6718
PROPOSED MODIFICATION OF THE GREAT LAKES
ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION (GLAD) NETWORK
TO INCLUDE TOXIC ORGANICS
March 9, 1987
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Great Lakes National Program Office
230 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1. INTRODUCTION 1-1
2. BACKGROUND 2-1
2.1 GOALS OF GLNPO 2-1
2 . 2 ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION MECHANISMS 2-2
2.3 THE GREAT LAKES ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION (GLAD) NETWORK 2-3
2.4 RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING A SUBSTITUTE NETWORK 2-8
3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED GLAD NETWORK 3-1
3.1 IDENTIFICATION OF POLLUTANTS OF CONCERN 3-1
3.2 PROPOSED SITING OF GLAD SAMPLING EQUIPMENT 3-2
3.2.1 Master Sites 3-2
3.2.1.1 Proposed Equipment for Each Master Site.. 3-5
3.2.2 Routine Sites 3-6
3.2.2.1 Proposed Equipment for Each Routine Site. 3-6
3.3 SAMPLE HANDLING AND ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES 3-7
3.4 REQUISITE STAFFING 3-8
3.5 COMMON LABORATORY 3-8 .
4. CANADIAN PARTICIPATION 4-1
5. ANCILLARY GLAD NETWORK FUNCTIONS 5-1
5.1 COORDINATION WITH REGULATORY PROGRAMS 5-1
5.2 DEVELOPMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION MODELS 5-1
6. RESOURCES AND TIME SCHEDULE 6-1
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
2-1 GLAD NETWORK POLLUTANTS 2-5
2-2 1982 ESTIMATED ATMOSPHERIC, INDUSTRIAL, MUNICIPAL, AND
TRIBUTARY PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS TO THE GREAT LAKES 2-7
6-1 ESTIMATED U.S. COSTS FOR SET-UP AND OPERATION OF THE PROPOSED
GLAD NETWORK 6-2
6-2 1991 U.S. OPERATING COSTS BY LAKE 6-3
6-3 PROPOSED SCHEDULING BY LAKE AND SITE TYPE 6-4
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
2-1 GLAD NETWORK WET COLLECTOR SITES 2-4
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1. INTRODUCTION
The Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) is responsible for
coordinating activities undertaken by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) to restore and maintain the water quality of the Great Lakes. In order
to effectively address its coordination responsibilities and set priorities
for Great Lakes remedial activities, GLNPO initiates and oversees numerous
research and monitoring programs directed at identifying and quantifying
pollutant inputs to the Great Lakes Basin. This paper summarizes GLNPO's past
efforts in determining the nature and extent of atmospheric inputs to the
Great Lakes ecosystem and briefly discusses proposed modifications to the
existing Great Lakes Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD) monitoring program.
The second chapter of this document provides background information
concerning atmospheric deposition and the existing monitoring network. The
third chapter describes the proposed revised monitoring network. The fourth
chapter discusses the joint coordination of network activities by GLNPO and
Environment Canada. The fifth chapter discusses ancillary functions of the
new atmospheric deposition monitoring network, and the final chapter describes
the proposed implementation schedule and estimated costs for the modified
network.
1-1
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2. BACKGROUND
2.1 GOALS OF GLNPO
The Great Lakes National Program Office (GLNPO) was chartered to coordi-
nate EPA's commitments under the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to
restore and maintain the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of the
Great Lakes and their tributaries. Consequently, the fundamental goals of
GLNPO are to identify environmental problems in the Great Lakes Basin, to
recommend the development of remedial programs to solve these problems, and to
determine the effectiveness of past remedial programs in correcting environ-
mental problems.
The Great Lakes receive conventional and toxic pollution from both point
and nonpoint sources, threatening the ecological integrity of the lakes and
potentially posing hazards to human health. Fish consumption advisories have
been issued and recreational activities have been restricted in several of the
more heavily polluted areas of the Great Lakes. Recently, GLNPO adopted a
five year program strategy for the years 1986 to 1990. An important compon-
ent of this strategy is the recognition that the water quality of the Great
Lakes is intrinsically connected to the rest of the ecosystem. As stated in
the five year plan, "While the program strategy is most concerned with cleanup
and prevention of pollution of waters of the Great Lakes themselves, an
ecosystem perspective requires attention to the tributaries, to land and to
the atmosphere as sources of contamination to the lakes."
