United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Acid Deposition,
Environmental Monitoring and
Quality Assurance
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/M-88/020
October 1988
Research and Development
oEPA AERP
The Aquatic Effects Research Program (AERP) status provides information on AERP
projects dealing with the effects of acidic deposition on U.S. surface waters. Our
objectives are to:
• assist organizations involved in acidic deposition research to avoid duplication of
efforts and to make maximum use of related research.
• promote communication among the Environmental Protection Agency, state
agencies, and organizations involved in acidic deposition monitoring activities, and
• provide a mechanism to distribute available AERP information.
AQUATIC EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM, AN OVERVIEW
In 1980, Congress passed the Acid Precipitation Act, thus establishing the Interagency
Task Force on Acid Precipitation. Given a 10-year mandate, the Task Force implemented
the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) to investigate the causes
and effects of acidic deposition. NAPAP includes task groups formed to study emissions
and controls, atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric transport, atmospheric deposition and
air quality, terrestrial effects, effects on materials and cultural resources, and aquatic
effects.
The AERP, formed in 1983 as part of NAPAP's Aquatic Effects Task Group, is responsible
for assessing the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic ecosystems. Already, published
AERP reports have described the chemical characteristics of lake and stream resources
in regions of the United States potentially sensitive to acidic deposition Complementing
these findings, a report summarizing correlative relationships between watershed and
surface water chemical characteristics in the Northeast and the Southern Blue Ridge
Province will be published by the spring of 1989. This report will also provide time scales
over which surface waters may become acidic at present levels of deposition. (For a
complete listing of published AERP documents, see the mail order form attached to this
status.) Current AERP field efforts focus primarily on watershed process studies and
manipulations.
By 1990, the end of the 10-year mandate. Congress requires NAPAP to provide a full
assessment of the acidic deposition phenomenon. An important aspect of current AERP
efforts involves synthesizing results from past research and integrating them with new
findings. A group of AERP scientists is planning this task, which will provide valuable
aquatic information for the NAPAP report to Congress.
Status of AERP Activities—Table 1 summarizes the present status of projects within
the AERP.
-------
AERP status
Project Design
National Surface
Water Survey
National Lake
Survey, Phase 1
(East and West) Complete
National Lake Survey,
Phase II (NE) Complete
National Stream
Survey, Phase 1 Complete
Direct/Delayed
Response Project
NE and SBRP
Soil Surveys Complete
Mid- Appalachian
Soil Survey Ongoing
Watershed Processes
and Manipulations
Watershed Manip-
ulation Project Complete
Episodic Response
Project Fall 1987
Regional Episodic
and Acniif M^mp
uldtion Projen Complete
Watershed Hprcwery
Project In flovirw
Implementation Reporting
Complete Complete
Complete 1989
Complete Complete
Comple'e Spring 1989
Ongoing Fall 1990
Spring 1987 Annually
Sprng 1988 Winter 1988-90
Spring 19R/ Summer 1990
f-all I988 Spnng 1990
Tsmporally Integrated
Monitoring ^f
Ecosystems
Biologically
Relevant Chemistry
Indirect Human
Health Effects
Ongoing
Annually
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
1990
Ongoing
Ongoing
Biennially
Winter 1988-89
Fall 1990
Table 1. Present status and projected dates for stages of
major AERP projects.
AERP FEATURE ARTICLE
Ar rview of the National Stream Survey—Field
a( .o of the National Stream Survey - Phase I (NSS-I)
tooK place in the spring of 1986. Conducted in four Mid-
Atlantic and five Southeast subregions (Figure 1), NSS-I
was designed to (1) determine the percentage, extent,
location, and chemical characteristics of streams that are
presently acidic or that might become acidic due to atmo-
spheric acidic deposition inputs and (2) identify represen-
tative streams in each region for more intensive study
On the basis of geology, deposition rates, and previous
water quality data, the selected subregions were
expected to contain a significant number of streams that
have low acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) or that are
acidic (ANC <0). These areas are characterized by
relatively high acidic deposition rates and few lakes
Furthermore, the National Lake Survey (NLS) data base
does not provide synoptic information on surface water
chemistry in most of these areas.
To date, NSS-! field activities have not included areas of
the Northeast, Upper Midwest, and West. Though these
regions are expected to contain streams potentially
sensitive to acidic deposition, they also contain numerous
lakes that were sampled as part of NLS Parts of the
South Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains expected to
contain predominantly low ANC surface waters have also
been excluded from NSS-I efforts. Field activities in the
Florida subregion tested the utility of NSS-I logistical and
design protocols in these lowland stream networks of the
Southeast Coastal Plain.
Within the NSS-I subregions, the stream resource of
interest was identified as those streams that have
drainage areas less than 155 square kilometers (60
square miles), but that are large enough to be
represented as blue lines on 1:250,000-scale U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps. This size
range includes streams large enough to be important for
fish habitat, yet still small enough to be susceptible to the
impacts of acidic deposition
Unlike lakes, which can £>e counted and sampled as
discrete entities, streams form a hierarchical network in
which small streams are tributaries to large streams. To
meet the objectives of NSS-I, stream reaches, defined as
segments of the stream network as represented by blue
lines on the 1:250,000-scale maps, were chosen as
sampling units. Mapped blue-line segments between two
tributary confluences identified these segments.
