Ecological Evaluation Technical Guidance - State of New Jersey

Details regarding surface water toxicity test procedures can be found inAppendix C.6.2.2 SedimentsBasic sediment sampling guidance is provided in Section 5.3. The followingsections describe data development issues and the suggested protocols to be usedin more comprehensive sediment sampling programs.6.2.2.1 Sampling Plan Design for Study and Reference AreasThe investigator is referred to N.J.A.C. 7:26E-2.1 for appropriate analyticalprotocol and quality assurance requirements. The investigator is also referredto Section 10.0 for additional guidance on QA/QC and the preparation ofquality assurance plans.Developing an appropriate sediment sampling plan is a critical step insediment assessment and monitoring studies. Sample location selection andsampling methods will result from the study design. A properly designedstudy will control extraneous sources of variability or error and allow for datathat are representative of the sediment and fulfill the study objectives.A primary goal of a sediment investigation is to determine whether thepresence of COPECs in sediment is adversely affecting sediment-dwellingorganisms. In the case of bioaccumulative compounds or constituents, theprimary goal is to determine whether these constituents are accumulating inthe tissues of aquatic organisms to such an extent that they pose a hazard tosediment-dwelling organisms and aquatic-dependent wildlife.A comprehensive sediment investigation should result in the following:Identification and quantification of the contaminants present in sediment;Understanding of the vertical and horizontal distribution of the COPECs inthe sediment relative to the appropriate ESCs or background contaminantlevels;Understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes andtemporal trends affecting the fate and bioavailability of the sedimentCOPECs at the site;Identification of the complete exposure pathways for sedimentcontamination;Identification of current potential ecological risks posed by the sedimentcontamination;Identification of potential bioaccumulation risks; andUnderstanding of the impact of disturbance of impacted sediment on thespecies in and around the site that are dependent on the aquatic system.I. Evaluation of Existing Site Investigation DataThe first step in designing a sediment investigation involves evaluating thedata and site-specific information collected as part of the site characterizationduring the SI. For sediment investigations, the following information shouldbe evaluated before developing a sediment study design:Ecological Evaluation Technical Guidance Document 54Version 1.2 8/29/12