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Globally, human development has proceeded at a rapid pace for the past several decades for both terrestrial and aquatic/marine environments. Project developers, government decision-makers and the public have had little data regarding the relative values of natural resources, or losses thereof, to facilitate project – and corresponding natural resource takings/ecosystem degradation – decision-making, resulting in intrinsic, but poorly quantified, environmental degradation. Accordingly, we have found that an effective strategy for communicating the value of ecosystems and related natural resources to facilitate smart resource management is to monetize the replacement value of resource losses from development. A number of tools have been developed for monetizing resource value, including quantitative mitigation analysis to address compensating for ecosystem and related natural resource losses due to human development. Quantitative Mitigation Analysis is a methodology developed to assist project developers and regulatory agencies alike with developing or evaluating cost-effective, defensible, quantitatively based compensatory mitigation strategies for developments that result in the taking of, or diminution in quality to, habitats and related natural resources. Quantitative Mitigation Analysis quantifies loss of ecological function from proposed developments and determines the amount of mitigation required as compensation. This paper introduces and describes Quantitative Mitigation Analysis and presents a case example that demonstrates how Quantitative Mitigation Analysis may be applied to construction projects resulting in substantive habitat destruction for the benefit of project developers and the regulatory community alike.

In a recent U.S. Geological Survey/U.S. Environmental Protection Agency study assessing more than 700 organic compounds in 38 streams, in vitro assays indicated generally low estrogen, androgen, and glucocorticoid receptor activities, with 13 surface waters with 17β-estradiol-equivalent (E2Eq) activities greater than a 1-ng/L estimated effects-based trigger value for estrogenic effects in male fish. Among the 36 samples assayed for mutagenicity in the Salmonella bioassay (reported here), 25% had low mutagenic activity and 75% were not mutagenic. Endocrine and mutagenic activities of the water samples were well correlated with each other and with the total number and cumulative concentrations of detected chemical contaminants. To test the predictive utility of knowledge-base-leveraging approaches, site-specific predicted chemical-gene (pCGA) and predicted analogous pathway-linked (pPLA) association networks identified in the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database were compared with observed endocrine/mutagenic bioactivities. We evaluated pCGA/pPLA patterns among sites by cluster analysis and principal component analysis and grouped the pPLA into broad mode-of-action classes. Measured E2eq and mutagenic activities correlated well with predicted pathways. The pPLA analysis also revealed correlations with signaling, metabolic, and regulatory groups, suggesting that other effects pathways may be associated with chemical contaminants in these waters and indicating the need for broader bioassay coverage to assess potential adverse impacts.

Infections from antibiotic resistant microorganisms are considered to be one of the greatest global public health challenges that result in huge annual economic losses. While genes that impart resistance to antibiotics (AbR) existed long before the discovery and use of antibiotics, anthropogenic uses of antibiotics in agriculture, domesticated animals, and humans are known to influence the prevalence of these genes in pathogenic microorganisms. It is critical to understand the role that natural and anthropogenic processes have on the occurrence and distribution of antibiotic resistance in microbial populations to minimize health risks associated with exposures. As part of this research, 15 antibiotic resistance genes were analyzed in coastal sediments and soils along the eastern seaboard of the USA using presence/absence quantitative and digital polymerase chain reaction assays. Samples (53 soil and 192 sediment samples including 54 replicates) were collected from a variety of coastal settings where human and wildlife exposure is likely. At least one of the antibiotic resistance genes was detected in 76.4% of the samples. Samples that contained at least five or more antibiotic resistance genes (5.7%) where typically hydrologically down gradient of watersheds influenced by combined sewer outfalls (CSO). The most frequently detected antibiotic resistance target genes were found in 33.2%, 34.4%, and 42.2% of samples (target genes blaSHV, tetO, and aadA2, respectively). These data provide unique insight into potential exposure of AbR genes over a large geographical region of the eastern seaboard of the USA.

