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Cover: Large background photograph of beaver dam. View is looking south across Noyes Slough 

beaver dam upstream of Deere Street, Fairbanks, Alaska, summer 2001. Small foreground 

photograph of beaver. Beaver delivering brush to Noyes Slough beaver dam upstream of Minnie 

Street, Fairbanks, Alaska, summer 2001. Photographs taken by Matthew S. Whitman, U.S. 

Geological Survey, 2001. 
Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, 

and Selected Contaminants in Streambed 

Sediments in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska, 2001-2002

By Ben W. Kennedy, Matthew S. Whitman, Robert L. Burrows, and

Sharon A. Richmond

Anchorage, Alaska

2004

Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4328

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

GALE A. NORTON, Secretary

U.S. GEOLOGICAL SURVEY

Charles G. Groat, Director

Any use of trade, product, or firm names in this publication is for descriptive purposes only and does 

not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

For additional information write to:

Chief, Water Resources Office

U.S. Geological Survey

Alaska Science Center

4230 University Drive, Suite 201

Anchorage, AK 99508-4664

http://alaska.usgs.gov

Copies of this report can be purchased from:

U.S. Geological Survey

Information Services

Building 810

Box 25286, Federal Center

Denver, CO 80225-0286

Suggested citation:

Kennedy, B.W., Whitman, M.S., Burrows, R.L., and Richmond, S.A., 2004, Assessment of fish habitat, water quality, and 

selected contaminants in streambed sediments in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002: U.S. Geological Survey 

Water-Resources Investigations Report 03-4328, 62 p.
Contents iii

Contents

Abstract........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 1

Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1

Hydrogeologic Framework ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Purpose and Scope......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Acknowledgments .......................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Assessment of Fish Habitat ...................................................................................................................................................................... 5

Data Collection ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5

Characteristics of Fish Habitat...................................................................................................................................................... 8

Assessment of Water Quality................................................................................................................................................................... 27

Data Collection ................................................................................................................................................................................ 27

Water-Quality Characteristics ...................................................................................................................................................... 27

Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments..................................................................................................... 41

Data Collection, Analytical Methods, and Aquatic-Life Criteria ............................................................................................. 41

Trace Elements................................................................................................................................................................................ 43

Organic Compounds ....................................................................................................................................................................... 48

Semivolatile Organic Compounds ..................................................................................................................................... 53

Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls ...................................................................................................................... 55

Summary ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 59

References Cited ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 60
iv Figures

FIGURES

Figure 1. Map showing location of Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska ........................................................................................ 2

Figure 2. Map showing location of the Chena River Flood Control Project dam, floodway, and levee along 

the north side of the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska.......................................................................................... 4

Figure 3. Aerial photograph showing location of study reach boundaries, water-quality measurement sites, 

and streambed-sediment sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002 ..................................... 6

Figure 4. Diagrammatic sketches showing channel characteristics, fish habitat, and types of fish present 

during summer 2001 in the 13 study reaches in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska.................................................. 9

Figure 5. Photograph showing culvert discharge into Noyes Slough near East College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska ............ 22

Figure 6. Photographs showing assorted fish habitat in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska: 

(A) aquatic vegetation, (B) overhanging brush, (C) woody debris, and (D) man-made debris............................... 22

Figure 7. Photograph showing beaver dam on Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska.................................................................... 23

Figure 8. Photograph showing beaver delivering brush to Dam 1 on reach 1, upstream of Minnie Street 

near the source of Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska.................................................................................................... 23

Figure 9. Photograph showing Alaska blackfish............................................................................................................................. 24

Figure 10. Graph showing discharge in the Chena River and dates of water-quality measurements during 

summer 2001 in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska......................................................................................................... 27

Figure 11. Graphs showing mean daily water temperature and ambient air temperature for Noyes Slough, 

Fairbanks, Alaska, June 1-August 30, 2001 ..................................................................................................................... 38

Figure 12. Graphs showing depth profiles for dissolved-oxygen concentration and specific conductance 

during high-flow and low-flow conditions at selected sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001 .............. 39

Figure 13. Graphs showing mean values of dissolved-oxygen concentration, specific conductance, and water 

temperature during low-flow and high-flow conditions in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001 ..................... 40

Figure 14. Photograph showing sampling of streambed sediments under ice cover in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska, October 2002........................................................................................................................................................... 41

Figure 15. Graphs showing comparison of normal probability plots of zinc, lead, arsenic, and aluminum 

concentrations in streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, with estimated background levels 

and probable effect levels (PELs) ..................................................................................................................................... 47
Tables v

TABLES

Table 1. Water-quality and streambed-sediment sampling sites and locations in Noyes Slough, 

Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001–2002 ............................................................................................................................................ 7

Table 2. Fish captured or observed during low-flow and high-flow conditions in the 13 study reaches 

in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, July–August 2001................................................................................................ 25

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling 

sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, July–August 2001 ...................................................................................... 28

Table 4. Mean daily water temperatures measured at selected sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 

June–August 2001 ............................................................................................................................................................... 35

Table 5. Federal and State of Alaska water-quality standards, criteria, or screening values .............................................. 37

Table 6. Analytical methods, method detection levels, and laboratory reporting levels for analyzed trace 

elements in streambed-sediment samples from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001 ...................................... 42

Table 7. Trace-element concentrations and summary statistics for bulk streambed sediments in Noyes 

Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001 ........................................................................................................................................ 44

Table 8. Comparison of streambed-sediment quality guidelines and trace-element concentrations 

determined for streambed-sediment samples from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001................................. 46

Table 9. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds and carbon in samples of streambed 

sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, October 2002 ............................................................................... 49

Table 10. Aquatic-life criteria for semivolatile organic compounds in streambed sediment .................................................. 54

Table 11. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in samples of 

streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, October 2002 ........................................................... 56

Table 12. Aquatic-life criteria for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations 

in streambed sediment ....................................................................................................................................................... 58
vi Conversion Factors and Datum

CONVERSION FACTORS AND DATUM

CONVERSION FACTORS

Temperature in degrees Fahrenheit (oF) may be converted to degrees Celsius (oC) as follows:

oC=(oF-32)/1.8.

Concentrations of chemical constituents in water are given either in milligrams per liter (mg/L), 

micrograms per liter (μg/L), grams per kilogram (g/kg), or micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg). 

DATUM

Horizontal coordinate information was referenced to the North American Datum of 1927 

(NAD 27 Alaska).

Vertical coordinate information is referenced to geodetic heights above the Geodetic Reference 

System 1980 (GRS80) ellipsoid as determined from survey-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) 

observations. Separation between the GRS80 ellipsoid and GEOID99 is approximately 37 feet for 

Fairbanks, Alaska.

Factors for converting inch/pound units to SI metric units

Multiply By To obtain

Length

inch (in) 2.54 centimeter

inch (in) 25.4 millimeter

foot (ft) 0.3048 meter

mile (mi) 1.609 kilometer

Flow rate

cubic foot per second (ft3/s) 0.02832 cubic meter per second

Factors for converting SI metric units to inch/pound units

Multiply By To obtain

Length

centimeter (cm) 0.3937 inch

millimeter (mm) 0.03937 inch

meter (m) 3.281 foot 

kilometer (km) 0.6214 mile 

Flow rate

cubic meter per second (m3/s) 35.31 cubic foot per second 
Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected 

Contaminants in Streambed Sediments in Noyes Slough, 

Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

By Ben W. Kennedy, Matthew S. Whitman, Robert L. Burrows, and Sharon A. Richmond

Abstract

 During 2001-2002, the U.S. Geological Survey 

sampled streambed sediment at 23 sites, measured water 

quality at 26 sites, and assessed fish habitat for the entire 

length of Noyes Slough, a 5.5-mile slough of the Chena River 

in Fairbanks, Alaska. These studies were undertaken to 

document the environmental condition of the slough and to 

provide information to the public for consideration in plans to 

improve environmental conditions of the waterway. The 

availability of physical habitat for fish in the slough does not 

appear to be limited, although some beaver dams and shallow 

water may restrict movement, particularly during low flow. 

Elevated water temperatures in summer and low dissolvedoxygen concentrations are the principle factors adversely 

affecting water quality in Noyes Slough. Increased flow 

mitigated poor water-quality conditions and reduced the 

number of possible fish barriers. Flow appears to be the most 

prominent mechanism shaping water quality and fish habitat 

in Noyes Slough.

 Streambed sediment samples collected at 23 sites in 

2001 were analyzed for 24 trace elements. Arsenic, lead, and 

zinc were the only trace elements detected in concentrations 

that exceed probable effect levels for the protection of aquatic 

life. The background concentration for arsenic in Noyes 

Slough is naturally elevated because of significant 

concentrations of arsenic in local bedrock and ground water. 

Sources of the zinc and lead contamination are uncertain, 

however both lead and zinc are common urban contaminants. 

Streambed-sediment samples from 12 sites in 2002 were 

analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated 

biphenyls (PCBs), and semivolatile organic compounds 

(SVOCs). The concentration of bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate of 

2,600 micrograms per kilogram (μg/kg) for one sample from 

the site above Aurora Drive approached the aquatic-life 

criterion of 2,650 μg/kg. Low concentrations of p-cresol, 

chrysene, and fluoranthene were detected in most of the 

sediment samples. The presence of these compounds in 

Noyes Slough sediment was expected because cresols are 

emitted to the atmosphere in the exhaust from motor vehicles 

and chrysene and fluoranthene are formed during the 

incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, or other 

organic substances. Low-level concentrations of DDT or its 

degradation products DDD and DDE were detected in all 

samples collected during 2002. However, total DDT 

(DDT+DDD+DDE) concentrations are less than the effects 

range median aquatic-life criterion of 46.1 μg/kg. In general, 

total DDT concentrations were less than 10 μg/kg, except for 

samples from two sites that have estimated concentrations of 

about 14 and 20 μg/kg. 

Introduction

Noyes Slough is a 5.5-mile slough of the Chena River in 

Fairbanks, Alaska (fig. 1). The slough is located north of the 

river and meanders through downtown Fairbanks, residential 

areas, and a park. Several small tributaries flow into the 

slough from the north, from the Creamers Field Migratory 

Waterfowl Refuge. Noyes Slough and adjacent wetlands 

provide habitat for beavers, muskrat, and waterfowl and 

spawning grounds for grayling and other fish. In addition to 

providing valuable wildlife habitat, Noyes Slough has been a 

popular canoeing area and serves as a “living laboratory” 

where hundreds of local elementary students observe local 

wildlife and learn about the value of clean waterways and the 

effects of urban pollution. 

Area residents have expressed mounting concern that 

the slough is deteriorating as a flowing, clean waterway. 

Some reaches of the slough have become solid-waste 

dumping grounds and catchments for storm runoff that 

introduce non-point-source pollution. In many reaches, the 

slough has become stagnant. Periodically, refuse is removed 

from the slough, but these efforts alone will not restore Noyes 

Slough. 
2 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

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Introduction 3

Over the past 50 years, flow in the slough channel has 

declined because of flood-control structures on the Chena and 

Tanana Rivers. As a result, water flows through Noyes 

Slough only intermittently during open water season. In 

1945, Moose Creek Dike was built across Chena Slough, 

thereby blocking flow from the Tanana River. After the 1967 

flood on the Chena River in Fairbanks, a diversion dam 

(Moose Creek Dam), a floodway leading to the Tanana River, 

and a levee along the north bank of the Tanana River were 

constructed (fig. 2). Although necessary to avoid potentially 

severe flooding in Fairbanks, these measures have caused 

down-cutting of the Chena River channel bed at the entrance 

to Noyes Slough, thereby reducing the magnitude and 

duration of surface-water flow from the Chena River to the 

slough. Consequently, Noyes Slough is slowly drying up, and 

it is likely that flows will continue to decline without some 

intervention to reverse the process. 

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has examined 

existing and new hydrologic data to better understand 

hydraulic interactions between the Chena River and Noyes 

Slough. Increasing flow through the stream channel has been 

suggested as one means of restoring the slough, and 

researchers with the USGS have constructed a computer 

model to evaluate this alternative (Burrows and others, 2000). 

Results of the computer model imply that conditions within 

Noyes Slough likely will not improve with the current trend 

in declining flows. Without some intervention, it is possible 

that several consecutive years of almost no flow will occur. 

The most frequently suggested means to increase flow 

through the slough has been to excavate at the inlet and 

possibly along other reaches of the slough. However, there 

are environmental concerns associated with excavation of the 

slough channel. 

Bed sediments within the slough are of particular 

concern because they may contain trace-element and organic 

contaminants that, if disturbed, could result in substantial 

adverse effects on downstream fisheries and water quality. 

Potential contaminant sources include local geology, which is 

characterized as highly mineralized with many historic and 

current placer and lode mining operations in upland areas 

(Péwé and others, 1976; Metz, 1991). Elevated 

concentrations of naturally occurring arsenic are common in 

local ground water (Mueller and others, 2002) and in 

streambed sediments (Hawkins, 1982). Petroleum 

hydrocarbon and solvent-based contamination of subsurface 

waters from industrial and commercial activity has been 

documented near Noyes Slough (Lilly and others, 1996). 

Elevated concentrations of selected organic contaminants, 

particularly DDT, have been reported in streambed sediment 

from three samples collected along the slough (A.S. Naidu, 

University of Alaska, written commun., 2000). 

Hydrogeologic Framework

Noyes Slough flows through alluvial deposits of the 

Tanana and Chena Rivers, collectively referred to as the 

Chena Alluvium (Péwé and others, 1976). The Chena 

Alluvium consists of layered alluvial silts, sands, and gravels 

that are more than 400 ft thick in selected localities. Noyes 

Slough sediments are predominately fine-grain alluvial silts 

and clays derived from upland bedrock areas, and soils 

typically are less than 15 ft thick.

The rocks in the Fairbanks area are part of the YukonTanana terrane, a complex assemblage of metasedimentary 

and metaigneous rocks that are intruded by Mesozoic and 

Cenozoic granitic rocks and minor amounts of intermediate 

and mafic rocks (Foster and others, 1994). Fairbanks Schist is 

the most widespread metasedimentary lithologic unit of the 

terrane in the Fairbanks area. Granitic rocks are exposed near 

Cleary Summit and in the area near Chena Hot Springs. 

Tertiary basalt flows are found at several nearby locations 

including Browns Hill and Birch Hill. Trace elements 

associated with the basalts are described by Atkinson and 

Newberry (1998). Analysis of major and trace elements 

associated with granitic rocks are reported by Newberry 

(1996). Common sulfide minerals associated with gold veins 

that occur in the Fairbanks Schist are documented by McCoy 

and others (1997). Because of the broad assemblage of rock 

types found in the Fairbanks area, substantial concentrations 

of trace elements, including antimony, arsenic, barium, 

chromium, copper, nickel, vanadium, and zinc, are readily 

available through physical and chemical weathering.

Chemical weathering of a given element in water is 

controlled by variations of water temperature, pressure, 

hydrogen- and hydroxyl-ion concentrations (pH), reductionoxidation (redox) potential (Eh), and the relative 

concentrations of other substances in solution (Davis and 

DeWiest, 1966). The amount of surface area exposed to water 

also is an important factor in determining the rate of 

dissolution of minerals. Mueller and others (2002) found that 

trace-element concentrations in ground water varied widely 

among sampling sites in the Fairbanks area: calcium, 15-180 

mg/L; magnesium, 3.9-82 mg/L; iron, 0.05-17 mg/L; and 

sulfate, 0.1-130 mg/L. Sites with elevated arsenic 

concentrations consistently were accompanied by high 

concentrations of iron (17 mg/L), manganese (5,690 mg/L), 

phosphorous (1,100 mg/L), and silica (24 mg/L) throughout 

the year. They found no evidence of seasonal variations in the 

chemical characteristics of domestic well water, nor did they 

find systematic seasonal variation in arsenic concentrations in 

ground water. 
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Figure 2. Location of the Chena River Flood Control Project dam, floodway, and levee along the north side of the Tanana River near Fairbanks, Alaska.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 5

The relative magnitude of sediment influx to Noyes 

Slough varies in response to water-level changes in the Chena 

River. When water levels are high, suspended sediment and 

associated trace elements are transported by surface water 

from the Chena River and deposited in the slough. Bed 

sediments within the slough typically are reworked during 

high flows. Urban runoff during storms and spring break-up 

contribute additional sediment to the slough. At low water 

levels, the slough acts as a drain for local ground water and 

any associated trace elements and chemical compounds in 

solution. In winter, sections of the slough, including the inlet, 

are completely frozen and filled with ice and snow. 