The goals of this strategy are to:
1. Apply an ecosystem approach to environmental management by consider-
ing effects of lake usage on biota and human health
2. Obtain sufficient information about sources, fates and effects of
toxic contaminants to support a mass balance approach in remedial
programs
3. Develop and implement remedial programs in all areas of concern
4. Evaluate results of remedial programs for conventional pollutants,
including phosphorus controls, and determine whether more stringent
controls are needed
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5. Develop a stronger partnership with the Great Lake States, other EPA
programs and other federal agencies for implementation of the Great
Lakes Water Quality Agreement with Canada.
Existing programs directed at improving Great Lakes water quality have
principally emphasized the control of industrial and municipal point source
discharges. Emphasis has also been placed on urban and agricultural runoff
control programs aimed at reducing phosphorus and nitrogen loadings to the
Great Lakes. Comparatively less emphasis has been placed on determining the
relative contributions of toxic substances to the Great Lakes Basin from more
nontraditional, nonpoint sources such as landfill leachate, resuspension of
contaminated sediments, and atmospheric deposition.
Studies conducted by GLNPO and others conclude that atmospheric depo-
sition is a source of toxic pollutants to the Great Lakes. The quantitative
significance of this source in relation to other nonpoint sources, however,
has not been reliably established.
As a first step in determining the relative significance of atmospheric
deposition, GLNPO established the Great Lakes Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD)
network in 1981. The GLAD network will be discussed in Section 2.3 of this
report. Currently, GLNPO proposes to extend overall GLAD network concepts
into a revised, upgraded network. The proposed GLAD network will be discussed
in Chapter 3 of this report.
In the following section, the nature of atmospheric deposition is briefly
discussed and the mechanisms of atmospheric deposition are delineated.
2.2 ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION MECHANISMS
Pollutants are deposited from the atmosphere via three routes: precipi-
tation, dry deposition, and vapor exchange. The existing atmospheric deposi-
tion network (GLAD), as well as the proposed network use sampling and/or
modeling efforts to determine pollutant loadings to the Great Lakes through
the three aforementioned routes. The three mechanisms are briefly described
below.
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Precipitation sampling and analysis can be used to determine pollutant
loadings to the Great Lakes during rainfall/snowfall events. Pollutant
loadings deposited by rainfall/snowfall are functions of precipitation
intensity (precipitation depth/time) and pollutant concentration within the
precipitation.
Dry deposition is another atmospheric deposition mechanism. Falling
airborne particulate matter bearing sorbed pollutants continually enter the
Great Lakes. Pollutant loadings from the dry deposition of particulate matter
are functions of pollutant concentration within the particulate matter,
particulate deposition velocity (which in turn is a function of particle
size), and particulate concentration in the atmosphere.
The third deposition mechanism is vapor exchange. Vapor exchange
deposition to, or losses from, the Great Lakes are at least partially a
function of the thermodynamic equilibrium relationships between vapor and
water concentrations of each pollutant. Vapor exchange deposition loadings to
the Great Lakes are not readily calculated and appropriate modeling efforts to
estimate these loadings are needed.
2.3 THE GREAT LAKES ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION (GLAD) NETWORK
Recognition of atmospheric deposition as a source of pollution in the
Great Lakes has evolved slowly over the past decade. Early studies indicated
that air transport was a significant pathway for phosphorus loadings to the
lakes, giving rise in 1976 to the Atmospheric Deposition Network, the purpose
of which was to collect data on airborne phosphorus loadings to Lake Erie. In
1981, this effort was expanded to monitor the deposition of a variety of
pollutants into all of the Great Lakes. This expanded effort was called the
Great Lakes Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD) Network. The GLAD network included
36 U.S. monitoring sites bordering the Great Lakes, representing industrial,
agricultural, and urban sources (see Figure 2-1). Thirty-eight physical and
chemical parameters were monitored including heavy metals, nutrients, conduct-
ivity, acidity, and alkalinity. A complete list of parameters appears in
Table 2-1.
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TABLE 2-1. GLAD NETWORK POLLUTANTS
Sample Size (ml)
pH (field)
pH (lab)
Specific Conductance (field)
Specific Conductance (lab)
Acidity
Alkalinity
Aluminum (Al)
Arsenic (As)
Barium (Ba)
Beryllium (Be)
Boron (B)
Cadmium (Cd)
Calcium (Ca)
Chromium (Cr)
Cobalt (Co)
Copper (Cu)
Iron (Fe)
Lead (Pb)
Lithium (Li)
Magnesium (Mg)
Manganese (Mn)
Total Mercury (Hg)
Nickel (Ni)
Potassium (K)
Sodium (Na)
Strontium (Sr)
Titanium (Ti)
Vanadium (V)
Zinc (Zn)
Ammonia Nitrogen (NH ) - N
Chloride (Cl)
Total Kjeldahl - N (TKN)
Nitrogen-Nitrate and Nitrite (N02 + N03) - N
Silicate (Si02)
Sulfate (SO )
Total Organic Carbon (TOC)
Total Phosphorus (TP)
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GLAD was established to fulfill the following purposes:
1. To determine atmospheric loadings of metals and nutrients
2. To evaluate annual trends in the deposition of these substances
3. To assess results of various program strategies.
GLAD Network data has been submitted annually to the Acid Deposition System
(ADS) operated by Battelle Pacific Northwest Laboratory in Richland, Washing-
ton. The 36 GLAD sites were equipped with wet/dry automatic precipitation
samplers that monitor for nutrients and heavy metals on a weekly basis. An
analysis performed on the data collected for the years 1982 to 1984 yielded
the following results:
• Total phosphorus (P) loadings declined in four of the five lakes over
the three year period. Lake Superior showed a decline in 1983, but an
increase in 1984 to a level greater than that in 1982. Table 2-2
presents the estimated 1982 phosphorus loadings to each of the Great
lakes from atmospheric (wet deposition), industrial, municipal,
tributary, and unmonitored areas as well as the percent contributions
of atmospheric (wet deposition) to the total loadings of each lake.
Fifty to seventy percent of the phosphorus loads to Lakes Erie and
Ontario emanates from tributary sources; less than 5 percent of the
total loadings result from atmospheric loadings (wet deposition). For
Lakes Superior, Michigan, and Huron atmospheric loadings represent
from 14 to 19 percent of total loadings. Dry deposition atmospheric
loadings of phosphorus to the Great Lakes have not been estimated.
• Annual sulfate (SO ) loadings increased in Lakes Michigan, Huron and
Erie from 1982 to 1984 but remained relatively constant in Lakes
Superior and Ontario. As part of the grant for the "Great Lakes
Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD) Network Data Analysis and Interpreta-
tion" the Illinois State Water Survey compared the effect the addition
of GLAD sites to NADP data sets would have on the respective concen-
tration patterns for S04. The addition of GLAD data provides addi-
tional resolution of localized SO concentration gradients, particu-
larly within Lakes Erie and Ontario.
• Nitrite/nitrate (N02/N03) loadings increased in Lakes Michigan, Huron
and Erie, and remained constant in Lake Ontario. Loadings to Lake
Superior were highest in 1983 and almost identical in 1982 and 1984.
The addition of GLAD N0x data to the NADP data sets provides addi-
tional resolution of localized NO concentration gradients, particu-
larly in and adjacent to urban areas. The incorporation of GLAD data,
especially GLAD data from urban monitoring sites, expands the area
across the Great Lakes Basin over which N0x concentration gradients
can be predicted. Urban areas constitute major sources of NO to the
X
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TABLE 2-2. 1982 ESTIMATED ATMOSPHERIC, INDUSTRIAL, MUNICIPAL,
AND TRIBUTARY PHOSPHORUS LOADINGS TO THE GREAT LAKES
(METRIC TONNES/YEAR)1
GREAT LAKE
SOURCE
Atmospheric
(Wet Deposition)
Industrial Discharge
Municipal Discharge
Tributary
Unmonitored Area
LAKE
SUPERIOR
604
33
128
1,338
1,008
LAKE
MICHIGAN
604
53
246
2,808
671
LAKE
HURON
642
5
113
1,921
819
LAKE
ERIE
321
67
1,388
7,483
1,671
LAKE
ONTARIO
194
54
1,589
2,581
737
Total Loading
% Atmospheric
(Wet Deposition)
3,111
19%
4,382
14%
3,500 10,930
18%
5,155
1 Sources: Atmospheric data is based upon precipitation samples taken by GLNPO
and the Canadian Center for Inland Waters (CCIW). The loadings from indus-
trial, municipal, tributary, and unmonitored areas vere obtained from the
1983 Report to the International Joint Commission on Great Lakes Water
Quality.
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Great Lakes atmosphere. Exhaust from automobiles, the principal
contributor of N0x to the atmosphere, is highest in urban areas.
Lead measurements showed a significant decrease in all lakes after
1982. However, this decrease may be due in part to the use of more
sensitive analytical instrumentation, with lower detection limits,
beginning in 1983. Between 1983 and 1984, lead loadings decreased in
all lakes except Lake Erie.
Cadmium measurements also showed a significant decrease in all lakes
after 1982. Again, this decrease may be related to the shift in
analytical instrumentation beginning in 1983. Little or no change
occurred in the magnitude of cadmium loadings in any of the lakes
between 1983 and 1984.