Hurricane Sandy made landfall in Barnegat Bay, October, 29, 2012, damaging shorelines and infrastructure. Estuarine sediment chemistry and toxicity were investigated before and after to evaluate potential environmental health impacts and to establish post-event baseline sediment-quality conditions. Trace element concentrations increased throughout Barnegat Bay up to two orders of magnitude, especially north of Barnegat Inlet, consistent with northward redistribution of silt. Loss of organic compounds, clay, and organic carbon is consistent with sediment winnowing and transport through the inlets and sediment transport modeling results. The number of sites exceeding sediment quality guidance levels for trace elements tripled post-Sandy. Sediment toxicity post-Sandy was mostly unaffected relative to pre-Sandy conditions, but at the site with the greatest relative increase for trace elements, survival rate of the test amphipod decreased (indicating degradation). This study would not have been possible without comprehensive baseline data enabling the evaluation of storm-derived changes in sediment quality.

A screening tool for quantifying levels of concern for contaminants detected in monitoring wells on or near landfills to down-gradient receptors (streams, wetlands and residential lots) was developed and evaluated. The tool uses Quick Domenico Multi-scenario (QDM), a spreadsheet implementation of Domenico-based solute transport, to estimate concentrations of contaminants reaching receptors under steady-state conditions from a constant-strength source. Unlike most other available Domenico-based model applications, QDM calculates the time for down-gradient contaminant concentrations to approach steady state and appropriate dispersivity values, and allows for up to fifty simulations on a single spreadsheet. Sensitivity of QDM solutions to critical model parameters was quantified. The screening tool uses QDM results to categorize landfills as having high, moderate and low levels of concern, based on contaminant concentrations reaching receptors relative to regulatory concentrations. The application of this tool was demonstrated by assessing levels of concern (as defined by the New Jersey Pinelands Commission) for thirty closed, uncapped landfills in the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, using historic water-quality data from monitoring wells on and near landfills and hydraulic parameters from regional flow models. Twelve of these landfills are categorized as having high levels of concern, indicating a need for further assessment. This tool is not a replacement for conventional numerically-based transport model or other available Domenico-based applications, but is suitable for quickly assessing the level of concern posed by a landfill or other contaminant point source before expensive and lengthy monitoring or remediation measures are taken. In addition to quantifying the level of concern using historic groundwater-monitoring data, the tool allows for archiving model scenarios and adding refinements as new data become available.

Surface water from 38 streams nationwide was assessed using 14 target-organic methods (719 compounds). Designed-bioactive anthropogenic contaminants (biocides, pharmaceuticals) comprised 57% of 406 organics detected at least once. The 10 most-frequently detected anthropogenic-organics included 8 pesticides (desulfinylfipronil, AMPA, chlorpyrifos, dieldrin, metolachlor, atrazine, CIAT, glyphosate) and 2 pharmaceuticals (caffeine, metformin) with detection frequencies ranging 66–84% of all sites. Detected contaminant concentrations varied from less than 1 ng L−1 to greater than 10 μg L−1, with 77 and 278 having median detected concentrations greater than 100 ng L−1 and 10 ng L−1, respectively. Cumulative detections and concentrations ranged 4-161 compounds (median 70) and 8.5–102,847 ng L−1, respectively, and correlated significantly with wastewater discharge, watershed development, and Toxic Release Inventory metrics. Log10 concentrations of widely monitored HHCB, triclosan, and carbamazepine explained 71%–82% of the variability in the total number of compounds detected (linear regression; p-values

To document the environmental occurrence and persistence of fungicides, a robust and sensitive analytical method was used to measure 34 fungicides and an additional 57 current-use pesticides in bed sediments and suspended solids collected from areas of intense fungicide use within three geographic areas across the United States. Sampling sites were selected near or within agricultural research farms using prophylactic fungicides at rates and types typical of their geographic location. At least two fungicides were detected in 55% of the bed and 83% of the suspended solid samples and were detected in conjunction with herbicides and insecticides. Six fungicides were detected in all samples including pyraclostrobin (75%), boscalid (53%), chlorothalonil (41%) and zoxamide (22%). Pyraclostrobin, a strobilurin fungicide, used frequently in the United States on a variety of crops, was detected more frequently than p , p ′-DDE, the primary degradate of p , p ′-DDT, which is typically one of the most frequently occurring pesticides in sediments collected within highly agricultural areas. Maximum fungicide concentrations in bed sediments and suspended solids were 198 and 56.7 μg/kg dry weight, respectively. There is limited information on the occurrence, fate, and persistence of many fungicides in sediment and the environmental impacts are largely unknown. The results of this study indicate the importance of documenting the persistence of fungicides in the environment and the need for a better understanding of off-site transport mechanisms, particularly in areas where crops are grown that require frequent treatments to prevent fungal diseases.

