previously unknown contaminants. Once contaminants are identified, needed 

 toxicity data can be gathered to assess their impact on resources. 



We have recently added to our professional staff eight fishery biolo- 

 gists who are located in major watershed regions of the United States (Fi- 

 gure 4). These scientists are working with toxicologists at our laboratory 

 and with federal and state fishery and wildlife resource managers to iden- 

 tify present contaminant problems and potential contaminant threats of the 

 future. The field biologists have been working to place contaminant prob- 

 lems of the present and future into perspective for planning and accomplish- 

 ing research needed to assess contaminant hazards to natural resources. 

 Contaminant problems associated with new or intensified activities of the 

 future are undoubtedly numerous. 



Many possible threats exist to wildlife and fish from activities in 

 energy development. Although many of the activities are not new, their pro- 

 jected intensity is far greater than once expected. We have much to learn 

 about the impacts of these activities on the environment. 



The development, transport, or use of gas, coal, oil and oil shale could 

 have substantial impact on the environment, particularly in the western 

 United States where ecosystems have a low resiliency to ecological perturba- 

 tion. Any material present in the crude energy source or used in the con- 

 version to usable energy is a potential pollutant. Projected coal gasifica- 

 tion and liquefaction plants and oil shale retorting facilities of the 

 1980's will result in a new area of contaminants associated with energy pro- 

 duction. At this point, we can speculate on the identity of some of these 

 potential contaminants, on the basis of existing technology in the analysis 

 of crude oil and the by-products of conventional coal combustion. Toxic 

 phenols, cresols, and water-soluble aromatics are high on the list of po- 

 tential troublemakers. Certain aromatics of higher molecular weight (e.g., 

 benzo-pyrene, benzanthracene, and naphthalene) are known carcinogens. A new 

 generation of organometallics will be associated with coal conversion. 



During exploratory drilling and production at petroleum wells, large 

 amounts of water must be disposed of. In addition to metallic salts, the 

 water contains numerous organic compounds derived from underlying petro- 

 leum pools. Much of this waste water is being dumped into freshwater 

 streams and estuaries. 



The "shopping list" of contaminant problems associated with energy is 

 extensive. The Columbia National Fisheries Research Laboratory has ini- 

 tiated research in energy-related subjects that have been identified as 

 being of high priority. 



In many parts of the world, precipitation is becoming polluted with 

 strong acids, trace elements, and complex organics. The major sources of 

 these contaminants appear to be combustion of fossil fuels. Trace elements 

 and organic compounds have not been routinely sampled in the past. However, 

 some 450 organic contaminants including PCBs, DDT, polycylic aromatic hydro- 

 carbons, and others, have been detected in precipitation. 



