Effects of CCA Wood Docks and Resulting Boats on Bioaccumulation of Contaminants in Shellfish Resources: Final Report to DEP

This is the report of a study which was performed because of concern that leachate from docks made of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood could cause unacceptable levels of sediment contamination and also contamination of shellfish beds in the vicinity. There was also concern that the resulting motor boat activity might cause PAH contamination of nearby sediments and shellfish. Therefore, the authors examined sediments and bivalves in the Navesink-Shrewsbury Rivers system in relation to the distance from CCA-docks, the hydrographic regime, and to the boating season. Collections of sediments and bivalves were made in the four selected sites in October 1995, May 1996, and August 1996. At each site, four stations covering 0-10 meters plus a distant reference station were sampled. Only the hard clam was found consistently at all sites and station. Sediments and clam tissues were processed for Cu, Cr, and As analysis. Sediments were also characterized for physical characteristics and for organic carbon.Purpose: To examine leachate contamination of sediment and shellfish beds in the Navesink-Shrewsbury Rivers system from docks made of CCA woods