A key question addressed by this project is whether or not sediment cores from headwater lakes can be used to track naturally produced biomarkers and contaminants transported atmospherically. Specifically, this was assessed by dating sediment cores collected form Legend and Weekes lakes using the lead (Pb210) and cesium Cs137) methods. Geochronology results were used to determine sedimentation rates and time scales, and utility for interpreting the results for subsequent contaminant analyses. Cores were also analyzed for bulk parameters such as particle size and organic carbon and nitrogen species to give indications of the consistency of the depositional environment.