Region Ifl Library
          EiMrommntal Protection Agenc
WATER QUALITY
CONDITIONS IN THE
CHESAPEAKE BAY SYSTEM

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                     Annapolis Field Office

                            Region III

                 Environmental Protection  Agency
                     WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
                              IN THE
                       CHESAPEAKE  BAY  SYSTEM
                        Technical Report 55

                            August  1972
                        Thomas H.  Pheiffer*

                        Daniel K.  Donnelly

                        Dorothy A.  Possehl
                                                 l!.3. Envi'o.v^nts! Protection Agency
                                                 Cc^jn III ln!Gri7iation Resource
                                                 Center (3PM52)
                                                 841 Chestnut Street
                                                 Philadelphia, PA  19107
* Currently represents  the Environmental  Studies Section,
  Environmental Planning  Branch, Air and  Water Division,
  Region  III, EPA in the  Chesapeake Bay Study.

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                             PREFACE





     The Annapolis Field Office, Region III, Environmental  Protection



Agency, makes data and other technical  information available to all



interested individuals.  The data reported for the States of Maryland



and Virginia and the District of Columbia were obtained through a



cooperative effort with the Baltimore District, U. S.  Army Corps of



Engineers.  The information contained in Technical Report No. 55 will



also be published in the Corps of Engineers' report to the Congress



covering the existing conditions of the Chesapeake Bay with regard to



navigation, fisheries, flood control, control  of noxious weeds, water



pollution, water quality control, beach erosion, and recreation.

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                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                              Page

LIST OF TABLES	

LIST OF FIGURES	

Chapter

   I    INTRODUCTION	    I  -  1

  II    SUMMARY OF FINDINGS	   II-  1

 III    WATER QUALITY STANDARDS	  Ill-  1

        A.   Maryland Water Quality Criteria	  Ill  -  1

        B.   Virginia Water Quality Criteria	  Ill  -  4

        C.   District of Columbia Water Quality Criteria	  Ill  -  7

        D.   Assigned Water Uses	  Ill  - 11

  IV    CHESAPEAKE BAY STUDIES	   IV  -  1

        A.   Lower Susquehanna River Area	   IV  -  1

        B.   Upper Bay and Upper Eastern Shore Area
              (Northeast, Elk, Bohemia, and Sassafras Rivers)   IV  -  6

        C.   Upper Western Shore Area
              (Bush, Gunpowder, and Middle Rivers)	   IV  - 13

        D.   Baltimore Harbor Area	   IV  - 18

        E.   Middle Western Shore Area
              (Magothy, Severn, South, and West Rivers)	   IV  - 36

        F.   Middle Chesapeake Bay
              In the Vicinity of Sandy Point	   IV  - 47

        G.   Middle Eastern Shore Area	   IV  - 56

            1.  Chester River	   IV  - 56

            2.  Eastern Bay	   IV  - 63

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                   TABLE OF CONTENTS (Continued)

Chapter                                                       Page
           3.  Choptank River	 IV -  71
           4.  Little Choptank River	 IV -  90
           5.  Nanticoke River	 IV -  92
           6.  Wicomico River - Monie Bay	 IV - 100
           7.  Manokin River	 IV - 108
           8.  Annemessex Rivers	 IV - 110
       H.  Lower Eastern Shore Area	 IV - 116
       I.  Patuxent Ri ver Area	 IV - 128
       J.  Potomac Ri ver Study Area	 IV - 142
       K.  Rappahannock Ri ver Area	 IV - 187
       L.  York River Area	 IV - 199
       M.  James River Area	 IV - 208
           1.  James River	 IV - 208
           2.  Elizabeth River	 IV - 249
       N.  Lower Chesapeake Bay	 IV - 268
   V   DATA  EVALUATION AND INVENTORIES	  V -    1
       A.  Data Evaluation	  V -    1
       B.  Data Inventories	  V -    6
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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                          List of Tables
Number                         Title                             Page
IV- 1     Nutrient Input to Bay from the Susquehanna River       IV -   2
IV- 2     Upper Bay and Upper Eastern Shore Sampling Station     IV -   8
          Locations
IV- 3     Baltimore Harbor Nutrient Data                         IV - 30
IV- 4     South River Sampling Station Locations - MDWR          jy _ 37
IV- 5     Severn River Sampling Station Locations - MDWR         iy - 39
IV- 6     South River Nutrient Concentrations                    jy - 44
IV- 7     Sandy Point (Middle Bay) Sampling Station              iy - 53
          Locations - AFO
IV- 8     Sandy Point Nutrient and Chlorophyll a_                 IV - 54
          Concentrations - April 1971
IV- 9     Sandy Point Nutrient and Chlorophyll a_                 IV - 55
          Concentrations - June 1971
IV-10     Chester River Sampling Station Locations - MDWR        jy - 61
IV-11     Chester River Sampling Station Locations - AFO         jy _ 52
IV-12     Coliform Densities in Oak Creek and St. Michael's      jy . 55
          Harbor
IV-13     Shellfish Closures - Eastern Bay Area                  iy > 55
IV-14     Miles River - Oak Creek Sampling Station              jy .. 59
          Locations - MDWR
IV-15     Shellfish Closures in Choptank River Basin            jy _  74
IV-16     Total Coliform Densities in Choptank River            jy _  75
          Shellfish Harvesting Waters
IV-17     Dissolved Oxygen Values in the Choptank River         iy _  73
IV-18     Nutrient-Chlorophyll Relationships in the             jy _  31
          Choptank River

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                            List of Tables
Number                          Ti tl e                            Page
IV-19     Choptank River Metal  Concentrations                    IV -  84
          August 2, 1971
IV-20     Choptank River Metal  Concentrations                    IV -  85
          August 17, 1971
IV-21     Choptank River Sampling Station Locations - AFO        IV -  86
IV-22     Choptank River Sampling Station Locations - NMFS,       IV -  87
          NOAA
IV-23     Choptank River Sampling Station Locations - MDWR       IV -  88
IV-24     Nanticoke River Sampling Station Locations - AFO       IV -  98
IV-25     Nanticoke River Sampling Station Locations - MDWR       IV -  99
IV-26     Wicomico River Sampling Station Locations - AFO        IV -  105
IV-27     Wicomico River Basin  Sampling Station Locations -       IV -  106
          MDWR
IV-28     Crisfield Harbor-Little Annemessex River Sampling       IV -  113
          Station Locations - MDWR
IV-29     Pocomoke River Watershed Sampling Station              IV -  122
          Locations - MDWR
IV-30     Pocomoke River Sampling Station Locations - AFO        IV -  127
IV-31     Patuxent River Bacteriological  Data                    IV -  130
IV-32     Patuxent River Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations -       IV -  133
          1968-1971
IV-33     Patuxent River Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations - 1970  IjV -  134
IV-34     Patuxent River Nutrient Concentrations                 IV -  135
IV-35     Patuxent River Nitrate-Nitrogen Concentrations         IV -  136
IV-36     Patuxent River Total  Phosphorus Concentrations         IV -  137

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                          List of Tables

Number                         Title                             Page

IV-37     Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations in the-Middle          IV ~ 150
          and Lower Potomac Estuary

IV-38     Wastewater Loadings to the Upper Potomac Estuary       IV - 153
          and Tributaries - Great Falls to Indian Head - 1970

IV-39     Wastewater Loading Trends - Washington Metropolitan    IV - 154
          Area

IV-40     Ranges of pH, Alkalinity, and Free Dissolved C02       IV - 163
          in the Upper and Middle Potomac Estuary

IV-41     Pesticides Analyzed and Minimum Detectable Limits      IV - 176
          Potomac Estuary

IV-42     Rappahannock River Nutrient Data - 1970-1971           IV - 195

IV-43     York River Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations - 1971      IV - 201

IV-44     Pamunkey and Mattaponi River Nutrient Data -           IV - 203
          1969-1970 - AFO

IV-45     Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York River Nutrient Data -    IV - 204
          1970-1971 - VWCB

IV-46     Mattaponi, Pamunkey, and York River Heavy Metal         IV - 205
          Concentrations - 1970

IV-47     James River DO and Temperature Values - 1971           IV - 216

IV-48     James River Organic Loading Sources                    IV - 225

IV-49     James River and Chickahominy River Average Nutrient    IV - 239
          Concentrations - 1969-1970

IV-50     James River Nutrient Concentraions - May 1971           IV - 240

IV-51     Elizabeth River Total  Coliform and Fecal  Coliform      IV - 252
          Levels

IV-52     Total  Coliform and Fecal  Coliform Levels,  Eastern      IV - 254
          Branch and Southern Branch, Elizabeth River

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                         List of Tables
Number                        Title                              Page
IV-53     Hampton Roads Sanitation District Treatment Plants     iv  -  258
IV-54     Elizabeth River Survey - AFO - November 1971            iv  _  260
IV-55     Elizabeth River Nutrient Data - VWCB - 1968-1971        iv  -  263

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                         List of Figures


