Assessing Environmental Contaminant Threats

to Lands and Biota Managed by the

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

By

James Coyle1

Craig Moore2

Sky Bristol3

Mary Henry, Ph.D.2

Tim Hall4 

Tim Kubiak2

Open File Report 99-108

. Geological Survey Biological Resources Division 

Office of Science, Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends Program 

Midcontinent Ecological Science Center 

Fort Collins, CO 80525

2U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Division of Environmental Contaminants 

Region 9 Headquarters 

Arlington, VA 22203

3U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Division of Environmental Contaminants 

Albuquerque Field Office 

Albuquerque, NM 87113

4U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

Endangered Species 

Region 9 Headquarters 

Arlington, VA 22203
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FORWARD

This document represents the culmination of several years of-collaborative work between the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The Contaminant 

Assessment Process (CAP) and its supporting data management system provide a logical structure 

for organizing and interpreting information from the databases maintained by the Environmental 

Protection Agency (EPA) and the FWS. These powerful tools will augment FWS's ability to evaluate 

contaminant threats to national wildlife refuges. As the National Wildlife Refuge System embarks 

upon development of Comprehensive Conservation Plans in response to the passage of the National 

Wildlife Refiige System Improvement Act of 1997, CAP will provide timely and relevant inventories 

of contaminant threats, to trust resources and Service lands. This will contribute to a significantly 

holistic refuge evaluation approach.

The FWS gratefully acknowledges contributions to this effort by the USGS Biomonitoring of 

Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program. The BEST Program worked closely with the 

FWS to develop the technical guidance and contributed to the initial development and subsequent 

refinement of the data management system for the CAP. Innovative programming codes for the 

data management system were developed under contract at the USGS Midcontinent Ecological 

Science Center.

Lastly, this guide is a "living document" and will be updated periodically to reflect improvements 

recommended by refuge managers, biologists, or contaminant specialists. Good luck in your efforts. 

We hope that this guide and the improved data management system that it embodies, will facilitate 

your Refuge contaminant assessments and help Uluminate contaminant threats to the Nation's 

resources.

Everett Wilson, Chief James Kurth, Chief 

Division of Environmental Contaminants Division of Refuges

u
Preface

The Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP) is a standardized approach for documenting and 

assessing threats posed by environmental contaminants to lands and biota managed by the Department of 

the Interior (DOI). The Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program of the U.S. 

Geological Survey Biological Resources Division (USGS/BRD) developed the CAP cooperatively with the 

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (FWS) Division of Environmental Contaminants (DEC). The CAP 

involves two parts, a retrospective analysis, and if needed, field-sampling. The retrospective analysis 

documents the ecological characteristics, management goals, areas potentially vulnerable to hazardous 

substance spills, and habitats of importance for the DOI land unit of interest. In addition, contaminant 

transport pathways and sources (point and nonpoint) are identified and potentially contaminated areas 

delineated. The second part of the CAP involves developing field-sampling plans to confirm the presence or 

effects of contaminants identified in the retrospective analysis. Field-sampling deemed necessary to confirm 

contaminant issues on national wildlife refuges identified through the retrospective analyses of CAP is 

handled as part of DECs on- and off-refuge investigation programs.

By gathering and interpreting information, the CAP generates valuable insight regarding contaminant 

issues that may be affecting refuges. Findings from the CAP can help FWS stewards select options that 

reduce contaminant impacts on the habitats and species that they manage. Information synthesized through 

the CAP also contributes to the development of Comprehensive Conservation Plans mandated through the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. To insure that this information has the 

maximum benefit to the agency, DEC and the BEST Program jointly developed a data management system 

to support the CAP. This system facilitates information acquisition from remote sources and serves as a 

permanent data repository. Thus, the system documents CAP findings, enhances FWS's institutional 

memory, and supports informed management decisions.

This document is a user's guide, intended for use by FWS field biologists responsible for applying the 

retrospective analysis portion of the CAP to FWS national wildlife refuge lands and provides instructions 

for entering information into the data management system. This is the third revision of the original 

document written in 1993 by scientists of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory.

in
Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to Ron Rope and Bob Breckenridge (Center for Environmental Monitoring 

and Assessment, EG&G Idaho, Inc., Idaho Falls, Idaho), for producing the original document, which is the 

foundation for this guide. The authors also wish to acknowledge Lany Gamble (FWS/DEC Region 6 

Regional Office, Lakewcod, CO1 ) who led efforts to improve the original approach and supervised the 

early development of the data management system. Development of this guide involved contributions and 

commitment from numerous individuals from FWS/DEC and USGS/BRD. In particular, we appreciate 

reviews of the document provided by:

Charlie Chandler 

Mike Coffey 

Susan Finger 

Philip Johnson 

Greg Linder 

Diane Mann-Klager 

George Noguchi 

Pedro Ramirez 

Alien Robison 

Damian Shea 

Elaine Snyder-Conn 

Dave Warburton

FWS/DEC Region 9 Headquarters, Arlington, VA

FWS/DEC Rock Island Field Office, Rock Island, IL

USGS/BRD Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO

FWS/ DEC Region 7 Regional Office, Anchorage, AK

Heron Works, Brooks, OR

FWS/DEC New York Field Office, Cortland, NY

FWS/DEC Region 9 Headquarters, Arlington, VA

FWS/DEC Wyoming Field Office, Cheyenne, WY

FWS/DEC Region 4 Regional Office, Atlanta, GA

North Carolina State University, Department of Toxicology, Raleigh, NC

FWS/DEC Klamath Basin Fish and Wildlife Office, Klamath Falls, OR

FWS/DEC Twin Cities Field Office, Bloomington, MN

The following individuals made valuable contributions during earlier revisions of the document.

Tim Bartish 

Wayne Crayton 

Bill Gould 

Bryan Pridgeon 

Laurie Richardson 

Chris Schmitt 

Valaine Glcoschenko 

Henry Short 

Wayne Willford

USGS/BRD BEST Program, Office of Science, Ft. Collins, CO1

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Anchorage, AK1

University of New Mexico, Las Cruces, NM1

FWS/ES Tampa Field Office, Tampa, FL1

FWS/ES Olympia Field Office, Olympia, WA1

USGS/BRD Columbia Environmental Research Center, Columbia, MO1

Former BEST Program Staff 2

Former BEST Program Staff 2

Former BEST Program Staff 2

The data entry screen examples used in mis document were derived from CAP files completed by 

Susan Blackford (FWS/DEC Kansas Field Office, Manhattan, KS) and Jay Davis (FWS/DEC, 

Washington Field Office, Lacy, WA). Patrick Anderson (BEST Program Staff, Ft. Collins, CO) helped 

improve and refine the CAP data management system and contributed to the appendices of this document. 

Christine Bunck (BEST Program Manager, Madison, WI) provided continued leadership and long-term 

support during the development of the data management system and the preparation of mis document. We 

also wish to thank Duane Asherin, Jennifer Shoemaker, Dora Medellin, Earlene Swann and Dale Crawford 

(who contributed the cover artwork) of the USGS Midcontinent Ecological Science Center for their 

excellent technical and editorial assistance during the second and third revisions of the document.

1 Affiliations and locations at time of publication. 

2Current contact information not available.

IV
Contents

Page

Forward ................................................. u

Prefece .....................................................-.-.--- - u'i

Acknowledgments .......................................... 1V

Part I: Background Information and Getting Started

Chapter 1. Introduction ..........................................- 1"*

Section 1. Contaminant Assessment Process Overview ...................... 1-1

CAP as Used by DEC .................................................. 1-2

Section 2. Purpose and Scope of this Document ........................... 1-3

Section 3. Content Overview ................................................. 1-3

Section 4. Relevance of the CAP to the Fish and Wildlife Service ..................... 1-4

Chapter 2. Data Management System ............................................. 2-1

Section 1. Overview of Data Management System ................................ 2-1

Section 2. Accessing the Data Management System and Data Entry

Process Overview ........................................................ 2-2

Getting a Password ..................................................... 2-2

Accessing the Internet CAP Data Management System .......................... 2-2

Starting a New CAP File ................................................. 2-3

Areas of Interest ....................................................... 2-3

Upload All ........................................................... 2-4

Upload Part .......................................................... 2-4

Upload Data from a Completed Study into a New Study ......................... 2-6

Reviewing and Editing On-going and Completed CAP Studies .................... 2-6

Copying and Pasting Information into the Data Management System ................ 2-6

Section 3. Technical Support. ................................................ 2-7

Connectivity and Browser Compatibility Questions ............................. 2-7

Instructional/Orientation Questions ......................................... 2-7

Technical Questions or Difficulties Using the Data Management System ............. 2-7

Interpretive/Process Questions ............................................. 2-8

Section 4. Periodic Modifications of the CAP Data Management System ................ 2-8

Overview ............................................................ 2-8

Recommendations for Improving the Process or the Data Management System ......... 2-8

Chapter 3. Executing the Contaminant Assessment Process ............................. 3-1

Section 1. Getting Started ................................................... 3-1

Area Familiarization .................................................... 3-1

Familiarization with the Data Management System ............................. 3-1

Integrating Local Expertise ............................................... 3-1

Attachment: Example Memo to Refuge Manager ............................... 3-3

Attachment: List of Questions ............................................. 3-4
Contents (continued)

Page

Part II: Guidance for Completing CAP and Data Entry

Chapter 1. Primary Investigator .................................................. 1-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 1-1

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 1-1

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Primary Investigator ................ 1-2

Chapter 2. Background Information ............................................... 2-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 2-1

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 2-1

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Literature References ................ 2-4

Section 4. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Contacts .......................... 2-6

Section 5. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Meetings ......................... 2-10

Chapter 3. Assessment Considerations ............................................. 3-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 3-1

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 3-1

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: General Information ................. 3-2

Section 4. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Species Assessment ................. 3-6

Section 5. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Land Cover/Land Use ............... 3-10

Section 6. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Management Activity ............... 3-14

Chapter 4. Local Off-Interior Areas Important to Trust Resources and Assessment............ 4-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 4-1

Contamination Level 1 .................................................. 4-1

Contamination Level 2 .................................................. 4-2

Contamination Level 3 .................................................. 4-2

Contamination Level 4 .................................................. 4-2

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 4-3

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Local Off-Interior Lands Important 

to Trust Resources ....................................................... 4-4

Chapter 5. Transport Pathways .................................................. 5-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 5-1

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 5-1

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Surface Water ...................... 5-2

Section 4. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Ground Water ...................... 5-6

Section 5. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Air ............................. 5-10

Section 6. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Biota ............................ 5-14

Chapter 6. Contaminant Source Information ......................................... 6-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 6-1

Factors Influencing Exposure ............................................. 6-3

Factors Influencing Toxicity .............................................. 6-3

General Recommendations ............................................... 6-3

VI
Contents (continued)

Page

Section 2. Data Management System Operation .........................- 6-4

Selecting and Reviewing Facility Information ....................... 6-4

Eliminating and Retaining Facilities ............................. - 6-4

Summary of Contaminant Sites ................................. 6-5

Contaminant Sites Summarized by Transport Pathway .................. 6-5

Internal System Links ................................................... 6-5

Caution: EPA Contaminant Source Coordinates .........................- 6-5

Refine Selection Option .................................................. 6-6

CERCLIS Hypertext Links to EPA Databases ................................. 6-6

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Contaminant Source Information ........ 6-8

TRI Sites .......................................................... 6-8

PCS/NPDES Sites .................................................... 6-14

CERCLIS Sites ....................................................... 6-18

AIRS Sites .......................................................... 6-22

RCRIS Sites ......................................................... 6-26

Other Sites .......................................................... 6-30

Chapter 7. Field Reconnaissance ................................................. 7-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 7-1

Suggested On-Refiige Areas for Site Visits ................................... 7-2

Suggested Off-Refuge Areas for Site Visits ................................... 7-2

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 7-2

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Field Reconnaissance ................ 7-4

Chapter 8. Potentially Contaminated Areas ......................................... 8-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 8-1

Possible PCA Locations ................................................. 8-1

Contamination Level 1 .................................................. 8-3

Contamination Level 2 .................................................. 8-3

Contamination Level 3 .................................................. 8-4

Contamination Level 4 .................................................. 8-4

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 8-4

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Potentially Contaminated Areas ......... 8-6

Chapter 9. Spill Sensitive Areas .................................................. 9-1

Section 1. Overview ....................................................... 9-1

Contamination Level 1 .................................................. 9-2

Contamination Level 2 .................................................. 9-3

Contamination Level 3 .................................................. 9-3

Contamination Level 4 .................................................. 9-3

Section 2. Data Management System Operation ................................... 9-3

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Spill Sensitive Areas ................ 9-4

VII
Contents (concluded)

Page

Chapter 10. Narrative Report of Findings .......................................... 10-1

Section 1. Overview ...................................................... 10-1

Section 2. Data Management System Operation .................................. 10-2

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Narrative Report of Findings ......... 10-4

Appendix A. Data Collection Checklist ............................................ A-l

Appendix A. Description of EPA Databases Accessed by the CAP Data 

Management System and Online Fate and Effects Information Sources .................... B-l

Appendix C. Definition of Terms ................................................. C-l

vni
	List of Tables

Number

	Part II: Guidance for Completing CAP and Data Entry

1-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Primary Investigator .......................... 1-2

2-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Background Information - Literature References ..... 2-4

2-2 Field Descriptions and Examples: Background Information - Contacts ............... 2-8

2-3 Field Descriptions and Examples: Background Information » Meetings ............. 2-12

3-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Assessment Considerations - General Information .... 3-4

3-2 Field Descriptions and Examples: Assessment Considerations - Species Assessment..... 3-8

3-3 Field Descriptions and Examples: Assessment Considerations - Land Cover/Land Use .. 3-12

3-4 Field Descriptions and Examples: Assessment Considerations - Management Activity .. 3-16

4-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Local Off-Interior Lands Important to Trust Resources 4-4

5-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Transport Pathways - Surface Water .............. 5-4

5-2 Field Descriptions and Examples: Transport Pathways - Ground Water .............. 5-8

5-3 Field Descriptions and Examples: Transport Pathways - Air ..................... 5-12

5-4 Field Descriptions and Examples: Transport Pathways - Biota .................... 5-16

6-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - TRJ Sites ....... 6-8

6-2 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - PCS/NPDES Sites 6-14

6-3 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - CERCLIS Sites . . 6-18

6-4 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - AIRS Sites ..... 6-22

IX
Tables (concluded)

Number £fi£fi 

6-5 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - RCRIS Sites .... 6-26

6-6 Field Descriptions and Examples: Contaminant Source Information - Other Sites ..... 6-30

7-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Field Reconnaissance ......................... 7-4

8-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Potentially Contaminated Areas ................. 8-6

9-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Spill Sensitive Areas ......................... 9-4

10-1 Field Descriptions and Examples: Narrative Report of Findings .................. 10-4
List of Figures 

Number

Part I: Background Information and Getting Started 

2-1 CAP Data Management Overview ........................... 2-9

Part II: Guidance for Completing CAP and Data Entry

1-1 Data Entry Screen: Primary Investigator ..........................- 1*3

2-1 Data Entry Screen: Background Information - Literature References ................ 2-5

2-2 Data Entry Screen: Background Information - Contacts .......................... 2-9

2-3 Data Entry Screen: Background Information - Meetings ......................... 2-13

3-1 Data Entry Screen: General Information - Biodiversity ........................... 3-5

3-2 Data Entry Screen: Assessment Considerations - Species Assessment................ 3-9

3-3 Data Entry Screen: Assessment Considerations - Land Cover/Land Use ............. 3-13

3-4 Data Entry Screen: Assessment Considerations - Management Activity ............. 3-17

4-1 Data Entry Screen: Local Off-Interior Lands Important to Trust Resources ........... 4-5

5-1 Data Entry Screen: Transport Pathways - Surface Water ......................... 5-5

5-2 Data Entry Screen: Transport Pathways - Ground Water ......................... 5-9

5-3 Data Entry Screen: Transport Pathways - Air ................................ 5-13

5-4 Data Entry Screen: Transport Pathways - Biota ............................... 5-17

6-1 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - TRI Sites ................... 6-9

6-2 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - PCS/NPDES Sites ........... 6-15

6-3 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - CERCLIS Sites ............. 6-19

6-4 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - AIRS Sites ................. 6-23

XI
	Figures (concluded)

Number Eagfi

6-5 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - RCRIS Sites ............... 6-27

6-6 Data Entry Screen: Contaminant Source Information - Other Sites ................. 6-31

7-1 Data Entry Screen: Field Reconnaissance .................................... 7-5

8-1 Data Entry Screen: Potentially Contaminated Areas ............................ 8-7

9-1 Data Entry Screen: Spill Sensitive Areas ..................................... 9-5

10-1 Data Entry Screen: Narrative Report of Findings ............................. 10-5

XII
PART I: BACKGROUND INFORMATION 

AND GETTING STARTED
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Contaminant

Assessment Process

Overview

This chapter provides an overview of the origin and purpose of 

the Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP). It summarizes the 

development of the data management system that facilitates the 

assessment process and scope and purpose of this document. It also 

describes how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Division of 

Environmental Contaminants (DEC) and Division of Refuges and 

Wildlife (DRW) uses the CAP to address contaminant issues on 

FWS-managed lands.

The CAP is a standardized and comprehensive approach used to 

assess potential threats posed by environmental contaminants to 

National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs), national parks, and other lands 

managed by the Department of the Interior (DOT). The CAP is based 

on an approach originally developed by Rope and Breckenridge 

(1993) to evaluate the distribution of contaminants and their effects 

on NWRs. The CAP has since been refined by the Biomonitoring of 

Environmental Status and Trends (BEST) Program in the Biological 

Resources Division of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS/BRD) and 

FWS/DEC.

The CAP is divided into two parts, a retrospective analysis and, if 

needed, subsequent field sampling. The retrospective analysis part of 

the process involves reviewing administrative, ecological, and 

geophysical characteristics of the DOI-managed units and 

surrounding areas relative to contaminant issues. Literature citations 

and background information related to contaminant issues are 

compiled for the unit and surrounding area. The spatial extent of the 

analysis is delineated, potential transport pathways identified, and 

point and nonpoint contaminant sources and types inventoried. Field 

reconnaissance surveys are conducted to evaluate suspected 

contaminant issues. Areas of potential contamination are identified 

and contaminant issues described.

The second part of the CAP involves field-sampling to further 

evaluate potential problems or establish baseline conditions. 

Information collected in the retrospective analysis is used to define 

sampling objectives, select appropriate methods, and develop focused 

sampling designs. Field-sampling results are interpreted and findings 

reported to land managers. Field-sampling considered necessary to 

confirm the presence or effects of contaminant on NWRs identified 

through the retrospective analysis of CAP is handled as part of FWSs 

on- and off-refuge investigation programs.

The CAP is a stand-alone approach based on sound scientific 

principles. Because it incorporates site-specific characteristics into the 

analysis, it is flexible enough to identify potential contaminant issues 

on FWS refuges across a wide range of ecosystems. This approach, 

consistently applied, will ultimately provide an inventory of existing 

or potential contaminant issues for all FWS-managed lands.

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Ideally, the CAP should be completed by a environmental 

contaminant (EC) specialist working in partnership with a landmanager/biologist representing the refuge under consideration. While 

the interpretation of contaminant information rests mainly with the EC 

specialist who acts as the Primary Investigator, the overall quality of 

the assessment will be greatly enhanced through the participation and 

expertise of refuge managers and biologists.

The information summarized through the CAP can provide the 

basis by which land managers select options to reduce contaminant 

impacts on the habitats and species they administer. The CAP also 

identifies FWS-managed areas located downstream or down-gradient 

from highways, railways, or navigation channels that may be 

vulnerable to hazardous substance spills. Such areas may then be 

targeted for baseline data collection which could support future 

natural resource damage assessments. While the CAP provides a 

robust assessment of potential contaminant issues, it is not intended to 

statistically characterize contaminant distribution or effects across the 

entire FWS-managed unit.

The CAP requires the Primary Investigator to compile and 

interpret information acquired from various sources. In 1996, BEST 

and DEC jointly developed a data management system to support the 

retrospective analyses portion of the CAP. The data management 

system retrieves and organizes information from on-line databases 

maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and 

internally maintained databases of the FWS. In addition to this 

information, the CAP requires that the Primary Investigator acquire 

data from other sources including interviews with refuge managers, 

biologists, local and subject matter experts, and literature reviews. By 

accessing information from remote sources and administering user 

input, the data management system serves both as an information 

acquisition tool and archive. The data management system documents 

the basis of the CAP findings and enhances FWS's institutional 

memory and increases accessibility to the information.

Once the initial assessment is conducted, changes in land use and 

point and nonpoint contaminant sources on and off the refuge are 

inevitable. It is anticipated that following completion of the initial 

assessment, the CAP will be periodically updated. Revaluation of 

existing and new information will improve the likelihood that 

contaminant problems will be identified before they cause serious 

injury or loss of natural resources. Repeating the CAP after the initial 

effort will become progressively easier, faster, and less time-intensive.

CAP as Used by DEC The mission of the DEC is to prevent, investigate, and when

appropriate, mitigate the adverse impacts of environmental 

contaminants on trust resources. As part of its strategy to meet this 

mandate, DEC uses the retrospective analysis portion of CAP to

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION Tl OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2. Purpose and 

Scope of this Document

Section 3. Content 

Overview

identify potential contaminant issues on refuges. As applied by DEC, 

the final output of CAP is a narrative report of contaminant issues 

potentially affecting the refuge. Information summarized in the 

narrative report can contribute to the conservation planning process 

mandated through the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement 

Act of 1997. Field sampling deemed necessary to confirm 

contaminant issues identified through the retrospective analysis of 

CAP are handled as part of DECs on- and off-refuge investigation 

programs.

This user's guide describes the steps and rationale for completing 

the retrospective analysis portion of the CAP and the process for 

entering pertinent information into the data management system. It is 

intended primarily for use by FWS EC specialists and other 

assessment team members responsible for applying the retrospective 

analysis to FWS-managed lands. It lists the information required to 

complete the process, provides format guidance, examples of data 

entries, and a description of how the information supports the 

assessment. This guide provides points of contact for users with 

technical and process questions relating to the process and data entry 

procedures. It provides an overview of the automated functions 

performed by the data management system, including a description of 

remote data sources accessed by the data management system. It also 

summarizes the relevance of CAP to FWS's mission.

This document is divided into two parts. The first chapter of Part 

One summarizes the development of the process. It describes the 

relevance of CAP to the FWS and describes the purpose and scope of 

this document. The second chapter contains an overview of the data 

management system, including general access and data entry 

procedures. The third chapter provides insights and recommendations 

on how to gather, organize, and enter the relevant information into the 

data management system to complete a CAP.

Part Two of the document is divided into 10 chapters, one for 

each of the 10 information sections that make up the data 

management system. Each chapter provides the rationale and context 

for each step in the process. Each chapter also provides an overview 

of the information required to complete the section, examples and data 

entry tips for each step in the process, and a description of the 

automated operations of the data management system. The 

Appendices provide overviews of remote databases accessed by the 

data management system.

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 4. Relevance of the

CAP to the Fish and

Wildlife Service

In 1986, the FWS issued a preliminary survey of contaminant issues 

on NWRs, commonly known as the "Salmon Report". This report 

provided the first iteration of what was known about contaminant 

"issues of concern'* throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

It identified 78 issues on 85 refuges. Report findings were based on a 

questionnaire approach that lacked comprehensive documentation. 

This eventually became the subject of a Government Accounting 

Office report that viewed the initial attempt at documenting potential 

or known problems as inadequate. As a result, the DEC, Division of 

Refuges, and the USGS/BRD (and its predecessors) developed what 

is now the CAP. In 1996, CAP was initiated online through the 

Internet via the World Wide Web. The application of CAP by DEC 

field personnel to refuges is funded through the Refuge Investigations 

Program. Currently, about 15% of the on-refuge investigations' 

budget is devoted to CAP annually.

The value of conducting a CAP on an individual refuge or unit is 

considerable and can offer diverse benefits to the FWS. The National 

Wildlife Refuge System is a critical element of the Nation's attempt to 

provide for the conservation of biological resources through direct 

land and water management activities. Determining the optimum 

management strategy, as well as assessing the health of the system, by 

definition, requires that contaminant issues be appropriately 

documented and addressed. The CAP can provide valuable input to 

the Comprehensive Conservation Planning (CCP) process as 

mandated by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act 

of 1997. Information generated through the consistent application of 

the CAP will help the FWS better manage the National Wildlife 

Refuge System and its associated natural resources for the benefit of 

the American people. The CAP permits the retrospective analysis of 

existing information to determine the presence or absence of 

contaminant threats in a comprehensive, fully documented format. 

These data will support FWS's ability to prioritize actions and 

decisions. The CAP will support the FWS's ability to make the 

following actions/decisions:

(1) prioritize investigations that focus on potentially 

contaminated areas (PCAs);

(2) develop proposals to address common problems across 

refuges and regions;

(3) initiate pollution prevention activities directly or in 

partnership with others;

(4) initiate small cleanup actions or pre-assessment screens for 

natural resource damage assessments and acquisition;

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

(5) provide rapid and credible responses to short time-frame 

requests for information on refuge status by eliminating "cold 

start" attempts to fill data needs, including automated reports 

from the CAP database; and

(6) foster complimentary use of CAP results in other activities 

such as refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan 

development, pre-acquisition surveys, and interagency 

cooperation in research, monitoring, investigations, and 

management.

Finally, findings from the CAP result in and support actionoriented management decisions, document data gaps, and prioritize 

information needs. Actions taken as a result of completed CAPs can 

be documented to determine a number of performance measures that 

will help the FWS meet its strategic mission goals and objectives. 

These can be highlighted by reporting long-term and annual results 

under the Government Performance and Results Act.

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART I: CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION 1-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

of Data Management

System

This chapter provides an overview of the organization and 

operation of the data management system. It provides instructions for 

accessing the system, starting new files, reviewing, and editing 

information contained in the system. Contact information is provided 

for users who have questions regarding the CAP approach, 

suggestions for improving the process, or technical questions 

regarding the system.

