Fish Health Survey for Environmental Monitoring at an U.S. Army Superfund Site: Impact Assessment and Community Outreach
Janet E. Whaley1; John T. Paul2; Renate
Reimschuessel3; Andy S. Kane3
Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), located on the upper Chesapeake Bay,
Maryland, has served the U.S. Army for more than 75 years as a site for research, development,
and testing of munitions and military chemicals. Due to the toxic nature of many of the compounds
which were disposed of "on site," APG is on the National Priorities List for
remediation. This is a source of concern for local citizens and fishermen. In order to better
understand the potential for chemical contamination to affect local fish populations, and to
enhance public relations between the U.S. Army and local residents, the U.S. Army and the
University of Maryland Aquatic Pathobiology Center initiated a cooperative study. This effort
involved public outreach and participation through an angler survey. Persons having questions
about the health of fish caught near APG were encouraged to submit their specimens for evaluation
by the study. Animals were examined by gross necropsy and histopathology. Examination results
were recorded according to standard pathology protocols and then translated for outreach to
citizens and fishermen. Development of non-technical response formats for survey results as well
as outreach to fishing clubs and citizens' groups represents an important venue for risk
communication of technical information to the public. Survey design and outreach formats will be
presented.