Number                         Title                         Page


IV- 1     Upper Chesapeake Bay Station Locations             iv  -    7

IV- 2     Baltimore Harbor Control  Stations                  iv  -   34

IV- 3     Baltimore Harbor Industrial Discharge Survey       iv  -   35

IV- 4     South River Station Locations                      iv  -   38

IV- 5     Severn River Station Locations                     iv  -   40

IV- 6     Crisfield Harbor - Little Annemessex River         iv  _  -\-\$
          Survey Station Locations

IV- 7     Patuxent River Basin                               IV  _  141

IV- 8     Potomac Estuary Sampling  Stations                  i\j  _  143

IV- 9     Total Coliform Organisms, Upper Potomac            iv  -  147
          Estuary

IV-10     Fecal Coliform Densities, Roosevelt Island         iv  -  148

IV-11     Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations, Potomac           iv  -  155
          Estuary, Sept. 10-15,  1965; Sept. 7-13, 1966;
          Sept. 20-21, 1967

IV-12     Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations, Potomac           iv  -  156
          Estuary, Aug.  19-22, 1968; Oct. 16, 1969;
          Sept. 28-30, 1970

IV-13     Inorganic Phosphate Concentration as PO/,,           IV  "  159
          Potomac Estuary, 1969-1970

IV-14     Nitrate and Nitrite Nitrogen as N, Potomac         iv  -  160
          Estuary, 1969-1970

IV-15     Ammonia Nitrogen as N, Potomac Estuary, 1969-1970  iv  -  161

IV-16     Calcium and Barium Concentrations, Potomac Estuary-jy  -  155
          August and December 1970

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                            List of Figures


Number                           Title                           Page


IV-17     Copper and Silver Concentrations,  Potomac  Estuary,      IV - 167
          August and December 1970, April  1971

IV-18     Iron and Lead Concentrations,  Potomac  Estuary,          IV - 168
          August and December 1970, April  1971

IV-19     Strontium and Lithium Concentrations,  Potomac           IV - 169
          Estuary, August and December 1970

IV-20     Cobalt and Magnesium Concentrations,  Potomac            IV - 170
          Estuary, August and December 1970

IV-21     Manganese and Aluminum Concentrations, Potomac          IV - 171
          Estuary, August and December 1970

IV-22     Potassium and Zinc Concentrations,  Potomac             IV - 172
          Estuary, August and December 1970,  April  1971

IV-23     Vanadium and Cadmium Concentrations,  Potomac            IV - 173
          Estuary, August and December 1970,  April  1971

IV-24     Chromium and Nickel Concentrations, Potomac            IV - 174
          Estuary, August and December 1970,  April  1971

IV-25     Wastewater Nutrient Enrichment Trends  and               IV - 180
          Ecological Effects, Upper Potomac  Tidal  River
          System

IV-26     Chlorophyll a, Potomac Estuary,  Upper  Reach,            IV  - 182
          1965-1966, 1969-1970

IV-27     Chlorophyll a^, Potomac Estuary,  Middle and Lower       IV  - 183
          Reach, 1965-1966, 1969-1970

IV-28     Dissolved Oxygen Profile, Rappahannock River,           IV  - 191
          June 4, 1970

IV-29     Dissolved Oxygen Profile, Rappahannock River,           IV  - 192
          June 8, 1970

IV-30     Dissolved Oxygen Profile, Rappahannock River,           IV  - 193
          July 29, 1970

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                         List of Figures


Number                        Title                              Page


IV-31      James River Study Sampling Locations,                   iv - 211
          October 14-30, 1969

IV-32     James River Fecal Coliform Densities,                   iv - 212
          October 14-30, 1969

IV-33     Tidal James River, VWCB Sampling Stations              iv - 213

IV-34     James River DO Profile, Low Water Slack,               iv - 221
          June 11, 1971

IV-35     James River DO Profile, Low Water Slack.,               iv - 222
          August 10, 1971

IV-36     James River DO Profile, Low Water Slack,               iv - 223
          September 8, 1971

IV-37     James River DO Profile, High Water Slack,              iv - 229
          September 1, 1971

IV-38     James River DO Profile, High Water Slack,              iv - 230
          October 15, 1971

IV-39     James River DO Profile, High Water Slack,              iv - 231
          October 28, 1971

IV-40     James River BOD Profile, River Bottom                  iv - 232

IV-41      James River BOD Profile, Surface                       i\j _ 233

IV-42     James River TKN Concentrations, Bottom                 jy _ 237
          Sediment

IV-43     James River Total Phosphorus Concentrations,           jy _ 233
          Bottom Sediment

IV-44     James River Lead  Concentrations, Bottom                iv - 246
          Sediment

IV-45     James River Mercury Concentrations, Bottom             iv - 247
          Sediment

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                         List of Figures


Number                        Title                              Page


IV-46     James River Zinc Concentrations,  Bottom Sediment      IV - 248

IV-47     Total Phosphorus and TKN, Elizabeth River,             IV - 265
          Bottom Sediment

IV-48     Lead, Mercury,  Zinc, and  Copper Concentrations         IV - 267
          in Elizabeth River, Bottom Sediment

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                                                                   1-1
                              CHAPTER I
                             INTRODUCTION

     This report delineates existing water quality conditions in
the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries and evaluates current
water quality data and monitoring programs in the context of a Bay
management program.  Data sources for this report were the Annapolis
Field Office, National Marine Fisheries Service, U. S. Geological
Survey, Maryland Department of Water Resources, Maryland Department
of Health, Maryland Environmental Service, University of Maryland,
The Johns Hopkins University, Virginia Water Control  Board, Virginia
Institute of Marine Science, and the District of Columbia Department
of Environmental Services.
     The Bay is discussed in terms of study areas based on hydro-
logical significance or geographical expediency,  The study areas
are as follows:  Lower Susquehanna River, Upper Bay and Upper Eastern
Shore, Upper Western Shore, Baltimore Harbor, Middle Western Shore,
Middle Chesapeake Bay, Middle Eastern Shore, Lower Eastern Shore,
Patuxent River, Potomac River,  Rappahannock River, York River, James
River, and Lower Chesapeake Bay Waters.
     Chapter III sets forth the beneficial water uses for the study
areas together with the water quality standards established for the
support of these uses.  Chapter IV contains a brief description of
the study area followed by the  identification of the  data sources
and the extent of current data  available.  The available water quality

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                                                                   1-2
information is assessed for each study area, to the extent possible,
with specific reference to the following parameters:  bacterial
densities, dissolved oxygen, nutrients, heavy metals, and pesticides.
Where sufficient data exists, as in the case of the Potomac Estuary,
water quality trends are identified and their significance discussed.
     A discussion of inventories of industrial and municipal  waste-
water discharges is included in Chapter V as well  as an evaluation
of the available data base for the Bay.  All of the existing  data on
each study area are not presented but will  be generally available from
the Environmental Protection Agency or the appropriate collection
agency.
     Chapter II presents a summary of the findings based on the
information contained in Chapter IV, the body of the report.   It
is recognized that the report will be critized for not addressing
the adopted water qualtiy standards only for the numbered parameters
of dissolved oxygen, bacteria, pH, and temperature.  The authors
feel that the insidious parameters—nutrients, heavy metals,  pesticides,
and toxic chemicals—must be placed in proper perspective before
such parameters manifest their presence in serious violations of
existing water quality standards.

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                                                               II  -  1
                           CHAPTER II

                       SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

1.       Based on nutrient input studies  of  the  major  tributary  water-
   sheds of the Chesapeake Bay, the Annapolis Field Office  finds
   the Susquehanna River to be the largest  contributor of nutrients
   to the Bay.   This is due to the fact  that the  Susquehanna  River
   is the largest source of freshwater to the Bay,  providing
   approximately 50 percent of its freshwater inflow.   Its  nutrient
   input to the Bay exceeds the combined input  of the  Potomac
   River and the James River, the second and third  largest  contri-
   butors of nutrients to the Bay, for all  the  various nutrient
   fractions measured.
2.       Blooms of blue-green algae were  first reported in upper
   Chesapeake Bay tributaries in late  August 1968.  The blooms
   occurred in the Sassafras River near  Georgetown, Maryland, and  the
   Elk River downstream from Elkton, Maryland.   Since  1968,
   these blooms have gradually increased in size, density,  and  duration,
   In 1971, blooms became evident early  in  the  summer.  In  June,
   the upper Sassafras River showed chlorophyll a^ values of 121.5
   yg/1; the Northeast River, values of  224.0 yg/1.   In July, the
   Bohemia River had chlorophyll a^ values of 110.0  yg/1. The major
   problem areas appear at the headwaters of each of  the upper
   Bay tributaries.