Sampling points on each reach were located just above
the downstream point of confluence (lower node) and just
below the upstream point of confluence (upper node). The
upper node of each headwater reach was defined as the
farthest upstream extent of the mapped, blue-line
representation.
Because not all stream reaches in the Mid-Atlantic and
southeastern regions could be sampled, a statistical
procedure was developed for selecting a subset of
streams as a probability sample from which the
characteristics of the total reach population could be
extrapolated. A two-stage sampling procedure was used
to obtain a randomized, systematic sample of
approximately 500 reaches with good spatial distribution
over each of the nine NSS-I subregions (50 to 80 reaches
per subregion). Reaches were excluded if they were too
large (drainage area >155 km2), were located within
metropolitan areas or tidal zones, or were affected by oil
field brine, acid mine drainage, or point-source pollution.
-------
AERP status
The NSS-I used index values to describe the chemical
status of each stream sampled. Occurring during
baseflow of the spring season between snowmelt and
leafout (approximately March 15 to May 15), the spring
index sampling period minimized within-season and
episodic chemical variability and maximized the
probability of sampling chemical conditions potentially
limiting for the growth and reproduction of aquatic
organisms.
As a result of pilot survey experience (status, September
1987), two spring seasonal samples were judged
sufficient to index chemical characteristics of streams in
the Mid-Atlantic subregions. In the southeast, where
acidic deposition effects were expected to be less
probable, one spring sample was taken at each site. To
quantify and incorporate the variability between upstream
and downstream ends of reaches, chemical and physical
variables were measured at both ends.
Northern
Appalachians (2Cn)
Valley and Ridge (2Bn)
Poconos/Catskills (1D)
Southern Blue Ridge (2As)
(Pilot Study)
Ozarks/Ouachitas (2D)
Mid-Atlantic
Coastal Plain (3B)
Southern Appalachians (2X)
Figure 1. Subregions studied during NSS-1
3
-------
AERP status
Chemical variables measured at each sampling site in-
cluded those related to biological effects (pH, extractable
aluminum, and competing ligands such as fluoride and
dissolved organic carbon), other variables related to
potential sensitivity and related geochemistry (ANC, base
cations, acid anions, and silica), and others indicative of
anthropogenic disturbances or nutrient status (phos-
phorus, iron, ammonium, and turbidity). Processing
laboratory personnel stabilized samples within 24 hours
of collection; at all times standardized quality control and
quality assurance protocols were followed. Population
frequency distributions (with 95 percent confidence
bounds) were calculated for selected chemical and
physical variables.
Physical and chemical characteristics of an estimated
57,000 stream reaches with combined length of
approximately 200,000 km (124,000 mi) were
extrapolated from a probability sample of approximately
450 stream reaches in the stream population of interest
within the nine NSS-I subregions. The population of
streams targeted by the NSS-I consists of small to mid-
sized streams in the low end of the size range typically
managed by state fishery agencies. Stream reaches are
typically about 3 km long. The majority of the streams
have widths between 1 and 6 m and depths between 0.1
and 0.5 m.
The basic results of the NSS-I provide detailed population
descriptions of the location, number, length and
percentage of streams within referenced ranges of
chemical concentration. The most important descriptions
concern ANC and pH. Acidic reaches (ANC <0) comprised
4.4%, or 4,851 km, of the length of the target stream
resource in the Mid-Atlantic Region. In the Southeast
Region, on the other hand, only 0.6%, or 578 km, of the
length of the target stream resource were acidic. Table 2
provides regional population estimates of target stream
reaches with specific ANC values.
Population distribution estimates for pH mirrored those
for ANC. As observed for ANC below a reference value of
0 /jeq/L, reaches with spring baseflow index pH less than
5.5 were concentrated largely in the Mid-Atlantic and
Florida. Reaches with pH 5.5 or less made up an
estimated 13% (14,277 km) of the target stream length in
the Mid-Atlantic Region, as opposed to 2.7% (2,431 km)
in the Southeast Region. Table 3 provides regional
population estimates of target stream reaches with
specific pH values.
