Sediment Quality Guideline

Sediment Quality Guidelines are standards used to assess the safety and health of sediments (like dirt at the bottom of lakes or rivers). They help determine whether contaminants—such as chemicals or metals—present in the sediments might harm aquatic life or affect human health if they enter the food chain. These guidelines set threshold levels; if contaminant concentrations stay below them, the sediments are considered generally safe. If levels exceed these guidelines, it may signal a need for further investigation or remediation to protect ecosystems and public health.