Purpose and Scope

In response to environmental concerns, the USGS 

completed a baseline assessment of Noyes Slough fish habitat 

and water quality during 2001 and of selected contaminants 

in streambed sediment during 2001 and 2002. The fish habitat 

assessment included habitat characteristics and number and 

type of fish, the water-quality assessment measured specific 

conductance, pH, dissolved-oxygen concentration, water 

temperature, and turbidity, and the assessment of streambed 

sediments included presence and concentrations of trace 

elements, semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs), and 

pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). 

The purpose of this report is to present the results from 

these studies, as well as provide general background 

information about the fish habitat, water quality, and bed 

sediment of Noyes Slough. The data are intended to provide 

decision makers with quantitative information that will assist 

them in making more informed decisions for preserving and 

enhancing the community value of Noyes Slough. The 

intended audience for this report includes land- and waterresource managers, regulators, policy makers, and the general 

public. A limited portion of the Noyes Slough data for the 

period of record is available on the Internet by linking to the 

USGS Water Resources of Alaska home page, currently at 

http://alaska.usgs.gov. (Because of the rapidly evolving 

nature of the Internet, the Internet references in this report 

may change. In that event, the reader may alternatively find 

the information referenced by starting higher in the Internet 

hierarchy of the USGS, at either the Water Resources 

Program, at http://water.usgs.gov, or the U.S. Geological 

Survey, at http://www.usgs.gov.)

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the Noyes Slough Action 

Committee and local residents for their support of this project 

and their dedication to restoring Noyes Slough.

Assessment of Fish Habitat

The assessment of fish habitat in Noyes Slough involved 

identifying and mapping the habitat characteristics, 

developing midstream depth and substrate profiles along the 

slough, characterizing channel geometry at selected cross 

sections, and obtaining a representative sample of the number 

and types of fish occupying various parts of the slough during 

low-flow and high-flow periods.

Data Collection

The length of Noyes Slough was divided into 13 study 

reaches (fig. 3, table 1), numbered 1 to 13 consecutively from 

the upstream end. To characterize channel geometry, a 

survey-grade Global Positioning System (GPS) was 

integrated with a laser range finder to survey cross-section 

points on the banks and stream bottom. A longitudinal depth 

profile for low-flow conditions was created using a stadia rod 

to make midstream depth measurements at increments from 

surveyed transects determined with a range finder. A 

substrate profile was generated by classifying the slough 

bottom at midstream increments of about 330 ft or less. 

Substrate was classified as silt or a mixture of silt and gravel 

or cobble; location was determined using a handheld GPS. 

Midstream profiles and surveyed cross sections were 

measured for all reaches except reaches 4, 9, and 11. At 

reaches 4 and 11 cross sections were not surveyed because 

access was limited, and at reach 9, the electronic data for the 

cross section were faulty.

A diagrammatic map of habitat characteristics for each 

study reach in the slough was created using a handheld GPS, 

a laser range finder, and freehand sketching. Position along 

the slough was tracked by GPS and coordinates were noted 

for dams, drainpipes, prominent features, and arbitrary 

reference locations. Large woody debris, overhanging brush, 

aquatic vegetation, and riparian continuity were sketched in 

reference to waypoints on an enlarged template of the slough 

generated from aerial photography. Habitat characteristics 

pertinent to fish were mapped for the entire slough. The scale 

of features on each map was exaggerated to improve the 

visibility of important features such as bridges, culverts, and 

beaver dams, but the distribution of features in relation to 

each other are as observed on site.

The types and numbers of fish present in the reaches 

were determined by electrofishing, setting minnow traps, 

seining, and visual observation. The objective was to obtain a 

representative sample of species utilizing the slough at 

various locations. Fish were sampled in the vicinity of each 

water-quality sampling site. Most sites were sampled during 

both low flow and high flow. Because of biases in sampling 

methods for size and type of fish and because the entire 

slough could not be sampled, the list of species may not 

include all fish that were present. 
6 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002 EXPLANATION Study reach and number Water-quality measurement site Sediment sampling site Direction of flow

1

College Road

Figure 3. Location of study reach boundaries, water-quality measurement sites, and streambed-sediment sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002.Aerial photograph, from 1996 flight, is from Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 7

Table 1. Water-quality and streambed-sediment sampling sites and locations in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001–2002

[Latitude and Longitude: North American Datum 1927 (NAD27 Alaska)]

Site

identification

No.

Latitude Longitude Water-quality 

measurement

site No.

Sediment 

samplingsite No.

Study

reach Site name (degrees, minutes, 

seconds)

1551400415 645053 1474235 N1 SED01 1 Inlet-Noyes Slough near Wendell Street

1551400425 645057 1474215 N2 SED02 2 Minnie Street bridge 

1551400428 645102 1474212 N3 SED03 2 Charles Street 

1551400431 645108 1474228 N4 SED04 3 East College Road near Sam's Club

1551400435 645116 1474250 N5 SED05 3 Illinois Street bridge

1551400440 645119 1474253 N6 4 East Alaska Railroad

1551400445 645123 1474257 N7 SED06 5 East Johansen on-ramp

1551400455 645126 1474321 N8 SED07 5 O'Connor Road bridge

1551400460 645117 1474322 SED08 5 Near Antoinette Avenue

1551400465 645126 1474345 N9 SED09 6 Isabella Creek (above) 

6451261474349 645126 1474349 N10 6 Isabella Creek (below) 

1551400520 645131 1474418 SED10 6 0.25 mile (above) Danby Street bridge

1551400550 645141 1474430 N11 SED11 6 Danby Street bridge (above)

6451421474437 645142 1474437 N12 7 Danby Street bridge (below)

1551400570 645140 1474449 N13 7 Lions Park northwest

1551400600 645136 1474507 SED12 7 Evergreen Street 

1551400650 645142 1474532 N14 SED13 7 Aurora Drive bridge (above)

6451441744535 645144 1474535 N15 8 Aurora Drive bridge (below)

1551400700 645152 1474540 SED14 8 College Road near Aurora Motel

1551401510 645150 1474621 SED15 8 College Road/Alaska Way

1551401515 645144 1474624 N16 SED16 8 Smith Street 

1551401520 645129 1474624 N17 SED17 8 Central Avenue 

1551401525 645125 1474636 N18 SED18 9 Deere Street 

1551401527 645123 1474658 N19 10 Commerce Street

1551401530 645122 1474732 N20 SED19 10 Spafford Lane

1551401535 645109 1474747 N21 SED20 10 West Alaska Railroad (above)

6451081474751 645108 1474751 N22 11 West Alaska Railroad (below)

6450591474814 645059 1474814 N23 11 West Johansen bridge (above)

1551401550 645057 1474818 N24 SED21 12 West Johansen bridge (below)

1551401570 645052 1474823 N25 SED22 12 Indiana Avenue 

1551401580 645038 1474824 N26 SED23 13 Goldizen Avenue bridge
8 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Characteristics of Fish Habitat 

Potential fish cover in Noyes Slough is provided by 

woody debris, aquatic vegetation, and overhanging brush, 

and by large man-made debris in a few locations (fig. 4). 

During the summer of 2001 there were 10 beaver dams along 

the slough, and most were likely to be barriers to fish at low 

flow. Some of the dams were probably barriers at higher 

flows, as well. Beavers were active in the slough, and the 

number and location of dams may vary on an annual basis.

Twenty locations were noted where one or more 

drainpipes (culverts) enter the slough (figs. 4 and 5). The 

highest densities of culverts (six) are in two reaches—reach 

3, between Minnie Street and Illinois Street, and reach 8, 

from the Aurora Drive bridge to about 1 mi (1.6 km) 

downstream of the bridge. Culverts periodically funnel urban 

runoff and drainage from low-lying areas into the slough. 

Urban runoff often includes a variety of organic pollutants, 

and storm runoff from heavy precipitation may flush stagnant 

water from low-lying swampy areas into the slough as well. 

Stagnant waters are usually low in pH and dissolved-oxygen 

concentration and often contain substantial quantities of 

dissolved solids. Thus, water quality may occasionally be 

degraded near culvert areas during storm runoff.

Channel dimensions and substrate composition 

characterize the basic physical conditions for fish. Channel 

width and depth define the usable space and influence 

interactions between fish. Channel depth also influences the 

limits of water temperature and primary productivity 

(Wetzel, 1983). This affects the suitability of water for 

various fish species and for invertebrates that can provide a 

food base. The composition of substrate materials also affects 

the suitability for fish and invertebrates (Pedersen and 

Perkins, 1986).

Mapping of stream features provides an overview of 

habitat available for fish. Overhanging brush, aquatic 

vegetation, and woody debris can serve as cover (fig. 6). 

Beaver dams may be barriers to fish movement (fig. 7), and 

drainpipes may introduce pollution, which can influence fish 

distribution. Although riparian vegetation does not directly 

affect fish, it can moderate water temperatures and provide 

woody debris and brush to the slough.

Although the maps of habitat characteristics in Noyes 

Slough did not quantify fish habitat, they show that a large 

amount of cover was available throughout its course (fig. 4). 

The variable depths and differing structural features provided 

conditions that may be suitable for fish species with different 

preferences, but shallow water at low flow may inhibit 

passage. Wood from beaver dams and the largely intact 

riparian zone should continue to provide habitat in the future.

Beavers were a primary factor shaping the physical 

characteristics of Noyes Slough. Although they helped 

increase the supply of woody debris, many of their dams 

probably were a hindrance to fish movement. However, as 

fish were found throughout most of the slough, the dams do 

not completely regulate distribution. The slough was 

effectively divided into disjointed units during low flow, with 

notable differences in water level and water quality on either 

side of most dams. Several groups of beavers were observed 

actively building dams in the summer of 2001 (fig. 8). 

Beavers likely will continue to influence slough 

characteristics. 

Alaska blackfish (Dallia pectoralis) (fig. 9) far 

outnumbered other species of fish captured or observed in 

Noyes Slough (table 2). Northern pike (Esox lucius) was the 

second most widely distributed fish, scattered primarily 

throughout the downstream one-half of the slough. Other fish 

captured included Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus), 

Arctic lamprey (Lampetra japonica), burbot (Lota lota), 

humpback whitefish (Coregonus pidschian), lake chub 

(Couesius plumbeus), longnose sucker (Catostomus 

catostomus), and slimy sculpin (Cottus cognatus). Most of 

these species were found within a mile of the Chena River.

Differences between the number and type of fish 

captured at low-flow and high-flow conditions did not 

provide any conclusive information (table 2). In most cases, 

fewer fish were captured at high flow. Although it is possible 

that fish may have migrated from the area, this could not be 

confirmed because sampling became more difficult in deeper 

water and the area of wadeable water was reduced.

The fish species inhabiting an area can be an indicator of 

stream health. Much research has focused on classifying fish 

species into categories on the basis of their relative tolerance 

to disturbances (Simon, 1998). A thorough fish-sampling 

regime is necessary to fully utilize fish communities in an 

environmental assessment, but the presence of certain 

tolerant or intolerant species can provide useful information 

regarding general stream conditions. For Noyes Slough, the 

relatively high abundance of Alaska blackfish throughout 

most of the slough was indicative of environmental 

conditions (table 2). These fish are a member of the 

mudminnow family, which are highly tolerant of degraded 

stream conditions (Simon, 1998). They can breathe 

atmospheric oxygen and can live in water that is 

uninhabitable to other species (Page and Burr, 1991).
Assessment of Fish Habitat 9

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

ELEVATION, IN FEET

0 10 20 30 40 50

0

1

2

0 100 200 300 400 500 600

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH,

IN FEET

Silt Silt and gravel Silt

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE N

Fish captured or observed

Arctic grayling

Arctic lamprey

Humpback whitefish

Longnose sucker

Northern pike

Slimy sculpin

Chena River

Dam 1

N1

N1

Noyes

Slough

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

REACH 1

Figure 4. Channel characteristics, fish habitat, and types of fish present during summer 2001 in the 13 study reaches in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska.

The scale of features is exaggerated to improve presentation, but their distribution in relation to each other is as observed on site.
10 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

0 10 20 30 40 50

0 10 20 30 40 50

Silt and gravel Silt Silt and gravel Silt and gravel Silt

N

REACH 2

Noyes Slough

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N2 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N3

N2

Fish captured or observed

Longnose sucker

Minnie Street

Dam 1

Dam 2

0

2

4

6

8

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

460

462

464

466

468

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

460

462

464

466

468

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

Figure 4.—Continued.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 11

0 10 20 30 40 50

0

2

4

6

8

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 2,200

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

&

458

460

462

464

466

468

470

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

Alaska blackfish

Burbot

Longnose sucker

Fish captured or observed

460

462

464

466

468

470

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

Illinois Street

Dam 4

Dam 3

Dam 2

REACH 3

N4

N5

Noyes Slough

Silt and gravel Silt

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N4 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE ELEVATION, IN FEET

Figure 4.—Continued.
12 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

N

REACH 4 Silt and gravel

Noyes Slough

Alaska blackfish

Fish captured or observed

0

2

4

6

8

0 200 400 600 800 1,000

Alaska Railroad

East Johansen Expressway

Illinois Street

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N6 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N6

Figure 4.—Continued
Assessment of Fish Habitat 13

0 10 20 30 40 50

0 10 20 30 40 50

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N8 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N7

N8

Noyes Slough

Silt and gravel Silt and

cobble

Silt and

gravel Silt

REACH 5

458

460

462

464

466

468

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 2,400 2,800 3,200 3,600

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Alaska blackfish

Lake chub

Longnose sucker

Fish captured or observed

458

460

462

464

466

468

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

East Johansen Expressway

O'Connor Road

Dam 5

Figure 4.—Continued.
14 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

0 20 30 40 50 10

0 20 30 40 50 60 10

Silt and gravel Silt and gravel Silt Silt

REACH 6

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 2,400 2,800 3,200 3,600 4,000

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Alaska blackfish

Northern pike

Fish captured or observed

458

460

462

464

466

468

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

Danby Street

Dam 6

Dam 5

Noyes Slough

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N9 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N9

N10

N11

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Figure 4.—Continued.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 15

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N12 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

Noyes Slough

Danby Street

Aurora Drive

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 2,400 2,800 3,200

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Alaska blackfish

Northern pike

Fish captured or observed

458

460

462

464

466

468

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 0 50 100 150 200 250

446

450

454

458

462

466

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

10

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION CHANNEL CROSS SECTION CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

N14 N12 N13

REACH 7

Figure 4.—Continued.
16 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N15 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

Fish captured or observed

Alaska blackfish

REACH 8

N17

N16

N15

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

Noyes Slough

454

456

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

454

456

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0 800 1,600 2,400 3,200 4,000 4,800 5,600

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Aurora Drive

Dam 7

Figure 4.—Continued.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 17

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N18 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

Fish captured or observed

REACH 9

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

Noyes Slough

None

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Dam 8

Dam 7

N18

Figure 4.—Continued.
18 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

REACH 10

Noyes Slough

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

456

458

460

462

464

ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface Water surface

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

454

456

458

460

462

464

ELEVATION, IN FEET

452

454

456

458

460

462

464

466

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

Alaska blackfish

Northern pike

Fish captured or observed

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

0 400 800 1,200 1,600 2,000 2,400 2,800 3,200

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Dam 9

Dam 8

Alaska Railroad

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N19 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N19

N20

N21

Figure 4.—Continued.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 19

Fish captured or observed

None

REACH 11

Noyes Slough

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

0 200 400 600 800 1,000 1,200 1,400

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N22 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

N23

Dam 9

Dam 10

N22

Figure 4.—Continued.
20 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002 ELEVATION, IN FEET

Fish captured or observed

Silt

and

gravel

Silt

and

gravel

Silt Silt

10

10

10

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N24 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

0

2

4

6

0 400 800 1,200 1.600 2,000 2,400

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

WATER DEPTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

456

458

460

462

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

ELEVATION, IN FEET ELEVATION, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

456

458

460

462

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

452

454

456

458

460

462

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

0 20 30 40 50 60 70

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Alaska blackfish

Arctic grayling

Humpback whitefish

Northern pike

Dam 10

West Johansen Expressway

Indiana Avenue

Goldizen Avenue

N25

REACH 12 Noyes SloughN24

Figure 4.—Continued.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 21

W

ELEVATION, IN FEET ELEVATION, IN FEET

ATER DEPTH, IN FEET

Fish captured or observed

N

EXPLANATION

PHYSICAL HABITAT FEATURES

Trees and overhanging brush

Large woody debris

Beaver dam

Aquatic vegetation

SURVEYED CROSS SECTION

DIRECTION OF FLOW

DRAIN PIPE

N26 WATER-QUALITY MEASUREMENT SITE

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

REACH 13

10

10

Silt and

gravel

Silt

Chena River

Noyes Slough

454

456

458

460

462

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

452

454

456

458

460

462

DISTANCE FROM LEFT BANK, IN FEET

Water surface

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

CHANNEL CROSS SECTION

0

2

4

6

8

10

0 100 200 300 400 500

REACH LENGTH, IN FEET

MIDSTREAM DEPTH AND SUBSTRATE PROFILE

Alaska blackfish

Arctic grayling

Northern pike

Goldizen Avenue

N26

Figure 4.—Continued.
22 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

$ %

& '

Figure 5. Culvert discharge into Noyes Slough near East College Road, Fairbanks, Alaska.

