SUMMARY AND POLLUTION ABATEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
FOR THE
UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER
AND MAJOR TRIBUTARIES
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
TWIN CITIES-UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER PROJECT
-------
From
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-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Introduction 1
Summary of Water Uses 2
Summary of Waste Sources 7
Summary of Water Quality and Interferences with Water Uses 13
Observations 21
Conclusions 23
Recommendations 26
Schedule for Remedial Program 34
Appendix 35
LIST OF FIGURES
No. Follows Page
1 Map of Project Study Area ii
2-7 Summary of Water Uses 2
8 Location of Waste Sources Investigated 7
9 Most Significant Contributors of BOD
During 1964-1965 7
10 Most Significant Contributors of Suspended
Solids During 1964-1965 7
11 Most Significant Contributors of Coliform
Bacteria During 1964-1965 7
12 Typical Water Quality Conditions During Low 14
Flow Periods in 1964-1965'
13-18 River Reaches Unsuitable for Various Water Uses 14
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Before the turn of the century the rivers served
as an important element in the initial development
of the present
seven - county
metropolitan
area
Today a combined population of
over 1.5 million -- encompassing the
river systems -- share in the inherited
diverse water interests and associated
problems
-------
MINNEAPOLIS
LOCK a DA
NUMBER I
MSSD Minneapolis- St. Paul Sanitary District
FIGURE I - For the development of pollution abatement recommendations
investigations were conducted on water quality, sources and quantities
of wastes, and the extent of pollution in 270 miles of river.
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INTRODUCTION
The investigation of water pollution along the
Upper Mississippi River and its major tributaries,
a summary of which is presented herein, was con-
ducted by the Twin Cities-Upper Mississippi
River Project of the Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Administration. The investigation was made
under the authority of Section 10 (d) (1) of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended
(33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.) and at the request of the
conferees of the Federal-State conference on water
pollution held in St. Paul, Minnesota on February
7 and 8, 1964. The Conference, in turn, was held
in response to a joint request from the Governors
of Minnesota and Wisconsin to abate pollution in
the area and was called by the Secretary of the
Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.
The investigation was conducted to gather
information on water quality, sources and quanti-
ties of wastes, the extent of pollution, and neces-
sary abatement measures in the following river
reaches: Upper Mississippi River from the Rum
River at Anoka, 107 miles downstream to the
outlet of Lake Pepin; lower 110 miles of the
Minnesota River; and the lower 52 miles of the
St. Croix River (see Figure 1).
Surveys of municipal and industrial waste
sources were joint efforts of the Project, the
appropriate State regulatory agencies, and in
many instances the municipality or industry in-
volved.
The summary of the 1st session of the Con-
ference indicated that the investigations would
be carried out in conjunction with both states and
agencies. To this end, we are most appreciative
of the cooperative attitude exhibited by all with
whom the Project dealt. Participating agencies
included the staffs of Minnesota's Department of
Health and Department of Conservation; Wiscon-
sin's Department of Resource Development and
Department of Conservation, as well as many other
federal, municipal, and private organizations.
All desired information on waste sources and
stream quality, collected over the years by the
Minnesota Department of Health, Wisconsin De-
partment of Health, and the Minneapolis-St. Paul
Sanitary District Sewage Treatment Plant (MSSD)
was made available to the project by these
agencies.
Laboratory procedures were performed in ac-
cordance with "Standard Methods for the Examina-
nation of Water and Wastewater, Eleventh Edition".
Any deviations were based on proven research
described in the literature. All calculations (ex-
cept those on flow frequencies) were based on data
collected during the survey period (June 1964 —
October 1965) and reflect conditions resulting
from waste loadings being discharged during that
period.
The main body of this report contains a more
detailed description and discussion of all Project
findings along with appropriate maps, figures and
tables. The information provided in the Summary
and Conclusions which follow, is a condensation
of all the information contained in the main body
of this report.
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SUMMARY OF
WATER USES
Water uses in practice along the Mississippi,
and St. Croix Rivers are summarized below and
illustrated in Figures 2 through 7.
POTABLE WATER SUPPLY
Minneapolis and St. Paul use the Mississippi
System as a source of potable water supply for
themselves and many of the suburbs. Other com-
munities depend on ground water sources. The
water intakes for Minneapolis and St. Paul, lo-
cated just upstream from Minneapolis, withdraw
an average of 103 million gallons per day (mgd)
and serve approximately 873,000 people.
A component of Minneapolis' water treatment
plants, located on the Mississippi upstream from
the city.
NONPOTABLE INDUSTRIAL
PROCESS WATER
Significant amounts of untreated water from
the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers are used by
four industries in their processes at seven loca-
tions within the study area. No use is made of the
St. Croix River for this purpose.
On the Mississippi River, barge and gravel
washing is carried out at two locations, each.
Both activities are of a seasonal nature, operating
from April through October. Barge washing, con-
ducted near downtown St. Paul (river miles 840.4
and 837.3), requires about 2 million gallons per
operating season. Gravel washing is performed
about 6 miles farther downstream (river miles
826.5 and 825.0) and requires 650 million gallons
of water per operating season.
On the Minnesota River, sugar beet washing
and fluming is conducted during the winter (4-month
period) near Chaska. Barge washing is conducted
at two locations (river miles 13.2 and 8.0) between
April and November of each year. The former op-
eration requires about 700 million gallons per
season and the latter ones require about 800 thou-
sand gallons per season.
COOLING WATER
One processing industry and five steam-
generating plants utilize Mississippi and Minne-
sota River waters for cooling purposes. No use is
presently being made of the St. Croix River for thr
purpose.
The Mississippi River serves the one proces-
sing industry located at South St. Paul and three
of the steam-electric generating plants, located in
Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Red Wing. Together,
they use cooling water at a maximum rate of 1,100
mgd.
The Minnesota River serves two of the steam-
electric generating plants, located near Mankato
and Bloomington. They use cooling water at a
maximum rate of 405 mgd.
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FIGURE 2-Potable water supply and
all nonpotable industrial uses
FIGURE 3-Irrigation or stock watering
FIGURE 4 - Whole body contact water sports
(eg swimming and water skiing)
FIGURE 5 - Limited body contact water sports
te g boating and fishing).
FIGURE 6-Commercial shipping
FIGURE 7 - Commercial fishing and
maintenance of aquatic life
LEGEND Designates where each use is practiced extensively.
FIGURES 2-7. SUMMARY OF WATER USES.
-------
Northern States Power Co. Riverside steam-electric
generating plant, located on Mississippi River in
Minneapolis.
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
There are five hydroelectric plants within
the study area and all utilize the Mississippi River.
One is located 10 miles above Minneapolis and
the other four are located in Minneapolis at St.
Anthony Falls and Lock & Dam No. 1.
The total capacity of these plants is 42,260
KW, 3.2 percent of the total steam-electric power
plant capacity in the study area.
IRRIGATION AND
STOCKWATERING
Very little use is made of the Mississippi
River system for irrigation and stock-watering.
Permits for withdrawal of irrigation water have
been issued to persons along the Mississippi River
above Minneapolis and near North Lake in Pool No.
3; along the Minnesota River at Jordan; and along
the St. Croix River just above Prescott. There may
also be some use for irrigation by truck farmers
along the north bank of the Mississippi River just
above Lock & Dam No. 2 and along the lower 35
miles of the Minnesota River.
Very limited use is made of the rivers for
stockwatering. Small numbers of cattle have been
seen drinking from the Mississippi River just above
Lock & Dam No. 2 and from the Minnesota River
above Chaska.
St. Anthony Falls at Minneapolis, the site of three
hydroelectric plants.
COMMERCIAL SHIPPING
Although river traffic in the Twin Cities area
is significant, it is less than on the remainder of
the Mississippi River. During 1964 over five and
one-half million tons of materials were received
and shipped at the ports of Minneapolis and St.
Paul. In this same year there were 1,556 commer-
cial lockages made through Lock & Dam No. 2.
Docking facilities extend upstream as far as the
northern city limit of Minneapolis where the nine-
foot channel ends.
The shipping channel extends upstream on the
Minnesota River as far as Shakopee (river mile
25.1). During 1963 over two and one-quarter million
tons of materials were received and shipped along
this reach.
Commercial shipping extends upstream on the
St. Croix River as far as Stillwater (river mile 23.3).
In comparison to the Mississippi and Minnesota
Rivers, barge traffic on the St. Croix River is very
light.
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Barge traffic on Mississippi River.
Receipts consist generally of only two prod-
ucts, coal and superphosphate. Of the 30,567 tons
of materials received in 1964, 17,939 tons were
coal. Coal receipts are expected to increase sig-
nificantly after the Allen S. King Power Plant
becomes operational.
COMMERCIAL FISHING
Commercial fishing is practiced on the Mis-
sissippi River in and below Pool No. 2 and on the
lower 23 miles of the St. Croix River, known as
Lake St. Croix. The major source of fish in this
area, however, has always been Lake Pepin in
Pool No. 4. Fish caught commercially in Pools 3
and 4 during 1964 were valued at $91,320. No
figures were available for catches in Pool No. 2
that year. The 1964 catch in Lake St. Croix totaled
511,586 pounds and was valued at $15,750. The
predominant species of fish caught commercially
are carp, buffalo, catfish and drum.
SWIMMING AND
WATER SKIING
Swimming is practiced throughout the reach
below Red Wing (Lake Pepin) and the lower St.
Croix River from beaches as well as boats. There
are eight beaches along Lake Pepin and seven
beaches on the St. Croix River, however, which
receive heaviest use. Approximately 650 people
can normally be found along each of the two rivers
using these beaches on a typical warm, sunny
weekend day.
Commercial fishing in the north end ot Lake Pepin.
Bathing beach on St. Croix River near its mouth
at Prescott, Wise.
Water skiing is generally practiced in four
areas, two on the Mississippi River and two on the
St. Croix River. On the Mississippi River it is
practiced near Anoka at the upper end of the study
area and near Red Wing at the lower end. As many
as 75 people make use of these areas on good
days. Limited skiing is also practiced near St.
Paul Park, seven miles below MSSD. The two
areas on the St. Croix River receiving heaviest
use by water skiers are near Hudson (river mile
17.0) and Afton (river mile 11.0). Approximately
150 people make use of these areas on good days.
PLEASURE BOATING
Pleasure boating is practiced from April to
September throughout all three of the major streams
under consideration. Greatest use, however, is
made of the St. Croix River below Stillwater, and
the Mississippi River below Lock & Dam No. 2.
-------
Pleasure boating on Mississippi River below its
confluence with the St. Croix River.
SPORT FISHING
Fishing is an important summer, as well as
winter, recreational activity in the area under con-
sideration. The St. Croix River and the Mississippi
River below its confluence with the St. Croix re-
ceive the greatest use although fishing is practiced
to some extent over the entire area.
ESTHETIC ENJOYMENT
The scenic beauty afforded by the streams in
this area has resulted in the location of about 30
parks along their banks. The two parks receiving
greatest use are the Interstate and O'Brien State
Parks, both located on the St. Croix River. The
former is located on both sides of the river near
Taylors Falls and St. Croix Falls. The latter is
situated on the Minnesota shore midway between
Taylors Falls and Stillwater. A large river oriented
park is proposed for the area adjacent to the mouth
of the Minnesota River.
In addition, there are many scenic highways
that border on the streams under consideration.
Plans are being developed to construct a national
parkway following the course of the Mississippi
River on both sides from Canada to the Gulf of
Mexico.
MAINTENANCE OF HABITAT FOR
AQUATIC LIFE AND WATERFOWL
Fish can be found throughout the streams in
the study area in varying numbers and species.
Ducks, white egrets, and herons can also be found
along many reaches of the three rivers. The Missis-
sippi River serves as a major artery in the conti-
nental system of flyways serving wildfowl migra-
tions. Pools 2, 3, and 4 are spring and fall con-
centration areas for several species of duck. As
many as 10,000 ducks at a time have been seen in
the Spring Lake area (immediately above Lock &
Dam No. 2).
Heron in flight along Mississippi River above
Lake Pepin.
Mallard ducks along Mississippi River below Red
Wing, Minnesota.
