This report summarizes results from the first two years (FY 2007 and FY 2008) of the Rocky Mountain Arsenal (RMA) Long-term Biomonitoring Program (BMP). The biomonitoring program includes monitoring of American kestrel (kestrel) and European starling (starling) nest boxes and collection of samples. Habitat evaluation was performed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife (USFWS) before each field season in areas specified in the BMP for starling nest box arrays. Eighteen areas were considered suitable for starling monitoring in FY 2007 and FY 2008. Habitat in areas around the kestrel nest boxes was considered inadequate for the purposes of the BMP. Monitoring of kestrel nest boxes will begin when habitat is considered suitable by USFWS staff. A total of 72 brain samples from nestling starlings were collected and analyzed for dieldrin residues in 2007 and 181 brain samples were collected and analyzed in 2008. All but one of the samples was below the evaluation criterion. The BMP specifies the collection of ten samples from each nest box array (RMA-BAS 2006). Sample numbers in 2007 were lower than specified in the BMP. Adjustments were made to increase sample size for 2008. Based on these data, it appears that the RMA remediation program has been successful in eliminating exposure pathways for terrestrial wildlife receptors.