Information for the CAP is administered with an Internet-based, 

data management system. The system, developed with joint funding 

from FWS/DEC and the BEST Program, resides on servers located at 

the Midcontinent Ecological Science Center (MESC) in Fort Collins, 

Colorado. A customized computer program coordinates the operation 

of software and hardware components that make up the system. The 

components of the system work together to manage user-entered 

information, store and manipulate tabular and spatial data, and 

control information retrieval from remote sources (i.e., EPA 

databases) via the Internet. Users access the system over the Internet 

using browser software operating on their personal computers. A 

password is necessary to use the system.

The configuration of the system provides a number of benefits to 

the user and FWS. The features of the system streamline the data 

entry process, eliminate redundant data entry, and support spatial and 

tabular outputs. Through its Internet links, the system facilitates 

access to five contaminant-source databases which are part of EPAs 

"Envirofacts Data Warehouse." In addition, the system retrieves 

administrative and ecological information from the FWS's Refuge 

Management Information System (RMIS) and the Contaminant 

Information Management and Analysis System (CIMAS). The RMIS 

database contains administrative and management information for 

units of the National Wildlife Refuge System. The system is 

maintained by the Division of Refuges and currently uses Filemaker 

Pro database software. Information in RMIS is organized into 7 

modules including administration, education and recreation, 

oil/gas/mineral operations, maintenance, accomplishments, refuge 

goals/objectives and operational needs.

The CAP data management system's Internet retrieval capability 

reduces on-site data storage requirements and ensures that users have 

access to current information. Central administration of CAP 

information facilitates institutional memory and accessibility across 

organizational levels.

Information for CAP is hierarchically organized. A CAP refuge 

file contains all the records associated with the assessment performed 

on a refuge. The records, in turn, contain a series of fields appropriate 

to the information section or subsection.

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2. Accessing the 

Data Management

System and Data Entry 

Process Overview

Getting a Password

Accessing the Internet CAP 

Data Management System

Completing the CAP requires entering and reviewing information 

in 10 sections. Each section contains one or more subsections and 

each subsection has one or more data entry screen. Each data entry 

screen is composed of a series of fields. All data entry or editing takes 

place at the field level on individual data entry screens. Figure 2-1 

provides an overview of the sections, subsections, data entry screens, 

and records that make up the CAP data management system. 

Sections 1 (Primary Contact) and 10 (Narrative Report of 

Contaminant Concerns) have only one data entry screen. Some 

sections have multiple data entry screens while others have a fixed 

number.

To enter, edit, or view information in the CAP data management 

system, users must obtain authorization from the DEC point of 

contact for CAP. Currently, the point of contact is Craig Moore. 

Craig can be reached at (703) 358-2148 or via e-mail at 

"Craig_R_Moore@FWS.gov". After receiving the request, the DEC 

point of contact will notify the CAP system administrators to issue a 

username and password to the authorized personnel. Due to Internet 

security considerations, the authorized user is typically provided with 

a username and password via a telephone call from the system 

administrators. After notification from DEC, system administrators 

issue usernames and passwords to authorized personnel.

The general steps involved in initiating a CAP data entry session 

are summarized below:

1. Start browser software and establish an Internet connection.

2. Type in the following Universal Reference Locator (URL) in the 

browser's address window:

https://ecos.rws.gov

3. Scroll down the page and select "CAP" by clicking the left mouse 

button.

4. A security dialog box is presented. Type in the authorized 

username and password:

Note: Use only lower case letters when entering the 

authorized username and password.

5. CAP files are organized according to FWS administrative regions. 

Note: A security feature limits a users' access to view or edit 

CAP files for refuges within their own administrative region.

The data management system facilitates the CAP by uploading 

information from two FWS data sources: RMIS, CIMAS, and five 

EPA databases, which include:

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Starting a New CAP File

Areas of Interest

 Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS)

 Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System 

(RCRIS)

 Permit Compliance System/National Pollutant Discharge 

Elimination System (PCS/NPDES)

 Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and 

Liability Information System (CERCLIS)

 Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) Facility

By following the steps outlined below, the user initiates a process 

by which pertinent data are uploaded into the data management 

system. Information from RMIS and CIMAS is available 

immediately. Information from the EPA databases typically take 24 

hours to upload into the CAP file. The user is able to enter 

information in other portions of the system while the upload is 

underway.

To start a new CAP file, scroll down the refuge selection screen 

and select the button labeled "Start New Study". The refuge selection 

screen presents two access options. The first option is titled "States/ 

Territories in Region (x)" where x is the administrative region where 

the user is located. The second access option is titled "Refuges in 

Region (x)" and contains an alphabetical list of refuges in the users' 

administrative region.

Option 1: In this option, the user can select the state or territory of 

interest from the displayed list by clicking on it. This will 

display a directory of FWS-managed lands located in the 

selected state or territory. Select a specific refuge from 

this directory by clicking on it.

Option 2: In this option, the user can select from an alphabetical 

directory of FWS-managed units located in the 

administrative region. Scroll through the directory and 

select the FWS unit of interest.

Once the selection is made, the user is presented with a screen 

titled "Start New Assessment." On this screen, the user chooses from 

three data upload options, "Upload all," "Upload part," or "Upload 

data from a completed study into a new study."

Selecting one of the previous options sets the area of interest 

(AOI) for the assessment. In addition, it initiates an automated 

program that uploads refuge data from RMIS and CIMAS and 

contaminant information from the five EPA databases into the data 

management system. This is an important step in the process. The 

decision made at this point will dramatically affect the scope and

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

UploadAll

complexity of the assessment. Before proceeding, the following 

information on AOIs and their relation to the process should be 

reviewed.

Environmental contaminants enter the environment as solids, 

liquids, gases, or mixtures. Once in the environment, they interact 

chemically with an array of biotic and abiotic media. Long- and shortrange transport of contaminant-associated media is primarily 

controlled by physical mechanisms. An underlying assumption of the 

CAP is that contaminants, in association with environmental media, 

tend to move along, more or less, predictable routes. The CAP 

approach categorizes the transport mechanisms by which 

contaminants move into three major types: surface water, ground 

water, and air. In addition, it identifies a fourth type, biotic transport, 

to account for contaminants that may be transported in the tissues by 

mobile biota.

Establishing the AOIs for each transport mechanism is a critical 

step in the CAP approach. Defining the extent of the AOI helps focus 

the assessment on those contaminant sources and types that are the 

most likely to reach the refuge by the transport mechanism. Once the 

AOIs are established, individual transport pathways are identified. 

Contaminant transport pathways are identifiable avenues within a 

transport mechanism through which the bulk of transported 

contaminants move. Finally, contaminant sources and types along 

each pathway are evaluated.

The data management system is programmed to automatically 

geo-reference the refuge and identify the hydrologic unit in which it is 

located. It then defines the AOI for the surface water, ground water, 

and air transport mechanisms and uploads data from EPA databases. 

Because the biotic transport mechanism is not usually directly linked 

to local contaminant sources, the system does not define an AOI for 

biotic transport or upload data from EPA databases.

The default AOIs for surface water and ground water correspond 

to the boundary of the watershed in which the refuge is located. The 

AOI for surface and ground water is defined by an 8-digit hydrologic 

unit code (HUC). The HUC system is a hierarchical, nationallyuniform, hydrological mapping framework developed by the USGS to 

map watershed boundaries. The default AOI for air is a 150 km 

buffer extending from the boundary of the refuge.

Unless refuge-specific information that would warrant modifying 

the default AOI boundaries exists, the user should select the "Upload 

All1' option to initiate a CAP study. This option uploads information 

from CIMAS, RMIS and source information from the five EPA 

databases for each default AOI into the data management system.

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Upload Part

To select this option, place the cursor on the button and click the left 

mouse button.

The "Upload part" option also uploads data for the FWSmanaged unit from RMIS and CIMAS. Unlike the "Upload all" 

option, it provides an opportunity for the user to upload information 

from EPA databases for areas other than the default AOI described 

above. This option allows the Primary Investigator to confine the 

assessment to a smaller AOI (sub-basin or reduced diameter of the air 

AOI) so that priority can be given to the contaminant sources and 

pathways most likely to affect the FWS-managed unit. For example, 

uploading contaminant source information for large, low-gradient 

watersheds or estuaries/coastal areas can generate an extensive set of 

facilities to review. While the potential contribution of all contaminant 

sources within the entire watershed is desirable, a comprehensive 

identification of contaminant sources may be unmanageable.

In some instances, the decision to reduce the default AOI may be 

fairly obvious (e.g., lands along the Mississippi River). However, in 

other cases, the potential difficulties of working with data from the 

default AOIs will be less apparent. The extent of the AOI must be 

based on professional judgement and determined on a case-by-case 

basis. It should be kept in mind that the reason for reducing the 

default AOI is to focus efforts on the contaminants most likely to be 

causing problems and ensure that the contaminant assessment process 

can be conducted efficiently. Therefore, a decision to reduce an AOI 

should not be based solely on the size of the watershed/AOI, but on 

the probability that contaminant sources are contributing significantly 

to environmental conditions on the FWS-managed unit.

In the case of very large refuges, it may be necessary to divide the 

unit into manageable sections and perform individual assessments for 

each parcel. This approach may reduce the number of sources and 

pathways to a manageable scale and provide managers with a more 

concise summary of potential contaminant issues. For example, 

individual assessments could be conducted on each management unit, 

HUC, or sub-basin within the refuge boundary.

Once the decision to upload data for a modified AOI is made, the 

user must provide a written description of the extent of the desired 

area. That description should be entered into the text box associated 

with the "Upload part" option. After the description is entered, the 

upload is initiated by clicking the "Upload part" button. This action 

notifies the system's administrators to modify the extent of area for 

which a query will be submitted to the EPA databases. It is advisable 

to contact the Help Desk after selecting this option to clarify the 

request (see Section 3 of this Chapter for contact information).

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Upload Data from a

Completed Study into a

New Study

Reviewing and Editing

On-going and Completed

CAP Studies

Copying and Pasting

Information into the

Data Management System

Occasionally, multiple FWS units are managed as a complex. In 

such cases, a good deal of the information required to complete the 

CAP for individual units located within the complex may be similar. 

Types of information overlapping within a complex may include the 

name of the Primary Investigator, management objectives, habitat 

types, land uses, and local off-FWS lands important to trust 

resources. This option allows a user to upload data from a completed 

study into a new study, thereby eliminating the need to reenter 

redundant information. While this option is potentially a time-saving 

approach, it should be used with caution. For example, even though 

units are proximal to one another, they may not necessarily share 

common transport pathways. In some cases, management objectives 

for units within a complex may differ. It is strongly recommended that 

the user review all of the uploaded information to ensure that it is 

applicable to the new unit.

To select this option, scroll down the list of FWS-managed units 

presented in the menu and select the study of interest. Once the study 

is highlighted, select the button labeled "Copy selected data set" and 

click the left mouse button. Information not applicable to the current 

assessment can be deleted at the record level.

After a new CAP study is initiated, the data management system 

adds the name of the refuge to the list of on-going studies in the 

region. The user begins subsequent CAP data entry sessions by 

opening the file. To open an existing file, access the data management 

system. The system displays a menu organized under two headings, 

"On-going Studies in Region x," and "Completed Studies in Region 

x." The list of CAP files presented under "Completed Studies in 

Region (x)" includes those files for which the data entry and analysis 

process have been finished. To review or edit on-going or completed 

studies, select the file of interest from the appropriate list by clicking 

on it. Executing this step opens the "Main Menu" for the selected 

refuge and allows the user to initiate the data entry process.

Information in format can generally be copied from one 

application (i.e., ASCI, HTML, various word processing software), 

and pasted directly into the data management system. To block text, 

highlight it. The highlighted text can be copied by using the software 

defined key, or by pressing the keys "Ctrl" and "C" simultaneously. 

To paste the information, toggle to the data management system, 

place the cursor in the field of interest and press the keys "Ctrl" and 

"V" simultaneously. By using this approach, lengthy text entries can 

be drafted using word processing software (as in Section 10, 

Narrative Report of Findings) edited, spell-checked, and then pasted 

into the data management system. This approach will generally not

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Technical 

Support

Connectivity and Browser 

Compatibility Questions

Instructional/Orientation 

Questions

Technical Questions or

Difficulties Using the

Data Management System

copy formatting commands (i.e., italics, tabs, indents, or bold letters) 

but will eliminate the need to manually rekey existing information into 

the data management system. Carriage returns should be used to 

separate paragraphs in longer entries.

Specialists using the data management system are likely to have 

questions or encounter problems that require technical assistance. 

This section of the chapter provides information for contacting the 

appropriate individuals to resolve them. Beyond obtaining a 

password, these questions or problems will fell into six categories:

(1) connectivity or browser compatibility questions

(2) instructional/orientation questions

(3) technical questions or difficulties using the data management 

system

(4) interpretive/process questions

(5) recommendations for improving the process or the data 

management system

Users with questions about establishing and maintaining Internet 

connection to the data management system should contact their local 

information resource management staffer local area network 

administrators. These types of questions are site-specific and cannot 

be addressed by MESC technical support staff. Questions concerning 

the compatibility of the users' browser software to the data 

management system should be addressed by MESC technical support 

staff.

Individuals needing instructions on accessing and navigating the 

data management system should first review the online guidance and 

context-sensitive help that is accessible for each data input screen. 

After these resources have been explored, if the user still needs help 

with the data system, they should contact MESC system 

administrators for technical support. The Help Desk can be reached 

by calling MESC support staff in Fort Collins, Colorado at (970) 

226-9372 between 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. (Mountain Time), Monday 

through Friday. Periodically, DEC will provide online teleconference 

training sessions. These sessions are intended primarily for new users, 

those needing refresher instructions, or whenever major changes are 

made to the system. These training sessions will be announced and 

scheduled to meet users' needs and schedules.

The data management system resides on servers located at 

MESC. The system was developed and is administered by staff of the 

Technology Applications Team. Users experiencing technical

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Interpretive/Process Questions

Section 4. Periodic

Modifications

of the CAP Data

Management System

Overview

Recommendations for

Improving the Process or

the Data Management System

difficulties with the system (i.e., program bugs, access to the system, 

lost or misplaced data) should contact the MESC Help Desk (see 

number and hours in previous section).

Users with interpretive questions about the CAP itself should 

discuss the matter with Craig Moore, who currently is the primary 

CAP point of contact. Craig can be reached at DEC, R-9 

Headquarters, Arlington, Virginia at (703) 358-2148 or via e-mail at 

"Craig_R_Moore@FWS.gov".

The CAP and its supporting data management system will 

undergo periodic refinements. As currently anticipated, changes to the 

data management system will occur about every 2 years. Between 

these modifications, the configuration and operation of the data 

management system -will remain consistent. Alterations to the 

approach or data management system will be made through a 

structured process to minimize confusion. The process will involve 

collecting user's feedback and prioritizing the suggested 

enhancements. DEC Region 9 will be responsible for administrative 

coordination to initiate any programming changes required to effect 

the modifications. All new programming will be conducted on a 

developmental server and will not affect the operation of the current 

online system. All modifications will undergo thorough testing and 

review. Modifications will be announced and orientation to the 

operation of the system will be provided before they are put in effect.

To provide a forum for obtaining user feedback, DEC formed a 

joint CAP/CIMAS users' group, consisting of regional and 

headquarters representatives, to provide input for modifying the CAP 

data management system. Users with recommendations for improving 

the process or the data management system should communicate their 

ideas to their regional representative serving on the CAP/CIMAS 

users' group. Alternatively, suggestions for improvement can be made 

directly to tie DEC point of contact for CAP (currently Craig Moore 

who can be reached at (703) 358-2148 or via e-mail 

"Craig_R_Moore@FWS.gov"). Implementation of recommended 

modifications will be jointly coordinated through DEC and the 

CAP/CIMAS users' group.

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 

One

Two 

Three

Four 

Five

Six

Sever 

Eight 

Nine

Ten

CAP Data Management Overview

Section Title Subsection Title

 Primary Contact Information <

ffl A!#M*MIMI«J btffMMMAAlMM

 Assessment Considerations - 

 Local Off-Ref uoe Areas « 

Important to Trust Resources

 Contaminant Transport 

Pathways 

<

 ~ Contaminant Source """ 

Information

" Field Reconnaissance ^ 

Areas

 Splll-SensttJve Areas

i Narrative Report of 

Contaminant Concerns

Literature References Contacts Meetinj

t t t

General Plant & Land Cover/

Information Animal Species Land Use 

(7 records) (24 records) (27 records)

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"i '

f Water f

Surface Ground

h ' h 1

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(11 records)

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-

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CERCLIS AIRS RCRIS NonPoint

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Figure 2-1. CAP data management overview.

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA 

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART I: CHAPTER 2 - DATA

MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 2-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Getting Started

Area Familiarization

Familiarization with 

the Data Management System

Integrating Local Expertise

This chapter is intended to help the Primary Investigator prepare 

for and execute the CAP. It provides recommendations to assist 

contaminant specialists, refuge biologists, and other FWS personnel 

in collecting the necessary information for completing the CAP. In 

addition, this chapter contains an example memo that may be used by 

the specialist to arrange an interview with refuge staff to initiate and 

explain the purpose of the CAP. The suggestions contained in this 

chapter reflect recommendations from a number of contaminant 

specialists who have been involved with applying the CAP on various 

national wildlife refuges.

Prior to starting any work in the CAP data system or conducting 

field investigations, specialists should familiarize themselves with the 

refuge by studying map products and other pertinent background 

materials. For example, maps developed by federal and state 

Departments of Transportation, National Wetland Inventory, and 

USGS topographic maps can provide valuable insight regarding the 

locations of transportation corridors, land cover, and surface 

characteristics that may influence the movement of contaminants. The 

Primary Investigator should check the accuracy of the refuge's 

boundaries on all maps as inaccurate or outdated information may 

influence conclusions regarding potential sources, pathways, and 

likelihood of exposures. In reviewing these materials, the Primary 

Investigator should try to identify significant surface water pathways 

that reach the refuge. Where possible, the direction of ground water 

flow should be determined. The Primary Investigator should evaluate 

the proximity of the refuge to metropolitan, industrial, agricultural, 

and recreational areas. An analysis should be made of pipelines, 

utility lines, railroads, highways, or other transportation routes that 

cross the boundaries of the refuge or are close to the unit.

Prior to working on the CAP, it is recommended that users review 

this document and familiarize themselves with the data management 

system. The system allows users to review completed CAPs within 

their region. The user should review the various sections that 

comprise the system, particularly the order in which the sections are 

arranged. While information can be entered out of sequence, some 

fields are linked to more than one section. Data entry for the CAP is 

intended to be completed in a sequential manner.

The CAP is intended to be completed by a team consisting of 

refuge staff and a contaminant specialist. Establishing a good working 

relationship with the refuge manager and other refuge personnel will 

facilitate the Primary Investigators' ability to gather the necessary

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING 

THE CAP 3-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

information. It is highly recommended that the Primary Investigator 

arrange an interview with refuge staff to encourage the sharing of 

pertinent information.

The following attachment contains an example memo to the 

refuge manager that explains the purpose of the CAP and explains the 

need for a meeting with refuge staff. It also contains suggested 

questions that will help refuge staff prepare for the interview and may 

help reveal critical information during the interview. An interview 

with refuge staff is likely to reveal other sources of valuable, local 

information. For example, refuge staff may be able to direct the 

Primary Investigator to individuals or organizations with local 

expertise, such as state/local fish and game authorities, state and local 

EPA staff, state and local energy commissions, and local colleges or 

universities. In addition, it is recommended that the National Weather 

Service be contacted (in person or via the Internet) to determine 

seasonal weather trends, wind speeds, and wind directions for the area 

encompassing the refuge. Literature references from peer-reviewed 

journals and "grey" literature sources should also be gathered. 

Potentially valuable information for the refuge may also be found in 

the Refuge Narrative Reports, Station Management Plans, Master 

Plans, and Ecological Impact Statements. Appendix A consists of a 

checklist of information sources that should be reviewed as part of the 

retrospective analysis.

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING 

THE CAP 3-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Attachment 

Example Memo to Refuge Manager

MEMORANDUM

To: Refuge Manager

From: Environmental Contaminant Specialist

Subject: Contaminant Assessment Process

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Environmental Contaminants and Division of Refuges, in 

conjunction with the U.S. Geological Survey's Biomonitoring of Environmental Status and Trends 

Program, has developed and refined a systematic, cost-effective process for evaluating whether 

environmental contaminants pose threats to lands or biota managed by bureaus of the Department of the 

Interior (DOI), including National Wildlife Refuges. The Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP) consists 

of two parts: retrospective analysis (involving a review of existing information) and field-sampling. The 

final product is a comprehensive contaminant, geophysical, and land use profile of the unit. The CAP 

provides information to help FWS decision makers identify significant contaminant issues, prioritize 

contaminant investigations, and select remediation alternatives.

The process involves interviewing knowledgeable staff and individuals with local expertise to obtain 

information contributing to a more complete understanding of local contaminant concerns and resource 

issues. Field reconnaissance is conducted to develop a better understanding of refuge characteristics and 

evaluate potentially contaminated areas. Biogeographic and contaminant source information is acquired 

from various agency and interagency databases. Relevant information is compiled, reviewed, and entered 

into the CAP data management system. This information will help biologists and resource managers 

improve their understanding of local contaminant issues and contribute to developing resource management 

plans.

An important part of the process involves conducting interviews with refuge staff. After receiving this 

memo, I will be calling you to schedule a meeting to interview you and/or your staff. In preparation for the 

interview, please review the attached material and identify refuge information sources that may pertain to 

the topics that we will be discussing. In general, the questions are arranged according to the following 

topics:

1. Known or Suspected Contaminant Issues

2. Off-Refuge Areas Important to Trust Resources

3. Potential Contaminant Transport Pathways

4. Observed Mortality Incidents

5. Public Meetings on Contaminant Issues

6. Local Experts

7. Literature Sources

8. Refuge Characteristics/Management Activities

9. Species Lists

Thank you in advance for your assistance in this matter. I look forward to our meeting, and please call me 

if you have any questions or wish to further discuss this matter.

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING

THE CAP 3-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Attachment (continued) 

List of Questions

1. Known or Suspected Contaminant Issues

 What potentially and/or previously identified contaminated sites exist on lands under your 

stewardship/supervision?

 Have any of the following historical land uses occurred on or near the refuge that might convey 

contaminants to the unit by surface or ground water flow (including areas that may be 

hydrologically connected by dry washes, arroyos, springs, wells, etc.)?

sewage treatment plants

ranching

farming or agricultural processing plants

feedlots

logging

mining

industry

refuse dumping/burning

wrecking yards

military sites (i.e., radar installations, motor pool, exploded/unexploded munitions)

railroad tracks, depots

Are there historic or current locations which may be associated with contaminant issues, for 

example:

tailing piles

dump sites (for trash, motor oils, chemicals, etc.), pesticide/herbicide/chemical and fuel

storage lockers/tanks

industrial or other processing centers

incinerators

shooting ranges

agricultural fields

silage bins/piles

vehicle and aircraft parking/storage, fueling, or maintenance areas

electrical transformers and power generating stations

irrigation or ground water/well pumps

sites that might have had spills, concentrations of contaminants, or other areas of concern

cattle dip tanks or farm equipment spray stations

Are there any current or historic drinking/well water or consumption advisories issued on or near 

refuge lands? If so, how deep are your wells?

Are there known or suspected site(s) on or near the refuge that might require clean-up or 

remediation to remove contaminants?

Have refuge staff responded to a hazardous waste spill on-or off-refuge (when and where)?

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING 

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Attachment (continued) 

List of Questions

 If any suspected or known contaminated sites occur on government land, are the appropriate 

managing officials aware of the situations?

 Have you ever observed oil sheens or other signs of pollution on the refuge?

 Do state or county vector control agents spray pesticides on or adjacent to the refuge?

 If any suspected or known contaminated sites occur on private lands near the refuge, does the 

refuge maintain the phone numbers or means to contact the affected landowner or manager?

 Are there documented or suspected contaminant concerns that may relate directly to the

biodiversity found on the refuge, the ability to meet refuge management objectives, or that may 

impact protected species found on the refuge?

2. Local Off-Refuge Areas Important to Trust Resources

 Are there local off-refuge areas that are important to trust resources? For example, areas that 

provide:

* food/water resources

* shelter/nesting to species using the refuge (if possible, provide geographic coordinates)

3. Potential Contaminant Transport Pathways

 What are the primary surface water (rivers, creeks, washes, irrigation ditches ) and ground water 

pathways (springs, wells) located on or that traverse the refuge or which might serve to facilitate 

the movement of contaminants onto or within the unit?

 What are the local predominant wind directions?

 Are there significant seasonal variations in the predominant wind directions?

 Do refuge lands support large numbers of migratory wildlife, domesticated animals, or abundant 

populations of invertebrates? Are they treated for biting insects? If so, with what and when?

 Are livestock imported to this area from other locations (i.e., cities, counties, states, countries)?

Are there any significant corridors on or near the unit (highways, railroads, canals, shipping 

lanes, pipelines) on which potentially hazardous materials are transported?

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING

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CAP USER'S GUIDE

Attachment (continued) 

List of Questions

4. Observed Die-Oflfe

Have there been large-scale illnesses or die-offs offish, wildlife, or domestic animals in the area? 

If so, when and where? If so, to what were the die-ofls attributed? 

Have there been any instances of deformities, unusual sickness, or unsuccessful breeding in 

wildlife, plants, or domestic animals in the area? If so, when and where?

5. Public Meetings

Have any environmental and/or human health organizations held public meetings on contaminant 

issues that may be affecting the unit? If so, who are the main contacts? May we schedule a 

phone call or appointment with them on the day(s) of my visit? Do they have literature available?

6. Local Experts

 Are there knowledgeable staff, local experts, previous landowners, or current neighboring 

landowners who may have information mat might contribute to a better understanding of local 

contaminant issues potentially affecting the refuge? Would it be possible to contact them during 

the upcoming interview?

Are there any state, federal, or non-governmental organizations that might have detailed records 

of land use and management activities in this area?

7. Literature Sources

Does the refuge maintain an on-site library of references, findings from studies, or reports 

pertaining to pollution, contaminants, human and environmental health, or issues that may be 

affecting the unit? Is the material maintained at the refuge indexed?

 Do the refuge's annual reports contain information on old spill events, die-ofls, or local 

contaminant issues?

8. Refuge Characteristics/Management Activities

 Are there any management activities on the refuge that may be significant to contaminant issues?

