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Contaminants in the environment can play a role in the decline of fish and wildlife species, keeping them at suppressed levels by causing increased mortality or chronic effects such as impaired health or reproduction. The purposes of the contaminants program in the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service are to investigate the effects of contaminants on the environment and, when appropriate, mitigate the adverse impacts. The primary contaminant concerns in South Dakota relate to agriculture and mining. Secondary concerns relate to municipal/industrial sites, oil extraction, lead shot poisoning, and accidental spills. Trace elements such as selenium, arsenic, and mercury; pesticides; and petroleum hydrocarbons are some of the contaminants causing these concerns. Prevention is an important aspect of the contaminants program in South Dakota. If a potential problem can be avoided, it benefits everyone. Permit review and coordination with other agencies can often be helpful in identifying potential concerns. The Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP) is a cooperative effort between U.S. Geological Survey and the Service to develop a database for Service lands throughout the U.S., including South Dakota. The Ecological Services Office also reviews and comments on Emergency Exemption Requests for pesticide applications each Spring. The Service is currently participating in ecological risk assessment activities and is a member of a Biological Technical Assistance Group (BTAG) associated with mining impacts in the northern Black Hills. Technical assistance is being provided to the Environmental Protection Agency at Superfund sites where potential risks to fish and wildlife exist. Municipal/Industrial sites: South Dakota is relatively clean regarding contamination from municipal and industrial sites when compared to other, more urban states. However, there are some activities within this category such as military installations which frequently have contaminant issues. For example, the Ellsworth Air Force Base in western South Dakota was placed on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Priorities List due to potential contaminant sources such as landfills, low level radioactive waste, and explosive ordnance disposal. The Black Hills Army Ordnance Depot is an inactive installation in the southwestern portion of the state which was used for disposal of chemical and conventional weapons. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in charge of cleanup at the depot. The Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern (DM&E) Roundhouse site is a locomotive maintenance facility in Huron, South Dakota. Wastewater from the facility containing petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organics, and heavy metals were conveyed to ponds and subsequently discharged into a creek which in turn flowed into the James River. In the early 90's approximately 100 dead birds were found in and near the ponds by federal and state employees. As a result, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has worked with DM&E; to drain the ponds and clean up the site. Lead shot poisoning: Lead poisoning can be a significant cause of mortality in waterfowl. Regulations for the use of nontoxic shot were instituted nationwide in 1991. However, waterfowl can still be exposed through the ingestion of old lead shot from wetlands and other forage areas. Recent findings indicate that exposure to lead shot may still be occurring in trumpeter swans and Canada geese at LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern South Dakota. A study is underway to evaluate the extent of contamination in geese and swans in the vicinity of LaCreek National Wildlife Refuge. Accidental spills: Accidental spills of various materials sometimes occur at different locations throughout South Dakota. The Service is notified of these spills by both state and federal agencies. An incident report is received for each spill. The Service reviews these reports, calls any appropriate contacts, and responds as needed. Fortunately, due to an absence of large urban areas and some isolation from major transportation corridors, South Dakota experiences fewer and less severe spills than many other states. In recent years, 6-12 spills have been reported annually. Permit review and coordination with other agencies: The South Dakota Ecological Services Office reviews and comments on approximately 25 landfill and wastewater treatment facilities each year. Approximately 75 National Pollution Discharge Elimination System sites are also reviewed yearly. Once every three years, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources is required by state and federal law to review and update the surface water quality standard regulations. The South Dakota Ecological Services Office has participated in this review process, providing comments and initiating field work. The most recent triennial review was initiated in 1996. Contaminant Assessment Process: The Contaminant Assessment Process (CAP) is a cooperative effort between the U.S. Geological Survey and the Service. CAP is developing a database for Service lands throughout the U.S., including South Dakota. In 1996, databases were completed for Lake Andes, Sand Lake, and LaCreek National Wildlife Refuges. In 1997, databases were completed for Waubay, Karl Mundt, and Bear Butte refuges. Databases have subsequently been completed for Huron and Waubay Wetland Management District. National Amphibian Malformation Monitoring on National Wildlife Refuges: The South Dakota Ecological Services Field Office is participating in a nationwide effort to conduct amphibian surveys on National Wildlife Refuges. Refuges in South Dakota included in survey efforts are Lake Andes, Sand Lake and Waubay. The purposes of the surveys are: 1) to determine if malformed frogs occur on Service lands; and 2) to develop a database regarding distribution of this phenomenon. For more information on frog malformations visit http://contaminants.fws.gov/Issues/Amphibians.cfm. For further information on South Dakota contaminants issues, contact Joy Gober at 605-224-8693 ext. 227. |
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Last updated: September 18, 2008