-------
WASTE DISPOSAL
Fifty-nine significant waste water producers
utilize the major streams within the study area for
disposal purposes. Their discharges total 1,800
(mgd). The steam-electric generating plants con-
tribute 85 percent of this amount. Municipalities
and other industries contribute 12 and 3 percent,
respectively. In addition to the above contributors
there are more than 100 combined and storm sewer
outfalls which discharge during and immediately
after rains. Approximately 80 of these are located
in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
-------
SUMMARY OF WASTE SOURCES
GENERAL
Sewage and other wastes contain many con-
stituents which affect water quality in different
manners and restrict the water's use. Floating
materials such as grease, oils and solids lower thet
esthetic quality of a body of water, making it less
attractive for all uses. Oxygen consuming materials
(measured by 5-day (20°C) BOD) can limit or
destroy fish, fish food organisms, and other desira-
ble aquatic life by reducing the dissolved oxygen
concentration in the water. Complete depletion of
dissolved oxygen results in the generation of
offensive odors. Suspended solids, including silt
from land erosion, create turbidity which not only
makes the waterless suitable as a source of supply
and for recreational uses, but can also be damaging
to fish. Larger suspended solids eventually settle
out, forming a sludge blanket on the bottom. This
sludge blanket smothers fish food organisms and
may affect navigation. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and
heat promote the growth of algae (simple plants,
many microscopic in size) which, in turn, create
nuisance conditions affecting water supplies,
recreational uses, and esthetic quality. Excessive
•immonia nitrogen concentrations affect fish life.
Some chemicals, such as phenols, impart un-
desirable tastes and odors to the water and the
flesh of fish. Some of the intestinal bacteria,
present in sewage in astronomical numbers, may be
pathogens which can reinfect man.
The location of all waste sources investigated
are shown in Figure 8. The most significant sources
and the amounts of materials discharged by them
are depicted in Figures 9, 10, and 11.
FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS
Twelve Federal installations within the
Project's study area watershed handle their own
waste disposal. Others discharge to municipal
sewerage systems. Table 1 (see Appendix) gives
information on the type of treatment and place of
final disposal of wastes from each of these 12
installations.
None have any measurable effect on water
quality in the portions of rivers under study. One,
however, the 934th Troop Group Officers' Club,
has unsatisfactory waste treatment facilities which
discharge effluent to a marsh area adjacent to the
Minnesota River. These wastes present a potential
health hazard to water users along the lower
Minnesota River.
MUNICIPAL SOURCES
MiSSiSSippi River There were five
primary and seven secondary municipal sewage
treatment plants discharging 208 mgd of wastes to
the Mississippi River investigated. The primary
plants are those operated by MSSD, Hastings,
Prescott, Lake City, and Pepin. The secondary
plants are those operated by Anoka, South St. Paul,
Newport, Inver Grove, St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove,
and Red Wing.
At the time of the survey these sources contributed
the following loadings of constituents:
1. Oxygen-consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 1,800,000.
2. Coliform bacteria equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 1,200,000.
3. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 920,000.
4. Approximately 42,000 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen compounds per day.
-------
k*ST. CROIX FALLS
SC 50.0
Industrial waste
Sewage treatment plant
Power plant
Water treatment plant
Untreated domestic waste
Federal installations (discharging to surface waters)
SCALE
05
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15 Miles
FIGURE 8-Location of waste sources investigated
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LEGEND
^ 5-Day BOD
STP Sewage Treatment Plant
NOTE-- One population equivalent equals 0.17 pounds 5-day BOD.
FIGURE 9-Most significant con ributors of BOD during 1964-1965.
-------
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Total Suspended Solids
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NOTE: One population equivalent equals O.20 pounds suspended solids.
FIGURE 10-Most significant contributors ot Suspended Solids
during 1964-1965.
-------
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-------
5. Approximately 24,000 po ds of phosphates
per day.
6. Approximately 850 pounds of phenols per
day.
The MSSD is the largest plant and contributes
91 percent of the municipal wastes volume. Of the
total municipal contribution, MSSD's waste effluent
contained 88 percent of the oxygen consuming
materials; 95 percent of the coliforms; 92 percent
of the suspended solids; 85 percent of the organic
nitrogen, ammonia nitrogen, and phosphates; and
essentially 100 percent of the phenols.
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant discharging to Mississippi River
downstream from St. Paul, Minnesota (before
addition of secondary unit).
The South St. Paul sewage treatment plant
(SSP) is the second largest one and contributes 7
per cent of the municipal wastes volume. Of the
total municipal contribution, this source dis-
charged 11 percent of the oxygen consuming
materials, 2 percent of the coliforms, 6 percent of
the suspended solids, 12 percent of the organic
and ammonia nitrogen, and 9 percent of the
phosphates.
South St. Paul sewage treatment plant discharging
to Mississippi River.
The other 10 plants contributed the remaining
2 percent of the municipal wastes volume and from
1 to 6 percent of the various constituents discussed
above.
Table 2 (see Appendix)summarizes the informa-
tion obtained on the characteristics of wastes from
all municipal sewage treatment plants investigated.
Loading rates of the various constituents discharged
from each plant to the river are summarized in
Table 3 (see Appendix).
MinneSOta River There were seven
communities and a Masonic home discharging to
the Minnesota River within the study area. Two of
the communities (Mankato and Shakopee) and the
Masonic home provide primary treatment. Only one,
the City of Henderson, is without any treatment
facilities. The remaining four communities (Chaska,
Savage, Burnsville, and Cedar Grove) provide
secondary treatment. At the time of the survey,
these sources contributed the following loadings
of constituents:
1. Oxygen consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 24,600.
2. Coliform bacteria equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 12,500.
3. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 19,300.
4. Approximately 850 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen per day.
5. Approximately 550 pounds of phosphates
per day.
The Mankato sewage treatment plant is the
largest one on the Minnesota River and contributes
4.5 mgd, about 74 percent of the total municipal
wastes volume. Of the total municipal contribution,
Mankato's waste effluent contained 85 percent of
the oxygen consuming materials; 54 percent of the
coliforms; 69 percent of the suspended solids, 69
percent of the nitrogenous compounds; and 49 per-
cent of the phosphates.
The second largest municipal contributor of
oxygen consuming wastes and coliforms was Shak-
opee, which contributed 7 and 24 percent of the to-
tals, respectively. The remaining plants discharge
much smaller quantities of wastes. Additional in-
formation on municipal waste characteristics and
stream loading rates from these plants is summar-
ized in Tables 2 and 3.
-------
St. CrOJX River Six communities dis-
charge wastes to the St. Croix River within the
study area. Two (Osceola and Stillwater) provide
primary treatment and the remainder (St. Croix
Falls, Taylor Falls, Bayport, and Hudson) provide
secondary treatment. At the time of the survey,
these sources contributed the following loadings
of constituents:
1. Oxygen consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 940.
2. Coliform bacteria equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 1,600.
3. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 700.
4. Approximately 400 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen per day.
5. Approximately 500 pounds of phosphates
per day.
The Stillwater, Minnesota primary sewage
treatment plant is the largest single contributor on
the St. Croix River. It discharges 1.8 mgd, about
58 percent of the total municipal wastes volume.
Of the municipal contribution, Stillwater's waste
effluent contained 78 percent of the oxygen con-
suming materials; 54 percent of the coliforms; 75
percent of the suspended solids; 57 percent of the
nitrogenous compounds; and 54 percent of the
phosphates.
The remaining five plants are much smaller in
capacity, receiving less than 0.6 mgd each. Ad-
ditional information on municipal waste character-
istics and stream loading rates from these plants is
summarized in Tables 2 and 3.
INDUSTRIAL SOURCES
MiSSiSSippi River. . Fourteen manu-
facturing and processing plants, two water treat-
ment plants, three steam-electric generating plants,
and two barge washing facilities were investigated
on the Mississippi River. The fourteen manu-
facturing and processing plants referred to are
Swift & Co., Union Stockyards, Armour & Company,
King Packing Co., Northwestern Refining Co.,
J. L. Shiely Co., General Dynamics Liquid Car-
bonics Division, St. Paul Ammonia Products Co.,
Great Northern Oil Co., Northwest Cooperative
Mills, Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co.,
H. D. Hudson Manufacturing Co., Foot Tanning
Co., and Pittsburgh Plate Glass Co. The two water
treatment plants investigated are owned and oper-
ated by the City of Minneapolis. The three steam-
electric generating plants (Riverside, Highbridge,
and Red Wing) are owned and operated by the
Northern States Power Co.
The barge washing facilities investigated were
those of the Minnesota Harbor Service and Twin
City Shipyard. These industrial sources, excluding
the three electric plants, discharge wastes at the
rate of about 35 mgd to the river. The steam-
electric plants utilize as much as 1,095 mgd of
river water for cooling purposes, returning it
directly to river after use. These sources, together
contributed the following loadings of constituents:
1. Oxygen consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 35,000.
2. Coliform bacteria equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 170.
3. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 70,000.
Northwestern Refining Co. with treatment facilities
in foreground discharging to the Mississippi River
at St. Paul Park, Minnesota.
4. Approximately 4,500 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen compounds per day.
5. Approximately 2,500 pounds of phosphates
per day.
6. Approximately 40 pounds of phenols per day.
7. Approximately 600 pounds of fluoride per
day.
-------
8. Approximately 160 billion British Thermal
Units (BTU) of heat per day (when steam-
electric plants are operating at full capacity).
Table 4 (see Appendix) summarizes the informa-
tion obtained on the characteristics of wastes from
all industries investigated. Loading rates of the
various constituents discharged to the river are
summarized in Table 5 (see Appendix).
MinneSOta River. Eleven manufactur-
ing and processing plants, two steam-electric
generating plants, and two barge cleaning facilities
were investigated on the Minnesota River. The
eleven manufacturing and processing plants inr
vestigated were the North Star Concrete Co., Archer
Daniels Midland Co., Blue Cross Rendering Co.,
Green Giant Co., Minnesota Valley Milk Processing
Assoc., American Crystal Sugar Co., M. A. Gedney
Co., Rahr Malting Co., Owens-Illinois Glass Co.,
American Wheaton Glass Co., and Cargill, Inc. The
two steam-electric generating plants (Wilmarth and
Blackdog) referred to are owned and operated by
the Northern States Power Company. The two barge
washing facilities are those of Twin City Shipyards.
One industry, Honeymead Products Co., located on
the Blue Earth River near its confluence with the
Minnesota River, was also investigated. These
industries, excluding the two electric plants, dis-
charge wastes at the rate of 18 mgd to the river.
The steam-electric plants utilize as much as 405
mgd of river water for cooling purposes, returning
it to the river after use. The Blackdog electric
plant passes the water through a cooling pond
before returning it to the river. At the time of the
survey, these sources, together, contributed the
following loadings of constituents:
1. Oxygen consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 273,000.
2. Coliform bacteria equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 40,300.
3. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 238,000.
4. Approximately 1,200 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen per day.
5. Approximately 950 pounds of phosphates
per day.
6. Approximately 740 pounds of oil and grease
per day.
7. Approximately 60 billion BTU of heat pei
day (when steam-electric plants are operating
at full capacity and discharging cooling
water directly to river.)
Additional information on industrial waste
characteristics and stream loading rates is sum-
marized in Tables 4 and 5.
Rahr Malting Co. located on Minnesota River at
Shakopee, Minnesota.
American Crystal Sugar Co. plant which discharges
to the Minnesota River at Chaska, Minnesota.
Northern States Power Co. Blackdog power plant
and cooling pond, located eight miles above the
mouth of the Minnesota River.
10
-------
St. CrOJX River. There are two in-
dustries (Andersen Window Co. and United Re-
frigerator Co.) on the St. Croix River. Together they
discharge wastes at the rate of 0.5 mgd. These
sources contributed the following loadings of
constituents:
1. Oxygen consuming wastes equivalent to raw
sewage from a population of 330.
2. Suspended solids equivalent to raw sewage
from a population of 300.
3. Approximately 3 pounds of organic and
ammonia nitrogen per day.
4. Approximately 5 pounds of phosphates
per day.
5. Less than one pound of chromium per day.
Additional information on industrial waste
characteristics and stream loading rates is sum-
marized in Tables 4 and 5.
COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOWS
The cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and South
St. Paul each have combined sewers with regulators
that divert excess flows directly to the Mississippi
River.
The Minneapolis-St. Paul combined sewer
system has more than 80 overflow points. It is
estimated that over a period of one year, up to 3.5
percent of sewage reaching the MSSD treatment
plant may be lost without treatment. The total of
Combined sewer overflow discharging to Mississippi
River in Twin Cities area.
these figures represent about 7.5 million pounds of
5-Day (20°C) BOD and 9.5 million pounds of sus-
pended solids on a yearly basis. This overflow
occurs over about 10 percent of the time in a
given year.
The South St. Paul combined sewer system is
very similar in design to that of the Twin Cities.
South St. Paul has a more serious surcharging
problem along a considerable portion of the inter-
ceptor, however, during periods of maximum dry-
weather flow. In general, the interceptor has only
about one-half the required capacity to handle the
maximum dry-weather flow plus the runoff from a
rainfall intensity of 0.04 inches per hour. It is
estimated that South St. Paul's overflow system
contributes about 6 million pounds of 5-Day (20°C)
BOD and 5 million pounds of suspended solids on
a yearly basis.
