20070812 Ver 2_Report_20031001

GUIDELINES FOR PERFORMING
SCREENING LEVEL ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENTS
WITHIN THE
NORTH CAROLINA
DIVISION OF WASTE MANAGEMENT
October 2003
North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Division of Waste Management
http://www.wasteiiotnc.org
DISCLAIMER
This guidance document presents approaches for conducting screening level ecological
risk assessments. They are based on the North Carolina Division of Waste Management's
knowledge and experience to date. Parties wishing to use this guidance for any other
purpose should first check with the appropriate regulating agency to make sure this
guidance meets all requirements.
This guidance supercedes the document entitled "Guidelines For Performing Screening
Level Ecological Risk Assessments For Department Of Defense, National Priority List,
And National Priority List Caliber Sites Within The North Carolina Superfund Program,"
which was released in draft form in November 2002. Guidance set forth in this document
applies to site-specific ecological risk assessments performed under Department of
Defense, National Priority List, and National Priority List Caliber (DOD/NPL/NPLC)
sites within the Superfund Program. It may also be used by all other programs within the
North Carolina Division of Waste Management. For non-DOD/NPL/NPLC sites, parties
should check with the individual program area within NC DWM for applicability prior to
using this guidance.
H
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
Disclaimer ii
Table of Contents iii
List of Tables iv
List of Acronyms v
Executive Summary vi
1.0 Introduction 1
2.0 Step 1:_ Preliminary Problem Formulation and Ecological
Effects Evaluation 3
2.1 Ecological Setting 3
2.1.1 Facility Summary 3
2.1.2 Regional Ecological Summary 4
2.1.3 Site-Specific Ecological Setting 4
2.2 Fate and Transport Mechanisms 5
2.3 Potentially Complete Exposure Pathways 6
2.3.1 Conceptual Site Model 7
3.0 Step 2: _ Preliminary Exposure Estimate and Risk Calculation 8
3.1 Data Collection and Evaluation 8
3.1.1 Detection Limits 8
3.1.2 Hardness Dependent Screening Values 8
3.1.3 pH Dependent Screening Values 9
3.1.4 Dioxins and Furans 10
3.2 Abiotic Screen 10
3.3 Uncertainty & Data Gaps 12
3.4 Scientific/Management Decision Point 12
3.5 SLERA Summary 13
References 14
Appendices
A Checklist For Ecological Assessments/Sampling
in
LIST OF TABLES
Table
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Calculation of Dioxin Toxicity Equivalents, Soil
Calculation of Dioxin Toxicity Equivalents, Sediment
Calculation of Dioxin Toxicity Equivalents, Salt Water
Calculation of Dioxin Toxicity Equivalents, Freshwater
Selection of COPCs, VOCs in Soil
Selection of COPCs, SVOCs in Soil
Selection of COPCs, Pesticides in Soil
Selection of COPCs, Inorganics in Soil
Selection of COPCs, VOCs in Sediment
Selection of COPCs, SVOCs in Sediment
Selection of COPCs, Pesticides in Sediment
Selection of COPCs, Inorganics in Sediment
Selection of COPCs, VOCs in Saltwater
Selection of COPCs, SVOCs in Saltwater
Selection of COPCs, Pesticides in Saltwater
Selection of COPCs, Inorganics in Saltwater
Selection of COPCs, VOCs in Freshwater
Selection of COPCs, SVOCs in Freshwater
Selection of COPCs, Pesticides in Freshwater
Selection of COPCs, Inorganics in Freshwater
iv
LIST OF ACRONYMS
BGS - Below ground surface
COPC - Contaminant of potential concern
CSM - Conceptual site model
DOD - Department of Defense
EPA - Environmental Protection Agency, United States
ERA - Ecological risk assessment
ESV - Ecological screening value
FS - Feasibility Study
HQ - Hazard quotient
LULC - Land use and land cover map
NAPL - Non-aqueous phase liquid
NC DWM - North Carolina Division of Waste Management
NPL - National Priority List
NPLC - National Priority List Caliber
OSWER - US EPA Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
PAH - Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon
PA/SI - Preliminary Assessment/Site Investigation
RI - Remedial Investigation
SLERA - Screening level ecological risk assessment
SMDP - Scientific management decision point
SQL - Sample quantitation level
TCDD - 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin
TEF - Toxic equivalency factor
TEQ - Toxic equivalent
TIC - Tentatively identified compound
v
Executive Summary
The North Carolina Division of Waste Management's mission is to prevent the harmful
release of waste to the environment and clean up existing contamination. In order to aid
in the clean up of existing contamination, this document provides guidelines for
conducting a screening level ecological risk assessment (SLERA) for sites under the
authority of NC DWM.
In the Superfund Program, a significant component of the remedial
investigation/feasibility study (RI/FS) report is the baseline risk assessment, which
consists of a human health risk assessment and an ecological risk assessment (ERA).
The purpose of the ERA is to: "1) identify and characterize the current and potential
threats to the environment from a hazardous substance release, 2) evaluate the ecological
impacts of alternative remediation strategies, and 3) establish cleanup levels in the
selected remedy that will protect those natural resources at risk." (US EPA 1994,
OSWER Directive # 9285.7-17.)
The ERA process under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation,
and Liability Act consists of eight steps. These steps are:
1. Preliminary Problem Formulation and Ecological Effects Evaluation
2. Preliminary Exposure Estimate and Risk Calculation
3. Baseline Risk Assessment Problem Formulation
4. Study Design and Data Quality Objectives
5. Field Verification of Sampling Design
6. Site Investigation and Analysis of Exposure and Effects
7. Risk Characterization
8. Risk Management
Five Scientific/Management Decision Points (SMDP) are included in this process. They
follow steps 2-5 and 8. An SMDP requires a meeting between the risk manager and risk
assessment team to evaluate and approve or redirect the work up to that point.
This eight-step process is outlined in the United States Environmental Protection
Agency's Interim Final Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund.• Process
for Designing and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments, June 1997, (referred to as
the Process Document). Although the Process Document furnishes EPA's most recent
approach on designing and conducting an ERA, users should continue referring to Risk
Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume II, Environmental Evaluation Manual, (US
EPA 1989) for fundamental ERA information and concepts, such as factors influencing
and effects of contaminants on ecosystems.
V1
The SLERA consists of steps 1 and 2 of the eight-step process, along with the first
SMDP. The SLERA provides a general indication of the potential for ecological risk (or
lack thereof). The SLERA may also be used 1) to estimate the likelihood that a particular
ecological risk exists, 2) to identify the need for site-specific data collection efforts, and
3) to focus site-specific ecological risk assessments where warranted (US EPA, 2001).
Vii
THE SCREENING LEVEL ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
1.0 INTRODUCTION
This guidance is intended to clarify the content of SLERAs submitted to the NC DWM.
Since SLERAs are designed to be conservative assessments, risk assessors and risk
managers can have a high level of confidence that contaminants eliminated by the
SLERA process contribute a negligible risk to the environment. SLERAs are not
designed or intended to provide definitive estimates of actual risk or generate cleanup
goals. In general, they are not based upon site-specific assumptions. Rather, the purpose
of the SLERA is to assess the need and, if required, the level of effort necessary to
conduct a detailed, or "baseline," ecological risk assessment for a particular site or
facility. (US EPA, 2001.)