 Are there any ongoing research or monitoring activities related to contaminant issues on the' 

refuge?

 Have baseline or reference sampling locations been identified on the refuge?

 Does the refuge engage in agriculture, silviculture, or aquaculture practices that might directly or 

indirectly contribute contaminants (pesticides, nutrients, erosion) to the unit?

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING

THE CAP 3-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Attachment (concluded) 

List of Questions

 Are there any particularly sensitive areas on Ac unit that might be adversely affected in the event 

of a contaminant release from contaminated sources on or near the refuge (i.e., nesting sites, 

wetlands, etc.)?

Species Lists/Land Use

 Does the refuge maintain plant and animal species lists? If so, can they be available for the 

interview?

 Has the refuge quantified land cover/use patterns?

 Are there detailed historic and current maps available for the refuge?

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING

THE CAP 3-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART I: CHAPTER 3. EXECUTING

THE CAP 3-8 OCTOBER 1999
PART H: GUIDANCE FOR COMPLETING 

CAP AND DATA ENTRY
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 2. Data

Management System

Operation

Section 1 of the data management system is to record information 

about the Primary Investigator, who is responsible for the content and 

findings of the contaminant assessment. The information documented 

in this section provides a point of contact for those who may have 

questions concerning the information or findings contained in this file. 

While portions of the information in the assessment may be provided 

by others (assistant contaminant specialists, refuge staff) the person 

identified in this section is responsible for quality-assuring the 

information and justifying the findings contained in this file. The CAP 

will be periodically repeated. The name of the Primary Investigator 

conducting earlier assessments should be recorded in the "Background 

Information - Contacts" section of the most recent CAP file.

The information required for this section is recorded on a single 

record. The data management system provides no direct links between 

this information and other sections.

PART II: CHAPTER 1 - 

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR 1-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Primary Investigator 

Table 1-1. Field description and examples: Primary Investigator.

Field Name

First name

Last name

Street address

City, state, zip

Phone number

e-mail

Fax

Affiliation

Notes on 

Primary 

Investigator

Content Guidance/Example

Surname and title (if appropriate) of person primarily responsible for 

information in record. Example: Susan.

Last name of person primarily responsible for information in record. 

Example: Blackford.

Street address where primary contact can be reached. 

Example: 315 Houston, Suite 3.

City, state, and zip code where primary contact can be reached. 

Example: Manhattan, KS 66502.

Phone number, including area code (and extension if needed) where 

primary contact can be reached. Example: 785-539-3474 ill.

Complete alpha-numeric e-mail address for primary contact 

Example: Susan Blackford@FWS.GOV.

FAX number, including area code where primary contact can be reached. 

Example: 785-539-8567.

Organization (including field office name, if appropriate) the Primary 

Investigator is affiliated with. Example: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Identify all individuals who assisted the Primary Investigator (i.e., 

collating, entering or interpreting information), including names of refuge 

staff or staff from other agencies. Example: Assistant Contaminant 

Specialist, Ecological Services, Kansas Field Office.

Data Entry Tips

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 20

Character limit: 60

Character limit: 20

Character limit: 50

Character limit: 

2,000. Field cannot 

be printed

PART II: CHAPTER 1 - 

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR 1-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1 Pitnarj Imvtstigmtor InforantioB 

KbwfatNWR

Flnti

Lost «-"' j

Street Address: j'f.S, tojjTOB^autt* t 

ctr/.sm>.: a, IS 6S3O2

785-839-3 «74

FAX: ft'85-539-8567

Jy.5.

NflttS OB

Contwinant Speeialivt, Ecological Servteea. 

Field Office.

Man Mean 

Help I

||SubmH:SnTt»f|| Sabmtt thl» ime trftti ftp chm»«i

ptora Oc uw oottios oa tkb poc>

Figure 1-1. Data entry screen: Primary Investigator.

PART II: CHAPTER 1 - 

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR 1-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 1 -

PRIMARY INVESTIGATOR 1-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 2. Data

Management System

Operation

Section 2 of the data management system is used to document 

existing background information that will help the investigator better 

understand local contaminant issues and the biological resources that 

could be impacted by these contaminant threats. The purpose of this 

section is to gather information from peer-reviewed journals and grey 

literature. It will also serve to document the names, affiliations, and 

contact information for individuals with expertise in the local area and 

summarize the outcomes from meetings held to discuss issues 

involving environmental contaminants. Information on point and 

nonpoint contaminant sources is documented later in the process. If no 

information is to be entered in a subsection, document this in the 

"Notes" field on the record selection menu for the section (i.e., if no 

meetings were conducted).

There are three subsections of information in this section: literature 

references, contacts, and meeting information.

An unlimited number of records can be entered for each 

subsection. The data management system does not return information 

from other databases. The names of contacts entered in this section 

are displayed in a picklist for each record in Section 2: Background 

Information - Meetings; Section 4: Local Off-Interior Lands 

Important to Trust Resources; Section 6: Contaminant Source 

Information; and Section 7: Field Reconnaissance.

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for 

Data Entry and Analysis: 

Literature References

The literature reviewed should include documents authored by 

federal, state, educational institutions, and local environmental 

agencies. Focus should be placed on documenting contaminant 

sources, pathways, and receptors. The following list provides 

examples of the types of citations that may be relevant to the

contaminant assessment.

 refuge narrative reports

 die-ofis, deformities, population declines, and suspected 

causes

 known contaminant sources and released clean-up activities for 

species affected, (i.e., oil spills, pesticide over-spray events)

 reports or results from previous research, surveys, and 

compliance monitoring efforts

 descriptions of sensitive habitats/communities

 notable changes in physical conditions (i.e., droughts, floods, 

eutrophication, sedimentation, water quality)

 planning documents describing activities for refuges that could 

potentially contribute to contamination problems (livestock, 

weed eradication, pesticide use, water management, recreation)

 documentation supporting selection of potential reference site 

locations or data

 federal, state, and local regulations that require periodic data 

collection or monitoring

 comprehensive conservation plans

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 2 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 2-1. Field descriptions and examples: Background Information'- Literature References.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Tide Document citations which may support a better understanding 

of contaminant issues affecting the refuge. Example: Planning 

Aid Report: Instream Flow and Analysis-Solomon River 

Basin. KS.

Character limit: 80 

"#" or """not allowed

Reference 

citation

Provide the full citation for the journal article or report that is 

being referenced. Example: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 

1993. Planning Aid Report: Instream Flow and Stream 

Analyses of the Solomon River Basin, Kansas. USFWS 

unpublished report.

Character limit: 250

Contaminant

sources 

identified in 

reference

Document the types of contaminant sources (point and 

nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the reference 

does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a selection 

from the picklist. Example: Other.

Picklist: 70 selections. 

Defaults to "Not 

Applicable". Multiple 

selections can be made.

Contaminant 

categories 

identified in 

reference

Document the contaminant categories that are described in the 

reference. If the reference does not describe a contaminant 

category, do not make a selection from the picklist. Example: 

Water Quality Parameters.

Picklist: 64 selections. 

Defeults to "Not 

Applicable". Multiple 

selections can be made.

Brief

description of 

the information 

in this reference

Summarize the focus of the citation, if appropriate methods, 

results, and conclusions/inferences were drawn by the 

investigator. Species, habitats, contaminant sources, and types 

evaluated in the reference should be identified. The abstract of 

the citation can be entered here. Example: Evaluation of 

streams in the Solomon River basin to assess their 

conditions, problems and needs. Instream flow 

recommendations determined for the North Fork Solomon 

River which flows into Kirwin Reservoir and Kirwin NWR. 

Low flow is a substantial limiting factor affecting basin 

streams. Sedimentation from nonpoint agricultural runoff 

and bank erosion is also identified as a major limiting factor 

for the North Fork Solomon River.

Character limit: 2,000

Relevance of 

reference to 

assessment

Explain how the information presented in the citation supports 

a clearer understanding of contaminant issues at the refuge. 

Example: Report identifies loss of flow and sedimentation as 

the major limiting factors of habitat suitability for fish 

species of the North Fork Solomon River feeds Kirwin 

Reservoir and Kirwin NWR.

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2 Background Lrfomtation Literature References 

KbwfaNWR

Mam Menu 

Section Mewl

TUB of the reference nataiial. (Do not use * er " fa this field.)

planning Aid Report; Instreae) Flos and StressiAnalysis of the Sol 

Cenplete reference iliaUun,

anon River Basin, Kansas

U.S. Fish and Blldlite Service. 1993. Planning Aid 

Report i Instreos) Flo* and Sereea laaysis of the 

River Basin, Kansas. B.3. Fish and Wildlife Service 

reporc.

SOURCES ldratifl*« in tUs nftnvnra

JAcadtrt spils 

lAdhMMt and iiatant* manuf. 

JAgnculurtl - MD«! spny 

lAariculwal - drainwattr

Contambsnt CATEGORIES idatttad fa tkls reference

Ej

I ...............1

BrtafdMotptts* eftha tafonattoB fa thic ratarencs

Airtaoma Gasaouc Polutants 

Aiitaoma Particulataa 

Alkahratr 

Aluminum

Evaluation of stream in the Solemn River baain to 

aaaeaa their conditions, problesjs and needs, 

flow recriMM nrlations were determined tor the stra 

including tha North Fork SolOBon River which flees 

Klrein Reservoir and Kirvln HTO. Report states that 

the anat aubstantial Halting factor affecting streeas ^j

Coaaunts about tha raleraace af tfaii raferaaca to tha contandnaat aiMsnuot

Report identifies loss of flow and sedlaentation as thelp 

tor Halting factors of habitat suitability for fish ^\ 

species of the North rock Solanon River ehich flovs 

into Kirvln Reservoir and Kirvln mm. « 

i 

J

Ignore the aaw eotriat on this paga

Delete this record

Figure 2-1. Data entry screen: Background Information - Literature References.

PART II: CHAPTER 2 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 4. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Contacts

Personal contacts may provide historic and current information 

that is not readily available from other sources. The types of contacts 

that should be documented as part of the assessment include people 

with contaminant, biological, hydrological, and management 

expertise. The following list provides examples of the types of experts 

that may provide valuable background information for the assessment.

 local and regional refuge management staff

 agricultural extension agents (knowledgeable on pesticide use)

 environmental engineers with responsibilities at industrial or 

municipal facilities

 conservation organization personnel

 state water and air quality authorities

 state and federal contacts with oversight responsibilities for 

Superfund sites

 local, state, or federal emergency response personnel

 irrigation district personnel

 local fish and game personnel

 local FWS law enforcement agents

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 2 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 2-2. Field descriptions and examples: Background Information - Contacts.

Field Name

First name

Last name

Street address

City, state, zip

Phone number

e-mail

Fax

Affiliation

Contaminant 

sources linked 

to contact

Contaminant 

categories 

linked to 

contact

Brief 

description of 

this contact

Relevance of 

reference to 

assessment

Content Guidance/Example

Surname and title (if appropriate) of contact. Example: Bruce

Last name of contact. Example: Schoonover.

Street address where contact can be reached. 

Example: 423 Hatchery Circle.

City, state, and zip code where contact can be reached. 

Example: Spearfish, SD 57783-4643.

Phone number, including area code (and extension if needed) 

where contact can be reached. Example: 605-642-7730.

Complete alpha-numeric e-mail address for primary contact. 

Example: bruce schoonover@mail.fws.eov.

Fax number, including area code, where primary contact can be 

reached. Example: (605) 642-7700.

Organization (including field office name if appropriate) that the 

primary contact is affiliated with. 

Example: USFWS Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist. Example: Other.

Use this picklist to document the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the reference does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist. 

Example: Water Quality Parameters.

Summarize the contacts' expertise as it applies to the current 

assessment. Provide a brief synopsis of the individuals' 

knowledge base and the type of information that the contact 

would likely be capable of providing. Example: Bruce was the 

Refuge Manager for many years until 1996. He is now 

stationed at the DC Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery.

Explain how the expertise of the contact could support a clearer 

understanding of contaminant issues at the refuge. Example: 

Historic information about Kirwin NWR

Data Entrv Tips

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 20

Character limit: 60

Character limit: 20

Character limit: 50

Picklist: Up to 70 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable".

Picklist: Up to 64 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable".

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2 Background Information Contacts 

KbwfmNWR

Man Mean 

Section Mean I 

Help

Flnti I"

Ischooaever 

Street Address: F

 ...!

. Up- jilpeartlsh. 3P 

Phone Namher: f

SOURCES Baked to Ola cutset

Accident - spilt

Adhesteas ind sealants manuf. 

Agriculural aerial spray 

Agricukural drainwatar

Contaminant CATEGORIES naked to tUs contact

Airtaoma Gasaout Polutantt 

Airborne Particdatas 

Alkalinity 

Aluminum

Brief dmrripttea fthis ceatact (afflliatlOB. vxpntisa.

BEUCC mta the Refuge Banager for May year* until 1996. 

He Is nov tatloned at the DC Booth Historic National 

Flah Batohery.

M

ComaiirnU about tka rclBranca this caatact has to die contaminant assassment

Hlatorlc infocvatlon about Klrvln H¥R.

Submit tUs page frith the dsugas

Ignora the aaw entries on this page

Delete tills record

Figure 2-2. Data entry screen: Background Information - Contacts.

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Meetings

Meetings where refuge-related contaminant issues are discussed 

should be described. In particular, recommendations and decisions 

coming out of the meetings should be documented. Some examples of 

meetings that should be described include:

 endangered species listing hearings

 meetings with conservation groups

 restoration planning meetings

 Coordination Act Activities (permit reviews)

 internal project coordination meetings

 NRDA or NEPA public meetings

 meetings relating to fish and wildlife management or concerns

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 2 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-11 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 2-3. Field descriptions and examples: Background Information - Meetings.

Field Name

Title/topic of 

the meeting

Meeting date

Meeting 

organizer(s)

First name

Last name

Brief 

description of 

this meeting

Relevance this 

meeting has to 

the assessment

Content Guidance/Example

Give the complete title of the meeting. If the meeting was not 

officially named, provide a descriptive meeting title. If no 

meetings have been held, enter "No meeting information 

available". Example: Public meeting to discuss ground water 

contamination at Stuttgart Oil Company.

Provide the date(s) of the meeting. Example: April 12, 1997.

Review the picklist provided and select appropriate name. If the 

name of the meeting organizer does not appear on the picklist, 

enter the name of the organizer in the following fields. Example: 

Susan Blackford.

Surname and title (if appropriate) of contact. Example: Dr. 

Fritz.

Last name of contact. Example: Knopf.

Summarize the purpose for the meeting, topics, and concerns 

that were discussed, and decisions that were reached (if any). 

Example: An informational meeting was sponsored by the 

U.S. EPA to update local stakeholders on the status of efforts 

to clean up carbon tetrachloride found in domestic wells near 

the Stuttgart Oil Company. Ground water models were 

discussed.

Explain how the information developed through the meeting is 

related to understanding contaminant issues at the refuge. 

Example: Ground water models discussed at meeting 

indicate that carbon tetrachloride sources at site are not 

hydrologicallv connected to aquifers proximal to refuge

Data Entry Tips

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 20

Picklist: Displays 

names of contacts 

previously entered in 

Section 2.

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-12 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2 Background InfooutfoB Meetings 

KfawfaNWR

Mem Mean I

Section Menu I

Help I

TUIa/Topic «f the Meeti&c:

Public Meeting eo discuss groundvater eoBteaiaatioa at Stuttgart Oil CoBpany

Mesttac Data: JAprii 12, 1997

Add BUM to th* ttst of Butting orgnizcrt:

Britf dcsertpttra oftUf m»ttta» (t»ple, concvnu. _)

in£onMtlOB*l Beating w*a ponsorvd by the U.S. KPi 

to update local mate holders on th« «t«cua of ftena 

to clean up carbon tatraehloride found in done*tic 

veils aear the Stuctgarc Oil Company. Crouadvater 

 odels ware dleeussed.

CmnnntU about Uu raleramei this maetfag bu to the contnnfaajrt mimanaat

Crouadvacer odels dlaeuaaed ac eecino indieace that 

earboa cecraebloride aoureea at site are not 

hydrologicelly connected to aquifers proxlaal to

thli pan with the ehaogBf

I Ignore the B.IW mtrlii on this page

Delete this racord

Figure 2-3. Data entry screen: Background Information - Meetings.

PART II: CHAPTER 2 - 

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-13 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 2 -

BACKGROUND INFORMATION 2-14 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 2. Data

Management System

Operation

Section 3 of the data management system is used to document the 

geophysical context, wildlife resources, management activities, and 

strategies of the refuge. Information documented in this section will 

provide a better understanding of the biological receptors that may be 

sensitive to contaminants In addition, it will give the Primary 

Investigator insight into land use activities on and off the refuge that 

may influence contaminant transport and effects. The information 

collected in this step will support a broader understanding of the 

relationships that exist between the wildlife resources, habitats, and 

management actions of the refuge.

There are four information subsections in this section of the data 

management system. A finite number of records are available for each 

subsection [General Information (7); Plant and Animal Species (23); 

Land Cover/Land Use (26); and Management Activity (10)]. The data 

management system automatically queries and returns available 

information from RMIS for each record within the subsection. The 

RMIS information is read-only and cannot be edited by CAP users. 

Vegetation types were derived from the National Vegetation 

Classification System.

Initially, the topics for the General Information subsection are 

listed under the heading 'Topics Not Addressed." As information is 

entered for the topics, they are moved and listed under 'Topics 

Addressed." Similarly, topics for the Species Assessment, Land 

Cover/Land Use, and Management Activity subsections are listed 

under the heading "Not Applicable." As information is entered for 

topics for these subsections, they are moved to the heading "[topic] 

Addressed." If no information is entered into records within the 

subsection, the database will default to "Not Applicable." Information 

entered into these four subsections is not automatically linked to other 

sections.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for The General Information subsection involves entering information 

Data Entry and Analysis: for a finite number of topics that apply to the refuge. Given the 

General Information generic nature of the information required in this subsection, the user

should be able to enter comments for all the topics. Guidance for 

entering information for the "Comments on [topic]" and "Relevance to 

the Contaminant Assessment" fields are provided below. Because all 

of the data entry screens for this subsection are identical in format, 

only one example is provided.

Biodiversity: Comments: Describe particular efforts underway at the refuge to enhance or protect the diversity of 

life across a spectrum of organizational levels, including genetic, population, community, ecosystem, 

and landscape. Specific efforts may give an indication of species or habitats that are of special 

concern to refuge management

Relevance: Describe how contaminants may influence the refuge's ability to achieve management 

objectives related to biodiversity.

Description: Comments: Provide details about the refuge including its location, size, climate, dominant physical 

and biological features that may influence this assessment

Relevance: Describe how the geophysical characteristics or administrative considerations (i.e., water 

rights or conservation easements) of the refuge might influence the degree to which contaminants 

reach the unit or whether they might tend to influence their impacts.

Documented Contaminant Concerns: Comments: List any contaminant concerns that have been documented at 

the refuge. Concerns that could be considered "documented" include those which have been 

evaluated through field observations or the application of biological or chemical analysis techniques. 

Relevance: Describe how the documented contaminant concerns might impact FWS-managed 

habitats or species.

Geographic Location of Area: Comments: Describe the geographic location of the refuge. Note any unusual

circumstances regarding its location relative to administrative (state, county boundaries), legislative, 

(congressional district) or hydrological boundaries. Describe its proximity to urban centers, 

agricultural operations, and its orientation within the watershed. Describe any internal divisions of 

the refuge.

Relevance: Describe how the geophysical characteristics of the refuge might influence the degree to 

which contaminants reach the unit or whether they might tend to maximize their impacts.

Refuge Purpose and Goals: Comments: Summarize the "legal purposes'1 for which the refuge was established 

and any internally-approved conservation or recreation goals. If no information is returned from 

RMIS, check with staff for citations listing the refuge purpose(s) and goals. 

Relevance: Note how contaminants might impact any conservation recovery or protection goals set 

by the refuge.

Other/Suspected Contaminant Concerns: Comments: List any potential contaminant concerns at the refuge

that, while suspected, have not been documented through field observations or analytical methods.

Relevance: Describe how any suspected contaminant concerns might impact FWS-managed habitats

or species. 

Threatened/Endangered Species: Comments: List the names of threatened and endangered species that reside or

use refuge habitat. Describe any management objectives for these species.

Relevance: Describe how potential contaminant issues on the unit might affect or influence the

success of restoration or recovery efforts underway.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 3-1. Field descriptions and examples: Assessment Considerations - General Information.

Field Name

Data from 

RMIS/ 

CIMAS

Comments on 

{topic}

Relevance to 

assessment

Content Guidance/Example

The system returns information from either RMIS or CIMAS 

for all fields in this section except biodiversity and refuge 

purpose and goals.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3 of this Chapter and 

enter relevant information in the field.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3 of this Chapter and 

enter relevant information in the field.

Data Entry Tips

Read only. 

Information derived 

from database queries.

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3 G«nenl lafermadoB 

Ktmta NWR - Btodtantty

Mam Menu

Section Menu I

Help I

Data torn RMIS:

Noio&nailiaamaible.

The refuge provides aaay types o£ habitat to support 

diver*e population* ot aniaala. Ptte to the Retuge'a 

location Bear tae geoorapblcal center ot ten 

coaciacntal Vnltcd Statca, it tmiim wiUUo the cxtreH

me* of bird apeclra XEOD mil z««a a£ eta country. 

To date, 200 apecie* of birds hare been identified on

iJv

I

I

Ipum ttw amr andias on ttit page

Figure 3-1. Data entry screen: General Infonnation - Biodiversity.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 4. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Species Assessment

This Section is used to document characteristics about species 

present at the refuge that may influence their exposure or 

susceptibility to environmental contaminants. The purpose of this 

section is NOT to document the presence of every species present at 

the refuge. Rather, the purpose is to ensure that the Primary 

Investigator reviews the categories of animals in order to make 

plausible links between species and potential contaminant threats. 

Considerations that should be documented include factors that may 

increase the likelihood that species are exposed to environmental 

contaminants. These include behavioral, temporal, or spatial 

considerations that may result in a species co-occurring with 

contaminants. Information about known species sensitivities to 

contaminants or life-stages sensitivities should be documented. 

Population declines that might be related to contaminant effects 

should also be noted. Where appropriate, document situations where 

species have been monitored in an area or used in studies or 

considered indicators for contaminant exposure or effects. Resident 

freshwater fish species and resident marine fish species should be 

entered under the "Other aquatic species" category.

Amphibians 

Exotic/pest species 

Mammals - terrestrial 

Other freshwater species 

Other species 

Raptors 

Shorebirds 

Waterfowl

 Anadromous fishes

 Macroinvertebrates

 Non-mammal marine organisms

 Other migratory birds

 Plants - aquatic

 Reptiles

 State listed/candidate

 Wildlife, other resident species

Catadromous fishes/invertebrates

Mammals - marine

Other aquatic birds

Other resident birds

Plants - terrestrial

Seabirds

Federal T&E/candidate species

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 3-2. Field descriptions and examples: Assessment Considerations - Species Assessment.

Field Name

Data from 

RMIS

Comments on 

(topic)

Relevance to 

assessment

Content Guidance/Example

The RMIS system currently does not contain specific 

information that can be used in this form. This link is primarily 

a placeholder in the event that this information becomes 

available in the future.

Review the guidance contained in the Section 3, page 3-2 of 

this Chapter and enter relevant information in the field.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3, page 3-2 of this 

Chapter and enter relevant information in the field.

Data Entry Tips

Readonly. 

Information derived 

from database queries.

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3 Assessment CoBsUentions Spedct 

Assc

Man Menu 

Section Menu I 

Hdpl

DattfranRMIS: 

No nfonnabm rabble. 

CmnsBti en species i

Thirty-nine epaciee of reptiles end anphlblans 

potentially occur in Philip* County. Ho 

Federally-lilted threatened or endangered reptiles or

hlfilana occur OB the rezuoe. The presence ot c«o 

State 'speeiee in need ox conservation', the eastern 

and vestern hog-aoee snake, has been continaea.

Retermceta

Pestieidee on the

for reptile and aaphltolan speclee

eXuge could poee a serious problen

I

pare flu mew entries an this pan

Delete thb record

Figure 3-2. Data entry screen: Assessment Considerations - Species Assessment.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Land Cover/Land Use

The Land Cover/Land Use subsection is used to document 

landscape characteristics and vegetation patterns on and near the 

refuge that may influence the presence, transport, or fate of 

environmental contaminants. Shifts in historic land use patterns, 

descriptions of dominant plant communities, exotic species, and 

impacts from human activities (urbanization, silviculure, agriculture) 

on the landscape and distribution of vegetation are some factors that 

should be documented. Entries for the appropriate categories should 

provide the location and extent of the vegetation type. Note in 

particular any overlap between potentially contaminated landscape 

features which may be preferred habitat for certain species, which 

increase their exposure risk. Information sources include National 

Wetland Inventory maps, GAP analyses products, refuge-specific 

maps, and Natural Heritage Maps.

Agricultural lands 

Deciduous shrubland 

Evergreen dwarf shrubland 

Evergreen woodland 

Forb-dominated vegetation 

Managed wetlands 

Other habitat 

Saltflats/mudflats 

Tall grassland

Deciduous dwarf shrubland

Deciduous woodland

Evergreen forest

Ext. xeromorphic dwarf shrubland

Hydromorphic freshwater vegetation

Marine

Other wetlands

Short grassland

Tundra

Deciduous forest

Estuarine

Evergreen shrubland

Ext. xeromorphic shrubland

Lake/pond/impoundment

Medium-tall grassland

Riverine

Strandland (beach)

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-11 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 3-3. Field description and examples: Assessment Considerations - Land Cover/Land Use.

Field Name

Data from

RMIS

Comments on 

{topic}

Relevance to 

assessment

Content Guidance/Example

The RMIS system currently does not contain specific

information that can be used in this form. This link is primarily 

a placeholder in the event that this information becomes 

available in the future.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3, page 3-2 of this 

Chapter and enter relevant information in the field.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3, page 3-2 of this 

Chapter and enter relevant information in the field.

Data Entry Tins

Read only.

Information derived 

from database queries.

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-12 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3 - Assessment CoBsUentions - Land Cover/Laid Use 

Assess.