AGRICULTURAL AND
NATURAL POLLUTION
Nutrients are the primary products of concern
resulting from agricultural activities and the natural
death and decay of plant and animal life. Among
the nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus are con-
sidered the most important. At times, suspended
solids, resulting from erosion, are also of concern.
MiSSiSSippi River Approximately
40,000 and 20,000 pounds per day of total nitrogen
and phosphate (as PC>4), respectively, would be
expected to enter the Mississippi River above Lake
Pepin from agricultural and natural sources at the
mean August flow (9,480 cfs at St. Paul).
Minnesota River. Approximately 6,000
and 4,000 pounds per day of total nitrogen and
phosphate (as PO^), respectively, would be ex-
pected to enter the study area via the Minnesota
and Blue Earth Rivers from agricultural and natural
sources at the mean August flow (2,677 cfs at
Carver).
Turbidity, occurring naturally, is considerably
more than 25 units in waters entering the study
area at Mankato except on occasions of low stream
flows after long absences of surface runoff. The
sand-silt-clay mantle, through which the river flows
is largely responsible for this condition. Land
erosion within the drainage basin also contributes
to this problem.
11
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erosion along Minnesota River above Shakopee,
Minnesota.
St. CrOJX River. Approximately 13,000
and 2,000 pounds per day of total nitrogen and
phosphate (as PO^), respectively, would be ex-
pected to enter the study area via the St. Croix
River irom agricultural and natural sources at the
mean August flow (3,580 cfs at Stillwater).
12
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SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
AND
INTERFERENCE WITH WATER USES
GENERAL
Ideally, a stream should be high in dissolved
oxygen, low in temperature, turbidity, nitrogen,
phosphate, phenol and bacteria.
A dissolved oxygen concentration of at least
three mg/1 is required in order to maintain a
suitable habitat for rough fish. A minimum of five
mg/1 is required for game fish.
Water temperatures should not exceed 93°F in
order to maintain a suitable habitat for rough fish
and to be suitable for limited body contact activi-
ties (e.g. boating and commercial shipping.) The
maximum temperature permitted for whole body
contact activities (e.g. swimming and water skiing)
and for irrigational or cooling water use is 90°F.
To be suitable as a source of potable supply and
as a habitat for game fish, the water temperature
should not exceed 86°F.
Waters used as a source for potable supplies
and for whole body contact activities, such as
swimming and water skiing, should have a turbidity
of not greater than 25 Jackson units. Most other
water uses require a turbidity of less than 250
jackson units.
Nitrogen in the ammonia form should not exceed
1.0 mg/1 for game fish and 2.0 mg/1 for rough fish.
Inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus in concentrations
greater than 0.3 mg/1 (as nitrogen) and 0.03 (as
phosphate) at the time of spring overturn are
generally considered sufficient to produce algal
blooms in lakes. (Pools behind locks and dams
become lakes at low-stream flows.)
Phenolic compounds in concentrations greater
than 0001 mg/1 produce undesirable tastes and
odors in chlorinated drinking water supplies. In
concentrations greater than 0.01 mg/1 they taint
fish flesh.
Sewage polluted waters frequently contain
pathogenic bacteria which, if ingested, can cause
gastrointestinal diseases such as typhoid fever,
dysentery, and diarrhea. Body contact with sewage-
polluted waters can cause eye, ear, nose, throat or
skin infections. Viruses, which cause diseases,
including polio, hepatitus, and meningitis may also
be present.
Sewage also contains readily detectable
coliform bacteria which typically occur in the
feces of man and other warm-blooded animals. Not
all coliform bacteria are of intestinal origin, how-
ever. Though generally harmless in themselves,
coliform bacteria are always present in sewage-
polluted waters and have, therefore, been considered
indicators of the probable presence of pathogenic
bacteria.
Many water pollution control agencies evaluate
water quality on the basis of total coliform count,
which includes those of intestinal as well as non-
intestinal origin. In this report a total coliform
density of greater than 5,000/100 ml is considered
to be unsafe for any water use involving limited
body contact (e.g. boating, commercial shipping,
and fishing) or for irrigation and stock and wildlife
watering. Waters used as a source of potable water
supply should not have a total coliform density
greater than 4,000/100 ml. The total coliform
density in waters used for whole body contact
activities (e.g. swimming and water skiing) should
not exceed 1,000/100 ml.
In this study a more selective test was used
to identify fecal coliform bacteria, in addition to
the total coliform. This permitted a better evalua-
tion of the significance of total coliform counts
since the presence of fecal coliform bacteria is
positive proof of fecal contamination.
More recently, refined methods for isolation
and detection of Salmonella organisms (producers
13
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of many intestinal diseases, including typhoid
fever) have made it more practical to test for these
specific infectious disease bacteria.
General water quality conditions found in the
study area during the Project's survey are shown
in Figure 12. Figures 13 through 18 show the river
reaches that were found to be unsuitable for various
water uses because of the water quality. The
streams' flow (daily average) during this period
ranged from 1.3 to 10 times the 7-consecutive-day,
once in 10-year low flow.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Anoka to St. Anthony Falls.
The water quality of the Mississippi River between
Anoka and St. Anthony Falls was unsatisfactory
from a bacteriological standpoint, only. The aver-
age total coliform density in this segment ranged
from 5,000 MPN/100 ml at Anoka to 4,000 MPN/100
ml a short distance above St. Anthony Falls. Fecal
coliform counts were approximately 10 percent of
the total counts. Almost all of this bacterial
pollution originates upstream from the study area
on the Mississippi and Rum Rivers. The only
sources of bacterial pollution of any consequence
along this segment are the Anoka sewage treatment
plant and some of the metropolitan combined sewer
overflows, including Bassett Creek. The Minne-
apolis water treatment plant and the Riverside
steam-electric generating plant also discharge to
this segment but do not contribute to the bacterial
pollution. Minneapolis Water Works officials re-
ported that a few tributaries to this segment are
sometimes a source of high algal populations in
the vicinity of their water intake.
In its present condition this segment of river
is suitable for all uses except whole body water
contact activities (e.g. swimming and water skiing).
Before these activities could be practiced safely,
the average total coliform density would have to be
reduced to less than 1,000 organisms per 100 ml.
Since water quality in this segment does not change
appreciably with variations in flow (in the low and
intermediate ranges), the water is suitable for all
uses except whole body contact activities even at
very low flows.
St. Anthony Falls to MSSD
OUtfall. This segment of river receives waste
water from more than 80 combined sewer overflows
serving the Twin Cities as well as from the Minne-
sota River, High Bridge steam-electric generating
plant, Minnesota Harbor Service, and Twin City
Shipyard.
In dry weather the water quality is nearly as
good as it is upstream of St. Anthony Falls. During
and immediately following rainfall, however, the
combined sewer overflows discharge into this
reach, affecting the bactenorlogical quality. These
discharges were sufficient in the summer and early
fall of 1964 to increase the monthly average total
coliform density along the segment from 4,000
MPN/100 ml at the upper end to approximately
30,000 MPN/100 ml at the lower end. Coliform data
collected by the Minneapolis - St. Paul Sanitary
District between 1942 and 1955 show similar
average values at these locations for August and
September. Fecal coliform counts were approxi-
mately 10 percent of the total counts.
The Minnesota River at its mouth is usually
lower in quality than the Mississippi River im-
mediately above their confluence. During the
summer and early fall of 1964 the Minnesota River
had an effect on dissolved oxygen and turbidity
levels in the Mississippi River. The average dis-
solved oxygen level decreased from 8.0 to 7.7 mg/1
and the average turbidity increased from <25 to 60
units as a result of the Minnesota River's inflow.
The other waste sources in this reach do not
have an appreciable effect on water quality.
Confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers
(Note the greater turbidity of the Minnesota River).
In its present condition this segment of the
river is generally unsuitable for body contact
activities such as swimming, boating, fishing, and
navigation. Before the water would be suitable for
the latter three activities, the average total coliform
density would have to be reduced to less than 5,000
organisms/100 ml. To make this segment suitable
for swimming or water skiing, the average total
14
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ANOKA
15 Miles
DISSOLVED OXYGEN_- mg/l
< 3
3-5
> 5
FISH PALATABILITY
REACH OF LOWEST
PALATABILITY
TOTAL COLIFORM- MPN/IOOml
O < 1,000
1,000-5,000
5,000-100,000
100,000-1,000,000
1,000,000-10,000,000
Note-D.O. and Coliform levels on the Minnesota River are typical of period
when American Crystal Sugar Co. was in operation.
FIGURE 12 - Typical water quality conditions during low flow
periods in 1964 and 1965
-------
FIGURE 13-Source ot potable water supply
FIGURE 15- Whole body contact activitie
e g swimming and water skiing}
FIGURE 14-Source of water for irrigation
and stock and wildlife watering
FIGURE 16-Limited body contact activities
(e g boating, commercial shipping, and
f i shing )
ST CRO1X
FIGURE 17 - Game fish
LEGEND t... '' Designates unsuitable reaches
FIGURES 13-18. RIVER REACHES UNSUITABLE FOR VARIOUS WATER USES.
-------
coliform density would have to be reduced to less
than 1,000 organisms/100 ml and the turbidity
reduced to 25 units or less in the reach below the
mouth of the Minnesota River.
MSSD Outfall to Lock & Dam
INO. 2. This segment of river receives wastes
from the two largest contributors in the study area
(MSSD and South St. Paul sewage treatment plants)
as well as from 16 other smaller sources discussed
previously and listed in Tables 2 and 4. As a result
of these waste discharges this 21 1 mile reach of
river had the lowest water quality of the entire study
area.
Dissolved oxygen levels decreased from an
average of 7.8 mg/1 just above the MSSD outfall to
an average of 2.9 mg/1 in the vicinity of Spring
Lake during the summer and early fall of 1964.
The minimum dissolved oxygen level measured at
this lower station during the same period was 0.5
mg/1. Winter levels were only slightly higher than
summer levels in the lower 10 miles of this seg-
ment. The minimum daily river flow during this
period has a recurrence interval of 4 years.
Ammonia nitrogen levels exceeded 1.0 mg/1
(the maximum permitted for game fish) one or more
times during the summer survey at all stations in
the entire segment. Values were highest at a point
two miles below the South St. Paul plant outfall,
ranging from 0.57 to 2.01 mg/1 (2.0 mg/1 is maxi-
mum permitted for rough fish) and averaging 0.96
mg/1 during the summer and early fall of 1964.
Ammonia nitrogen values were slightly higher
during the winter of 1964-1965.
The bacteriological quality of the river de-
creased markedly below the MSSD outfall. The total
coliform density ranged from 460,000 to 17,000,000
MPN/100 ml, averaging 6,500,000 MPN/100 ml
between June and October of 1964 at a point 8.8
miles below the plant outfall. Above the outfall, the
total coliform density averaged about 30,000 MPN/
100 ml over this same period. The fecal coliform
density throughout this reach averaged about 20
percent of the total density.
Pathogenic bacteria and viruses were also
isolated from stream and waste samples collected
along this segment. Fourteen species of Salmonella
bacteria and three types of viruses were isolated
from the MSSD effluent. Five species of Salmonella
were isolated from the South St. Paul plant effluent.
Ten species of Salmonella were found in the river
a distance of six miles below MSSD (two miles
below South St. Paul). Ten miles downstream of
MSSD, seven species of Salmonella were found.
Biologically, the river was relatively un-
polluted above the MSSD outfall. Conditions
changed abruptly, however, at this point. Here, a
zone of degradation began and extended down-
stream to the vicinity of the South St. Paul sewage
treatment plant outfall. The remainder of the seg-
ment, down to Lock & Dam No. 2, was a zone of
active decomposition. The river bottom was com-
posed of organic sludge along the entire length of
this segment. No clean water associated bottom
organisms were found.
Dead fish found below the Twin Cities.
Floating sludge and rising gas bubbles in
Mississippi River below MSSD.
Garp was the predominant species of fish
throughout Pool No. 2. In the reach between South
St. Paul and Spring Lake, game fish made up only
6% of the total fish population. In the two-mile
reach above Lock & Dam No. 2, they made up only
15
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9% of the total population. Of all the fish evaluated
in the study area by a taste panel, the flesh of
those caught between South St. Paul and Lock &
Dam No. 2 received palatability ratings which were
among the lowest. Ratings ranged from 3.8 to 4.4.
A rating of 4 or below indicated the fish flesh to
be unacceptable.
The water quality found in this segment during
the Project's surveys indicated that it was con-
sistently suitable for only one use — cooling water.
To make this segment suitable for uses such as
pleasure boating, navigation, fishing, stock and
wildlife watering, irrigation, and the maintenance
of rough fish, the minimum dissolved oxygen con-
centration should be maintained above 3 mg/1 and
the average coliform density maintained less than
5,000 organisms/100 ml.
