Experiments were conducted to investigate
scientific manner, an interagency task force was
the feasibility of using geosynthetics to keep
formed in 1987. The ERF Task Force was com-
posed of representatives from the following Fed-
waterfowl from eating white-phosphorus-
eral and state agencies: U.S. Army; U.S. Environ-
contaminated pond sediments in an estuarine salt
mental Protection Agency (USEPA); U.S. Fish and
marsh. A laboratory study evaluated whether
Wildlife Service (USFWS); Alaska Department of
white phosphorus particles become suspended
Fish and Game (ADFG); and Alaska Department
into overlying water because of 1) upward water
of Environmental Conservation (ADEC).
flow through contaminated sediment capped (or
The primary objective of the ERF Task Force
not) with geotextile or 2) tapping of the top of the
was to identify the cause of the waterfowl die-offs
geotextile or sediment and then vigorously stir-
and recommend remedial alternatives. Since the
ring the water to simulate waterfowl feeding and
formation of the ERF Task Force, several studies
swimming. White phosphorus particles of a size
and investigations have been conducted to iden-
that would be dangerous to waterfowl did not
tify contaminants of concern, to characterize the
become suspended in the water column under
nature and extent of contamination, and to evalu-
any of the test conditions. A field study docu-
ate potential remedial alternatives.
mented sedimentation and vegetation growth on
three geotextiles and on an erosion control prod-
uct placed on the bottom of salt marsh ponds.
Gustafson, M., R. Grove, E.F. Hill, and D.W .
Sparling (1994) Preliminary investigation on bio-
Means to vent gas formed in sediments through
indicators of exposure to white phosphorus (P4).
saturated material with pore diameters smaller
In Proceedings, SETAC 15th Annual Meeting, 30
than 3.4 mm is needed, as well as a way to anchor
October3 November 1998, Denver, Colorado, p. 3.
products in ponded areas subject to strong tidal
Although P4 causes waterfowl mortality and
action.
may be transferred though food chains, it is
quickly metabolized or eliminated from tissues
Henry, K.S., and J.A. Stark (1997) Geosynthetic
and is not a persistent indicator of exposure in
barriers to prevent poisoning of waterfowl. In
living organisms. This paper reports preliminary
Proceedings, XIVth International Conference on Soil
Mechanics and Foundation Engineering, 612 Sep-
an attempt to identify a reliable indicator of expo-
tember, Hamburg, Germany, p. 18191822.
sure to P4. Adult mallards were gavaged with 3.4
The feasibility of using geosynthetics to cover
mg P4/kg body weight dissolved in corn oil
contaminated pond sediments and prevent water-
(LD20); half were given a single dose and half
fowl access to them was studied. Geosynthetic
were given 2 doses spaced by 3 days. Controls
barriers were placed in ponds, the water above
were treated with corn oil only. Several parame-
them was vigorously stirred, and the barriers
were loaded by dropping a mass onto them to
nine (CR), BUN/CR, CO2, bilirubin, potassium,
determine their ability to retain sediment below
lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), and phosphorus,
them and withstand damage. The barriers reduced
significantly increased between control and
the amount of sediments resuspended during stir
dosed birds. Hematocrit, serum globulins, and
and loading tests by a least 30%, and sustained no
glucose decreased in dosed birds. Hematocrit
damage. Thus, they can probably prevent water-
and LDH also showed significant sex by dose
fowl from accessing and eating toxic particles
interaction, with males responding more strongly
contained in the sediment below them.
than females. Many of these parameters and his-
topathology support the observation that suble-
Henry, K.S., M.R. Walsh, and S.T. Hunnewell
thal exposure to P4 causes liver damage in mal-
(1996) Testing and performance of silt fence for
lards. Discussion will focus on the use of these
dredging operation. In Proceedings, Geofilters 96,
parameters in nondestructive diagnosis of P4
2931 May, Montreal, P.Q., Canada, p. 491500.
exposure under field conditions.
This study was designed to select a silt fence
filter for contaminated dredging spoils. Candi-
date geotextiles were used in laboratory tests to
Henry, K.S., C.M. Collins, and C.H. Racine
(1995) Use of geosynthetics to prevent white
filter particles suspended in water. The geotextile
phosphorus poisoning of waterfowl in Eagle
selected retained particles in the size range of
River Flats, Alaska. In Proceedings, Geosynthetics
interest in laboratory tests that simulated field
`95, February, Nashville, Tennessee, p. 483496.
conditions. The geotextile silt fence was installed
25
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