Results of the survey are too numerous to list here
completely. However, the two-volume NSS-I Major
Report, entitled "Characteristics of Streams in the Mid-
Atlantic and Southeastern United States," contains
Subregion
Poconos/Catskills
N Appalachians
Valley & Ridge
MA Coastal Plain
S Blue Ridge
Piedmont
S Appalachians
Ozarks/Ouachitas
Florida
Mid-Atlantic (MA)
Southeast (SE)
Total NSS-I
ANC<0
Length
543
(270)
1,524
(750)
257
(210)
2,527
(1,200)
*
"
117
(120)
•
461
(160)
4,851
(1,600)
578
(210)
5,429
(1,500)
%
36
(1 8)
70
(35)
08
(06)
63
(29)
•
•
05
(05)
•
120
(41)
44
(1 4)
06
(02)
27
(08)
ANC <50
Length
1,606
(500)
3,713
(920)
2,111
(990)
9,636
(2,700)
706
(250)
2,390
(1,300)
763
(440)
205
(150)
2,356
(530)
17,067
(3,100)
6,420
(1.500)
23,487
(3,400)
1
%
106
(33)
17 1
(42)
65
(30)
239
(66)
78
(28)
7 1
(39)
35
(20)
09
(06)
61 2
(14)
155
(28)
7 1
(1 7)
11 7
(1 7)
ANC<200
Length
5,489
(1.100)
12,935
(2.200)
12,811
(3,400)
21,091
(4,400)
7,084
(940)
13,554
(2,900)
6,130
(1.700)
15.092
(2,500)
2.939
(590)
52,327
(6,200)
44,799
(4.400)
97,125
(7,700)
%
362
(73)
595
(10)
392
(10)
523
(11)
784
(10)
404
(85)
280
(80)
67 1
(11)
764
(15)
476
(56)
493
(48)
484
(38)
Total
Length (km)
15,144
(1.912)
21.738
(2,746)
32,687
(4,492)
40,296
(5,799)
9,036
(960)
33,531
(4,402)
21.892
(2,807)
22,480
(2,507)
3,848
(678)
109,865
(8,063)
90,787
(5.910)
200,652
(9,996)
ff Calculated using linear interpolation of [H+] between upper and lower reach nodes Standard
errors were approximated by an ad hoc procedure using the variances of separate length
estimates based on the upstream and downstream nodes
* No samples observed below this reference value, estimated percentage is less than 1 %
NOTE To calculate upper and lower one-sided 95% confidence bounds, multiply the standard
error by 1 645 and add or subtract that value from the length estimate To calculate the
two-sided 95% confidence bounds, multiply the standard error by 1 96
Table 2. Population estimates of the combined length (km)
and percentage of NSS-I target stream reaches with
spring baseflow ANC less than reference values (standard
errors in parentheses).
detailed descriptions of all survey findings. The report,
which is available through the mail order form in this
status, includes an examination of regional patterns in
the relationships among the chemical constituents within
stream waters in an effort to infer the possible
geochemical factors and anthropogenic impacts
controlling stream chemistry. Also, a high-interest
segment of the stream population with lowest ANC has
been examined and classified according to probable
sources of acidity.
COMPLETED AERP ACTIVITIES
This section lists projects for which recently published
materials are available for dissemination.
Eastern Lake Survey-Phase I Data Base—Phase I of the
Eastern Lake Survey was conducted in the northeastern,
midwestern, and southeastern United States in 1984.
The data base includes descriptions of the survey design
and implementation, as well as findings from the 1,798
lakes sampled. The Data Base Request Form, which is
available through the mail order form in this status, lists
data base format options. To receive the data base, fill out
this form and return it along with two blank disks or
tapes.
-------
AERP status
Subregion
Poconos/Catskills
N Appalachians
Valley & Ridge
MA Coastal Plain
S Blue Ridge
Piedmont
S Appalachians
Ozarks/Ouachitas
Florida
Mid-Atlantic (MA)
Southeast (SE)
Total NSS-I
pH<50
Length
550
(290)
1 424
(700)
257
(260)
3,147
(1,300)
*
*
"
:
522
(250)
5,378
(1,500)
522
(250)
5,900
(1,600)
%
36
(1 9)
66
(32)
079
(08)
78
(33)
*
*
;
136
(65)
49
(1 4)
0 57
(03)
29
(08)
pH<55
Length
906
(420)
1,870
(710)
1,937
(1.300)
9.565
(3,000)
*
*
313
(310)
410
(290)
1,708
(440)
14,277
(3,400)
2,431
(800)
16,708
(3,400)
%
60
(28)
86
(32)
59
(40)
237
(75)
*
*
1 4
(1 4)
1 8
(1 3)
444
(12)
130
(3 1)
2 7
(09)
83
(1 7)
pH <60
Length
1.354
(520)
3.044
(900)
4.116
(1.900)
18.707
(4,300)
*
2,390
(1.200)
920
(540)
2,437
(990)
2.828
(620)
27.221
(4,800)
8,576
(1.900)
35.797
(5,200)
%
89
(34)
140
(42)
126
(59)
464
(11)
*
7 1
(37)
42
(25)
108
(44)
73 5
(16)
248
(44)
95
(2 1)
178
(26)
Total
Length (km)
15,144
(1,912)
21,738
(2,746)
32,687
(4,492)
40.296
(5,799)
9,036
(960)
33,531
(4,402)
21,892
(2,807)
22,480
(2,507)
3,848
(678)
109,865
(8,063)
90,787
(5.910)
200,652
(9,996)
Calculated using linear interpolation of [H*] between upper and lower reach nodes Standard
errors were approximated by an ad hoc procedure using the variances of separate length
estimates based on the upstream and downstream nodes
" No samples observed below this reference value, estimated percentage is less than 1%
NOTE To calculate upper and lower one-sided 95% confidence bounds, multiply the standard
error by 1 645 and add or subtract that value from the length estimate To calculate the
two-sided 95% confidence bounds, multiply the standard error by 1 96
Table 3. Population estimates of the combined length (km)
and percentage of NSS-I target stream reaches with
spring base flow pH less than reference values (standard
errors in parentheses).