The SLERA (Steps 1 and 2 of the eight step process) should consist of the following
components:
Step 1: Preliminary Problem Formulation and Ecological Effects
Evaluation. This step is designed to help answer the question "Is there an
ecology here to protect?" Step 1 includes the following information:
• Ecological Setting
• Fate and Transport Mechanisms
• Potentially Complete Exposure Pathways
Step 2: Preliminary Exposure Estimate and Risk Calculation.
This step is designed to help answer the question "Are risks to ecological
receptors present at the site?" Step 2 includes the following information:
• Data Collection and Evaluation
• Abiotic Screen
• Uncertainty and Data Gaps
• Scientific/Management Decision Point
• SLERA Summary
Although steps 1 and 2 can be conducted at any point during the remedial process, they
are intended to be conducted prior to the RI and should play an important role in scoping
the RI field effort. If, as is common, these steps are completed with data collected during
the preliminary assessment/site investigation phase, site-specific information will
probably be limited. Therefore, it is important that the SLERA not only summarize
available data, but also clearly identify unavailable or inadequate data so these data gaps
can be examined and the appropriate actions taken. Although the scope of this guidance
is limited to screening level ecological risk assessments, it is beneficial to consider data
requirements for human health and ecological risk assessments concurrently in order to
streamline sampling efforts.
A SMDP follows step 2. The objective of the SMDP is two-fold. It determines whether
a full ecological risk assessment is required and focuses any future risk assessment on
those ecological issues that are significant to the risk managers and trustees. A list of
state and federal resource trustees can be found at US EPA Region IV's Ecological Risk
Assessment Bulletin Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/ots/ecolbul.htm.
2
2.0 STEP 1: PRELIMINARY PROBLEM FORMULATION AND ECOLOGICAL
EFFECTS EVALUATION
The intent of this section is to provide the reader with an idea of the types of information,
level of detail, and time commitment the NC DWM expects for the completion of Step 1
of the SLERA. Depending on the program area, it is possible that much of the
information listed below has already been collected for a site. For example, for
Superfund sites, much of the below information is collected in the RI phase. While it is
not necessary to duplicate information from another report in the SLERA, where the
SLERA is produced as a "stand alone" report, the source of the information must be
clearly cited.
2.1 Ecological Setting
The ecological setting section of the SLERA should include as much information as is
available on the following three areas:
• Facility Summary
• Regional Ecological Setting
• Site-Specific Ecological Setting
Since the information provided in these sections will be the basis of the assumptions the
reader uses throughout problem formulation, it is important that these sections give a
clear, straightforward and thorough description of the site.
2.1.1 Facility Summary
The facility summary section should give the reader a general idea of the processes used
and how raw materials, products and wastes were handled and disposed. This section
should include the following information:
• Facility history, including timelines.
• Facility process/processes summary.
• Potential non-site related sources of contamination.
• Precursers used, also products, bi-products and waste products generated.
° Include volumes if available.
• Regulatory History.
° Current and historic permits.
° Regulatory actions (Consent Orders, Notices of Deficiency, etc.).
• Waste storage practices used at the site (include dates of operation).
° Description of units used to store wastes (lagoons, landfills, tanks, piping,
etc.).
3
Waste disposal practices employed at the site (include dates of operation and
closure).
° Include maps of all known waste disposal areas.
° List of expected (or potential) contaminants.
2.1.2 Regional Ecological Summary
This section should provide the reader with information on the site location and general
habitat types in the area. This information can be obtained from resources such as
"Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States, Lowland Terrestrial Communities"
(Wiley and Sons, 1993), and "Biodiversity of the Southeastern United States, Aquatic
Communities" (Wiley and Sons, 1992). The regional ecological summary needs to
provide enough information for the risk assessors and risk managers to be able to identify
general habitat that may be present at the site, and what types of fate and transport
mechanisms may occur. This section should include:
• Description of the eco-region and expected habitats.
• Identify the watershed in which the site is located.
• Average rainfall.
• Average temperatures.
• Length of growing season.
• Identify Threatened and Endangered Species that use habitats found in the
eco-region.
2.1.3 Site-Specific Ecological Setting
This section should include a summary of all the observations made during the site visit.
Record them on the Checklist for Ecological Assessment/Sampling included as Appendix
A of this document. This checklist should be completed and enclosed as an Appendix for
all SLERAs. The checklist must be completed and enclosed with the SLERA when the
SLERA is used as evidence to support a no further ecological assessment decision.
Organizing this section by habitats present at the site is useful. Include a figure that
shows the location and coverage of each habitat at the site. Information in this section
should include:
• On-site and off-site land uses (agricultural, residential, undeveloped, etc.).
• List all types of habitats included within the site boundary.
° Include size and/or relative area (e.g. 30 percent of the site) of each
habitat.
° Include a thorough description of man-made units that may act as habitat
(lagoons, drainage ditches, etc.).
• Create a map or figure that shows the location of all habitats present.
• Note the layout and general topography of the site.
• Identify any obvious surface water runoff pathways (gullies, ditches, etc.).
4
Identify soil types located at the site.
A list of all species that would normally be expected to use the site under
relatively unaffected conditions.
List by scientific name with common name in parenthesis.
° Any species observed during the site visit or known to use the site should
be highlighted.
All species of special concern (threatened, endangered, protected or
regionally important) that may be present in the area should be identified.
° All nearby critical and/or sensitive habitats should be identified.
After finishing the checklist, it may be possible to determine that present or future
ecological impacts are negligible because complete exposure pathways do not currently
exist and could not exist in the future. Many Superfund sites are located in highly
industrialized areas where there could be few if any ecological receptors or where site-
related impacts might be indistinguishable from non-site-related impacts. For such sites,
remediation to reduce ecological risks might not be needed. However, all sites should be
evaluated by qualified personnel to determine whether this conclusion is appropriate (US
EPA, 1997).
Since many factors can influence observations made during the site visit, it is important
to provide a reference frame to observations included in this section. Items to be noted
include:
• Level of effort spent on site visit.
° Time (hours) spent on-site; split into applicable habitat types.
• Time of the year site visit was made.
• Time of day site visit was made.
• Weather conditions during site visit.
• Tidal stage during site visit (if applicable).
Any other conditions that could have effected the observations made (drought
information, etc.) should also be noted.
2.2 Fate and Transport Mechanisms
During the problem formulation step, risk assessors and risk managers will need to make
assumptions about the potential for contaminants to migrate. To support these
assumptions, the risk assessment should identify all potential contaminant migration
pathways (for example, windblown dust, surface water runoff, erosion, etc.) identified at
the site. This information will be used when completing the preliminary screening-level
conceptual site model for the site. This model should illustrate which migration
pathways need additional investigation.
2.3 Potentially Complete Exposure Pathways
Evaluating potentially complete exposure pathways at a site is one of the primary tasks of
the SLERA. An exposure pathway is the pathway by which a contaminant travels from a
source (e.g., drums, contaminated soils) to receptors. A pathway can involve multiple
media, such as soil runoff to surface waters, or volatilization to the atmosphere (US EPA,
1997). Section IV of Appendix A of this document, (page 32) "Exposure Pathway
Evaluation," should be completed in order to aid with this evaluation. This portion of the
SLERA should not be confused with an evaluation of the usefulness or suitability of the
habitat present at the site to support ecological receptors. The input from a qualified
ecologist should be sought prior to eliminating specific receptors from consideration
based on habitat quality.