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                                                               II  -  2
3.       Prior to 1966,  21  public  bathing  beaches  in  Baltimore  County,
   located on the shores  of Middle,  Gunpowder,  Back,  and  Bird
   Rivers, Chesapeake Bay, and  Bear  Creek,  were open.  The  number of
   bathing beaches approved for operation by  the  Baltimore  County
   Health Department has  steadily declined  since  then, mainly  due to
   bacterial  pollution  problems.   Only  six  permits were issued to
   operate public bathing beaches for the 1971  summer season.
4.       Major souces of pollution in Baltimore  Harbor include
   wastes from the Baltimore City Patapsco  Wastewater Treatment
   Plant, which discharges primary treated  effluent  directly into
   the Harbor, direct industrial  discharges,  sewage  overflows
   and leaks  into Harbor tributaries, urban runoff,  and the occurrence
   of spills  of hazardous substances from vessels and dockside
   facilities.
5.       A December 1971 field investigation by  the Annapolis Field
   Office of  industrial discharges into Baltimore Harbor  identified
   significant discharges of ethion, cyanide, phenol, nutrients,
   and various heavy metals into  the Harbor.
6.       A comparison of bottom  sediment data  from Baltimore Harbor
   with recent sediment data obtained in  the  vicinity of  Tangier
   Island showed excessive amounts of volatile  solids, chemical
   oxygen demand, and oil and greases in  the  bottom  sediment
   from the Harbor.  Tangier Island, located  in the  lower Chesa-
   peake Bay  off Pocomoke Sound,  is  considered  a  clean area with
   regard to  pollutants in the  bottom sediment  surrounding  the

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                                                               II  -  3
   island.
7.       The dissolved oxygen standard of 5.0 mg/1  is  generally
   being maintained at the surface in the middle  Western  Shore
   tributaries (the Magothy, Severn,  South,  Rhode,  and West  Rivers).
   However, the DO level  is occasionally depressed, below a  depth
   of 5 feet, during late summer in the upper Severn  and  South Rivers.
   Fecal coliform concentrations are  generally satisfactory  in the  Mag-
   othy and South Rivers, although 127 acres in the South River are
   closed to shellfish harvesting to  safeguard against possible failure
   of a wastewater treatment plant in the upper portion of the river.
   Excessive fecal coliform densities in the Severn,  Rhode,  and West
   Rivers are attributed  to wastewater treatment  plants and  defective
   septic systems discharging into these rivers.   As  a result, 1481 acres
   in the Severn River and 63 acres in the Rhode  and  West River system
   are now closed to shellfish harvesting.  High  nutrient concen-
   trations have been recorded during the summer months of 1971
   in the Severn and South Rivers, contributing to the algal  "blooms"
   which have occurred in these areas as recently as  December 1971.
   Occasional algal "blooms", with corresponding  high total  PO. values,
   have also been observed in the Magothy, Rhode, and West Rivers.
8,       While dissolved oxygen and coliform concentrations in the
   Sandy Point area of Chesapeake Bay are generally quite satis-
   factory, nutrient concentrations have shown a  trend to increase
   in the last three years.  The concentration of total phosphate
   has nearly doubled since 1968, contributing to the alarming

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                                                               II  -  4
   rise in the chlorophyll  a_ density  during  this  time.  A  fourfold
   increase in the chlorophyll  ^density  (from  an  average  density
   of 36 yg/1  in June 1968  to 153 ug/1  in  June  1971)  indicates  a
   serious threat to water  quality conditions in  this area.   High
   nitrate-nitrogen concentrations noted in  late winter and early
   spring, as  compared to summer values, are attributed to increased
   loadings from the Susquehanna River  during the  winter and  spring
   periods of  high flow rates.   In addition, operation of  the Sandy
   Point wastewater treatment plant,  with  a  planned  ultimate  capa-
   city of 19.0 MGD, will tend  to further  increase the concentrations
   of nutrients in the Say, possibly  leading to nypereutrophic  con-
   ditions in  this area.
9.      Very little has been done in  the way of intensive  bacterio-
   logical studies in the Chester River Basin,  with  the exception of
   the Radcliffe Creek area, where excessive coliform densities were
   found by Maryland Department of Water Resources surveys.   Shell-
   fish bed closings in the remainder of the basin are not widespread,
   and are confined to narrow portions  of  the Chester and  Corsica
   Rivers and  one small creek.   The only samples  indicating depressed
   dissolved oxygen conditions  in the basin  were  taken in  Radcliffe Creek
   on July 14, 1970.  Samples taken  under similar temperature conditions
   on August 24, 1971, did  not  show the low  DO  levels.  Nutrient data
   are very limited in the  Chester basin but some  algal bloom condi-
   tions were  noted in the  upper section of  the river in September of
   1970.  In December 1971, the reddish brown discoloration in  this

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                                                                II  -  5
    area was tentatively identified as a dino-flagellate (Massartia
    rotundata).
10.       Many small  areas in the Eastern Bay region have been  closed
    to shellfish harvesting due to bacterial pollution.  Most  of these
    areas are in narrow sections of creeks and rivers  or along shore-
    lines.  The  pollution can be attributed primarily  to septic tank
    leaching.  Dissolved oxygen in the basin generally meets standards
    with the exception of the St. Michaels Harbor area where DO read-
    ings below 4.0 mg/1 have been reported.  These oxygen depressions
    are probably due to poor flushing in the harbor.  Conditions were
    favorable to algal growth in the late summer of both 1970 and 1971
    with less growth in 1971 than in 1970.  Total phosphate concentrations
    were high during some of the bloom conditions but  there are insuf-
    ficient nutrient data to establish any definite nutrient-phyto-
    plankton relationships.  A small section of tne Miles River was the
    only area in the Eastern Bay region in which sampling was  done.  More
    intensive studies covering a broader area must be  undertaken be- •
    fore an adequate evaluation of the water quality in the basin can
    be made.
11.       Bacteriological conditions in the Choptank Basin are poor,
    with many violations of standards in both Group A  and Group C waters.
    As a result of the bacterial pollution, the Choptank represents a
    great loss in natural resource potential.  More than 5400 acres
    of shellfish beds have been closed to harvesting.   Dissolved oxy-
    gen levels in the Choptank currently meet standards with concentra-

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                                                                II  -  6
    tions rarely dropping below 5  mg/1  even  during  the  summer  months.
    Some high nutrient levels  have been documented, particularly in
    the upper sections of the  stream where excessive algal  blooms have
    occurred.  These blooms  seemed to be associated with  total  Kjeldahl
    nitrogen (as N)  concentrations greater than  0.9 mg/1  and total
    phosphorus (as PO^) concentrations greater than 0.3 mg/1.   The
    most prolific blooms were  recorded in the  Denton area and  were
    probably due to  over-enrichment from sewage  and industrial  wastes.
    Metals analyses  indicates  that some concentrations  were significant-
    ly above fish toxicity levels  but that generally the  water in the
    basin is relatively free from  contamination  by  heavy  metals.
12.       The opening of 375  acres  of shellfish beds in  the  Little
    Choptank River,  which had  previously been  closed, indicates that
    bacteriological  conditions have recently improved.  The 875 acres
    now closed to shellfish  harvesting are probably affected by leaching
    from septic tanks near the shoreline. The only known industry in
    the basin is the Madison Canning Company in  Madison,  which uses
    land disposal techniques;  thus, there is no  discharge to the Little
    Choptank River from this source.  Intensive  investigations in this
    river would be desirable to ascertain existing  water  quality con-
    ditions and to identify  any trends.
13.       Bacteriological conditions in the Nanticoke River have serious-
    ly degraded between 1967 and 1971.  While  only  occasional  violations
    of the 240 MPN/100 ml fecal coliform maximum were noted in 1967,
    violations of the fecal  coliform standard  were  noted  at most of the

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                                                                 II  -  7
    stations sampled in July and August of 1971.   Dissolved  oxygen
    concentrations were generally good  in  1971,  ranging  from 6  to
    8 mg/1.   However, an exception was  noted  in  the  Nanticoke Harbor
    area in  August 1971, when depressed DO values  were noted.   At
    the same time, an algal  bloom in  the area was  believed responsible
    for a fish kill involving large numbers of menhadden.  Nutrient
    concentrations, in particular total phosphate  and ammonia nitrogen,
    are low  throughout most  of the Nanticoke  estuary.  In 1971, the
    concentrations of zinc,  mercury,  copper,  and cadmium were accep-
    table, but lead and chromium concentrations  exceeded the maximum
    limits allowable for drinking water.
14.       Poor bacteriological conditions in the  Wicomico River  and
    Sharps Creek have resulted in the closing of 22  acres in the lower
    Wicomico to shellfish harvesting.   Coliform  densities in Sharps
    Creek averaged 18,500 MPN/100 ml  in 1971, while  coliform densities
    near Salisbury ranged from 2,400  to 54,000 MPN/100 ml.   Seepage
    from the Green Giant Company in Fruit!and, septic tank Teachings-,
    and the  discharge of inadequately treated waste  from the over-
    loaded Salisbury treatment plant  are responsible for the high
    bacterial counts.  Dissolved oxygen concentrations are generally
    adequate upstream from Salisbury, but  an  oxygen  sag  begins  near
    Harbor Point and does not recover until White  Haven.  Nutrient con-
    centrations, relatively  low throughout most  of the Wicomico River,
    increase near Harbor Point to 3 mg/1 and  2.2 mg/1 for TKN and TP,

