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MCS conducted sediment and biota sampling at Palmyra
Atoll, targeting the area known as the “Black
Lagoon” and environs, to determine
chemicals of concern and the nature and extent of contamination
in the area and to assess the need for removal or remedial
action. Palmyra Atoll is located roughly
1,000 miles south of Hawaii and serves as important
habitat for special status NOAA trust species such as
the Hawaiian monk seal and sea turtles, as well as a
well-developed coral reef system. The area is a Formerly
Used Defense Site.
The Black Lagoon is a rectangular area approximately
500 feet long by 100 feet across,
bound on one side by the Quail Island shoreline and
on the other by a sandbar. Dumping of hospital and other
waste at the lagoon occurred primarily during WWII.
Recent reports on conditions in the vicinity of the
lagoon indicate significant quantities of various metal
objects and debris. This debris included decayed 55
gal steel drums, truck chassis, and empty shell casings.
To complete project requirements, MCS:
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collected sediment and biota samples in the vicinity of the lagoon dump site and a reference site to characterize potential contaminants and those that might have been released to the marine environment; |
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made recommendations for future studies and remedial options for restoration of the site; and |
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used the data to understand the extent, distribution, and ecological relevance of potential contamin ants within the lagoon and those released to the surrounding marine environment. |
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