Biennial Publications and Presentations Journal—This
document is a compilation of abstracts describing
presentations and publications authored or co-authored
by AERP-EPA and contractor support personnel. The first
issue covers 1985—1986 abstracts and is available
through the mail order form in this status.
National Stream Survey-Phase I Major Report—Phase I
of the National Stream Survey was conducted in the
spring of 1986 (see Feature Article). The Phase I major
report, a two-volume set entitled "Characteristics of
Streams in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United
States," is available through the mail order form in this
status.
CURRENT AERP ACTIVITIES
Current AERP activities include acidic deposition research
projects either in progress or scheduled to commence by
fall 1988.
Direct/Delayed Response Project—Data from DDRP
studies in the Northeast and Southern Blue Ridge
Province are being analyzed on three levels. Level I anal-
yses include statistical association of watershed
characteristics with water chemistry. Level II analyses
involve estimates of the time required for key watershed
characteristics to reach critical levels. Level III analyses
use dynamic, integrated watershed models to estimate
future responses to acidic deposition.
An additional 45 northeastern watersheds, which appear
to be retaining sulfate, are being mapped this summer.
DDRP scientists are also mapping 36 watersheds in the
Mid-Appalachian Region. Criteria for site selection in
these areas included watershed areas less than 3000 ha,
ANC values less than 200 /ieq/L, and minimal
disturbances (especially from mine tailings). Sampling at
these watersheds will commence in September. Figure 2
identifies selected mid-Appalachian sites by county.
Data from soil surveys in the Northeast and the Southern
Blue Ridge Province will be released in spring 1989.
Address inquiries concerning the DDRP to:
Robbins Church
DDRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 304
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 304
Watershed Manipulation Project (WMP)— The WMP in-
volves process-oriented research at a small number of
watersheds. The project is designed to assess the quan-
titative and qualitative response of watershed soil and
surface waters to altered levels of deposition. Hypothesis
testing at East Bear Brook and West Bear Brook, water-
sheds located in southeastern Maine, is being conducted
through an interdisciplinary approach and involves
cooperative efforts of a site team, six supporting scientific
task teams, a modelling team, and the EPA management
team. Recent WMP work involved field activities by the
site team and laboratory experimentation and soil
analyses by the six supporting task teams.
Site team activities during winter and spring included
baseline sampling and additional site instrumentation.
Field scientists, under subcontract to the University of
Maine Site Team, gauged weirs to measure discharge at
the two Bear Brook watersheds. Throughout the winter,
site teams collected weekly samples from two stations
located immediately above the weirs and biweekly sam-
ples from other stations situated at various elevations
above the weirs. They also made weekly collections of
incoming precipitation and snowmelt.
Task teams completed soil analyses on samples collected
from experimental external plots located adjacent to the
Bear Brook watersheds. Parameters that were analyzed
text continued on page 7
-------
AERP status
1D029042
1D037005
2C028070
2C028069-J--)-
2C028075
4" 2B036062
2C041002 4-
4-2C041051
2C047007, K
+ ^28047036
20046005 4-2C0470^'2B£47032 +28047066
I ' -(-28047076
2C046033-f+2C046034 4" 28047089
4-2C046041
2C046050-)- J
+ 2C057004
Environmental Research Lab - Corvallis
DDRP STREAMS
STREAM — ID
PENNSYLVANIA
1 D029023
1 D029031
1 D029042
1 D029043
1 D036011
1O036017
1D037005
2B036028
2B036046
2B0360G2
2B041008
2C028069
2C028070
2C028075
2C029002
2C029016
2C029020
2C035027
2C041002
ANC
ueq/L
STREAM NAME
31
62
13
1
14
102
3
139
64
201
137
2
10
6
167
28
10
111
82
NORTH BRANCH ROCK RUN
EAST BRANCH WALLIS RUN
HEBERLY RUN
BOWMAN CREEK
STONY RUN
NO NAME
JEANS RUN
BOYERS RUN
LOWER LITTLE SWATARA CREEK
BURNS CREEK
PINEY CREEK
WHITNEY RUN
COLDSTREAM RUN
BEAR RUN
UPPER DRY HOLLOW
EAST BRANCH BIG RUN
WOLF HUN
WILLIAMS PUN
FULTON RUN
LYCOMING
LYCOMING
SULLIVAN
LU2ERNE
COLUMBIA/SCHUYLKILL
SCHUYLKILL
CARBON
JUNIATA/PERRY
SCHUYLKILL
PERRY/FRANKLIN
BEDFORD
CLEARFIELD
CLEARFIELD
CLEARFIELD
POTTER
CLINTON
CENTER
CAMBRIA
FAYCTTE
2B047036
2B047066
2B047076
2B0470S9
WEST VIRGINIA
2B047032
2C041039
2C041040
2C041045
2C04I051
2C04GOOG
2C04601i
2C046034
2C046041
2C0460r)0
2C047007
2C047010
2C057004
168
6
1C6
95
77
49
92
28
BIBLE RUN ROCKINOHAM
NO NAME MADISON
LEWIS RUN ROCKINGHAM
NORTH FORK MOORMONS RIVER ALBEMARLE
NO NAME
BUFFALO CREEK
NO NAME
RIGHT FORK CLOVER RUN
COAL RUN
NO NAME
JOHNSON RUN
HATEFUL RUN
NO NAME
HENDRICKS CREEK
NO NAME
NO NAME
BUTLER BRANCH
PENDLETON
PRESTON
TUCKER/PRESTON
TUCKER
TUCKER
BRAXTON
WEBSTER
POCAHONTAS
NICHOLAS
FAYFTTE
RANDOLPH
POCAHONTAS
FAYETTE
Figure 2. DDRP sites that will be mapped and sampled during the Mid-Appalachian Survey.