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                                                                II  -  8
    respectively.   Inefficient  treatment of wastes by the  Salisbury
    plant is responsible  for  both  the  oxygen  sag  and the high  nutrient
    concentrations  noted  above.
15.       Although  very little information  concerning water quality  in
    the Manokin River is  available,  a  few  interpretations of the
    abstract information  that is available can  be made.  In general,
    water quality  conditions  appear  to be  satisfactory.  A 1967 Federal
    Water Pollution Control Administration (now EPA) report on
    immediate pollution control  needs  for  the Eastern Shore made  no
    mention of needs in the Manokin  River. A further indication  of
    satisfactory bacteriological conditions is  the fact  that no
    shellfish areas in the Manokin River have been closed.  However,
    intensive sampling of this  area  is necessary  to  determine  more
    exactly current water quality  conditions  and  trends.
16.       Bacteriological  conditions  in the Little and Big  Annemessex
    Rivers are satisfactory  in  the designated shellfish  areas. However,
    exceptions are noted in  the Little Annemessex River  near the  two
    major discharges located  in this area. Coliform counts of 240,000
    MPN/100 ml and 46,000 MPN/100  ml were  found in September 1968 near
    waste discharges from the town of Crisfield and  from Mrs.  Paul's
    Kitchens seafood packing  plant,  respectively. However, both
    waste sources are scheduled to receive secondary treatment in the
    future.  Dissolved oxygen concentrations  were found  to be  adequate
    in September 1970, although some depression of oxygen  levels  may
    occur in low-flow periods.   Although  total  phosphate values  are

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                                                                II  -  9
    low in the Annemessex Basin (ranging  from .05  to  .28  mg/1),  TKN
    values were much higher,  ranging from .80 to  1.20  mg/1  in
    September 1970.
17.       Bacteriological  conditions  in the Pocomoke  River are  generally
    poor, with many  samples in 1971  having fecal  coliform counts greatly
    in excess of the 240  MPN/100 ml  standard set  for this river.   While
    bacterial quality in  a major portion  of the Pocomoke  River remained
    unchanged between 1967 and 1971, a distinct improvement occurred
    downstream from  Pocomoke  City after a secondary  treatment  plant,
    treating both domestic and industrial  waste,  began operation.  Vio-
    lations of the coliform standard of 70 MPN/100 ml  in  Pocomoke Sound
    has resulted in  the closing of shellfish beds  in this area,  including
    1485 acres in Virginia waters.  Nutrient concentrations are  generally
    high in the Pocomoke  River, with exceptionally high values found
    near Snow Hill,  where Maryland Chicken Processors  discharges inade-
    quately treated  poultry processing waste into  the  river.   Also,  in
    the summer of 1971, dissolved oxygen  values in the Pocomoke  River
    were low, with an oxygen  sag occurring at Snow Hill.  However,
    nutrient and DO  concentrations are generally  satisfactory  in
    Pocomoke Sound.
18.       In the Patuxent  River, coliform  densities are generally satis-
    factory; however, high coliform  concentrations (21,000-24,000
    MPN/100 ml) were noted in the vicinity of the  large wastewater
    treatment plants located  between Laurel  and Bowie, Maryland.
    Dissolved oxygen concentrations  appear to have degraded between

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                                                                II  -  10
    1968 and 1971  to  a  level  approaching  the average daily standard
    of 5.0 mg/1,  particularly during  the  late  summer and  fall  periods
    of low flow  rates.   The  data  also indicates  that nutrient  con-
    centrations  (NO,  as N  and total P04)  have  increased between  1967
                   \5                   *
    and 1970, a  probable cause of the several  algal blooms which have
    recently occurred in the lower Patuxent River.
19.       Since the first, sanitary surveys in 1913,  the water quality
    of the upper Potomac Estuary  has  deteriorated.  This  is attributed
    to the increased  pollution originating in  the Washington Metro-
    politan Area.
20.       Since the summer of 1969, the high fecal coliform densities
    previously found  near the waste discharge  points in -the upper
    Potomac Estuary have been reduced by  continuous wastewater
    effluent chlorination.  At present,  the largest sources of bacterial
    pollution in the  upper estuary are from sanitary and  combined
    sewer overflows,  where,  at times, about 10 to 20 MGD  of untreated
    sewage enters the estuary because of inadequate sewer and  treatment
    plant capacities.  In the vicinity of Roosevelt Island, high bac-
    terial densities  occur as a result of sewerage  overflows  along  the
    Georgetown waterfront.  Activation of the  Potomac  Pumping  Station
    in May 1972  and the closure of the so-called "Georgetown  Gap"
    in September 1972 will shift these overflows downstream.   By
    1973, expansion of the sewage treatment facilities at Blue Plains
    should abate the overflows.
21.      Effluents from the 18 major  wastewater treatment facilities

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                                                                n  -  n
    and conoined sewer overflows,  with  a  total  flow  of  325 MGD,
    contribute 450,000; 24,000;  and 60,000  Ibs/day of ultimate oxygen
    demand, phosphorus, and nitrogen,  respectively,  to  the waters  of
    the upper Potomac Estuary.
22.       Historical  data records show  that  dissolved oxygen  levels
    in the upper Potomac Estuary have  decreased.  A  slight upward
    trend occurred in the early  1960's  due  to a higher  degree of
    wastewater treatment.  However, with  the  increasing population,
    the amount of organic matter discharged increased to a record
    high in 1971, resulting in  a critical  dissolved  oxygen stress  in
    the receiving water.  In recent years,  dissolved oxygen  concentra-
    tions of less than 1.0 mg/1  have occurred during low-flow, high
    temperature periods.
23.       The recent detection of heavy metals in  bottom sediments  of
    the Potomac Estuary has raised sufficient concern to include  the
    accumulation of metals as a  water  quality problem requiring
    additional study and analysis.  Significant concentrations of
    lead, cobalt, chromium, copper, nickel, barium,  aluminum, iron,
    and lithium in the bottom sediment were measured in the  vicinities
    of Woodrow Wilson Bridge, Possum Point, and Route 301  Bridge.
24.       In recent years, large  populations of blue-green  algae,  often
    forming thick mats, have been observed  in the Potomac  Estuary
    from the Potomac River Bridge (Route  301) upstream  to  the Woodrow
    Wilson Bridge during the months of June through  October. In
    September of 1970, after a  period  of  low stream  flow and high

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                                                                II  -  12
    temperatures,  the algal  mats  extended  upstream  beyond  Mains  Point
    and included a nuisance  growth  within  the  Tidal  Basin.  The
    District of Columbia Department of Environmental  Services  reported
    algae nuisance conditions  in  the Tidal  Basin  as  early  as  1966.
25.       The effects of the  massive blue-green blooms in the  middle  and
    upper portions of the Potomac Estuary  are:  (1)  an increase  of
    over 490,000 Ibs/day in  total  oxygen demand,  (2)  an overall
    decrease in dissolved oxygen  due to algal  respiration  in  waters
    12 feet and greater in depth,  (3) creation of nuisance and
    aesthetically objectionable conditions, and (4)  reduction  in the
    feasibility of using the upper  estuary as  a potable water supply
    source because of potential toxin, taste,  and odor problems.
26.       In the saline portion of the Potomac  Estuary, the algal
    populations are not as dense  as in the freshwater portion.
    Nevertheless,  at times large  populations of marine phytoplankton,
    primarily the algae Gymnodinium sp., Massartia  sp., and Amphidinium
    sp., occur, producing massive growths  known as  "red tides."   On
    February 28 and 29, and  March 1, 1972  extremely widespread "red
    tides" were observed in  the lower Potomac  Estuary.
27.       Approximately 15,550 acres of oyster  bars  are closed to shell-
    fish harvesting for direct market consumption in the  lower Potomac
    Estuary because of bacterial  pollution. Of the closures,  approx-
    imately 15,162 and 398 acres  are located in Virginia  and  Maryland
    estuaries, respectively.
28.       Water quality conditions in the Rappahannock River,  with a

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                                                                II - 13
    few exceptions, are generally satisfactory.   During 1971,  fecal
    coliform counts in the Rappahannock River were less than 100/100 ml,
    except in a 5-mile reach directly downstream from the City of
    Fredericksburg.  During low-flow periods, degraded bacteriological
    conditions occur downstream from Fredericksburg as a result of
    waste discharged by the city and by the FMC  Corporation.  Less than
    3 percent of the available oyster bars in the Rappahannock River,
    2363 acres, are now closed, out of a total of 69,008 shellfish
    acres.  In the summer of 1971, dissolved oxygen concentrations
    ranged from 7.3 to 8.9 mg/1.   However, in 1970, oxygen sags were
    noted at River Miles 100 and 80 during periods of low flow.  Both
    nutrient concentrations (total phosphorus and nitrate-nitrogen)
    and pesticide concentrations  (chlorinated hydrocarbon and  phos-
    phorus) remained low during 1970 and 1971.   In addition, concentrations
    of heavy metals (mercury,  lead, and arsenic)  were usually  less than
    the detectable limits for those metals.
29.       Bacteriological standards in the York River are exceeded in
    the vicinity of West Point, at the confluence of the Mattaponi
    and Pamunkey Rivers, and near Yorktown.  Elsewhere in the  York
    River (from 4.5 miles below West Point to near Yorktown) bacterio-
    logical standards  are being maintained.  Industrial  discharges,
    in particular that from the Chesapeake Corporation at West Point,
    and inadequately treated residential  sewage  have resulted  in the
    closing of 5092 acres to shellfish harvesting in the York  River.
    Although this represents 27 percent of the available oyster bars,

