Contaminated sediments represent a critical environmental problem that impairs aquatic ecosystems. The purpose of this proposal is to demonstrate an innovative cleanup strategy designed to treat toxic sediments to improve fish habitat.

A final report will be submitted documenting the procedures, data, results and conclusions of this work. We plan on presenting the findings of the field demonstration to the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and EPA so they have pertinent information on how to manage the off-shore sediments at the St. Maries Creosote site. Decision makers involved in the remediation of this site remain uncertain on the best approach to these toxic sediments and alternative strategies will help in determination of the best means to protect this site that poses a threat to resident fish and wildlife, and serves as a migratory pathway and feeding area for the threatened bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus). Analytical results will be shared with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and Washington State Department of Ecology (WSDOE) to contribute to ongoing efforts by these agencies to evaluate the status of sediments throughout the Columbia River Basin. Furthermore, we anticipate presenting the results at a minimum of one regional and one national conference and submitting several peer-reviewed journal papers to help disseminate the findings.