Lock & Dam No. 2 to Lock &
NO. O. This segment of river, which lies
in the pollution recovery zone, has three small
waste sources discharging to it. (Hudson Manu-
facturing Co., Hastings Sewage Treatment Plant,
and Prescott Sewage Treatment Plant). The dis-
solved oxygen level was generally increased by 1
or 2 mg/1 during passage over Lock & Dam No. 2.
Water quality in this reach is also enhanced by the
St. Croix River which enters the Mississippi River
about four miles below Lock & Dam No. 2.
Confluence of the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers
(Note the greater turbidity of the Mississippi River).
The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration
recorded during the summer and early fall of 1964
between Lock & Dam No. 2 and the St. Croix River
was 3.1 mg/1. Below the mouth of the St. Croix
during this same period, the minimum concentration
measured was 4.4 mg/1. Winter levels were also
low. The minimum values recorded in the Mississippi
River above and below the St. Croix's mouth during
the winter of 1964-1965 were 2.1 and 5.7 mg/1,
respectively.
Ammonia nitrogen levels were highest in the
four-mile reach below Lock 8s Dam No. 2. During
the surveys in the winter of 1964-1965, they ranged
from 1.49 to 2.59 mg/1, averaging 2.12 mg/1.
The bacteriological quality of this segment
was better than in the previous one, but was still
poor. The total coliform density 1.2 miles below
Lock & Dam No. 2 ranged from 2,300 to 350,000
MPN/100 ml, averaging 74,500 MPN/100 ml during
the June-October 1964 period. Additional con-
tributions by the Hastings and Prescott sewage
treatment plants offset the improvement in bacteri-
ological quality that would have resulted from
dilution by the St. Croix River. Below the St. Croix
River the coliform density decreased progressively
with distance downstream due to natural dieoff.
Just above Lock & Dam No. 3 the coliform density
ranged from 3,300 to 130,000 MPN/100 ml, averaging
31,000 MPN/100 ml during the June-October 1964
period. Fecal coliform densities averaged 10 to 20
percent of the total densities in this segment.
Floating algae were found in greater numbers
in the four-mile reach immediately below Lock 84
Dam No. 2 than at any point upstream. Their
monthly average density at the one-foot depth
ranged from 10,690/ml (in May) to 34,450/ml (in
October) and averaged 21,200/ml, over the April-
December 1964 period. Although these densities
were rather high, they created no problems. Their
presence was apparent only by microscopic examina-
tion. Their increase in density was due, primarily,
to the increased nutrient load.
Greater numbers of game fish were found in
this segment than in any of the previous ones. The
Minnesota Department of Conservation determined
that in 1964 game fish made up 46% of the total
fish population in this pool.
The water quality found in the four-mile reach
between Lock & Dam No. 2 and the mouth of the
St. Croix River was unsuitable for all uses prac-
ticed. It would have been considered suitable for
16
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rough fish if the maximum ammonia nitrogen level
had not exceeded 2.0 mg/1 and the minimum dis-
solved oxygen concentration had not fallen below
3 mg/1.
The reach between the mouth of the St. Croix
River and Lock & Dam No. 3 was considered
suitable for rough fish but not for game fish.
Ammonia nitrogen levels exceeded 1.0 mg/1 and
the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration fell
below 5 mg/1.
To make the entire segment between Lock &
Dam Nos. 2 and 3 suitable for uses such as
swimming, water skiing, boating, sport and com-
mercial fishing, and navigation, the average total
coliform density should be reduced to less than
1,000 organisms/100 ml; the maximum ammonia
nitrogen concentration reduced to 1.0 mg/1; and
the minimum dissolved oxygen concentration in-
creased to 5.0 mg/1.
Lock & Dam No. 3 to Chippewa
RlV6r. This segment of river also lies in the
pollution recovery zone. It receives waste water
from three municipal sewage treatment plants,
(Red Wing, Lake City, and Pepin), two processing
industries, (Foot Tanning Co. and Pittsburgh Plate
Glass Co.) and the Red Wing steam-electric gener-
ating plant. These sources have little effect on
water quality, however. Lake Pepin, which is a
predominant portion of this segment, serves as a
settling basin for silt and organic sludge carried
in from upstream.
The water quality in this segment was un-
satisfactory from a bacteriological standpoint. The
average total coliform density decreased from
31,000/100 ml at the upper end to 250/100 ml at
the lower end during the summer and early fall of
1964. Fecal coliform densities were from 5 to 10
percent of the total coliform densities. Most of the
coliforms found in this segment had entered from
upstream. The three sewage treatment plants in
this segment, however, also added significant
amounts of coliforms.
The Red Wing sewage treatment plant, largest
of the three, was monitored on ten occasions for
pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Positive results
were obtained nine of the ten times from effluent
samples. In all, seven species of Salmonella in
addition to Polio, Coxsackie, and ECHO viruses
were isolated.
Algal densities out in the mainstream were
generally lower than those found in the previous
segment. In shallow areas along the shores, how-
ever, densities were very high. During the summer
of 1965, a greenish "pea soup consistency" algal
bloom was observed in Lake Pepin at Stockholm,
Wisconsin's bathing beach. Rocks along the bathing
beach were coated with a green slimy mass of
algal cells. Another bloom was also observed at
the Lake City Marina. The water was colored "pea
green" and a thick green slime coated boat hulls.
These and other observations demonstrate that
algal populations can and do become a problem in
the lower part of the study area.
Results of chlorophyll-a analyses on the plant
cells found on artificial substrates placed in the
river indicated that attached algae were about six
times as abundant on those substrates in Lake
Pepin as compared to those located elsewhere up-
stream. This increase in attached algal growths
on substrates and free-floating algae in quiescent
shallow areas was due largely to the nutrient and
organic load received from upstream sources.
Nutrient concentrations in Lake Pepin were
above values generally considered sufficient to
produce algal blooms in lakes. Inorganic nitrogen
levels averaged 0.70 mg '1 at the upper end and
0.54 mg/1 at the lower end. The orthophosphate
level remained fairly constant throughout the entire
segment, averaging 0.56 mg/1 (as PC>4).
Game fish were present in far greater numbers
in this segment than anywhere else in the study
area. The Minnesota Department of Conservation
found that 68% of the fish population in Pool No. 4
were game fish. Flesh palatabihty tests made by a
taste panel on fish caught at five stations distri-
buted throughout this segment showed that flavor
improved with distance downstream as far as mid-
way through Lake Pepin. Beyond this point there
was no detectable improvement.
In general, the water quality found in this
segment indicated that it was suitable for main-
tenance of game fish as well as rough fish, esthetic
enjoyment, and as a source of cooling water. The
reach below the head end of Lake Pepin was also
suitable for limited body contact activities and
stock and wildlife watering. In addition to all of
these uses, the reach below Lake City was also
suitable for whole body contact activities (e.g.
swimming and water skiing).
17
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The upper reaches in this segment would also
be suitable for all these water uses if the average
total coliform density were reduced to less than
1,000 organisms/100 mg.
MINNESOTA RIVER
Mankato to Chaska.
This segment of river receives waste water from
five sources in the Mankato area (Honeymead
Products Co., Mankato sewage treatment plant,
Archer Daniels Midland Co., Blue Cross Rendering
Co., and Wilmarth electric plant) and one each from
the cities of Le Sueur (Green Giant Co. plant)
Henderson, and Belle Plaine (Minnesota Valley
Milk Processing Association plant.)
Except for a moderately high turbidity and
colirorm density, the water in this 79.9 mile seg-
ment was of reasonably good quality. The turbidity
(resulting primarily from erosion) generally ranged
from 25 to 220 units. The high values occurred
during and immediately following periods of surface
runoff. No one portion of the segment was consist-
ently more turbid than another.
During the summer and early fall of 1964 the
total coliform density in the river at Mankato just
above the mouth of the Blue Earth River averaged
approximately 5,000 MPN/100 ml. Waste sources
from the Mankato area increased the average density
to about 80,000 MPN/100 ml. At the 7-consecutive-
day, once in 10 year summer low flow these waste
sources would be expected to increase the coliform
density to approximately 400,000 organisms/100 ml
at a point 10 miles downstream. Beyond this point,
and until reaching Chaska, the density would show
a general decrease because of bacterial dieoff.
Dissolved oxygen concentrations were consist-
ently high (greater than 6.0 mg/1) in this segment.
Waste loadings found during 1964 and 1965 do not
have an appreciable affect on oxygen resources,
even at low stream flows.
Algal densities at the one-foot depth were high
throughout the entire segment, but were generally
highest around Belle Plaine. Here, the density
averaged 46,400/ml between April and December of
1964. Their presence in these numbers were
generally obvious only upon microscopic examina-
tion, due partly to the natural turbidity of the water.
At times, however, the water did have a greenish
cast. Nutrient levels were well above values con-
sidered necessary to produce algal blooms in
lakes. (Pools behind dams essentially become
lakes at low stream flows). Inorganic nitrogen and
phospnate (as PC>4) levels averaged about 1.0
mg/1 and 0.29 mg/1, respectively.
Bottom organism populations were very sparse
(usually less than 10 mean numbers per square foot)
throughout the entire segment. This was due to the
sand and gravel bottom which provided few areas
for organisms to attach themselves. The only region
'of organic sludge deposition was in the five-mile
reach immediately below the Green Giant Company
at Le Sueur. Pollution sensitive animals were
present at most of the stations in this segment, but
they generally accounted for less than 50% of the
total kinds.
Because of the sparsity of bottom animals,
turbid waters, and extreme range of flows there is
a poor fish population in the Minnesota River. Of
the fish present in this segment, only 15% were
game fish. The palatability of fish caught at
Mankato and Belle Plaine was also evaluated by a
taste panel. Carp and walleye pike found in the
vicinity of Mankato were considered in the inter-
mediate range of palatability. Only carp were
evaluated at Belle Plaine and they were of slightly
lower palatability than those caught at Mankato.
The waters of this segment were considered
suitable for use as a source of cooling water,
esthetic enjoyment, and maintenance of a clean
water associated organism community.
The waters were not suitable for irrigation,
stock and wildlife watering, and limited body
contact activities (e.g.boating and fishing) because
the average coliform density along the entire seg-
ment exceeded 5,000 MPN/100 ml. The waters
were not suitable for whole body contact activities
(e.g. swimming and water skiing) because the
turbidity exceeded 25 units and the coliform density
exceeded 1,000MPN/100 ml along the entire length.
Chaska to Mouth.
This segment of river receives far greater quantities
of wastes than the previous one. Its quality is
lowest during late fall and winter while one season-
al industry, the American Crystal Sugar Company
is in operation. This segment also receives waste
from the municipal sewage treatment plants of
Chaska, Shakopee, Savage, Burnsville and Cedar
Grove. The M. A. Gedney Co., Rahr Malting Co.,
Owens-Illinois Glass Co., American Wheaton Glass
Co., Cargill, Inc., Twin City Shipyard and Black-
dog electric plant also discharge to this segment.
18
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During the period between June and October
1964, while American Crystal Sugar Company was
out of operation, the dissolved oxygen profile de-
creased steadily from Shakopee (river mile 25.0) to
the mouth. Above Shakopee the dissolved oxygen
concentration ranged from 5.9 to 13.4 mg/1,
averaging 9.1 mg/1. Near the mouth, it ranged from
3.1 to 10.7 mg/1, averaging 6.6 mg/1.
Dredge sample of Minnesota River bottom just
below American Crystal Sugar Co. outfall containing
sugar beet sections.
Turbidity levels in this segment during the
summer period were slightly higher than those
found in the previous segment, especially near the
mouth. The turbidity averaged 70 units at Chaska
and 110 units near the mouth. It ranged from 25 to
240 units over the entire segment.
River temperatures exceeded 90°F at times of
low stream flow in a one-mile reach immediately
below the Blackdog steam-electric generating plant
when cooling water was discharged directly to the
river. On one occasion the temperature immediately
below the point of discharge reached approximate-
ly 100°F.
The average total coliform density exceeded
5,000 MPN/100 ml over the entire segment. The
density during summer was highest in the vicinity
just below Shakopee. At that point (river mile 23.0)
the coliform density ranged from 24,000 to 240,000
MPN/100 ml, averaging approximately 80,000
MPN/100 ml. Fecal colifotm densities were between
10 and 20 percent of the total densities.
Algal densities and nutrient levels were of
the same magnitude as those found in the previous
segment. Although algal densities were high, they
created no nuisance conditions.
There was a general increase in the number of
bottom organisms below Chaska due primarily to
the presence of organic sludge deposits. Pollution
tolerant sludgeworms comprised the largest portion
of the benthic population with as many as 237 and
487 per square foot being found in the fall and
winter, respectively. Clean water associated
animals were even less abundant in this segment
than in the previous one. Game fish made up only
7% of the total fish population.