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                                                               II - 14
    this  is  an  improvement  over  1967, when 39 percent of the available
    bars  were closed.   The  dissolved oxygen standard of 5.0 mg/1 was
    upheld  during  the  summer  of  1971 at  all stations sampled.   However,
    in July  and August of 1970,  DO  values of 3.6 mg/1 and 0.8 mg/1 were
    noted immediately  below the  Chesapeake Corporation discharge output
    at West  Point.   Nutrient  concentrations in  the  York River were low
    during  1970 (total phosphate:   .10 mg/1 or  less, and nitrate-
    nitrogen:   .19 mg/1  or  less).   The following metals were found in
    the York River system,  in most  cases at levels  near the minimum
    detectable  level:   chromium, zinc, copper,  mercury, manganese, lead,
    and arsenic.
30.       Contravention of bacterial  standards for  shellfish harvesting
    (70 MPN/100 ml) in the  James River has  resulted in the closing of
    approximately 50 percent  of  the total available shellfish beds.
    Approximately 46,727 acres of the 93,062 shellfish acres available
    have been closed due to degraded bacteriological conditions in
    the James River.  The largest closure,  36,275  acres in-the  Hampton
    Roads area, is due to  the numerous industrial  and  domestic  waste  dis-
    charges in  this area.
31.       In the fall of 1971  an  intensive sampling survey  by the  An-
    napolis Field Office in the  James River detected average fecal
    coliform counts of 24,300 MPN/100 ml and 65,900 MPN/100 ml, well
    above the fecal coliform  standard for primary  contact  recreation
    (240 MPN/100 ml),  at stations below  Goode Creek and  below  the Richmond

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                                                                II  -  15
    Deepwater Terminal, respectively.   The discharge of raw wastes  from
    the City of Richmond to Goode Creek was the  cause of the extremely
    high bacterial  levels downstream from Richmond.   Although this
    raw waste discharge has now been eliminated, periods of high
    storm runoff will  result in the bypass of raw wastes from com-
    bined sewers to the estuary.
32.       Dissolved  oxygen concentrations in the  James River, measured
    by the Virginia Water Control Board during the spring and summer
    of 1971, were generally greater than the 5.0 mg/1 standard,  with
    some exceptions noted during  the July - August low flow period.
    Between June and December 1971, the Virginia Institute of Marine
    Science collected DO and BOD  data  during low water slack conditions.
    Three oxygen sags were noted:  1)  downstream from the City of
    Richmond wastewater treatment plant discharge to the vicinity of
    Turkey Island (10 miles); 2)  downstream from Hopewell to the mouth
    of the Chickahominy River (20 miles); and 3) downstream from James-
    town Island. The first sag,  with  DO values  depressed to 3.0 mg/1,
    is the result of the high organic  loading exerted by the Richmond
    STP:  a 5-day BOD loading of  approximately 38,364 Ibs/day.   A com-
    bination of poorly treated domestic wastes and a heavy organic  in-
    dustrial  effluent from the Hopewell area contribute to the second
    DO sag.   The Continental  Can  Company and the Hercules Powder Company,
    both discharging into Bailey  Bay,  contribute 5-day BOD loadings  of
    approximately 39,840 Ibs/day  and 39,400 Ibs/day, respectively.   Dur-
    ing 1971, DO concentrations of 0.0 mg/1  were recorded on several

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                                                                II  -  16
    occasions at the Route 10  sampling  station  in  Bailey  Creek.   BOD
    data for the James River,  while  not conclusive,  did manifest  maxima
    in the area of the oxygen  sags downstream from Richmond,  Hopewell,
    and Jamestown Island.
33.       Nutrient concentrations  in  the James River  have  not  appreciably
    changed between levels found  in  1966 and in 1971.   Highest  con-
    centrations were found in  the late  spring:   in May 1971,  ammonia-
    nitrogen varied from .030  to  3.900  mg/1, nitrate-nitrogen varied
    from .190 to .950 mg/1, and inorganic phosphorus (as  P) varied from
    .010 to .140 mg/1.  While  phosphorus concentrations do  not  vary
    greatly throughout the James  Estuary, nitrogen concentrations are
    greatest downstream from Richmond and Hopewell.   The  former increase
    is due to primary treated  domestic  waste from  the City  of Richmond,
    while the latter increase  is  due to organic industrial  wastes
    discharged into Bailey Creek. Nutrient  concentrations  were excess-
    ively high in Bailey Creek in 1971:  ammonia-nitrogen varied from
    2.0 to 11.0 mg/1 and TKN varied  from 7.0 to 14.0 mg/1 at  the Route
    10 Bridge, one-half mile from the confluence of  Bailey  Creek with
    the James River.  While nutrient levels  in  the Estuary  are
    sufficient to support excessive  algal growths, no chlorophyll a^ data
    has been taken during periods of high nutrient concentrations.
34.       Traces of both chlorinated  hydrocarbon and  thio-phosphate
    pesticides were detected in surface waters  of  the James Estuary
    during the late spring and early summer  months of 1971  (May - July).
    In general, pesticides in  the James Estuary were found  at levels  far

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                                                                II  -  17
    below the point at which they would constitute  a  hazard  to  health.
    The United States Public Health Service  standards  for  public  and
    municipal water supplies at the raw water intake  were, at no  time,
    contravened by any of the pesticides analyzed.  Although the  tidal
    James Estuary is not now used as a public or municipal water  supply,
    studies are currently underway to determine  the feasibility of  such
    a water use for the upper Estuary.
35.      Heavy metal concentrations—arsenic, cadmium,  chromium,
    copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury,  and  zinc--  in  surface
    waters of the main stem of the James Estuary are  not critical.
    The highest concentrations of metals were found between River
    Miles 77.44 and 98.34.   High heavy metal  concentrations of
    iron, manganese, and zinc were found at  River Mile  0.65 in  Bailey
    Creek, one-half mile from its confluence  with the  James Estuary
    at River Mile 77.  A number of industries discharge significant
    quantities of wastes into Bailey Bay, including Continental Can
    Company, and Firestone  Company.
36.      The Elizabeth River, a tributary estuary of  the James  River,
    is an excessively utilized waterway with  regard to  waste assimilation.
    Five sewage treatment plants—Western Branch STP,  Washington  STP,
    Lamberts Point STP, Great Gridge STP, and Pinner  Point STP--  op-
    erated by the Hampton Roads Sanitation District Commission, provide
    primary treatment only.   Frequent overflows  of  untreated sewage to
    the Elizabeth River are  the result of poor plant  operation  and/or

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                                                                II  -  18
    hydraulic overloads.   In  addition  to  domestic  waste  discharged  by
    sewage treatment plants  and toxic  wastes  discharged  by  a  variety of
    industrial  concerns,  the  area  is  plagued  by  frequent spills  and
    waste discharges from the extensive shopyard and docking  facilities
    in the area.
37.       Current  routine  monitoring programs  of  the regulatory
    agencies are  adequate to  show  contraventions in the  adopted
    numerical water quality  standards.  More  frequent routine mon-
    itoring for standards violations  would be desirable.
38.       A knowledge of water quality of the  entire Chesapeake Bay  is
    essential.   Water quality sampling over an extended  period of time
    and as frequently as  possible  is  needed.   Sampling in the tidal
    tributaries should occur  at slack water tide with freshwater inflows
    recorded.  Concurrent slack water boat runs  up the entire main  channel
    of the Bay would be a vital element of this  program.  The resulting
    data from the tidal tributaries would then be  integrated  with the
    slack water runs' data to give an overall picture of the  water quality
    conditions of the Bay for the  sample period.

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                                                                 Ill -  1
                           CHAPTER III
                     WATER QUALITY STANDARDS

The following is a condensation of the pertinent sections of the
Maryland, Virginia, and District of Columbia Water Quality Standards.