2.4 RATIONALE FOR ESTABLISHING A SUBSTITUTE NETWORK
In 1985, GLNPO began evaluating the ability of the GLAD network to meet
the evolving goals of the atmospheric deposition program. This evaluation,
conducted by GLNPO in conjunction with committees of recognized technical
experts in the field of atmospheric deposition, brought to light several
deficiencies in the network. The most significant deficiency was the conclu-
sion that the system is not adequate to provide data on airborne loadings of
trace pollutants to the Great Lakes. One study indicated that many of the
sites are poorly located on the basis of EPA-established siting criteria.
Another study found inconsistencies between GLAD data and National Atmospheric
Deposition Program (NADP) data, indicating potential inadequacies in GLAD
laboratory quality assurance and control programs. An additional deficiency
in the GLAD network is the lack of coordination between the efforts of Canada
and the U.S., making data comparisons impossible.
In light of these deficiencies, GLNPO, in conjunction with recognized
experts in the field of atmospheric deposition, began studying ways of
modifying the GLAD network. Working in association with Environment Canada,
it was decided that the two agencies should jointly develop a program to
monitor atmospheric deposition of trace pollutants. This second generation
program has three objectives:
1. To determine the portion of total loadings of critical toxic pol-
lutants contributed by atmospheric deposition
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2. To recommend the extent to which additional remedial programs and
international activities are needed to control atmospheric sources
3. To provide source information for immediate regulatory action.
The proposed network is discussed in the following chapter.
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3. DESCRIPTION OF PROPOSED GLAD NETWORK
The proposed Great Lakes Atmospheric Deposition (GLAD) network will
consist of atmospheric deposition monitoring and computer modeling activities
designed to identify and quantify atmospheric inputs of toxic and/or bioaccu-
mulative pollutants to the Great Lakes. The need to establish a coordinated
atmospheric deposition monitoring network such as GLAD is firmly tied to
GLNPO's mission to restore and maintain the water quality of the Great Lakes.
Recent GLNPO observations indicate that Great Lakes fish tissues continue to
show high concentrations of certain bioaccumulative pollutants despite the
success of control programs directed at point source dischargers. Concentra-
tions of certain pollutants in fish tissues have recently stabilized, revers-
ing an earlier trend of decreased pollutant concentrations over time.
Nonpoint source inputs of pollutants to the Great Lakes, including atmospheric
deposition, are now thought to be at least partially responsible for the still
elevated pollutant levels currently observed in Great Lakes fish.
In this chapter, the proposed GLAD network will be described. Identifi-
cation of pollutants of concern, the proposed siting of GLAD sampling equip-
ment, sample handling and analytical procedures, and requisite staffing to
conduct GLAD monitoring activities will be described in the following
sections.
3.1 IDENTIFICATION OF POLLUTANTS OF CONCERN
As noted above, the GLAD network will be designed initially to monitor
atmospheric deposition of those pollutants identified as bioaccumulating to
sufficient levels in Great Lakes fish to warrant concern regarding fish
consumption. Personnel attending the November 1985 Atmospheric Deposition
Workshop on Organic Contaminant Deposition to the Great Lakes Basin have
tentatively identified the following bioaccumulative pollutants as warranting
consideration for atmospheric deposition monitoring:
• Metals; Arsenic, Cadmium, Mercury
• Pesticides; Chlordane, DDT and metabolites, Dieldrin, Mirex,
Toxaphene
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• Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls.
In addition, special studies will be conducted in the future to investigate
the atmospheric deposition of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzo-
furans. The high costs associated with analysis of dibenzodioxins and
dibenzofurans are expected to prohibit routine GLAD monitoring for these
pollutants.
The pollutant list cited above will be modified as necessary in response
to shifts in future priorities.
3.2 PROPOSED SITING OF GLAD SAMPLING EQUIPMENT
The proposed GLAD network will consist of two distinct types of atmo-
spheric deposition sampling sites: master sites and routine sites. The
functions of each of these types of sites are described below, and considera-
tions, in their siting are discussed.
3.2.1 Master Sites
The proposed GLAD network is to include five master sites. In addition
to routine monitoring activities, master sites are to conduct nontraditional,
research-oriented atmospheric deposition monitoring activities, as well as to
provide quality assurance support for the GLAD program. The research activi-
ties shall be supplemented on a year to year basis. Master sites will address
the deficiencies identified in the earlier evaluation of the GLAD network,
including:
• Identification of trace organics in precipitation samples
• Calibration/verification checks on the proper operation of GLAD
network sampling systems
• Field verification of new atmospheric deposition sampling equipment
and sample collection procedures
• Quality assurance studies on GLAD network sample collection
activities.
