U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 01-356
Version 1.0
2001

Concentrations of Metals and Bacterial Spores in Sediments near the Massachusetts Bay Outfall before and after Discharge Began

By Michael H. Bothner

Introduction

Federal and state officials and the public have expressed great interest in the environmental impact of the Massachusetts Bay Outfall that began discharging an average of 380 million gallons per day of treated sewage effluent on September 6, 2000. In samples analyzed since the outfall startup, no change has been observed in concentrations of heavy metals or bacterial spores in bottom sediments and only modest changes have been measured in suspended sediment.

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This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic Code. Any use of trade, firm, or product names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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