MARYLAND
Water Use Categories:
     I - Shellfish Harvesting, II - Public or Municipal  Water Supply,
     III - Water Contact Recreation,  IV - Propagation of Fish,  Other
     Aquatic Life and Wildlife, V - Agricultural  Water Supply,  and
     VI - Industrial  Water Supply.
Bacteriological  Standards:
     For Group "A" Water Uses - Coliform organisms to be less than
     70 per 100 ml (MPN) of sample  (Shellfish Waters).
     For Group "B" Water Uses - Monthly average values  (either  MPN
     or MF count) of  coliform organisms not to exceed 5,000 per 100
     ml of sample; nor to exceed this  number in more than 20 percent
     of the samples examined  during any month; nor to exceed 20,000
     per 100 ml  in more than  20 percent of the samples  examined
     during any  month; nor to exceed 20,000 per 100 ml  in more  than
     5 percent of such samples (Public or Municipal  Water Supply Uses)
     Water Contact Recreation Uses  - fecal  coliform organism density
     not to exceed 240 per 100 ml  (MPN).
     For Group "C" Water Uses - Fecal  coliform density  not to exceed

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                                                                Ill -  2
     240 per TOO ml  (MPN).
Dissolved Oxygen Standards:
     For all water use categories  other  than  IV, DO concentrations
     must not be less than  4.0 mg  per  liter at any time, except
     where—and to the extent that—lower values occur naturally.
     For Group "A, B and  C"  Water  Uses - For  the propagation of fish
     and other aquatic life  (Water Use Category IV) in all other
     waters, the DO  concentration  must not be less than 4.0 mg per
     liter at any time, with a minimum monthly average of not less
     than 5.0 mg per liter,  except where—and to the extent that--
     lower values occur naturally.
pH Standards:
     For all water use categories  other  than  IV, pH values must not
     be less than 5.0 nor greater  than 9.0, except where—and to the
     extent that—pH values  outside this range occur naturally.
     For Group "A, 8 and  C"  Water  Uses - Normal pH values for the
     waters of the zone must not be less than 6.0 nor greater than
     8.5, except where—and  to the extent that—pH values outside
     this range occur naturally.
Temperature Standards:
     For all water use categories  other  than  IV, there must be no
     temperature change that adversely affects fish, other aquatic
     life, or spawning success.  There must be no thermal barriers
     to the passage  of fish  or other aquatic  life.  Maximum
     temperature must not exceed 100°F beyond 50 feet from any

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                                                            Ill -  3
point of discharge.
For Group  "A, B and C" Water Uses - For tidal waters used for
the propagation of fish and other aquatic life (Water Use
Category IV), temperature must not exceed 90°F beyond such
distance from any point of discharge as specified by the
Maryland Department of Water Resources as necessary for the
protection of the water use.  In addition, for all tidal waters,
maximum temperature elevation is to be limited as follows:
     For natural water temperatures of 50°F or less, the
     temperature elevation must not exceed 20°F above the
     natural water temperature with a maximum temperature
     of 60°F.
     For natural water temperature greater than 50°F, the
     temperature elevation must not exceed 19°F above the
     natural water temperature with a maximum temperature
     of 90°F.
Any deviation, other than natural, from the above requirements
is to be evaluated for risk to the propagation of fish and
other aquatic life by the Potomac River Fisheries Commission
in those waters of the Potomac River and its tributaries
under the jurisdiction of the Fisheries Commission and by the
Department of Chesapeake Bay Affairs with respect to all
other tidal waters, and will be permitted or denied by the
Department of Water Resources after consultation  with such
agency (also applies to pH and DO standards).

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                                                                 Ill  -   4
VIRGINIA
Water Uses Assigned:
     A. Waters generally satisfactory for secondary contact
        recreation, propagation of fish,  shellfish, and  aquatic
        life, and other beneficial  uses,
     B. Waters generally satisfactory for primary contact  recreation
        (prolonged intimate contact and considerable risk  of
        ingestion), propagation of fish,  shellfish, and  other  aquatic
        life, and other beneficial  uses.
Bacteriological Standards:
     For Class IIA and IIB  Water Uses:
     Shellfish Waters - The median MPN coliform organism density
     shall not exceed 70 per 100 ml, and  not more than 10  percent
     of the samples ordinarily shall exceed  an  MPN of 230  per  100
     ml for a 5-tube decimal dilution test (or  330 per 100 ml, where
     a 3-tube decimal dilution test is used) in those portions of
     the area most probably exposed to fecal contamination during
     the most unfavorable conditions.
     Primary Contact Recreation Uses - Fecal coliform (multiple-
     tube fermentation of MF count) within a 30-day period not to
     exceed a long mean of  200 per 100 ml,  and  not more  than 10
     percent of samples within a 30-day period  will exceed 400
     per 100 ml.
Dissolved Oxygen  Standards:
     For Class II Water Uses - Minimum DO concentration  of 4.0

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                                                                 Ill -  5
     mg per liter and a daily average of 5.0 mg per liter.
pH Standards:
     For Class II Water Uses - Not less than 6.0 or greater than 8.5.
Temperature Standards:
     For Class II Water Uses - 4.0°F rise above natural  (September-
     May).  1.5°F rise above natural (June-August).
Additional Virginia Standards:
     1.  Free from substances attributable to sewage,  industrial
         waste, or other waste that will  settle to form  sludge
         deposits that are unsightly, putrescent,  or odorous, to
         such degree as to create a nuisance or to interfere
         directly or indirectly with specified uses of such waters;
     2.  Free from floating debris, oil,  grease,  scum, or other
         floating materials attributable  to sewage, industrial
         waste, or other wastes that are  unsightly to  such  degree
         as to create a nuisance or to interfere  directly or in-
         directly with specified uses of  such waters;
     3.  Free from materials attributable to sewage, industrial
         waste, or other waste which produce odor,  or  appreciably
         change the existing color or other conditions to such
         degree as to create a nuisance or interfere directly or
         indirectly with specified uses of such waters;
     4.  Free from high-temperature,  toxic or other deleterious
         substances attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or
         other waste in concentrations or combinations which

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                                                                 Ill -  6
         interfere directly or indirectly with specified uses of
         such waters; and
     5.  There shall be no sudden temperature changes that may
         affect aquatic life.  There shall be no thermal barriers to
         the passage of fish.  Essential spawning areas shall not
         be affected.

The Maryland standards contain general  or aesthetic criteria similar
to the criteria set vorth above.

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                                                                 Ill -  7
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
The waters of the District of Columbia shall at all times be free
from:
         Substances attributable to sewage, industrial  wastes, or
     other waste that will settle to form sludge deposits that are
     unsightly, putrescent or odorous to such degree as to create
     a nuisance, or that interfere directly or indirectly with
     water uses;
         Floating debris, oil, grease, scum, and other  floating
     materials attributable to sewage, industrial  waste, or other
     waste in amounts sufficient to be unsightly to such a degree
     as to create a nuisance, or that interfere directly or in-
     directly with water uses;
         Materials attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or
     other waste which produce taste, odor, or appreciably change
     the existing color or other physical  and chemical  conditions
     in the receiving stream to such degree as to  create a nuisance,
     or that interfere directly or indirectly with water uses; and
         High-temperature, toxic, corrosive or other deleterious
     substances attributable to sewage, industrial waste, or other
     waste in concentrations or combinations which interfere
     directly or indirectly with water uses, or which are harmful
     to human, animal, plant, or aquatic life.
Criteria shall apply to an entire stretch of the stream.  However,
reasonable allowance shall be made for the mixing  and dispersion

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                                                                 Ill -  8
of approved discharges.  Sampling frequency shall  provide a sound
basis for computations.  Within the limits of field conditions,
sampling point locations will  be selected to permit the collection
of representative samples.   The following criteria shall  apply to
all stream flows equal  to or exceeding the 7-day,  10-year minimum
flow except where, and  to the extent that, natural conditions
prevent their attainment.
     I.  Potomac River:  D.C.  - Montgomery County  line to vicinity
         of Key Bridge  (including tributaries).
         Uses to be protected
              Recreational  boating
              Fish and  wildlife propagation
              Industrial  water supply
              Water contact recreation (Anticipated future use
         predicated on  the delivery of water of  a  quality suitable
         for water contact recreation at the Maryland - District
         of Columbia boundary line.  The District  of Columbia
         will protect swimming as a use in suitable areas in the
         upper reaches  of this portion of the Potomac River within
         the District of Columbia.  The objective  date for this
         use is 19/5).
         Water Qualtiy Criteria
              Fecal Coliform - not to exceed 240 per 100 ml in
         90 percent of  the samples collected each  month.*
              Dissolved Oxygen - not less than 4 mg/1; daily
         average not less than 5 mg/1.
              pH - 6.0  to 8.5.
              Temperature - not to exceed 90°F.  There shall be
         no sudden or localized temperature changes that may

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                                                                  Ill -  9
          adversely affect aquatic  life.  No increase  in natural
          water  temperature caused  by artificial heat  inputs shall
          exceed  5°F after reasonable allowance for mixing.
     II.   Potomac River:  Vicinity  of Key Bridge to D.C. - Prince
          George's County line  (including tributaries).
          Uses to be protected
              Maintenance of fish  life
              Recreational boating
              Industrial water supply
          Water Quality Criteria
              Fecal Coliform - not to exceed a geometric mean of
          1000 per 100 ml nor equal or exceed 2000 per 100 ml in
         more than 10 percent of the samples.*
              Dissolved Oxygen - not less than 4 mg/1 (daily
         average not less than 5 mg/1) from Key Bridge to
         Rochambeau Memorial  Bridge.  Not less than 3 mg/1
          (daily average not less than 4 mg/1) from Rochambeau
         Memorial Bridge to D.C. - Prince George's County line.
              pH - 6.0 to 8.5.
              Temperature - same as I.
Policy Statement
     There are no waters within the District of Columbia whose
existing quality is better than the quality indicated by the
established standards.   Accordingly, it is the policy of the
District of Columbia to improve the quality of all its waters as

-------
                                                                 Ill - 10
reflected in the standards.  All  industrial,  public, and private
sources of pollution will  be required to provide the degree of
waste treatment necessary to meet the water quality standards.  In
implementing this policy,  the Secretary of the Interior will  be
kept advised and will be provided with such information as he will
need to discharge his responsibilities under the Federal Water
Pollution Control Act, as amended.