Figure 6. Assorted fish habitat in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska: (A) aquatic vegetation, (B) overhanging brush, (C) woody debris, 

and (D) man-made debris.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 23

Figure 7. Beaver dam on Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska.

The view is looking across the downstream side of Dam 7 in reach 9, just upstream from Deere Street. This was a likely 

barrier to fish movement at most streamflow levels during summer 2001.

Figure 8. Beaver delivering brush to Dam 1 on reach 1, upstream of Minnie Street near the source of Noyes Slough, 

Fairbanks, Alaska.
24 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Figure 9. Alaska blackfish.

Blackfish are found in most reaches of Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska.
Assessment of Fish Habitat 25

Table 2. Fish captured or observed during low-flow and high-flow conditions in the 13 study reaches in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow

conditions. Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; mm, millimeters; est, estimated;–, no data]

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Vicinity Method Species 

(common name) Total

Range of

total length

(mm) 

REACH 1

July 10 2,245 N1 (Inlet-Noyes Slough) Electrofishing Arctic grayling 2 275-302

Arctic lamprey 1 –

Humpback whitefish 2 274-316

Longnose sucker 2 368-417

Northern pike 2 59-288

July 11 1,938 N1 (Inlet-Noyes Slough) Electrofishing Arctic grayling 1 292

Northern pike 1 88

Slimy sculpin 5 40-94

Unknown whitefish 2 52

August 8 2,396 N1 (Inlet-Noyes Slough) Electrofishing Arctic grayling 3 207-266

Humpback whitefish 1 196

Northern pike 4 156-582

REACH 2

July 11 1,938 N2 (Minnie Street bridge) Electrofishing Longnose sucker 1 88

July 19 1,390 N2 (Minnie Street bridge) Dipnet, observation Longnose sucker 300+ (est) 5-9

August 1 4,058 N3 (Charles Street) Minnow traps Burbot 1 75

Longnose sucker 2 10 (est)

August 2 3,535 N3 (Charles Street) Minnow traps Longnose sucker 1 67

August 8 2,396 N2 (Minnie Street bridge) Electrofishing Longnose sucker 1 106

Observation Longnose sucker 100+ (est) 15 (est)

REACH 3

July 20 1,310 N5 (Illinois Street bridge) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 20 98-119

August 8 2,396 N5 (Illinois Street bridge) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 35 45-121

REACH 4

August 1 4,058 N6 (East Alaska Railroad) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 8 89-145

REACH 5

July 11 1,938 N7 (East Johansen on-ramp) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 7 15-146

July 22 1,168 N8 (O'Connor Road bridge) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 21 89-137

Lake chub 21 63-72

Longnose sucker 8 78-129

August 8 2,396 N8 (O'Connor Road bridge) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 36 44-125

Longnose sucker 1 120

REACH 6

July 10 2,245 N11 and N12 (Danby Street bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 25 14-145

Northern pike 1 121

July 11 1,938 N9 (Isabella Creek, above) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 3 135-149

August 8 2,396 N11 and N12 (Danby Street bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 6 119-133

Northern pike 1 119

August 8 2,396 N9 (Isabella Creek, above) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 1 156
26 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

REACH 7

July 10 2,245 N11 and N12 (Danby Street bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 25 14-145

(same sample as reach 6) Northern pike 1 121

July 10 2,245 N14 and N15 (Aurora Drive bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 15 102-165

Northern pike 2 90-103

August 8 2,396 N11 and N12 (Danby Street bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 6 119-133

(same sample as reach 6) Northern pike 1 119

August 8 2,396 N14 and N15 (Aurora Drive bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 6 91-138

REACH 8

July 10 2,245 N14 and N15 (Aurora Drive bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 15 102-165

(same sample as reach 7) Northern pike 2 90-103

July 24 1,140 N16 (Smith Street) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 1 119

July 24 1,140 N17 (Central Avenue) Minnow traps Alaska blackfish 1 99

August 8 2,396 N14 and N15 (Aurora Drive bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 7 91-138

(same sample as reach 7)

August 8 2,396 N16 (Smith Street) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

August 8 2,396 N17 (Central Avenue) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

REACH 9

July 24 1,140 N18 (Deere Street) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

August 8 2,396 N18 (Deere Street) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

REACH 10

July 6 1,410 N19 (Commerce Street) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 20 73-145

Northern pike 1 101

July 27 1,278 N21 (West Alaska Railroad, above) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

August 8 2,396 N19 (Commerce Street) Electrofishing No fish captured – –

REACH 11

July 27 1,278 N22 (West Alaska Railroad, below) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

July 27 1,278 N23 (West Johansen, above) Minnow traps No fish captured – –

REACH 12

July 6 1,410 N25 (Indiana Avenue) Electrofishing Northern pike 1 93

July 6 1,410 N24 (West Johansen bridge, below) Electrofishing Humpback whitefish 1 450

July 6 1,410 N26 (Goldizen Avenue bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 3 65-98

Northern pike 5 64-651

July 18 1,506 N24 (West Johansen bridge, below) Observation Northern pike 1 250 (est)

August 8 2,396 N25 (Indiana Avenue) Electrofishing Northern pike 1 98

August 8 2,396 N24 (West Johansen bridge, below) Electrofishing No fish captured – –

REACH 13

June 7 1,460 N26 (Goldizen Avenue bridge) Observation Northern pike 1 400 (est)

June 13 1,910 N26 (Goldizen Avenue bridge) Observation Arctic grayling 1 200 (est)

Northern pike 1 400 (est)

July 6 1,410 N26 (Goldizen Avenue bridge) Electrofishing Alaska blackfish 3 65-98

(same sample as reach 12) Northern pike 5 64-651

Table 2. Fish captured or observed during low-flow and high-flow conditions in the 13 study reaches in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow

conditions. Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; mm, millimeters; est, estimated;–, no data]

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Vicinity Method Species 

(common name) Total

Range of

total length

(mm) 
Assessment of Water Quality 27

Assessment of Water Quality

Specific conductance, water temperature, pH, dissolvedoxygen concentration, and turbidity were measured at 26 sites 

in Noyes Slough in July and August 2001. These parameters 

provide quantitative information for assessing water-quality 

conditions for aquatic life as well as general environmental 

conditions for fish.

Data Collection

Twenty-six water-quality sampling sites were 

established on Noyes Slough, with a minimum of one site per 

reach (fig. 3, table 1). The water-quality sites were labeled N1 

through N26 in sequence from the upstream end of the slough 

(fig. 4). Water-quality was measured at least twice at each 

sampling site. Water-quality data were recorded in Noyes 

Slough when discharge in the Chena River was below and 

above a flow threshold at or above which it contributes water 

to the slough (fig. 10). A hydraulic model by Burrows and 

others (2000) determined the flow threshold to be about 

2,400 ft3/s. Conductance, pH, dissolved-oxygen 

concentration, and water temperature were measured 

midstream at incremental depths of 0.8 ft, or just subsurface 

when the depth was less than 0.8 ft, using a Hydrolab. 

Turbidity was measured with a Hach 2100P at a depth of less 

than 1.6 ft and at a second depth at sites where water was 

more than 3.3 ft deep during low flow. Water temperature 

data loggers were installed in reaches 2, 5, 7, 10, and 12 from 

June to September, and another logger recorded the ambient 

air temperature at reach 5. 

Water-Quality Characteristics

Conductance, pH, dissolved-oxygen concentration, 

water temperature, and turbidity data for the 26 water-quality 

measurement sites are presented in table 3. Mean daily water 

temperatures for June through August of 2001 are presented 

in table 4. Water-quality characteristics varied widely at 

sampling sites along the slough at low flows and relatively 

large differences in water quality also were observed along 

depth profiles. 

Water-quality data collected from Noyes Slough were 

evaluated using water-quality standards established by the 

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation (ADEC) 

and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) 

(table 5). Dissolved-oxygen concentrations ranged from 0.2 

to 10.9 mg/L, and many values fell below criteria established 

for aquatic life by both the Federal government (5.5 mg/L; 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986b) and the State 

of Alaska (5 mg/L; Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation, 1997). Only three measured pH values fell 

slightly below Federal and State standards of 6.5-9.0 standard 

units. Turbidity was generally at low levels at most sites and 

was never extreme. Values were typically lower than 25 NTU 

(nephelometric turbidity units), a limit suggested for 

salmonids, a sensitive group of fish (Sigler and others, 1984). 

At times, water temperatures surpassed State criteria for 

overall maximum limit (20oC) and frequently were above the 

maximum limit for rearing fish (15oC) during June and July 

(fig. 11, table 4). Water temperatures were within State 

criteria during August.

WATER QUALITY MEASURED IN NOYES SLOUGH

CHENA RIVER DISCHARGE

0

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

JULY 1 JULY 16 JULY 31 AUG 15 AUG 30

CHENA RIVER DISCHARGE, IN CUBIC FEET PER SECOND

FLOW BEGINS TO ENTER NOYES SLOUGH 2,400 ft3/s

DATE

Figure 10. Discharge in the Chena River and dates of water-quality measurements during summer 2001 in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska.

At a discharge of about 2,400 cubic feet per second, the Chena River contributes surface water to Noyes Slough.
28 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)

N1 (Inlet-Noyes Slough near Wendell Street)

July 5 1,429 0.82 333 14.0 6.9 10.1 98 16.6

July 18 1,530 .82 253 14.0 6.7 4.1 39 12.6

August 2 3,600 .82 133 9.5 7.4 10.7 94 10.1

1.64 133 9.5 7.4 10.7 93 –

2.46 134 9.0 7.3 10.7 93 –

3.28 135 9.0 7.3 10.7 93 –

N2 (Minnie Street bridge)

July 5 1,429 .82 179 17.0 6.8 2.5 26 6.7

July 18 1,530 .82 160 16.0 6.8 5.0 51 –

1.64 160 16.0 6.8 5.1 51 3.7

August 2 3,600 .82 137 9.5 7.3 10.9 95 –

1.64 138 9.0 7.3 10.8 94 9.2

2.30 138 9.5 7.3 10.7 93 –

N3 (Charles Street)

July 24 1,140 .82 166 17.0 6.8 3.5 36 –

1.64 166 17.0 6.7 3.5 36 52.9

1.97 167 17.0 6.7 3.4 35 –

August 2 3,580 .82 138 9.5 7.2 10.5 92 –

1.64 138 9.5 7.3 10.8 94 11.2

2.46 137 9.5 7.3 10.8 95 –

2.79 138 9.5 7.2 10.5 95 –

N4 (East College Road near Sam’s Club)

July 24 1,130 .82 170 16.5 6.7 1.1 11 –

1.64 172 16.5 6.6 .8 8 37.8

1.97 180 16.5 6.6 .7 7 –

August 2 3,590 .82 137 9.5 7.3 10.7 94 –

1.64 137 9.5 7.3 10.8 94 8.8

2.30 137 9.5 7.3 10.8 94 –

N5 (Illinois Street bridge)

July 5 1,429 .82 359 16.5 7.1 3.8 39 –

1.64 358 16.5 7.0 3.4 35 8.6

2.46 359 16.0 7.0 2.6 26 –

July 18 1,520 .82 323 14.5 6.7 2.2 21 –

1.64 327 14.5 6.7 1.7 17 13.3

2.46 386 13.5 6.7 .9 9 –

2.95 525 11.5 6.6 .4 4 –

August 2 3,590 .82 136 9.5 7.3 10.4 92 –

1.64 136 9.5 7.3 10.4 91 5.8

2.46 136 9.5 7.3 10.4 91 –

3.28 136 9.5 7.3 10.4 91 –

4.10 136 9.5 7.3 10.3 90 –
Assessment of Water Quality 29

N6 (East Alaska Railroad)

July 24 1,130 0.82 287 16.5 6.8 3.3 34 –

1.64 301 16.5 6.8 2.5 25 24.3

2.46 331 15.0 6.8 .5 5 –

August 2 3,570 .82 132 9.5 7.3 10.5 92 –

1.64 134 9.5 7.3 10.5 92 6.3

2.46 134 9.5 7.3 10.4 91 –

3.28 134 9.5 7.3 10.4 91 –

3.77 132 9.5 7.3 10.3 91 –

N7 (East Johansen on-ramp)

July 5 1,429 .82 249 15.0 7.1 7.9 79 –

1.64 312 14.0 7.0 6.0 59 2.5

July 18 1,510 .82 257 15.5 7.2 7.9 79 –

1.64 268 15.0 7.1 6.1 60 5.3

2.30 603 10.5 6.5 1.9 17 –

August 2 3,570 .82 136 10.0 7.3 10.5 93 –

1.64 136 10.0 7.3 10.4 92 6.2

2.46 136 10.0 7.3 10.4 92 –

3.28 136 10.0 7.3 10.4 92 –

3.61 136 10.0 7.3 10.4 92 –

N8 (O'Connor Road bridge)

July 5 1,429 .82 164 16.5 7.0 6.0 62 –

1.64 191 16.0 6.8 4.5 46 2.6

July 18 1,510 .82 243 16.5 7.1 6.2 63 –

1.64 243 16.5 7.1 6.2 63 5.6

2.46 297 15.5 6.9 3.1 31 –

August 2 3,550 .82 133 10.0 7.3 10.5 93 –

1.64 133 10.0 7.3 10.1 90 6.1

2.46 133 10.0 7.3 10.1 90 –

3.28 133 10.0 7.3 10.2 91 –

3.61 133 10.0 7.3 10.1 90 –

N9 (Isabella Creek, above)

July 5 1,429 .82 231 17.5 7.1 7.0 74 –

1.64 234 17.5 7.1 6.5 68 3.9

July 18 1,510 .82 245 17.5 7.2 7.9 82 –

1.64 247 17.0 7.2 7.3 75 5.5

2.46 270 16.5 6.8 3.3 34 –

August 2 3,550 .82 131 11.0 7.3 10.1 91 –

1.64 131 10.5 7.3 10.1 91 6.0

2.46 131 10.5 7.3 10.1 91 –

2.95 131 10.0 7.3 10.1 90 –

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
30 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

N10 (Isabella Creek, below)

July 5 1,429 0.82 430 13.5 6.9 3.3 34 –

July 18 1,510 .82 429 14.5 6.9 3.3 32 11.3

August 2 3,550 .82 134 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 6.3

1.31 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 85 –

N11 (Danby Street bridge, above)

July 24 1,140 .82 479 16.0 6.7 5.5 55 –

1.64 510 14.5 6.5 2.7 27 2.2

2.30 526 12.0 6.4 2.6 25 –

August 2 3,550 .82 134 11.0 7.2 9.6 87 –

1.64 134 10.0 7.2 9.7 88 6.0

2.46 133 10.0 7.2 9.9 88 –

2.95 134 10.0 7.2 9.9 88 –

N12 (Danby Street bridge, below)

July 5 1,429 .82 483 15.0 7.1 7.0 70 3.1

July 18 1,510 .82 507 15.5 7.1 6.7 66 3.7

1.48 508 15.0 7.1 6.8 67 –

August 2 3,550 .82 134 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 6.3

1.64 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 85 –

N13 (Lions Park northwest)