-------
STATE
INFORMATION
STATE INFORMATION
The AERP status provides a forum for states to exchange
information and updates about acidic deposition monitor-
ing activities. Highlighted state activities are presented
below.
California
The Air Resources Board (ARB) has begun its final season
of sampling at Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park, an
Integrated Watershed Study site. Information is being col-
lected on the timing and chemistry of snowmelt at this
high-elevation (9,200') ecosystem. During the snowmelt
period in 1986, researchers from the University of Cali-
fornia, Santa Barbara, detected a concentration of acidic
anions in the initial fraction of melt-water entering Eme-
rald Lake. This "ionic pulse" of acidic material could have
an effect on emerging brook trout fry in the Emerald Lake
outlet stream. These results are reported in two ARB final
reports: Snow Deposition, Melt, Runoff and Chemis-
try in a Small Alpine Watershed, Emerald Lake Basin,
Sequoia National Park and Integrated Watershed Study:
An Investigation of Fish and Amphibian Populations in
the Vicinity of the Emerald Lake Basin, Sequoia National
Park.
Data collected at Emerald Lake and other lakes of the
Sierra Nevada are being organized and analyzed as part
of a lake watershed modelling effort sponsored by ARB.
These models will predict the effects of different deposi-
tion scenarios on surface water quality in the Sierra. Pre-
liminary results of the regional lake-acidification model
will be included in an interim assessment of acidic depo-
sition effects in California. This assessment is being
prepared by ARB scientists and will be presented to the
Governor and the Legislature in early fall.
Florida
The Florida Department of Environmental Regulation is
supporting a project that will characterize the water
chemistry and fisheries status of twelve sensitive Florida
lakes. The department is also in the process of initiating a
cooperative, four-year project of sensitive lakes that is
designed to quantify the role of acidic deposition and
hydrogeochemical factors in regulating alkalinity.
Minnesota
Seasonal Lake Chemistry - As part of the state's ongoing
program to assess the impact of acidic precipitation on
aquatic resources, the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency (MPCA) has been monitoring the water chemistr
of 35 lakes since 1981 (status, September, 1987).
Beginning in 1988, a subset of 13 lakes will be monitorei
in the continuation of the seasonal lake program. The
goals of the program include monitoring water quality of
select low alkalinity lakes (<100 jueq/L) and evaluating
lake response to changing levels of deposition. Figure S-
illustrates the distribution of the 1 3 lakes. Lakes were
sampled in early May and will be resampled in late July
and mid-October.
Figure S-1. Lakes monitored as part of Minnesota's
Seasonal Lake Program.
S-1
-------
AERP status
Episodic Acidification Study - This study addresses the
impact of snowmelt on seven trout streams in north-
eastern Minnesota. Phase I studies, which were designed
to provide background water chemistry and stream dis-
charge characteristics, took place from March to May,
1988. Phase II activities will provide data on two of the
stream watersheds. These streams will be monitored
intensively to document the frequency and magnitude of
acidic snowmelt on storm-related episodes. If warranted,
Phase II will assess the biological significance of
episodes.
Virginia
There are approximately 450 native brook trout streams
in Virginia's mountainous western counties. These
streams, which have retained the environmental condi-
tions necessary to sustain trout populations, generally
occur in the wildest and most pristine areas of the region.
Despite the relative absence of direct watershed dis-
turbance, the majority of these streams are at risk of
degradation due to current levels of acidic deposition.
This is a principal finding of the Virginia Trout Stream
Sensitivity Study (VTSSS).