*Not applicable during or immediately following periods of rainfall

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-------
                                                              IV - 1
                            CHAPTER IV

                    CHESAPEAKE BAY STUDY AREAS

                  A.  LOWER SUSQUEHANNA RIVER AREA

     The tidal reach of the Susquehanna River extends from Havre De
Grace, Maryland, to the foot of Conowingo Dam, approximately 10 miles
upstream.  This stretch of the river is protected by Group B water
quality standards.  Beneficial uses include public or municipal water
supply, water contact recreation, agricultural water supply, industrial
water supply, and propagation of fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife.
     According to the Maryland Department of Water Resources (MDWR),
discharges of treated and untreated sewage from the communities of
Octoraro and Port Deposit, along the lower main stem, have resulted
in bacterial counts exceeding water quality standards.   The great
assimilative capacity of the River in this area prevents severe bac-
terial degradation.  Also, during periods of severe drought, the in-
trusion of saline water from the Bay may render the lower few miles
of the river temporarily unsuitable as a source of public water supply.
     The dissolved oxygen (DO) standard of 5.0 mg/1 has been contra-
vened immediately below the Conowingo  Dam during the critical  summers
following deep-water releases from the reservoir.  Recent fish kills
below the Conowingto Dam have been attributed to oxygen deficiencies
in these waters.   Dissolved oxygen concentrations of 3.0 mg/1  were

-------
                                                             IV - 2
measured at mid-pool below the dam during the summer months of 1971.
However, the DO level of the river recovers quickly downstream from
the Conowingo Dam with no violations of standards.
     The "Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Input Study," Technical Report Number
47, by the Annapolis Field Office, analyzed nutrient contributions to
the Bay during the period June 1969 to August 1970.  Major tributary
watersheds of the Bay include the Susquehanna, Patuxent, Potomac, Rap-
pahannock, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, James, and Chickahominy Rivers.  The
nutrient input to the Bay from the Susquehanna River is as follows:
                          Table IV-1
 Parameter
   Average
   Monthly
Concentrations
   Average
   Monthly
Contribution
Percent Input
   to Bay
(mg/1)
0.18
0.12
0.67
0.91
0.23
3.64
(Ibs/day)
33,000
20,000
93,000
153,000
29,000
513,000
(Ibs/day)
49%
54%
60%
66%
71%
51%
T. P04 as P04
P (Inorganic)
TKN as N
N02 + N03 as N
NH3 as N
TOC
     These nutrient contributions were based on average monthly flows
for the 15-month study period, measured at Conowingo, Maryland.  The
above data, when comoared with data from the other rivers in the study,
show the Susquehanna River to be the largest contributor of nutrients
to the Bay.  This is due to the fact that the Susquehanna is the
largest contributor of freshwater to the Bay (approximately 50 percent)

-------
                                                             IV - 3
For an average month during the 15-month study period the flows for
the three major nutrient contributors were:  the Susquehanna River,
32,133 cfs, the Potomac River 9,634 cfs, and the James River 5,740 cfs.
Detailed nutrient-flow relationships are contained in Technical Report
Number 47.
     As a result of accelerated eutrophication in the upper Chesapeake
Bay tributaries and the significance of the Susquehanna River as a
nutrient input to the Bay, a nutrient survey of the lower Susque-
hanna River Basin was initiated by AFO in June 1971 with the cooper-
ation of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  This continuing survey is
intended to accomplish the following:  quantitatively delineate the
contributory nutrient loadings (nitrogen and phosphorus) from critical
sub-basins and specific major metropolitan area discharges; determine
the relative contribution of nutrients from non-point sources, such as
agricultural and other types of land runoff; permit a mass balance of
the nutrient load over an annual  cycle including the fate of such
nutrients in the impoundments and establish the necessary treatment
requirements to achieve allowable nutrient limits.  In addition to
water sampling, effluent samples  from 26 wastewater treatment plants
are being provided to the AFO on  a monthly basis for analysis.
     The AFO tested for heavy metals in the summer of 1971 in the
pool below Conowingo Dam.   In the water samples, mercury, lead, and
zinc were detected at .0001, .001, and .057 ppm, respectively.   The
mercury and lead readings represent the minimum detectable limit for
the laboratory procedure employed and, thus, the actual  concentrations

-------
                                                             IV -4
of the two metals might have been lower.   The  zinc  concentrations  are
normally high and oftentimes measured at  an  order of  magnitude  similar
to the various nutrient fractions.
     The AFO ran heavy metal analysis on  water samples  obtained from the
pool below Conowingo Dam again in February 1972 to  determine  the
concentrations of various metals in water discharged  from the impound-
ment.  The results were as follows:  iron .72  ppm,  manganese  .32 ppm,
zinc < .02 ppm, copper < .03 ppm, chromium < .03 ppm, lead <  .03 ppm,
cadmium < .01 ppm, and nickel < .05 ppm.
     The above metals reported as "less than"  represent the lower levels
of sensitivity of the instruments employed in  the metals measurement.
The source of iron and manganese could be upstream  mine drainage.   Pyrite
would be a source of iron.
     J. H. Carpenter of the Johns Hopkins University's Chesapeake Bay
Institute (currently Director of Oceanography  Section, National Science
Foundation) analyzed water samples for the presence of iron,  manganese,
zinc, nickel, copper, cobalt, chromium, and cadmium in both the dissolved
and suspended states.  The water samples were  collected at weekly inter-
vals from April 1965 through August 1966 at Lapidium, Maryland, about
1 mile below the Conowingo Dam.  Average concentrations of heavy metals
associated with suspended sediment, for which  data  was available,
were as follows:
     Copper - 2 ppb, September 1965 through January 1966, and June 1966
     through August  1966; 3 ppb, February 1966 through May 1966.
     Nickel - 4 ppb, September 1965 through January 1966, and June 1966

-------
                                                             IV - 5
     through August 1966; 9 ppb, February 1966 through May 1966.
     Zinc - 8 ppb, September 1965 through January 1966, and January 1966
     through August 1966; 27 ppb, February 1966 through May 1966.
     Manganese - 75 ppb, September 1965 through January 1966,  and  June
     1966 through August 1966; 225 ppb, February 1966  through  May  1966.
     Iron - 400 ppb, September 1965 through January 1966,  and  June 1966
     through August 1966; 1,500 ppb, February 1966 through May 1966.
     The periods of high metal concentration were usually  associated
with high river flows and high concentrations of suspended sediment.
     Carpenter's data will  provide some of the needed  background infor-
mation to assess heavy metal contributions to the Bay  from Susquehanna
River Basin drainage.

-------

-------
                                                             IV  - 6
            B.  UPPER BAY AND UPPER EASTERN SHORE AREA

     This area includes the Northeast, Elk, Bohemia, and Sassafras
Rivers and the open Bay v/aters from Sparrows Point northward to the
mouth of the Susquehanna River.  Beneficial uses include municipal,
industrial, and agricultural water supply, water contact recreation;
propagation of fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife; and shellfish
harvesting.  Recent studies indicate that this is a critical spawning
and nursery area for several species of fish.  Specific uses for these
estuaries and the criteria to support the uses are set forth in the
water quality standards section of this chapter.
     Sampling stations were established in the upper Bay in 1968 by
the Annapolis Field Office and maintained during the subsequent summer
sampling seasons.  A map showing the station locations and brief
descriptions of these stations can be found on the following pages.
The Maryland Department of Water Resources also monitored the stations
during the summer months of 1970 and 1971.  The following measurements
were taken by the Maryland Department of Water Resources in 1971:
water temperature, pH, Secchi disc, conductivity, salinity, DO, total
                              ?     Q
coliforms, fecal coliforms, NO  + NO  as N, total P04, organic PO^,
chlorophyll a_, NH., as N, and TKN.  The following discussions are
based on the data obtained from this cooperative program.
BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     The bacteriological quality of the estuaries is generally good
except in areas where wastewater treatment facilities are inadequate.