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In addition, master site activities will include the following research
components:
t Investigating vapor exchange of organic contaminants at the air-water
interface
• Analyzing the importance of deposition from urban sources versus rural
sources
• Assisting in the development and implementation of dry particle
deposition models
• Assisting in the development and implementation of both wet and dry
particle deposition models to measure differences between over-land
versus over-water deposition
• Identifying nonroutine chemical substances in atmospheric deposition
causing potentially adverse impacts on ecosystem health
• Implementing research to ascertain "dry" particle deposition to
artificial surfaces.
these monitoring activities will accelerate research identifying the
specific mechanisms of deposition and the interaction between these mechanisms
and the environmental media. Proposed research studies include the following:
Precipitation Types and Loading Estimates
Planned instrumentation and sampling equipment at master sites will
provide for collection and analysis of contaminants in rain, snow, particu-
lates, and air. For those research parameters being analyzed, a detailed
annual analysis and interpretation of the data will be required. The analysis
and interpretation of data involves calculations of annual loadings for each
parameter via each precipitation type, including different particle sizes;
evaluation of the relative importance of each type in terms of contaminant
loadings to the Great Lakes; evaluation of the efficacy of the various
sampling equipment utilized, including recommendations for improvements; and
determination of the relative importance of total atmospheric loadings of
toxics to the area of the master site as compared to other known sources of
contaminants (e.g., tributary, point sources, ground water, and runoff).
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Vapor Exchange
Measurement of atmospheric loadings of toxics to the Great Lakes requires
knowledge of both the total and net atmospheric inputs of organic and inor-
ganic contaminants. Vapor exchange at the air/water interface may result in
absorption of contaminants from the atmosphere and/or volatilization of
contaminants into the atmosphere.
Research is needed to determine the importance of this exchange for the
various inorganic and organic chemicals planned for measurement at the master
site. Potential studies to address this subject area encompass the following
topics:
• Henry's Law Constants for organic and inorganic chemicals including
the temperature dependence of those constants
• Differentiation of vapor and particulate chemical species in the
atmosphere
• Differentiation of dissolved and nondissolved or gaseous chemical
species in the water
• Development of time-dependent model for describing air-water
interactions
• Development of methodology to estimate environment-dependent mass
transfer coefficients.
Over-Land Versus Over-Water Precipitation and Loading Amounts
Existing or planned atmospheric deposition sites for the Great Lakes are
currently located over land on either the shore of the lakes or on islands.
Research is needed to determine what, if any, difference exists in the amount
of precipitation, the type of precipitation, and the composition of precipi-
tation at land based sites as compared to over-water locations. Such research
should take into account the availability of surface ships that will be
involved in intensive research from 1987 to 1989 on Green Bay as part of pilot
studies on the application of the mass-balance approach to toxics. Potential
studies to address the subject area include the following topics:
• Differences in the amounts of precipitation over land and over water.
These studies should consider not only changes in the total amounts
but also changes in the relative amounts of rain, snow, and particu-
lates. Also of interest is the differentiation of wind-driven snow
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versus new-fallen snow as well as the significance of contaminant
transport in surface fogs
• Differences in the contamination content of precipitation over land
and over water.
Identification of New or Previously Undetected Contaminants in Precipitation
Atmospheric deposition may represent a significant loading for several
contaminants to the Great Lakes. Research studies are needed for the develop-
ment and application of methodology for detection and quantification of
potential contaminants in precipitation at ultratrace level utilizing samples
to be collected, or that could be collected at a master site. Such studies
shall specify the class or classes of compounds to be analyzed and justify why
the specified class of compounds are important and likely to be found in
precipitation.
3.2.1.1 Proposed Equipment for Each Master Site
Proposed equipment to be situated at each master site includes:
• Three wet precipitation collectors with XAD-2 and/or Tenax resin
columns for collection of precipitation samples to be analyzed for
trace organics
• Three directionally operated high volume dry deposition collectors
with backup adsorbent columns, to identify/quantify the dry deposition
of trace organics
• A Nipher Snow gauge to measure the snowfall in millimeters (mm) of
water
• One wet/dry automatic precipitation collector for the collection of
weekly precipitation samples to be analyzed for nutrients
• One high volume sampler dedicated to total suspended particulate/
organic carbon measurements
• Two cascade impactors; one for organics and one for metals and
nutrients
• Meteorological tower capable of providing hourly average data per-
taining to:
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
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- Humidity
- Temperature
- Precipitation intensity
Solar radiation.