Klnfhi NWR - AfricBtanl Lnds

MfJoMenu 

Sectoo Menu I 

Hdp

DottfromRMIS:

No nfonDJ&oi svauiiblc.

Cannnsats en land asefaUcoTsz/BBhhat data:

Approximately 95% of all texu0* vplands MC« * 

prior to Cev«ca«nt acqulvlcloa. Following ij 

 equlsitloft, areas Identified * sot being nttoble for! 

tmrmlag were taken oat of production with the better 1 

areas being retained tor wildlife food productloo. Thej 

Keruge currently has approximately 1,600 acres at \

RaUrsnct to contnnJBant astatsneat:

Old converted cropland and current cropland should be 

evaluated *or the presence ot lingering agricultural ffj 

cbsBicals such as arsenic, DDT, ocgmnochlorines, etc.

1

I Sabntt tfds p«f e nttfa the cbangss

iP»lEli>iiiffl| IBPBTS ths asw nttios en tail pam

IJSIBJI Deleta Ihls record

Figure 3-3. Data entry screen: Assessment Considerations 

Land Cover/Land Use.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-13 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Management Activity

The Management Activity subsection is used to document ongoing 

or historic resource management actions taken at the refuge. 

Considerations that should be documented include land uses 

associated with extracting natural resources, public and military use, 

and agriculture. Note habitat effects (i.e., erosion, leaching, and acid 

drainage) which may be associated with extractive, recreation, and 

military land uses. Ongoing and historic research efforts and water 

management operations should be noted. Describe oil/gas operations, 

pipelines, farming, and subsistence fishing/hunting under the category "Other."

Information entered in the Comments field should focus on 

describing the location, scale, intensity, and duration of the activities. 

Information entered in the Relevance field should focus on interpreting 

how these activities might influence the presence, movement, or fate 

or effects of environmental contaminants on the unit.

Grazing

Mining

Previous baseline or reference

Wilderness

Logging

On-site pest management activities

Recreational activities

Military

Other use

Research for species not

T&E monitoring

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-14 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-15 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 3-4. Field descriptions and examples: Assessment Considerations - Management Activity.

Field Name

Data from

RMIS

Comments on 

{topic}

Relevance to 

assessment

Content Guidance/Example

The RMIS system currently does not contain specific

information that can be used in this form. This link is primarily 

a placeholder in the event that this information becomes 

available in the future.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3 of this Chapter and 

enter relevant information in the field.

Review the guidance contained in Section 3 of this Chapter and 

enter relevant information in the field.

Data Entrv Tips

Read only.

Information derived 

from database queries.

Character limit: 2,000

Character limit: 2,000

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-16 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3 Assessment CoBddentdons Management Activity 

Assessment

Kbwm NWR -

MniMeBul 

Section Mem I 

Help

DscmftnmRMIS:

Crazing is used to as part of the grassland anafpenent 

plan co Maintain and enhance tha habitat of native 

species of flora and fauna. Cess are used to slwlate 

tne gracing once petorscd by bison and enter vildllXe. 

Gracing is used Co decrease undesirable species and 

increase desirable species. Vnea properly used.

RdsTsneets

I 

I

Sionlt ttti paga tHft the cbeaces

Delete this record

Figure 3-4. Data entry screen: Assessment Considerations 

Management Activity.

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT 

CONSIDERATIONS 3-17 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 3 - ASSESSMENT

CONSIDERATIONS 3-18 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

 ^,n^uminuK^ wmm^mmmmmmmmmmm^ ^^^Wim^m^^of^^

Section 1. Overview

Contamination Level 1

Section 4 of the data management system is used to identify local 

areas surrounding the refuge where trust species might be exposed to 

contaminants. Because the movement of trust species is rarely 

confined to FWS-managed lands, a comprehensive assessment must 

include an evaluation of areas beyond FWS-management boundaries 

that may pose direct or indirect contaminant exposure risks. Trust 

species may be exposed to contaminants on local areas outside the 

boundary of the refuge that provide feeding, rearing, or nesting 

habitats. In some cases, these areas may be outside the identified 

AOIs for the various transport pathways. This part of the assessment 

can provide important clues in situations where trust species have 

experienced die-offs or declines in the absence of contaminated refuge 

habitats.

Once the areas are identified, the Primary Investigator should 

evaluate the likelihood that biological resources might be exposed to 

ecologically significant amounts of environmental contaminants. To 

document threats posed to biological resources using these sites, these 

areas are categorized according to the level of known or suspected 

level of contamination. The level of contamination at each site should 

be assigned according to the guidelines provided in this section. 

Information provided by refuge biologists, local experts, or other 

sources identified in Section 2 - Background Information of the data 

management system should be reviewed as the basis for assigning the 

level of contamination at the areas. In some cases, field 

reconnaissance visits may be necessary to document the potential level 

of contamination at the identified areas.

The primary purpose of this step in the CAP is to characterize the 

intrinsic level of contamination at the site that may result in exposure 

of biological resources. Occasionally, activities at the identified areas 

will result in the release of contaminants from point or nonpoint 

sources that may reach the refuge. In these cases, point and nonpoint 

sources located at the site should be documented in Section 6 - 

Contaminant Source Information.

Known contaminant sources and documented contamination 

problems and/or habitat degradation.

 Contaminant presence and effects have been identified and 

documented at this location.

- Contaminant is present and is a threat to the system and/or

humans

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

 Significant effects to the system have been observed (die-ofis, 

morphological/physiological/behavioral effects, habitat 

degradation, etc.). However, the specific cause(s) might not be 

known.

 Regulatory levels have been reached for a contaminant or a 

contamination event has occurred to initiate mitigative/ 

remedial actions or additional studies.

 A contaminant problem has been identified at this location 

and mitigative or remediation measures have been 

implemented to resolve the problem. However, the situation 

still requires special studies or long-term monitoring to 

verify that the mitigation/remediation activities are effective.

Contamination Level 2 Known contaminant sources and contaminant presence, no

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Contaminants very likely (or known) to exist or to be moving 

to this location, but a specific problem has not been identified.

 Contaminant sources exist upstream (upgradient, upwind) 

within close proximity to or on the refuge.

 Regulatory requirements relevant to monitoring are not being 

adequately addressed at this location.

Contamination Level 3 Known contaminant sources, suspected contaminant presence, no

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Potential contaminant sources exist.

 Suspected sources exist on or off the refuge and transport 

pathways have been identified to this location. However, 

contaminants have a low probability of reaching this site and 

affecting the system.

Contamination Level 4 No known contaminant sources other than global atmospheric

input and no known habitat degradation.

 Relatively uncontaminated location intersected by a 

transportation route.

 No known or suspected contaminant sources (other than 

those associated with the transportation route).

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

- Transportation route (railway, highway, navigation channel) is 

upstream, upwind, or upgradient and is known as a route for 

carriers of various hazardous substances.

 No known degradation of the resource. However, future spills at 

the site are a credible concern.

Section 2. Data The information required for this section is recorded on as many 

Management System records as necessary. Names of contacts listed in this section of the 

Operation data management system are derived from those entered in Section 2 

Background Information: Contacts. Names of contacts added in this 

section are also automatically appended to the picklist of individuals 

recorded in Section 2 - Background Information: Contacts.

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Local Off-Interior Lands Important to 

Trust Resources

Table 4-1. Field descriptions and examples: Local Off-Interior Lands Important to Trust Resources.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Name of the 

area

Enter the name of the area used by trust resources or give it an 

identification number. Example: Adjacent Agricultural Lands.

Character limit: 80

Location/ 

Address

Enter a description of the area and/or a street address to assist in 

locating the area. Example: The adjacent agricultural lands 

include lands upstream (south) from the refuge as well as two 

parcels which are within refuge boundaries but that are 

farmed by a private landowner. The two parcels are located 

outside the dike on the east side of the refuge. Although the 

Nisqually Indian Tribe officially manages these areas, the past 

owner has life use of the property and continues to hay the 

area. Primarily to the south of the refuge agricultural, dairy, 

and livestock operations exist These farmlands are in the same 

watershed as the refuge; therefore, land practices such as 

burning, plowing, fertilizer use and pesticide use could 

potentially influence refuge water and air quality..

Character limit: 2,000

UTNi Coordinates. Enter either Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM) 01 latitude and longitude coordinates) 

that correspond to the approximate center of the identified area.

UTM"X" 

(easting)

UTM"Y" 

(northing)

UTM zone

Enter the 6-digit UX" UTM coordinate for the area. 

Example: None given.

Enter the 7-digit UY" UTM coordinate for the area. 

Example: None given.

Enter the 2 -digit UTM zone identifier in which the coordinates are 

located. Example: None given.

Character limit: 6 

V not allowed.

Character limit: 7 

"," not allowed.

Character limit: 2 

V not allowed.

Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Enter the degrees of latitude for the identified area. Example: 

None given.

Enter the minutes of latitude for the identified area. Example: 

None given.

Enter the seconds of latitude for the identified area. Example: 

None given.

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 4 Local Off-Interior Areas Important to 

Trust Resources

NisquaJlyNWR

Main Menu I 

Section Menu 

Help I

Name of the area

[Adjacent Agricultural Lands

Please enter at least one of the folkming: location of the area, UTM Coordinates (X and Y),

PTI tfjt u nft

Location/Address

The adjacent agricultural lands include lands upstream £ 

(south) trim the refuge as veil as two parcels which jj 

are within refuge boundaries but that are fanned by a f 

private landowner. The two parcels are located outside 

the dike on the east side of the refuge. Although the 

Nisqually Indian Tribe officially Manages these areas.

UTM Coordinates

xl i.

UTM Zone

Latitude

i " 

Degrees j ; Minutes; i Seconds

Figure 4.1 Data entry screen: Local Off-Interior Lands Important to Trust 

Resources.

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 4-1. Continued.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Enter the degrees of longitude (up to 3 digits) for the identified 

area. Example: None given.

Enter the minutes of longitude for the identified area. Example: 

None given.

Enter the seconds of longitude for the identified area. Example: 

None given.

Character limit: 4 

("-" in N. America)

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Level of Contamination

Select the level 

of contamination 

that applies to 

this area

Based on the guidance in this chapter, select one of the four 

contamination levels displayed on the data entry screen that best 

describes the area. Example: Level 1 - Known contaminant 

sources and documented contamination problems and/or 

habitat degradation.

Radio button. Single 

selection allowed.

Description of 

areas'

importance to 

study

Describe the extent and geophysical characteristics of the area. 

Describe value of area to trust resources (feeding, nesting, 

rearing). Identify times of year that the area is used by trust 

resources. Provide supporting information concerning known or 

suspected contaminants present in the area if it is assigned a 

contamination level of 1-3. Note if any contaminant monitoring or 

investigations have taken place in the area. Where appropriate, 

identify potential for trust species to bioaccumulate and transport 

contaminants to the refuge. Example: Although contaminants 

associated with the haying practice within refuge boundaries 

have not been documented, they are suspected. These and 

other adjacent farmlands are used to grow crops and are 

subject to a wide range of pesticide treatments, including some 

pesticides, such as aldicarb and parathion not currently 

allowed on refuge lands. Aerial drift of pesticides from these 

lands or leaching to irrigation waters on refuge lands may 

occur. Finally, fecal coliform from upstream agricultural 

practices have been documented and the habitat, namely 

shellfish habitat, has been adversely effected especially 

following storm events by the conditional closure of shellfish 

harvest

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Degrees [3Zj Minutes J^J Seconds [^Zj

Select the level of contamination thai applies to this area

f. Level 1 - Known punfamwiant sources »"d documented ^f»nta»mmafinn problems and/or 

habitat degradation

ICfiOWZl COQt8DBI18Dt SOUTCCS ttlu CQfl£dD3iT18D£ PfCSCDCCp HO QOCUZQdXtCu

<" Level 3 - Known contaminant sources, suspected contaminant presence, no documented 

contaminant problems or habitat degradation

<"* Level 4 - No known contaminant sources other man global atmospheric input and no known 

habitat degradation

Description of area and importance to study: (If Levels 1-3 were chosen, enter rationale of why 

this is a known contaminant source).

Jllthoucrh contaminants associated with the 

practice within refuge boundaries have not been 

documented, they are suspected. These and other 

adjacent £arolanda are used to grov crops and are 

subject to a vide range of pesticide treatments, 

including some pesticides, such as aldicarb and 

parathion not currently alloved on refuge lands. 

Aerial drift of pesticides from these lands or leaching 

to irrigation waters on refuge lands may occur. 

Finally, fecal coliforn from upstream agricultural

Figure 4-1. Continued.

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 4-1. Concluded.

Field Name

Contacts 

linked to this 

area

Content Guidance/Example

Select name of contact with information about area from 

pickiist. If the contact's name is not displayed in the picklist, 

enter the new name in the fields provided. Add a name to the 

contacts list. Existing names can be selected or the name of a 

new contact entered in the section titled "Add a new name to 

contact list". Example: Bill Cleland, Bob Wollrich.

Data Entry Tips

Picklist: Multiple 

selections allowed. 

Defeultsto MNone". 

Click on one or more 

names in picklist.

Add a New Name to the Contacts List

First name

Last name

Enter the first name of the contact that has information 

regarding the identified area. Example: Mr. Brian R.

Enter the last name of the contact that has information 

regarding the identified area. Example: Smith.

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Contacts linked to this area:

Bill Cleland 

Bob Woolrich 

Jay Davis

WillardBill'Hesselbart 

Brandan McFarland

Add a new name to the contacts Ust

First name J 

Last name

Sobmtt this page with the changes

Ignore the new entries on this page

Delete this record

Figure 4-1. Concluded.

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 4 - LOCAL OFF-INTERIOR

AREAS IMPORTANT TO TRUST RESOURCES

AND ASSESSMENT 4-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 5 of the data management system is used to identify and 

describe the physical characteristics and relative importance of the 

contaminant transport pathways for each contaminant transport 

mechanism. As explained in Part 1 - Chapter 2, contaminant transport 

pathways are identifiable avenues within a transport mechanism 

through which the bulk of transported contaminants move. 

Contaminant transport mechanisms refers to the media that carries 

contaminants from their sources through the environment to receptors 

(organisms or habitats). Four transport mechanisms are considered in 

this assessment: surface water, ground water, air, and biota. 

Delineating the AOI and identifying the pathways for each mechanism 

focuses the analyses of contaminant sources to areas where released 

chemicals are likely to reach the refuge.

Do not use this section to enumerate contaminant source 

information. Document individual source information in Section 6: 

Contaminant Source Information.

Section 2. Data

Management System

Operation

There are four subsections of information required in this section:

surface water 

air

ground water 

biota

An unlimited number of records can be entered for surface water, 

ground water, and biota. Eight records (one for each cardinal 

direction) are available for the air transport subsection. The names of 

pathways in this section are displayed in a picklist for each record in 

Section 6: Contaminant Source Information. Maps displaying the 

extent of the AOIs (8-digit HUC and the 150 km buffer) are available 

by selecting the "View Maps" option on the Main Menu.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Surface Water

Describe the location, drainage, and general characteristics of 

rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and canals within the AOI (i.e., the 8- 

digit HUC) that could directly or indirectly convey contaminants from 

their sources to the refuge. This information provides the user with a 

broader understanding of the hydrological characteristics in the 

watershed that could transport contaminants to the refuge. This 

section should not be used to describe individual contaminant 

sources -which may discharge into the pathway. Source identification 

is performed in Section 6: Contaminant Source Information.

Currently, the data management system provides a small scale 

(coarse) map depicting the extent of the 8-digit HUC. This map does 

not provide sufficient detail to allow the identification of individual 

surface waterbodies. It is recommended that users identify surface 

water features within the HUC by using appropriately scaled digital 

or hardcopy USGS topographic or National Wetland Inventory maps.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 5 -

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 5-1. Field descriptions and examples: Transport Pathways - Surface Water.

Field Name Content Guidance/Exanmle Data Entry Tips

Name of the 

watercourse

Identify lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, canals, estuaries, and tidal 

influences which may convey contaminants from their sources to the 

refuge. Example; Bow Creek._________________

Character limit: 80

Describe the 

location of the 

item in relation 

to the Interior 

land

Document the location of standing waterbodies and the course of 

flowing waterbodies relative to the refuge boundaries. Describe onand off-refuge habitats associated with the waterbodies. Describe the 

strength and precocity of tidal influences. Example: Flows into the 

south end of the reservoir/refuge.

Character limit: 2,000

Description 

and/or comments 

about the surface 

item and its 

importance to 

the study

Describe dominant land uses in the drainage of the surface 

waterbody. Document gradient and flow for streams and rivers 

(average discharge, seasonal fluctuations). Identify any ratings 

assigned by state or federal regulatory authorities to the waterbody. 

Describe any documented water quality issues affecting the 

waterbody (turbidity, increased temperature, high alkalinity). Do not 

use this field to document contaminant point sources. Example: 

Bow Creek contributes a significant portion of water to the 

Reservoir/Refuge. The combined drainage area of the North 

Fork and Bow Creek is 1,373 acres. Like the North Fork, 

agriculture (farming and ranching) is the major economic use. It 

is likely that Bow Creek has experienced similar problems as 

the North Fork, including fish and wildlife problems, reduced 

stream flows, depletion of groundwater reserves, loss of 

riparian, stream and upland habitat, deteriorated water quality 

and poor land use practices. Investigations indicate that 

agricultural activities (farming and ranching) can be major 

factors in these problems. Irrigation typically increases soil 

erosion and water runoff and may be the greatest single factor 

in the reduction of groundwater and stream flow. Receiving 

streams have been degraded due to loss of flow and the influx of 

salts, pesticides, and nutrients carried in field runoff. Much of 

the bottomland is farmed or over-grazed to the banks of the 

creek and tributaries, often resulting in extensive clearing of 

native riparian vegetation, increased erosion, and nutrient 

loading._______________________________

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5 Smt met Water Transport Padmaji 

KbwteNWR

Bow Creek

Describe tiw location ox the watercourse in FBlatiflB to tfao InbniaT land

Plow into the south end of the Reservoir/Refuge- :SJ

W

*i*\

Description and/or conaosKts aboot flu svrfnce vatsrcoune and Its knporti

Bow Creek contributes a significant portion of voter toj*! 

the Reservoir /Refuge. Tbe caablaed Oralaage area of §1} 

the North Pork and Bow Creek ! 1,373 acres. Like the TJT 

North Pork agriculture Ifaralag and raaehlag)is the ^U 

Mijor eoonoaiie u»e. It is likely that Bow Creek haa '|,v 

 upwrlenoed siailar probleao as the North Pork k't

piSotmttEtitijl|iiJ| Sofaudt tUs pafw wtth the cbmafvs

|jniHt^CnliBO'li:'if| Icnon tbs msw votri n m *fc*« P*C*

jiBf.Bfei Delete this record

Mm Menu fjjpl

Section Menu gpj

5

acs to the rtndy

Figure 5-1. Data entry screen: Transport Pathways - Surface Water.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 4. Guidance for Describe the aquifer characteristics that could directly or 

Data Entry and Analysis: indirectly convey contaminants from their sources to the refuge. This 

Ground Water information, in addition to the surface water subsection, provides the

user with a broader understanding of the hydrological characteristics 

in the watershed that could transport contaminants to the refuge. Do 

not use this section to describe individual contaminant sources 

 which may discharge into the pathway. Source identification is 

performed in Section 6: Contaminant Source Information.

Currently, the data management system provides a small scale 

(coarse) map depicting the extent of the 8-digit HUC. This map does 

not provide information on ground water resources. It is recommended 

that users identify aquifers by acquiring information from state or 

federal hydrology sources.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - ~~ 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 5 -

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 5-2. Field descriptions and examples: Transport Pathways - Ground Water

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Name of the 

ground water 

pathway

Identify aquifers which may convey contaminants from their sources 

to the refuge. Example: Dakota Aquifer.

Character limit: 80

Describe the 

location of the 

item in relation 

to the Interior 

land

Document the location of the aquifers relative to the refuge 

boundaries. Note in particular the locations of springs, seeps, wells, 

or pumps on or near the refuge. Document routine use of ground 

water for irrigation or other purposes on the refuge which may 

constitute a route of exposure for wildlife. Example: The Dakota 

Aquifer underlies most of the western two-thirds of Kansas, 

including Phillips County and the reservoir/refuge. Phillips 

County and the reservoir/refuge lie in the confined region of the 

aquifer's range which is overlain by the Upper Cretaceous 

aquitard._____________________________

Character limit: 2,000

Description 

and/or comments 

about the surface 

item and its 

importance to 

the study

Describe dominant land uses overlying the aquifer. Describe any 

documented water quality issues affecting the aquifer. Do not use 

this field to document contaminant point sources. Example: 

Chloride levels in the Dakota Aquifer below Phillips County and 

Kirwin Reservoir are 10,000-20,000 mg/L, which is defined by 

the Kansas Corporation Commission as unusable or 

mineralized. The pH of the Dakota Aquifer ranges from 7.5 to 

8.5. Other naturally-occurring constituents of interest in the 

aquifer are Fe, Mn, and F. In the confined portion of the 

aquifer, reactions with dissolved constituents and sediments 

have essentially consumed all dissolved oxygen, resulting in a 

reducing environment The reducing environment allows Fe, 

Mn, and some other heavy metals to dissolve from the sediments. 

Sometimes these waters can have sufficient hydrogen sulfide 

content to give a "rotten egg" odor. Ammonium ion levels can be 

over 1 mg/L in the reducing environment Flow of the aquifer is 

from southwest to northeast The recharge area for the confined 

Dakota Aquifer in Kansas is in southeastern Colorado. Beneath 

most of the river valleys, the hydraulic head in the Dakota is 

higher than the water level in the streams and may be higher 

than the land-surface elevation. This suggests that groundwater 

in the Dakota may be discharging to streams or to the surface 

along the sloping valley sides. In the area of the refuge, the 

aquifer is overlain by relatively impervious strata. Recharge 

rates in this area of Kansas are very low. It is separated into 

upper and lower aquifers by an aquitard within the Kiowa 

Formation.______________

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5 Ground Water Transport Padnrays 

KIrsftnNWR

Mam Menu

Section Menu I

Hdpl

NanuVUsntttsr eftfcfl aquifer:

Jpalcota

Describe tht locstiaa of ths aijvJfer fa rafatfem to the Intadsr kad

The Dakota Iqulier underlies nest of the western 1J3

two-thirds ot Kansas including Pbllllps County and the ^

Reservoir/Reiuge. Pbllllps County and the jj;i:

Reservoir/Refuge lie IB the confined region ot the W

Aquiier's range which is overlain by the Opper 'i>;t

Cretaceous aqultard. -^

t IBA >yillWr and Itt Bpoitanca to tns ctaaj

Ilia, «j

L whlcb ^J

a. 1

Chloride levels la the Dakota Aquifer belo* Phillips 

County and Xlrwla Reservoir are 10000-20000 ay/L 

Is defined by the Kansas Corporation CoeaUsslon as ^ 

unusable or Blnerallced. The pH of the ^ 

sodluB-blearbonate waters la the confined Dakota 

Aquifer la alkaline and usually In the 7.5 to e.S

Submit tfds paf. whfa tae cbanfas

Delate this record

Figure 5-2. Data entry screen: Transport Pathways - Ground Water.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Air

Describe the climatological and topographical characteristics of 

the airshed that could convey contaminants from their sources to the 

refuge. Predominant surface winds should be described. Information 

on predominant winds at the refuge area can be obtained from local 

offices of the National Weather Service. Alternative sources of 

information on local weather patterns might also include the 

Department of Agriculture, local pilots associations, or aerial 

pesticide applicators.

In some cases, particularly in Region 7, the number of weather 

stations is limited. Frequently, the stations are located considerable 

distances from refuges. Meteorological data collected at remote 

locations may not reflect actual wind direction at the refuge. In these 

cases, alternative data sources regarding predominant local wind 

directions should be identified (i.e., from refuge staff)- Sources, 

limitations, and gaps of information used in the assessment should be 

documented.

Currently, the data management system provides a small-scale 

(coarse) map depicting the extent of default airshed at 150 km from 

the boundary of the refuge. This map does not provide information on 

predominant wind direction. It is recommended that users obtain this 

information by contacting the nearest National Weather Service 

"Class-A" meteorological station. Other information that may 

influence the transport of airborne contaminants is topography and 

land cover.

Descriptive information is required for winds blowing from the 

eight cardinal directions (i.e., North, Northeast, East, Southeast, 

South, Southwest, West, and Northwest).

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 5 -

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-11 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 5-3. Field descriptions and examples: Transport Pathways - Air.

Field Name Content Guidance/Examole Data Entry Tips

General 

description of 

this wind 

pattern

Document the wind frequency distribution and percent of time 

that the wind blows from the selected direction. Comment on 

seasonal influences on the wind direction and speed. Example: 

Winds from due south occur about 16% of the year. While 

it is the prevailing wind direction during the summer 

months, it occurs throughout the year. Winds from the 

south are usually very strong and can be very gusty. Heavy 

storms usually result from southerly winds during the 

winter months.

Character limit: 2,000

Comments 

about the wind 

pattern and its 

importance to 

the study

Describe considerations (land use, proximity to urban or 

agricultural areas) about wind blowing from this direction that 

may have particular relevance to the contaminant assessment. 

Do not use this field to document contaminant point sources. 

Example: Pesticide drift from aerial applications from 

surrounding farmland onto the refuge is a good possibility 

during the summer months. It is hard to find a 

spring/summer day that does not have at least a moderate 

southerly breeze. Stockton, Kansas (population 

approximately 1,500) is the nearest town south of the 

refuse.

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-12 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5 Air Transport Patimiji

Caaenl description of thkwfaa patter*

finds xrosj due south occur about 16% of the year. J3 

Vnlle it 1* the prevailing wind direction during the jf/L 

suaaer snaths, it occurs throughout toe year. Winds '/)= 

Xroai toe south ace usually very strong and can be very U\i 

gusty. Heavy stem* usually result Croat southerly 'jpi 

vlndo during the winter onthn. riij 

i mi iiiiiiiini i^S3;

CoBuosatt aboot the vamd pattern and its tanporbnce to the ftady

pesticide drllt team aerial applications Xroai JK 

surrounding zam land onto the rezuge la a good ^ 

possibility during the SUBBKT onths. It's hard to |jj 

tlnd a sprlng/suaaKr day that doesn't nave at least a Ijj 

Moderate southerly breese. Stoektoa, XS (population j| 

approxlsjately 1,500) Is the nearest town south at toe &!