July 5 1,440 .82 462 17.0 7.1 6.5 68 –

1.64 464 16.5 7.1 6.2 65 11.9

2.46 466 16.0 7.1 6.2 64 –

3.28 485 14.0 6.9 6.1 60 –

4.10 479 12.5 6.8 5.6 53 –

4.92 455 8.5 6.7 4.3 37 –

5.74 419 4.5 6.5 1.3 10 –

6.56 423 3.5 6.5 .6 4 –

7.38 437 3.5 6.5 .5 4 –

July 18 1,510 .82 500 17.0 7.1 6.7 69 –

1.64 504 16.5 7.0 5.7 59 3.4

2.46 515 16.0 6.9 4.8 48 –

3.28 515 15.0 6.8 4.3 42 –

4.10 525 13.5 6.8 3.8 36 –

4.92 498 11.0 6.6 3.0 27 –

5.74 439 5.5 6.6 3.1 25 –

6.56 430 4.0 6.5 2.3 18 33.8

7.38 428 3.5 6.5 .5 3 –

8.20 447 2.5 6.5 .3 2 –

August 2 3,550 .82 133 11.0 7.2 9.6 87 –

1.64 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 87 7.6

2.46 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 –

3.28 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 –

3,550 4.10 133 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 –

4.92 132 10.5 7.2 9.6 86 –

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
Assessment of Water Quality 31

N13 (Lions Park northwest)—Continued

5.74 133 10.0 7.2 9.5 85 –

6.56 132 10.0 7.2 9.5 85 5.9

7.38 132 10.0 7.2 9.5 85 –

8.20 132 10.0 7.2 9.5 85 –

N14 (Aurora Drive bridge, above)

July 5 1,440 .82 427 18.5 7.3 8.6 93 –

1.64 424 18.0 7.3 8.5 91 15.9

2.46 375 16.0 7.0 5.2 54 –

July 18 1,500 .82 466 19.0 7.5 9.6 104 –

1.64 462 18.0 7.5 9.8 103 1.9

2.46 461 18.0 7.5 9.4 98 –

August 2 3,530 .82 128 11.0 7.1 9.2 83 –

1.64 128 11.0 7.1 9.2 83 9.1

2.46 128 11.0 7.1 9.1 82 –

2.95 128 11.0 7.1 9.1 82 –

N15 (Aurora Drive bridge, below)

July 18 1,500 .82 466 18.0 7.4 8.4 88 15.9

1.31 466 18.0 7.3 8.1 85 –

August 2 3,530 .82 128 11.0 7.1 9.1 82 7.0

1.64 128 11.0 7.1 9.0 82 –

1.97 128 11.0 7.1 9.0 82 –

N16 (Smith Street)

July 5 1,440 .82 399 16.0 7.2 6.4 65 –

1.64 402 15.5 7.1 5.7 58 11.4

2.46 408 15.0 6.8 3.3 33 –

3.28 443 12.0 6.6 .8 8 –

4.10 481 9.0 6.6 .5 4 –

4.92 500 7.5 6.6 .3 2 –

July 18 1,500 .82 438 18.0 7.2 7.0 73 –

1.64 438 17.0 7.2 6.8 70 3.9

2.46 438 16.0 6.8 3.9 40 –

3.28 450 14.5 6.7 2.7 27 –

4.10 – - - - - 23.2

4.76 473 10.0 6.5 .5 5 –

August 2 3,530 .82 134 12.5 7.1 8.5 80 –

1.64 135 11.5 7.0 8.3 77 7.8

2.46 132 11.0 7.0 8.4 76 –

3.28 129 11.0 7.0 8.4 76 –

4.10 129 11.0 7.0 8.4 76 9.0

4.92 132 10.5 7.0 8.1 73 –

5.41 131 10.5 7.0 8.1 73 –

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
32 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

N17 (Central Avenue)

July 24 1,140 0.82 402 19.0 7.5 7.9 55 –

1.64 402 19.0 7.5 7.8 83 2.3

2.46 402 18.5 7.5 7.5 81 –

3.28 402 18.5 7.5 7.3 78 –

3.94 402 18.5 7.4 6.8 72 –

August 2 3,489 .82 146 12.0 7.0 8.2 77 –

1.64 146 12.0 7.0 8.2 76 7.6

2.46 146 12.0 7.0 8.1 75 –

3.28 147 12.0 7.0 8.1 75 –

4.10 147 12.0 7.0 8.0 74 –

4.92 148 12.0 7.0 7.9 73 –

5.58 148 11.5 7.0 7.7 71 –

N18 (Deere Street)

July 24 1,140 .82 386 18.5 7.6 7.1 76 –

1.64 385 18.0 7.5 6.8 72 2.8

2.46 382 18.0 7.5 5.8 62 –

3.28 382 17.0 7.1 2.3 24 –

3.77 386 16.5 7.0 1.3 14 –

August 2 3,489 .82 150 12.0 7.1 8.3 77 –

1.64 150 12.0 7.1 8.2 76 7.6

2.46 150 12.0 7.1 8.2 76 –

3.28 151 12.0 7.1 8.2 76 –

4.10 153 12.0 7.0 8.1 75 –

4.59 153 12.0 7.1 7.9 74 –

N19 (Commerce Street)

July 5 1,440 .82 362 17.5 7.3 5.9 63 –

1.64 360 16.0 7.1 3.9 40 6.1

July 18 1,490 .82 383 19.5 7.5 8.1 87 –

1.64 378 18.0 7.4 7.9 83 4.4

1.97 377 17.5 7.3 7.9 83 –

August 2 3,489 .82 160 12.5 7.0 7.7 72 –

1.64 159 12.5 7.0 7.7 72 7.7

2.46 159 12.5 7.0 7.6 72 –

3.28 159 12.5 7.0 7.6 71 –

3.77 159 12.5 7.0 7.6 71 –

N20 (Spafford Lane)

July 5 1,450 .82 365 18.5 7.3 5.4 58 –

1.64 365 18.0 7.3 5.2 56 5.1

2.46 365 18.0 7.3 5.1 54 –

3.28 366 18.0 7.3 4.7 50 –

4.10 361 17.5 7.2 3.9 41 –

4.92 315 15.5 6.9 .4 4 –

5.74 325 12.5 7.0 .2 2 –

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
Assessment of Water Quality 33

N20 (Spafford Lane)—Continued

July 18 1,490 0.82 362 20.0 7.6 7.3 80 –

1.64 364 18.5 7.5 7.1 76 3.2

2.46 363 18.0 7.5 6.7 71 –

3.28 362 18.0 7.5 6.3 66 –

4.10 362 17.5 7.4 5.0 52 –

4.92 357 16.0 7.1 1.0 10 38.8

5.74 358 13.0 6.9 .2 2 –

August 2 3,489 .82 196 14.5 7.1 7.1 69 –

1.64 187 13.5 7.0 7.1 68 8.1

2.46 192 13.0 7.0 6.8 65 –

3.28 195 13.0 7.0 6.5 61 –

4.10 196 13.0 7.0 6.4 61 –

4.92 198 12.5 7.0 6.1 57 8.3

5.74 201 12.5 6.9 6.0 56 –

6.56 202 12.5 6.9 5.9 55 –

7.38 203 12.5 6.9 5.7 54 –

N21 (West Alaska Railroad, above)

July 24 1,140 .82 334 19.0 7.4 6.0 64 –

1.64 334 19.0 7.4 5.8 62 2.2

2.46 333 19.0 7.4 5.6 60 –

3.28 333 19.0 7.3 5.5 59 –

3.61 334 19.0 7.3 5.4 59 –

August 2 3,439 .82 247 14.0 7.0 6.6 64 –

1.64 249 14.0 7.0 6.6 64 9.2

2.46 249 14.0 7.0 6.5 63 –

3.28 249 14.0 7.0 6.5 63 –

3.94 249 14.0 7.0 6.5 63 –

N22 (West Alaska Railroad, below)

July 24 1,130 .82 332 19.0 7.5 6.7 72 –

1.64 332 19.0 7.5 6.6 71 3.8

2.46 332 19.0 7.5 6.5 71 –

3.28 332 19.0 7.5 6.5 71 –

3.94 333 19.0 7.5 5.8 63 –

August 2 3,439 .82 266 14.5 7.0 6.8 66 –

1.64 260 14.0 7.0 6.7 65 9.0

2.46 257 14.0 7.0 6.5 63 –

3.28 258 14.0 7.0 6.4 63 –

4.10 258 14.0 7.0 6.4 63 –

N23 (West Johansen bridge, above)

July 24 1,130 .82 331 19.0 7.3 4.8 51 –

1.64 332 19.0 7.2 4.3 46 4.5

2.46 332 19.0 7.2 4.2 45 –

3.12 333 19.0 7.2 3.6 38 –

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
34 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

N23 (West Johansen bridge, above)—Continued

August 2 3,439 0.82 299 14.5 7.0 6.1 60 –

1.64 292 14.5 7.0 5.9 58 9.2

2.46 298 14.0 7.0 5.4 52 –

3.28 311 14.0 7.0 5.2 50 –

4.10 315 14.0 7.0 5.0 49 –

4.76 314 14.0 7.0 4.9 48 –

N24 (West Johansen bridge, below)

July 5 1,450 < .82 401 14.0 7.3 8.0 78 9.3

July 18 1,490 < .82 347 16.5 7.3 5.8 59 9.3

August 2 3,439 .82 325 15.0 7.0 5.7 57 9.9

1.64 329 14.5 7.0 5.4 54 –

2.46 332 14.5 7.0 5.3 52 –

3.28 328 14.5 7.0 5.2 52 –

N25 (Indiana Avenue)

July 5 1,450 < .82 213 16.0 7.1 7.6 77 12.4

July 18 1,490 .82 376 18.5 7.3 8.7 93 7.2

August 2 3,469 .82 382 15.0 7.0 5.9 58 9.2

1.64 382 15.0 7.0 5.8 58 –

2.46 381 15.0 7.0 5.7 57 –

3.28 381 15.0 7.0 5.7 57 –

3.61 381 15.0 7.0 5.7 56 –

N26 (Goldizen Avenue bridge)

July 5 1,460 .82 202 15.0 7.2 8.5 85 –

1.64 208 15.0 7.2 8.6 87 6.0

2.46 208 15.0 7.2 8.7 88 –

July 18 1,490 .82 239 18.0 7.3 8.9 93 –

1.64 237 17.0 7.3 8.7 90 6.5

2.46 208 15.5 7.2 8.6 86 –

3.61 196 15.0 7.2 8.6 85 –

August 2 3,469 .82 409 16.5 7.1 5.8 59 –

1.64 405 16.0 7.1 5.7 57 8.3

2.46 384 13.5 7.1 6.1 58 –

3.28 263 12.0 7.1 7.6 71 –

4.10 258 12.0 7.1 8.4 78 –

4.92 193 10.5 7.2 9.8 88 –

5.74 193 10.5 7.2 9.4 85 –

6.56 193 10.5 7.2 9.4 85 –

Minimum 1,130 .82 128 2.5 6.4 0.2 2 1.9

Maximum 3,600 8.20 603 20.0 7.6 10.9 104 52.9

Table 3. Water quality measured at midstream during low-flow and high-flow conditions at sampling sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska,

July–August 2001–Continued

[Chena River flow: Less than 2,400 cubic feet per second during low-flow conditions, and greater than 2,400 cubic feet per second during high-flow 

conditions.Abbreviations: ft3/s, cubic feet per second; ft, feet; μS/cm, microSiemens per centimeter corrected to a standard value of 25oC; oC, degrees Celsius; 

mg/L, milligrams per liter; %, percent; –, no data] 

Date 

(2001)

Chena River 

flow 

(ft3/s)

Sample 

depth 

(ft)

Specific 

conductance 

(μS/cm)

Temperature 

(°C)

pH

(standard 

units)

Dissolvedoxygen

concentration

(mg/L)

Dissolvedoxygen 

saturation 

(%)

Turbidity 

(nephelometric 

turbidity units)
Assessment of Water Quality 35

Table 4. Mean daily water temperatures measured at selected sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, June–August 2001

[Abbreviations: oC, degrees Celsius]

Day of month

Water temperature (oC)

N2 

(Minnie Street bridge)

N8 

(O'Connor Road bridge)

N13 

(Lions Park northwest)

N20 

(Spafford Lane)

N26 

(Goldizen Avenue bridge)

June 2001

1 10.5 11.5 12.0 13.0 11.0

2 11.5 12.0 12.5 15.0 12.5

3 12.5 13.0 13.0 15.5 14.0

4 13.0 13.0 14.0 15.5 14.5

5 13.0 13.5 14.5 16.0 15.5

6 13.5 14.0 14.5 16.0 16.0

7 13.5 14.0 14.5 16.0 15.0

8 12.5 13.5 14.5 15.5 13.5

9 11.0 13.5 14.0 16.0 11.0

10 9.5 11.0 13.5 17.0 10.5

11 10.5 11.0 15.5 17.0 11.5

12 11.5 12.5 16.5 17.5 15.0

13 12.0 13.5 16.5 17.5 16.0

14 13.0 14.5 16.0 17.0 15.0

15 13.0 14.0 15.5 16.5 15.0

16 13.5 14.5 15.5 17.0 15.5

17 14.5 15.0 16.5 18.5 16.5

18 15.5 16.0 18.0 20.0 17.5

19 16.5 17.0 18.5 20.5 18.0

20 17.0 17.5 19.0 21.0 18.0

21 17.5 17.5 18.5 20.5 17.0

22 17.5 18.0 18.0 20.0 17.0

23 18.0 18.0 18.0 20.5 17.0

24 18.5 18.5 18.5 21.0 17.5

25 19.0 18.5 19.0 21.0 18.5

26 18.5 19.0 19.0 21.0 18.5

27 17.5 18.0 18.0 20.0 17.0

28 17.0 17.0 17.0 19.0 17.0

29 18.0 17.5 18.0 19.5 19.5

30 18.0 18.0 17.5 19.5 17.5

July 2001

1 17.5 17.5 17.0 19.5 16.5

2 18.5 17.5 17.5 19.5 16.5

3 18.5 17.5 18.0 20.0 17.0

4 17.5 17.5 18.0 19.0 16.5

5 16.5 16.5 16.5 18.5 15.0

6 15.5 15.5 15.5 17.5 14.0

7 14.0 14.5 14.0 16.0 12.5

8 11.5 13.5 13.5 15.5 10.5

9 9.5 12.5 13.5 15.0 10.0

10 10.5 13.5 14.0 15.5 11.0

11 12.0 14.5 15.0 16.5 12.0

12 13.0 15.0 15.5 16.5 13.0

13 14.5 15.5 16.0 17.0 14.0

14 15.0 16.0 16.0 17.5 14.5

15 15.5 16.0 16.0 17.5 15.5

16 16.5 16.5 17.5 18.5 16.0

17 17.0 17.5 18.0 19.0 16.0

18 16.5 17.0 17.5 18.5 15.5
36 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

July 2001

19 17.0 17.5 17.5 19.0 16.0

20 18.0 18.0 18.0 20.0 15.5

21 18.0 18.5 18.0 20.0 16.0

22 18.5 19.0 19.0 20.5 16.0

23 18.5 19.0 19.0 20.5 16.0

24 18.0 18.5 18.5 19.5 16.0

25 18.5 18.5 18.5 19.5 16.0

26 18.0 18.0 18.5 19.5 16.0

27 17.0 17.0 18.0 19.0 15.5

28 15.5 16.0 16.5 17.5 14.5

29 14.5 14.5 15.0 16.5 13.5

30 13.5 14.5 15.0 16.0 12.0

31 9.0 10.5 12.5 15.5 10.0

August 2001

1 9.0 9.5 10.0 13.5 10.5

2 10.0 10.5 10.5 13.0 10.5

3 10.5 11.0 11.5 12.5 11.5

4 11.0 11.5 12.5 13.0 11.0

5 10.5 11.0 12.0 12.5 10.5

6 10.0 11.0 12.0 12.5 9.5

7 10.5 11.5 13.5 13.0 10.0

8 11.5 12.5 13.5 14.0 10.5

9 12.5 13.0 14.5 14.5 12.0

10 13.0 13.5 14.5 15.0 12.5

11 13.0 13.5 14.5 14.5 12.0

12 12.5 13.5 14.0 14.0 11.5

13 12.5 13.5 13.0 14.0 11.0

14 13.5 13.5 13.5 14.5 11.5

15 13.5 13.5 13.0 14.0 10.5

16 12.0 13.5 13.5 14.5 11.0

17 9.5 13.0 12.5 14.0 10.0

18 9.0 10.5 11.5 13.5 10.0

19 9.0 9.0 10.0 12.5 10.5

20 9.0 9.5 10.0 12.0 10.5

21 9.5 10.0 10.5 12.5 10.5

22 9.5 10.0 10.5 12.0 10.5

23 9.5 10.0 10.0 11.5 10.5

24 9.5 10.0 10.5 11.5 9.5

25 10.0 10.5 11.0 12.0 9.5

26 10.0 11.0 11.0 12.0 10.0

27 10.5 11.0 11.0 12.0 10.5

28 10.5 11.0 11.0 12.0 10.0

29 10.5 11.5 11.0 12.5 10.0

Minimum 9.0 9.0 10.0 11.5 9.5

Maximum 19.0 19.0 19.0 21.0 19.5

Table 4. Mean daily water temperatures measured at selected sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, June–August 2001–Continued

[Abbreviations: oC, degrees Celsius]

Day of month

Water temperature (oC)

N2 

(Minnie Street bridge)

N8 

(O'Connor Road bridge)

N13 

(Lions Park northwest)

N20 

(Spafford Lane)

N26 

(Goldizen Avenue bridge)
Assessment of Water Quality 37

Water-quality characteristics provide information on the 

general environmental conditions for fish. Although 

conductance does not directly affect fish, it is a good 

approximation of total dissolved solids, which is often 

increased by human activities (Lettenmaier and others, 1991). 

