Summary

Description

The present report summarizes findings of a threeyear field study of mercury in freshwater lakes of Vermont and New Hampshire. The study was undertaken jointly by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation, New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services, and Syracuse University. The study was designed specifically to determine the generalized level of mercury contamination in sediment, water, and biota of multiple trophic levels across the VTNH region, using a geographically randomized approach. This type of approach ensures that results provide a statistically valid representation of regionwide conditions. In this summary, average mercury concentrations are provided for several types of measurements, along with the 95 confidence intervals. Results of data analyses are highlighted, and interpretations that carry significant management implications are discussed. These values are discussed in light of currently available guidelines or water quality criteria.