It is common for this section of a SLERA to focus on the ability of the habitat to support
ecological receptors. Since input from a qualified ecologist should be sought before
eliminating specific receptors from consideration based on habitat quality, this normally
does not take place in the SLERA. A few examples of scenarios that may seem to (but
do not) present incomplete exposure pathways are provided below:
• Many sites have man-made drainage ditches that are not recognized as natural
habitat viable to support ecological receptors. However, most drainage
ditches do provide feeding and/or foraging opportunities for many ecological
receptors. Therefore, by definition, these ditches provide a potentially
complete exposure pathway for those receptors and should be included in the
conceptual site model as a complete exposure pathway.
• Many sites have industrial areas that include large areas of maintained grass,
parking lots, bare soil, etc. While these areas do not provide what is
traditionally thought of as habitat, they do provide cover and foraging
opportunities for many species. These species could be soil invertebrates (as
well as the receptors which feed on them), or other species more accustomed
to human interaction (passerine birds, rodents, other species).
All potential exposure pathways present at a site should be presented in the SLERA. The
most likely exposure pathways are often related to the physical and chemical properties
discussed in the preceding section for the media and the contaminants (e.g., whether or
not the contaminant is bound to a matrix, such as organic carbon). In the rare case that
any of the exposure pathways are incomplete, those pathways should be identified and
the rationale for assuming incompleteness must be presented. Once all exposure
pathways have been identified, they should be presented in a conceptual site model (see
Figure 1 in Appendix A for an example CSM).
6
2.3.1 Conceptual Site Model
A site CSM is developed as part of the SLERA to facilitate an overall understanding of
the site. The CSM includes the hypotheses that form the basis of the SLERA. It is used
to communicate the understanding of the site to its stakeholders. The CSM identifies the
complete and potentially complete exposure pathways. It provides a template to conduct
the exposure pathway evaluation and to inventory the pathways determined to be
incomplete. It also provides a means to identify relevant ecological receptors and
habitats. Should it be decided that the site requires further ecological evaluation beyond
the SLERA level, the CSM is updated and refined as additional data are gathered.
7
3.0 STEP 2: PRILIMINARY EXPOSURE ESTIMATE AND RISK CALCULATION
3.1 Data Collection and Evaluation
As stated in the introduction, it is common to perform a SLERA with data collected at the
PA/SI or NC DWM program-equivalent stage of site evaluation. Since this data is
usually relatively limited, it is very important to not only summarize all available and
relevant data, but to also determine if data are of sufficient quantity and quality to support
the SLERA.
3.1.1 Detection Limits
If the SLERA indicates adverse ecological effects are possible at environmental
concentrations below standard quantitation limits, a "non-detect" based on those limits
cannot be used to support a "no risk " decision (US EPA, 1997). Therefore, it is essential
that all contaminants (detected and non-detected) for which analysis was completed be
evaluated in the SLERA. In cases where the contaminant was not detected above
detection limits, the maximum sample quantitation limit (SQL) is used as a proxy
concentration for that contaminant, and that value used in the abiotic screen (section 3.2).
Reasons for doing so are:
1. For some contaminants, adverse effects may be possible at concentrations
below detection limits.
2. Bioaccumulative contaminants may bioaccumulate to dangerous levels in
upper tropic level organisms at abiotic concentrations below detection
limits.
3. If, after the first SMDP, it is determined that the site requires further
evaluation, contaminants in need of special analytical methods to achieve
appropriate detection levels can be highlighted for discussion.
3.1.2 Hardness Dependent Screening Values
Hardness is used as a surrogate for a number of water quality characteristics that affect
the toxicity of metals. Increasing hardness has the effect of decreasing the toxicity of
metals (US EPA, 2002). The Ecological screening values (ESVs) listed in Table 20 for
the following analytes were derived using the assumption that hardness (mg/L as CaCO3)
= 50.0. If site conditions vary, the following equations must be used to calculate
screening values:
8
Compound Acute Screening Value Chronic Screening Value
Cadmium (L I n n " '
e e
Chromium III n + . n + .
e e
Copper ° n - .
e e
Lead n n -
e e
Nickel n + . n + .
e e
Silver e NA
Zinc n + . ? + ,
e e
e = base of natural logs
H = hardness (mg/L as CaC03)
In = natural log
The above equations can be found at US EPA Region IV's Ecological Risk Assessment
Bulletin Web site at: http://www.epa. o? v/retrion4/waste/ots/ecolbut.htm.
If hardness data is unavailable, the following equation can be used to calculate hardness
(APHA et. al., 1995):
Hardness = 2.497 x Ca (mg/L) + 4.118 x Mg (mg/L)
Screening values must be calculated for each sampling location, site averages should not
be used.
3.1.3 pH Dependent Screening Value
The ESVs for pentachlorophenol listed in Tables 14 and 18 were derived using the
assumption that the pH = 7.8. If site conditions vary from this, the following equations
must be used to adjust the ESVs:
Compound Acute Screening Value Chronic Screening Value
P e p e (LUWPH-).29)
e = base of natural logs
The above equations can be found at US EPA Region IV's Ecological Risk Assessment
Bulletin Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/ots/ecolbul.htm. Screening values must
be calculated for each sampling location; site averages should not be used.
9
3.1.4 Dioxins and Furans
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans have a wide range
of relative potencies and are usually found in complex mixtures in the environment. This
makes analysis and therefore, the subsequent determination of risk, expensive and
difficult. To simplify this process, the use of internationally recognized toxic
equivalency factors (TEFs) are used to evaluate their toxicity. The TEF is an order of
magnitude estimate of the toxicity of an individual congener relative to 2,3,7,8-
tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). The TEF concept is based on the evidence
that dioxin-like compounds share a common mechanism of action. TEFs specific to
mammals, birds and fish are incorporated into Tables 1 through 4.
It is assumed that effects from different congeners are additive. The congener
concentration multiplied by the TEF equals the toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentration.
The proxy concentration for non-detects should be one-half the SQL. The sum of the
TEQ concentrations is then incorporated into the calculation of a hazard index. (TNRCC,
2001.)
3.2 Abiotic Screen
The abiotic screening section should begin with a summary of the number and types of
site related sampling investigations to date. This section should include a description of
analytical data to be used in the abiotic screen for the site. Because the methodologies
used to collect and/or analyze the data may be a source of uncertainty, they need to be
discussed in detail. Only unfiltered water samples shall be used for screening purposes in
SLERAs submitted to NC DWM. It is essential that the rationale for excluding data be
clear and concise.
For the SLERA, risk is estimated by calculating screening hazard quotients (HQ). A
screening HQ is calculated using the maximum concentration of each contaminant
detected in each media and comparing that value to the EPA Region IV ESV for each
contaminant using the following formula:
Hazard Quotient = maximum concentration / Region IV ecological screening value
10
For contaminant groups where individual contaminants are summed (e.g. total PAHs,
DDT and breakdown products, etc.) and there are both detected and nondetected
contaminants, one half the SQL should be used as the proxy concentration for the
nondetected contaminants. For contaminants that are neither summed nor detected, the
maximum SQL is used to compare against the Region IV ESV (see Section 3.1.1). All
ESVs in the attached tables, plus additional ESVs, can be found at US EPA Region IV's
Ecological Risk Assessment Bulletin Web site at:
http://www.epa.gov/region4/waste/ots/ecolbul.htm. Contaminants for which no Region IV
ecological screening value is available must be retained as COPCs at the end of the
SLERA process.