^^B^pS»|i| Sobmlt this pace with the vpomt*i

jjOiHiiiii Delete this record

MsjnMeouBSI 

Section Mft" 151

Figure 5-3. Data entry screen: Transport Pathways - Air.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-13 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6. Guidance for

Data Entry and Analysis:

Biota

The purpose of this subsection is to document information 

regarding biological vectors that may be transporting appreciable 

amounts of contaminants to the refuge. This transport mechanism 

includes instances of migrating organisms which may carry remotely 

bioaccumulated pesticides or industrial contaminants. While exposure 

of migratory species may occur in other countries, resident or local 

organisms can also transport bioaccumulated chemicals in their 

tissues from contaminated lands adjacent to the refuge. These 

chemicals might enter the food chain through predator prey 

interactions or transferred to abiotic media (i.e., soil, sediment, water) 

upon the death of the animal.

While biotic transport of contaminants should be considered, this 

transport mechanism is not necessarily applicable for all situations. 

The assessment of biotic transport should be limited to those species/ 

assemblages that are likely to carry bioaccumulated contaminants, in 

sufficient concentrations, to affect the refuge or its biota.

The scope of the biotic transport AOI should generally be limited 

to local areas unless sufficient information is available to warrant its 

expansion. Species or assemblages that may constitute a biotic 

transport mechanism should be selected on the basis of the following 

considerations:

 tissue concentration and abundance of contaminated biota is 

sufficient on the refuge to contribute a significant contaminant 

load to the land or result in significant contaminant entry into 

the food chain

 organisms have been present on the refuge for a significant 

period of time

 there are identifiable areas where biota are exposed to 

contaminants that are likely to bioaccumulate

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-14 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 5 -

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-15 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 5-4. Field descriptions and examples: Transport Pathways - Biota.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Name of the 

biota

See considerations mentioned above for selecting species or 

assemblages that may act as biological vectors of contaminants. 

Example: Bald Eagles.___________________

Character limit: 2,000

Locations on 

the Interior land 

used extensively by this 

species___

Identify areas on the refuge that are used extensively by the 

suspected species or assemblages. Example: Refuge wide.

Character limit: 2,000

Description 

and/or 

comments 

about this 

species and its 

importance to 

the study

Describe how the contaminants bioaccumulated in the species 

or assemblages may impact the habitat or species on the refuge. 

Example: Could feed on contaminated/poisoned food 

sources outside of refuge and transport those food sources 

to the refuge. Also could bring body burdens of 

contaminants to the refuge.

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-16 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 5 Biotfc Transport Palliniiji 

KlmtnNWR

Mm Mem 

Section Menu

NvnacftbeUotK

|B«id Ztgle*

LccBttm n tfu iBterior tend wed xtoishrely by ttti species

Refuge wide

1

PMtilyuoH no/or boot this spcdai cad Us fcnpertmc* to 0w ftndy

Could feed OB coacaiiBatcd/poiBoned food OUTCCB 

outalde of refuge and tzaoapoct tboce food ouccea to 

the refuge. Al*o could bring body burdeoa of 

»t» IBCO refuge.

i^^sWilgabmttthiiDMBwftfatfaecbaiiMi

Delete tfato i»cort

Figure 5-4. Data entry screen: Transport Pathways - Biota.

PART II: CHAPTER 5 - 

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-17 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 5 -

TRANSPORT PATHWAYS 5-18 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 6 of the data management system is used to compile, 

review, and interpret facility location and contaminant release 

information for point and nonpoint sources within the AOI for each 

transport mechanism. The review of point sources within the AOI is 

facilitated by the operation of the data management system. 

Information regarding nonpoint sources must be documented by the 

Primary Investigator in the "Other Site" subsection.

The level of effort required for this review will vary depending on 

the scale of the AOI and the number of sources located therein. 

Occasionally, the number of facilities located in the AOI can be large, 

particularly when the unit is located in an expansive watershed, or 

near urban areas. If the number of contaminant sources appears 

unmanageable, the user might consider reducing the number 

evaluated. The overall number of facilities can be reduced by using 

one or both of the following strategies:

(1) reduce the spatial extent of the assessment (see explanation 

in this Chapter under Section 2 - Database Operation: 

Refine Selection Option)

(2) evaluate the potential cumulative impact of contaminants 

released from multiple, but related sources, such as:

 grouping individual farms along a common waterway 

according to crops grown and likely contaminants 

released, and

 consolidating sources within an urban area that are 

likely to release similar contaminants or contaminant 

classes.

Evaluating risks posed by environmental contaminants involves 

estimating the likelihood that deleterious ecological effects may occur 

or are occurring as a result of exposure to one or more pollutants. The 

potential that a chemical will cause an adverse effect on individuals or 

populations depends on the exposure concentration and duration, the 

inherent toxicity of the agent, and the sensitivity of the receptor(s). 

Given the apparent simplicity of this statement, the fact remains, 

estimating ecological risks that environmental contaminants pose to 

biological organisms in real-world scenarios is a daunting task. The 

challenge is to predict the potential effect of a bewildering array of 

chemicals, released to multiple media, on a diverse combination of 

plant and animal species. The relative scarcity of laboratory toxicity 

studies for most plant/animal/contarninant interactions compounds the 

difficulty of the task. The possibility that chemicals released in 

mixtures may act synergistically or antagonistically further

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

complicates the ability to anticipate the response of individual 

organisms or populations. The end result of these considerations is 

that making reliable predictions about the potential effects of complex 

mixtures on populations and ecosystems is rarely achieved.

Notwithstanding this caution, the CAP provides a framework for 

making useful, screening-level estimates of risks posed by 

environmental contaminants. Once the appropriate information is 

compiled, consideration should be given to two significant issues: 

magnitude of exposure and toxicity. To address the issue of exposure, 

the Primary Investigator must decide, based on the available data, 

whether released chemicals are reaching the refuge. Secondly, given 

the inherent toxicity of the chemicals, the Primary Investigator must 

decide if the concentrations reaching the refuge are sufficient to 

produce deleterious effects.

Factors Influencing Exposure The likelihood that a released chemical will reach the refuge by

abiotic transport mechanisms and thereby pose an exposure risk, 

depends on a number of physical and chemical factors. In the case of 

contaminants in surface water pathways, these factors include the 

following considerations:

 magnitude and proximity of release

 residence time prior to reaching the refuge

dilution by receiving waters and adjoining tributaries

 relative significance compared with other sources

 partitioning of the contaminant (dissolved vs. particulatebound)

presence of sediment sinks (lakes, reservoirs) between the 

source and the refuge 

biotic uptake and transformation 

water temperature, pH, and hardness

 photolytic and biological chemical degradation

The likelihood that airborne contaminants reach the refuge are 

affected by the following factors:

 volatility

phase (gas, aerosol, paniculate)

 atmospheric transformations

 dilution

predominant wind and weather patterns

 sorption

 topography

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Factors Influencing Toxicity

General Recommendations

The possibility that contaminants are transported to the refuge by 

biotic vectors is influenced by several factors, including the 

chemical's ability to bioconcentrate, toxicity, and the number of 

contaminated organisms reaching the unit.

A number of references that provide insight into the 

physical/chemical characteristics of a variety of chemicals that 

influence their environmental persistence, mobility, and fete are 

available. A wealth of information is available online that describes 

chemical fete and effects. Descriptions of the EPA databases accessed 

by the CAP data management system, and potentially valuable 

websites containing information on chemical fete and effects, are 

provided in Appendix B. Information contained in the fete and effect 

websites can help the Primary Investigator assess whether the 

chemicals are likely to be transported from their sources to the refuge 

and whether they are likely to cause an effect.

Assuming contaminants reach the refuge, their capacity to have 

deleterious effects on biological organisms depends on the 

concentration, duration of exposure, and toxicity. Biological impacts 

can result from short exposure to small quantities of highly poisonous 

chemicals or from long exposure to moderate concentrations of mildly 

toxic agents. Sensitivity to contaminants varies depending on the route 

of exposure and life stage of the exposed organism. To the extent 

possible, the physical/chemical factors listed above which influence a 

contaminants' likelihood of reaching the refuge, along with its toxicity 

to potentially sensitive species, should be taken into account when 

determining whether released chemicals are likely to cause an effect.

In many cases, a large number of contaminant sources will be 

located in the AOIs. The sources are likely to release complex 

mixtures of contaminants. The Primary Investigator may need to 

make a decision, based on professional judgement, to focus the 

assessment on a limited number of high priority sources and 

contaminants. The challenge is deciding which sources pose the 

greatest risks to the refuge. In general, the guiding principle in such a 

decision is to evaluate proximal sources that report releases of:

 large quantities (i.e., thousands to millions of pounds 

annually) of low to moderately toxic, contaminants of 

limited persistence, and

 small to moderate quantities (i.e., hundreds to thousands of 

pounds annually) of highly toxic and persistent 

contaminants.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 2. Data

Management System

Operation

Selecting and Reviewing 

Facility Information

Eliminating and 

Retaining Facilities

This approach tends to disregard remote sources or sources 

releasing small amounts of potentially toxic contaminants. The 

prioritization scheme, and its potential limitations, adopted by the 

Primary Investigator should be described in the Narrative Report of 

Contaminant Issues of the data management system.

As described in Part I: Chapter 2, the data management system 

uploads administrative and contaminant information for regulated 

facilities located within each AOI from five on-line EPA databases. 

The system groups the facilities according to the database from which 

the information is derived.

In addition to retrieving information from online databases, the 

system also provides a framework for cataloging user-defined, point 

and nonpoint contaminant sources. To enter information on known 

sites that are not reported in the online databases, or to document 

suspected nonpoint sources, users should select the hypertext link 

titled "Add Other/User Defined Sites (Including Nonpoint Sources)."

To review facility information, select the database of interest by 

clicking on the database's name listed in the Main Menu. After 

selecting a database, the names of facilities located within the AOI are 

listed on a Record Selection Menu. At the start of an assessment, all 

site names are listed under the category "Facilities Not Reviewed." 

Facility names are arranged alphabetically under three distance 

classifications, "Sites within 10 km," "Sites from 10 to 30 km," and 

"Sites over 30 km." Administrative and release information can be 

viewed by clicking on the facility of interest.

The data management system gives users the option to retain 

information for facilities of concern or eliminate irrelevant sites from 

further consideration. To eliminate a site, click the button labeled 

"Eliminate" located at the bottom of each facility record. Once the site 

is eliminated, the name of the facility is moved to the category 

"Facilities Reviewed and Eliminated from Analysis." Information for 

the facility does not appear on subsequent report outputs.

Sites that are eligible for elimination include those that:

 are located far enough from the refuge that released 

contaminants are unlikely to reach the unit

 are known to have been closed

 are known to be located outside the AOI

 release exceedingly small amounts of marginally toxic 

chemicals

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

The system retains information for all uploaded sites unless the 

user specifically designates a facility for elimination. Once facility 

information is reviewed, evaluated, and determined to be relevant to 

the assessment, the user saves pertinent information on the record by 

clicking the button labeled "Submit" at the bottom of the facility 

record. Once the record is submitted, the data management system 

moves the name of the facility to the "Summary of Contaminant 

Sites" menu.

Summary of Contaminant Sites

Contaminant Sites Summarized 

by Transport Pathway

Internal System Links

Caution: EPA Contaminant 

Source Coordinates

The hypertext link titled "Summary of Contaminant Sites" 

provides a hypertext menu of all facilities or user-entered sources 

reviewed and retained for the analysis. The list is organized according 

to the database from which the facility information was derived. In 

addition, the list displays the names of user-entered facilities or areas. 

At the beginning of an assessment, this list will be empty. However, 

as the assessment of site information proceeds, the list will lengthen 

and reflect the names of reviewed and retained facilities and 

user-defined contaminant release areas. To review or edit site records, 

click on the hypertext "Summary of Contaminant Sites." Then select 

the record of interest from the list.

The hypertext link titled "Contaminant Sites Summarized by 

Transport Pathway" provides a summary of contaminant sites 

organized by transport pathway. Unlike the "Summary of 

Contaminated Sites" link, this list does not provide direct links to the 

displayed records. The list of transport pathways is derived from user 

input and from the data field titled "Receiving Water" contained on 

the PCS/NPDES and TRI fecility records.

The system provides a picklist of individuals for each facility or 

user-defined record. The picklist is derived from the names of contacts 

entered in Section 2: Background Information - Contacts. The system 

allows users to enter new contact information on the facility or 

user-defined records. Names added here are in turn appended to the 

Contact list in Section 2: Background Information - Contacts. The 

database provides picklists for contaminant transport pathways on 

each facility or user-defined record. These picklists are derived from 

information entered in Section 5: Transport Pathways. In the case of 

surface water pathways, the names are also derived from the 

"Receiving Water" field retrieved from the PCS/NPDES and TRI 

databases.

The system uses EPA-supplied coordinated data to identify 

reporting facilities located within the AOIs at the beginning of a 

study. The system also uses these data to calculate the distance and

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Refine Selection Option

CERCUS Hypertext Links 

to EPA Databases

direction of the sources from the refuge. Because EPA relies on the 

reporting facility to provide accurate coordinate information, EPA 

cannot guarantee the validity of the information. The data 

management system performs a cross-check on the EPA-supplied 

coordinate data to verify whether they be within the counties or zip 

codes bounded by the defined AOI information. If the cross-check is 

valid, the EPA-supplied coordinates are presumed to be accurate. 

Where the EPA databases do not provide coordinate data, or the 

cross-check operation indicates an invalid coordinate, the system 

assigns latitude and longitude readings based on the centroid of the 

zip code or for the county in which the facility's street address is 

located. As a result of this operation, multiple facilities may appear 

clustered on points that represent approximated locations. The 

distance and direction information from the refuge presented in the 

system for approximated locations will not correspond to the actual 

locations of the facilities. Where possible, the user should note the 

discrepancy in the comment box associated with the facility. When 

location information appears suspect, it may be advisable to contact 

the facility to confirm its actual whereabouts.

The system provides an option that allows the user to restrict or 

enlarge the spatial extent of the area used to query EPA databases. 

This operation is similar to the "Upload Part" option described in Part 

I - Chapter 2 of this guide. To use this option, click on the "Refine 

Selection Set" hypertext link at the bottom of the record selection 

screen for each EPA data set. The system displays a text box for the 

user to enter the approximate size of the area to be searched. Once the 

descriptive information is entered into the box, the user clicks the 

button labeled "Refine Data." This notifies the system's 

administrators of the request to refine the upload area. The 

administrators translate the area into a query, which is then sent to the 

EPA database of interest. The refined data set is typically uploaded 

within 24 hours of the request.

The system provides two hypertext links to information derived 

from the EPA CERCLIS database. One link provides information 

concerning the Record of Decision (ROD). Tlie second link displays 

the EPA generated Fact Sheet for the site. If the hypertext link reads 

"Available," the system contains the information from the EPA 

database. If the hypertext link reads "Unavailable," there is no data 

for the site in the EPA data base. Information contained in the system 

is uploaded from the EPA database at the initiation of the CAP.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Contaminant Source Information 

Table 6-1. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Information - TRI Sites.

Field Name

Facility name

Facility ID

Address

City

State

Zip code

Plant status

Plant description

Content Guidance/Example

Name of facility and database specific identification number. 

Example: ABTTIBI CONSOLIDATED SALES - 

98388BSCSC4302C.

This field contains the unique identification number assigned by the 

TRI database for the facility. The format ZZZZZ-NNNNNSSSSS, 

where 77777. = zip code, NNNNN = first 5 consonants of the 

name, and SSSSS = first 5 non-blank non-special characters in the 

street address. Example: 98388BSCSC4302C.

This field contains the first line of the street name in the address of 

the reporting facility. Example: 4302 CHAMBERS CREEK RD.

This field contains the name of the city in which the reporting 

facility is located. Example: STEILACOOM

This field contains the name of the state in which the reporting 

facility is located. Example: WA.

This field contains the zip code in which the reporting facility is 

located. Example: 983881528.

This field contains the operating status of the facility. Example: No 

data.

This field contains the description for the Standard Industrial 

Classification (SIC) Code, which describes the type of 

activities performed at the facility. Example: Paper Mills.

Data Entry Tips

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Read only.

TRI Facility Location - Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from 

centroid of DOI 

land

Distance from 

centroid of DOI 

land (km)

This field contains the direction of the facility relative to the refuge. 

It is calculated by the data management system. Example: 

Northeast.

This field contains the distance (km) of the facility to the refuge. It 

is calculated by the data management system. Example: 30.

Calculated direction. 

Read only.

Calculated distance. 

Read only.

TRI Facility Location - Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 11.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 8.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6 - Contaminant Sources - TRI Sites 

NbquaDyNWR

Mam Menu I 

Section Menu I

Help

TRI Facfflty AdmtnJstratJre Information - EPA Data

Facility Name Facility ID Address City State Zip Code

ABITIBI

CONSOLIDATED 

SALES » 

98388BSCSC4302C

98388BSCSC4302C 4302

CHAMBERS 

CREEK RD.

STEILACOOM WA 983881528

Plant Status Plant Description

No Data PAPER MILLS

TRI Facility Location

Rtlattvs Location - Derived from SPA Data

Direction from Centroid of DOI Land Distance from Centroid of DOI Land (km)

Northeast 30

Latitude and Longitude 

Latitude

Degrees |*7.J Minutes [ii Seconds J6 J

Figure 6-1. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Information - TRI Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-1. Continued

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

TRI Facility Location - Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in minutes. Example: 35.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in seconds. Example: 5.

This field is used to classify facility as being located within or 

outside of the refuge boundary. Example: Off.

Database query results, 

("-"in N.America) 

Can be user-edited.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Radio button. One 

selection allowed.

TRI Reported Water Releases - EPA Data

Chemicals/ 

compounds

Receiving water

Release amount

This field contains the names of chemicals or chemical categories 

reported released from the facility. The names are derived from 

Section 372.45 of Section 313 of the Emergency Planning and 

Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA). Example: No data.

This field contains the name of each receiving stream or water body 

into which the chemicals are directly discharged, as it appears on 

the NPDES permit for the facility. Example: No data.

This field contains the amount (Ibs) of chemicals released from the 

plant estimated as a range, the midpoint of the range was used in 

these calculations. "No data" indicates no releases were reported for 

the media for the given reporting year. Example: No data.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

TRI Reported Air Releases - EPA Data

Chemicals/ 

compounds

This field contains the names of chemicals or chemical categories 

reported released from the facility. The names are derived from 

Section 372.45 of Section 313 of the Emergency Planning & 

Community Right-To-Know Act (EPCRA) 

Example: METHANOL.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Media Fugitive emissions (FUG) are those releases from equipment leaks 

(valves, seals, connections), evaporative losses from surface 

impoundments and spills; releases from building ventilation 

systems; and any other fugitive or nonpoint air emissions. Stack 

emissions (STACK) are releases that occur through stacks, vents, 

ducts, pipes, or other confined air streams, as well as storage tank 

emissions and air releases from air pollution control equipment 

Example: FUG.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Release amount This field contains the amount (Ibs) of chemicals released from the 

plant, annually, estimated as a range, the mid-point of the range is 

used in calculations. "No data" indicates no releases were reported 

for the media for the given reporting year. Example: 13000 Ibs.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Category(s) 

where contaminant SOURCE 

best fits?

Use this picklist to categorize the type(s) of contaminant source 

(point and nonpoint) that best describes the facility. Example: Pulp 

and Paper Mills.

Picklist: 70 selections. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to 

Not Applicable".

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Longitude

Degrees ht?2| Minntes J35;j Seconds

Is thts location ON or OFF interior lands? 

OOn 

©Off

TRI Reported Water Releases - SPA Data

No Data

Receiving Water

No Data

Release

Amount

_____

No Data

TRI Reported Air Releases - SPA Data

METHANOL

METHANOL

METHANOL

METHANOL

Media

FUG

FUG

STK

STK

Release Amount

13000 Ibs

700 Ibs

750 Ibs

9300 Ibs

Category(s) where this contaminant SOURCE best fits?

Pulp and paper mills

Accident ~. spiHs ; 

Adhesives and sealants manof. 

Agricultural -aerial spray i

Amicultural -idralnvyatar

Figure 6-1. Continued.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-11 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-1. Concluded.

Field Name

Contaminant

linked to this 

source

Content Guidance/Example

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant classes that 

are released from the facility. Example: Pulp and Paper Mills.

Data Entry Tips

Picklist: 64 selections. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection"

Pathways That Allow Contaminants) to Reach the Trust Area

Groundwater

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: None 

highlighted.

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklisL Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: "Northeast** 

highlighted.

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants from the site to the refuge. Example: No species 

listed in Section 5.

Describe characteristics about this facility that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants. Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the operation of the 

facility. Example: Reported air releases of methanol is not likely 

to cause significant environmental damage. However, bleached 

paper and pulp mill operations are suspected to release 

chlorinated byproducts including dioxins and furans which can 

bioaccumulate in aquatic and avian species.

Provides a picklist of contacts previously entered. Select name of 

individual with particular knowledge about the source. If the name 

is not presented in the picklist, enter it in the fields below. Names 

from the picklist and added names can be submitted concurrently. 

Example: None selected.

Use this field to enter the surname of contact Example: None.

Use this field to enter the last name of contact Example: None.

Picklist: Derived from 

Section 5: Pathways. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection."

Picklist: Derived from 

Section 5: Pathways. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection".

PicklisL Multiple species 

can be selected. Defaults 

to "No Selection".

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Derived from 

Section 2: Contacts. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection".

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-12 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Urto U*t»

(Altai 

Ufa*, 

|Anwn

Pacha

4

I 

\

mo Goooou* Pollutant J3

m Particulat** :

MM Jf

 ji laal aloai i o^oailBam(i) la laorhlho nail aioa 

Sor&ce Water

Bl/M WATERWAY |3 

BLAJR WATERWAY. COMMENCEMENT BAY *** 

BUDONfT 

BUDO NJET (001-016) 

BUOOMLET^UGET SOUND <£

Qrauad Water

McAkMir Springs ord NnquOy Groundwator iS 

South-CoMrol Pure* County Aqwhr

.1 

Air

Ea*l a

North ^

Soutn j*|

Babe

No oaotMa ModnSocuonS £t

C 

kpproKlaBte Diat«aee <ro*i 1OI - 30 £J

........ ... il

Jay Dams §

Bnndan McFutand : 

S*n« OHta #

KM a aawaan* to tta cooNact* H*t

Pint aaan* | :

Last MB* 1 ^

^Sl« t^PM.

^feg«2J^j Iiaar* tha MW aaMai M tfal* pac* 

^SS^ Qaaoaata tfaU BvdtttT *a*a analnif

_

Figure 6-1. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-13 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-2. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Information - PCS/NPDES Sites.

Field Name

Facility Name

Facility ID

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Plant Status

Plant 

Description

Content Guidance/Example

Name of facility and database specific identification number. 

Example: PIERCE CNTY CHAMBERS CREEK SIP - 

WA0039624.

This field contains the unique identification assigned by the 

database. Example: WA0039624.

This field contains the firs line of the street name in the address of 

the facility. Example: 10311 CHAMBERS CREEK ROAD .

This field contains the city in which the facility is located. 

Example: TACOMA.

This field contains the state in which the facility is located. 

Example: WA.

This field contains the zip code in which the facility is located. 

Example: 98467.

This field contains the operating status of the facility. Example: 

Operating.

This field contains the description for the SIC code which describes 

the type of activity at the site. Example: SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

Data Entry Tips

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

PCS/NPDES Facility Location - Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land

Distance from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land (km)

This field contains the direction of the facility relative to the refuge. 

It is calculated by the data management system. 

Example: Northeast.

This field contains the distance (km) of the facility to the refuge. It 

is calculated by the data management system. Example: 30.

Calculated direction. 

Read only.

Calculated distance. 

Read only.

PCS/NPDES Facility Location - Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 11.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 38.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

PCS/NPDES Facility Location - Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in minutes. Example: 34.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in seconds. Example: 28.

Classify facility as being located within the refuge boundary or 

outside of the boundary. Example: Off.

Character limit: 3. 

("-" in N. America) 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Radio button. One 

selection allowed.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-14 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6* Contaminant Sources 

PCS/NPDES Sites

NlsqnaUyNWR

Main Menu 

Section Menu I

Help

PCS/NPDES Faxfflty Administrattre Informatfon - EPA Data __________

Facility Name Facility ID Address City State

PIERCE CNTY WA0039624 103II CHAMBERS TACOMA WA 5 98467 

CHAMBERS CREEK CREEK ROAD 

STP - WA0039624

Plant Status : Plant Description 

, Operating : | SEWERAGE SYSTEMS

PCS/NPDES Facfflty Location

Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from Centroid of DOI Land ! Distance from Centroid of DOI Land (km) 

Northeast ! 30

Latitude and Longitude 

Latitude

Degrees |«J Minutes |ll f Seconds

Longitude

Degrees {-122^ Minutes JMJ Seconds

Is tkts location ON or OFF Interior lands?

Figure 6-2. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Information 

PCS/NPDES Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-15 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-2. Concluded.

Field Name Content Guidance/Examole Data Entry Tips

Receiving Water

Pipe ID

Permitted 

Parameters

This field contains the name of each receiving stream or water body 

into which the chemicals are directly discharged, as it appears on 

the NPDES facility permit Example: No data.

This field contains the number of the pipe as it appears on the 

NPDES facility permit Example: 001.

This field contains the permitted parameter as it appears on the 

NPDES facility permit Example: BOD, 5-DAY (20 DEG. Q.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Permitted Limit

Average 

Discharge

Maximum 

Discharge

Category(s) 

where this 

contaminant 

SOURCE best 

fits?

Contaminant 

classifications 

linked to this 

source

This field contains the monthly average amount (Ibs) of chemicals 

permitted to be released from the plant. "No data" indicates release 

information was not reported. Example: 3000 LBS/DAY.

This field contains the daily mqxinnim amount (Ibs) of chemicals 

permitted to be released from the plant "No data" indicates release 

information was not reported. Example: 4500 LBS/DAY.

Use this picklist to categorize the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist Example: Municipal Wastewater.

