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Chesapeake Progress

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)

PCBs have a broad geographic extent and distribution. PCBs enter the environment through various sources and pathways, including:

  • Primary sources: electrical equipment and other primary sources.
  • Secondary sources: wastewater treatment byproducts and other secondary sources.
  • Pathways: contaminated stormwater runoff and other pathways.

Diverse entry points require a wide range of management responses. There are significant gaps in knowledge about the relative sizes of PCB sources and the most effective best management practices. 

Stakeholder Mindset

It is important to acknowledge that PCBs are not just a "legacy" contaminant; they continue to enter the environment. Collaboration and coordination among the science and management communities need to be at a scale that matches PCB impairments and TMDLs.

Cost

Remedies for PCB contamination are expensive, including in-stream sediment remediation, contaminated site cleanup, stormwater controls and replacement of electrical equipment.