The following data should be summarized from the analytical data gathered from the site:
• Frequency of detection.
• Maximum detected concentration.
• Minimum detected concentration.
• Location of maximum concentration.
• Sample quantitation limit ranges.
• Sample identification numbers for all the samples used in the SLERA.
The first five bullet items should be entered into the contaminant of potential concern
tables (Tables 5 through 20). The last bullet item may be presented in a separate table.
The use of tables 5 through 20 is optional, but if alternate tables are used, they should
include the same information. Electronic versions of these tables can be downloaded
from http://wastenot.nc.us.
Each contaminant should be placed into the applicable category based on the review of
the analytical data available:
• Category - Contaminants whose maximum detection exceeds the media
specific ecological screening value included in the COPC tables.
• Category 2 - Contaminants that generated a laboratory SQL that exceeds the
EPA Region IV media-specific ecological screening value for that
contaminant.
• Category 3 - Contaminants that have no EPA Region IV ecological screening
value, but were detected above the laboratory SQLs.
• Category 4 - Contaminants that were not detected above the laboratory SQLs
and have no EPA Region IV ecological screening value.
• Category 5 - Contaminants whose SQL or maximum detection exceeds the
NC Surface Water Quality Standards.
Tentatively identified compounds (TICS), where required or available, must be
considered in the SLERA. Although the TICS do not necessarily need to go through the
data validation process, their presence should be reviewed to determine if they could be
related to site operations. For example, Aroclor 1268 has been detected on several sites.
It first showed up as a TIC, but it was not until the presence of this TIC was evaluated
11
with respect to site history that it was identified. Also, the presence of TICs should be
used to determine if interferences are affecting the detection limits of other chemicals.
This section should also include a discussion of the physical parameters of the media
sampled at a site, including:
Soils/Sediment
• Grain size analysis
• Total Organic Carbon
Surface Water
• pH
• Hardness
3.3 Uncertainty & Data Gaps
This section of the SLERA should include ALL uncertainties, assumptions and data gaps
included in the completion of the SLERA to this point. This section is vital to the risk
managers who must understand the level of confidence that can be placed in the results
discussed in the risk characterization section of the SLERA.
3.4 Scientific/Management Decision Point
This section should include an analysis of the screening HQs calculated in the abiotic
screen. While there are limited analyses that can be conducted at this stage, it will assist
the Baseline Risk Assessment Problem Formulation (Step 3 of the ERA process outlined
in the Executive Summary) if any and all possible trends in the data are summarized at
the end of the SLERA. It is important to note that the outcome of the screening steps can
only be one of the following:
• There is adequate information to conclude that the ecological risks are
negligible;
• Site has inadequate data to complete the risk characterization. Large data
gaps need to be filled prior to completion of the screening process; or
• The information indicates a potential for adverse ecological effects and a more
thorough assessment is warranted.
12
3.5 SLERA Summary
The SLERA (Steps 1 and 2) is intended to be a simple, low level of effort, low-cost
screening method. It is designed to assist risk managers identify sites that need no
additional ecological investigations due to lack of unacceptable exposure to contaminants
at a site. Very few sites will "screen-out" of the process at this point. However, a
secondary, although equally important intent of the screening is to provide some direction
and focus to the remaining investigation that needs to be completed. The end result of all
SLERAs should be to provide the information needed to address major uncertainties,
assumptions and data gaps identified in the screen.
13
References
American Public Health Association, American Water Works Association, Water
Environment Federation. "Standard Methods.for the Examination of Water and
Wastewater," edited by Andrew D. Eaton, Lenore S. Clesceri, Arnold E.
Greenberg, p. 2-36. Washington, DC: 1995, 19th Edition.
Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC). "Guidance for
Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments at Remediation Sites in Texas."
December 2001. Available on the Internet at
http://www.tnrcc.state.tx.us/admin/topdoc/r /g 263.pdf
US EPA, "Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Volume II: Environmental
Evaluation Manual." Interim Final, March 1989. EPA/540-1-89/001. Available
on the Internet at http://www.epa.eov/cgi-bin/claritgw?op-
Display&document=clserv:O S WER:1174;&rank=4&template=epa
US EPA, "Role of the Ecological Risk Assessment in the Baseline Risk Assessment."
Final, August 1994. Available on the Internet at
f
www.epa.gov/superfund/prog_rams/risk/memo.pd
US EPA, "Ecological Risk Assessment Guidance for Superfund, Process for Designing
and Conducting Ecological Risk Assessments." Interim Final, June 1997. EPA
540-R-97-006. Available on the Internet at
www. epa.v,ov/superfund/pro grams/risk/ecori sk/ecori sk. htm
US EPA, "The Role of Screening-Level Risk Assessments and Refining Contaminants of
Concern in Baseline Ecological Risk Assessments." Intermittent Bulletin, June
2001. EPA 54/F-01/014. Available on the Internet at
http://www.epa. op v/superfund/programs/risk/ecoup/slera06OI.pdf
US EPA, "National Recommended Water Quality Criteria." November 2002. EPA 822-
R-02-047. Available on the Internet at www.epa.gov/waterscience/12c/revcom.pdf
14
APPENDIX A
CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL
ASSESSMENTS/SAMPLING
INTRODUCTION
This checklist has been developed as a tool to gather information about the facility property
and surrounding areas. Specifically, the checklist helps compile information on the physical
and biological aspects of the site. The data include the site environmental setting, use of the
site, releases at the site, contaminant fate and transport mechanisms, and the area's habitats,
receptors and exposure pathways. The completed checklist can then be used to construct
the conceptual site model (CSM) for the site. The checklist and CSM serve as the basis for
the SLERA.
In general, the checklist is designed for applicability to all sites, however, there may be
unusual circumstances which require professional judgment in order to determine the need
for further ecological evaluation (e.g., cave-dwelling receptors). In addition, some of the
questions in the checklist may not be relevant to all sites. Some facilities may have large
amounts of data available regarding contaminant concentrations and hydrogeologic
conditions at the site, while other may have only limited data. In either case, the questions
on the checklist should be addressed as completely as possible with the information
available.
Habitats and receptors, which may be present at the site, can be identified by direct or
indirect' observations and by contacting local and regional natural resource agencies.
Habitat types may be determined by reviewing land use and land cover maps (LULC), which
are available via the Internet at http://www.nationalatlas.gov/mapit.html. Since receptors
are often present at a site even when they are not observed, it should be assumed they are
present where viable habitat is present.
Some sources of general information available for the identification of ecological receptors
and habitats include:
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (http://www.fws.gov)
• U.S. Forest Service (USFS) (http://www.fs.fed.us/)
• U.S. Bureau of Land Management (USBLM) (http://www.bltn.gov/nhp/index.httn)
• United States Geological Service (USGS) (http://www.usgs.gov)
• National Wetland Inventory Maps (http://wedands.fws.gov)
• National Audubon Society (http://www.audobon.com)
• National Biological Information Infrastructure (http://biology.usgs.gov)
• North Carolina Division of Water Quality (http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/)
• Sierra Club (http://www.sierraclub.org)
• National Geographic Society (http://www.nationalgeographic.com)
• State and National Parks System
• Local universities
• Tribal organizations
' Examples of indirect observations that indicate the presence of receptors include: tracks, feathers, burrows or scat.