Likewise, pH is a measure of the effective hydrogen-ion 

concentration, which is controlled by many factors. Changes 

in these characteristics along a stream or over time can help 

identify degraded habitat. Dissolved-oxygen concentrations 

and turbidity directly affect fish. Low concentrations of 

dissolved oxygen can make water uninhabitable by certain 

species and cause stress at non-lethal limits (Beschta and 

others, 1987). Turbidity can impair visibility and feeding 

(Bisson and Bilby, 1982) or physically harm the respiratory 

system (Martens and Servizi, 1993).

Depth profiles showed that during low-flow conditions 

in Noyes Slough oxygen was depleted as a function of depth 

(fig. 12). The vertical distribution of dissolved-oxygen 

concentrations resembled that of standing eutrophic waters 

with a high level of organic production (Wetzel, 1983). This 

typically is caused by high levels of biochemical oxygen 

demand, particularly at the sediment-water interface, in 

waters that are not well mixed.

During high-flow conditions, however, water in the 

slough was mixed enough to partially offset this layering 

effect (fig. 12). The mixing brought dissolved-oxygen 

concentrations above criteria for aquatic life in most reaches. 

Concentrations of dissolved oxygen varied greatly along the 

length of Noyes Slough during low flow, but became more 

uniform during high-flow conditions when the slough was 

supplied with water from the Chena River (fig. 13). Average 

dissolved-oxygen concentrations increased at most sites 

during high flow, with the largest changes occurring in the 

upper one-half of the slough. The lower three reaches showed 

an anomalous trend, with concentrations lower at high flow 

than at low flow (fig. 13).

The mixing action created with increased flow is further 

demonstrated by the differences in specific conductance 

between low flow and high flow (fig. 12). During high flow, 

mean specific conductance decreased at most sites—by 50 

percent or greater at 14 of 26 sites, potentially the result of 

dissolved solids being flushed downstream. The effect of 

mixing during high flow also was apparent in the distribution 

of specific conductance throughout the slough (fig. 13). 

During low flow, when water from the Chena River was not 

entering Noyes Slough, conductance varied greatly, and 

values at nearly three-fourths of the sites were greater than 

300 μS/cm. During high flow, only the last four downstream 

reaches had values greater than 300 μS/cm, another 

indication that dissolved solids were accumulating at the 

downstream end. 

The distribution of water temperature in the slough was 

moderated by high flow (fig. 13). A typical downstream 

warming trend was observed during high flow and average 

temperatures remained below the State criterion of 15οC for 

rearing fish (Alaska Department of Environmental 

Conservation, 1997). Mixing resulted in fewer extremes, and 

a relatively narrow range of temperatures was measured 

along depth intervals in most locations.

In summary, water sampled in Noyes Slough during the 

summer of 2001 for this study was generally neutral 

(pH, 6.4-7.6 standard units), mean daily water temperatures 

ranged from 9.0 to 21.0oC, measured concentrations of 

dissolved oxygen ranged from 0.2 to 10.9 mg/L, and specific 

conductance ranged from 128 to 603 μS/cm. A full 

understanding of the dynamics that relate to fish use includes 

the water-quality conditions and streamflow variation in the 

slough at other times of the year. Examining water-quality 

attributes during periods of low flow and high flow during 

summer provides a useful starting point to characterize the 

slough dynamics.

Table 5. Federal and State of Alaska water-quality standards, criteria, 

or screening values

[Standard or Criteria: Level not to be exceeded except where noted; 

ADEC, Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation, 1977; USEPA: 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986b; Abbreviations: mg/L, 

milligrams per liter; NTU, nephelometric turbidity units; oC, degrees 

Celsius; >, greater than]

Water-quality 

constituent

(units)

 Noyes Slough

water-quality

constituent

range

Standard or criteria

State

ADEC

Federal

USEPA

Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 0.2 - 10.9 >5.0 >5.5

pH (standard units) 6.4 - 7.6 6.5-8.5 6.5-9.0

Turbidity (NTU) 1.9 - 52.9 1(25) 1(25)

Water temperature (oC) 29.0 - 21.0 15 3(5-17)

1Sigler and others (1984) suggest a limit for salmonids of 25 

nephelometric turbidity units. 

2Mean daily water temperatures, June through August 2001.

3Brungs and Jones (1977) suggest water temperature of 5-17oC for 

salmonids growth.
38 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

/g#/../22/!$3)4%

,)/.30!2+3)4%

30!&&/2$,!.%3)4%

'/,$):%.!6%.5%3)4%

*5.% *5,9 !5'534

















































4%-0%2!452%).$%'2%%3#%,3)53

-)..)%342%%43)4%













./9%33,/5'(7!4%24%-0%2!452%

!-")%.4!)24%-0%2!452%

Figure 11. Mean daily water temperature and ambient air temperature for Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska, June 1-August 30, 2001.

Initial depth of water temperature loggers was 1.6 feet at all sites.
Assessment of Water Quality 39

























$%04().&%%4

$)33/,6%$/89'%.).-),,)'2!-30%2,)4%2

   

$%04().&%%4

.,IONS0ARK	

   

.3MITH3TREET	

   

.$EERE3TREET	

   

.3PAFFORD,ANE	

30%#)&)##/.$5#4!.#%).-)#2/3)%-%.30%2#%.4)-%4%2!4$%'2%%3#%,3)53

.,IONS0ARK	 .3MITH3TREET	 .$EERE3TREET	 .3PAFFORD,ANE	

               

,/7&,/7

()'(&,/7

Figure 12. Depth profiles for dissolved-oxygen concentration and specific conductance during high-flow and low-flow conditions at selected 

sites in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001.
40 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

,/7&,/7

()'(&,/7















$)33/,6%$/89'%.).

-),,)'2!-30%2,)4%2















30%#)&)##/.$5#4!.#%

).-)#2/3)%-%.3

0%2#%.4)-%4%2













. . . . . . . . . . . . .

3)4%

4%-0%2!452%).$%'2%%3#%,3)53

Figure 13. Mean values of dissolved-oxygen concentration, specific conductance, and water temperature 

during low-flow and high-flow conditions in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001.

Sites are numbered consecutively from the upstream end.
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 41

Assessment of Selected Contaminants 

in Streambed Sediments

Analysis of trace elements and organic compounds in 

streambed-sediment samples provides a reliable means for 

assessing the occurrence, concentration, and distribution of 

contaminants in an aquatic system. Most trace elements and 

many anthropogenic organic compounds are known to 

associate with fine-grained sediments (Van Metre and 

Callender, 1997). Consequently, even though the water may 

contain only small quantities of these constituents, suspended 

sediment and bed sediment may contain relatively large 

concentrations (Shelton and Capel, 1994). Accordingly, 

sampling and analysis of bed-sediment material increases the 

likelihood that contaminants will be detected and that spatial 

distribution of contaminants in the aquatic environment can 

be evaluated.

Data Collection, Analytical Methods, and 

Aquatic-Life Criteria

Streambed-sediment samples were collected at selected 

sites in Noyes Slough during July and September 2001 and 

June and October 2002. Twenty-three sites were sampled 

(fig. 3; table 1). The sampling sites were numbered 

consecutively from the upstream inlet (SED01) to the 

downstream confluence with the Chena River (SED23). 

Distance between sampling sites ranged from a minimum of 

about 800 ft to a maximum of about 2,500 ft. Replicate 

sediment samples were collected at sites SED02 and SED23 

for quality-control purposes. Samples were chilled in the field 

and shipped overnight to Severn Trent Analytical Services 

Group Laboratories (STL) in Arvada, Colo., for analyses of 

trace elements and organic-compound contaminants. One 

shipment containing five sediment samples (SED19, SED21, 

SED22, SED23, and SED23R) was misdirected enroute to 

the laboratory and exceeded holding times. These sites were 

resampled in late September 2001. Collection and field 

processing of streambed-sediment samples followed 

established National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) 

Program protocols (Shelton and Capel, 1994), except that 

samples shipped to STL were bulk sediment rather than wetsieved. Streambed sediments were collected from 

depositional zones selected to represent various streamflow 

regimes. Variations in thickness and distribution of sediments 

in Noyes Slough were dependent on flow regimes and control 

structures such as beaver dams and inflow from culverts.

Analytical results for organic compounds indicated that 

non-target interfering compounds (most likely chlorophyll) 

were present in the sample matrix material of samples 

collected during 2001 (Severn Trent Laboratories, 2001a; 

2001b). In an attempt to reduce the effects of matrix 

interference, samples were analyzed at relatively large 

dilutions and many of the target analytes were diluted out or 

the minimum reporting limits were elevated due to the 

dilution. Because the analyses for organic compounds in 

samples collected during 2001 were largely unsuccessful, 

they are not presented in this report. During early June 2002, 

five sites were resampled for organic contaminants to 

determine if chlorophyll-matrix interference problems were 

reduced in samples collected just after spring break-up of ice 

cover. However, STL analytical reports indicated that matrix 

interference effects also were a significant problem for the 

June 2002 samples (Severn Trent Laboratories, 2002). To 

minimize chlorophyll levels, resampling of bed sediment for 

organic contaminants was then delayed until October 2002, 

when ice covered about 95 percent of the slough. All odd 

numbered sample sites, SED01 through SED23, were 

resampled through ice cover for organic contaminants, and 

one replicate sample was collected at the SED01 site, for a 

total of 13 samples. The replicate sample, SED01R, was 

composited from sediment about 10 cm below the bed 

sediment-water interface. Ice thickness averaged 2-15 cm and 

was breached with the assistance of an ice chisel or ice auger 

to gain access to streambed sediments (fig. 14).

Figure 14. Sampling of streambed sediments under ice cover in Noyes 

Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, October 2002.
42 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Sampling was confined to the upper 2-10 cm of streambed 

sediment. At each sampling site, five subsamples were 

collected, composited, and passed through a 2-millimeter 

sieve. Samples were shipped overnight to the USGS National 

Water-Quality Laboratory (NWQL) in Arvada, Colo., for 

analyses. The container for sample SED21 was broken in 

transit. Bed sediment at the SED21 site was resampled 4 days 

later. There were no significant precipitation events between 

collection of the initial SED21 sample on October 16 and the 

replacement sample collection on October 21, and ice-cover 

at the sample site remained at 100 percent.

Composite streambed-sediment samples were analyzed 

for selected trace-element constituents at STL. Standard 

USEPA analytical protocols were followed in the analysis of 

the samples (table 6). Analytical methods are described by 

the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (1986a; 1983). 

Sediment samples were analyzed for selected organic 

compounds at NWQL. Links to NWQL quality-assurance 

and analytical procedures are available at the NWQL Web 

page (http://wwwnwql.cr.usgs.gov/USGS/USGS_srv.html). 

Laboratory quality-control methods are rigorous for both 

laboratories and include analysis of blank and spiked samples 

to quantify analytical accuracy of the reported 

concentrations.

Table 6. Analytical methods, method detection levels, and laboratory reporting levels for analyzed trace 

elements in streambed-sediment samples from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001

[Methods: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1986a. Abbreviations: STL-MDL: Severn Trent Laboratories 

method detection levels are the levels at which the analyses can detect but not report accurate concentrations for a 

particular constituent. STL-RL: Severn Trent Laboratories reporting levels are the minimum levels at which the 

analyses can accurately determine constituent concentrations. MinRL and MaxRL: Minimum and maximum 

reporting levels for samples vary with dry weight of the specific sample. Abbreviations: mg/kg, milligram per 

kilogram, dry weight]

Trace element Method

Concentration (mg/kg)

STL-MDL STL-RL

Sample 

MinRL MaxRL

Aluminum SW846 6010B 3.1 10 13.9 26.2

Antimony SW846 6010B .35 1 1.4 2.6

Arsenic SW846 6010B .49 1 1.4 2.6

Barium SW846 6010B .12 1 1.4 2.6

Beryllium SW846 6010B .14 .5 .7 1.3

Cadmium SW846 6010B .10 .5 .7 1.3

Calcium SW846 6010B 3.2 20 27.8 52.3

Chromium SW846 6010B .44 1 1.4 2.6

Cobalt SW846 6010B .15 1 1.4 2.6

Copper SW846 6010B .27 2 2.8 5.2

Iron SW846 6010B 2.0 10 13.9 26.2

Lead SW846 6010B .39 .8 1.1 2.1

Magnesium SW846 6010B 1.53 20 27.8 52.3

Manganese SW846 6010B .14 1 1.4 2.6

Mercury SW846 7471A .0037 .033 .046 .086

Molybdenum SW846 6010B .24 2 2.8 5.2

Nickel SW846 6010B .72 4 5.6 10.5

Potassium SW846 6010B 31 300 417 785

Selenium SW846 6010B .45 1.3 1.8 3.4

Silver SW846 6010B .12 1 1.4 2.6

Sodium SW846 6010B 350 500 695 1,310

Thallium SW846 6010B .42 1.2 1.7 3.1

Vanadium SW846 6010B .35 1 1.4 2.6

Zinc SW846 6010B .73 2 2.8 5.2
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 43

STL analytical results for trace elements are expressed 

as concentrations when they exceeded the Minimum 

Reporting Level (MRL), as detected (D) when they exceeded 

the Method Detection Level (MDL) but are less than the 

MRL, and as not detected (ND) when they were less than the 

MDL. The Method Detection Level is the minimum 

concentration of a substance that can be measured and 

reported with 99-percent confidence that the analyte 

concentration is greater than zero. It is determined from the 

analysis of a sample in a given matrix containing the analyte 

(U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 1997). The MRL is 

the smallest measured concentration of a constituent that may 

be reliably reported by using a given analytical method. 

NWQL analytical results for organic compounds were 

expressed as concentrations when they exceeded the MRL, as 

estimated (E) when values exceeded the MDL but were less 

than the MRL or the analyte has a high variable recovery, and 

as less than (<) when concentrations were less than the MDL. 

Trace element and organic compound concentrations were 

reported on a dry weight basis.

There are no official Federal or State of Alaska 

standards for trace-element concentrations in freshwater 

streambed sediments. However, sediment-quality guidelines 

for a select number of elements and compounds have been 

proposed by several agencies and organizations to assess 

potential effects of sediment contamination on aquatic life. 

For bulk bed-sediment samples, the Canadian Council of 

Ministers of the Environment (1999) published probable 

effect levels (PELs), above which adverse effects to aquatic 

biota are likely to occur. MacDonald and others (2000) 

compiled sediment-quality guidelines (SQG) and data from 

several sources and developed consensus-based probable 

effect concentration (CB-PECs) guidelines for freshwater 

ecosystems. Gilliom and others (1998) summarized aquaticlife criteria from various agencies and compiled national 

median values based on streambed-sediment data collected at 

198 nonrandom sites by the USGS NAWQA Program.

Aquatic-life criteria and national data sets are useful for 

comparison purposes. They provide perspective for 

evaluation of the streambed-sediment data, but should be 

used only as indicators of potential sediment-quality 

problems that may warrant further examination. On the other 

hand, the absence of criteria for a particular contaminant, or 

the presence of contaminants that do not exceed one or more 

criteria, does not necessarily imply that there are no 

environmental issues of concern at that site. Mixtures of 

contaminants found at some sites could behave 

synergistically to cause adverse biological effects that are not 

indicated by criteria developed for individual contaminants 

(U.S. Geological Survey, 1999).

Trace Elements 

Bed-sediment samples collected during 2001 from 23 

sites were analyzed for 24 selected trace elements. Table 6

presents the list of target analytes, methods, reporting units, 

and sample reporting limits. Analytical trace element data are 

summarized in table 7. 

