Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention Outcome:Factors Influencing Progress

Several factors could impact our ability to improve the practices and controls that prevent or reduce the effects of toxic contaminants on aquatic systems and humans. These factors have directly informed the management actions our partners will take to achieve the Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention outcome.

Extent and Distribution of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)

  • Broad geographic extent and distribution of PCBs.
  • Variety of sources and pathways through which PCBs enter the environment (e.g., electrical equipment and other primary sources, wastewater treatment byproducts and other secondary sources, contaminated stormwater runoff), which necessitate a wide range of management responses.
  • Gaps in knowledge related to the relative sizes of PCB sources and most effective best management practices.

Stakeholder Mindset

  • Political will to modify regulatory programs and/or create voluntary programs.
  • Need to acknowledge ongoing sources of PCBs (i.e., PCBs are not a static “legacy” contaminant).
  • Extent of collaboration and coordination among the science and management communities at a scale that is commensurate with the extent of PCB impairments and TMDLs.

Cost

  • High cost of remedies (e.g., in-stream sediment remediation, contaminated site remediation, stormwater controls, electrical equipment replacements).