Summary

Description

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service conducted this study in response to the concern of local citizens that contaminants from four industrial facilities two of which are superfund sites and a sanitary landfill were adversely affecting fish and wildlife resources in the Sulphur River Wildlife Management Area WMA and adjacent watershed in and near Texarkana, Arkansas and Texas. Concentrations of organochlorines DDT and associated metabolites and polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs, dioxins and metals mercury, chromium, lead, nickel, selenium, and zinc were detected in sediment and fish samples at levels sufficient to pose a threat to fish and wildlife resources. Microtox bioassays indicated that pore water samples from sediments in Days, Wagner and Nix Creeks, all of which are upstream from the WMA, were toxic. The primary sources of PAH contamination, mercury, PCBs and dioxin appeared to be one of the superfund sites Koppers, a paper pulp mill, and an operational wood treatment plant, respectively. Additional contaminant sources were suspected, but identification of these sources was beyond the scope of this study. Several recommendations are made for additional studies to investigate the need, feasibility, and responsibility for reduction, cleanup, and monitoring of contaminants of concern.