DECIDING WHEN TO INTERVENE

Despite the guidance provided herein, there are currently few, if any, simple or proven methods to predict recovery of use impairments based on sediment cleanup. More research is needed to quantify the relationships between contaminated sediment and known use impairments. The concept of ecological benefit forecasting (i.e., predicting ecological benefits and restoration of beneficial uses) is an important management need which if accomplished, would be a substantial step forward.

The Great Lakes WQB (1998a), in its "Review of Government Resources and Changing Program Thrusts as They Relate to Delivery of Programs Under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement" report, has recognized the importance of evaluating program effectiveness based on measuring ecosystem results. Further, the Great Lakes WQB (1998b) has recommended in its 1997 public meeting report "If You Don't Measure It, You Won't Manage It", that the IJC, Parties, Jurisdictions, and RAP/LaMP groups must place greater emphasis on reporting both process milestones (e.g., securing funding for implementation, volumes of contaminated sediment removed or mass of contaminants removed) and ecosystem milestones (ecosystem results as defined in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement) to help build a record of success. It is hoped that the data interpretation tools compiled in this report will help individuals and RAP teams make sediment management decisions regarding whether or not to take action beyond source control, and will also help ensure achievement of the long-term goals of restoring beneficial uses in Areas of Concern.

SedPAC's primary intent with this document is to share advances in data interpretation tools regarding sediment management decision-making with RAP practitioners. Presently, a great deal of data have been collected on the physical, chemical, and biological elements that modify contaminant bioavailability and ecological effects. The literature contained and cited herein can help guide RAP practitioners through a transparent use restoration decision-making process.

In addition to this review of data interpretation tools, SedPAC recognizes that the IJC can offer more assistance in the efforts to overcome obstacles to sediment management. Specifically, SedPAC recommends:

1. that the Commission recommends to the Parties and Jurisdictions that they develop and reach agreement on methods or programs to predict and measure successful ecological recovery in Areas of Concern (e.g., ecological benefit forecasting, monitoring and surveillance programs to measure use restoration); and
2. that the Commission recommends to the Parties and Jurisdictions that they establish procedures for consistent data collection and interpretation across Areas of Concern, recognizing the importance of site specificity in applying methodologies and tools.

In addition, the Commissioners have an important role to fulfill in overcoming obstacles to sediment management for beneficial use restoration. SedPAC recommends that Commissioners:

3. meet with industrial representatives in selected Areas of Concern to champion and catalyze sediment remediation;
4. meet with stakeholders in the sediment session being convened at the Commission's Biennial Forum in Milwaukee to learn about current local obstacles and identify how the Commissioners can help overcome these obstacles and catalyze local initiatives; and
5. develop and implement an IJC public outreach strategy to help make contaminated sediment management a priority throughout the basin.

Further, SedPAC recommends:

6. that the Commission direct its WQB to define the conditions under which natural recovery is selected as the preferred remedial option in sediment management during the 1999-2001 priorities cycle.

Deciding when to intervene is embedded with multiple elements. Data interpretation tools and techniques are a central element in developing the sediment management strategy. This report is one in a series that will explore a number of aspects affecting sediment management, including linking sediment cleanup to ecological recovery and restoration of beneficial uses, as well as economic benefits that may accrue from effective management of contaminated sediment.