Given the fragmented political jurisdictions, and substantive environmental damages from petroleum spillage, human development and other anthropogenic perturbations, a need exists for developing a coordinated set of protocols and approaches for determining impacts to activities exerting extra-territorial environmental and ecological pressures on coastal and offshore natural resources in the ROPME Sea Area (RSA; also known as the Gulf), as well as strategies for restoring (or mitigating) natural resources by human activities. Such environmental impact assessment and natural resource damage assessment protocols may readily be developed at the ecosystem level to directly inform localized coastal and marine resource decision-making by resource managers with harmonization to the Gulf level. Instead of traditional methods for gauging environmental impacts (or damages) on a single resource or habitat, impacts of anthropogenic activities may be reviewed on an ecosystem level with a focus on services provided by ecosystem components. This way, relative impacts to ecosystem services can be evaluated in order to determine the overall impacts to the system as a whole, rather than simply to a few targeted resources that exclude critical ecosystem components, functions and services. Examples of such methodologies are discussed in the context of international case studies. Considerations, limitations and strategies for adopting these ecosystem based approaches are presented.

Unsaturated-zone sediments and the chemistry of shallow groundwater underlying a small (∼8-km 2 ) watershed were studied to identify the mechanisms responsible for anion storage within the Miocene Bridgeton Formation and weathered Coastal Plain deposits in southern New Jersey. Lower unsaturated-zone sediments and shallow groundwater samples were collected and concentrations of selected ions (including NO 3 − and SO 4 2− ) from 11 locations were determined. Grain size, sorting, and color of the lower unsaturated-zone sediments were determined and the mineralogy of these grains and the composition of coatings were analyzed by petrographic examination, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive analysis of x-rays, and quantitative whole-rock x-ray diffraction. The sediment grains, largely quartz and chert (80–94% w/w), are coated with a very fine-grained ( 4 2− were observed, indicative of anion sorption. Other mineral–chemical relations indicate that negatively charged surfaces and competition with SO 4 2− results in exclusion of NO 3 − from inner sphere exchange sites. The observed NO 3 − storage may be a result of matrix forces within the grain coatings and outer sphere complexation. The results of this study indicate that the mineralogy of grain coatings can have demonstrable effects on the storage of NO 3 − and SO 4 2− in the unsaturated zone.

Some barrier-island dunes damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Sandy's storm surges in October 2012 have been reconstructed using sediments dredged from back bays. These sand-, clay-, and iron sulfide-rich sediments were used to make berm-like cores for the reconstructed dunes, which were then covered by beach sand. In November 2013, we sampled and analyzed partially weathered materials collected from the cores of reconstructed dunes. There are generally low levels of metal toxicants in the reconstructed dune materials. However oxidation of reactive iron sulfides by percolating rainwater produces acid-sulfate pore waters, which evaporate during dry periods to produce efflorescent gypsum and sodium jarosite salts. The results suggest use of sulfidic sediments in dune reconstruction has both drawbacks (e.g., potential to generate acid runoff from dune cores following rainfall, enhanced corrosion of steel bulwarks) and possible benefits (e.g., efflorescent salts may enhance structural integrity).

Bed sediment samples from 79 coastal New York and New Jersey, USA sites were analyzed for 75 compounds including wastewater associated contaminants, PAHs, and other organic compounds to assess the post-Hurricane Sandy distribution of organic contaminants among six regions. These results provide the first assessment of wastewater compounds, hormones, and PAHs in bed sediment for this region. Concentrations of most wastewater contaminants and PAHs were highest in the most developed region (Upper Harbor/Newark Bay, UHNB) and reflected the wastewater inputs to this area. Although the lack of pre-Hurricane Sandy data for most of these compounds make it impossible to assess the effect of the storm on wastewater contaminant concentrations, PAH concentrations in the UHNB region reflect pre-Hurricane Sandy conditions in this region. Lower hormone concentrations than predicted by the total organic carbon relation occurred in UHNB samples, suggesting that hormones are being degraded in the UHNB region.

