Are U, Ni, and Hg an Environmental Risk within a RCRA/CERCLA Unit on the U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site?

ABSTRACT

The U.S. Department of Energy's Savannah River Site (SRS) is a former nuclear weapon production facility. From 1954–1985, releases of Al, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni, Pb, U, and Zn were discharged into the Tims Branch-Steed Pond water system. This study investigates whether metal concentrations in Tims Branch's sediment, biofilm, and other biota exceed screening level risk calculations to determine if remedial actions should be pursued for the Contaminants of Potential Concern (U, Ni, Hg). Transfer factors (TFs) were calculated to determine metal concentration changes throughout lower trophic levels and results were compared with sediment benchmarks to create hazard quotients (HQs) to assess risk and a scientific-management decision point. Most TFs for Ni and U from lower to higher trophic level biota were <1, suggesting no biomagnifications; however HQs > 1 and cumulative distributions showed the majority of the samples exceeded action levels. Elevated TFs and HQs > 1 in the upper trophic levels for Hg indicated a high degree of bioavailability and biomagnification. Monte Carlo resampling analyses supported these empirical results. This system should continue to be closely monitored to ensure that contamination does not move off the SRS.

Key Words:

• hazard quotient
• mercury
• nickel
• RCRA/CERCLA
• transfer factors
• uranium

Notes

Editor's note: The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) gives USEPA the authority to control hazardous waste from the “cradle-to-grave.” This includes the generation, transportation, treatment, storage, and disposal of hazardous waste. USEPA has authority to grant permits to facilities capable of hazardous waste management.