whole fish, edible fish)(water, whole fish, edible fish)

Criteria for Selection of Data

• WaterWater– Data usually available for each lake from one source Data usually available for each lake from one source

• FishFish– Selected adult top predator species preferentiallySelected adult top predator species preferentially

Lake Trout (Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Ontario) Walleye (Lake Erie)

– Selected skin-on-fillet data preferentially over dorsal plug Selected skin-on-fillet data preferentially over dorsal plug data because generally more conservative in data sets data because generally more conservative in data sets examinedexamined

Primary Sources of Data

• WaterWater– U.S. EPA GLNPOU.S. EPA GLNPO– Environment CanadaEnvironment Canada

• Whole Body Fish TissueWhole Body Fish Tissue– U.S. EPA GLNPOU.S. EPA GLNPO– Canadian DFOCanadian DFO– State of MichiganState of Michigan

• Edible Fish TissueEdible Fish Tissue– U.S. EPA GLNPOU.S. EPA GLNPO– Ontario Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring ProgramOntario Sport Fish Contaminant Monitoring Program– State of MichiganState of Michigan

• Pesticides < Objectives Pesticides < Objectives in all lakes (with few exceptions)in all lakes (with few exceptions)

• Metals < Objectives in all lakes Metals < Objectives in all lakes

• Not all parameters monitored Not all parameters monitored in all lakesin all lakes

Results of Data Comparisons Water

Results of Data Comparisons Whole Fish

• DDT+ in Lake MI > 1.0 ug/g (ww)DDT+ in Lake MI > 1.0 ug/g (ww)• Mirex in Lake Ontario > DL Mirex in Lake Ontario > DL • PCBs in all lakes > 0.1 ug/g (ww)PCBs in all lakes > 0.1 ug/g (ww)• Mercury in all lakes < 0.5 ug/g (ww)Mercury in all lakes < 0.5 ug/g (ww)

Results of Data Comparisons Edible Fish

• Aldrin/Dieldrin < 0.3 ug/g (ww) Aldrin/Dieldrin < 0.3 ug/g (ww)

• Heptachlor/Heptachlor Heptachlor/Heptachlor Epoxide < 0.3 ug/g (ww) Epoxide < 0.3 ug/g (ww)

• Endrin < 0.3 ug/g (ww) Endrin < 0.3 ug/g (ww)

• Lindane < 0.3 ug/g (ww) Lindane < 0.3 ug/g (ww)

Comparison to Current Policy Values

• Definition of “policy value” - any criteria, standard Definition of “policy value” - any criteria, standard guideline, or objective promulgated by agencies.guideline, or objective promulgated by agencies.

• Policy values reflect:Policy values reflect:– CurrentCurrent knowledge base related to exposure and knowledge base related to exposure and

effects of contaminants in the environmenteffects of contaminants in the environment

– Interest in protecting human, aquatic, fish and wildlife Interest in protecting human, aquatic, fish and wildlife use of water, sediment and tissueuse of water, sediment and tissue

– Improvements in analytical methods since Annex 1Improvements in analytical methods since Annex 1

Policy Values for Water

• UnspecifiedUnspecified– Some Annex 1 Specific ObjectivesSome Annex 1 Specific Objectives

• For the protection of aquatic lifeFor the protection of aquatic life– Some Annex 1 Specific ObjectivesSome Annex 1 Specific Objectives– Canadian Water Quality Guidelines Canadian Water Quality Guidelines – Ontario Provincial Water Quality ObjectivesOntario Provincial Water Quality Objectives– U.S. EPA Water Quality Guidance (GLI) and StatesU.S. EPA Water Quality Guidance (GLI) and States

• For the protection of human healthFor the protection of human health– GLI and StatesGLI and States

• For the protection of wildlifeFor the protection of wildlife– GLI and StatesGLI and States

Comparison of Policy Values for Water

• Many inconsistencies between Objectives and Many inconsistencies between Objectives and policy valuespolicy values

• Compared to policy values for protection of Compared to policy values for protection of aquatic life, Objectives are often the lowest valueaquatic life, Objectives are often the lowest value

• GLI criteria for protection of human health and GLI criteria for protection of human health and wildlife usually lowest values overallwildlife usually lowest values overall

• Some policy values for metals are hardness-Some policy values for metals are hardness-dependentdependent

• Policy values have been promulgated for many Policy values have been promulgated for many substances not listed in Annex 1substances not listed in Annex 1

Policy Values for Whole Fish

• For the protection of wildlife consumersFor the protection of wildlife consumers– Annex 1 Specific Objectives Annex 1 Specific Objectives

