This study was designed to investigate potential environmental effects of stream contamination resulting from a spill by Culpeper Wood Preservers, Culpeper, Virginia. The objective was to determine the concentrations of arsenic, chromium, and copper in the sediments of streams affected by the spill and by runoff from a landfill site. The variations in metal concentrations were studied as functions of depth within the stream bed, as functions of distance from the source of contamination, and with passage of time. Sediments from several locations along the streams were extracted with Hcl and analyzed to determine metals concentrations. A microcosm experiment was conducted also to determine whether metals in the sediments would be released to the water under anaerobic conditions.

Concentrations as high as 16 ppm for arsenic and 114 ppm for chromium were found in the sediment downstream of Culpeper Wood Preservers. Copper levels were not significantly higher than natural levels. Little difference was found between concentrations of shallow and deeper sediments. Downstream from the landfill site, metal concentrations were not significantly greater than natural concentrations for most sampling locations. In the microcosm experiments, chromium and copper were not released from the sediment. Arsenic concentrations in the water initially increased, then declined.

The major conclusion of the study was that the metals appeared to be bound in the sediment and, except for potential releases of arsenic in anaerobic pools during low flow conditions, they should remain in the bound state.