Fungicides are moderately hydrophobic and have been detected in water and sediment, particularly in agricultural watersheds, but typically are not included in routine water quality monitoring efforts. This is despite their widespread use and frequent application to combat fungal pathogens. Whereas the efficacy of these compounds on fungal pathogens is well documented, little is known about their effects on nontarget fungi. This pilot study, a field survey in southwestern Idaho from April to December 2010 on four streams with varying pesticide inputs (two agricultural and two reference sites), was conducted to assess nontarget impact of fungicides on gut fungi, or trichomycetes. Tissues of larval black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae), hosts of gut fungi, were analyzed for pesticide accumulation. Fungicides were detected in hosts from streams within agricultural watersheds but were not detected in hosts from reference streams. Gut fungi from agricultural sites exhibited decreased percent infestation, density within the gut, and sporulation, and black fly tissues had elevated pesticide concentrations. Differences observed between the sites demonstrate a potential effect on this symbiotic system. Future research is needed to parse out the details of the complex biotic and abiotic relationships; however, these preliminary results indicate that impacts to nontarget organisms could have far-reaching consequences within aquatic ecosystems.

Streams and lakes accumulate chemicals from many different human activities across the landscape (fig. 1). Watersheds collect water from precipitation that runs off the land surface, carrying with it chemicals from urban and residential areas (streets, sidewalks, parking lots, lawns, and gardens); crop lands treated with pesticides, manures, and other organic and inorganic fertilizers; pastures and animal-production facilities; and lands where energy and mineral resources are extracted. Municipal, commercial and domes-tic wastewater-treatment systems, industries, and landfills can discharge their wastewaters directly to streams, and although the wastewater typically is treated, current treatment technologies are not designed to remove all chemicals. Groundwater, which discharges to streams and accounts for much of streamflow during dry seasons, also can carry contaminants from spills, leaks, septic systems, and land-applied chemicals that infiltrate to the water table as well as naturally occurring chemicals that leach from aquifer material. Even chemicals from smoke-stacks, automobiles, and other emissions to the atmosphere can make their way into streams. As a result, surface waters can have complex mixtures of natural and anthropogenic chemicals that include pes-ticides, pharmaceuticals, household chemicals, and a wide range of chemicals produced as waste byprod-ucts of commercial and industrial activities.

Methyl-tertiary-butyl ether (MTBE), an additive used to oxygenate gasoline, has been detected in lakes in northwestern New Jersey. This occurrence has been attributed to the use of gasoline-powered watercraft. This paper documents and explains both seasonal and daily variations in MTBE concentrations at Cranberry Lake. During a recent boating season (late April to September 1999), concentrations of MTBE typically exceeded 20 microg/L. MTBE concentrations varied daily from 12 to 24 microg/L over a 2-week period that included the Labor Day holiday. Concentrations were highest on weekends when there is more boat traffic, which had an immediate effect on MTBE mass throughout the lake. MTBE concentrations decreased to about 2 microg/L shortly after the end of the summer recreational season. The loss of MTBE can be accounted for by volatilization, with a half-life on the order of 10 days. The volatilization rate was modeled with the daily decrease in MTBE then the modeled rate was validated using the data from the seasonal decline.

The selection of preferred restoration alternatives during the restoration planning phase of a natural resource damage assessment occurs through the implementation of a multifaceted process. This process requires identifying the nature and extent of resources injured by an oil spill; identifying appropriate restoration alternatives which address the resources injured, scaling the restoration alternatives to quantified injuries and selecting the most appropriate restoration option(s) for implementation with appropriate public participation. The Trustee Council for the Julie N oil spill, occurring in Portland Harbor, Maine, on September 27, 1996, is currently undergoing this process. This paper presents the major activities associated with selecting the preferred restoration options, and offers lessons learned to date, regarding the implementation of this process.