Master sites are to be located in the proximity of a university or
research laboratory to ensure ease of site operation and sample collection.
The master sites will be staffed with technical, research-oriented personnel.
Universities (in particular, those with chemistry and/or environmental
programs) located in rural areas would constitute ideal sites for master
sites. The master sites could thus be operated by qualified university
faculty and students, and university laboratory facilities could be effec-
tively utilized for sample analysis.
Master sites would be logical locations for conducting joint United
States-Canada atmospheric deposition research studies. If appropriate
locations could be identified, one or more master sites might be situated near
the United States-Canada border, providing convenient access for research
personnel from both countries.
3.2.2 Routine Sites
The proposed GLAD network will also include 12 routine monitoring
stations. Routine sites are to conduct weekly/biweekly atmospheric deposition
monitoring activities in support of deposition model calibration efforts
and/or Great Lakes pollutant mass balance inventory development.
3.2.2.1 Proposed Equipment for Each Routine Site
Proposed equipment to be situated at each routine monitoring site
includes:
• One wet precipitation collector, for collection of precipitation
samples to be analyzed for organics present in greater than trace
amounts.
• A Nipher snow gauge to measure the snowfall in millimeters (mm) of
water.
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• One wet/dry automatic precipitation collector for the collection of
weekly precipitation samples to be analyzed for nutrients.
• One wet/dry precipitation collector for the collection of weekly
precipitation samples in polyethylene or teflon-lined containers.
Nitric acid will be added to the collector to minimize sorption
losses.
• Two high volume dry deposition collectors with backup adsorbent
columns to identify and quantify the dry deposition of trace organics.
• One cascade impactor.
• One high volume dry deposition collector dedicated to total suspended
particulate/organic carbon dry deposition measurements.
• Meteorological tower capable of providing hourly/hourly average data
pertaining to:
- Wind speed
- Wind direction
- Humidity
- Temperature
- Precipitation intensity
- Solar radiation.
In general, routine sites will be located in urban areas, on islands in
the lakes, and in relatively remote areas free from pollutant interferences
from urban areas. Routine sites will not be so remote, however, as to be
inaccessible to site operators during inclement weather. Remote routine sites
will also be located within practical driving distance of the analytical
laboratory (or post office, if samples are to be shipped). Data collected at
urban sites would be used to define atmospheric deposition gradients surround-
ing urban areas, and to identify the contribution of urban emission sources to
Great Lakes atmospheric deposition.
3.3 SAMPLE HANDLING AND ANALYTICAL PROCEDURES
Detailed GLAD network standard operating procedures for collection and
analysis of atmospheric deposition samples will be developed to ensure
accuracy and reproducibility of analytical results. Considerations in
establishing these procedures include:
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• Organics—Samples must be collected in glass or teflon-lined equip-
ment. Samplers with large interception areas are required for col-
lection of sufficiently large samples. Appropriate GC/MS analytical
methodologies must be identified and followed.
• Metals—Samples must be collected in polyethylene or teflon-lined
equipment. Nitric acid should be added to the collector to minimize
sorption losses. Appropriate atomic absorption analytical methodol-
ogies must be identified and followed.
• Mercury—An appropriate oxidant must be added to precipitation samples
to prevent reduction and subsequent solubilization of particulate
mercury.
Laboratory quality assurance/quality control programs, involving analysis of
blank, duplicate, and spike samples, will also be developed to adequately
quantify data accuracy and precision.
3.4 REQUISITE STAFFING
Requisite staffing for the proposed GLAD network can be outlined as
follows:
• Each master and routine site requires at least one operator. The
operator's responsibilities include maintenance of the sampling
equipment as well as sample acquisition and delivery to the labora-
tory. The operator should be a trained technician, knowledgeable of
the operation of the samplers and the GLAD network's sample collection
and preservation protocols.
• Each GLAD network laboratory will be staffed with at least one expert
in the analysis of organic and inorganic (metal) pollutants. This
individual shall possess PhD qualifications in the field of chemistry.
In addition, each laboratory will be staffed with a sufficient number
of trained laboratory technicians to assist in analytical duties.
• One or more of the master sites will be staffed with a GLAD network
coordinator. The GLAD coordinator is to direct all research activi-
ties conducted at the GLAD master sites, as well as coordinate all
activities with appropriate GLNPO personnel. The GLAD coordinator
must be knowledgeable in the science of atmospheric deposition. In
addition, the GLAD coordinator must be familiar with the mission of
GLNPO and other Great Lakes environmental agencies, and must be able
to effectively communicate with these organizations.