The palatability of carp caught in this seg-
ment immediately above the Blackdog power plant
was also evaluated. They had the lowest level of
palatability of all the fish assessed in the entire
study area.
During the winter, dissolved oxygen levels
were much lower and coliform densities were much
higher in the lower 27 miles of river as a result of
the additional wastes contributed by American
Crystal Sugar Company. Ice cover also served to
reduce dissolved oxygen levels by preventing
reaeration. Except in a short reach of open water
immediately below the Blackdog power plant, the
dissolved oxygen concentration averaged less than
3 mg/1 along the lower 20 miles of river during a
three-day survey in February 1965. Dissolved
oxygen concentrations at the mouth varied from
0.0 to 4.0 mg/1, averaging 1.8 mg/1.
Due largely to American Crystal Sugar
Company's and Rahr Malting Company's discharges,
coliform organisms in the river increased from
220 MPN/100 ml above the American Crystal Sugai
outfall to 500,000 MPN/100 ml at a point 4.7 miles
below the outfall. The coliform density decreased
progressively with distance downstream below this
point. Near the mouth, it averaged 9,600MPN/100ml.
The waters in this segment below Chaska were
unsuitable for irrigation, stock and wildlife water-
ing, navigation, and limited body contact activities
because the average coliform density exceeded
5,000 MPN/100 ml.
The minimum dissolved oxygen concentration
during the summer was too low below Shakopee and
the maximum temperature was too high between
river miles 8.4 and 3.0 for the waters to be suit-
able for the maintenance of game fish. Even if the
DO and temperature had been suitable, however, it
is very doubtful that game fish would have been
present in great numbers because of the limited
available food supply.
19
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The waters were usually too turbid to be con-
sidered suitable for whole body contact activities
(e.g. swimming and water skiing).
During the winter survey this segment was
also considered unsuitable for all fish because of
extremely low dissolved oxygen levels. In addition,
ammonia nitrogen levels exceeded the limit con-
sidered suitable for game fish.
To make the waters in this segment suitable
for uses such as boating, fishing, stock and wild-
life watering, irrigation, and the maintenance of
rough fish, the minimum dissolved oxygen level
should be maintained above 3 mg/1 and the average
coliform density maintained less than 5,000
organisms/100 ml.
ST. CROIX RIVER
Pollution in the St. Croix River is very slight.
The water quality was suitable for all uses prac-
ticed in all except a few small isolated areas where
coliform densities were high. These included the
immediate vicinity of municipal waste outfalls
belonging to Taylors Falls, St. Croix Falls,
Osceola, Stillwater, Bayport, Hudson, and the
Andersen Window Company industrial outfalls. The
esthetic quality was affected in a few locations
along the shoreline where algal blooms had occurred
during late summer.
The municipal and industrial waste sources
along the St. Croix River do not produce any
significant changes in the general water quality
even at very low flows. Agricultural and natural
pollution, however, contribute nutrients in amounts
generally considered sufficient to support nuisance
algal blooms. Pollution from boats is sometimes
evident in backwater areas, where debris is found
occasionally.
To make the waters suitable for body contact
activities, at all locations, waste effluents should
receive more complete disinfection before being
discharged. Better control of natural and agri-
cultural sources is required if nutrient concentra-
tions are to be lowered sufficiently to reduce algal
densities in late summer. Greater control of dis-
charges from boats is also required in order to
protect the esthetic as well as the bacteriological
quality of the waters.
20
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OBSERVATIONS
STATE PROBLEMS
The problem of controlling water pollution is
critically important in this urbanized society. The
problem is very complex in the variety and depth
of interests involved and in the governmental
arrangements that exist to do something about it.
Much of the authority of water pollution control,
however, rests with the State governments. There-
fore, progress toward solving the problem will be
influenced in a very large measure by the effective-
ness of State action.
When a State budget is prepared, water pollu-
tion control activities have to compete with other
desirable programs for a share of available funds,
particularly where it is a subsidiary activity of
another agency (such as a Public Health Depart-
ment). Up to now this has usually resulted in a
shortage of funds and staff for most State water
pollution control programs. The most serious im-
pact of this shortage is the necessary concentration
of available resources to meet urgent critical needs
at the expense of comprehensive measures and
long-range planning.
In view of the growing pressure that will be
exerted on the State pollution control agencies as
pollution problems become more intense and the
public concern more insistent, there is a great need
for a strong, efficient agency in every State with
adequate resources in finance, personnel, and
technical equipment.
In 1964 the Public Health Service contracted
the Public Administration Service, Chicago, Illinois,
for a study, the central purpose of which was to
develop standards against which State agencies
and other interests could gauge the adequacy of
personnel complements and budgetary support for
State water pollution control programs. Minimum and
desirable staffing and budget needs were determined
for each State. The needs estimated for Minnesota
and Wisconsin (in 1964) are given in the table
below along with actual staffing and budget figures.
It should be kept in mind that these estimates were
prepared in 1964, before the increased emphasis
on water pollution control and the establishment of
standards of water quality. Also, the estimates
were based on salary and expense levels lower
than those now prevailing.
COMPARISON OF NEEDED AND ACTUAL STAFFING AND BUDGET ALLOCATIONS
TO STATE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCIES
STATE
Minnesota
Minimum, 1964
Desirable, '64
Actual FY '66
Actual FY '67
Wisconsin
Minimum, 1964
Desirable, '64
Actual FY '66
Actual FY '67
TOTAL
STAFFING
58
104
35
35
71
126
24
81
AVERAGE
SALARY $
6,849
—
6,849
8,094
TOTAL
BUDGET $
530,000
946,000
338,336
345,327
646,000
1,145,000
267,206
1,193,832
TOTAL BUDGET
PER CAPITA (CENTS)
15
27
16
28
21
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The investigators feel that staffing and budget
needs for the State water pollution control agencies
in the States of Minnesota and Wisconsin should
be maintained no lower than the "desirable" level
given in the preceding table.
METROPOLITAN PROBLEMS
The complicating factor in the water pollution
problem is that water refuses to recognize city,
county, or State boundaries. It simply flows down-
hill. When a city fails to clean up its own wastes,
the chief victim is not the city itself but its
neighbor downstream; similarly, when the city
meets its responsibilities, it is the neighbor who
appears to benefit most.
The problem is compounded when the cities
within a given metropolitan area attempt to meet
their responsibilities on an individual basis. Such
an approach results in much duplication of effort,
higher unit costs, and no guarantee that a solution
will ever be obtained. Certainly, there is very little
hope that the optimum solution could ever be
achieved under such an approach.
Planning and action to alleviate metropolitan
problems of sewage collection, treatment, and dis-
posal can be handled best by a single authority.
Through this approach efforts can be coordinated
and directed most efficiently toward a set of con-
sistent objectives. This reduces the possibility of
one city inadvertently solving its problems at the
expense of another. The metropolitan approach can
also be economically advantageous since, within
limits, the per capita investment for the construc-
tion and operation of sewage treatment facilities
decreases as the size of the facility increases.
Whether the best solution lies in the use of one or
several plants is irrelevant; the important point is
that all sewage facilities be planned as part of an
integrated system encompassing the entire metro-
politan area.
In the Minneapolis-St. Paul metropolitan area,
there are approximately 80 communities. The two
core cities operate a sanitary district created in
1933 to handle wastes from Minneapolis, St. Paul,
and those adjacent outside areas which might
contract with either of the two cities for sewage
disposal. To date, approximately 30 communities
have contractual arrangements with them. Plans
prepared by the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary
District as required by Minnesota law, to eventually
serve the remaining communities has met with
resistance. The Minnesota Water Pollution Control
Commission has approved the engineering aspects
of these plans, considering them as an acceptable
solution to the metropolitan sewage problem. Many
of the suburbs, however, have expressed opposition
to the plan, principally its financial aspects. Many
of these suburban communities wish to form separate
districts while others are providing for their own
sewage disposal.
There has been an increasing awareness of
the need for coordination in solving the metro-
politan area sewage disposal problems on the part
of city, county, and State officials, civic leaders,
and most State legislators. Many of them have
submitted proposals but unfortunately, none have
been fully accepted by all the factions involved.
Several bills pertaining to the metropolitan problem
have been submitted to the legislature in previous
sessions. Some passed; others died in committee.
Although little progress toward a solution has
actually been made, the concern shown by these
activities offers a note of optimism.
The investigators feel that all communities
within the metropolitan area should unify their
positions and press for the establishment of an
overall metropolitan sanitary authority. This
authority should control all plant operations on a
unified basis and provide for the coordination of
local policy in the development of a regional water
strategy. This authority should, however, fall under
the jurisdiction of the Minnesota Water Pollution
Control Commission.
22
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CONCLUSIONS
Sewage and industrial wastes discharged to
the Mississippi River from Minnesota cause pollution
in the interstate waters of the Mississippi River
which endangers the health and welfare of persons
in Wisconsin and, therefore, is subject to abatement
under the provisions of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act.
1. The following sources of waste water dis-
charged to the Mississippi during the period of
investigation:
Anoka Sewage Treatment Plant
Minneapolis Water Treatment Plants
NSP Riverside Steam-Electric Generating
Plant
NSP High Bridge Steam-Electric Generating
Plant
Minnesota Harbor Service
Twin City Shipyard
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District Sewage
Treatment Plant
Swift and Company
Union Stockyards
Armour and Company
King Packing Company
So. St. Paul Sewage Treatment Plant
Newport Sewage Treatment Plant
Inver Grove Sewage Treatment Plant
Northwestern Refining Company
St. Paul Park Sewage Treatment Plant
J. L. Shiely Company — Larson Plant
J. L. Shiely Company — Nelson Plant
General Dynamics—Liquid Carbonic Division
St. Paul Ammonia Products Company
Great Northern Oil Company
Northwest Cooperative Mills
Cottage Grove S^wage Treatment Plant
Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
Hudson Manufacturing Company
Hastings Sewage Treatment Plant
Prescott Sewage Treatment Plant
S. B. Foot Tanning Company
Pittsburgh Plate Glass Company
Red Wing Sewage Treatment Plant
NSP Red Wing Steam-Electric Generating
Plant
Lake City Sewage Treatment Plant
Pepin Sewage Treatment Plant
2. The following sources of waste water dis-
charged to the Minnesota River during the period
of field investigation:
Honeymead Products Company
Mankato Sewage Treatment Plant
Archer Daniels Midland Company
Blue Cross Rendering Company
NSP Wilmarth Power Plant
Green Giant Company
City of Henderson
Minnesota Valley Milk Producers Coopera-
tive Assoc.
Chaska Sewage Treatment Plant (includes
Gedney Co. wastes)
American Crystal Sugar Company
Rahr Malting Company
Shakopee Sewage Treatment Plant
Owens-Illinois Forest Products
American Wheaton Glass Company
Savage Sewage Treatment Plant
Minnesota Masonic Home
Cargill, Inc.
Twin City Shipyard
Burnsville Sewage Treatment Plant
NSP Blackdog Power Plant
Cedar Grove Sewage Treatment Plant
3. The following sources of waste water dis-
charged to the St. Croix River during the period of
investigation:
St. Croix Falls Sewage Treatment Plant
Taylors Falls Sewage Treatment Plant
Osceola Sewage Treatment Plant
Stillwater Sewage Treatment Plant
Andersen Window Company
23
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Bayport Sewage Treatment Plant
United Refrigerator Company
Hudson Sewage Treatment Plant
4. The discharge of excessive amounts of
wastes produced oxygen concentrations below 5
mg/1 in the following stream reaches:
a. Mississippi River between the Minne-
apolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant and Lock and Dam No. 3
(39.4 mile reach) during summer of 1964.
b. Mississippi River between the Minne-
apolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant and St. Croix River (25.0-
mile reach) during the winter of 1964-1965.
c. Minnesota River between Shakopee and its
mouth (25.4-mile reach) during the summer
of 1964.
8. Ammonia nitrogen levels exceeded 2.0 mg/1
in the Mississippi River between Lock & Dam No.
2 and the St. Croix River (3.9-mile reach) during
the winter of 1964-1965.
9. Ammonia nitrogen levels exceeded 1.0 mg/1
in the following stream reaches:
a. Mississippi River between the Minne-
apolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant and Lock & Dam No. 3
(39.4-mile reach) during the period of the
survey.
b. Lower 15 miles of the Minnesota River
during the winter of 1964-1965.
10. Phenol levels occasionally exceeded 0.01
mg/1 in a 20-mile reach immediately below the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant.
d. Minnesota River between Chaska and its
mouth (27.7-mile reach) during the winter
of 1964-1965.
