Sediments
Additional Resources
- Overview
- Policy and Guidance
- Conceptual Site Models
- Fate and Transport of Contaminants
- Site Characterization
- Risk Assessment
- Remediation
- Additional Resources
Literature References
Groundwater-Surface Water Exchange
Woessne, W.
The Groundwater Project, 158 pp, 2022
This book describes how groundwater is linked with surface water features such as rivers, lakes and wetlands and function as a continuous hydrologic system. The exchange of water is driven by differences in water levels, hydrogeologic properties of earth materials and the underlying geologic framework.
Application of Biofilm Covered Activated Carbon Particles as a Microbial Inoculum Delivery System for Enhanced Bioaugmentation of PCBs in Contaminated Sediment: Phase 1 Final Report
Kjellerup, B. and S. Edwards.
SERDP Project ER-2135, 89 pp, 2013
Anaerobically dechlorinating biofilms were added to sediment as (1) bacteria localized and concentrated onto activated carbon (AC) surfaces in active biofilm communities or (2) enriched wastewater sludge biofilms. Both forms of dechlorinating biofilm were applied to mesocosms consisting of PCB-contaminated sediment from Grasse River, New York. The dechlorinating bacteria remained in the sediment throughout the experiment and increased almost 2-fold in numbers. Dechlorination by the biofilm-covered AC particles with DF1 culture was less extensive compared to the enriched sludge biofilm, but application of either system enhanced the dechlorination of PCBs in sediment and thus made the congeners available for subsequent aerobic degradation and removal.
Characterization of Sediments
USEPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
This is a searchable database that contains numerous abstracts on sampling and analyzing sediments. Click on needs area, then select Sampling and Analytical Technologies for Potentially Contaminated Sediment, click on Submit Query. The database can also be searched on keywords. It is updated on a quarterly basis.
Contaminated Sediments Research
EPA, Office of Research and Development
Environmental Effects & Dredging and Disposal
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This is a searchable literature database comprised of technical references covering a diverse range of topics related to environmental effects of dredging and dredged material disposal projects. While useful, it tends to be dated. There are abstracts and citations, as well as fully downloadable documents.
NATO/CCMS Pilot Study: Prevention and Remediation Issues in Selected Industrial Sectors - Sediments - Ljubljana, Slovenia June 17-22, 2007
The meeting dealt with the issues of sediment sites and questions of contamination by persistent organic pollutants; 19 technical presentations were given in the broad areas of sediment characterization and remediation.
Sediment Toxicology
USGS Columbia Missouri Office
This Web page contains numerous primarily USGS produced documents and studies concerning toxicity assessments of sediment.
Work Groups
The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET)
CICEET develops and applies tools to detect, prevent, and reverse the impacts of coastal pollution and habitat degradation on coastal ecosystems and communities.
Guidance on Passive Sampling Methods to Improve Management of Contaminated Sediments: Summary of a SETAC Technical Workshop
Parkerton, T., K. Maruya, M. Lydy, P. Landrum, W. Peijnenburg, P. Mayer, B. Escher, U. Ghosh, S. Kane-Driscoll, M. Greenberg, and P. Chapman (eds).
Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), 20 pp, 2013
The Southern California Coastal Water Research Project technical workshop was held November 7-9, 2012 , to promote understanding of passive sampling methods and provide recommendations for current and future use in contaminated sediment management decisions. The workshop participants focused on the challenges of contaminated freshwater, estuarine, and marine sediments affected by major contaminant classes--hydrophobic organic chemicals; metals and metalloids, including arsenic; and other inorganic contaminants of concern, such as selenium. This brief report gives a concise overview of the proceedings and is posted with other SETAC workshop summaries.
International Association for Great Lakes Research
This Web site contains literature and data on contaminated sediments in and around the Great Lakes.
SERDP and ESTCP Workshop on Research and Development Needs for Long-Term Management of Contaminated Sediments
Thompson, T., S. Ells, M. Greenberg, A. Leeson, V. Magar, C. Menzie, C. Patton, M. Pound, D. Reible, D. Rider, J. Speicher, and J. Wakeman.
SERDP-ESTCP, 125 pp, 2012
This report describes the research, demonstration, and technology transfer needs identified during the workshop held July 25-26, 2012, in Seattle, Washington.
Web Sites
Commencement Bay-Nearshore Tideflats
USEPA Region 10
The Commencement Bay Nearshore/Tideflats (CB/NT) Superfund site is located in the City of Tacoma and the Town of Ruston at the southern end of Puget Sound in Washington. It encompasses an active commercial seaport and includes 12 square miles of shallow water, shoreline, and adjacent land, most of which is highly developed and industrialized. EPA placed the site on the Superfund National Priorities List in 1983 due to widespread contamination of the water, sediments, and upland areas. The site is divided into a number of separate Project Areas being managed as distinct sites.