A field-portable water-sampling system was designed and fabricated for collecting adequate volumes of seawater to meet the quantitation requirements to support Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) toxicity determinations and modeling efforts following an oil spill. This system is a significant improvement to conventional water sampling equipment and includes the ability to filter water samples at the time of collection, thereby providing critical differentiation between truly dissolved constituents and dispersed oil droplets. The system can be quickly and easily deployed from shoreline structures (piers and breakwaters) and/or vessels of opportunity to provide essential data during the early stages of a spill. Likewise, data collected with the system can be used to document dispersant effectiveness and provide information relating to seafood exposure, tainting, and toxicity issues. In many oil-spill NRDA efforts, water-column effects from dissolved components and dispersed oil droplets have not been adequately quantified or documented because: (1) samples are not obtained early enough after the spill event; (2) insufficient volumes are collected; and (3) the wrong constituents are analyzed. Generally, EPA hazardous-materials sampling approaches are followed, leading to inadequate sample sizes (e.g., 40 mL for volatile component analyses and 1-L samples for dissolved/dispersed constituents). Analytically, EPA semivolatile gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) SW-846 Method 8270 is often specified for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These sample sizes are not large enough to meet the detection limits required for most marine hydrocarbon analyses (de Lappe et al., 1980; Payne, 1997 and references therein), and the EPA PAH target analyte list does not include the majority of alkyl-substituted one-, two-, and three-ring aromatics that are the primary dissolved constituents actually present in the water column following an oil spill (Sauer and Boehm, 1991). As a result, water column effects are often written off as being short-lived or insignificant. Alternatively, impacts are often assessed by computer modeling efforts with limited field validation. In either event, there is inadequate profiling of the extent and duration of petroleum hydrocarbon exposure to marine organisms. Furthermore, when adequate volumes of water have been collected and the proper target analytes have been specified, provisions have not been taken to differentiate between truly dissolved components and dispersed oil droplets. Consequently, later data analyses are unreliable in their ability to reflect conditions as they actually existed during the early stages of the spill. For example, PAH analyses of unfiltered water samples are confounded by the facts that: (1) a significant, but unknown fraction of discrete oil droplets in the water column will rise to the surface with time; (2) high levels of dispersed oil droplets will raise detection limits of dissolved PAH; and (3) it is impossible to determine how much of the PAH is in the truly dissolved state where it will persist as a toxic fraction to exposed organisms and how much is simply associated with slightly less toxic oil droplets that are subject to relatively rapid removal by resurfacing. The equipment and field implementation approach described in this paper can provide samples that are not subject to the aforementioned problems.

Introduction: The use of chemical and biological agents (e.g. dispersants and bioremediation agents, respectively), as well as certain physical oil removal techniques (e.g. high-pressure, hot-water applications to oiled shorelines) during oil spill response operations requires consideration both of the gross effectiveness of such oil removal/displacement techniques and of the ecological impact of the response technique. Accordingly, the intent of response technology optimization requires the identification of suitable response agents, their application strategies, determination of mass oil removal effectiveness, and efficient coordination of alternative response strategies with conventional measures, all compared with traditional mechanical collection methods and evaluation or relative response ecological impacts. These issues often need to be examined in an experimental setting in order to acquire information required to make more effective decisions during oil spill response and cleanup operations. Controlled field studies that are designed to identify optimal response and clean-up strategies, while valuable for realism, are expensive and often difficult to implement because of regulatory barriers (Reilly et al., 1994)). Conversely, results from small scale laboratory testing do not incorporate sufficient environmental realism (variables and scale) to permit confident predictions about real-world situations. However, bounded and partly enclosed outdoor experimental units, or 'mesocosms', can closely simulate natural aquatic environments (Odum, 1984). Such test systems provide a simulation of real-world exposure without the costs of a controlled-release field study. Mesocosms can serve to bridge the gap between large-scale field experiments, with their inherent control difficulties, laboratory experiments which can be statistically replicated but suffer from a lack of environmental realism (Rodgers et al., 1996). Mesocosms have strengths and weaknesses depending upon system design. Therefore, the type of ecological research to be conducted will dictate the choice of mesocosm design. The following discussion presents design requirements and scientific considerations for mesocosm simulations of marine environments impacted by oil spills. Two existing mesocosm systems for marine oil spill ecological research in both pelagic and nearshore environments are reviewed in some detail - the Marine Ecosystem Research Laboratory (MERL) in Narragansett, Rhode Island, and the Coastal Oil-Spill Simulation System (COSS), in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Chemical oil spill treating agents—here meant to exclude chemical oil spill dispersants, burning agents, and bioremediation agents—are one type of countermeasure used to control the release and/or spread of spilled oil. They are infrequently used in the United States, in part because they have been inadequately tested and demonstrated for efficacy and environmental effects. A study planned and sponsored by the Marine Spill Response Corporation examined the potential utility of chemical treating agents during marine oil spills. Through an extensive literature search and market survey process, this study defined specific product classes and evaluated these classes in terms of operational use, efficacy, and environmental fate and effects. Individual products within each class were also evaluated in terms of these study parameters, and a resultant compendium of available products worldwide was produced. Based on the evaluation, as well as results from a workshop held in conjunction with this project, specific response niches (for example, the application for which the countermeasure is best suited) for chemical treating agent classes were proposed. The niches were determined partially by evaluating the classes’ relative effectiveness according to oil type and degree of weathering. The study also recommended research and development needs.