Agreement between reported trace-element 

concentrations of replicate bed-sediment samples collected at 

sites SED02 and SED23 varied. There were significant 

differences in reported trace-elements concentrations 

between the SED02 and SED02R samples. Sample SED02 

concentrations were 10-30 percent less than concentrations 

reported for sample SED02R. The sample variance may have 

been the result of the SED02R sample containing a greater 

portion of fine-grained material, as suggested by its higher 

aluminum concentration. Aluminum concentration often can 

be a broad indicator of aluminosilicate clay content. The 

aluminum concentration of SED02 (11,300 mg/kg) was about 

23 percent less than the aluminum concentration (14,700 

mg/kg) of sample SED02R. Wang (1999) reported variances 

of similar magnitude between trace-element concentrations 

in replicate sieved and in bulk bed-sediment samples. 

Generally, there was good agreement between replicate bedsediment samples SED23 and SED23R. Reported sample 

concentrations, including aluminum, were within 10 percent. 

Several trace elements were detected below reporting limits 

in analyses of laboratory blanks, including beryllium, 

cadmium, calcium, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, 

magnesium, selenium, sodium, and zinc. Contaminants 

detected in the blank analyses were less than 2 percent of 

reported trace-element concentrations. Reported spike 

sample recoveries generally were between 88 and 116 

percent of the matrix spike amount except for aluminum, 

barium, chromium, iron, manganese, and vanadium, for 

which either percent recoveries were not calculated or they 

exceeded percent-recovery limits. In summary, data from 

replicate field samples and laboratory quality-control 

analyses suggested that the reported trace-element 

concentrations had an estimated uncertainty of about 10-30 

percent.
44 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Table 7. Trace-element concentrations and summary statistics for bulk streambed sediments in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001

[Abbreviations: Stdev, standard deviation; TRMmean, trimmed mean excludes maximum and minimum data values: TRMstdev, trimmed standard deviation 

excludes maximum and minimum data values; ND, trace element not detected; B, concentration is below minimum reporting limit; mg/kg, milligram per 

kilogram, dry weight]

Concentration (mg/kg)

Sediment 

sampling

site

Aluminum Antimony Arsenic Barium Beryllium Cadmium Calcium Chromium Cobalt Copper Iron

SED01 14,400 ND 14.5 150 ND ND 5,840 26.6 12.4 29.6 28,800

SED02 14,700 1.1 B 13.0 157 ND ND 5,340 22.6 8.9 25.4 27,800

SED03 15,900 1.4 B 16.6 181 ND ND 5,310 25.6 11.5 30.5 28,900

SED04 14,500 1.2 B 9.9 169 ND ND 5,340 30.1 10.6 28.2 24,500

SED05 13,900 ND 9.8 152 ND ND 5,420 27.5 12.3 29.1 25,900

SED06 15,500 ND 16.3 185 .11 B ND 5,880 31.1 13.6 32.3 29,300

SED07 16,800 ND 12.6 183 ND ND 6,300 31.8 14.1 34.4 29,800

SED08 14,900 ND 11.9 165 .10 B ND 5,360 28.4 12.2 34.4 25,900

SED09 16,600 ND 9.5 165 ND ND 6,370 24.8 11.2 30.3 27,500

SED10 14,900 ND 13.6 165 ND ND 6,110 27.3 12.6 31.5 29,600

SED11 13,700 ND 17.3 159 ND ND 6,380 24.8 11.6 30.0 29,400

SED12 19,600 1.3 B 15.9 237 ND ND 7,110 36.7 16.2 43.9 36,200

SED13 12,400 ND 11.3 299 ND ND 6,860 32.1 11.7 34.2 22,400

SED14 10,300 ND 7.4 112 ND ND 4,750 27.0 8.5 21.3 18,100

SED15 14,700 ND 9.3 159 ND ND 5,280 27.4 12.6 33.1 25,900

SED16 16,200 ND 16.1 183 ND ND 6,260 30.8 13.7 37.0 29,300

SED17 17,000 ND 16.0 244 ND ND 6,010 34.1 15.0 40.4 30,900

SED18 18,200 1.2 B 12.5 239 ND ND 7,440 34.1 14.9 42.5 31,500

SED19 11,000 ND 12.9 136 .30 B .53 B 5,820 21.4 9.8 30.4 21,900

SED20 13,200 1.1 B 9.7 164 ND ND 5,500 21.0 10.2 30.4 24,300

SED21 14,900 ND 18.2 180 .41 B .83 B 5,130 29.0 12.4 29.4 29,000

SED22 6,830 ND 6.1 66.5 .17 B .18 B 3,810 14.2 6.2 11.3 12,500

SED23 10,200 1.0 B 10.1 120 .24 B .45 B 4,810 20.0 8.9 20.0 19,000

Summary Statistics1

Count2 23 n<20 23 23 n<20 n<20 23 23 23 23 23

Maximum 19,600 18.2 299 7,440 36.7 16.2 43.9 36,200

Minimum 6,830 6.1 66.5 3,810 14.2 6.2 11.3 12,500

Range 12,770 12.1 232.5 3,630 22.5 10 32.6 23,700

Mean 14,362 12.6 172.6 5,758 27.3 11.8 30.9 26,452

Stdev 2,828 3.3 48.1 815 5.2 2.3 7.1 5,106

TRMmean 14,471 12.7 171.7 5,770 27.5 11.8 31.2 26,652

TRMstdev 2,139 2.9 34.4 632 4.1 1.9 5.3 3,763

Median 14,700 12.6 165.0 5,820 27.4 12.2 30.4 27,800
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 45

Table 7. Trace-element concentrations and summary statistics for bulk streambed sediments in Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001—Continued.

[Abbreviations: Stdev, standard deviation; TRMmean, trimmed mean excludes maximum and minimum data values: TRMstdev, trimmed standard deviation 

excludes maximum and minimum data values; ND, trace element not detected; B, concentration is below minimum reporting limit; mg/kg, milligram per kilogram, 

dry weight]

Concentration (mg/kg)

Sediment 

sampling

site

Lead Magnesium

Manganese Mercury Molybdenum Nickel Potassium Selenium Silver Sodium Thallium Vanadium Zinc

SED01 10.3 6,140 363 0.036 B 0.49 B 25.3 969 3.8 ND 538 B ND 41.8 82.2

SED02 12.6 5,860 320 .027 B .78 B 24.2 1,110 1.30 B 0.55 B ND ND 39.4 86.4

SED03 12.6 6,110 316 .035 B .67 B 26.9 1,320 1.50 B .64 B ND ND 44.5 108.0

SED04 20.3 5,780 284 .034 B .66 B 25.1 1,140 .78 B .57 B ND ND 40.2 200.0

SED05 13.3 6,130 316 .034 B .77 B 25.7 1,060 3.6 ND 369 B ND 41.0 104.0

SED06 14.1 6,330 324 .040 B .77 B 27.7 1,250 4.3 ND 304 B ND 46.9 118.0

SED07 14.1 7,080 311 .040 B .56 B 29.5 1,240 3.7 ND 533 B ND 47.4 115.0

SED08 12.5 6,100 318 .041 B .55 B 26.1 1,110 3.2 ND 411 B ND 42.8 89.5

SED09 12.7 6,690 311 .050 B .63 B 26.9 1,310 1.50 B .68 B ND ND 41.4 128.0

SED10 12 6,370 352 .066 B ND 27.1 1,060 4.9 ND 633 B 1.2 B 40.5 97.8

SED11 12.4 6,160 398 .033 B .28 B 25.5 1,140 3.4 .17 B 429 B ND 39.0 87.6

SED12 17.2 7,620 459 .074 B .53 B 34.9 1,490 4.5 ND 507 B ND 54.5 129.0

SED13 59.4 6,000 270 .055 B .98 B 25.6 941 3.1 .14 B 893 B ND 34.2 562.0

SED14 56.5 4,910 173 .041 B .30 B 19.6 761 2.7 .13 B 684 B ND 30.2 57.4

SED15 14.4 6,560 284 .065 .30 B 26.1 996 3.2 .18 B 902 ND 44.2 78.5

SED16 16 6,850 360 .068 .60 B 29.0 1,290 3.7 .16 B ND ND 47.5 92.1

SED17 14.9 6,750 453 .068 B 1.10 B 31.8 1,580 ND .33 B 911 B ND 54.2 133.0

SED18 17.7 7,380 338 .062 .57 B 31.9 1,420 4.8 .28 B 574 B ND 52.6 122.0

SED19 11.3 4,770 301 .080 B .58 B 22.7 1,030 2.40 B ND ND 1.2 B 37.5 87.0

SED20 1,490 5,690 259 .065 .68 B 22.7 971 ND .69 B ND ND 36.8 90.1

SED21 13.7 5,660 344 .060 B .91 B 28.5 1,330 1.90 B ND ND ND 46.1 142.0

SED22 4.9 3,530 188 .015 B .22 B 14.3 619 1.20 B ND ND ND 26.3 33.9

SED23 8.3 4,470 292 .046 B .42 B 19.7 1,010 1.30 B ND ND ND 35.6 57.1

Summary Statistics1

Count2 23 23 23 n<20 n<20 23 23 n<20 n<20 n<20 n<20 23 23

Maximum 1,490 7,620 459 34.9 1,580 54.5 562

Minimum 4.9 3,530 173 14.3 619 26.3 33.9

Range 1,485.1 4,090 286 20.6 961 28.2 528.1

Mean 81.4 6,041 319 25.9 1,137 41.9 121.8

Stdev 307.4 941 67 4.4 225 7.0 101.7

TRMmean 17.9 6,085 319 26.1 1,140 42.1 105.0

TRMstdev 13.6 730 53 3.2 180 5.8 31.8

Median 13.7 6,130 316 26.1 1,110 41.4 97.8

1Summary statistics calculated for trace elements with count (n) greater than or equal to 20. 2Count does not include values that are below the minimum reporting limit, designated with "B"annotation.
46 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Sixteen of the 24 selected trace elements were detected 

at all 23 bed-sediment sample sites (table 7). Molybdenum 

and selenium were detected in all but one and two samples, 

respectively. Concentrations of eight trace elements—

antimony, beryllium, cadmium, mercury, molybdenum, 

silver, sodium, and thallium—were relatively low and are 

reported either as not detected or below reporting limits for 

most sample sites. Concentrations of zinc in sample SED13 

(562 mg/kg), lead in sample SED20 (1,490 mg/kg), and 

arsenic in samples SED11 (17.3 mg/kg) and SED21 (18.2 

mg/kg) exceeded PELs published by the Canadian Council of 

Ministers of the Environment (1999) (table 8). 

Discussion of trace element results was focused on zinc, 

lead, and arsenic, because these elements were detected in 

concentrations that exceeded PELs prescribed by the 

Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (1999) 

(table 8). Elevated concentrations of trace elements in 

sediment may represent contamination from natural or 

anthropogenic sources. A common approach used for 

estimating background levels of trace elements is to construct 

normal probability plots of measured concentrations for a 

particular element and establish the background level as the 

breakpoint where the slope of a best-fit line changes abruptly 

(Velz, 1984; Deacon and Stephens, 1998; Frenzel, 2000). If 

the trace-element data approximate a statistical normal 

distribution, the data points will plot roughly along a straight 

line. By expressing the theoretical distribution as a straight 

line, departures from the distribution are more easily 

perceived (Helsel and Hirsch, 1992). Enriched (increased) 

concentrations (data outliers) will plot above the best-fit line, 

depleted (decreased) concentrations plot below the best-fit 

line. Utilizing graphical methods to assess data outliers and 

distributional assumptions about data are described in detail 

by Chambers and others (1983).

Zinc concentration at site SED13 (562 mg/kg) was about 

78 percent greater than the PEL guideline of 315 mg/kg and 

was about 22 percent greater than the CB-PEC guideline of 

459 mg/kg (tables 7, 8). The calculated zinc background 

concentration for Noyes Slough was about 150 mg/kg 

(fig. 15). This background concentration suggests that the 

reported zinc concentration of 200 mg/kg for SED4 also was 

elevated, but was less than PEL and CB-PEC guidelines. The 

source(s) of the elevated zinc concentrations were uncertain. 

The concentration of lead in sample SED20 (1,490 

mg/kg) exceeded PEL (91.3 mg/kg) and CB-PEC (128 

mg/kg) guidelines by an order of magnitude (table 8). A lead 

concentration of this magnitude at a single site suggests local 

enrichment. Lead concentrations in samples SED13 (59.4 

mg/kg) and SED14 (56.5 mg/kg) were below PEL guidelines 

but were above the calculated background of about 20 mg/kg 

(fig. 15). The source(s) of the elevated lead concentrations 

were uncertain.

Table 8. Comparison of streambed-sediment quality guidelines and trace-element concentrations determined for streambed- sediment 

samples from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001

[Noyes Slough Median: Concentration (n>20) excludes values below the reporting limit in the selected data set. NAWQA National 

Median: National median concentrations from NAWQA sampling sites (Gilliom and others, 1998). Canada PEL: Probable Effect Level 

(PEL) (Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment, 1999). CB-PEC: Consensus Based Probable Effect Concentration (CB-PEC) 

(MacDonald and others, 2000). Abbreviations: mg/kg, milligram per kilogram, dry weight; B, below reporting limit; NG, no guideline; >, 

greater than]

Constituent

Concentration (mg/kg)

Noyes Slough

median

NAWQA

National

Median

Canada

PEL CB-PEC

Noyes Slough

sample greater

than PELs

Noyes Slough

sample greater

than CB-PEC

Arsenic 12.6 6.35 17 33 SED11; 17.3

SED21; 18.2

None

Cadmium B .4 3.53 4.98 None None

Chromium 27.4 62 90 111 None None

Copper 30.4 26 197 149 None None

Lead 13.7 24.3 91.3 128 SED20; 1,490 SED20; 1,490

Mercury B .06 .486 1.06 None None

Nickel 26.1 25 36 48.6 None None

Selenium B .7 NG NG NG NG

Zinc 97.8 110 315 459 SED13; 562 SED13; 562
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 47

600

500

400

300

200

100

1

25

20

15

10

5

0

-3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3 -3 -2 -1 0 1 2 3

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

0

400

800

1,200

1,800

LEAD

ARSENIC ALUMINUM

PEL = 315

PEL = 91.3

PEL = 17

No PEL

BACKGROUND-LEVEL

BREAKPOINT = 150

LOWER BACKGROUND

BREAKPOINT = 10,000

NO BACKGROUND BREAKPOINTS

BACKGROUND-LEVEL

BREAKPOINT = 20

SED22 (6830)

EXPECTED VALUE FOR NORMAL DISTRIBUTION

CONCENTRATION, IN MILLIGRAMS PER KILOGRAM

Figure 15. Comparison of normal probability plots of zinc, lead, arsenic, and aluminum concentrations in streambed sediments from 

Noyes Slough, with estimated background levels and probable effect levels (PELs).

PELs were compiled by Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (1999).
48 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Concentrations of arsenic in samples SED11 (17.3 

mg/kg) and SED21 (18.2 mg/kg) were greater than the PEL 

(17 mg/kg) guideline but less than the CB-PEC (33 mg/kg) 

guideline recommended by MacDonald and others (2000). 

The background concentration of arsenic in Noyes Slough 

appeared to be naturally elevated, based on the normal 

probability plot of arsenic data. There were no significant 

data departures from the best-fit line (fig. 15). Elevated 

arsenic concentrations in Noyes Slough bed sediment were 

expected because significant concentrations of arsenic are 

present in local bedrock (Newberry, 1996), in local bedsediments (Hawkins, 1982), and in local ground-water wells 

(Mueller and others, 2002).

In Noyes Slough, the spatial distributions of traceelement occurrence and concentration were varied. Sixteen of 

the 24 selected trace elements were detected in bed-sediment 

from all 23 sites (table 7). There was a broad increase in traceelement concentrations from about the SED04 to SED21 

sample locations. Urban runoff from suburban and hightraffic areas likely contributed to elevated trace-element 

concentrations in much of the center section of the slough. 

Trace-element concentrations for the SED22 sample 

were, for most elements, the lowest reported concentrations 

for collected samples. The relatively low trace-element 

concentrations in SED22 were likely the result of low clay 

content in the sampled material. Clays are the most common 

of the sedimentary aluminum-enriched minerals (Hem, 

1985). Because of their high cation-exchange capacity, 

aluminosilicate clays tend to sorb more trace elements than 

do bed sediments that are composed of coarse-grained 

material. Based on the theory that sediment aluminum 

concentration is a general indicator of aluminosilicate clay 

content, the low aluminum concentration of 6,830 mg/kg, 

about 50 percent less than the mean concentration of 

aluminum in sediment samples from Noyes Slough of 14,362 

mg/kg, suggests a low clay content for the SED22 sample. 