A-1
INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMPLETING THE CHECKLIST
The checklist consists of four sections: Site Location, Site Characterization, Habitat
Evaluation and Exposure Pathway Evaluation. Answers to the checklist should reflect
existing conditions and should not consider future remedial actions at the site. Completion
of the checklist should provide sufficient information for the preparation of a CSM and
SLERA and allow for the identification of any data gaps.
Section I - Site Location provides general site information, identifies the facility being
evaluated and gives specific location information. Site maps and diagrams, which should be
attached to the completed report, are an important part of this section. The following
elements should be clearly illustrated: 1) the location and boundaries of the site relative to
the surrounding area, 2) any buildings, structures or important features of the facility or site,
and 3) all ecological areas or habitats identified during completion of the checklist. It is
possible that several maps will be needed to clearly and adequately illustrate the required
elements. Although topographical information should be illustrated on at least one map, it is
not required for every map. Simplified diagrams (preferably to scale) of the site and
surrounding areas will usually suffice.
Section II - Site Characterization is intended to provide additional temporal and
contextual information about the site. It may have an impact on determining whether a
certain area should be characterized as ecologically viable habitat or contains receptors.
Answers to the questions in Section II will help the reviewer develop a broader and more
complete evaluation of the ecological aspects of a site.
Section III - Habitat Evaluation provides information regarding the physical and
biological characteristics of the different habitat types present at or in the locality of the site.
The applicable portions of Section III of the checklist should be completed for each
individual habitat identified. For example, the questions in Section III.C of the checklist
should be answered for each wetland area identified at or in the locality of the site. The
individual areas must be identified on a map or maps.
Section IV- Exposure Pathway Evaluation is used to determine if contaminants at the
site have the potential to impact habitat identified in Section III. An exposure pathway is
the course a chemical or physical agent takes from a source to an exposed organism. Each
exposure pathway includes a source (or release from a source), an environmental transport
mechanism, an exposure point and an exposure route. A complete exposure pathway is one
in which each of these components, as well as a receptor to be exposed, are present.
Essentially, this section addresses the fate and transport of contaminants that are known or
suspected to have been released at the site. In the rare cases where a potentially complete
exposure pathway does not exist, additional ecological evaluation is usually not warranted.
Potential transport pathways addressed in this checklist include migration of contaminants
via air dispersion, leaching into groundwater, soil erosion/runoff and groundwater discharge
to surface water.
A-2
USING THE CHECKLIST TO DEVELOP THE CONCEPTUAL SITE MODEL
The completed Site Assessment Checklist can be used to construct the CSM. An example of
a CSM diagram is presented in Figure 1. The CSM illustrates actual and potential
contaminant migration and exposure pathways to associated receptors. The components of
a complete exposure pathway are simplified and grouped into three main categories: sources,
release mechanisms and potential receptors. As a contaminant migrates and/or is
transformed in the environment, sources and release mechanisms may expand into primary,
secondary and tertiary levels. For example, Figure 1 illustrates releases from inactive lagoons
(primary sources) through spills (primary release mechanism), which migrate to surface and
subsurface soils (secondary sources), which are then leached (secondary release mechanism)
to groundwater (tertiary source). Similarly, exposures of various trophic levels to the
contaminant(s) and consequent exposures via the food chain may lead to multiple groups of
receptors. For example, Figure 1 illustrates groups of both aquatic and terrestrial receptors
which may be exposed and subsequently serve as tertiary release mechanisms to receptors
which prey on them.
Although completing the checklist will not provide the user with a readymade CSM, a
majority of the CSM's components can be found in the answers to the checklist. It is then
up to the user to put the pieces together into a comprehensive whole. The answers from
Section II of the checklist, Site Characterization, can be used to identify sources of releases.
The answers to Section IV, Exposure Pathway Evaluation, will assist users in tracing the
migration pathways of releases in the environment, thus helping to identify release
mechanisms and sources. The results of Section III, Habitat Evaluation, can be used to
both identify secondary and tertiary sources and to identify the types of receptors which may
be exposed.
Once all of the components have been identified, one can begin tracing the steps between
the primary releases and the potential receptors. For each potential receptor, the user should
consider all possible exposure points (e.g., prey items, direct contact with contaminated soil
or water, etc.), then begin eliminating pathways which are not expected to result in exposure
to the contaminant at the site. Gradually, the links between the releases and receptors can be
filled in, resulting in potentially complete exposure pathways.
A-3
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CHECKLIST FOR ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENTS/SAMPLING
1.
1
2
SITE LOCATION
Site Name
US EPA ID Number
Location
County City.
Latitude L
3. Attach site maps, including a topographical map, a diagram which illustrates the
layout of the facility (e.g., site boundaries, structures, etc.), and maps showing all
habitat areas identified in Section III of the checklist. Also, include maps which
illustrate known and suspected release areas, sampling locations and any other
important features, if available.
II. SITE CHARACTERIZATION
1. Indicate the approximate area of the site (i.e., acres or sq. ft.)
2. Is this the first site visit? ? Yes ? No
If no, attach trip report of previous site visit(s), if available.
Dates(s) of previous site visit(s)
3. Are aerial or other site photographs available? 0 Yes ? No
If yes, please attach any available photo(s) to the site map to the report.
4. Provide an approximate breakdown of the land uses on the site:
% Heavy Industrial
% Residential
% Recreational'
% Light Industrial
% Rural
% Undisturbed
State
% Urban
% Agriculturalb
% Other'
a For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, etc).
bFor agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
`For areas designated as "other," please describe the use of the area.
A-5
5. Provide an approximate breakdown of the land uses in the area surrounding the site.
Indicate the radius (in miles) of the area described:
% Heavy Industrial
% Residential
% Recreational'
% Light Industrial
% Rural
% Undisturbed
% Urban
% Agriculturalb
% Other
'For recreational areas, please describe the use of the area (e.g., park, playing field, golf course,
etc).
bFor agricultural areas, please list the crops and/or livestock which are present.
`For areas designated as "other," please describe the use of the area.
6. Has any movement of soil taken place at the site? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the likely source of the disturbance, (e.g., erosion, agricultural,
mining, industrial activities, removals, etc.) degree of disturbance, and estimate
when these events occurred.
7. Do any sensitive environmental areas exist adjacent to or in proximity to the site,
(e.g. Federal and State parks, National and State monuments, wetlands)?
Remember, flood plains and wetlands are not always obvious; do not answer "no"
without confirming information. See Table 1 for a list of contacts.
Please provide the source(s) of information used to identify these sensitive areas,
and indicate their general location on the site map.
8. What type of facility is located at the site?
? Chemical
? Waste Disposal
? Manufacturing
? Other (specify)
? Mixing
9. Identify the contaminants of potential concern (COPCs) at the site. If known,
include the maximum contaminant levels. Please indicate the source of data cited
(e.g., RFI, confirmatory sampling, etc).
A-6
10. Check any potential routes of off-site migration of contaminants observed at the
site:
? Swales ? Depressions ? Drainage Ditches
? Runoff ? Windblown Particulates ? Vehicular Traffic
? Other (specify):
11. Indicate the approximate depth to groundwater (in feet below ground surface [(bgs)].
12. Indicate the direction of groundwater flow (e.g., north, southeast, etc.)
13. Is the direction of surface runoff apparent from site observations? ? Yes ? No
If yes, to which of the following does the surface runoff discharge? Indicate all that
apply.