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3.5 COMMON LABORATORY
GLNPO is considering two options for providing laboratory analytical
services to the GLAD program. One option is to rely on the analytical
capabilities of the various private and academic laboratories located in the
vicinity of the GLAD sampling sites. The principal advantages and disadvan-
tages of this option are as follows:
Advantages
• Sample dropoff is a simple •
procedure; packing samples
into parcels for shipment is
not required.
• Local laboratories can often •
ensure that analytical results
will be provided expeditiously.
Disadvantages
Quality assurance oversight cannot
be provided by GLAD personnel on
a daily basis.
Analytical results from the various
laboratories may not be statistic-
ally comparable. Determinations of
relative precision and accuracy will
have to be made.
A second option is to establish a common laboratory to which all GLAD
network samples will be sent for analysis. The principal advantages and
disadvantages of this option are as follows:
Advantages
GLAD personnel can provide
continual quality assurance
oversight.
Comparability of results
between laboratories is not
an issue.
Disadvantages
• All samples must be packed and
shipped subsequent to collection.
Appropriate sample preservation will
be required to ensure that samples
are not chemically altered during
the shipment period.
• Samples cannot be analyzed until
actually received at the common
laboratory. Shipment periods ensure
at least some delay in sample
analysis.
Both of these options will be carefully considered before a decision is
made as to whether a GLAD network common laboratory should be established.
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4. CANADIAN PARTICIPATION
Participation by Environment Canada in the GLAD network will greatly
enhance the validity and utility of network data. Canadian atmospheric
deposition monitoring data would be used to fill in GLAD network data gaps
concerning deposition to the Great Lakes across the United States-Canada
border. The resulting joint United States-Canada atmospheric deposition
monitoring data bases will enable the derivation of more accurate estimates of
lakewide pollutant loadings to each Great Lake.
Canadian participation in the GLAD network will also contribute to the
resolution of existing issues concerning the direction and extent of atmo-
spheric pollutant transfer across the United States-Canada border. Resolution
of these issues is critical to assessing emission control strategies on both
sides of the border.
Before a joint United States-Canada GLAD network can be established,
several practical issues concerning Canadian participation in the GLAD network
will require resolution. Major issues include:
• Coordination—All GLAD monitoring activities should be coordinated by
both American (GLNPO) and Canadian (Environment Canada) representa-
tives.
• Choice of laboratory—If a common laboratory is to provide analytical
services for the entire GLAD network, should the laboratory be an
American or Canadian laboratory?. If multiple laboratories are used,
common analytical procedures, test methods, and quality assurance
programs should be established.
• Location of monitoring sites—the number and location of both American
and Canadian monitoring sites must be jointly agreed upon.
4-1
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5. ANCILLARY GLAD NETWORK FUNCTIONS
In addition to atmospheric deposition monitoring and data acquisition
activities, GLAD personnel will also be responsible for ensuring effective
data utilization. In this regard, ancillary GLAD network activities will
include the communication and distribution of GLAD network monitoring data to
appropriate regulatory programs, and the development of Great Lakes atmo-
spheric deposition models.
5.1 COORDINATION WITH REGULATORY PROGRAMS
Results of GLAD monitoring activities will be distributed to those
officials responsible for relevant State (Provincial) and Federal regulatory
programs in both the United States and Canada. Those regulatory programs
which might be expected to benefit from the results of a GLAD monitoring
network might include:
• Air emissions point source permitting programs—The GLAD network can
provide deposition monitoring data which identify and quantify toxic
organic pollutants typically emitted to the atmosphere by industrial
point sources (e.g., PAHs emitted by coking plants, etc.)
• Pesticide programs—The GLAD network can provide pesticide deposition
monitoring data. Such data would be useful to various pesticide
programs in their role of tracking the environmental fates of applied
pesticides.
• Toxic substance control programs—Similarly, the GLAD network can
provide toxic substance deposition monitoring data, which would be
useful to toxic substance control programs in their role of tracking
the environmental fates of toxic substances.
5.2 DEVELOPMENT OF ATMOSPHERIC DEPOSITION MODELS
The development and calibration of atmospheric deposition models will be
critical to the validity and effective use of GLAD network monitoring data.
Atmospheric deposition models are necessary to effectively characterize
pollutant loadings to the Great Lakes. In particular, GLAD network atmo-
spheric deposition models must be developed to accomplish the following:
• Provide accurate estimates of lakewide pollutant loadings—Monitoring
data from scattered GLAD monitoring stations must provide the basis
for estimating lakewide pollutant loadings. However, the linear
5-1
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extrapolation of limited single station loading data across the entire
Great Lakes will be highly inaccurate. Models must be developed which
quantitatively establish pollutant loading gradients across the Great
Lakes.
