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Evaluation and Review of Best Management Practices for the Reduction of Polychlorinated Biphenyls to the Chesapeake Bay

Scientific Investigations Report 2023-5074
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235074

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Abstract

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continue to impact the environment due to historic and ongoing anthropogenic sources (for example, industrial and agricultural), despite their ban. Contaminated stormwater has been identified as a vector for PCB transport to many estuaries impaired by PCBs. Management of these regulated discharges is typically achieved by best management practices (BMPs). This review focuses on PCB reduction practices and BMPs to assist management decision making and provide information on the current state of the science. Studies have quantitatively demonstrated the efficacy of green infrastructure BMPs and gray infrastructure improvements to reduce PCB loads, and other studies have demonstrated qualitative reductions for other BMP types. This review also highlights the disconnect between PCB load reduction and PCB bioavailability when selecting a remediation strategy. Additionally, the review evaluates modeling approaches to assess PCB load reduction to inform management decisions and suggests why there are still significant barriers to implementation.

Suggested Citation

Needham, T.P., Majcher, E., Foss, E., and Devereux, O.H., 2024, Evaluation and review of best management practices for the reduction of polychlorinated biphenyls to the Chesapeake Bay: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2023–5074, 18 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20235074.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Best Management Practices (BMPs) and Toxic Contaminant Removal
  • Modeling PCB Reduction
  • Lessons Learned and Opportunities for Integrating Efforts to Reduce PCBs
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Evaluation and review of best management practices for the reduction of polychlorinated biphenyls to the Chesapeake Bay
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2023-5074
DOI 10.3133/sir20235074
Year Published 2024
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Maryland-Delaware-District of Columbia Water Science Center
Description iv, 18 p.
Country United States
Other Geospatial Chesapeake Bay watershed
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details