The normal probability plot for aluminum (fig. 15) 

corroborates that the aluminum concentration for SED22 was 

a low-value data outlier because the data point plotted 

significantly below the best-fit line.

Organic Compounds 

Only analytical results for organic compounds in bedsediment samples collected through ice cover at 12 sites 

during October 2002 are presented in this report. Previous 

sampling efforts for organic contaminants during July 2001, 

September 2001, and June 2002 were not successful, 

apparently because of sample-matrix interference problems 

associated with elevated chlorophyll levels. Although 

organic compound data are presented and discussed herein, 

no formal interpretation of the data are provided because 

there are no official Federal or State of Alaska guidelines for 

acceptable levels of organic contaminants in bed sediment.

Bed-sediment samples collected from 12 sites in Noyes 

Slough during 2002 were analyzed for 78 semivolatile 

organic compounds (SVOCs) and 32 organochlorine 

pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). There were 

no extreme variations between concentrations of organic 

compounds in the SED01 and replicate SED01R samples. 

When moderate differences existed, the SED01 

concentrations were about 40 percent less than the SED01R 

concentrations and the analyte levels were low, typically 

between the MRL and the MDL. For example, the MRL for 

p-cresol is 100 μg/kg and the MDL is 50 μg/kg. p-cresol 

concentrations for SED01R (E62 μg/kg) and SED01 (E36 

μg/kg) differ by about 42 percent. Most of the variation 

probably was due to actual differences in sample 

composition. Sample extraction procedures and subsequent 

chemical analysis introduced additional variation. Many of 

the reported organic-compound concentrations were near or 

below method reporting levels. The resulting increase in 

analytical uncertainty contributed to variation in the data.

Most of the laboratory spike recoveries were between 60 

and 130 percent. However, there were several compounds 

with relatively low recoveries (less than 50 percent), 

including heptachlor, phenol, and p-cresol. The NWQL 

deleted analyses of 12 SVOCs, primarily phenol isomers. 

These compounds are noted in table 9 as method-deleted 

(M-D).

Reported analytical results for five SVOC analytes—

bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, di-n-butylphthalate, butylbenzyl 

phthalate, phenol, and diethylphthalate—include laboratory 

contamination at measurable concentrations (less than 34.1 

μg/kg) in laboratory blanks. These data are underlined and 

footnoted in table 9.
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 49

Table 9. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds and carbon in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 

October 2002

[NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. Abbreviations: μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less than; E, estimated; 

M-D, method deleted]

Semivolatile organic compound NWIS code

Method 

detection 

level 

(μg/kg)

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED01 SED01R SED03 SED05 SED07 SED09

Hexachlorobenzene 49343 50 <70 E4 <70 <70 <80 <70

Dibutylphthalate1 49381 50 E30 E43 E27 E26 E33 E28

Dioctylphthalate1 49382 50 E36 E42 130 95 E59 E44

Diethylphthalate1 49383 50 E11 E13 E8 E8 E9 E9

Dimethylphthalate 49384 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Pyrene 49387 50 E15 E21 E25 E26 E38 E21

1-Methylpyrene 49388 50 <70 <100 E16 <70 <80 E15

Benzo[a]pyrene 49389 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 E19

1-Methyl-indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 49390 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

2,2'-Biquinoline 49391 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Quinoline 49392 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Phenanthridine 49393 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Isoquinoline 49394 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

2,4-Dinitrotoluene 49395 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

2,6-Dinitrotoluene 49396 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Benzo[k]fluoranthene 49397 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

1-Methyl 9H-fluorene 49398 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

9H-Fluorene 49399 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Isophorone 49400 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane 49401 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Naphthalene 49402 50 <70 <100 E10 E10 <80 E10

1,2-Dimethylnaphthalene 49403 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

1,6-Dimethylnaphthalene 49404 50 <70 E15 E22 E12 E13 E11

2,3,6-Trimethylnaphthalene 49405 50 <70 <100 E10 E7 <80 <70

2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene 49406 50 E12 E34 E29 E29 E37 E34

2-Chloronaphthalene 49407 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Benzo[g,h,i]perylene 49408 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Phenanthrene 49409 50 E8 E12 E13 E18 E22 E13

1-Methylphenanthrene 49410 50 <70 <100 E9 E10 E10 E8

4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene 49411 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Phenol1 49413 50 <70 <100 <70 E42 <80 E38

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 49415 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Mesitol 49416 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2,4-Dichlorophenol 49417 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2,4-Dinitrophenol 49418 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2-Methyl-4,6-phenol 49419 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

o-Nitrophenol 49420 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

3,5-Xylenol 49421 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

4-Chloro-m-cresol 49422 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

m-Nitrophenol 49423 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

C8-Alkylphenol 49424 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Pentachlorophenol 49425 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate1 49426 50 110 E95 610 560 480 200

Butylbenzylphthalate1 49427 50 79 110 76 E65 91 79

Acenaphthylene 49428 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Acenaphthene 49429 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Acridine 49430 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70
50 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

n-Nitrosodipropylamine 49431 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

n-Nitrosodiphenylamine 49433 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Anthracene 49434 50 <70 <100 <70 E15 E20 E15

2-Methylanthracene 49435 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Benzo[a]anthracene 49436 50 <70 <100 E12 E13 E15 E13

9,10-Anthraquinone 49437 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 E41 <70

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 49438 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

o-Dichlorobenzene 49439 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 E13

m-Dichlorobenzene 49441 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 E23

p-Dichlorobenzene 49442 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 E19

Azobenzene 49443 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Nitrobenzene 49444 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Pentachlorobenzene 49446 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Hexachlorobutadiene 49448 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Carbazole 49449 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Chrysene 49450 50 <70 <100 E19 E19 E26 E13

p-Cresol 49451 50 E36 E62 E40 E53 170 E66

Thiophene 49452 50 <70 <100 E12 E12 E15 E12

Hexachloroethane 49453 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

4-Bromophenylphenylether 49454 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

4-Chlorophenylphenylether 49455 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

bis(2-chloroethyl)ether 49456 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)ether 49457 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Benzo[b]fluoranthene 49458 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Pentachloroanisole 49460 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 49461 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Fluoranthene 49466 50 E13 E19 E18 E23 E34 E19

o-Chlorophenol 49467 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Benzo[c]cinnoline 49468 50 <70 <100 <70 <70 <80 <70

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 49489 50 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2-Ethylnaphthalene 49948 50 <70 <100 E11 <70 <80 <70

Inorganic carbon 49270 .22 .29 .26 .33 .25 .3

Organic carbon 49271 25 24 21 20 31 24

Table 9. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds and carbon in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 

October 2002–Continued

[NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. Abbreviations: μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less than; E, estimated; 

M-D, method deleted]

Semivolatile organic compound NWIS code

Method 

detection 

level 

(μg/kg)

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED01 SED01R SED03 SED05 SED07 SED09
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 51

Table 9. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds and carbon in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 

October 2002—Continued

[NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. Abbreviations: μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less than; E, estimated; 

M-D, method deleted]

Semivolatile organic compound NWIS code

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED11 SED13 SED15 SED17 SED19 SED21 SED23

Hexachlorobenzene 49343 <70 E46 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Dibutylphthalate1 49381 E29 E79 E38 E31 E37 E37 E32

Dioctylphthalate1 49382 E42 530 <80 E37 <80 <100 <50

Diethylphthalate1 49383 E14 E29 E2 E2 E2 E12 <50

Dimethylphthalate 49384 <70 E10 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Pyrene 49387 E19 300 E21 E16 E15 E47 220

1-Methylpyrene 49388 <70 E64 <80 E9 <80 <100 E17

Benzo[a]pyrene 49389 <70 E120 <80 <70 <80 E27 E35

1-Methyl-indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene 49390 <70 E140 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

2,2'-Biquinoline 49391 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Quinoline 49392 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Phenanthridine 49393 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Isoquinoline 49394 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

2,4-Dinitrotoluene 49395 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

2,6-Dinitrotoluene 49396 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Benzo[k]fluoranthene 49397 <70 E89 E12 <70 <80 E5 E29

1-Methyl 9H-fluorene 49398 <70 E46 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

9H-Fluorene 49399 <70 E40 <80 E6 <80 <100 E69

Isophorone 49400 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

bis(2-chloroethoxy)methane 49401 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Naphthalene 49402 E10 E30 E10 <70 E10 E20 E60

1,2-Dimethylnaphthalene 49403 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 E9

1,6-Dimethylnaphthalene 49404 E11 E24 E15 E12 E12 E19 E29

2,3,6-Trimethylnaphthalene 49405 <70 E16 <80 <70 <80 E7 E9

2,6-Dimethylnaphthalene 49406 E43 E57 E35 E42 E27 E80 96

2-Chloronaphthalene 49407 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Benzo[g,h,i]perylene 49408 <70 E110 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Phenanthrene 49409 E12 160 E22 E17 E15 E34 200

1-Methylphenanthrene 49410 <70 E46 <80 E14 E14 E12 E27

4H-Cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene 49411 <70 E36 <80 <70 <80 E10 E29

Phenol1 49413 E38 E110 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

2,4,6-Trichlorophenol 49415 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Mesitol 49416 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2,4-Dichlorophenol 49417 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2,4-Dinitrophenol 49418 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2-Methyl-4,6-phenol 49419 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

o-Nitrophenol 49420 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

3,5-Xylenol 49421 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

4-Chloro-m-cresol 49422 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

m-Nitrophenol 49423 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

C8-Alkylphenol 49424 <70 <150 <80 <70 E37 <100 <50

Pentachlorophenol 49425 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate1 49426 210 2,600 210 130 190 130 130

Butylbenzylphthalate1 49427 79 170 E73 81 86 E81 E57

Acenaphthylene 49428 <70 E31 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Acenaphthene 49429 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 85

Acridine 49430 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50
52 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

n-Nitrosodipropylamine 49431 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

n-Nitrosodiphenylamine 49433 <70 E45 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Anthracene 49434 <70 E54 E15 E12 E13 E24 E41

2-Methylanthracene 49435 <70 <150 E24 <70 <80 <100 E23

Benzo[a]anthracene 49436 <70 E94 E10 E9 <80 E21 E48

9,10-Anthraquinone 49437 <70 E110 <80 <70 <80 <100 E43

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene 49438 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

o-Dichlorobenzene 49439 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

m-Dichlorobenzene 49441 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

p-Dichlorobenzene 49442 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Azobenzene 49443 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Nitrobenzene 49444 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Pentachlorobenzene 49446 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Hexachlorobutadiene 49448 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Carbazole 49449 <70 E39 <80 <70 <80 <100 E30

Chrysene 49450 <70 230 E11 E8 <80 E27 E66

p-Cresol 49451 E51 200 E150 E66 E70 E86 E99

Thiophene 49452 <70 E41 <80 <70 <80 E17 E15

Hexachloroethane 49453 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

4-Bromophenylphenylether 49454 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

4-Chlorophenylphenylether 49455 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

bis(2-chloroethyl)ether 49456 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

bis(2-chloro-1-methylethyl)ether 49457 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

Benzo[b]fluoranthene 49458 <70 200 E15 <70 <80 E19 E44

Pentachloroanisole 49460 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Dibenz[a,h]anthracene 49461 <70 E100 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Fluoranthene 49466 E18 330 E25 E19 E18 E52 240

o-Chlorophenol 49467 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Benzo[c]cinnoline 49468 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 <50

Hexachlorocyclopentadiene 49489 M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D M-D

2-Ethylnaphthalene 49948 <70 <150 <80 <70 <80 <100 E14

Inorganic carbon 49270 .42 .44 .68 .43 .51 .69 .82

Organic carbon 49271 28 38 31 31 32 31 22

1Reported value for this analyte includes contamination in laboratory blank at measurable concentrations (less than 34.1 μg/kg).

Table 9. Concentrations of semivolatile organic compounds and carbon in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 

October 2002—Continued

[NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System. Abbreviations: μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less than; E, estimated; 

M-D, method deleted]

Semivolatile organic compound NWIS code

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED11 SED13 SED15 SED17 SED19 SED21 SED23
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 53

Semivolatile Organic Compounds

Of the 78 semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs) that 

were analyzed, 23 were detected at levels that exceeded 

MDLs of 50 μg/kg (table 9). Chrysene, p-cresol, 

fluoranthene, and the phthalates, bis(2-ethylhexyl) and 

butylbenzyl were present in most of the samples. More than 

five SVOCs were detected in samples SED13, SED21, and 

SED23 (table 9). SVOC concentrations generally were higher 

in the SED13 sample than in other Noyes Slough samples. 

The SED13 sample also contained the greatest number of 

detected SVOCs, although many of the values were estimated 

because the concentrations were less than or near the MDLs. 

The organic carbon content of SED13 (37.7 g/kg) also was 

substantially greater (37 percent) than the average organic 

carbon content (about 27.5 g/kg) of other Noyes Slough 

samples (table 9).

Aquatic-life criteria values for 18 common SVOCs, 

compiled by Gilliom and others (1998) and associated SVOC 

concentrations in Noyes Slough sediment, are presented in 

table 10. None of the SVOCs measured in the Noyes Slough 

streambed-sediment samples were at concentrations 

exceeding aquatic-life criteria, nor were any of the SVOC 

analytes consistently detected at concentrations greater than 

the MRL. However, distributional patterns of two phthalates, 

bis(2-ethylhexyl) and butylbenzyl, as well as chrysene and pcresol, warrant further discussion. 

The bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate concentration in sample 

SED 13 (2,600 μg/kg) approached the aquatic-life criterion of 

2,650 μg/kg (tables 9 and 10). Concentrations of bis(2-

ethylhexyl)phthalate were moderately elevated in samples 

SED03 (610 μg/kg), SED05 (560 μg/kg), and SED07 (480 

μg/kg). A second phthalate, butylbenzyl, was detected at low 

levels (less than the MRL) at most sites. Contamination of 

laboratory blanks ranged from 28.5 to 34.1 μg/kg for 

butylbenzyl, thus laboratory contamination contributed 

significantly to reported low-level butylbenzyl 

concentrations (table 9). 

Phthalates are a family of chemical compounds that 

were developed in the past century. Most of the manufactured 

phthalates are used as “plasticizers”—they make plastics 

flexible without sacrificing strength or durability. Except for 

data on the most widely used phthalate, di-2-ethylhexyl 

phthalate (DEHP), much of the human-exposure and 

reproductive-toxicity data now available are preliminary 

(Raloff, 2000). Because of their persistence in the 

environment, phthalates are commonly found in ground 

water, rivers, and drinking water (Jobling and others, 1995).

Low levels of p-cresol were detected in all sediment 

samples (table 9). Cresols are widely occurring natural and 

anthropogenic products. They are natural components of 

crude oil and coal tar. Low levels of cresols are constantly 

emitted to the atmosphere in the exhaust from motor vehicle 

engines using petroleum based-fuels (Hampton and others, 

1982). Biodegradation probably is the dominant mechanism 

responsible for the fast breakdown of cresols in soil and 

water; nonetheless, cresols may persist in waters with limited 

microbial communities, or under anaerobic conditions, such 

as in some sediments and aquifers (ATSDR, 1992). 

Chrysene and fluoranthene were detected in relatively 

low concentrations (less than 100 μg/kg) in most of the Noyes 

Slough sediment samples, except for moderately elevated 

concentrations in the SED13 and SED23 samples. Chrysene 

and fluoranthene are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons 

(PAHs). PAHs are a group of chemicals that are formed 

during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, wood, 

garbage, or other organic substances, such as tobacco and 

charbroiled meat; they generally occur as complex mixtures 

(for example, as part of combustion products such as soot), 

not as single compounds (ASTDR, 1995). They also can be 

found in substances such as crude oil, coal, coal tar pitch, 

creosote, and roofing tar. They are present throughout the 

environment and can occur in the air, attached to dust 

particles, or as solids in soil or sediment. Because of their low 

solubility and high affinity for organic carbon, PAHs in 

aquatic systems primarily are found sorbed to particles that 

either have settled to the bottom or are suspended in the water 

column (Eisler, 1983).

The greatest number of SVOC detections was in the 

SED13 sample from just upstream of the bridge at Aurora 

Drive (table 9). The organic-carbon content for SED13 (37.7 

g/kg) also was substantially greater (37 percent) than the 

average organic-carbon content (about 27.5 g/kg) of other 

Noyes Slough samples. This highlights a fundamentally 

important point: hydrophobic organic compounds have an 

affinity for organic matter, and consequently, bed sediments 

that are rich in organic-carbon compounds adsorb more 

SVOCs than do bottom sediments that are mainly composed 

of inorganic matter (Miller and McPherson, 2001). 