5. The discharge of excessive amounts of
wastes produced oxygen concentrations below 3
mg/1 in the following stream reaches:
a, Mississippi River between the Minne-
apolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant and Lock & Dam No. 2
(21.1-mile reach) during the summer of
1964 and the winter of 1964-1965.
b. Minnesota River between Chaska and the
mouth (27.7-mile reach) during the winter
of 1964-1965.
6. Minnesota River temperatures exceeded 90
and 93°F on occasion in a one-mile reach im-
mediately below the Northern States Power Compa-
ny's Blackdog steam-electric generating plant.
7. The average turbidity exceeded 25 jackson
units in the following stream reaches during the
summer of 1964:
a. Mississippi River between the Minnesota
River and the head of Lake Pepin (59.0-
mile reach).
b. Minnesota River from some point above
Mankato (the limit of the study area) to
the mouth.
11. The average concentration of the nutrients,
inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus, exceeded 0.3
(as N) and 0.03 (as P) mg/1, respectively, through-
out the three major streams studied.
12. Average coliform densities exceeded 1,000
MPN/100 ml in the following stream reaches during
all surveys:
a. Mississippi River from some point above
Anoka (limit of study area) to Lake City.
b. Minnesota River from some point above
Mankato (limit of study area) to the mouth.
13. Average coliform densities exceeded 5,000
MPN/100 ml in the following stream reaches during
all surveys:
a. Mississippi River between St. Anthony
Falls and the head of Lake Pepin (70-
mile reach).
b. Minnesota River between the Blue Earth
River at Mankato and the mouth (109.2-
mile reach).
14. Pathogenic bacteria and enteric viruses
were present in the following stream reaches:
a. Mississippi River between St. Paul and
Grey Cloud Island (10 miles below the
Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District
Plant).
24
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b. Mississippi River immediately below Red
Wing sewage treatment plant.
15. Algae reached nuisance proportions in the
following locations:
a. Mississippi River's LakePepin in shallow
areas along the shorelines.
b. St. Croix River's Lake St. Croix in shallow
areas along the shorelines.
16. Bottom sediment consisted of a mixture of
organic sludge and sand in the following stream
reaches during 1964:
a. Mississippi River between Lock & Dam
No. 1 and the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sani-
tary District sewage treatment plant
(11.3-mile reach).
b. Mississippi River between Lock &, Dam
No. 2 and the head of Lake Pepin (30-
mile reach).
c. Minnesota River along a five-mile reach
immediately below the Green Giant
Company (at LeSueur).
d. Minnesota River between American Crystal
Sugar Company (at Chaska) and the mouth
(27.7-mile reach).
e. All of Lake St. Croix (lower 23 miles of
the St. Croix River).
17. Bottom sediment consisted almost solely of
organic sludge in the following stream reaches
during 1964:
a. Mississippi River between the Minne-
apolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant and Lock & Dam No. 2
(21.1 mile reach).
b. All of Lake Pepin (lower 22 miles of
Mississippi River under study).
18. Fish caught in the lower 10 miles of the
Minnesota River and in the segment of Mississippi
River between South St. Paul and the St. Croix
River had lower levels of palatability than fish
caught elsewhere in the study area.
25
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RECOMMENDATIONS
GENERAL
River water quality shall be preserved or up-
graded, as required, to permit maximum use and
full recreational enjoyment of the waters. Remedial
measures necessary to attain this goal are given
in the recommendations. The recommendations are
given in two groups: General and specific. General
recommendations cover the broad objectives of
pollution abatement in the Project area. Specific
recommendations are given for the solution of
particular problems and are offered in addition to,
not in place of, the general recommendations.
These recommendations represent the initial
phase of a long-range and more comprehensive
water resource development program for the entire
Upper Mississippi River Basin. They apply to
problems needing immediate correction.
Although fertilization of the rivers and back-
water areas is undesirable, no recommendations
are made at this time concerning the installation
of specialized treatment facilities designed to
reduce nitrogen and phosphorus compounds in the
waste effluents. Operation of treatment facilities
so as to optimize nutrient removal will reduce the
problem.
RIVER SEGMENT
FROM
(RIVER MILE)
TO
(RIVER MILE)
(MAXIMUM OR MINIMUM CONCENTRATIONS
FOR ANY ONE SAMPLE)
DO (Min.) COLIFORM GUIDE
mg/1 (Maximum)l
Mississippi River
871.6 (Anoka)
836.3 (MSSD)
815.2 (L&D No. 2)
Minnesota River
109.2 (Mankato)
30.0 (Chaska)
St. Croix River
52.0 (Taylors Falls)
836.3 (MSSD)
815.2 (L&D No. 2)
763.5 (Chippewa River)
30.0 (Chaska)
0.0 (Mouth)
0.0 (Mouth)
No deterioration
in present level
(>5 mg/1)
3
5
No deterioration
in present level
(>5 mg/1)
No deterioration
in present level
(>5 mg/1)
A&C2
B
A
B
B
A&C
following pages for explanation of Coliform Guide.
^Coliform Guide C applies to the segment between Anoka
and St. Anthony Falls, only.
26
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MUNICIPALITIES,
INSTITUTIONS,
AND INDUSTRIES
General Recommendations
It is recommended that:
Protection of Existing Water Quality
1. There be no further decrease in quality of
any of the waters within the Study Area (Mississippi
River between Anoka, Minnesota and the outlet of
Lake Pepin; Minnesota River in and below Mankato,
Minnesota; and St. Croix River in and below St.
Croix Falls, Wisconsin.)
Enhancement of Water Quality
2. Water quality be enhanced as stipulated in
the remaining recommendations to provide the
following dissolved oxygen and coliform levels in
the given segments of the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers during flows equal to or
greater than the 7-consecutive-day, once in 10-yeai
summer and winder low flows.
(Refer to Table on page 26),
the fecal streptococcus count is not more than
20/100 ml, and provided also that there is proper
isolation from direct fecal contamination as
determined by a sanitary survey.
The waters designated for whole body contact
use should be maintained acceptable for this use
at least between May and October, inclusive. During
the remainder of the year when the weather is un-
suitable for whole body contact activities, these
waters should conform to Coliform Guide B.
Coliform Guide B — Recreational, limited body
contact use and commercial shipping (barge traffic).
The water uses for which this guide is intended are
those that entail limited contact between the water
user and the water. Examples of such uses are
fishing, pleasure boating, and commercial shipping.
Recommended guide value for coliforms is 5,000/
100 ml. For all waters in which coliform levels are
below this guide value, the water is considered
suitable for use, provided there is proper isolation
from direct fecal contamination as determined by a
sanitary survey.
(1) Coliform Guides
Coliform Guide A — Recreational whole body
use. The water uses for which this guide is in-
tended are those that entail total and intimate
contact of the whole body with the water. Examples
of such use are swimming, skin diving, and water
skiing, in which the body is totally immersed and
some ingestion of the water may be expected. The
recommended guide value for coliforms is 1,000 per
100 milliliters (1,000/100 ml). For all waters in
which coliform levels are below the guide value of
1,000/100 ml, the water is considered suitable
provided there is proper isolation from direct fecal
contamination as determined by a sanitary survey.
Situations may arise wherein waters having coliform
counts somewhat higher than the guide value can
be used, provided supplemental techniques are used
to determine safe bacterial quality. The analysis
for fecal streptococci is more definitive for
determining the presence of organisms of intestinal
origin, and is suggested as the supplemental
technique to be employed. A coliform level of
5,000/100 ml is considered satisfactory, provided
Coliform Guide C — Applies to municipal water
source. Where municipal water treatment includes
complete rapid-sand filtration or its equivalent,
together with continuous post-chlorination, source
water may be considered acceptable if the coliform
concentration (at the intake) averages not more
than 4,000/100 ml.
If the foregoing water quality is assured, then
the water will be suitable for the following uses
in each of the given river segments.
27
GPO 829—375
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WATER USE
a. Source of municipal water supply
b. Maintenance of habitat for Group P fish
c. Whole body contact recreational activities
d. Maintenance of habitat for Group 11^ fish
e. Irrigation
f. Stock and wildlife watering
g. Limited body contact recreational activities
h. Source of non-potable industrial process water
i. Source of cooling water
j. Commercial fishing
k. Navigation
1. Hydroelectric power generation
m. Esthetic enjoyment
3 & 4 See following for explanation of Group I and Group II fish.
RIVER SEGMENT
Mississippi River:
Anoka — St. Anthony Falls
St. Croix River:
Taylors Falls - Mouth
Mississippi River:
Anoka - MSSD
L&D No. 2 - Chippewa River
Minnesota River:
Mankato — Chaska
St. Croix River:
Taylors Falls - Mouth
Mississippi River:
Anoka — Minnesota River
L&D No. 2 - Chippewa River
St. Croix River:
Taylors Falls — Mouth
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
All portions of three major streams
(3) Group I Fish — Are those generally sought
after by sport fishermen and include but are not
limited to the following species: Walleyed Pike,
Sauger, Northern Pike, Black Crappie, White
Crappie, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass,
Rock Bass, White Bass, Bluegill, Channel
Catfish, Sturgeon, Flathead Catfish, Green
Sunfish, Pumpkinseed Sunfish, and Brown
Trout.
(4) Group II Fish — Are those generally sought
after by commercial fishermen in this area and
include but are not limited to the following
species: Carp, Quillback, Sheepshead, Brown
Bullhead, Bigmouth Buffalo, Northern Carp-
sucker, Northern Redhorse, Longnose Gar,
Shortnose Gar, Bowfin, Mooneye, Gizzard
Shad, Common Sucker, Spotted Sucker, Yellow
Bullhead, Black Bullhead, Golden Shiner,
Perch, and River Sucker.
28
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Treatment of Municipal Wastes
Monitoring of Water Quality
3. All municipalities and other institutions
discharging sewage to the rivers under investiga-
tion provide at least secondary biological treatment
plus continuous disinfection of the effluent. This
treatment is to prbduce an effluent containing no
more than:
a. 20 percent of the mass of 5-day (20°C) BOD
originally contained in the influent.
b. 20 percent of the mass of suspended solids
originally contained in the influent.
c. 5,000 coliforms/100 ml (except where "d"
applies).
d. 1,000 coliforms/100 ml between May and
October, inclusive, where receiving waters
are used for whole body contact activities
(see preceding list).
These limits are to be followed except where
more stringent ones are given in the specific
recommendations or are required by State Water
Pollution Control agencies.
Reports by Municipal Treatment Plants
4. Municipal waste treatment plants maintain
at least the minimum laboratory control and records
as recommended by the Conference of State Sanitary
Engineers at their 38th Annual Meeting in 1963
(See Appendix). In addition, all plants should
maintain a record of chlorine feed rates and those
plants of 2 million gallons/day capacity, or greater,
should provide analyses for total and fecal coli-
forms on a once per week basis. Results of labora-
tory tests and other pertinent records should be
summarized monthly and submitted to the appropriate
State agency for review and evaluation. These
records are to be maintained in open files of the
State agency for use by all persons with a legiti-
mate interest.
Phosphate Removal
5. New waste treatment facilities be designed
to provide adequate capacity of individual units
and components as well as maximum flexibility in
order to permit later modification in operating
procedures so as to effect the greatest amount of
phosphate removal. Existing plant facilities should
be operated so as to optimize phosphate removal.
6. The States of Minnesota and Wisconsin
establish a program of monitoring and surveillance
in area waters for evaluating progress in improve-
ment of stream quality resulting from implementation
of actions recommended by the conferees. The
FWPCA should establish monitoring stations where
appropriate on portions of the Mississippi and
Minnesota Rivers within the State of Minnesota to
aid in the evaluation. Water quality surveillance
activities should be coordinated and all information
made available to the States, the FWPCA, and
other parties with a legitimate interest.
Bypassing and Spilling of Wastes
7. All present and future sewerage and sewage
treatment facilities be modified or designed and
operated to eliminate bypassing of untreated wastes
during normal maintenance and renovation opera-
tions. The appropriate State agency (Minnesota
Water Pollution Control Commission or Wisconsin
Department of Resource Development) is to be
contacted for approval prior to any expected by-
passing of waste. All accidental or emergency
bypassing or spillage should be reported im-
mediately.
Pretreatment of Wastes
8. Wastes (such as sludge from the St. Paul
water treatment plant) which discharge into a
municipal sewerage system be pretreated to avoid
any detrimental effect on waste treatment operation.
Protection Against Spillage
9. Programs be developed by those responsible
for the facilities to prevent or minimize the adverse
effect of accidental spills of oils, gases, fuels,
and other material capable of causing pollution. The
elements of such programs should include:
a. Engineering works such as catchment areas,
relief vessels, and dikes to trap spillage.
b. Removal of all apilled materials in a manner
acceptable to the regulatory agencies.
c. Immediate reporting (by those responsible
for the facilities) of any spills to the ap-
propriate State agency.
d. In-plant surveys and programs to prevent
accidental spills.