Contaminated Sediments in Water
USEPA Office of Water
This Web page contains a number of links to various EPA documents and other agency websites and documents.
Dredging Operations and Environmental Research
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
This is the front page of the Dredging Operations and Environmental Research Laboratory. It contains links to numerous downloadable manuals and technical reports on all aspects of dredging.
Fluvial Sediment
U.S. Geological Survey, Office of Surface Water
This Web site is devoted to sediment issues in general and provides links to conferences, publications, and training
ISRAP: Interactive Sediment Remedy Assessment Portal
Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific.
ISRAP is an online interactive portal designed to help users understand monitoring requirements and monitoring tools associated with sediment remediation. The website can also be useful in understanding data needs during the RI/FS, especially as they pertain to remedies themselves, and post-remedy monitoring. The main feature of the site is the sediment monitoring tools matrix, a database of sediment monitoring tool information that was developed to facilitate the design and optimization of sediment monitoring programs. The matrix can be browsed in a step-by-step mode, if desired. For first-time users, a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) link is provided. A tutorial offers a functional overview of the matrix design and navigation in addition to a short primer about sediment remediation monitoring needs and tools.
Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise
This Web site provides information on the Army Corps of Engineers coastal mapping activities. It has an extensive list of publications, many of which are downloadable.
Lower Duwamish Waterway Cleanup Areas
USEPA Region 10
EPA, Ecology, other government agencies, and private parties are working to clean up the Lower Duwamish Waterway. The cleanups are under EPA's Superfund program, EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act program, and other authorities. The areas listed on this site are at various stages in the cleanup process.
Pesticide National Synthesis Project
USGS, National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program
Portland Harbor Community Advisory Group: Oregon DEQ Upland Sites Map
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has lead responsibility for cleanup of upland sites along the Portland Harbor. This site contains a map from the DEQ with links to information about each site.
This website contains information regarding the characterization and cleanup efforts in the Rouge River watershed. It provides examples of inventorying, characterization (sample and analysis of sediments) and cleanup (lake sediment dredging of PCB contaminated sediments.)
An online site designed by the South and Southwest region of the Hazardous Substance Research Centers (HSRC), to promote improvements in contaminated sediments management and research. It contains links to a variety of organizations concerned with sediments. Updating of the site ended September 2007.
Events and Media
CLU-IN Archived Webinars
ITRC Sediment Cap Chemical Isolation Training
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
April 30, 2024, 2 Hours
ITRC Microplastics
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
February 27, 2024, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
ITRC Sediment Cap Chemical Isolation Training
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 18, 2024, 2 Hours
ITRC Microplastics
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
November 7, 2023, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
ITRC Microplastics
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
March 7, 2023, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Climate Change and Health: Session III - Documenting Exposures and Promoting Health
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
November 18, 2022, 2 Hours
Utilizing Innovative Materials Science Approaches to Enhance Bioremediation: Session III - Plant and Fungal-based Bioremediation.
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
May 13, 2022, 2 Hours
Utilizing Innovative Materials Science Approaches to Enhance Bioremediation: Session II - Chlorinated Compounds
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 29, 2022, 2 Hours
Utilizing Innovative Materials Science Approaches to Enhance Bioremediation: Session I - Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl substances.
