Monitoring Potential Cadmium Levels in Avian Tissues Associated with the Savannah Harbor Expansion Project (SHEP)

The Savannah Harbor DMCAs are located in Jasper County, South Carolina. Pre-construction baseline sampling efforts entailed data collection, integration, and analysis of avian blood/tissue of birds in DMCAs 12A. 13A, 13B, 14A, and 14B (see below). Subsequent during and post-construction sampling efforts have been concentrated in DMCA 14A, the disposal area that received the Cd-laden sediments. Sampling also may occur in adjacent DMCAs 13B and 14B when construction prohibits sampling or bird abundance is low in 14A.

The general objectives of the project are:

Objective 1: Conduct field work to collect avian blood and tissue samples of target species from the approved DMCAs during the post-construction period, during the placement of the cap/cover, and potentially for three years after the placement is complete. Blood and tissue samples may be collected using either live capture or by lethal collection (with permit), depending on the bird species. Target species have been changed over time due to lack of abundance or difficulty in trapping certain species. Current target species and sampling methodology can be found in the most recent progress and annual reports from the SHEP monitoring website http://www.shep.uga.edu/. Changes in target species must be approved by USACE.

Objective 2: Conduct chemical analysis. Biological samples (e.g., blood, tissues) will be analyzed for cadmium as well as a suite of other metals (arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, selenium, zinc).

Objective 3: Prepare quarterly progress reports, and annual reports to include documentation of methods, software (if applicable), and analyses conducted throughout the duration of the work based on the federal fiscal calendar year (October 1 to September 30). The recipient/awardee may be asked to present research findings and monitoring results to the natural resource agencies and/or the public. The recipient/awardee must attend the annual SHEP stakeholder meeting and present the previous year's monitoring results.

D. Public Benefit: The Savannah Harbor DMCAs contain upland and aquatic habitats and are also bound by salt marsh and riverine habitats. As a result, these habitat areas attract a wide range of avifauna, and thus deposition of the dredged material may be a potential contaminant exposure route for birds. There are several protected bird species popular among the public and bird enthusiasts such as bald eagles, least terns, and wood storks that use the DMCAs for foraging/feeding and nesting habitat. Monitoring data results will be used to document any potential long- or short-term SHEP impacts to these protected species as well as other bird species. The DMCAs also serve as host sites for tour groups from both the National Audubon and Georgia Ornithological Societies. Also, a web portal has been established which will increase public awareness regarding monitoring and management plans in response to the physical, chemical, and biological impacts from the SHEP. The current interactive website is accessible to the public and frequently visited.