? Surface water ? Groundwater ? Sewer
? Collection Impoundment
14. Is there a navigable water body or tributary to a navigable water body?
? Yes ? No
15. Is there a water body anywhere on or in the vicinity of the site? If yes, also complete
Section III.B.1: Aquatic Habitat Checklist -- Non-Flowing Systems and/or Section
III.B.2: Aquatic Habitat Checklist -- Flowing Systems.
? Yes (approx. distance ) ? No
16. Is there evidence of flooding? ? Yes ? No
Wetlands and flood plains are not always obvious. Do not answer "no" without confirming
information. If yes, complete Section III. C: Wetland Habitat Checklist.
17. If a field guide was used to aid any of the identifications, please provide a reference.
Also, estimate the time spent identifying fauna. (Use a blank sheet if additional space
is needed for text.)
18. Are any threatened and/or endangered species (plant or animal) known to inhabit
the area of the site? ? Yes ? No
If yes, you are required to verify this information with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service or other appropriate agencies (see Table 1 for a list of contacts). If species'
identities are known, please list them next.
A-7
19. Record weather conditions at the site at the time of the site visit when information
for completion of this checklist was prepared:
DATE
Temperature (°C/°F)
Wind (direction/ speed):
Cloud Cover:
Normal daily high temperature (°C/°F):
Precipitation (rain, snow):
20. Describe reasonable and likely future land and/or water use(s) at the site.
21. Describe the historical uses of the site. Include information on chemical releases
that may have occurred as a result of previous land uses. For each chemical
release, provide information on the form of the chemical released (i.e., solid,
liquid, vapor) and the known or suspected causes or mechanism of the release
(i.e., spills, leaks, material disposal, dumping, explosion, etc.).
22. Identify the media (e.g., soil [surface or subsurface], surface water, air,
groundwater) which are known or suspected to contain COCs.
A-8
11A SLTNaMYOF OBSERVATIONSAND SITE SETTING
Include information on significant source areas and migration pathways that are
likely to constitute complete exposure pathways.
Checklist Completed by
Affiliation
Author Assisted by
Date
A-9
III. HABITAT EVALUATION
III.A Terrestrial Habitat Checklist
III.A.1 Wooded
Are any wooded areas on or adjacent to the site? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the wooded area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one wooded area is present on or adjacent to
the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual wooded area. Distinguish between wooded areas by using names or
other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.2: Shrub/Scrub
A-10
Wooded Area Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Estimate the approximate size of the wooded area (____21o acres)
Please identify what information was used to determine the wooded area of the site
(e.g., direct observation, photos, etc).
2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation in the wooded area. Provide photographs, if
available.
? Evergreen
? Deciduous
? Mixed
Dominant plant species, if known:
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the wooded area.
? Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
? Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
? Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the predominant size of the trees at the site. Use diameter at breast height.
? 0-6 inches
? 6-12 inches
? >12 inches
? No single size range is predominant
5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
A-11
III.A.2 Shrub/Scrub
Are any shrub/scrub areas on or adjacent to the site? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the shrub/scrub area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one shrub/scrub area is present on or adjacent
to the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual shrub/scrub area. Distinguish between shrub/scrub areas, using names
or other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.3: Open Field
A-12
Shrub/Scrub Area Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Estimate the approximate size of the shrub/scrub area (_% acres).
Please identify what information was used to determine the shrub/scrub area of the
site (e.g., direct observation, photos, etc).
2. Indicate the dominant type of shrub/scrub vegetation present, if known.
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the shrub/scrub area.
? Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
? Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
? Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the approximate average height of the scrub/shrub vegetation.
? 0-2 feet
? 2-5 feet
? >5 feet
5. Specify type of understory present, if known. Provide a photograph, if available.
A-13
III.A.3 Open Field
Are any open field areas on or adjacent to the site? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the open field area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions. If more than one open field area is present on or adjacent to
the site, make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each
individual open field area. Distinguish between open field areas, using names or
other designations, and clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.A.4: Miscellaneous
A-14

Open Field Area Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Estimate the approximate size of the open field area (-% acres).
Please identify what information was used to determine the open field area of the
site.
2. Indicate the dominant type of vegetation present, if known.
3. Estimate the vegetation density of the shrub/scrub area.
? Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
? Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
? Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
4. Indicate the approximate average height of the dominant plant:
A-15
III.A.4 Miscellaneous
Are other types of terrestrial habitats present at the site, other than woods,
scrub/shrub and open field? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the area on the attached site map and answer the following
questions. If more than one of these areas are present on or adjacent to the site,
make additional copies of the following questions and fill out for each individual
area. Distinguish between areas by using names or other designations. Clearly
identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.B: Aquatic Habitats.
A-16
Miscellaneous Area Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Provide a description of the terrestrial miscellaneous habitat and identify the area
on the site map.
2. Estimate the approximate size of the area ( % acres)
3. What observations, if any, were made at the site regarding the presence and/or
absence of insects, birds, mammals, etc.?
4. Review the questions in Section I to determine if any additional habitat checklists
should be completed for this site.
A-17
III.B Aquatic Habitats
Note: Aquatic systems are often associated with wetland habitats. Please refer to
Section III. C, Wetland Habitat Checklist.
III.B.I Non-Flowing Systems
Are any non-flowing aquatic features (such as ponds or lakes) located at or
adjacent to the site?
? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the aquatic feature on the attached site map and answer the
following questions regarding the non-flowing aquatic features. If more than one
non-flowing aquatic feature is present on or adjacent to the site, make additional
copies of the following questions and fill out for each individual aquatic feature.
Distinguish between aquatic features by using names or other designations.
Clearly identify each area on the site map.
If no, proceed to Section III.B.2: Flowing Systems
A-18
Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Indicate the type of aquatic feature present:
? Natural (e.g., pond or lake)
? Man-made (e.g., impoundment, lagoon, canal, etc.)
2. Estimate the approximate size of the water body (in acres or sq. ft.)
3. If known, indicate the depth of the water body (in ft. or in.).
4. If a water body is present, what are its known uses (e.g.: recreation, navigation, etc.)?
5. Is aquatic vegetation present? ? Yes ? No
If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present if known.
? Emergent ? Submergent ? Floating
6. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate. Mark all sources that apply
from the following list.
? Bedrock
? Boulder (>10 in.)
? Cobble (2.5 - 10 in.)
? Gravel (0.1 - 2.5 in.)
? Other (please specify
? Sand ? Concrete
? Silt ? Debris
? Clay ? Detritus
? Muck (fineiblack)
7. Indicate the source(s) of the water in the aquatic feature. Mark all sources that apply
from the following list.
? River/Stream/Creek
? Groundwater
? Industrial Discharge
? Surface Runoff
? Other (please specify):
A-19
Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)
8. Is there a discharge from the facility to the aquatic feature? ? Yes ? No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
9. Does the aquatic feature discharge to the surrounding environment? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the features from the following list into which the aquatic feature
discharges, and indicate whether the discharge occurs onsite or offsite:
? River/Stream/Creek
? Groundwater
? Wetland
? Impoundment
? Other (please describe)
? on-site ? off-site
? on-site ? off-site
? on-site ? off-site
? on-site ? off-site
10. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
Area
Depth (average)
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken)
PH
Dissolved oxygen
Salinity
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth )
Other (specify)
11. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
A-20
Non-Flowing Aquatic Feature Questions (Continued)
12. Mark the open-water, non-flowing system on the site map attached to this checklist.
13. What observations, if any, were made at the water body regarding the presence and/or
absence of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, etc?