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 15, 2022, 2 Hours
Use of Remedial Action Levels and Cleanup Levels with Contaminated Sediment Management
U.S. EPA, Region 10
January 6, 2022, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
ITRC Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM-2) Update Training Modules
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 26, 2021, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
2020 Design and Construction at Hazardous Waste Sites Virtual Symposium: Panel 5 and Panel 6
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
October 28, 2020, 3 Hours
Superfund Research Program Progress in Research Webinar Part 2: Legacy and Emerging Contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, PFAS)
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
October 28, 2020, 2 Hours
Former BICC Cables Site Construction Hudson River Sediment Cap Under the EPRI Building Yonkers, Westchester County, New York
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
June 10, 2020, 2 Hours
Integration of Resiliency and Sustainability into Remedy Evaluation, Design, and O&M: A Compilation of Case Study Findings
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
May 13, 2020, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments Virtual Workshop Session 4 - Long-Term Monitoring
US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)'s Office of Science Policy
November 20, 2019, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments Virtual Workshop Session 3 - Remediation Technologies
US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)'s Office of Science Policy
November 13, 2019, 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
ITRC Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
November 5, 2019, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Contaminated Sediments Virtual Workshop Session 2 - Risk Assessment
US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)'s Office of Science Policy
October 30, 2019, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments Virtual Workshop Session 1 - Site Characterization
US EPA Office of Research and Development (ORD)'s Office of Science Policy
October 21, 2019, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Harnessing Natural River Processes to Remediate 120 km of the Big River in Jefferson County, Missouri
Society of American Military Engineers (SAME) Denver Post, SAME Philadelphia Post, and US EPA
September 25, 2019, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Biogeochemical Interactions Affecting Bioavailability for in Situ Remediation: Session III - Mercury Bioremediation and Biotransformation Under Varying Biogeochemical Conditions
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
May 20, 2019, 1 Hour, 30 Minutes
Biogeochemical Interactions Affecting Bioavailability for in Situ Remediation: Session II - Bioavailability of Mixtures of PAHs, Chlorinated Compounds, and Metals
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
May 13, 2019, 2 Hours
ITRC Geospatial Analysis for Optimization at Environmental Sites
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
April 25, 2019, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Biogeochemical Interactions Affecting Bioavailability for in Situ Remediation: Session I - Innovative Approaches for Chlorinated Compound Bioremediation in Groundwater
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 22, 2019, 2 Hours
NARPM Presents...Using Bioavailability to Assess Contaminated Sediment Risk: Passive Sampling and Porewater Remedial Goals (PWRGs)
EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
August 13, 2018, 2 Hours
FRTR Presents...Remediation Technologies for Radionuclides and Heavy Metals in Soil, Ground Water and Sediments, Session 2
Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable (FRTR)
March 28, 2018, 2 Hours
FRTR Presents...Remediation Technologies for Radionuclides and Heavy Metals in Soil, Ground Water and Sediments, Session 1
Federal Remediation Technologies Roundtable (FRTR)
February 28, 2018, 2 Hours
ITRC Remedy Selection for Contaminated Sediments
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 9, 2018, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Analytical Tools and Methods: Session III - Fate and Transport of Contaminants
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
June 12, 2017, 2 Hours
Analytical Tools and Methods: Session I - Field-ready Biosensors to Assess Bioavailability and Toxicity
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
April 17, 2017, 2 Hours
ITRC Soil Sampling and Decision Making Using Incremental Sampling Methodology - Part 2
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 12, 2017, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
ITRC Soil Sampling and Decision Making Using Incremental Sampling Methodology - Part 1
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 5, 2017, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
ITRC Environmental Molecular Diagnostics: New Tools for Better Decisions
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
November 3, 2016, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Identifying the Potential for Methylation of Mercury at Mining Sites
U.S. EPA Technology Innovation and Field Services Division
March 29, 2016, 2 Hours
Session II: Biogeochemical Factors Impacting in situ Remediation of Chlorinated Contaminants
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
February 9, 2015, 2 Hours
Session I: Biogeochemical Factors Impacting in situ Remediation of Metals and PAH Mixtures
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
February 2, 2015, 2 Hours
Porewater Concentrations and Bioavailability: How You Can Measure Them and Why They Influence Contaminated Sediment Remediation - Session IV - Case Studies: PSDs for Organic Contaminants
NIEHS Superfund Research Program and the EPA Contaminated Sediments Forum
December 15, 2014, 2 Hours
Porewater Concentrations and Bioavailability: How You Can Measure Them and Why They Influence Contaminated Sediment Remediation - Session III - Metals and PSDs
NIEHS Superfund Research Program and the EPA Contaminated Sediments Forum
December 1, 2014, 2 Hours
Porewater Concentrations and Bioavailability: How You Can Measure Them and Why They Influence Contaminated Sediment Remediation - Session II - PSDs for Organic Contaminants
NIEHS Superfund Research Program and the EPA Contaminated Sediments Forum
November 19, 2014, 2 Hours
Porewater Concentrations and Bioavailability: How You Can Measure Them and Why They Influence Contaminated Sediment Remediation - Session I - Introduction to Porewater, Bioavailability, and PSDs
NIEHS Superfund Research Program and the EPA Contaminated Sediments Forum