29
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Combination Storm and Sanitary Sewers
Vessel Wastes
10. Combined storm and sanitary sewers be
prohibited in all newly developed areas and be
eliminated in existing areas wherever opportunity
to do so is afforded by redevelopment. Present
combined sewers should be continuously patrolled
and operated so as to convey the maximum possible
amount of combined flows to and through the waste
treatment plant. In addition, studies to develop
effective control of wastes from this source should
be continued by the MSSD and should be initiated
by the City of South St. Paul. Although the im-
mediate problem is a bacterial one, both studies
should also consider the discharge of BOD and
solids. Methods to be used to control wastes from
combined sewers and a time schedule for their
accomplishment should be reported to the conferees
within two years after issuance of the Conference
Summary.
Treatment of Industrial Wastes
11. All industries discharging wastes to the
rivers under investigation, unless otherwise
specified, provide treatment sufficient to produce
an effluent containing no more than 20 percent of
the mass of 5-day (20°C) BOD and suspended
solids originally contained in the untreated process
waste. Settleable solids and coliforms in the
effluent are not to exceed the following:
a. Settleable solids - 5 ml/1
b. Coliforms - 5,000/100 ml (except where
"c" applies)
c. Coliforms - 1,000/100 ml between May and
October, inclusive, where receiving waters
are used for whole body contact activities
(see preceding list).
Reporting of Industrial Wastes
12. Industries discharging wastes to the waters
maintain operating records containing information
on waste discharge rates and concentrations of
constituents found in significant quantities in their
wastes.
This information should be summarized and
submitted to the appropriate State agency at monthly
intervals for review and evaluation. These records
are to be maintained in open files of the State
agency for use by all persons with a legitimate
interest.
13. All watercraft provide adequate treatment
on board or arrange for suitable on-shore disposal
of all liquid and solid wastes.
Garbage and Refuse Dumps
14. Garbage or refuse not be dumped along the
banks of the river and no open dumps be allowed
on the flood plain. Material in ^present dump sites
along the river banks should be removed and the
appearance of the bank restored to an esthetically
acceptable condition. Present open dumps on the
flood plain should be converted to sanitary land-
fills operated acceptably to the appropriate State
agencies.
Upstream Bacterial Control
15. Waste sources upstream from and outside
of the study area on the Mississippi, Minnesota,
and St. Croix Rivers and their tributaries be
sufficiently controlled so that waters entering the
study area conform to General Recommendation
No. 2.
Specific Recommendations -
Mississippi River
Specific recommendations are offered in
addition to, and not in place of, the general
recommendations.
Municipal Sources
It is recommended that:
MSSD to South St. Paul - Maximum BOD
and Suspended Solids Loadings
1. Maximum waste loadings from all sources
between and including the Minneapolis-St. Paul
Sanitary District and the South St. Paul Sewage
Treatment Plants be such that a minimum dis-
solved oxygen content of 3.0 mg/1 can be main-
tained during the 7-consecutive-day, once in
10-year low summer flow in the reach of river
between Mississippi River miles 836.4 and 815.2.
To attain this, combined wastes loads from these
sources should not exceed 68,500 pounds/day of
5-day (20°C) BOD, exclusive of combined sewer
overflows. Suspended solids loadings discharged
to this reach (exclusive of combined sewer over-
flows) should not exceed 85,500 pounds/day in
order to minimize sludge deposits.
30
-------
Maximum Phenolic Loadings
2. Maximum loadings of phenolic wastes from
the Minneapolis-St. Paul Sanitary District sewage
treatment plant, Northwestern Refining Co., Grea:
Northern Oil Co., and Minnesota Mining and Manu-
facturing Co., all combined, not exceed 110 pounds/
day in order to maintain the stream concentration
of this material under 0.01 mg/1 at stream flows
equal to or greater than the 7-consecutive-day,
once in 10-year low flow.
Bypassing at MSSD
3. An engineering study of the Minneapolis-
St. Paul Sanitary District sewerage system be
undertaken to determine what changes are required
to make unnecessary the practice of bypassing
wastes periodically for the purpose of cleaning
the inverted siphon under the Mississippi River.
Hastings Plant
4. The BOD removal efficiency at the Hastings,
Minnesota primary sewage treatment plant be in-
creased from the 5 percent figure found during the
survey to a minimum of 30 percent until secondary
biological treatment facilities are in operation.
Industrial Sources
It is recommended that:
Water Treatment Plants of the City of Minneapolis
1. Treatment facilities be provided capable of
producing an effluent with a suspended solids con-
centration not exceeding that found in other treated
effluents being discharged to the same reach of
river. At no time should the daily average sus-
pended solids concentration exceed 50 mg/1.
The two water treatment plants of the City of
Minneapolis discharge sand filter backwash water
to the river without prior treatment. Together the
two plants discharge approximately 0.69 mgd of
backwash water having an average suspended
solids concentration of 1,900 mg/1.
Swift & Co., Armour & Co., and So. St. Paul
Union Stockyards
2. The industries in the South St. Paul area
(Swift & Company, Armour & Company, and the
St. Paul Union Stockyards) provide ar effective
method of control and correction of direct dis-
charges to the Mississippi River. These include
so-called clean waste waters, watering trough
overflows, truck washing wastes, surface drainage,
and hog pen flushings. The coliform densities of
any of these discharges should not exceed 5,000/
100 ml once the control devices are in operation.
Northwest Cooperative Mills
3. Additional treatment be provided to reduce
the suspended solids concentrations of the com-
positing pond effluent to substantially the same
levels found in other effluents being discharged to
the same reach of rjver after satisfactory treatment.
In no instance should the daily average suspended
solids concentration exceed 50 mg/1.
The discharge from the compositing pond
averages 46,000 gallons/day (gpd) and contains
about 420 mg/1 of suspended solids.
Foot Tanning Company
4. Any additional facilities constructed for
the company's waste produce an effluent of a
quality acceptable to the Minnesota Water
Pollution Control Commission (MWPCC) and in
conformity with recommendations in this report.
The possibility of discharging the settled waste
to the Red Wing sewerage system in lieu of addi-
tional treatment should be considered and a report
on the conclusions of such questions submitted to
the MWPCC.
On April 1, 1966 the company submitted to the
MWPCC plans and specifications for a primary
clarifier and a study plan for evaluating secondary
treatment methods.
Specific Recommendations -
Minnesota River
Municipal Sources
No specific recommendations.
Industrial Sources
It is recommended that:
Green Giant Company
1. An additional pump be provided for standby
purposes at the waste water sump for use when the
main pump fails. The sanitary and miscellaneous
process wastes should be handled as specified by
General Recommendations 3 and 11.
31
-------
This company had pump failures at the waste
water collection sump where process waste is
collected and pumped to ridge and furrow fields.
When pump failure occurs, the waste is discharged
directly to the river. Some sanitary and miscellane-
ous process wastes are discharged directly to the
river without treatment as a normal practice
American Crystal Sugar Co. and Rahr Malting Co.
Maximum BOD and Suspended Solids Loadings
2. Maximum waste loadings from all sources
between and including the American Crystal Sugar
Co. and the Rahr Malting Co. be such that a
minimum dissolved oxygen content of 3.0 mg/1 can
be maintained during the 7-consecutive-day, once
in 10-year low winter flow in the reach of river
between Minnesota River miles 29 and 0. To attain
this, combined waste loads from these sources
should not exceed 12,000 pounds/day of 5-day
(20°C) BOD during winter when there is no ice
cover in the vicinity of the Blackdog power plant.
At times of complete ice cover, the maximum waste
loading of 5-day (20°C) BOD from these sources
should not exceed 6,500 pounds/day. In no case,
however, should treatment efficiency be less than
that specified in the General Recommendations.
Northern States Power Company Blackdog Plant
3. A water temperature of not greater than
90°F be maintained in the lower Minnesota River.
To attain this, the existing cooling pond should
be utilized to its fullest extent during the summer
at stream flows less than 1500 cfs. During these
periods the thermal addition to the Minnesota
River should not exceed 13.5 billion BTU/day.
Specific Recommendations -
St. Croix River
Municipal Sources
No specific recommendations.
Industrial Sources
No specific recommendations.
FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS
Federal installations contribute less than 0.1
percent of the pollution entering the three major
streams studied. Although their contributions are
small, full consideration is still given to Federal
installations, in compliance with Section 11 of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended
(33 U.S.C. 466 et seq.)
U. S. Army -
Nike Missile Installations
General Recommendations
It is recommended that:
1. A minimum of one hour per day be devoted
to proper treatment, plant operation and maintenance.
2. The treatment facilities be operated such
that removal efficiencies approach those for which
the plants were designed.
3. Laboratory analyses and records mainten-
ance consistent with recommendations of the Con-
ference of State Sanitary Engineers for plants of
0.25 mgd capacity be carried out. A report of these
functions, including results of analyses, are to be
furnished to the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration upon request.
Specific Recommendations
Nike Site No. 20, Roberts, Wisconsin
No specific recommendations.
Nike Site No. 40, Farmington, Minnesota
It is recommended that:
1. Discharge of effluent to the roadside ditch
be terminated as soon as possible. The present
outfall sewer line should be extended so as to
discharge the effluent into the unnamed creek
which at present ultimately receives the waste.
2. Continuous chlorination facilities be acti-
vated immediately with disinfection sufficient to
produce a free chlorine residual of 0.5 mg/1 after
a 15 minute contact at peak flow rates.
Nike Site No. 70, St. Bonifacius, Minnesota
No specific recommendations.
Nike Site No. 90, Bethel, Minnesota
It is recommended that continuous
chlorination facilities be activated im-
mediately with disinfection sufficient to
32
-------
produce a free chlorine residual of 0.5
mg/1 after a 15 minute contact at peak
flow rates.
U. S. Air Force -
Air Defense Command
Osceola, Wisconsin Station
It is recommended that a schedule of
maintenance practices be instituted consistent
with accepted procedures for operation of
oxidation ponds so as to insure satisfactory
treatment.
U. S. Army Corps of Engineers
Locks and Dams
It is recommended that:
1. Present plans be continued concerning
improvement or replacement of inadequately sized
treatment facilities.
2. At stream flows of 7,000 cubic feet per
second (cfs) or less (as measured at the St. Paul
gage), as much water as possible be passed over
bulkheads before the Taintor gates at Lock & Dam
No. 2. At flows of 3,000 cfs or less, the equivalent
of the inflow to Pool No. 2 should be passed over
the bulkheads.
Floating Dredge Thompson
It is recommended that a planned schedule
of analyses be continued on effluent from the
waste treatment facilities so as to insure
adequate removals prior to overboard discharge
of effluent.
U. S. Air Force -
934th Troop Carrier Group
Officers Club
It is recommended that the present single
compartment septic tank be changed to a two
compartment tank. A subsurface tile field of
adequate size should be installed to supple-
ment the present field.
33
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SCHEDULE FOR REMEDIAL PROGRAM
MUNICIPALITIES,
INSTITUTIONS,
AND INDUSTRIES
In light of the excellent progress the MWPCC
has made in making various industrial firms and
municipalities aware of the need for abatement
facilities, the following time schedule for the fore-
going remedial program is recommended. The time
periods given commence with the issuance of the
Conference Summary by the Secretary of the
Interior.
a. Submission of preliminary plans for remedial
facilities within 6 months.
b. Submission of final design for remedial
facilities within 12 months.
c. Financing arrangements for municipalities
completed and construction started within
18 months.
d. Construction completed and plants placed
into operation within 36 months.
e. Existing schedules of the State agencies
calling for earlier completion dates are to
be met.
FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS
Schedules for Federal installations requiring
only operational and maintenance changes shall be
initiated immediately. Changes required at Nike
Site No. 40 and the Ft. Snelling Officers Club
should be completed and made operational within
6 months.
SCHEDULE MODIFICATIONS
It is recognized that modifications in this
schedule may be necessary. These may include:
a. A lesser time where the control agency
having jurisdiction considers that a prac-
tical method of control can be in operation
prior to the time stated.
b. In a few industries and municipalities some
variation from this schedule may be sought
from the appropriate State and local pollution
control agencies. In such cases after review
the conferees may make appropriate recom-
mendations to the Secretary of the Depart-
ment of the Interior.