A-21
III.13.2 Flowing Systems
Note: Aquatic systems are often associated with wetland habitats. Please refer to
Section III. C, Wetland Habitat Checklist.
Are any flowing aquatic features (such as streams or rivers) located at or adjacent
to the site?
? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the system on the attached site map and answer the following
questions regarding the flowing system. If more than one flowing system is
present on or adjacent to the site, make additional copies of the following
questions and complete one set for each individual aquatic feature. Distinguish
between flowing systems by using names or other designation. Clearly identify
each area on the site map
If no, proceed to Section III.C: Wetlands Habitats.
A-22
Flowing Aquatic Systems Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Indicate the type of flowing aquatic feature present.
? River
? Stream/Creek/Brook
? Intermittent stream
? Artificially created (ditch, etc.)
? Channeling
? Other (specify)
2. For natural systems, are there any indicators of physical alteration (e.g., channeling,
debris, etc.)? ? Yes ? No
If yes, please describe the indicators observed.
3. Indicate the general composition of the bottom substrate.
? Bedrock
? Boulder (> 10 in.)
? Cobble (2.5 - 10 in.)
? Gravel (0.1 - 2.5 in.)
? Other (please specify):
? Sand (course)
? Silt (fine)
? Clay (slick)
? Muck (fine/black)
? Concrete
? Debris
? Detritus
? Marl (Shells)
4. Describe the condition of the bank (e.g., height, slope, extent of vegetative cover).
5. Is the system influenced by tides? ? Yes ? No
What information was used to make this determination?
6. Is the flow intermittent? ? Yes ? No
If yes, please note the information used to make this determination.
A-23
Flowing System Questions (Continued)
7. Is there a discharge from the site to the water body? ? Yes ? No
If yes, describe the origin of each discharge and its migration path.
8. Indicate the discharge point of the water body. Specify name of the discharge, if known.
9. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
Width (ft.)
Depth (average)
Velocity (specify units):
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was taken)
PH
Dissolved oxygen
Salinity
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth )
Other (specify)
10. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
11. Is any aquatic vegetation present? ? Yes ? No
If yes, please identify the type of vegetation present, if known.
? Emergent ? Submergent ? Floating
A-24
Flowing System Questions (Continued)
12. Mark the flowing water system on the attached site map.
13. What observations were made at the water body regarding the presence and/or
absence of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, birds, mammals, etc?
A-25
III.C Wetland Habitats
Are any wetland2 areas such as marshes or swamps on or adjacent to the site?
? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate the wetland area on the attached site map and answer the
following questions regarding the wetland area. If more than one wetland area is
present on or adjacent to the site, make additional copies of the following
questions and fill out one for each individual wetland area. Distinguish between
wetland areas by using names or other designations (such as location). Clearly
identify each area on the site map. Also, obtain and attach a National Wetlands
Inventory Map (or maps) to illustrate each wetland area.
Identify the sources of the observations and information (e.g., National Wetland
Inventory, Federal or State Agency, USGS topographic maps) used to make the
determination whether or not wetland areas are present.
If no wetland areas are present, proceed to Section III.D: Sensitive Environments
and Receptors.
ZWetlands are defined in 40 CFR §232.2 as " Areas inundated or saturated by surface or groundwater at a
frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances does support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions." Examples of typical wetlands plants
include: cattails, cordgrass, willows and cypress trees. National wetland inventory maps may be available at
http:\\nwi.fws.gov. Additional information on wetland delineation criteria is also available from the Army
Corps of Engineers.
A-26
Wetland Area Questions
? On-site ? Off-site
Name or Designation:
1. Indicate the approximate area of the wetland (acres or ft.
2. Identify the type(s) of vegetation present in the wetland.
? Submergent (i.e., underwater) vegetation
? Emergent (i.e., rooted in the water, but rising above it) vegetation
? Floating vegetation
? Scrub/shrub
? Wooded
? Other (Please describe):
3. Provide a general description of the vegetation present in and around the wetland
(height, color, etc). Provide a photograph of the known or suspected wetlands, if
available.
4. Estimate the vegetation density of the wetland area.
? Dense (i.e., greater than 75% vegetation)
? Moderate (i.e., 25% to 75% vegetation)
? Sparse (i.e., less than 25% vegetation)
5.
Is standing water present? ? Yes ? No
If yes, is the water primarily: ? Fresh ? Brackish
Indicate the approximate area of the standing water (ft.)
Indicate the approximate depth of the standing water, if known (ft. or
in.)
A-27
Wetland Area Questions (Continued)
6. Identify any field measurements and observations of water quality that were made.
Provide the measurement and the units of measure in the appropriate space below:
Area
Depth (average)
Temperature (depth of water where the reading was
taken)
pH
Dissolved oxygen
Salinity
Turbidity (clear, slightly turbid, turbid, opaque)
(Secchi disk depth )
Other (specify)
7. Describe observed color and area of coloration.
8. If known, indicate the source of the water in the wetland.
? Stream/River/Creek/Lake/Pond
? Flooding
? Groundwater
? Surface runoff
9. Is there a discharge from the site to the wetland? ? Yes ? No
If yes, please describe:
A-28
Wetland Area Questions (Continued)
10. Is there a discharge from the wetland? ? Yes ? No
If yes, to what water body is discharge released?
? Marine (Name: )
? Surface stream/River (Name: )
? Lake/Pond (Name: )
? Groundwater
? Not sure
11. Does the area show evidence of flooding? ? Yes ? No
If yes, indicate which of the following are present (mark all that apply).
? Standing water
? Water-saturated soils
? Water marks
? Buttressing
? Debris lines
? Mud cracks
? Other (Please describe):
11. If a soil sample was collected, describe the appearance of the soil in the wetland
area. Circle or write in the best response.
Color (blue/gray, brown, black, mottled)
Water content (dry, wet, saturated/unsaturated)
13. Mark the observed wetland area(s) on the attached site map.
A-29
III.D Sensitive Environments and Receptors
Do any other potentially sensitive environmental areas' exist adjacent to or within
one-half mile of the site? If yes, list these areas and provide the source(s) of
information used to identify sensitive areas. Do not answer "no"without confirmation from
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other appropriate agencies. See Table 7 for a list of
contacts.
2. Are any areas on or near (i.e., within one-half mile) the site owned or used by local
tribes? If yes, describe.
Does the site serve or potentially serve as a habitat, foraging area or refuge by rare,
threatened, endangered, candidate and/or proposed species (plants or animals), or
any otherwise protected species? If yes, identify species. This information should be
obtained from the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other appropriate agencies. See Table 1 for a
list of contacts.
4. Is the site potentially used as a breeding, roosting or feeding area by migratory
bird species? If yes, identify which species.
3 Areas that provide unique and often protected habitat for wildlife species. These areas are typically used
during critical life stages such as breeding, hatching, rearing of young and overwintering. Refer to Table 2
at the end of this document for examples of sensitive environments.