Use this picklist to classify the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the reference does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist 

Example: Water BOD, Sewage, Suspended Solids, Total Solids.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Picklist: up to 70 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Picklist: Up to 64 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Pathways That Allow Contaminants) to Reach the Trust Area

Surface Water

Ground Water

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Example: PUGET SOUND & CHAMBERS CREEK

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: None selected.

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which contaminants released from the facility may 

reach refuge. Example: Northeast.

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants from the site to the refuge. Example: None.

Describe characteristics about this facility that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants. Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the operation of the 

facility. Example: None provided.

Provides a picklist of contacts previously entered. Select name of 

individual with knowledge about the source. If name is not 

presented in the picklist, enter it in the fields below. Submit picklist 

names and new names concurrently. Example: None highlighted.

Surname and title of contact Example: None added.

Last name of contact. Example: None added.

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Defaults to "No 

Contact"

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-16 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

ID «Pl

___________ _______ DydMrtji J

PUOET \ O01 BOD. 5-DAY (U DEO. C) 3OOO LAS/DAY \ 43OO LAS/DAY 

SOUND ___ ___________

; > iifcai «Wa c«tf»MBfcBBBt IOURCE1

 maouf. i

 v 1 M

BOD ~~~~~^

t* 

Hid

OMMWW PoHUarM M 

ch<

IPUdET SOUND & CHAMBERS'CREEK WITH CORMORANT PASSAGE

IBLAIR WATERWAY

IBLAIR WATERWAY. COMMENCEMENT BAY IBUOO INLET

^BUpp.lNLETi

McAltelar Spring* and N«qtwtly OfoufMtwatvr ^ 

 I Piarca County A»|ui(»i

................................................M

le.^""' §

Nonh

|Seui»

[No cpaetoa HMad In SKtnn 6 iz]

 ta

AOI - 3O

dead to «Ma !* :

I Bill Ctoland J»J 

Jj«y D«vl» ^

|Bn>nd«n MeFarlind : 

ISandi ON.ill iJ

Figure 6-2. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-17 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-3. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Information - CERCLIS Sites.

Field Name

Site Name

Site ID

Address

City

State

Zip Code

NPL Status

Content Guidance/Example

Name of facility and database specific identification number. 

Example: AMERICAN LAKE GARDENS/MCCHORD 

AFB - WAD980833065.

This field contains the unique identification assigned by the 

database. Example: WAD980833065.

This field contains the first line of the street name in the address of 

the facility. Example: 6411 146TH ST SW.

This field contains the city in which the facility is located. 

Example: TACOMA.

This field contains the state in which the facility is located. 

Example: WA.

This field contains the zip code in which the facility is located. 

Example: 98439.

This field indicates whether or not the site is currently listed on the 

National Priority List (NPL) Example: Currently on the final 

NPL.

Data Entry Tips

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

CERCLIS Location, Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land

Distance from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land (km)

This field contains the direction of the facility relative to the refuge. 

It is calculated by the data management system. Example: East.

This field contains the distance (km) of the facility to the refuge. It 

is calculated by the data management system. Example: 30.

Calculated direction. 

Read only.

Calculated distance. 

Read only.

CERCLIS Location - Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes Example 7.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example 30.

Character limit: 2 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

CERCLIS Location - Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in minutes. Example: 31.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian 

expressed in seconds. Example: 20.

Classify facility as being located within the refuge boundary or 

outside of the boundary. Example: Off.

Character limit: 3 

("-" in N.America). 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited. 

Character limit: 2

Radio button. One 

selection allowed.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-18 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6 Contaminant Sources CERCLJ5 

Sites

NisquaDy NWR

Main Menu 

Section Menu I 

Help

Zin : NPL Site Name Site ID Address City State £^ I gtatus

AMERICAN LAKE WAD980833065 6411 TACOMA WA 98439! Currently

GARDENS/MCCHORD I 146TH i on the

AFB-WAD980833065 j STSW ; final NPL

CERCLIS Location

Aelattve Location - Derived fiom SPA Data____________________________

Direction from Centroid of DOI Land \ Distance from Centroid of DOI Land (km) 

East : 30

ftfitihffft and Longfluds 

Latitude

Degrees (^ Minutes fjJLj Seconds 

Longitude

I : |

Degrees (H?,J Minutes l3^, Seconds

Is tkts location ON or OFFInttrtor lands?

(?Off

Figure 6-3. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Information 

CERCLIS Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-19 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-3. Concluded.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Site Reports -EPAData

Record of 

Decision (ROD)

EPA Fact Sheet

Category(s) this 

contaminant 

SOURCE best 

fits?

Contaminant 

classifications 

linked to this 

source

Selecting link displays the ROD for the site from the CERCLIS 

database. Review text and gnnunariTg pertinent information in 

Contaminant Source, Classification Comments fields. Example:

Available.

Selecting link displays the Fact Sheet for the site from the 

CERCLIS database. Review text and summarize pertinent 

information in Contaminant Source, Classification Comments 

fields. Example: Available.

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist Example: None selected.

Use this picklist to document the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the reference does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist 

Example: None selected.

Hypertext link. If 

"Available," selecting 

link displays ROD.

Hypertext link. If 

"Available," selecting 

link displays Fact Sheet

Picklist. Up to 70 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Picklist Up to 64 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Pathways That Allow Contaminants) to Reach the Trust Area

Surface Water

Ground Water

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist. Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants 

released from the facility are conducted to die refuge. Example: 

CHAMBERS CREEK & BAY.

Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants 

released from the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: 

South Central Pierce County Aquifer.

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist. Select the wind 

direction by which contaminants released from the facility may 

reach refuge. Example: East

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select organisms that may transport contaminants 

from the site to the refuge. Example: No species listed in Sec. 5.

Describe characteristics about this facility that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment. Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants. Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the operation of the 

facility. Example: Currently on the final NPL ADMIN/ 

VOLUNTARY COST RECOVERY - 15-DEC-95 FEDERAL 

INTERAGENCY AGREEMENT...... See EPA's NPL Fact Sheet 

and Superfund Site Report for details concerning contaminant 

source and classification.

Provides a picklist of contacts previously entered. Select name of 

individual with knowledge about the source. Enter new names in 

the fields below. Example: Bill Cleland.

Surname and title of contact. Example: None added.

Last name of contact. Example: None added.

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist. Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist Multiple species 

can be selected. Defaults 

to "No Selection."

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist. Defaults to "No 

Contact."

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-20 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

n*.Ray«t,1 - «AI £hTM

i RaeardafD«cHMa(ItOD) EPA. Fact Sheet \

Ca*a«a«T<«>whan this i uilimliial SOURCE bactOta?

JAccKtvrtf - eaitt* JS 

lAdhaafciaa and aaalanta manuf. "* 

lAaneuftunl - aerial earay ; 

lAeneukural dramwatar * 

lAgncultunl - bveatoek Jff

>«- " IBV <l 1_ "

 . ......

JAjrboma Oacaom Pollutant* jgf 

AMoma Paitlculaiaa : 

Alcahntty =

Sur&ei 

Oravod

Biaoe

 Water

***"****************" ** * *

CHAMBERS CREEK «. BAY U 

CLOVER CREEK **. 

PUGCT SOUND «. CHAMBERS CREEK WITH CORMORANT PASSAGE 

BLAM WATERWAY 

BLAM WATERWAY, COMMENCEMENT BAY &

Water

Soutn-Cantral Ptarco County AquMcr SJ 

McAlkatar Spnnga and Niaqually Graundwatar

Eaat SJ 

Nafth § 

Noithaaal a

NOfthMKVt

No apaciai Mod HI Sadran 5 Zl

C 

JLaaroxUMca »l*c*»a« Crevi AOZ 30 a

CumatlT OB tb* <! ! KPL * 

 ABIN/VOLONTAMT COaTT HXCOVTHT 1S-DKC-0* 5| 

PKDKBJLL ZNTKItftOCMCT AOKXKKCNT 1S-DCC-B* g

IAG mtooriaTicMa is-occ-as g

 MX>AJU.TZON OT COBT DOCB >KGK. IS-DIC-aS » 

RI/rS MZOOTZATZOH 1C-DCC-VS

Ca«bu

.............................................................................................. na

* Knlcad ta thU cttau

!

Bli Clvland JU 

Jay D»vt« 5j 

Willard Bil' Haaaabart 

Brandan MeF artand 

Sandi OX.il aH

1 

1

^ SSBSS 

pNilC

l^s;

MW aan* to tha caotmct* Hit

Irataaonof

^Maanol ...........

^SvbadttkUaa«a

'

iatwS'j Dtantaaxa «bU ftcfllty from mmtffi*

Figure 6-3. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-21 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-4. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Infonnation - AIRS Sites.

Field Name

Facility Name

Facility ID

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Plant Status

Plant 

Description

Content Guidance/Examples

Name of facility and database specific identification number. 

Example: FARMLAND INDUSTRIES INC-REFINERY DIV. 

KS0057077.

This field contains the unique identification assigned by the 

database. Example: KS0057077. ___

This field contains the first line of the street name in the address of 

the facility. Example: NORTH HWY 183.

This field contains the city in which the facility is located. 

Example: PHILLIPSBURG.

This field contains the state in which the facility is located. 

Example: KS.

This field contains the zip code in which the facility is located. 

Example: 67661.

This field contains the operating status of the facility. Example: 

Operating.

This field contains the description for the SIC code, describing type 

of activities at the facility. Example: PETROLEUM REFINING.

Data Entry Tips

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

AIRS Facility Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land

Distance from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land (km)

This field contains the direction of the facility relative to the refuge. 

It is calculated by the data management system. Example: 

Northwest

This field contains the distance (km) of the facility to the refuge. It 

is calculated by the data management system. Example: 30.

Calculated direction. 

Read only.

Calculated distance. 

Readonly.

AIRS Facility Location - Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 39.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 47.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 14.

Character limit: 2 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

AIRS Facility Location - Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in minutes. Example: 46.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in seconds. Example: 35.

Classify facility as being located within the refuge boundary or 

outside of the boundary. Example: Off.

Character limit: 3. 

(" "in N.America) 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Radio button. One 

selection allowed.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-22 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6 Contaminant Sources AIRS Sites 

KinvinNWR

Man Menu 

Section Menu I 

Hdp

AIRS Facffity Adnmrirtratire Information - SPA Data

Facility Name

FARMLAND INDUSTRIES 

INC.-REFINERYDIV. « 

KS0057077

FadbylD

KS0057077

Address \

NORTH I 

HWY183 ;

City

PHILLIPSBURG

State

KS

SP

Code

67661

Plant Status Plant Description

Operating PETROLEUM REFINING

AIRS Facility Location

Relative Location - Derived from SPA Data

Direction from Centroid of DOI Land Distance from Centroid of DOI Land (km)

Northwest 30

Latitude and Longitude 

Latitude

Degrees |j|9j Minutes JfJ j Seconds

Longitude

Degrees p9 Minutes j« J Seconds

Is tttis location ON or OFF Interior lands?

Figure 6-4. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Information - AIRS Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-23 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-4. Concluded.

Field Name Content Guidance/Examples Data Entry Tips

Reported AIR Releases for Major Discharges - EPA Data

Discharged 

Chemicals

Category(s) 

where this

cnntaminan^

SOURCE best 

fits?

Contaminant 

classifications 

linked to this 

source

Chemicals reported released at facility. Example: No data.

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist Example: Petroleum Refining, 

Accidents- Spills, Contaminated sediments/soils, Petroleum 

evaporation/production.

Use this picklist to document the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the reference does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist 

Example: Airborne Gaseous Products, Airborne Particulates, 

Oil and Grease, Petroleum Products, Polyaromatic 

Hydrocarbons.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Picklist Up to 70 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Picklist Up to 64 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Pathways That Allow Contaminant(s) to Reach the Trust Area

Surface Water

Ground Water

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: None selected.

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: Dakota Aquifer, 

High Plains Aquifer, Kiowa Shale Aquitard.

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which contaminants released from the facility may 

reach refuge. Example: East Northwest selected.

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants from the site to the refuge. Example: None selected.

Describe characteristics about this facility that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants. Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the operation of the 

facility. Example: Approximate Distance from AOI = 30 km. 

Releases include Carbon Monoxide, Cobalt, Nitrogen Dioxide, 

Sulfur Dioxide, Particulate Matter, and Volatile Organic 

Compounds. Cobalt is highly toxic. Releases from this site would 

cause the most concern during the winter months when the 

winds are predominately from the north. Due to the distance 

from the facility to the Refuge and the relatively small size of 

the facility, I do not believe that releases from this facility 

generally pose a problem to the Refuge.

Example: Terry Pedinger.

Surname and title of contact Example: None added.

Last name of contact. Example: None added.

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist. Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist Multiple species 

can be selected. 

Defaults to "No 

Selection."

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist. Default is "No 

Contact"

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-24 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Figure 6.4. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-25 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-5. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Information - RCRIS Sites.

Field Name

Facility Name

Facility ID

Address

City

State

Zip Code

Plant Status

Plant 

Description

Content Guidance/Example

Name of facility and database specific identification numberExample: FARMLAND INDUSTRIES INC - KSD007134695.

This field contains the unique identification assigned by the 

database. Example: KSD007134695.

This field contains the first line of the street name in the address of 

the facility. Example: HWY 183, .25 MI N OF TOWN.

This field contains the city in which the facility is located. 

Example: PHELLIPSBURG.

This field contains the state in which the facility is located. 

Example: KS.

This field contains the zip code in which the facility is located. 

Example: 67661.

This field contains the operating status of the facility. Example: 

Large Quantity Generator Small Quantity Generator.

This field contains the description for the SIC code, describing type 

of activities at the facility. Example: WHOLESALE TRADE - 

PETROLEUM PRODUCTS, NEC.

Data Entry Tips

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Read only.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

RCRIS Facility Relative Location - Derived from EPA Data

Direction from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land

Distance from 

Centroid of DOI 

Land (km)

This field contains the direction of the facility relative to the refuge. 

It is calculated by the data management system. Example: 

Northwest

This field contains the distance (km) of the facility to the refuge. It 

is calculated by the data management system. Example: 30.

Calculated direction. 

Read only.

Calculated distance. 

Readonly.

RCRIS Facility Location - Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 39.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 46.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 30.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

RCRIS Facility Location - Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in degrees. Example: -99.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in minutes. Example: 20.

The location of the facility in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in seconds. Example: 0.

Classify facility as being located within the refuge boundary or 

outside of the boundary. Example: Off.

Character limit: 3. 

("-" in N. America) 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Character limit: 2. 

Database query results. 

Can be user-edited.

Radio Button. One 

selection allowed.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-26 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6 Contaminant Sources RCRIS 

Sites

KhwinNWR

Main Menu 

Section Menu I

Help

RCRIS F«cflttyAdmiid5tratiT^ ___

Facility Name \ Facility ID \ Address City State

FARMLAND j KSD007134695 HWY183. .25 PHILLIPSBURG KS I 67661

INDUSTRIES INC ~ j MI N OF

KSD007134695 i TOWN

Plant Status ; Plant Description

Large Quantity Generator j WHOLESALE TRADE - PETROLEUM PRODUCTS. NEC 

Small Quantity Generator

RCRIS Fadttty Location

Relative Location - Derived from SPA Data ______________________

Direction from Centroid of DOI Land \ Distance from Centroid of DOI Land (km)

Northwest \ 30

Latitude and Longttude

Latitude

Degrees J39 Minutes |««J Seconds J30J

Longitude

» 

Degrees |" ; Minutes }20 ; Seconds 1°

JJr Jfcs location ON or Off Interior lands? 

COn 

<?0ff

Figure 6-5. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Information 

RCRIS Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-27 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-5. Concluded

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Waste Activity This field contains a description of the activity involving hazardous 

materials reported at the facility Example: Handler is engaged in 

generation of hazardous waste - Large Quantity Generator.

Database query results. 

Readonly.

Categoiy(s) 

where this

contaminant

SOURCE best 

fits?

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist Example: Accidents, Air Pollution, 

Spills, Contaminated sediments/soils, Petroleum evaporation/ 

production. ______

Picklist: Up to 70 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Contaminant 

classifications 

linked to this 

source

Use this picklist to document the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the referen.ce does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist 

Example: Airborne Gaseous Products, Airborne Particulates, 

Heavy Metals, Petroleum Products

Picklist: Up to 64 

selections. Defaults to 

"Not Applicable."

Pathways That Allow Contaminant(s) to Reach the Trust Area

Surface Water

Ground Water

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants 

released from the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: 

None Selected.

Pathways described in Section 5 are presented in this record as a 

picklist. Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants released from 

the facility are conducted to the refuge. Example: Cedar Hills 

Sandstone Aquifer..... Kiowa Shale Aquitard..

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which contaminants released from the facility may 

reach refuge. Example: Northwest

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants from the site to the refuge. Example: Great Blue 

Herons, Migratory Ducks, Neo-tropical songbirds.

Describe characteristics about this facility that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants. Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the operation of the 

facility. Example: A spill from this facility could enter the 

groundwater and potentially affect the Refuge. Other paths of 

contamination would be animals (primarily birds) feeding in 

contaminated areas around the facility and bringing 

contamination back to the Refuge either on their bodies or by 

transporting contaminated food to the Refuge. Due to the 

distance between the Refuge and the facility this scenario is not 

highly likely. This facility is involved in petroleum distribution.

Provides a picklist of contacts previously entered. Select name of 

individual with knowledge about the source. Enter new names in 

the fields below. Example: Ivan Wagner.

Surname and title of contact Example: None added.

Last name of contact. Example: None added.

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Picklist: Multiple species 

can be selected.

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Defaults to "No 

Contact."

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-28 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

tfMt tM >( . Otter Mtk* of oraBlaKtOB «Mld 

Figure 6.5. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-29 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6-6. Field descriptions and examples: Contaminant Source Information - Other Sites.

Field Name

Name of the area

Location/ 

Address

Content Guidance/Example

Provide descriptive name for the area Example: Adjacent 

Agricultural Lands.

Provide a location relative to the refuge or address for the area. 

Example: The adjacent agricultural lands include lands 

upstream (south) from the refuge as well as two parcels which 

are within refuge boundaries but that are farmed by a private 

landowner...

Data Entry Tips

Character limit: 80

Character limit: 2,000

Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the area north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of the area north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 1.

Distance of the area north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 59.

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Is this location 

ON or OFF 

Interior lands?

Category(s) 

where this 

contaminant 

SOURCE best 

fits?

Contaminant 

classifications 

linked to this 

source

The location of the area in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the area in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in minutes. Example: 46.

The location of the area in reference to the prime meridian, 

expressed in seconds. Example: 35.

Classify area as being located within the refuge boundary or outside 

of the boundary. Example: Off.

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant sources 

(point and nonpoint) that are described in the reference. If the 

reference does not describe a contaminant source, do not make a 

selection from the picklist. Example: Agriculture-aerial spray, 

drainwater, livestock, Confined Livestock Feeding...

Use this picklist to document the contaminant categories that are 

described in the reference. If the reference does not describe a 

contaminant category, do not make a selection from the picklist 

Example: Fecal Coliforms, Organochlorines, Organophosphates, 

Other Pesticides

Character limit: 3 

("-" in N. America)

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Radio button. One 

selection allowed.

Picklist: Up to 70 

selections. Multiple 

selections allowed. 

Defaults to "Not 

Applicable."

Picklist: Up to 64 

selections. Multiple 

selections allowed. 

Defaults to "Not 

Applicable."

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-30 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 6 CffirtaiiiiiiHiit Sources Other Sites 

NiiqnaDj NWR

Main Mom I

Section Mom I

Help I

Na i ofthaan*

{Adjacent Agricultural Lands

Plaase entar either the location of the area or tha Latitude and Longttnda of Hi* cite centroid 

Location/Address

The adjacent agricultural lands include lands upstream £ 

(south) from the rexuge as well as two parcels which s 

are within rexuge boundaries tout that are Xaned toy a 

private landowner. The two parcels are located outside 

the dike on the east side of the refuge. Although the 

Nisqually Indian Tribe officially Manages these areas.

LaOtudt and LongUudi 

Latitude

Dogrees |£ J Mimttas Jo^ j; Soconds

Longitude

Dsgrees I.9......J Mtamtes jo J Ssconds Jo ]

Is tins location ON or OFF Interior lands? 

Ton

Categmy(s) wfaera tide coatamiBant SOURCE bsct fits?

AghcuKural - aarial spray 

Agricultural - drainwatar 

AghcuKural - livestock 

Confinsd Livastock Fatding 

Dairy Industry m

Contaminant dusificattoiu linked to *M« taarca

Facal Coltforms 

OrganochlorirtM 

Organophocphstss 

Other Pesticides

1

Figure 6-6. Data entry screen: Contaminant Source Infonnation 

Other Sites.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-31 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 6.6. Concluded.

Field Name

Suffice Water

Ground Water

Air

Biotic

Comments

Contacts linked 

to this site

Add new contact

Content Guidance/Example

Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklisL Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants 

released from the area are conducted to the refuge. Example: 

HOGUM BAY OF PUGET SOUND, McAllister Creek, 

NISQUALLY RIVER, PUGET SOUND & NISQUALLY 

REACH, Red Salmon Creek.

Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklisL Select the pathway(s) by which contaminants 

released from the area are conducted to the refuge. Example 

McAllister Springs and Nisqually Groundwater, South Central 

Pierce County Aquifer.

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which contaminants released from the area may reach 

refuge. Example: Northeast, South, Southwest

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants from the area to the refuge. Example: No species 

listed in Section 5.

Describe characteristics about this area that may have particular 

relevance to the contaminant assessment Enter any ancillary 

information that is not covered adequately by the picklist of 

contaminants Comments may include water or air quality 

parameters that are likely to be impacted by the activities at the 

area. Example: Although contaminants associated with the 

haying practice within refuge boundaries have not been 

documented, they are suspected. These and other adjacent 

farmlands are used to grow crops and are subject to a wide 

range of fertilizer and pesticide treatments, including some 

pesticides, such as aldicarb and parathion not currently allowed 

on refuge lands. Aerial drift of pesticides from these lands or 

leaching to irrigation waters on refuge lands may occur. Finally, 

fecal coliform from upstream aquaculture and agricultural 

practices have been documented in McAllister Creek ....Hunting 

is still allowed on adjacent Washington Department of Fish and 

Wildlife thus the refuge probably has a legacy of lead shot 

However, lead shot use ended in the mid-eighties and this 

potential source of contamination should be diminishing. 

Wildlife found dead should always be examined for lead shot in 

old wounds or in digesta due to the hunting allowed on adjacent 

lands. Finally, previous land use of refuge lands include 

agricultural practices, thus pesticide residues within refuge 

lands especially in the old orchard and within the diked areas 

are of possible concern.

Provides a picklist of contacts previously entered. Select name of 

individual with knowledge about the source. Enter new names in 

the fields below. Example: Bill Cleland,.... Jfay Davis.

Surname and title of contact Example: None added.

Last name of contact Example: None added.

Data Entry Tips

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected

Picklist: Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected

Picklist: Multiple species 

can be selected

Character limit: 2,000

Picklist: Defaults to "No 

Contact"

Character limit: 40

Character limit: 40

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-32 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Paltn

J

,

MJI ttet allow contvntzBmt^s) to nub flu trust ana: 

Surface Water

HOGUM BAY OF PUGET SOUND 

McAMsterCraak 

NISQUALLY RTVER 

PUGET SOUND & NISQUALLY REACH 

i Red Salmon Craek

Croond Water

McAJIister Springs and Nisqually Groundwater Si 

Soulh-Cantnl Pwtca County Aqwfor

_____________ . $[

Air

Northsest & 

South .§1 

Southwest Jf 

East ; 

North ^fj

Biotc

No tpscisi kitsd in Section 5 SJ

....,,,.. ,,..... .......?i

Although contaminants associatad vith the haying £ 

practice vlthin refuge boundaries have not been :| 

documented, they are suspected. These and other § 

adjacent Xaralands are used to grow crope and are Jl 

subject to a wide range cf 2ertilisar and pesticide 

treatments, including some pesticides, such as aldlcarb 

and parathion not currently allowed on refuge lands. 

Aerial drift of pesticides from these lands or leaching 

to irrigation waters on reluge lands may occur.

Finally, fecal coliform team upstream aquacaltore and Jt

Contacts Hnkad ts «M« sits:

Nsnstts Ssto 2: 

Jean Takakawa ; 

Bob \nrOOlnch * 

Jay Davit jff

add a nsw nams to the contacts list

First nans | \

Last name } :

rSub^risobmittfaLtDMe 

jffej^aao^l iBBorc the new entries on tins PUS

IPiffiMJdtl EBmfaiBta «*««« fcrihtr frim «~VT^'

,

....M

 

Figure 6.6. Concluded.

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT 

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-33 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Part II: CHAPTER 6 - CONTAMINANT

SOURCE INFORMATION 6-34 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

The purpose of this section is to document information obtained 

through conducting site visits to areas within the AOI that are of 

particular significance to the assessment. Information gathered during 

site visits or through review of remotely-sensed images is summarized 

on data entry screens in this section. Additionally, they may lead to 

the discovery of undocumented information or the observation of 

unexpected activities (i.e., shipments of hazardous materials along 

nearby transportation corridors).

Site visits often provide opportunities to field-check information 

compiled in earlier portions of the assessment. Conducting an on-theground field reconnaissance may not always be possible, especially in 

remote areas (i.e., Alaska). In such cases, aircraft flyovers and the use 

of satellite images or aerial photography should be considered. 

Examples of useful sources of information that can assist in or, in 

some cases, substitute for site visits include USGS 7.5' topographic 

and 1:250,000 scale land use maps; USFWS National Wetland 

Inventory maps; orthophoto quadsheets, aerial, and satellite 

photographs.

Occasionally, records of field reconnaissance visits conducted for 

purposes other than the CAP are available and may provide the 

Primary Investigator with valuable information concerning conditions 

at the site. Where appropriate, summaries of previous reconnaissance 

visits should be documented in this step of the process.

In some cases, it may be advisable to document conditions during 

a site visit by using a video or still camera. Video records and still 

photographs can provide a powerful baseline documentation format 

that can be used to assess changes to the area and may have relevance 

to future damage assessment efforts. If using a still camera, record the 

dates and locations of photographs. Using the audio channel to 

document the time, date, names of the personnel present, and to record 

impressions of the area, can provide a more thorough record of the 

visit. Record the location where the photographs or video cassette film 

are stored (along with cassette and counter numbers) in the 

"Comments" field of this sections' data entry screen. The Primary 

Investigator should ensure that such documentation is archived for 

possible conversion to digital format and inclusion in the CAP 

database in the future.