October 6, 2014, 2 Hours
CEC Training for OSCs...Pesticide Emergencies (FIFRA ER for EPA OSCs)
EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
November 13, 2013, 3 Hours
Hg Remediation in Aquatic Environments
U.S. EPA - Region 9
September 26, 2013, 9 Hours
The Use of Passive Samplers to Monitor Organic Contaminants at Superfund Sediment Sites
USEPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
August 26, 2013, 2 Hours
The Long-Term Impact of Metal Smelting Operations on Arsenic Availability in Urban Lakes of the South-Central Puget Sound Region
University of Washington Superfund Research Program
June 26, 2013, 2 Hours
ITRC Incorporating Bioavailability Considerations into the Evaluation of Contaminated Sediment Sites
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
April 18, 2013, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Superfund Research Program Sediment Bioavailability Assays - Kick-off Webinar Featuring New Research Projects
NIEHS Superfund Research Program
May 7, 2012, 2 Hours
Innovative Technologies Used to Quantify Environmental Contaminant Bioavailability and Characterize Environmental Exposure
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
January 30, 2012, 2 Hours
NARPM Presents...In Situ Sediment Remediation Using Benthic Waterjet Amendment Placement
U.S. EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
November 16, 2011, 2 Hours
ITRC Phytotechnologies
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
May 10, 2011, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Community Engagement Activities at Superfund Sites
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
March 31, 2011, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments: New Tools and Approaches for in-situ Remediation - Session IV
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
February 14, 2011, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments: New Tools and Approaches for in-situ Remediation - Session III
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
January 19, 2011, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments: New Tools and Approaches for in-situ Remediation - Session II
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
December 8, 2010, 2 Hours
Contaminated Sediments: New Tools and Approaches for in-situ Remediation - Session I
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
November 17, 2010, 2 Hours
Biological-based Assays - Indicators of Ecological Stress
National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Research Program
September 23, 2010, 2 Hours
Collaborative Research on Environmental Toxicants in Rapidly Developing Settlements of the U.S.-Mexico Border
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
September 16, 2009, 1 Hours
Phytoremediation: The Potential is Growing
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
October 14, 2008, 2 Hours
Bioavailability of Organic Compounds: Methods and Case Studies
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
June 11, 2008, 3 Hours
Bioavailability - Metals
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Superfund Basic Research Program
May 28, 2008, 3 Hours
Ecological Revitalization Resources Available through EPA - Part 1
EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
December 3, 2007, 2 Hours
Ecological Revitalization Case Studies - The Atlas Tack Site and the Poudre River Site
U.S. EPA Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
August 2, 2007, 2 Hours
7th Passive Sampling Workshop and Symposium (Day 2)
Columbia Environmental Research Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
April 25, 2007, 8 Hours
7th Passive Sampling Workshop and Symposium (Day 1)
Columbia Environmental Research Center, U. S. Geological Survey, Department of the Interior, and the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
April 24, 2007, 3 Hours, 45 Minutes
Sediment Remedies: Monitored Natural Recovery — Technical Considerations for Evaluation and Implementation
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
October 30, 2006, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Sediment Remedies: Dredging — Technical Considerations for Evaluation and Implementation
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
October 23, 2006, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Sediment Remedies: Capping — Technical Considerations for Evaluation and Implementation
U.S. EPA, Office of Superfund Remediation and Technology Innovation
October 17, 2006, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products in the Environment
National Regional Science Council PPCPs Cross Regional Team
September 26, 2006, 2 Hours
Eight Tools of Watershed Protection in Developing Areas
Office of Wetlands, Oceans, & Watersheds, Watershed Academy
June 22, 2005, 2 Hours
ITRC Constructed Treatment Wetlands
Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council
January 27, 2005, 2 Hours, 15 Minutes
Anacostia River Capping Project
Hazardous Substance Research Center
March 12, 2003, 2 Hours
NIEHS/EPA PCB Cleanup Technologies
National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences & U.S. EPA, Office of Emergency and Remedial Response
October 9, 2002, 2 Hours
Dynamic Data Collection Strategy Using Systematic Planning and Innovative Field-Based Measurement Technologies
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and U.S. EPA, Technology Innovation Office
March 15, 2001, 2 Hours, 30 Minutes
CLU-IN Archived Webinars
Remediation of Contaminated Sediments: Technical Options and Environmental Consequences
Patterson, J.W.
Georgia Institute of Technology: 2011 Kappe Lecture. Lecture and video runtime: 54:11 minutes, 2011
This lecture focuses on the Lower Fox River (LFR), Wisconsin, a megasite that comprises ~39 miles of the LFR as well as the Bay of Green Bay and is one of the nations' largest sediment remediation sites. An estimated 279,000 to 881,000 pounds of PCBs were released to the river, almost entirely prior to 1972. The advantages and risks of alternative contaminated sediment remedial approaches and the utility of multiple approaches within individual sites are discussed.
Sedimentary, My Dear Watson. Passive Sampling Methods and Sediment Remediation (Podcast)
Greenberg, M.S.
Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management. Podcast runtime: 12:27 minutes, 2014
The management of contaminated sediment is often expensive and time-consuming, involving millions of dollars over many years at a single site. However, an easier solution may be coming to a regulatory agency near you. Passive sampling methods offer several advantages over traditional remediation and monitoring techniques, and are the focus of this podcast episode.