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Sensitive Environments and Receptors Questions (continued)
5. Is the site used by any ecologically', recreationally or commercially important
species? If yes, explain.
a Ecologically important species include populations of species which provide a critical (i.e., not
replaceable) food resource for higher organisms. These species' functions would not be replaced by more
tolerant species or perform a critical ecological function (such as organic matter decomposition) and will
not be replaced by other species. Ecologically important species include pest and opportunistic species that
populate an area if they serve as a food source for otherspecies, but do not include domesticated animals
(e.g., pets and livestock) or plants/animals whose existence is maintained by continuous human
interventions (e.g., fish hatcheries, agricultural crops, etc).
A-31
IV. EXPOSURE PATHWAY EVALUATION
1. Do existing data provide sufficient information on the nature, rate and extent of
contamination at the site?
? Yes
? No
? Uncertain
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
2. Do existing data provide sufficient information on the nature, rate and extent of
contamination in offsite affected areas?
? Yes
? No
? Uncertain
? No offsite contamination
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
3. Do existing data address potential migration pathways of contaminants at the site?
? Yes
? No
? Uncertain
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
A-32
4. Do existing data address potential migration pathways of contaminants in offsite
affected areas?
? Yes
? No
? Uncertain
? No offsite contamination
Please provide an explanation for your answer.
5. Are there visible indications of stressed habitats or receptors on or near (i.e., within
one-half mile) the site that may be the result of a chemical release? If yes, explain.
Attach photographs if available.
6. Is the location of the contamination such that receptors might be reasonably
expected to come into contact with it? For soil, this means contamination in the soil
0 to 1 foot below ground surface (bgs). If yes, explain.
7. Are receptors located in or using habitats where chemicals exist in air, soil, sediment
or surface water? If yes, explain.
A-33
8. Could chemicals reach receptors via groundwater? Can chemicals leach or dissolve
to groundwater? Are chemicals mobile in groundwater? Does groundwater
discharge into receptor habitats? If yes, explain.
9. Could chemicals reach receptors through runoff or erosion? Answer the following
questions.
What is the approximate distance from the contaminated area to the nearest
watercourse?
? 0 feet (i.e., contamination has reached a watercourse)
? 1-10 feet
? 11-20 feet
? 21-50 feet
? 51-100 feet
? 101-200 feet
? > 200 feet
? > 500 feet
? > 1000 feet
What is the slope of the ground in the contaminated area?
? 0-10%
? 10-30%
? > 30%
What is the approximate amount of ground and canopy vegetative cover in the
contaminated area?
? < 25%
? 25-75%
? > 75%
Is there visible evidence of erosion (e.g., a rill or gully) in or near the contaminated
area?
? Yes
? No
? Do not know
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Do any structures, pavement or natural drainage features direct run-on flow (i.e.,
surface flows originating upstream or uphill from the area of concern) into the
contaminated area?
? Yes
? No
? Do not know
10. Could chemicals reach receptors through the dispersion of contaminants in air (e.g.,
volatilization, vapors, fugitive dust)? If yes, explain.
11. Could chemicals reach receptors through migration of non-aqueous phase liquids
(NAPLs)? Is a NAPL present at the site that might be migrating towards receptors
or habitats? Could NAPL discharge contact receptors or their habitat?
A-35

TABLE 1
SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT CONTACTS
CONTACT TELEPHONE # SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
NC Division of Parks and [phone] State Parks
Recreation - National Fax: [phone]
Heritage Program Areas Important to Maintenance
of Unique Natural Communities
Sensitive Areas Identified Under
The National Estuary Program
Designated State Natural Areas
State Seashore, Lakeshore, and
River Recreational Areas
Rare species (state and federal
Threatened and Endangered)
Sensitive Aquatic Habitat
NC Planning and Natural [phone] State Wild & Scenic Rivers
Resources
National Park Service [phone] National Seashore, Lakeshore
Public Affairs Office and River Recreational Areas
National Parks or Monuments
Internet www.nps.gov/rivers Federal Designated Wild &
Scenic Rivers
US Forest Service [phone] Designated and Proposed
Federal Wilderness and Natural
Areas
[phone] National Preserves and Forests
[phone] Federal Land Designated for the
protection of natural ecosystems.
A-36

CONTACT TELEPHONE # SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENT
NC Division of Water [phone] Critical Areas Identified Under
Quality the Clean Lakes Program
[phone] State-Designated Areas for
Ask for Clean Water Act Protection or Maintenance of
305b report Aquatic Life
NC Division of Forest [phone] x 234 State Preserves and Forests
Resources
US Fish & Wildlife [phone] x 11 Terrestrial Areas Utilized for
Service Breeding by Large or Dense
Aggregations of Animals
NC Wildlife Resources [phone] National or State Wildlife
Commission Refuges
NOAA [phone] x 173 Marine Sanctuaries
NC Department of [phone] National and State Historical
Cultural Resources Sites
NC Division of Coastal [phone] Areas Identified Under Coastal
Management Protection Legislation
Internet http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us Coastal Barriers or Units of a
Coastal Barrier Resources
System
NC Wildlife Resources [phone] Spawning Areas Critical for the
Commission Maintenance of Fish/Shellfish
Species within River, Lake or
Coastal Tidal Waters.
Migratory Pathways and Feeding
Areas Critical for Maintenance
of Anadromous Fish Species
within River Reaches or Areas in
Lakes or Coastal Tidal Waters in
Which such Fish Spend Extended
Periods of Time
State Lands Designated for
Wildlife or Game Management
US Army Corps of [phone], ext. 28 Wetlands
Engineers
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TABLE 2
EXAMPLES OF SENSITIVE ENVIRONMENTS
National Parks and National Monuments
Designated or Administratively Proposed Federal Wilderness Areas
National Preserves
National or State Wildlife Refuges
National Lakeshore Recreational Areas
Federal land designated for protection of natural ecosystems
State land designated for wildlife or game management
State designated Natural Areas
Federal or state designated Scenic or Wild River
All areas that provide or could potentially provide critical habitat' for state and
federally listed Threatened or Endangered Species, those species that are currently
petitioned for listing, and species designated by other agencies as sensitive or
species of concern.
Marine Sanctuary
Areas identified under the Coastal Zone Management Act
Sensitive areas identified under the National Estuary Program or Near Coastal
Waters Program
Critical areas identified under the Clean Lakes Program
National Seashore Recreational Area
Habitat known to be used by Federal designated or proposed endangered or
threatened species
1 Critical habitats are defined by the Endangered Species Act (50 CFR §424.02(d)) as:
1) Specific areas within the geographical area currently occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in
accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features (i) essential to the
conservation of the species and (ii) that may require special management considerations or protection, and
2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed upon a
determination by the Secretary [ of Interior] that such areas are essential for the conservation of the
species.
A-38
Unit of Coastal Barrier Resources System
Coastal Barrier (undeveloped)
Spawning areas critical for the maintenance of fish/shellfish species within river,
lake, or coastal tidal waters
Migratory pathways and feeding areas critical for maintenance of andromous fish
species within river reaches or areas in lakes or coastal tidal waters in which the
fish spend extended periods of time
Terrestrial areas utilized for breeding by large or dense aggregations of animals
National river reach designated as Recreational
Habitat known to be used by state designated endangered or threatened species
Habitat known to be used by species under review as to its Federal endangered or
threatened status
Coastal Barrier (partially developed)
Particular areas, relatively small in size, important to maintenance of unique
biotic communities
State-designated areas for protection or maintenance of aquatic life
Wetlands
A-39