DDT, Mirex, PCBs & mercury for protection of fish-consuming aquatic birds

– Canadian Tissue Residue GuidelinesCanadian Tissue Residue Guidelines DDT, PCBs & Toxaphene for protection of wildlife consumers

of aquatic biota

– Ontario Fish Tissue Residue CriteriaOntario Fish Tissue Residue Criteria DDT & mercury for protection of fish-consuming birds and in

the case of mercury, aquatic life

– GLI and States GLI and States Water criteria for protection of wildlife derived from fish tissue

triggers for DDT, mercury, PCBs, 2,3,7,8-TCDD

Policy Values for Edible Fish Tissue

• For the protection of human healthFor the protection of human health– Annex 1 Specific Objectives for 5 pesticidesAnnex 1 Specific Objectives for 5 pesticides– Uniform Sport Fish Consumption Advisory Protocol Uniform Sport Fish Consumption Advisory Protocol

PCBs

– State trigger values, action levels or consumption State trigger values, action levels or consumption guidelines guidelines

PCBs, pesticides, mercury, others

– FDA Action LevelsFDA Action Levels PCBs, pesticides, mercury, others

– GLI criteria for the protection of human health based on GLI criteria for the protection of human health based on fish tissue triggersfish tissue triggers

PCBs, pesticides, mercury, others

Sediment Quality Policy Values

• Canadian Sediment Quality GuidelinesCanadian Sediment Quality Guidelines

• Ontario Provincial Sediment Quality GuidelinesOntario Provincial Sediment Quality Guidelines

• U.S. EPA Draft Freshwater Sediment Quality U.S. EPA Draft Freshwater Sediment Quality CriteriaCriteria

• New York State Sediment CriteriaNew York State Sediment Criteria

Procedures for Assessing Compliance

• States and Ontario States and Ontario – Primarily focused on nearshore areas, efforts directed Primarily focused on nearshore areas, efforts directed

at effects of fish & sediment contaminationat effects of fish & sediment contamination– No systematic program to assess compliance in open No systematic program to assess compliance in open

waterswaters

• Federal AgenciesFederal Agencies– Environment Canada Environment Canada

Reviews data and flags parameters for which the 90th % value > most sensitive policy values in US & Canada

No formal reporting process

– U.S. EPAU.S. EPA No systematic program currently in place

Issues to Resolve – Data Management

• Method of averaging data that contain censored Method of averaging data that contain censored valuesvalues

• Monitoring programs to use for compliance Monitoring programs to use for compliance assessmentassessment

• Spatial and temporal reference of data to use for Spatial and temporal reference of data to use for compliance assessment (potentially lake-specific)compliance assessment (potentially lake-specific)– Definition of open waterDefinition of open water– Time of year to sampleTime of year to sample– Number of stations Number of stations

• Variations in sampling and analytical protocolsVariations in sampling and analytical protocols– Analytical method for waterAnalytical method for water– Whole fish versus edibleWhole fish versus edible– Species of fish and sizeSpecies of fish and size

Issues to Resolve - Policy

• Use of both water and fish ObjectivesUse of both water and fish Objectives– Internal consistency (Internal consistency (i.e., i.e., BAF)BAF)

• Specification of fish “policy values”Specification of fish “policy values”– Whole fish versus edible (ecosystem health versus Whole fish versus edible (ecosystem health versus

human health)human health)

– Variation among agenciesVariation among agencies

• Discrepancies between Annex 1 Objectives and Discrepancies between Annex 1 Objectives and Parties listing of parameters of concernParties listing of parameters of concern– Parameters with “policy values”, but not listed in Annex 1Parameters with “policy values”, but not listed in Annex 1

– Parameters listed in Annex 1 that are not monitoredParameters listed in Annex 1 that are not monitored

Policy Values for Parameters Not Listed in Annex 1

• Additional parametersAdditional parameters– Canadian Water Quality Guidelines Canadian Water Quality Guidelines

44 additional organic substances or groups 5 metals 5 other inorganic substances or physical properties

– GLI and StatesGLI and States 11 additional substances Tier II option (some states)

Issues to Resolve – Policy

• Conceptual basis for ObjectivesConceptual basis for Objectives– Not specified for all parametersNot specified for all parameters

– Consistency with “policy values”Consistency with “policy values”

– Variation among agencies Variation among agencies

• Consistency among ProgramsConsistency among Programs– Annex 1 ObjectivesAnnex 1 Objectives

– Lake-wide Management Plans (LaMPs)Lake-wide Management Plans (LaMPs)

– Indicators in SOLEC processIndicators in SOLEC process

– Great Lakes Binational Toxics StrategyGreat Lakes Binational Toxics Strategy

Contact Information

Joseph DePintoJoseph DePinto [email protected]@limno.com

Wendy LarsonWendy Larson [email protected]@limno.com

Penelope MoskusPenelope Moskus [email protected]@limno.com

Limno-Tech, Inc. (LTI)Limno-Tech, Inc. (LTI)

501 Avis Drive501 Avis Drive

Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108Ann Arbor, Michigan 48108

www.limno.comwww.limno.com

http://www.limno.com/

Documents

Review of Annex 1 of the GLWQA