Background The prevalence of prescription medication use increases with age, and older adults are at increased risk of harm from medication use. Objective To describe the role of a pharmacist on a General Medicine Acute Care of the Elderly (GM-ACE) Unit. Methods A job description was prepared, and a clinical pharmacist specializing in internal medicine was re-assigned to participate in multidisciplinary rounds on the ACE unit twice weekly and to work with a unit-based pharmacist assigned to multiple units. The clinical pharmacist also provided formal education on geriatric pharmacotherapy for other health care providers. Interventions were defined as changes in the medical record and provision of drug information. Interventions were tracked with an existing form and sorted by category. Data on interventions were presented to the pharmacy and therapeutics committee routinely. Results After 3 months, the clinical pharmacist accomplished 76 interventions in the areas of agent selection, dose optimization, addition of therapy, deletion of therapy, medication reconciliation, intravenous to oral conversion, technology improvements, and drug information/patient education. Conclusion Expanding the role of the pharmacist in a GM-ACE unit has improved the medication use process in a high-risk population through improvements in medication overuse, medication underuse, dosing, medication reconciliation, patient education, and health care provider education.

Objective To evaluate acute hemodynamic, short-term, and long-term effects of vasopressin antagonists in patients with heart failure (HF). Data sources Searches of the PubMed database (1966–February 2010) were conducted. Search terms included AVP receptor antagonist, CHF, tolvaptan, conivaptan, lixivaptan, HF, and hyponatremia. Manufacturers’ prescribing information, manufacturer Web site searches, and searches made on www.clinicaltrials.gov were also included. Study selection and data extraction All clinical trials identified from the reference search and data sources were reviewed. Articles were included if they were relevant to short-term and long-term outcomes of patients with HF who were treated with vasopressin antagonists. Data synthesis Trials of conivaptan, tolvaptan, and lixivaptan were evaluated. The evidence indicates that all agents increase urine output >10 mL/h, and conivaptan and tolvaptan decrease pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (–2.6 ± 0.7, –5.4 ± 0.7, and –4.6 ± 0.7 mm Hg for placebo, conivaptan 20 mg, and conivaptan 40 mg, respectively; –5.67 ± 4.58 to –6.38 ± 4.12 mm Hg for tolvaptan, and –4.16 ±4.57 mm Hg for placebo) in patients with HF. Both of these changes occur without inducing electrolyte abnormalities or renal dysfunction. Trials with conivaptan in acute HF have not demonstrated a benefit in cardiac index, mean arterial pressure, or vascular resistance. Data from clinical trials indicate that tolvaptan may decrease dyspnea (p < 0.05) and pedal edema (p < 0.001). To date, no large-scale trials of any agent have demonstrated an improvement in left ventricular systolic function, rehospitalization, worsening HF, or death. Conclusions Vasopressin antagonists cannot be considered routine pharmacotherapy for HF, Further, conivaptan should not be used for the treatment of acute HF. There is not enough literature to advocate for or against the use of lixivaptan in patients with HF. Tolvaptan may be considered for the treatment of hyponatremia.