The occurrence of acidic deposition in Virginia has been
identified through a number of monitoring programs. Pre-
cipitation is presently collected on a weekly basis at about
twelve locations in Virginia. Precipitation pH averages
about 4.3, indicating a tenfold increase in acidity over
estimated preindustrial levels. Sulfate is currently
deposited in precipitation at the rate of about 25 Ibs per
acre per year across the state. This compares with 2-3 Ibs
per acre per year in remote unpolluted environments.
The VTSSS project has proceeded in two phases. Phase I
(status, April 1988) involved a survey of current
streamwater chemistry. The objectives of this survey
were to (1) establish a water chemistry baseline for the
native trout streams, (2) allow classification of the
streams with respect to current chemistry and sensitivity
to acidic deposition effects, and (3) identify a set of
optimum stream sites for establishment of long-term
trend monitoring. Phase II involves initiating a long-term
trend monitoring network. The primary objective of this
project component is to allow early detection of future
changes in streamwater chemistry that occur as a
consequence of acidic depo tion.
During Phase II, sixty-five native trout streams will be
sampled on a quarterly basis. These streams, selected
from among the most pristine of the streams sampled in
the spring 1987 survey, were chosen to represent the
range of potential sensitivity, geographic distribution, an
watershed geology associated with the native trout
stream resource. Quarterly sample collection was initi-
ated in October 1987. Sample collection is provided pri-
marily by the U.S.D.A. Forest Service and Trout
Unlimited.
In addition to the 65 quarterly sampling sites, the trend
monitoring network is supported by a weekly stream
sampling program conducted in the Shenandoah Nation*
Park. This sampling program is maintained by the
Shenandoah Watershed Study, a project of the Universil
of Virginia Department of Environmental Sciences and
the National Park Service. Four separate streams
associated with four major bedrock types are represente
in the weekly sampling.
Address inquiries regarding state information to:
Lisa Mauldin
AERP State Information Coordinator
1050 E. Flamingo, Suite 209
Las Vegas, Nevada 89119
(702)734-3222
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AERP status
include: total carbon, total sulfur, total nitrogen, inorganic
sulfur fractions, organic sulfur fractions, pH, cation
exchange capacity, extractable iron, extractable alumi-
num, total acidity, and mineral composition. Personnel at
Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory are using these
soils data to initiate the modelling task, an effort to
evaluate predictions from models used in the DDRP.
Various levels and combinations of deposition are being
simulated by experimentally applying acids to a series of
plots that represent the major soil and vegetation types
within the Bear Brook catchments. Present WMP plans
call for initiating acid irrigation experiments on external
experimental plots and mineral weathering plots. To
initiate soil processes that enable a field calculation of
mineral weathering tasks, six mineral weathering plots
will receive a greater acid loading than the external plots.
Other activities planned for the 1988 field season include
completing the instrumentation of internal plots located
within the Bear Brook catchments, sampling soils within
the catchments according to protocols established in
DDRP, and continuing standard watershed sampling.
Address inquiries concerning the WMP to:
Parker J. Wigington, Jr.
WMP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S. W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 354
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 354
Episodic Response Project (ERP)—Short-term episodic
acidification during storm events and snowmelt is known
to occur in many aquatic systems. The regional occur-
rence and effect of episodes on biology and chemistry,
however, is unknown. The ERP addresses this uncertain-
ty. Although ERP researchers ultimately intend to make
regional inferences, the project is being conducted in two
phases. Intensive field studies at four to six sites during
Phase I will increase understanding of the causal factors
and mechanisms controlling episodic acidification. Phase
II extensive field studies at many more sites will empha-
size calibration and extrapolation of these intensive, site-
specific results to the region.
ERP Phase I intensive stream studies were implemented
in the northern Appalachian Plateau (Pennsylvania), the
Adirondack Mountains (New York), and the Catskill and
Pocono Mountains (New York). These studies include
measurements of deposition quantity and chemistry,
stream discharge, stream chemistry, fish population
status and response to episodes, and qualitative data on
stream benthic invertebrate communities. The majority of
measurements will be taken during major storm and
snowmelt events, relying on automated data gathering
devices for sample collection, chemistry, and flow.
Concurrent to the implementation of Phase I intensive
field studies, AERP scientists have initiated research for
Phase II extensive studies. During the second phase of
ERP, empirical chemical models wil be structured and
calibrated to estimate the number and proportion of
surface waters in specific regions that are likely to
experience acidic episodes. To date, research indicates
that a model (the Wilson and Barrie model) holds promise
as a means of developing qualitative regional assess-
ments of the risk of acidic episodes associated with
snowmelt events. This model can predict the timing of
flow and pH fluctuations; however, conservative
predictions of pH depression suggest that the model
should be modified to include a mixing of snowmelt with
more alkaline base flow. Statistically significant
concentration-discharge relationships were found for all
streams from which data were analyzed. Differences
among streams were greater than differences among
events within a single stream.
Address inquiries concerning the ERP to:
Parker J. Wigington, Jr.
ERP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 354
(FTS) 420-4666, ext. 354
Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulation Project
(REAM)—The REAM Project (status. April 1988) will
provide data useful in formulating, testing, and refining
DDRP, WMP, and ERP models. These models are
designed to predict surface water chemical changes in
response to acidic deposition.