GPO 829-375-6
34
-------
APPENDIX
35
-------
TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS
FACILITY
TYPE OF TREATMENT
FINAL DISPOSAL
U.S. Air Force
Osceola Air Force Station
934th Troop Carrier Group
Officers Club
Secondary
Primary
Ground
Marsh area near Minnesota River
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Upper St. Anthony Falls
Lower St. Anthony Falls
Lock & Dam No. 1
Lock & Dam No. 2
Lock & Dam No. 3
U.S. Army
Nike Site No. 90
Administration Site
Launch Site
Dog Kennels
Nike Site No. 70
Administration Site
Launch Site
Dog Kennels
Nike Site No. 40
Administration-Launch Site
Radar Control Site
Dog Kennels
Nike Site No. 20
Administration Site
Launch Site
Dog Kennels
Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant
Cooling & Storm Water
Zeolite Softener Backwash Water
Other Wastes
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Primary
Secondary
Primary
Primary
Secondary
Primary
Primary
Secondary
Primary
Primary
Secondary
Primary
Primary
None
None
(to municipal system)
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Ground
Tributary to Rum River
Ground
Ground
Slough
Ground
Ground
Unnamed Creek
Ground
Ground
Pond
Ground
Ground
Round Lake (Company Owned)
Rice Creek (Tributary on Mississippi River)
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EXCERPTS FROM
"RECOMMENDATIONS FOR MINIMUM
PERSONNEL, LABORATORY CONTROL
AND RECORDS FOR MUNICIPAL WASTE TREATMENT WORKS"
BY
The Conference of State Sanitary Engineers
in cooperation with
U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare
Public Health Service
1963
36
-------
PLANT CAPACITY 0.25 MGD
Laboratory Control
In a plant of this size, the operator shoulc
conduct the following tests:
(1) Settleable solids (Imhoff Cone) once or
twice a week using grab samples. The
grab samples should.be taken at a time
of representative flow and should re-
flect vary ing days of the week and hours
of the day.
(2) Relative stability (methylene blue)
daily, Monday through Friday.
(3) Chlorine residual of effluent daily,
Monday through Friday; twice daily
when stream conditions require.
(4) For activated sludge plants, in addi-
tion to the above tests, sludge index
tests daily and a colorimetric dis-
solved oxygen test weekly.
Records
Usually personnel and time limitations will
permit the keeping of only minimal records. How-
ever, two types of records should be kept: (1) a
diary-type log showing a necessarily wide variety
of useful and important information such as un-
usual maintenance work, failure of a piece of
equipment, accidents, unusual weather, flooding,
bypassing, complaints, visitors, etc; and (2) a
tabular record showing the observation or results
of each laboratory test made and other available
measured data such as plant flow, volume of
sludge, or time sludge pumped. Emphasis is
placed here on the need for the operator to record
the data available to him with strict regularity and
in a form best suited to his schedule.
PLANT CAPACITY 0.5 MGD
Laboratory Control
For a plant other than activated sludge
the following tests, should be conducted:
(1) Settleable solids (Imhoff Cone) daily,
Monday through Friday. Tests should
be made at varying hours during the
day.
(2) Relative stability (methylene blue)
daily, Monday through Friday. Tests
should be made at varying hours during
the day.
(3) Colorimetric pH of raw waste water
occasionally.
(4) Chlorine residual of effluent daily;
twice daily when stream conditions
require.
(5) Total solids of digested sludge
occasionally and when the sludge is
drawn to the drying beds.
(6) pH of digested sludge occasionally and
when the sludge is drawn to the drying
beds.
For an activated sludge plant the following
tests should be conducted:
(1) Settleable solids (Imhoff Cone) daily.
(2) Relative stability (methylene blue)
daily.
(3) Sludge index daily.
(4) Mixed liquor dissolved oxygen (colori-
metncally) daily.
(5) Sludge depth measurements in primary
and secondary settling tanks daily.
(6) pH of digested sludge when sludge is
drawn.
(7) Total solids of digested sludge when
sludge is drawn.
Records
A diary should be kept similar to the 0.25
MGD plant, but with a full-time operator it should
be more comprehensive. Regularity is emphasized.
The laboratory control record also is slightly
more detailed because of the additional tests
specified and with a full-time operator should be
maintained with ease. Consultation with State
regulatory agency representatives, university
personnel, and/or other experienced personnel, and
attendance at short courses in his State will assist
the operator to establish and maintain suitable
37
GPO 829-375-4
-------
records. These records should
complete for the items specified.
be accurate and
PLANT CAPACITY 1.0 MGD
Laboratory Control
For primary and trickling filter plants the
following tests are specified:
(1) Settleable solids (Imhoff Cone) daily.
(2) Relative stability (methylene blue)
daily.
(3) BOD's of raw waste, final effluent, and
of such other components as possible
once a week and preferably twice a
week. Samples should be 3-hour com-
posites taken at 11 arm., 12 noon,
and 1 p.m.
(4) Suspended solids of raw waste, final
effluent and of such other components
as possible once a week and preferably
twice a week. Samples should be 3-hour
composites taken at 11 a.m., 12 noon,
and 1 p.m.
(5) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
when operating difficulties are ex-
perienced or anticipated.
(6) Total solids of digested sludge when
drawn or when operating difficulties
are experienced or anticipated.
(7) DO of receiving stream at least twice
a week above and below the plant dis-
charge.
(8) Chlorine residuals of effluent daily;
twice daily, when stream conditions
require.
For activated sludge plants the following
tests are specified:
(1) Settleable solids (Imhoff Cone) daily.
(2) Relative stability (methylene blue)
daily.
(3) BOD's of raw waste, final effluent,
and of such other components as pos-
sible twice a week. Samples should be
3-hour composites taken at 11 a.m., 12
noon, and 1 p.m.
(4) Suspended solids of raw waste, mixed
liquor, and final effluent once a week.
Samples should be 3-hour composites
taken at 11 a.m., 12 noon, and 1 p.m.
(5) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
when operating difficulties are ex-
perienced or anticipated.
(6) Total solids of digested sludge when
drawn or when operating difficulties
are experienced or anticipated.
(7) Depth of sludge in primary and final
settling tanks daily.
(8) Sludge index daily.
(9) Dissolved oxygen (colorimetric) of
mixed liquor daily.
(10) DO of receiving stream at least twice
a week above and below the plant
discharge.
(11) Chlorine residual of effluent daily;
twice daily, when stream conditions
require.
Records
For a plant of this size considerable care and
technical competence is required in assembling and
recording the data. Included in the supervision
be the understanding and patience needed to inter-
pret the control procedure carried on. To establish
and maintain adequate records, some guidance will
be needed from State regulatory agency repre-
sentatives, university personnel, and/or other
experienced individuals,
PLANT CAPACITY 5.0 MGD
Laboratory Control
Following are recommended test procedures
for plants other than activated sludge:
(1) Settleable solids daily.
38
-------
(2) Relative stability daily.
(7) Sludge index daily on each shift.
(3) Dissolved oxygen of raw waste, efflu-
ent and receiving stream above and
below the plant discharge 5 days per
week.
(4) pH of raw waste and effluent 5 days
per week.
(5) BOD's of raw waste and effluents 3
times per week on 24-hour composite
samples.
(6) Suspended solids of raw waste and
effluents 3 times per week on 24-hour
composite samples.
(7) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
as necessary to control digester opera-
tion.
(8) Total and volatile solids of digested
sludge when drawn or as necessary to
control digester operation.
(9) Volatile acids of digested sludge when
drawn or as necessary to control
digester operation.
(10) Chlorine residual of effluent daily,
twice daily when stream conditions
require.
For activated sludge plants the recom-
mended test procedures are as follows:
(1) Settleable solids daily.
(2) Relative stability or nitrates 5 days
perweek on 24-hourcomposite samples.
(3) Dissolved oxygen of raw waste, efflu-
ent and receiving stream above and
below discharge 5 days per week.
(4) pH of raw waste and final effluent
daily.
(5) BOD's of raw waste and effluents 5
days per week on 24-hour composites.
(6) Suspended solids of raw waste and
effluents 5 days per week on com-
posite samples.
(8) Mixed liquor DO (colorimetric) daily
on each shift.
(9) Sludge depth in primary and final
settling tanks daily on each shift.
(10) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
as needed to control digester operation.
(11) Total and volatile solids of digested
sludge when drawn or as needed to
control digester operation.
(12) Volatile acids of digested sludge when
drawn or as needed to control digester
operation.
(13) Chlorine residual of effluent daily,
twice daily when stream conditions
require.
Records
The size of this plant makes it desirable to
keep daily records of all operations — many of
them on a shift basis. With a full-time super-
intendent and a staff of trained men, including a
chemist in an activated sludge plant, there should
be no difficulty in maintaining the records in a
highly competent manner. The specified personnel
should assure the interpretation and use of the
control information in such a way as to obtain
the maximum treatment efficiency.
Since this falls in the large plant category
there may be considerable flexibility in the form of
records and various control procedures. In addition
to the recorded laboratory control and diary-type
log information, this plant may need to record a
number of other determinations. Some of these might
include alkalinity, ORP, heavy metals, or certain
components indicative of particular industrial
waste problems.
There are frequent needs to record other in-
formation which contributes markedly to the control
procedure. Some of these data include the following:
(1) Weather and wind direction in the
event of odor problems.
(2) In addition to the raw waste flow, a
record of bypassing.
39
GPO 829—375-3
-------
(3) Amount of course solids handled; i.e.,
grit screening, dried sludge hauled
from beds, or sludge removal from
digesters.
(4) Primary and secondary settling tank
cleanup — hours of hosing or skimming
and/or maintenance, etc.
(5) Trickling filter maintenance — nozzle
cleaning, dosing or recirculating pump
operation, humus sludge pumping to
primary tanks, etc.
(6) Activated sludge operation— air volume
and blower operation, volume of sludge
return and waste, replacement or clean-
ing diffusers, etc.
(7) Sludge handling— in addition to volume
of sludge pumped and time, such in-
formation as amount of recirculation or
transfer of digested sludge, gas mixing,
supernatant withdrawal, final sludge
to drying beds or filters, disposal of
sludge from beds, conditioning chemi-
cals for filters, incineration, etc.
Records of the above operations may oe kept
in a form most convenient to the superintendent.
Because of the wide variation in plants of this
size and individual needs, the way these records
are kept will vary considerably.
PLANT CAPACITY 10.0 MGD
(or larger)*
Laboratory Control
Required test procedures for plants other
than activated sludge are:
(1) Settleable solids daily.
(2) Relative stability daily.
(3) Dissolved oxygen of raw waste,
effluent and receiving stream above
and below discharge 5 days per week.
(4) pH of raw waste and effluent daily.
(5) BOD's of raw waste and effluents
daily, Monday through Friday, based
on 24-hour composite samples.
(6) Suspended solids of raw waste and
effluents daily, Monday through Friday,
based on 24-hour composite samples.
(7) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
as needed to control digester operation.
(8) Total and volatile solids of digested
sludge when drawn or as needed to
control digester operation.
(9) Volatile acids of digested sludge when
drawn or as needed to control digester
operation.
(10) Chlorine residuals of effluent daily,
twice daily when stream conditions
require.
For an activated sludge plant the required
test procedures are:
(1) Settleable solids daily.
(2) Relative stability or nitrates daily on
24-hour composite samples.
(3) Dissolved oxygen of raw waste, final
effluent and receiving stream above and
below discharge 5 days per week.
(4) pH of raw waste and final effluent daily.
(5) BOD's of raw waste and effluents
daily, Monday through Friday, on 24-
hour composite samples.
(6) Suspended solids of raw waste and
final effluents daily, Monday through
Friday, on 24-hour composite samples.
(7) Sludge index daily on each shift.
Solids should be determined in con-
junction with the BOD and suspended
solids determinations.
(8) Mixed liquor DO (colorimetric) daily
on each shift.
*Note enclosed in parentheses has been added by
the Twin Cities-Upper Mississippi River Project.
(9) Sludge depth in primary and final
settling tanks daily on each shift.
40
-------
(10) pH of digested sludge when drawn or
as needed to control digester operation.
(11) Total and volatile solids of digested
sludge when drawn or as needed to
control digester operation.
(12) Volatile acids of digested sludge when
drawn or as needed to control digester
operation.
(13) Chlorine residual of effluent daily,
twice daily when stream conditions
require.
Records
The comments on records for the 5.0 MGD
plant also apply to the 10.0 MGD plant. The ad-
ministrative personnel should select the record
style best suited to their specific needs. Many
more items of control data also may be desirable,
based on the superintendent's judgment and on
special conditions.
With a larger staff the 10.0 MGD plant may be
able to carry on special projects beyond that
possible in the smaller plants. Such projects may
include special studies on industrial wastes or
operational research projects. These projects may
result in published information which can be
valuable to many others with similar problems.
A plant of this size normally is expected to
produce an annual operating report containing
comprehensive records of the year's activities and
performance. This procedure enables the super-
intendent to transform the daily records into sum-
many and unusual information which is quite help-
ful to others.
41
GPO 829—375—2
-------
President Johnson said:
"No one has a right to use America's rivers and
America's waterways that belong to all the people as
a sewer. The banks of a river may belong to one man or
one industry or one state, but the waters which flow
between those banks should belong to all the people."
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