Sediment Sampling and Fish Survey
Baird & McGuire Superfund Site
Holbrook, MA
Work Scope:
In 2013, ES&M conducted an investigation of the Cochato River in support of EPA’s Five-Year Review of the Baird & McGuire Superfund Site. The work scope for this investigation was defined by MassDEP and conformed to field and analytical requirements described in the “Sampling and Analysis Plan” prepared for EPA in November 2000. The 2013 investigation of the Cochato River included:
· Preparation of a project-specific Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP)
· Collection and laboratory analysis of sediment samples from in and along the Cochato River
· Collection and laboratory analysis of riverbank soil samples
· Collection of fish samples for laboratory analysis and age determination
The objective of this investigation was to provide sampling and analytical support to MassDEP in continuing long term monitoring of the Cochato River. The chemical data was used to characterize sediment, soil, and fish samples within the study area.
Services:
A detailed sampling plan was designed to replicate the locations where previous samples had been collected to provide representative and comparable data. ES&M verified the sample locations by GPS. At each river sediment sampling location, a transect line was established across the river from bank to bank. Along the transect line, six grab sediment samples were collected from the top six inches of river bottom using a decontaminated Eckman dredge. Sediment color, grain size information, depth to river bottom, river characteristics, and field observations were recorded. The composite sediment samples were submitted for TOC, grain size, PAHs, organochlorine pesticides, arsenic, and percent solids analysis.
The work also included a detailed fish survey and sampling program in the river as well as Sylvan Lake. At designated locations, fish were collected to represent two types of species – abundant and predatory. Fish were caught by electro-shocking, netting and with bait and tackle. All fish were cataloged and examined for species identification, length and weight. Selected fish (based on size) were harvested for laboratory analysis for PAHs, pesticides, arsenic, grain size and moisture content. In addition, fish were analyzed for age determination.
In 2013, ES&M conducted an investigation of the Cochato River in support of EPA’s Five-Year Review of the Baird & McGuire Superfund Site. The work scope for this investigation was defined by MassDEP and conformed to field and analytical requirements described in the “Sampling and Analysis Plan” prepared for EPA in November 2000. The 2013 investigation of the Cochato River included:
· Preparation of a project-specific Sampling and Analysis Plan (SAP)
· Collection and laboratory analysis of sediment samples from in and along the Cochato River
· Collection and laboratory analysis of riverbank soil samples
· Collection of fish samples for laboratory analysis and age determination
The objective of this investigation was to provide sampling and analytical support to MassDEP in continuing long term monitoring of the Cochato River. The chemical data was used to characterize sediment, soil, and fish samples within the study area.
Services:
A detailed sampling plan was designed to replicate the locations where previous samples had been collected to provide representative and comparable data. ES&M verified the sample locations by GPS. At each river sediment sampling location, a transect line was established across the river from bank to bank. Along the transect line, six grab sediment samples were collected from the top six inches of river bottom using a decontaminated Eckman dredge. Sediment color, grain size information, depth to river bottom, river characteristics, and field observations were recorded. The composite sediment samples were submitted for TOC, grain size, PAHs, organochlorine pesticides, arsenic, and percent solids analysis.
The work also included a detailed fish survey and sampling program in the river as well as Sylvan Lake. At designated locations, fish were collected to represent two types of species – abundant and predatory. Fish were caught by electro-shocking, netting and with bait and tackle. All fish were cataloged and examined for species identification, length and weight. Selected fish (based on size) were harvested for laboratory analysis for PAHs, pesticides, arsenic, grain size and moisture content. In addition, fish were analyzed for age determination.