Quantify the influence of environmental conditions on atmospheric
deposition—Statistical correlations between pollutant loadings to the
Great Lakes and environmental conditions such as rainfall, pollutant
volatility, temperature, and atmospheric turbulence must be estab-
lished before accurate predictive estimates of pollutant loadings to
the Great Lakes can be made.
Estimate pollutant transport distances and link pollutant sources to
sinks—Atmospheric deposition pollutant loading gradients could
potentially be correlated to meteorological data to provide estimates
of pollutant transport distances and direction. Such estimates could
be effectively used to identify point and nonpoint sources of
atmospheric emissions.
Estimate pollutant loadings to the Great Lakes via vapor exchange—
Vapor exchange pollutant loadings to the Great Lakes can only be
estimated by mathematical modeling efforts (see Section 2.2).
Quantitatively establish the relative importance of the three atmo-
spheric deposition mechanisms (see Section 2.2)—Quantitative rela-
tionships between the three atmospheric deposition mechanisms (precip-
itation, dry deposition, vapor exchange) can be established from GLAD
monitoring data. These relationships will serve to focus future GLAD
monitoring activities.
5-2
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6. RESOURCES AND TIME SCHEDULE
This section summarizes the resources and time schedule necessary to
design and implement the GLAD network.. The summary is provided in three
separate tables.
Table 6-1 is a time schedule for the set-up and operation of the proposed
network. It provides, by fiscal year, the resource costs for network oper-
ation from 1987 to 1991. Cost breakdowns are provided by type of analysis for
both master (I) and routine (II) sites. (Costs for the operation for a single
site for each type of analysis appear in the lefthand column of Table 6-1.)
Costs are projected at $406K, $562K, $772K, $813K, and $752K for FY 1987-FY
1991 respectively. Table 6-2 presents the total operating cost for 1991 as
$752,000. The cost is broken down by lake. The cost per lake is directly
related to the number and type of stations on each lake.
Setting up master sites, a one time expenditure, will cost approximately
$56,000 per site. Annual operational costs for organics sampling equipment,
and analyses of those samples, will cost $100,000 per site not including the
cost of separately funded research studies. Metals and nutrient analyses from
precipitation samples will cost far less—an estimated $10,000. Thus, after
the first year set-up costs, master stations should cost $110,000 to maintain
per year. Routine sites will be comparatively less expensive. The set-up
cost for a routine site is estimated at $42,000. Annual operation of organic
sampling equipment and analyses of those samples at routine sites is estimated
at $26,000 per site. Annual operational costs associated with analysis of
metals and nutrients from precipitation samples is estimated to cost $10,000
per site. Thus, annual operation of routine sites is expected to cost $36,000
annually.
Finally, Table 6-3 provides a schedule for implementing the program on a
lake-by-lake basis. Implementation begins in FY 1987 with the set-up and
operation of master and routine sites on Lake Michigan. Monitoring on Lake
Huron is proposed to begin in FY 1988 on both sides of the U.S./Canadian
border. In FY 1989, sites will be added on Lake Erie and Superior. In FY
1990, sites will begin operation on Lake Ontario.
6-1
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6-2
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TABLE 6-2. 1991 OPERATING COSTS BY LAKE
LAKE
Superior:
Michigan:
Huron:
Erie:
Ontario:
1 Master Site
2 Routine Sites
3 Metals and Nutrient Sites
1 Master Site
4 Routine Sites
>~-7~J1etals and Nutrient Sites
2 Routine Sites
3 Metals and Nutrient Sites
2 Routine Sites
3 Metals and Nutrient Sites
1/2 Master Site
2 Routine Sites
3 Metals and Nutrient Sites
100 K
52 K
30 K
100 K
104 K
70 K
52 K
30 K
52 K
30 K
50 K
52 K
30 K
TOTAL COST
182 K
274 K
82 K
82 K
132 K
752 K
6-3
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TABLE 6-3. PROPOSED SCHEDULING BY LAKE AND SITE TYPE
YEAR
1987 1988 1989 1990 1991
I. MASTER SITES
A. U.S.
Lake Michigan • •
Lake Superior • •
Lake Ontario ^ e> -r •
B. CANADA
Lake Huron • •
Lake Erie • •
Lake Ontario • •
II. ROUTINE SITES (U.S.)
Lake Michigan • •
Lake Huron • •
Lake Erie • •
Lake Ontario • •
6-4
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