Toxic Contaminants Workgroup

The Toxic Contaminants Workgroup implements the management strategies associated with the Toxic Contaminants Research and Toxic Contaminants Policy and Prevention Outcomes in the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement.

Meetings

‍View all meetings‍ View group calendar

About

The Toxic Contaminants Workgroup (TCW) was established in 2014 after the signing of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. This workgroup exists to accomplish the toxic contaminants goals and outcomes outlined in the Agreement. For more information, visit the toxic contaminants research and toxic contaminants policy and prevention management strategy pages.

Projects

TCW PFAS Quarterly Meetings and Resources

In Progress

The TCW holds quarterly meetings dedicated to the subject of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS). A consolidation of materials and resources will be posted here concerning each of the meeting topics.

STAC Workshop on Contaminants in Urban and Agricultural Settings

A wide range of contaminants of agricultural, human, and industrial origin have degraded water quality, and pose a threat to the health of fish and wildlife populations in the Chesapeake Bay and its watershed. A STAC workshop brought together researchers and water quality managers working in urban and agricultural settings to synthesize the current knowledge on contaminants of concern, and discuss opportunities for their reduction.

Fish Consumption Advisory Project

Joint project with the Chesapeake Bay Program Diversity Workgroup to develop effective communication tools for populations at high risk for PCB exposure through fish consumption in waters impaired by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These populations include children and those who are pregnant or may become pregnant in communities with high rates of subsistence fishing, and especially linguistically isolated populations or populations who do not have regular access to the publication avenues commonly used by state governments and municipalities.

Spanish video available here.

Project Infographics

The Chesapeake Bay Program developed the Fish Consumption Advisory (FCA) infographic and an accompanying user guide (below) in order to better communicate the dangers of toxic contaminants in locally caught fish and the subsequent risks to human health. The FCA infographic is intended to raise awareness about the risks of consuming contaminated fish by highlighting safe angling and cooking practices in a simple, easy-to-understand and relevant fashion. The infographic features four panels that collectively promote the safe catching, sharing, preparing and consumption of fish.

Publications

Toxic Contaminants Phase III WIPs Co-Benefits Fact Sheet

Publication date: Not listed

This fact sheet describes the co-benefits that are possible when nutrient and sediment best management practices are selected in a thoughtful manner with site-specific conditions in mind. This fact sheet includes contact information for each state for more information. Additional information on best management practices and co-benefits for the Phase III WIPs is available here.

View document [PDF, 874.4 KB] Toxic Contaminants Phase III WIPs Co-Benefits Fact Sheet

A Pilot Study for Ambient Toxicity Testing in Chesapeake Bay-Year 4 Report

Publication date:

This study was designed to evaluate ambient toxicity in the Chesapeake Bay watershed by using a battery of water column and sediment toxicity tests. A team of scientists from two Chesapeake Bay research laboratories and Maryland Department of the Environment worked jointly to complete this goal. Water column toxicity studies and overall project management was directed by the University of Maryland's Agricultural Experiment Station. SEdiment toxicity tests and selected sediment chemistry was managed by Old Dominion University Applied Marine Research Laboratory. Maryland Department of the Environment was responsible for selected sediment chemistry. This report summarizes data from the fourth year of a four-year ambient toxicity testing program.

View document [PDF, 6.4 MB] A Pilot Study for Ambient Toxicity Testing in Chesapeake Bay-Year 4 Report

Our Watershed Agreement Goals & Outcomes

Toxic Contaminants Goal

Our Members