Site instrumentation and data collection activities have
begun at the Fernow Experimental Forest in West
Virginia. REAM personnel will record data from two
separate pH probes at each minimonitor site and will
check probe performances at times separated by at least
48 hours. University of Maine personnel will complete
soil chemical analyses on samples collected from each
soil series on the control and manipulation watersheds at
Fernow.
Address inquiries concerning REAM to:
Timothy C. Strickland
REAM Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 320
(FTS) 420-4666, ext. 320
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AERP status
Watershed Recovery Project (WRP)—The objectives of
the Southeast Acidification Project and the Surface Water
Recovery Project have been combined and are addressed
by the WRP (status , September 1987).
Address inquiries concerning WRP to:
Timothy C. Strickland
WRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 320
(FTS) 420-4666, ext. 320
Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project—
Results from the first two years of acidification showed a
statistically significant increase in the mercury body
burden of young perch, as pH dropped from 6.1 to 5.6.
Body burdens in the treatment basin after one year of
acidification (1986) were 18 percent higher than before
acidification (1985); body burdens were 12 percent higher
than in the reference basin. Results for the first and
second years of acidification were almost identical. Total
mercury in the sediments of both basins was similar and
showed a strong positive correlation with organic
content. Mercury concentrations in unfiltered lakewater
were roughly equivalent in the two basins, indicating a
speciation shift toward more strongly bound species in
the treatment basin following acidification.
Ongoing activities of project scientists include conducting
a series of in situ exposures on early life stages of fish in
Little Rock Lake. Results will be compared to responses of
laboratory tests on the same species in Lake Superior
water.
Address inquiries concerning the Little Rock Lake
Experimental Acidification Project to:
John Eaton
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
6201 Congdon Blvd.
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
(218)720-5557
(FTS: 780-5557
Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems
Project (TIME)—The TIME project, a long-term
monitoring project designed to assess future effects of
acidic deposition on aquatic systems, has four major
objectives:
1. detect regional patterns and trends in surface water
acidification or recovery,
2. detect early indications of trends in surface water
acidification or recovery,
3. determine relationships between regional patterns
and trends in surface water chemistry and regional
patterns and trends in atmospheric deposition, and
4. compare observed patterns and trends in surface
water chemistry with model forecasts of future pat-
terns in surface water chemistry.
Currently in the design phase, the TIME project is sched-
uled for implementation in 1990. Five regions will be
considered: the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic/Southeast,
Florida, Upper Midwest, and West. The focus of the
program has shifted from one that emphasizes the
regionally extensive probability sample in a tiered,
hierarchical design to one that emphasizes intensive
sampling at a smaller number of sites per region
(Figure 3).
Data analysis protocols are a significant component of
monitoring programs. A major TIME objective is to
identify trends that may be related to acidic deposition.
TIME scientists have compared several different
statistical techniques for trend detection, based on
information available from the NSWS and the EPA long
term monitoring project, as well as on long-term data sets
from Twin Lakes, Colorado, and Clearwater Lake, Ontario.
A workshop was held in March to explore the most
informative and cost-effective strategies for using
biological systems as early warning signals of surface
water acidification and/or recovery. The workshop, which
was cosponsored by the Department of Fisheries and
Oceans in Canada and the Acid Precipitation in Ontario
Study, was attended by 37 U.S., Canadian, and
Norwegian scientists.
Address inquiries concerning the TIME project to:
Jesse Ford
Time Scientific Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 442
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 442
SYNTHESIS AND INTEGRATION ACTIVITIES
1990 Report Activities—Plans to contribute to NAPAP's
1990 report to Congress on acidic deposition are under-
way. The report will be presented in two parts. The first
document is a series of seven related state-of-science
papers summarizing what is known about issues relevant
to the aquatic effects of acidic deposition and what
remains uncertain. The topics include processes
controlling surface water acidification, factors controlling
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AERP status
Analysis & Interpretation
ELS-I ELS-I I
1984 1986
WLS-I
1985
Probability
Sample
1989
3 Fixed sites
j (trend detection)
j Floating tiles
] (pop. characterization)
(H Subset of probability sample*
\U Hand-picked samples*
'(seasonal sampling)
Figure 3. Evolution of the TIME Project concept. Change
of focus from (a) regionally extensive sampling to (b)
seasonal to bimonthly sampling at a core of early warning
sites.
biological responses, historical and future change in
surface water chemistry, episodic acidification, and
mitigation of surface water acidification. This document
will present technical information, methods,
assumptions, data sources, and limitations and
uncertainties associated with each method. The second
document, the 1990 NAPAP Assessment, will contain the
integrated results, conclusions, and uncertainty estimates
generated from application of the procedures used in the
state-of-science document.
AERP personnel are working closely with NAPAP and
other members of the Aquatics Task Group to complete
the documents. The state-of-science document is sched-
uled for release in the spring of 1990. The integrated
assessment is scheduled for release late in 1990.