Therefore, it is likely that the greater numbers of SVOCs 

detected in the SED13 sample, as well as the elevated 

concentration of selected compounds, are at least in part 

directly related to the high organic-carbon content of the 

sample.
54 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Table 10. Aquatic-life criteria for semivolatile organic compounds in streambed sediment

[Table modified from Gilliom and others (1998). Abbreviations: USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; SQC, sediment-quality criterion; 

SQAL, sediment-quality advisory level; ER-M, effects range-median; PEL, probable effect level; μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less 

than]

Compound

Noyes Slough 

concentration 

range 

(μg/kg)

Criterion

(μg/kg,

dry weight)

Type of criterion Criterion reference

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Acenaphthene <50-E85 1,300 USEPA SQC1 USEPA (1996)

Acenaphthylene <50 640 ER-M Long and others (1995)

Anthracene <50-E54 1,100 ER-M Long and others (1995)

Benzo[a]anthracene <50-E94 693 Florida PEL MacDonald (1994)

Benzo[a]pyrene <50-E120 782 Canada PEL Canadian Council of Ministers of 

the Environment (1999)

Chrysene <50-230 862 Canada PEL Canadian Council of Ministers of 

the Environment (1999)

Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene <50-E100 260 ER-M Long and others (1995)

Fluoranthene <50-330 6,200 USEPA SQC1 USEPA (1996)

Naphthalene <50-E60 470 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

Phenanthrene <50-200 1,800 USEPA SQC1 USEPA (1996)

Pyrene <50-300 1,398 Florida PEL MacDonald (1994)

Phthalates

Butylbenzylphthalate2 E57-173 11,000 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

Diethylphthalate2 <50 630 USEPA SQAL USEPA (1996)

Di-n-butylphthalate2 <50-E89 11,000 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate2 E95-2,600 2,650 Florida PEL MacDonald (1994)

Other (semivolatile organic compounds)

1,2-Dichlorobenzene <50 340 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

1,4-Dichlorobenzene <50 350 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

1,2,4-Trichlorobenzene <50 9,200 USEPA SQAL1 USEPA (1996)

1Value in table assumes a 1-percent sediment organic carbon.

2Concentrations in field samples are not corrected for contamination measured in laboratory blanks.
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 55

Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls

No pesticides or PCB compounds were detected at 

concentrations greater than the MDL in sediment samples 

from two sites: SED03 and SED09 (table 11). One or two 

compounds were detected in samples from eight sites: 

SED05, SED07, SED11, SED15, SED17, SED19, SED21, 

and SED23. Samples from these eight sites all contained low 

levels (less than 3.0 μg/kg) of the pesticide p,p'- DDD, except 

that the SED23 sample contained an estimated p,p'- DDD 

concentration of E12 μg/kg and a reported o,p'-DDD 

concentration of 2.6 μg/kg. The total DDD concentration in 

sample SED23 was less than 15 μg/kg—the sum of the p,p'- 

DDD and o,p'-DDD isomer concentrations. Samples from 

two sites, SED01 and SED13, contained detectable amounts 

of many of the 32 organochlorine pesticides and PCBs listed 

in table 11. However, most of the reported concentrations 

were at low levels. Only two of the detected compounds, p,p’-

DDD and hexachlorobenzene, in samples from the SED01 

and SED13 sites respectively, were at concentrations that 

were greater than twice the MDL. For sample SED01R, the 

concentration of p,p'- DDD was estimated to be 2.4 μg/kg, 

and the MDL was 1.0 μg/kg. For sample SED13, the 

concentration of hexachlorobenzene was reported as 46 

μg/kg and the MDL was 1 μg/kg. Hexachlorobenzene 

concentrations were less than 2.0 μg/kg in all other analyzed 

samples (table 11).

Aquatic-life criteria values for six common pesticides 

and PCBs, compiled by Gilliom and others (1998), as well as 

values for Noyes Slough sediment-sample concentrations, 

are presented in table 12. Gilliom and others (1998) do not 

include specific criteria for either DDD or 

hexachlorobenzene concentrations. However, the spatial 

distribution and occurrence of these pesticides in Noyes 

Slough bed sediments warrant further discussion. 

Low-level concentrations of isomers of 

dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) or its degradation 

products, DDD and DDE, were detected in all 13 bedsediment samples collected during 2002. Total DDT 

(DDT+DDD+DDE) concentrations were less than the effects 

range median (ER-M) aquatic-life criterion of 46.1 μg/kg. 

Total DDT concentrations generally were less than 10 μg/kg, 

except for samples from sites SED13 (about 14 μg/kg) and 

SED23 (about 20 μg/kg). S.A. Naidu (University of AlaskaFairbanks, written commun., 2000) reported total DDT 

concentrations for three samples from Noyes Slough: about 

8 μg/kg near the inlet and about 4 and 3 μg/kg at selected sites 

downstream. Background concentrations of DDT of similar 

magnitude also were found in bed sediments of Chena 

Slough, upstream of Noyes Slough (unpublished data from 

2002 on file with the U.S. Geological Survey, Fairbanks, 

Alaska). 

DDT was, for many years (1939-72), one of the most 

widely used pesticide chemicals in the United States 

(ATSDR, 2002). Its popularity was due to its reasonable cost, 

effectiveness, persistence, and versatility. In 1972, DDT use 

was banned in the United States and many parts of the world. 

DDT was released into the environment primarily by 

spraying onto agricultural crops and forest lands and to 

control mosquitoes. DDT does not occur naturally in the 

environment. DDT and its metabolites, DDD and DDE, are 

essentially immobile in soil, becoming strongly absorbed 

onto the surface layer of soils. Likewise, as a consequence of 

their extremely low water solubilities, DDT and its 

metabolites become adsorbed onto particulates in water and 

settle into sediments. There is continued dispersion of DDT 

to streambed sediments through erosion of contaminated 

soils. DDT also may attach to small particles and be carried 

by the wind. DDT, DDD, and DDE are persistent, 

bioaccumulative, and toxic pollutants (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2003b).

Hexachlorobenzene is a white crystalline solid that was 

commonly used as a pesticide until 1965. It also was used to 

make fireworks and ammunition and to manufacture 

synthetic rubber. This compound does not occur naturally. 

The source of the HCB is unknown, however, the spatial 

distribution of significant levels of HCB in Noyes Slough 

appears to be limited to the SED13 site near the Aurora Drive 

Bridge. Hexachlorobenzene concentration from that sample 

was 46 μg/kg. Concentrations were less than 2.0 μg/kg for all 

other samples, suggesting enrichment of hexachlorobenzene 

at site SED13. Apparent enrichment may have been related, 

in part, to the relatively high organic-carbon content in 

sample SED13. To provide some perspective, the 

concentration of 46 μg/kg is well below screening values in 

the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s 

(1999) “Screening Quick Reference Table for Organics,” 

which suggests an Upper Effects Threshold of 100 μg/kg for 

infaunal community impacts in freshwater sediment. 

Nevertheless, hexachlorobenzene is a persistent, 

bioaccumulative, and toxic pollutant (U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency, 2003a).
56 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Table 11. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska, October 2002

[Abbreviations: PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System; μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry 

weight; E, estimated; <, less than]

Compound

category/name

organochlorine pesticide

and PCB

NWIS

code

Method 

detection 

level 

(μg/kg)

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED01 SED01R SED03 SED05 SED07 SED09

cis-Nonachlor 49316 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

trans-Nonachlor 49317 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Oxychlordane 49318 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Aldrin 49319 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

cis-Chlordane 49320 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

trans-Chlordane 49321 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Chloroneb 49322 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

DCPA 49324 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

o,p'-DDD 49325 1 E.21 E.64 E.10 E.42 E.24 E.22

p,p'-DDD 49326 1 E1.1 E2.4 E.77 E1.5 E1.1 E.80

o,p'-DDE 49327 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

p,p'-DDE 49328 1 E.33 E.63 E.34 E.41 E.42 E.39

o,p'-DDT 49329 2 <2.0 <4.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

p,p'-DDT 49330 2 E1.1 E.73 E.36 E2.6 E.26 E.22

Dieldrin 49331 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Endosulfan I 49332 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Endrin 49335 2 <2.0 <4.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

alpha-BHC 49338 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

beta-BHC 49339 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Heptachlor 49341 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Heptachlor epoxide 49342 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Hexachlorobenzene 49343 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 1.1 <1.0

Isodrin 49344 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Lindane 49345 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

p,p'-Methoxychlor 49346 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

o,p'-Methoxychlor 49347 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

Mirex 49348 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

cis-Permethrin 49349 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

trans-Permethrin 49350 5 <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

Toxaphene 49351 200 <200 <400 <200 <200 <200 <200

PCB 49459 50 <50 <100 E1.8 E2.4 E6.4 E6.7

Pentachloroanisole 49460 1 <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0
Assessment of Selected Contaminants in Streambed Sediments 57

Table 11. Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in samples of streambed sediments from Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, 

Alaska, October 2002—Continued

[Abbreviations: PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; NWIS, U.S. Geological Survey National Water Information System; μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry 

weight; E, estimated; <, less than]

Compound

category/name

organochlorine pesticide

and PCB

Concentration (μg/kg)

SED11 SED13 SED15 SED17 SED19 SED21 SED23

cis-Nonachlor <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

trans-Nonachlor <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Oxychlordane <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Aldrin <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

cis-Chlordane <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

trans-Chlordane <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Chloroneb <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

DCPA <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

o,p'-DDD E.44 <2.0 E.65 E.62 E.50 E.49 2.6

p,p'-DDD E1.8 E1.8 E2.7 E2.3 E2.5 E1.9 E12

o,p'-DDE <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

p,p'-DDE E.44 E.64 E.48 E.38 E.45 E.56 E.91

o,p'-DDT <2.0 <4.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

p,p'-DDT E.31 <4.0 E.78 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 E1.8

Dieldrin <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Endosulfan I <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Endrin <2.0 <4.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0 <2.0

alpha-BHC <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

beta-BHC <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Heptachlor <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Heptachlor epoxide <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Hexachlorobenzene <1.0 46 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Isodrin <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

Lindane <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

p,p'-Methoxychlor <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

o,p'-Methoxychlor <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

Mirex <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0

cis-Permethrin <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

trans-Permethrin <5.0 <10 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0 <5.0

Toxaphene <200 <400 <200 <200 <200 <200 <200

PCB E8.8 E27 E7.6 E9.2 E7.7 E8.8 E9.2

Pentachloroanisole <1.0 <2.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0 <1.0
58 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

Table 12. Aquatic-life criteria for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations in streambed sediment

[Table modified from Gilliom and others (1998). Abbreviations: ER-M, effects range-median; AET-H, apparent effects threshold-high; 

USEPA, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; SQC, sediment-quality criterion; PEL, probable effect level; PCB, polychlorinated 

biphenyl; μg/kg, micrograms per kilogram, dry weight; <, less than]

Compound

Noyes Slough 

concentration 

range 

(μg/kg)

Aquatic-life criteria 

Criterion

(μg/kg, 

dry weight)

Type of criterion Criterion reference

Total chlordane: 6 ER-M Long and Morgan (1991)

cis-Chlordane <2.0

trans-Chlordane <2.0

cis-Nonachlor <2.0

trans-Nonachlor <2.0

Oxychlordane <2.0

Total DDT1: 46.1 ER-M Long and others (1995)

o,p'-DDD <1.0-2.6

p,p'-DDD <1.0-E12

o,p'-DDE <2.0

p,p'-DDE <1.0

o,p'-DDT <2.0-<4.0 15 AET-H Barrick and others (1988)

p,p'-DDT <1.0-<4.0

Dieldrin <2.0 110 USEPA SQC2 USEPA (1996)

Endrin <4.0 42 USEPA SQC2 USEPA (1996)

y-HCH (Lindane) <2.0 1.38 Canada PEL Canadian Council of Ministers 

of the Environment (1999)

Total PCBs <100 189 Florida PEL MacDonald (1994)

1Sum of o,p' and p,p' isomers for DDD, DDE, and DDT. 2Value in table assumes a 1-percent sediment organic carbon.
Summary 59

Summary

The U.S. Geological Survey collected data to assess fish 

habitat, water-quality, and the presence of trace elements and 

organic compounds in Noyes Slough, in Fairbanks, Alaska, in 

2001 and 2002 to provide quantitative baseline 

environmental information for the slough. These data 

increase the understanding of the Noyes Slough ecosystem 

and provide baseline data to help guide future management 

decisions regarding this valuable community resource.

The availability of physical habitat for fish in the slough 

does not appear to be limited, although some beaver dams and 

shallow water may restrict movement, particularly during 

low flow. Water quality is a principal factor affecting the 

suitability of Noyes Slough for fish habitat. At selected 

locations, during low flow, water temperature and 

concentrations of dissolved oxygen approached or were of 

poorer quality than water-quality levels recommended by the 

Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation and the 

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. High specificconductance values reflect potentially elevated levels of 

urban pollutants. Increased flow mitigated poor water-quality 

conditions and reduced the number of possible barriers to 

fish. Streamflow appears to be the most prominent 

mechanism shaping fish habitat in Noyes Slough.

Twenty-three bed-sediment sites were sampled during 

June 2001 and analyzed for trace elements. Five samples 

exceeded holding times, so the sites were resampled during 

September 2001. Arsenic, lead, and zinc were detected in 

bed-sediment samples from a limited number of sites in 

concentrations that exceed probable effect levels (PELs) for 

the protection of aquatic life. Arsenic concentrations in two 

samples exceeded the PEL guideline of 17 mg/kg (milligrams 

per kilograms) for arsenic by less than 10 percent. Arsenic 

concentrations in Noyes Slough are elevated because of 

significant concentrations of naturally occurring arsenic in 

local bedrock and ground water. The concentration of zinc in 

one sample is about 80 percent greater than the PEL guideline 

of 315 mg/kg. The lead concentration in a separate sample 

exceeds the PEL guideline of 91.3 mg/kg by an order of 

magnitude. The sources of the elevated zinc lead 

concentration are uncertain, however, both lead and zinc are 

common urban contaminants. 

Analyses for organic contaminants in bed-sediment 

samples collected during 2001 were largely unsuccessful, 

apparently because of interference caused by high 

concentrations of chlorophyll in the sample matrix. Twelve 

sites were resampled through ice cover in October 2002 and 

were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated 

biphenyls, and semivolatile organic compounds. None of the 

selected organic compounds exceeded available guideline 

values for the protection of aquatic life compiled by Gilliom 

and others (1998), although the bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate 

concentration for one sample approached within 4 percent of 

the aquatic-life criterion of 2,650 mg/kg (micrograms per 

kilogram). Low levels of p-cresol, chrysene, and fluoranthene 

were detected at most of the sediment sampling sites. The 

presence of these compounds in Noyes Slough sediment was 

expected, because cresols are emitted to the atmosphere in the 

exhaust from motor vehicles and chrysene and fluoranthene 

are formed during the incomplete burning of coal, oil, gas, 

wood, garbage, or other organic substances. The highest 

concentrations of p-cresol, chrysene, and fluoranthene 

occurred in one sample (SED13) that also contained 

substantially more organic carbon than other Noyes Slough 

samples. Organic contaminants have a high affinity for 

organic carbon. Consequently, the elevated organic 

contaminant concentrations found in this sample were likely 

related, in part, to the high organic-carbon content of the 

sample.

Low-level concentrations of DDT or its degradation 

products, DDD and DDE, were detected in all 13 bedsediment samples collected during 2002, however, total DDT 

(DDT+DDD+DDE) concentrations were less than the effects 

range median aquatic-life criterion of 46.1 mg/kg. Total DDT 

concentrations generally were less than 10 mg/kg, except for 

samples from two sites that have estimated concentrations of 

about 14 and 20 mg/kg. 

Contaminant concentrations in bed-sediment samples 

varied because of environmental factors such as differences 

in sediment grain size and differences in organic and 

inorganic sediment composition, as well as sample-extraction 

procedures and subsequent chemical analysis. Replicate 

trace-element sample concentrations typically varied by 10-

30 percent; low-level organic-compound concentrations 

frequently varied by about 40 percent. 
60 Assessment of Fish Habitat, Water Quality, and Selected Contaminants, Noyes Slough, Fairbanks, Alaska, 2001-2002

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