Field reconnaissance visits can be made to potentially any 

location deemed relevant to the assessment. However, legal 

considerations may restrict access to privately-owned agricultural or 

commercial facilities. All site visits should be conducted in 

accordance with safety and agency standards. On-refuge visits should 

be coordinated with management staff. Visiting off-refuge locations

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE 7-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Suggested On-Rejuge Areas 

for Site Visits

Suggested Off-Refuge Areas 

for Site Visits

Section 2. Data

Management

System Operation

may require permission from landowners or facility managers. When 

scheduling site visits, keep in mind that conditions at the site are likely 

to undergo seasonal, and even daily, variations. Depending on the type 

of she, visits should be scheduled so as to observe conditions at times 

of particular interest, such as periods of reproductive, foraging, or 

migratory activity.

Typically, on-refuge field reconnaissance visits will focus on the 

types of areas described in the following list:

 known contaminant-impacted areas

 suspected contaminated areas, including abandoned dump sites 

and aircraft landing strips

 areas where fertilizers or pesticides are used or mixed for 

application

 areas where surface water is entering the unit

 areas with sensitive habitats and/or species

 areas that could function as reference or comparison sites

 potential or current monitoring locations (air, ground water, 

surface water, biota, sediment)

The following list provides examples of the types of off-refuge 

areas that may warrant a site visit:

 local areas important to trust resources identified in Section 4

 surface water and runoff areas that flow onto the refuge

 areas where fertilizers or pesticides are used

 areas where potential contaminant sources are located

 areas that could function as reference or comparison sites

 potential or current monitoring locations (air, surface water, 

	biota, sediment)

Information required for this section is recorded on as many 

records as necessary. New records are added by clicking on the button 

titled "Add New Reconnaissance Information." Initially, the names of 

areas identified in Section 4: Local Off-Interior Areas Important to 

Trust Resources are presented in the section menu under the heading 

"Areas Not Yet Addressed: Important Off-Interior Areas Not Listed 

As Contaminant Sources." In addition, the names of all facilities 

reviewed and retained in Section 6: Contaminant Source Information 

are listed on the section menu. Selecting any of these hypertext links 

opens a new record and enters the name of the area or selected facility 

in the "Name of Area" field. The system does not upload any 

additional facility-specific contaminant information into the record.

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE 7-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Selecting and entering information on any of the hypertext-linked sites 

moves the name of the facility to a position on the section menu under 

"Areas Visited."

The names of contacts listed on the data entry screen for this 

section are derived from those entered in Section 2: Background 

Information - Contacts. The names added in this section are 

automatically appended to the picklist of individuals recorded in 

Section 2: Background Information - Contacts . If multiple contact 

names must be entered for an area, enter the first and last name and 

submit the record. Select the same record from the section menu and 

enter the additional name in the contact fields and submit the record 

again. This process can be repeated as often as necessary. To provide 

information on any new contacts entered on this form, return to the 

Main Menu, and select Section 2: Background Information: Contacts. 

Select the name from the picklist and enter any relevant information 

into the record.

The picklist of major habitat types contains the same options as 

those provided in Section 3: Assessment Considerations - Land 

Cover/Land Use.

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD

RECONNAISSANCE 7-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Field Reconnaissance

Table 7-1. Field descriptions and examples: Field Reconnaissance.

Field Name

Name of area

Date(s) of field 

reconnaissance

Reconnaissance 

by

Content Guidance/ExamDle

Enter the name of site being visited. Example: The Bluffs.

Enter the date(s) that the site was visited. Example: March 10, 

1999.

Select the names of individuals making the site visit from the 

picklist If individual is not listed, enter it in the following fields. 

Example: Jay Davis, Nanette Seto.

Data Entrv Tins

Character limit: 200

Character limit: 40

Picklist: Derived from 

Section 2: Contacts. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection."

Enter Name If Not in List

First name Enter the surname of contact Example: None. Character limit: 40 Adds 

name to Section 2: 

Contacts list

Last name Enter the last name of contact Example: None. Character limit: 40 Adds 

name to Section 2: 

Contacts list

Description of 

area and 

importance to 

study

Document the extent of the site and describe characteristics about 

this site that may have particular relevance to the contaminant 

assessment (topography, hydrology, gradient/proximity to the 

refuge). Enter any ancillary information that explains why this site 

was selected for a visit Note unusual numbers of dead trees or 

uncharacteristically barren or discolored patches of ground. 

Example: We visited the bluffs, which is an elevated (200 to 300 

feet above sea level) forest located on the west side of the refuge. 

This southwestern boundary of the refuge is not fenced and 

there are new residential communities being built directly next 

to refuge lands.

Character limit: 2,000

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE 7-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 7 Field Reconnaissance 

NuqoalljNWR

Main Menu I 

I

Section Menu E 

Help I

Name of thai

Deta(s) of Flald Raconaali 

Raconnaissaikct by:

iBareh 10, 1999

Bill Claland 

WUIaidBWHassalbart

Entari i if not in list:

First name 

Last name

Description ef area and fanportanca to study;

Be visited the bluffs which is an elevated (200 to 300 

feet above sea level) forest located OB the vest side 

of the refuge. This southwestern boundary of the 

refuge is not fenced and there are new residential 

eoBBKinlties being built directly next to refuge lands.

Relevant* to contaminant assessment:

Due to rapid residential (bousing coaounitles) and 

recreational (golf courses in particular) development 

there is great concern that these new activities May 

effect the refuge. Many of the houses are on a septic 

system and also have retention ponds to collect and 

treat scorn water run-oft. There is a concern that as 

the residential area grows and ages, failing septic 

system and overloaded etom water retention ponds willjj 

release contaminants directly down hill into the 

refuge. Future plans of a wastawater treatment

Figure 7-1. Data entry screen: Field Reconnaissance.

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE 7-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 7-1. Concluded

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Flora and/or 

fauna seen 

during the 

reconnaissance

Describe significant plant communities, terrestrial, and avian 

species and invertebrate populations seen in the area during the 

visit Identify species that might potentially be susceptible to 

contaminant effects. This field contains the direction of the facility 

relative to the refuge. It is calculated by the data management 

system. Example: Northeast.

Character limit: 2,000

Select the major 

habitat types/ 

land uses that 

apply to this area

Select the land/cover categories from the picklist seen during the 

visit Example: Deciduous forest, other habitat.

Picklist: Up to 27 

selections. Multiple 

selections allowed. 

Defaults to "None."

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Flam and/or From seen daring the rBcmmeissmce:

Tin* part or the tour ma conducted via a vehicle, thus 

; anaeh raoaa eae encountered. Tbe bluxra le a tormmt, 

of douglaa Jlr, vestern cedar and western heaaoek. j 

tony blrd». Ilk* thruvh and woodpecker*, inhabit the 1 area as ell as other «ildlita epeciea iacludllag 

rodeata and deer.

Select the major habtottyp««/tead met tfamt apply to ttd« i

lAgncuKur^ Lands 

Deciduous Dwarf Shnibland 

Deciduous Stwubland

Snkarit ttdi page wtt the apdatcs

Ignnc the new entiles OB this page

Delate this racerd

Figure 7-1. Concluded.

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD 

RECONNAISSANCE 7-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 7 - FIELD

RECONNAISSANCE 7-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Possible PCA Locations

Section 8 of the data management system is used to identify 

areas on the refuge where field sampling could be conducted to 

confirm the presence and/or effects of contaminants. These potentially 

contaminated areas (PCAs) are associated with pathways which are 

likely to conduct pollutants released from point and nonpoint sources 

within the area of interest.

Ideally, the PCA is a general area where contaminants or their 

effects are likely to be observed soon after they move onto the refuge 

or as they move away from the source on the refuge. There may be 

multiple PCAs for a refuge, depending on the contaminants and 

transport pathways in the AOI. For those contaminants and pathways 

that originate outside the refuge boundary, the locations where the 

pathways enter the refuge is a good place to start when considering 

the appropriate location of a PCA. Areas downstream, downwind, or 

downgradient of on-refuge contaminant sources may also be identified 

as PCAs. The Primary Investigator should purposefully bias the 

selection of PCAs to those locations that are most likely to contain 

elevated concentrations of suspected contaminants, thereby permitting 

earlier detection of contaminant-related effects compared to randomly 

selected refuge sites. Sampling at these areas will not provide an 

indication of the average conditions of the refuge. Rather, they will 

represent potential hot spots of contamination or effect.

The following are examples for possible PCA locations:

 major inlets/outlets to or from a body of water

 locations downstream/downgradient/ from significant waste 

discharges

 primary airborne paniculate deposition zones

When selecting PCAs, the following questions should be taken 

into account.

 Is the area a likely location for contaminants to be present in 

elevated concentrations?

 Are appropriate media and environmental variables present to 

sample for contaminants?

 Do potentially sensitive or surrogate species use the area?

 Is there reasonable access to the area?

 Can multiple contaminants or environmental variables be 

measured at this location?

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

 Is the area sufficiently homogeneous so that a low number of 

samples is adequate to generate a measure of central tendency 

with an acceptable level of confidence?

To facilitate this step, the data management system provides a 

valuable summary of retained contaminant sites organized by 

transport pathway. The summary can be accessed by clicking on the 

hypertext link "Contaminant Sites Summarized by Transport 

Pathway" located at the bottom of Section 6 on the Main Menu. The 

list of transport pathways is derived from user input and the data field 

titled "Receiving Water" contained on the PCS/NPDES and TRI 

facility records. The Primary Investigator should carefully review this 

summary with the objective of prioritizing the pathways on which the 

greatest number of contaminant sources are located. Pathways not 

associated with significant contaminant sources are unlikely to pose 

ecological risks to the refuge. Likewise, some pathways identified in 

the list may not convey contaminants to the refuge, owing to their 

location and direction of flow in the AOI.

The data management system also provides a series of maps that 

illustrate the boundary of the refuge in relation to the surface water 

and air AOI. The maps can be accessed by clicking on the "View 

Maps of the Area of Interest" hypertext link located at the bottom of 

the Main Menu. These maps can be downloaded off the system by 

placing the cursor on the image and clicking the right mouse button. 

This will open a dialog box. Scroll down the menu in the dialog box 

and click on the "Save As" option or its equivalent. In the Save As 

box, select the "GIF" file option and designate a directory in which to 

save the image.

While a useful starting point, the maps provided by the data 

management system may not provide sufficient detail for accurately 

delineating PCAs. Maps obtained from the refuge or other sources 

may be necessary to complete this step in the process. Due to the 

spatial nature of this step, it is strongly recommended that the Primary 

Investigator obtain either digital or hardcopy maps of the appropriate 

scale and actually delineate a boundary around the area that 

represents the PCA. The boundary should be drawn so that it 

encompasses the locations where optimal sampling activities are most 

likely to identify contaminant presence or effects. Identify this mapped 

PCA with an identifying number and complete a record for each area. 

The type of map used and its location should be recorded in the 

"Notes" box on the section menu screen for future reference.

After identifying the PCAs, the Primary Investigator should 

document the selection by completing a data entry screen for each 

location. Obviously, not all identified areas will be equally

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Contamination Level 1

Contamination Level 2

contaminated. An important step in completing the record is 

categorizing the contamination level at the PCA. Categorizing the 

PCAs will help the Primary Investigator target high priority areas for 

field sampling in the event that contaminant investigations are 

warranted to evaluate risks revealed through the retrospective 

analysis. The Primary Investigator should use the following 

definitions when assigning a contamination level to each PCA.

Known contaminant sources and documented contamination 

problems and/or habitat degradation.

 Contaminant presence and effects have been identified and 

documented at this location.

. Contaminant is present and is a threat to the system and/or 

humans.

 Significant effects to the system have been observed (dieofls, morphological/physiological/behavioral effects, habitat 

degradation, etc.). However, the specific cause(s) might not 

be known.

 Regulatory levels have been reached for a contaminant or a 

contamination event has occurred to initiate mitigative/ 

remedial actions or additional studies.

 A contaminant problem has been identified at this location 

and mitigative or remediation measures have been 

implemented that are likely to resolve the problem. This 

situation still requires special studies or long-term 

monitoring to verify that the mitigation/ remediation 

activities are effective.

Known contaminant sources and contaminant presence, no 

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Contaminants very likely (or known) to exist or to be moving 

to this location, but a specific problem has not been identified.

 Contaminant sources exist upstream (upgradient, upwind) 

within close proximity to or on the refuge.

 Regulatory requirements relevant to monitoring are not being 

adequately addressed at this location.

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Contamination Level 3 Known contaminant sources, suspected contaminant presence, no

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Potential contaminant sources exist:

- Suspected sources exist on- or off-refuge and transport 

pathways have been identified to this location. However, 

contaminants have a low probability of reaching this site and 

affecting the system.

Contamination Level 4 No known contaminant sources other than global atmospheric

input and no known habitat degradation.

 Relatively uncontaminated location intersected by a 

transportation route.

- No known or suspected contaminant sources (other than 

those associated with the transportation route).

- Transportation route (railway, highway, navigation channel) 

is upstream, upwind, or upgradient and is known as a route 

for carriers of various hazardous substances.

- No known degradation of the resource. However, future 

spills at the site are a serious concern.

Section 2. Data Information required for this section is recorded on as many 

Management System records as necessary. New records are added by clicking on the button 

Operation titled "Add New PCA Information." The picklists of contaminant

classifications are the same as provided in Section 6: Contaminant 

Information and Section 9: Areas Subject to Spills. The picklists of 

pathways are derived from those entered in Section 5: Transport 

Pathways.

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Potentially Contaminated Areas 

Table 8-1. Field descriptions and examples: Potentially Contaminated Areas. _____

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Site Identifier Enter a descriptive identifier for the area. Example: Nisqually 

Delta and its Tributaries (Nisqually River, McAllister and Red 

Salmon Creeks)

Character limit: 80

Location- Enter Information for at Least One

Location/ 

Address

Enter a description of the area and its general extent and relation to 

the refuge. Example: Together with McAllister and Red Salmon 

Creeks, the Nisqually River forms one of the largest remaining 

undisturbed estuaries in Washington. Three waterways, the 

Nisqually River (in the center of the refuge) and the Red Salmon 

(on the eastern boarder of the refuge) and McAllister (on the 

western boarder of the refuge) Creeks, come together on the 

refuge and open into the south end of Puget Sound forming a 

large undisturbed estuary/delta, habitat that is sparse in the 

Puget Sound Region.

Character limit: 

Unlimited

UTM Coordinates

X

Y

UTMZone

UTM X coordinate (easting) that in conjunction with the UTM Y 

coordinate and UTM zone identifies the areas centroid. Example: 

723000.

UTM Y coordinate (Northing) that in conjunction with the UTM X 

coordinate and the UTM zone identifies the areas centroid. 

Example: 4545240.

UTM zone that in conjunction with the UTM X and Y coordinates 

identifies the areas centroid. Example: UTM ZONE: 13.

Character limit: 6. No 

commas.

Character limit: 7. No 

commas.

Character limit: 2

Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 11.

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 8.

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

The location of the areas centroid in reference to the prime 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

The location of the areas centroid in reference to the prime 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 35.

The location of the areas centroid in reference to the prime 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 5.

Character limit: 3. 

("-" in N. America)

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 8 Potentially Contonfatated Areas 

NlsqmDy NWB.

MtJnMeou

Section Menu

Help

Bta Ideatiften

PlMie after *t liest 00 of flu bOmta* location of to VM. UTM Coordtetes (Z ad Y), «r Udtodend

LontfaB/Addrass

Together with Helllister and Red Salaon Creeks, the

Hl»qtMlly Rlwr toium on* of the largest

ondl*turbad eacu*ci«» la VMhlngton.

tb* Miaqually Rlv«r (la «k> oentat o< the

th» ted SeJaea (on fch* M«t«ra boarder o* the ceiu«e)

 ad Hcl.lllatex (oa the «e*tera boerdec ot the ceiuge)

UTMZwiel

DecrMt |i<fi<i _ Mfaratos |^J Seconds

r * "* f~"i i ~""

D*ffjM< I......... Minutes | j Seconds |., ,.,...

Figure 8-1. Data entry screen: Potentially Contaminated Areas.

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 8-1. Continued.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Description of 

site

Document the extent of the PCA and relation to the refuge. Describe 

characteristics about this site that may have particular relevance to 

the contaminant assessment (topography, hydrology, gradient, 

proximity to the refuge). Enter any ancillaiy information that may 

support the selection of the PCA. Example: Fecal coliform 

bacteria have been detected in high enough levels in the water in 

and around the refuge especially in McAllister Creek to close 

recreational and commercial shellfish operations following 

substantial storm events. The Washington State Department of 

Health is currently involved with monitoring fecal coliform 

bacteria in several streams and rivers within the refuge....___

Character limit: 2,000

Rationale for 

selecting this site

Document significance of the area to the assessment Describe 

particular features of the area that may influence movement of 

contaminants from or through the area. Note any die-offs that may 

have occurred at the area. Document the extent to which trust 

species utilize the area. Summarize any ongoing or historical 

investigations or monitoring at the area. Describe concerns about 

proposed changes in land use that might influence habitat quality 

Example: Due to rapid residential (housing communities) and 

recreational (golf courses in particular) development there is 

great concern that these new activities may affect the refuge. 

Many of the houses are on septic systems and also have retention 

ponds to collect and treat storm water run-off. There is a 

concern that as the residential area grows and ages, failing 

septic systems and overloaded storm water retention ponds will 

release contaminants directly down hill into the refuge.

Character limit: 2,000

Select the level

of contamination

that applies to 

this area

Based on the guidance in this Chapter, select one of the 4 

contamination levels displayed on the data entry screen that best 

describes the PCA. Example: Level 1 - Known contaminant 

sources and documented contamination problems and/or habitat 

degradation.

Radio button. Single 

selection allowed.

Select

contaminant

classifications 

linked to this site

Based on a review of information documented in Section 6 for the 

appropriate transport pathway, select the types of contaminants that 

are likely to be present at the PCA from the picklist. Example: 

Cadmium, Fecal Coliforms, Heavy Metals, Lead Mercury.

Picklist: 64 selections. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection."

Select the Pathways That Allow Contaminant(s) to Reach the Area

Surface Water Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist. Select the pathway(s) by which released 

contaminants may reach the PCA. Example: None highlighted.

Picklist. Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Ground Water Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist Select the pathway(s) by which released 

contaminants may reach the PCA. Example: None highlighted.

Picklist Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Dai eriptian of cte:

Fecal colllora bacteria bave been detected IB high 

enough level* IB the rater IB and around cue refuge 

eapecially In Keilllater Creek to clove recreational

I coaaerclal ahellxiah operations to 1 lowing 

substantial star* events. The BaaniaatoB State 

tepartaent at Bealth la currently involved with 

 OBitoring teeal colixocsi beccerle IB aeverel atreaea 

ead river* within the retuge.

Sloee abellliah harveat baa been oloaed due to zecal 

colUCor* counta tolloalna atan eventa, the bacteria,

Rational* far stlactfac ads stta

Documncad actlvltiea and laveatigmtlona aa vail a* j 

potential iactaeia rro» historical aad current practlcea 

lead to the rationale nl aeleeting thla alte aa a 

potentially co&eealaaced area ot the rezuga. I

i

Select tha laval ofcantamhiatiop that appttat to this area

f- I-»»»l 1 . ranam r«rt»inm««t *i*rrf* m*A ,*I*T^~* j**?**!** ~n jt»n~*~f.A f**t**^*^* pr«ihU«M« nr Miit*t

degradanon

<"' Lerml 3 Known contaminant sources, suspected contaminant presence, no decus

<" LareM No known contaminant sourcei otfier than global atmospheric ggut and no known habitat deyadanon 

Eatoet »fri*nntTiT"* r^**m"t'"\t Mnka

Calact tha pathways that allow eontamma»t(s) to raaxh tha arw

Surface Water

Ground Water

®

Figure 8.1. Continued.

PART U: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 8-1. Concluded

Field Name

Air

Biotic

Content Guidanre/ExamDles

Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which released contaminants may reach the PCA. 

Example: Northeast highlighted

Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways 

of the data management system are listed here. Select those 

organisms that may transport contaminants to the PCA. Example: 

No species listed in Section 5.

Data Entrv Tins

Picklist Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected

Picklist Multiple species 

can be selected

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

NOfttWMt

South 

Southwest

Biobc

NO SPECIES USTED IN SECTION 5 £<

m

I N

I 

I

| Submit tkli pt|B wtth dw ctenfM 

[goora du new mzlas «B this pact

Figure 8-1. Concluded.

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTULLY 

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-11 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 8 - POTENTIALLY

CONTAMINATED AREAS 8-12 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 9 of the data management system is used to identify areas 

on the refuge that may be sensitive to accidental spills of hazardous 

materials. Large quantities of these materials are routinely transported 

overland via railroads, highways, and navigation channels. 

Frequently, these transportation corridors cross FWS-managed lands 

or tributaries that flow into them. The purpose of this section is to 

identify spill sensitive areas (SSAs) on the refuge that may be 

sensitive to spills and document pre-spill conditions. Data collected at 

these sites can provide valuable information to support a natural 

resource damage assessment in the event that a future spill injures 

FWS trust resources.

Like PCAs, the selection of SSAs are biased and not intended to 

represent the average conditions on a refuge. Unlike PCAs, they are 

not selected because they lie along pathways known or suspected to 

transport contaminants to the refuge. Ideally, these areas would be 

located where the presence of spilled contaminants or their effects are 

likely to be observed soon after the spilled material reached the 

refuge. However, impacts from a spill may not be confined to a 

discreet area near the boundary of the refuge. Therefore, the Primary 

Investigator might consider establishing other SSAs at high-value 

habitats along the pathway. Depending on the location of 

transportation corridors and pathways, and the number of high-value 

habitats, multiple SSAs might be identified as pan of the assessment.

While the data management system provides some small scale 

maps of the refuge and surrounding areas, they may not provide 

sufficient detail for accurately delineating areas subject to spills. It 

may be necessary to obtain maps from the refuge or other sources to 

complete this step in the process. The Primary Investigator should 

review maps of appropriate scale that illustrate topography and major 

transportation corridors for the refuge and surrounding areas. Only 

areas located within the boundary of the refuge should be selected. 

These might include sites located downstream, down-slope, or 

downwind from major transportation corridors along which hazardous 

materials are known to be carried.

Due to the spatial nature of this step, it is strongly recommended 

that the Primary Investigator obtain either digital or hardcopy maps of 

the appropriate scale and actually delineate these areas. The boundary 

of the area should be drawn so that it encompasses the optimum 

locations where sampling activities are most likely to identify the 

presence or effects from spilled materials. The type of map used and 

its location should be recorded in the "Notes" field in the Section 

Menu screen for future reference.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Contamination Level 1

When selecting SSAs, the following questions should be taken into 

consideration.

 Is the area sufficiently close to the transportation corridor so 

that spilled material is likely to reach the refuge in 

concentrations high enough to cause an effect?

 Are appropriate media and environmental variables present to 

sample for contaminants?

 Do potentially sensitive or surrogate species use the area?

 Is there reasonable access to the area?

 Is the area sufficiently homogeneous so that a low number of 

samples is adequate to generate a measure of central tendency 

with an acceptable level of confidence?

After identifying the SSAs, the Primary Investigator should 

document the selection by completing a data entry screen for each 

location. Part of the documentation process requires that the area be 

assigned a level of contamination. Generally, identified areas will be 

assigned Contamination Level 4 (no known contaminant sources other 

than global atmospheric input and no known habitat degradation). 

However, it is possible that some contamination already is suspected 

in the area, in which case another level may be appropriate. The 

following descriptions should be reviewed as the basis for assigning 

the contamination level for each area.

Known contaminant sources and documented contamination 

problems and/or habitat degradation.

 Contaminant presence and effects have been identified and 

documented at this location.

 Contaminant is present and is a threat to the system and/or 

humans.

 Significant effects to the system have been observed (dieofls, morphological/physiological/behavioral effects, 

habitat degradation, etc.). However, the specific cause(s) 

might not be known.

- Regulatory levels have been reached for a contaminant or a 

contamination event has occurred to initiate mitigative/ 

remedial actions or additional studies.

- A contaminant problem has been identified at this location 

and mitigative or remediation measures have been 

implemented that are likely to resolve the problem. This 

situation still requires special studies or long-term

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

monitoring to verify that the mitigation/remediation 

activities are effective.

Contamination Level 2 Known contaminant sources and contaminant presence, no

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Contaminants very likely (or known) to exist or be moving to 

this location, but a specific problem has not been identified.

- Contaminant sources exist upstream (upgradient, upwind) 

within close proximity to or on the refuge.

- Regulatory requirements relevant to monitoring are not 

being adequately addressed at this location.

Contamination Level 3 Known contaminant sources, suspected contaminant presence, no

documented contaminant problems or habitat degradation.

 Potential contaminant sources exist.

- Suspected sources exist on- or off-refuge and transport 

pathways have been identified at this location; however, 

contaminants have a low probability of reaching this site 

and affecting the system.

Contamination Level 4 No known contaminant sources other than global atmospheric

input and no known habitat degradation.

 Relatively uncontaminated location intersected by a 

transportation route.

- No known or suspected contaminant sources (other than 

those associated with the transportation route).

- Transportation route (railway, highway, navigation 

channel) is upstream, upwind, or upgradient and is known 

as a route for carriers of various hazardous substances.

- No known degradation of the resource; however, future 

spills at the site are a serious concern.

Section 2. Data Information required for this section is recorded on as many 

Management System records as necessary. New records are added by clicking on the button 

Operation titled "Add New PCA Information". The picklists of contaminant

classifications are the same as provided in Section 6: Contaminant 

Information and Section 8: Potentially Contaminated Areas. The list 

of pathways is derived from those entered in Section 5: Pathways.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Spill Sensitive Areas 

Table 9-1. Field descriptions and examples: Spill Sensitive Areas.

Field Name

Site identifier

Content Guidance/Examole

Enter a descriptive identifier for the area. Example: Interstate-5 

Corridor.

Data Entry Tins

Character limit: 80.