Technical Information Project—The Technical
Information Project disseminates information on AERP
activities to state agencies, organizations, and technical
audiences. Distributed information includes the following
items:
• Major Report With Companion Documents - These
document sets consist of a compilation of the
manuals and reports used during or prepared as a
result of a particular AERP project. Companion
documents to each major data report include field
operations and quality assurance reports, quality
assurance plans, and analytical methods manuals.
The Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I document set and
the Western Lake Survey - Phase I document set are
available through the mail order form in this status.
The National Stream Survey Pilot Study major report
and the National Stream Survey document set are
also available; companion documents to the Pilot
Study will be announced in the next issue of the
status.
• Data Bases - Each data base consists of two
components: a computer diskette or tape containing
the validated data base for a particular AERP project
and a user's guide with instructions on how to use
the disk and how the quality of the data was
assessed. Data bases for the Western Lake Survey -
Phase I and the Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I are
available through the mail order form in this status.
• Handbooks - The handbooks are guidance
documents that contain procedures for field
operations, laboratory operations, and quality assur-
ance for surface water and soil chemistry monitor-
ing. They are beneficial to those organizations
involved in designing and implementing monitoring
activities related to acidic deposition. The handbook
for Laboratory Analyses for Surface Water
Chemistry is available through the mail order form
in this issue of the status. The handbook for
Field Operations for Surface Water Chemistry
will be available through the mail order form in the
next issue of the status.
• Project Descriptors - This document is a compilation
of AERP project descriptions for activities to be
performed in a given fiscal year. The first issue,
covering the October 1987—September 1988 period,
is available through the mail order form in this
status.
• Biennial Publications and Presentations - This
document is a compilation of abstracts describing
presentations and publications authored or co-
authored by AERP-EPA and contractor support
personnel. The first issue compiled 1985—1986
abstracts and is available through the mail order
form in thissfafus.
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AERP status
Address inquiries concerning the AERP
Technical Information Project to:
Wes Kinney
Technical Director
AERP Technical Information Project
EPA/Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory - Las Vegas
P.O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, Nevada 89103-3478
(702)798-2358
(FTS) 545-2358
AERP ANNOUNCEMENTS
A recent issue of Environmental Science & Technology
(February 1988, Vol. 22, no. 2) contains four articles
written by AERP scientists. The articles, which discuss
results of the Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I, include:
"Eastern Lake Survey, Regional Estimates of Lake '
Chemistry" (Feature Article) by D.H. Landers, W.S.
Overton, R.A. Lint hurst, and D.F. Brakke.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes in
the Northeastern United States" by D.F. Brakke, D.H.
Landers, and J.M. Eilers.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes in
the Upper Midwest, United States" by D.F. Brakke,
D.H. Landers, and J.M. Eilers.
"Chemical and Physical Characteristics of Lakes in
the Southeastern United States" by J.M. Eilers, D.H.
Landers, and D.F. Brakke.
"Evaluation of the Role of Sea Salt Inputs in the
Long-Term Acidification of Coastal New England
Lakes" by T.J. Sullivan, C.T. Driscoll, J.M. Eilers, and
D.H. Landers.
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AERP status
If you would like to receive any of the following AERP products, please check the appropriate box(es).
MAJOR REPORT/COMPANION DOCUMENTS
Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I
Major Report—Characteristics of Lakes in the
Eastern United States
Volumes 1 -III 4007 D
Volume I 4007a D
Volume II 4007b D
Volume III 4007c D
Quality Assurance Plan 4008 D
Analytical Methods Manual 4009 D
Field Operations Report 4010 D
Quality Assurance Report 4011 D
Western Lake Survey—Phase I
Major Report—Characteristics of Lakes in the
Western United States
Volumes l-ll 3054 D
Volume I 3054a O
Volume II 3054b D
* Quality Assurance Plan 8026 D
* Analytical Methods Manual 8038 D
* Field Operations Report 8018 D
* Quality Assurance Report 4037 D
National Stream Survey - Phase I Pilot Study
Major Report 4026 D
* National Stream Survey - Phase I
Major Report—Characteristics of Streams in the
Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern United States
Volumes l-ll 3021 D
Volume I 3021 a D
Volume II 3021 b D
* Quality Assurance Plan 4044 D
* Field Operations Report 4023 D
* Quality Assurance Report 4018 D
DATA BASES
Western Lake Survey - Phase I Data Base
(Special order form will be sent) 4027 Q
* Eastern Lake Survey—Phase I Data Base
(Special order form will be sent) 4032 D
HANDBOOKS
Handbook of Methods for Acid Deposition
Studies, Laboratory Analyses for Surface
Water Chemistry 3026 D
PROJECT DESCRIPTORS
Research Activity Descriptors,
FY 1988, October 1987—September
1988
ABSTRACT
* Publications and
Presentations, 1985-86
9006
9018 D
* Publications listed for the first time.
Would you like to be included on the mailing list for future editions of the AERP status? Yes D No D
If you are on the mailing list for the AERP status, do you want to remain? Yes D No D
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