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Objective D. <br /> Reduce the risk of toxic contamination to aquatic life <br /> and human health. <br /> ecent research and analyses indicates that toxicants may be <br /> impairing water and sediment quality and harming aquatic life <br /> within the Albemarle-Pamlico region. The Department of En- <br /> vironment, Health and Natural Resources, along with other <br /> state and federal agencies,would coordinate monitoring to reach the ..... <br /> widest geographic area quickly and cost-effectively. <br /> Increase eff orts to assess and monitor the extent of estu- <br /> arine sedimen t contamination, fish and shellfish tissue <br /> ... <br /> contamination,and water quality violations,and to iden- <br /> tify the causes and sources of these problems. <br /> Explanation: Several areas within the Albemarle-Pam- <br /> lico region have been identified as exceeding levels of <br /> � g <br /> concern for toxicity in water,sediment and fish tissue. • <br /> Any additional contaminated sites should be identi- <br /> fied. Existing contaminated sites would be evaluated <br /> to determine the extent of the problem and its impact <br /> on aquatic life, w <br /> dlife and human health. Manage- <br /> „...... ... men t actions should focus on reducing or eliminatin g :... . <br /> ... ..... <br /> further contamination in areas of concern. <br /> • <br /> Continue to issue fish advisories as necessary to protect <br /> public health. Improve communication and education <br /> about the risks associated with eating contaminated fish <br /> and shellfish. <br /> Explanation: Regional fish advisories alert the public <br /> • <br /> to the potential health ha 7a rds of eatin contaminated <br /> fish.The Environmental Epidemiology Section would <br /> continue to review fish tissue analyses and issue advi- <br /> sories as necessary. Public outreach and education <br /> should stress the risks associated with eating contami- <br /> nated nated seafood to the general population and sensitive • <br /> • populations (e.g., women of child-bearing age and <br /> children). <br /> • <br /> Remediate toxic contamination where necessary and fea- <br /> sible. <br /> Explanation: Considerable efforts should be made to <br /> remedy contamination that is an immediate threat to <br /> human health and aquatic life.The Division of Envi- <br /> ronmental Management would proceed with sedi- <br /> ment cleanup only where necessary and where <br /> remediation activities would not cause further damage <br /> to ecological communities. <br /> 16 <br />