A sediment quality assessment survey was conducted for 34 stations within the Galveston Bay complex. Sediment toxicity was determined using both solid-phase (amphipod) and pore-water (sea urchin) tests. In addition to PAHs, chlorinated hydrocarbons, and an ICP metals scan, the sediments were analyzed for simultaneously extracted metals (Cu, Ni and Zn) and A VS. Benthic community structure was also determined in synoptically collected samples. No toxicity was observed using the standard 10-day amphipod (Grandidierella japonica) solid-phase test at any of the stations. The sea urchin (Arbacia punctulata) fertilization. embryological development, and cytologic/cytogenetic assays (using sediment pore water) demonstrated significant toxicity at most of the upper Houston Ship Channel sites and at stations near existing and historical petroleum production activities. The association among the different components of the sediment quality triad will be discussed