Defining Away Metal Contamination in Georgia Streams
Author(s)
Rosi-Marshall, Emma J.
Meyer, Judy L.
Neumann, K.
Lyons, B.
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Hatcher, Kathryn J.
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Abstract
Currently the State of Georgia regulates
only metals in the dissolved form, based on the
recommendations of the US EPA. This change was
made in 1998 and has ramifications for Georgia water
quality. 943 stream miles that were listed as having
metals violations in the 1998 305 B list were no longer
listed as having metals violations in the 2000 305 B
list. In addition 43% of these streams were removed
entirely from the list. This implies that these streams
no longer suffer from metal contamination. We have
also conducted research on the Chattahoochee River
which indicates that the concentrations of dissolved
arsenic, copper, cadmium and lead are well below the
new criteria. However, data on biota from this river
indicate that the food web remains contaminated and
that arsenic concentrations in fishes exceed
consumption guidelines. These findings suggest that
the new criteria do not adequately protect Georgia
streams.
Sponsor
Sponsored and Organized by: U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Natural Resources Conservation Service, The University of Georgia, Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology
Date
2001-03
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Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings