We first noted substances negatively affecting the health of humans and the environment in the Chesapeake Bay watershed decades ago: mercury, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, and others. We now have emerging compounds of concern such as pharmaceuticals and hormones. Management of these contaminants brings a unique set of challenges that differ from current efforts to reduce nutrients and sediment. Beyond identifying these contaminants of concern, we need to know where they come from, where they end up, and how they act in our streams, rivers, and Bay. This information can then be synthesized to address toxic contamination as part of the whole, to achieve health and restoration throughout the system.

We were joined by Kelly Smalling and Greg Allen in a discussion about contaminants of emerging concern and what we can do to manage them.

Speakers:

• Kelly Smalling, Research Hydrologist, U.S. Geological Survey
• Greg Allen, Chair, Toxic Contaminants Workgroup, Chesapeake Bay Program