This report describes the results of a study, conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in cooperation with the Pinelands Commission and the Town of Hammonton, New Jersey, to identify reasons for reduced infiltration in the infiltration trenches at the Hammonton LAF and to assess the potential for similar conditions to exist elsewhere in the New Jersey Coastal Plain (particularly within the PNR).

Assessing the impacts of oil spills requires the collection of a variety of biological, chemical and socio-economic data. However, the dynamic nature of oil spills necessitates the collection of data very soon after an incident. In 1992, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Damage Assessment Center (NOAA DAC) established a Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) to insure the collection of data necessary to characterize the nature and extent of ecological and public use injuries. The RAP maintains a team of trained and equipped government and contract personnel to initiate injury assessment activities on a 24-hour-per-day, 7-day-per-week basis. Further, the RAP sponsors research, develops assessment methodologies, and provides annual training to RAP personnel in order to continually enhance rapid assessment capabilities.

A facility known as the Coastal Oil Spill Simulation (COSS) system has been constructed to test the efficacy and environmental effects of physical, chemical, and biological oil spill response technologies under realistic coastal and nearshore environmental conditions. The COSS facility is located in Corpus Christi, Texas. Oil spill research and development experiments will begin at the COSS facility in the summer of 1997. The Texas General Land Office and the Marine Spill Response Corporation have sponsored the design and construction of the COSS facility.

A large wave tank prototype known as the Coastal Oil-spill Simulation System was designed, constructed, and tested, yielding a basic facility that accurately models nearshore physical conditions. This tank design has direct application in testing chemical and biological oil spill treating agents.

Chemical shoreline cleaning agents (SCAs) are one option for cleanup of stranded oil on shorelines. However, site-specific variables, the properties of stranded oil, variations in the nature of oiled substrates, and the types of organisms present at a spill site can influence decisions to use SCAs. Combining results of on-site testing for cleaning effectiveness and toxicity with an appropriate stepwise decision process can assist “use/no-use” decisions for SCAs in the field.

During October and November 1995, a bird deterrent device (the Marine Phoenix Wailer) was tested in Miramichi Bay, New Brunswick, Canada, for effectiveness in keeping scoter ducks away from juvenile mussel collector lines. Test results indicated that the Wailer was effective in excluding scoters from a circular open-water area within a 500-meter radius. The scenario tested provided a worst case situation for bird deterrent operations: if birds can be repelled from a strong attractant (i.e., food), it is believed that they may be repelled from less attractive areas such as oil-contaminated sites.

[1] We present a revised calibration of Sr isotopes to the geomagnetic polarity timescale (GPTS) using closely spaced (∼0.15 m.y. resolution) samples from the classic uppermost Eocene through lowermost Miocene section at Site 522, eastern South Atlantic. The Sr isotopic data are fit with two linear segments with a sharp change in slope at circa 27.5 Ma from 0.000038/m.y. (27.5 to 34.4 Ma) to 0.000051/m.y. (23.8 to 27.5 Ma). Regression analysis indicates that stratigraphic resolution ranges from ±1 m.y. (for one analysis) to ±0.6 m.y. (for three analyses) for the younger interval and ±1.2 m.y. (for one analysis) to ±0.7 m.y. (for three analyses) for the older interval, representing an increase in resolution from previous studies of ±1–2 m.y. The paleoceanographic significance of this change in slope is unclear. It occurs during an interval of intermittent Antarctic glaciation, between the Oi2a and Oi2b glaciations. The subsequent interval from circa 27 to 24 Ma appears to be an interval of minimal glaciation. Thus this observation does not support previous suggestions that increases in rates of Sr isotopic change are directly associated with the frequency of Antarctic glaciations. Rather, the increase in slope may be related to increased weathering associated with the “mid-Oligocene” glaciation.

A new synthesis of 1-methyl-2,5-piperazinedione in three steps starting from sarcosine is described. This method proceeds in higher overall yield (49%) than previous methods.