Location: Enter information for at least one

Location/ 

address

Enter a description of the area and its general extent and relation to 

the refuge. Example: The Interstate-5 Corridor is the southern 

boundary of the refuge. An area known as the Nisqually River 

Overflow is located just under the Interstate-5 corridor along 

the southern boundary of the refuge. This freshwater marshy 

area under the overpass is being considered as a source of 

freshwater for managed wetland areas of the refuge.

Character limit: 

Unrestricted

UTM Coordinates

X

Y

UTM Zone

UTM X coordinate (easting) that in conjunction with the UTM Y 

coordinate and UTM zone identifies the areas centroid. Example: 

723000.

UTM Y coordinate (northing) that in conjunction with the UTM X 

coordinate and the UTM zone identifies the areas centroid. 

Example: 4545240.

UTM zone that in conjunction with the UTM X and Y coordinates 

identifies the areas centroid. Example: 13.

Character limit: 6. No 

commas.

Character limit: 7. No 

commas.

Character limit: 2

Latitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: 47.

Distance of facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 11.

Distance of the facility north or south of the equator, measured on a 

meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 8.

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

Longitude

Degrees

Minutes

Seconds

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in degrees. Example: -122.

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in minutes. Example: 35.

Distance of the areas centroid north or south of the equator, 

measured on a meridian, expressed in seconds. Example: 5.

Character limit: 3 

("-" in N. America)

Character limit: 2

Character limit: 2

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section* - Areas Subject to Spflk 

NbqnaQjrNWR

Mao Menu I

Hdpl

IXateratate-5 Corridor

at taut 000 of tta fUbmbup loadim of the BTM, DTM CoordbMas(r«idY).HrLMltntond

Tta Zat«r«tBt«-S Corridor ! eta ouctara boundary of jj 

eta r*to0B. 1 

ka «r*» kaovtt «a the Nlcqually River Oirertlo* ! I 

located juat under tta Intcrctate-S eocridoc long tta i 

aoutbecn boundary of tta refuge. Ttits ±re*h«aear * 

 archy area oader tta overpaa* la belne considered aa aA

UTM

Lathaae

MtantM Svconds

Mkmtas : Cceanas

Figure 9-1. Data entry screen: Spill Sensitive Areas.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 9-1. Continued.

Field Name Content Guidance/Example Data Entry Tips

Description of 

site

Document the extent of the area and relation to the refuge. Describe 

characteristics about this SSA that may have particular relevance to 

the contaminant assessment (topography, hydrology). Summarize 

how materials spilled along the transportation corridor could reach 

the refuge. Describe areas within the SSA used by trust species that 

could be impacted. Example: Being an overflow area for the 

Nisqually River, this freshwater marsh and water source is 

subject to the same potential contaminants as the river, as well 

as any run-off from the surrounding industries located on the 

exchange of the highway. One of the largest concerns includes 

PAH and other organic contamination washing from the 

roadways into this area under the underpass. Sampling of the 

area is being investigated before this area will be considered as 

a possible freshwater source to help manage refuge wetlands.

Character limit: 2,000

Rationale for 

selecting this site

Document significance of the area to the assessment Describe 

particular features of the area that may influence movement of 

contaminants from a potential spill site onto the area. Summarise 

the types of historical spills that have occurred in the vicinity of the 

area. Document the extent to which trust species utilize the 

potentially impacted area. Summarise any ongoing or historical 

investigations or monitoring at the area. If appropriate, comment on 

any proposed changes in local transportation corridors that might 

increase the likelihood of spilled materials reaching the refuge. 

Example: Activities in and around this area, both historical and 

current, lead to the rationale of selecting this site as a site in 

which baseline sampling would be very beneficial to the refuge.

Character limit: 2,000

Select the level 

of contamination 

that applies to 

this area

Based on the guidance in this Chapter, select one of the 4 

contamination levels displayed on the data entry screen that best 

describes the area. Generally, sites identified in this section are not 

associated with significant, known contaminant sources. Areas 

suspected of being heavily contaminated should be identified as 

PCAs. Example: Level 3 - Known contaminant sources, 

suspected contaminant presence, no documented contaminant 

problems or habitat degradation.

Radio button. Single 

selection allowed.

Select

contaminant

classifications 

linked to this site

Use this picklist to document the types of contaminant classes that 

may be present at the site prior to a spill. Example: Airborne 

particulates, oil and grease, other organics, other pesticides, 

petroleum products.

Picklist: 64 selections. 

Multiple selections 

allowed. Defaults to "No 

Selection."

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Deso^Mlen ef site:

Being ma overfloe area toe the Mlsquelly River tbis 

crestraater rah end eater ouro« ! sunjeet to the !

K potential coatandnants e» the elver es sell e» enyi 

run-off Xroej tbe surrounding industries located on tbe J 

 ekeaoe at tke hlgbvmy. Oee ef tke largest eoaeecae 

include PAH ead other organic coataBlaetiea washing II 

Xco* tbe roadveye into thia area under the underpeee. ii

vllng at tke erea ! being iareetieated before thie ^ 

area will be considered ee a possible Xreeheeter ovreejii 

to kelp eieiieyi rezuge eetlende. Since a pipeline, a |

Ratianale far salecttnc Has site

Activltiee in and around tbla area both historical and 

oorrent lead to tke rationale ef ealeeting this site «»j 

a site la ehich baseline saeplina eould be very I 

deneziclal to the refuge.

Select the lerel of coobmdnation tnmt applies to tins eree

O Level 1- Known coatarainaDt soorcet eod d^cuoiented coatasBJiabm problen^

Level2-Knowncootaonaotsoorcetandcantammaatpretence,nodocaaaeBtedcoDtasaaaotproblemiorhabital

Level3-KB es, fufpected cootaBBoant presence, no documented contanBoant problems or

habitat degradanoa

<" Level 4 - No known cnntoninant sources otber than gjobal attnospheric aput and no known habitat degradation 

Select coetmfamt duriflcatianx Inked to tUs site

Figure 9-2. Continued.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-7 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Table 9-1. Concluded.

Field Name Content Guidance/Examrjle Data Entry Tips

Select the Pathways That Allow Contaminant(s) to Reach the Area

Surface Water Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklist Select the pathway(s) by which released 

contaminants may reach the SSA. Example: McAllister Creek, 

Nisqually River, Red Salmon Creek.

PicklisL Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Ground Water Pathways described in Section 5: Pathways, are presented in this 

record as a picklisL Select the pathway(s) by which released 

contaminants may reach the SSA. Example: McAllister Springs 

and Nisqually Groundwater, South Central Pierce County 

Aquifer.

Picklist. Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Air Eight cardinal directions presented in a picklist Select the wind 

direction by which released contaminants may reach the SSA. 

Example: South, Southwest.

Picklist. Multiple 

pathways can be 

selected.

Biotic Potential biological contaminant vectors from Section 5: Pathways, 

are listed here. Select those organisms that may transport 

contaminants to the SSA. Example: No species listed in Section 5.

Picklist. Multiple 

species can be selected.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-8 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Select fl» pathways flat allow eautadnatt(t) to mcfc the

Air

Biabc

NO SPECIES LISTED IN SECTIONS j*j

5?*?

B«W ratiui n this page

I Delete tUsneord

Figure 9-3. Concluded.

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL 

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-9 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 9 - SPILL

SENSITIVE AREAS 9-10 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 1. Overview

Section 10 of the data management system is used to summarize 

the significant contaminant issues revealed by the retrospective 

analysis. By completing the steps in Sections 1-9, the Primary 

Investigator documents information relating to the refuge and data 

supporting potential contaminant sources, pathways to the refuge, 

PCAs, and SSAs. The information collected thus far documents the 

potential threats but needs to be interpreted and summarized in order 

to complete the assessment The Narrative Report of Findings 

essentially serves as an "Executive Summary." It should be written in 

clear, concise, non-technical language. This section should describe 

what was done, what was found, what does it mean, and what should 

be done. It should summarize the most significant sources and types 

of contaminants and identify the most likely pathways by which 

contaminants are transported to the refuge. If the Primary Investigator 

concludes that a contaminant investigation is warranted to evaluate 

issues, this summary should contain sufficient information to justify 

the development of proposals for future project funding.

It may contain management recommendations geared to actions 

that could be taken to minimize contaminant impacts on the refuge. 

Examples of management recommendations might include:

 vigilance for contaminant-related effects (i.e., fish kills, dieoffs, reduced oxygen levels)

 follow-up baseline sampling

 protection of sensitive species/habitats

 oil spill contingency planning

 draining of attractive aquatic nuisances

The narrative report should be written as a stand-alone document 

because it may, eventually, be linked to CIMAS and the Ecological 

Conservation On-line System (ECOS) or used as a fact sheet in 

refuge visitor centers. Finally, it should be sufficiently thorough as to 

serve as the basis for sections of the Comprehensive Conservation 

Planning (CCP) documents mandated by the enactment of the 

National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (Public 

Lawl05-57-OCT9, 1997).

This report should contain at a minimum:

 a summary of the refuge's purpose, a description of its size, 

and its setting

 a preliminary summary of biological resources that might be 

impacted by identified contaminants

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE 

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-1 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

 a summary of known and suspected contaminant sources and 

types

 a description of the pathway(s) by which significant amounts 

of contaminants are likely to reach the refuge or affect trust 

resources

 an explanation of the ranking and prioritization scheme used 

to identify primary contaminant issues

 a summation of primary contaminant issues of concern, and

 a recommendation describing the need for future follow-up 

contaminant investigations.

Section 2. Data The information for this section is entered on a single record. 

Management System Although an unlimited amount of text can be entered into the field 

Operation provided, the Primary Investigator should try to limit the length of the

summary to no more than five pages. This section should be thought 

of as a concise, executive summary of the CAP. The content of the 

field can be downloaded from the system as a text file by following 

instructions provided on the help screen. Text for this field can be 

composed in word processing software, blocked, copied, and pasted 

into this field (See Part 1, Chapter 2 - Section 2: Copying and Pasting 

Information into Data Management System).

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Section 3. Guidance for Data Entry and Analysis: Narrative Report of Findings 

Table 10-1. Field descriptions and examples: Narrative Report of Findings.

Field Name Content Guidance/ExamDle Data Entry Tips

None See guidance in Overview section of this chapter. Character limit: 

Unrestricted. Contents 

of field can be 

downloaded as a text 

file by following 

directions provided in 

the help screen. Use 

"carriage returns" in 

body of document to 

separate paragraphs.

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE 

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

S«cd*n 10 Narrative Report «f Contaminant If suet 

Nlsjulfy NWR

Main Mom 

Help I

Misqually MBR is located approximately 6 miles northeast of the city of Olympia . 

and 17 Miles southwest of the city of Tacoma on the Iaterstate-5 corridor la the 

state of Washington. The southern boundary of the refuge la Interstate-5 and 

the northern end of the refuge opens late the lower (south) end of Puget Sound.

The Misqually River Delta la a biologically rich and diverse area at the 

southern cad of Puget Sound that supports a variety of habitats including 

woodlands and fresh and saltwater marshes. Together with Bellilater and Red 

Salmon Creeks, the Misqually River forms one of the largest remaining 

undisturbed estuaries la Veshlagton. Baay species of waterfowl feed, rest, and ^ 

nest on the freshwater ponds. Salmon and steelbead use the estuary for passage f|j 

to uprlver areas. Songbirds, woodpeckers, hewks and small mawmala are found la Ijll 

the dense woodlands and grasslands. Bixed conifer forests on the bluffs above m 

the delta provide perches for bald eagles, osprey, aad other birds of prey, as |||| 

well as the nesting site for a colony of great blue herons. The Miaqually fill! 

Refuge's diversity provides resting and feeding area for Migratory waterfowl aadJ.U 

ahorebirds along the Pacific Plyway as well as resident and overwintering birds. ||jj

Finally, the refuge provides habitat for approximately six federally endengered| n1 

or threatened species of which the bald eagle is most coamonly observed. ;lli

In 1974 the acquisition of the Misqually NWR was approved by the Bigratory Bird My

Conservation Cosmiesion and established for Management by the U.S. Fish and j '

Wildlife Service. The main purposes provided by the interior land Include j

wildlife refuge and protection, ocnservatlon and restoration of habitat and i

 lldlife, as well as educational and recreational activities. The total area |j 

within the refuge boundaries is just over 4000 acres of which approximately 3000 j

acres Is managed by the refuge directly. The Washington State Department of I

rish and Wildlife owns three small parcels while the Niaqually Indian Trlba W

controls two small parcels of land within refuge bounder lea. The major |'|

topographic feature of the refuge is the Brown Pan Pike. This dike system i|||

orms a SH-»ile loop around the delta between Nisqually River and BeJUllster to

reek, protecting this land from the tidal action aad salt water intrusion of 'Ml

uget Sound. /jjj

leeause the refuge la located in an area that la very urbanised en both the land III 

tnd water sides, literally hundreds of potential pathways (surface water and M 

irouadwater primarily) and sites (TRI, NFDES, CERCLIS, RCRIS, and AIRS) needed |jl|!; 

be addressed during the contaminant assessment process. Baay of the sites lift; 

md pathways listed la the database are not of concern to the refuge for severelM 

easons. First, many of the sites and pathways are either a long distance away Mi!: 

Ere* the refuge or do not fall within the watersheds of the Misqually Basin. ^V

Submit tinS miiia»y f* jf tmrrt Him

Namdrs Report that nay be dowaloadsd as a text fils

Figure 10-1. Data entry screen: Narrative Report of Findings.

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE 

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-5 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

PART II: CHAPTER 10 - NARRATIVE

REPORT OF FINDINGS 10-6 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix A. Data collection checklist.

Q Primary Investigator contact information (name, telephone, etc.).

Q Other important contacts (refuge manager/biologist, local scientists, landowners, local 

environmental groups, etc.).

Q Literature references pertinent to contaminant concerns on the refuge, as well as ecological indices 

and other pertinent information.

Q Important meetings/proceedings.

Q Obtain maps of the area to properly evaluate EPA-listed sites, transport pathways, and other 

geographic features.

Q Special significance of the geographic location of the refuge to contaminant concerns (i.e., adjacent 

to shipping lanes).

Q Species observed on the refuge and their significance with regard to contaminant issues. 

Q Land cover and use on the refuge and their significance to monitoring activities.

Q Management activities on the refuge and their significance to contaminant issues. Includes a 

reference to past baseline or reference sampling conducted.

Q Off-site areas that may provide a food/water source or source of shelter/nesting to species using the 

refuge (geographic coordinates).

Q Known or potential contaminant transport pathways: surface water, ground water, air, and biotic 

(creeks, washes, hydrologic setting, etc.).

Q Any special notes on documented or suspected contaminant concerns (in addition to data from 

CIMAS) that relate directly to the biodiversity found on the refuge, the mission of the refuge, or 

protected species found on the refuge.

Q Particularly sensitive areas on the refuge that would be adversely affected in the event of a

contaminant release from contaminated areas around the refuge (i.e., nesting sites, wetlands, etc.).

Q Refuge Narrative Reports, Station Management Plans, Refuge Master Plans, or Environmental 

Impact Statements.

APPENDIX A A-l OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix B. Description of EPA databases accessed by the CAP data management system and online fete 

and effects information sources.______________________________________

EPA Databases

Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS)

Title m of the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986 (also titled the Emergency 

Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986) requires that manufacturers that handle, process, 

store, or use any of the 650 designated toxic chemicals report releases of the chemicals to the environment. 

The chemicals reported are known to cause or can reasonably be anticipated to cause in humans: cancer or 

teratogenic effects, serious or irreversible reproductive dysfunctions, neurological disorders, heritable 

genetic mutations, or other chronic health effects. Secondly, the chemicals are known to cause or can 

reasonably be anticipated to cause, toxicity and persistence in the environment, or toxicity and tendency to 

bioaccumulate in the environment. Reports concerning the chemicals are submitted by the state and 

maintained by the EPA in its Toxic Release Inventory System (TRIS) database. The most recent data 

available through the TRIS database is 1996.

Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS)

The 1976 Resource Conservation Recovery Act (RCRA) regulates hazardous waste generators, 

transporters and storage, treatment, and disposal facilities. Information for the regulated facilities is 

maintained on the Resource Conservation and Recovery Information System (RCRIS) database. Hazardous 

wastes regulated under RCRA include: solvents, ignitable wastes, lead acid batteries, acids, pesticides, dry 

cleaning filtration residues, heavy metals/inorganics, ink sludges containing chromium and lead, reactives, 

spent plating and cyanide wastes, and wood preserving agents. The EPA defines three main categories of 

hazardous waste generators based on the quantity of hazardous waste they generate per month:

(1) conditionally exempt small quantity generators (less than 220 pounds [100 kg] per month)

(2) small quantity generators (between 220 pounds (100 kg) and 2,200 pounds [1,000 kg] per month)

(3) large quantity generators (more than 2,200 pounds [1,000 kg] per month).

Permit Compliance System (PCS)

All facilities discharging wastewater into waters of the United States are required to have a effluent 

discharge permit issued through the National Pollutant Discharge Eliminations System (NPDES). The EPA 

maintains permit and monitoring data for discharging facilities on the Permit Compliance System (PCS) 

database. The types of regulated pollutants in the PCS database include conventional pollutants (sanitary 

wastes, oil, and grease), nonconventional pollutants (nitrogen and phosphorus), and toxic pollutants 

(organics and metals).

APPENDIX B B-i OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix B. Continued.

Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, 

and Liability Information System (CERCUS)

The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) of 1980 

was amended in 1986 by the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act (SARA). The CERCLA 

established a federal program responsible for responding to emergency chemical spills and cleaning up inactive 

and abandoned sites contaminated with hazardous waste. The Comprehensive Environmental Response, 

Compensation, and Liability Information System (CERCLIS) database is maintained by the EPA to archive 

information on hazardous wastes and remediation efforts at Superfund sites.

Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) Facility

The Aerometric Information Retrieval System (AIRS) Facility Subsystem database is maintained by the 

EPA to report emission estimates and compliance data required by the Clean Air Act including administrative 

information, industrial classification, status, description, stack data, emission points, and processes within the 

facility. AIRS provides release estimates for six criteria pollutants (carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, 

sulfur dioxide, lead, and paniculate matter smaller than 10 micrometers), volatile organic compounds, and total 

paniculate matter. Estimates are calculated for the total amount of a pollutant released into the air for a 

calendar year.

Online Fate and Effects Information Sources

(Links Not Provided Through CAP Data Management System)

U.S. EPA Envirofacts Master Chemical Integrator (EMCI) 

(http://www.epa.gov/enviro/html/emci/chemref/index.html)

This website provides links to a variety of information for hundreds of chemicals. It is used to integrate 

the chemical identifications used in four program system components currently available in Envirofacts 

(AFS, PCS, RCRIS, and TRIS). This search capability available at the website provides links to available 

information from the following sources:

Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

EPA's Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards Hazardous Air Pollutants Fact Sheets

EPA's Office of Ground Water and Drinking Water Contaminant Fact Sheets

Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR)'s Public Health Statements

Links to university and non-governmental sites

U.S. EPA Wildlife Exposure Factors Handbook 

(http ://www.epa.gov/ncea/wefh.htm)

This online source provides data, references, and guidance for conducting exposure assessments for 

wildlife species exposed to toxic chemicals in their environment.

APPENDIX B B-2 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix B. Continued.

U.S. EPA Ecotoxicology Database 

(http://www.epa.gov/medecotx/)

This database provides a source for locating single chemical toxicity data for aquatic life, terrestrial plants, and 

wildlife. This site facilitates searches of three multiple databases:

Office of Research and Development (ORD)

National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory (NHEERL)

Mid-Continent Ecology Division, toxicology effects databases

AQUIRE (aquatic life)

PHYTOTOX (terrestrial plants)

TERRETOX (terrestrial wildlife)

U.S. EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

(http://search.epa.gov/iris/)

This database contains chemical health risk assessments and regulatory information.

U.S. EPA Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) 

(http ://search.epa.gov/iris/)

This database contains chemical health risk assessments and regulatory information.

U.S. EPA Office of Pollution, Prevention and Toxics (OPPT) 

(http://www.epa.gov/opptintr/)

Provides chemical tact sheets and summaries on exposure, health, environmental effects, regulatory, 

and contact information.

Chemical releases

Chemical information

Environmental accounting

High production volume (HPV) chemicals

Pollution prevention

Regulatory information

U.S. EPA Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) 

(http://atsdrl.atsdr.cdc.gov:8080/query-phs.html)

This database provides toxicological profiles of chemicals presented as brief information summaries.

APPENDIX B B-3 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix B. Concluded.

Environmental Defense Fund's Chemical Scorecard 

(http://www.scorecard.org/chemical-profiles/)

This website summarizes information about environmental releases, risk assessment values, hazard 

rankings, and health effects.

Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB) 

(http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hsdbfe.html)

This data bank provides toxicologic information on over 4,500 potentially hazardous chemicals. In 

addition to toxicity data, the system provides information on environmental fate. The data are fully 

referenced and peer-reviewed by a Scientific Review Panel composed of expert toxicologists and other 

scientists.

Toxicology Data Network (TOXNET) 

(http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/servlets/simple-search? 1.4.1.8010)

This website provides a portal to a variety of information related to the toxicity and other hazards of 

chemicals. From TOXNET, the following databases can be accessed and searched:

 Hazardous Substances Data Bank (HSDB)

 Chemical Carcinogenesis Research Information System (CCRIS)

 Genetic Toxicology/Mutagenicity Data Bank (GENE-TOX)

 Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS)

APPENDIX B B-4 OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix C. Definition of terms.

Area of interest (AOI). 1 The area surrounding all the pathways, associated with a given transport 

mechanism, that could account for contaminant inputs that may impact FWS lands. There may be a 

maximum of four AOIs identified.

Bioaccumulation.2 General term describing a process by which chemicals are taken up by aquatic 

organisms from water directly or through consumption of food containing the chemicals.

Bioassay.2 Test used to evaluate the relative potency of a chemical by comparing its effect on a living 

organism with the effect of a standard preparation on the same type of organism.

Biodiversity. 1 A conceptual term referring to the variety and variability among living organisms. Diversity 

can be defined as the number of different items and their relative frequencies. Biodiversity refers to 

biological diversity, at any level, from genetic variability, assemblages, populations, to communities.

Biomarker.3 A biological response to an environmental chemical which gives a measure of exposure and 

sometimes also a toxic effect. Usually restricted to responses at the level of organization of the whole 

organism or below.

Environmental contaminants. 1 Chemicals present at levels greater than those naturally occurring in the 

environment resulting from anthropogenic or natural processes that potentially result in changes to 

biota at any ecological level.

Contaminant monitoring. 1 A long-term (>5 years), systematic, and repetitive sampling program, that 

includes sample collection, analysis, and data interpretation designed to track the status and trends of 

the concentrations and effects of contaminants.

Contaminant problem. A situation resulting from identified contaminants, an event negatively impacting 

trust resources, or where a trigger level for a contaminant(s), environmental variables, or bioindicator 

has been reached. This would result in a Contamination Level 1 ranking for the area or contaminant.

Contaminant sampling. The collection of contaminant data or abiotic/biotic measurements, generally in 

response to a specific incident or suspected problem.

Contaminant sources: 1

Nonpoint sources. Contaminant sources that do not have an identifiable location where the 

contaminants are released into the environment (run-off, global inputs, erosion, transportation).

Point sources. Contaminant sources that have an identifiable location where the contaminants are 

released into the environment (for example, an effluent pipe, irrigation water return ditch, stack).

Contaminant sources category. 1 A grouping of contaminant sources (point and nonpoint) that is 

responsible for the release of similar contaminants.

Contaminant transport mechanism. The media that physically moves a substance from one location to 

another. This includes air, water (surface and subsurface), and biota.

APPENDIX C C-l OCTOBER 1999
CAP USER'S GUIDE

Appendix C. Concluded.

Contaminant transport pathway.1 A gradient or path of movement along which contaminants are 

transported. For the surface water mechanism, the contaminant transport pathway may be a stream, 

creek, bayou, river, lake, or similar surface water. A contaminant transport pathway is a subset of a 

contaminant transport mechanism. (Transport pathway is used interchangeably with contaminant 

transport pathway.)

Ecosystem. 1 A local complex of interacting plants, animals, and their physical surroundings which is 

generally isolated from adjacent systems by some boundary, across which energy and matter move; 

examples include a watershed, ecoregion, or biome.

Impact. 1 Changes in biotic or biotic components of the ecosystem caused by external sources.

Interior lands. 1 Those lands that are managed by any of the bureaus within the Department of the Interior. 

This includes, at a minimum, national wildlife refuges, parks, and monuments; waterfowl production 

areas; fish hatcheries; Bureau of Land Management units; Bureau of Reclamation lands; and Interior 

facilities (such as administration buildings and surrounding lands).

Medium. 1 The type of material being sampled (e.g., air, water, sediment, soil, biota).

Pollutant. A substance (contaminant) or an alteration in the physical environment (low dissolved oxygen, 

eutrophication, suspended sediments) that is negatively affecting the resource. This could be a direct or 

indirect effect on the resource.

Potentially contaminated area (PCA). 1 An area where sampling activities will be conducted for the 

purpose of confirming the presence of suspected contaminants or effects. The purpose of identifying 

PCAs is to bring the focus down from the AOI to a specific pathway and even further to the general 

area on the pathway where sampling activities will be implemented. There may be several PCAs 

depending on the contaminants and their sources, and the number of transport pathways.

Primary Investigator. The Primary Investigator is responsible for quality-assuring the information

content and conclusions of the contaminant assessment. While portions of the information gathered and 

reviewed in the assessment may be provided by others (assistant contaminant specialists, refuge staff) 

the Primary Investigator is the primary point-of-contact for any questions regarding the assessment.

Sensitive species. Species that are more likely to be affected by a contaminant because of its physiology, 

behavior, or natural history.

Spill sensitive areas. An area on FWS lands that is considered to be at risk from hazardous substance 

spills where baseline data will be gathered to support future natural resource damage assessments.

^erational terms as they apply to the CAP.

2G. M. Rand, and S. R. Petrocelli. 1985. Fundamentals of aquatic toxicology.

3C. H. Walker, S. P. Hopkin, R. M. Sibley, and D. B. Peakall. 1996. Principles of ecotoxicolgy.

APPENDIX C C-2 OCTOBER 1999