-------
                          IV  - 7
                       ELKTON
UPPER  CHESAPEAKE BAY
    STATION IOCATIONS
             Figure  IV-1

-------
                                                                   IV -
                               Table IV - 2
                            Station Locations

  1.  Sassafras River, at Georgetown Bridge
  2.  Sassafras River, Nun Buoy "6"
  3.  Sassafras River, Can "3", Ordinary Point
  4.  Sassafras River, mouth, off Betterton
  5.  Chesapeake Bay,, off Grove Point Buoy "1"
  6.  Elk River at Turkey Point, Buoy N "6"
  7.  Elk River at confluence with Bohemia River, Buoy N "10"
  8.  Bohemia River at Long Point, Buoy N "2"
  9-  Bohemia River at Georges Point
 10.  Elk River at confluence with C & D Canal, Buoy "19"
 11.  Chesapeake and Delaware Canal, Buoy N "26"
 12.  Elk River at Paddy Piddles Cove, Buoy N "6"
 13.  Elk River off Locust Point, Buoy N "IV
 1^.  Northeast River channel off Rocky Point, Buoy R "2"
 1^>.  Northeast River off Roach Point, Buoy N "10"
 16.  Northeast River off Charlestown, Buoy N "8"
 17-  Northeast River at mouth of Northeast Creek

 Tl.  Sassafras River, mouth, off Betterton (same as Station k)
 T2.  Chesapeake Bay, off Sassafras River, north of channel between
      N "26" and N "2"
 T3-  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy N "2" at Spesutie Island channel
 Tif.  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy N "22" off Still Pond Creek
 T5-  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy C "1" off Romney Creek
 T6.  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy "12" off Fairlee Creek
 T7.  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy C "3", lower tip Pooles Island
 T8.  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy S^IB, off Gunpowder River
 T9.  Chesapeake Bay, Buoy R '"6" above Swan Point
T10.  Chesapeake Bay, between Buoy C "5" and S "l8B"
Til.  Chesapeake Bay, off Craighill channel light

-------
                                                             IV - 9



The communities of Charlestown, North Chesapeake City,  South  Chesa-

peake City, Meadowview, and Northeast have been directed  by the MDWR

to construct or improve treatment facilities.

     Sampling data of the MDWR obtained during June,  July,  and August

of 1971 showed fecal  coliform densities at all stations considerably

less than the primary contact recreation standard of  240  MPN/100 ml.

On October 18 and 19, 1971 the following densities were recorded.



     Sampling
     Station               Date           Time         Fecal  Coliform
                                                         MPN/100 ml

        1                10-19-71         1546                930

        9                10-19-71         1232                230

       12                10-19-71         1328                220

       13                10-19-71         1333                430

       17                10-18-71         1633                430

     The pattern depicted above, showing high  bacterial occurrences; at

various locations, cou'id indicate extreme weather conditions  and

probable storm water impact.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS

     Data obtained by the MDWR and the AFO during the 1971  water quality

surveys were reviewed for contraventions of the DO standard.   No signi-

ficant contraventions of the 5.0 mg/1 daily average DO  standard were

recorded at the sampling stations.  On June 6, 1971,  surface-water DO

measurements of 5.4, 5.0, and 5.1 were recorded at Stations 2, 3, arid 4,

respectively, in the Sassafras River.  While on October 18, 1971, at

-------
                                                             IV - 10

Stations 16 and 17 in the Northeast River surface-water DO concentra-
tions were 5.8 and 5.4 respectively.  It is expected that DO concentra-
tions dip below the standard during the decay and respiratory phases of
excessive algal blooms in the upper reaches of the tributaries in  this
study area.

NUTRIENTS
     Background data on nutrient fractions are available for the  sum-
mer seasons of 1968 through 1971.   The MDWR analyzed approximately
185 samples for the various nutrient fractions in this study area
during 1971.  The AFO performed about 190 nutrient analyses in 1971.

WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     Blooms of blue-green algae in the upper Bay tributaries have
been associated with increased nutrient concentrations.  In late
August of 1968, excessive blooms of blue-green algae were first
reported in the Sassafras River near Georgetown and in the Elk River
downstream from Elkton.  On August 27, 1968, when blooms were observed,
chlorophyll a_ was measured at 257  micrograms per liter in the Sassafras
River near Georgetown.  In the Elk River, 140 micrograms per liter of
chlorophyll a_ was measured on August 28, 1968.  Total  inorganic phosphorus
concentrations were higher in the  areas of the blooms when compared to
concentrations measured below these areas.
     In sussequent years, since 1968, these blooms have gradually
increased in size, density and duration.

-------
                                                             IV  -  11

     By 1969, all  of the headwaters  of the  upper  Bay tributaries were
affected with the  uppermost stations of the Sassafras,  Elk,  Bohemia,
and Northeast showing September chlorophyll a_ values of 97.5, 120.75,
387.0, and 117.75  ug/1,  respectively.
     During the early summer of 1970 there  was a  great  deal  of rain
and therefore, extensive blooms didn't occur until  late in the season.
August values in the upper two stations in  the Elk  were 213.8 and
151.5.  All four stations in the Northeast  were badly hit with chloro-
phyll .a values of 165.0, 163.5, 287.3, and  315.0, respectively,  from
mouth to headwaters of the river.  The Bohemia also had a large  standing
crop in August with chlorophyll a_ values of 141.0 and 180.0.
     In 1971 blooms became evident early in the summer.  In June the
upper Sassafras was showing chlorophyll a_ values  of 121.5; the Northeast
values of 224.0; and in  July, the Bohemia values  of 110.0.
     The major offending organisms found to be present in these blooms
are Anabaena, Oscillatoria (two forms of filamentous blue-greens)  and
a coccoid blue-green Anacystis (the problem organism of the Potomac
River).  All three of the nuisance blue-greens were found in great
abundance.
     These blue-greens seem to be unsuitable as food for grazing zoo-
plankton populations, and therefore, are not consumed until they reach
huge standing crop proportions that are readily visible as floating
masses in the water.

-------
                                                             IV - 12






     The major problem areas appear at the headwaters  of each  of the



upper Bay tributaries.  With each year, however,  the area encompassed



by the large algal  standing crop increases, especially during  the hot,



low-flow months.   Because of this large standing  crop, there is a



potential water quality problem.



     In addition to this abundance of blue-green  algae, there  also



seems to be a diverse but relatively small quantity of healthy green



phytoplankton.



     Although there is an imbalance in the phytoplankton community,  the



other trophic levels seem to be healthy.   The bacteriological  quality



of these tributaries is basically good.  The zooplankton and bottom



communities seem to be diverse and healthy.  Every spring this area  is



used by huge numbers of anadromous fish,  such as  striped bass, alewives,



and several species of clupeids.

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                                                             IV - 13

                  C.  UPPER WESTERN SHORE AREA

     The study area includes the Bush, Gunpowder, and Middle rivers.
Back River is discussed in the section on Baltimore Harbor.
Romney Creek and Swan Creek are included in this discussion  as they
are recipients of effluent from wastewater treatment plants  in the
northern portion of study area.
     The tidal waters of Bush, Gunpowder, and Middle Rivers  are classi-
fied in the Maryland water quality standards for water contact recreation,
industrial water supply, and propagation of fish, other aquatic life
and wildlife.  No specific standards are assigned to Romney  and Swan
Creeks.
     No current (1970-71) water quality surveys are available for this
study area except for a Romney Creek study carried out by the
Annapolis Field Office on June 11, 1970.  Bathing beach reports of the
Baltimore County Health Department concerning bacterial analyses were
received for the period 1966 through 1971.  Other water quality sur-
veys reviewed for this report were a study encompassing the  Bush
River, Romney Creek, and Swan Creek conducted by the Annapolis Field
Office during the period of October to December 1967, and a  1965
summer survey by Mr. John R. Longwell, Maryland Department of Water
Resources, results of which are contained in a report entitled
"Physical, Chemical and Bacteriological  Water Quality in Gunpowder Falls
and Little Gunpowder Falls.'J
     Personnel of the Department of Water Resources report that little

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                                                             IV -  14

development has taken place in the study area since 1965 and that
water quality remains generally good in the Bush,  Gunpowder, and
Middle Rivers.  It was noted, however, that during December 1971 the
presence of algae (Massartia) was reported for the first time in the
Middle 'River.  The following is a brief discussion of the available
data mentioned above.

WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
     During the August 1965 water quality survey,  the Maryland
Department of Water Resources (MDWR) found that the median DO values
in the Gunpowder River below the confluence of Gunpowder Falls and
Little Gunpowder Falls ranged from 6.9 ppm to 9.0  ppm.  The overall
maximum DO value was 9.4 ppm and the minimum 5.8 ppm.  The 1965
determinations for fecal coliforms (£. coli) showed minimum and maximum
values of less than 3/100 ml and 230/100 ml (MPN).,
     The Department of Water Resources has not conducted recent water
quality surveys in the Middle river.  In December  1961, the MDWR received
reports for the first time of algae in the Middle  River.  It was
believed to be, at the time of observance, the phytoplankter
Massartia.
     Dissolved oxygen concentrations during the October to December
1967 survey ranged between 9.0 ppm and 11.0 ppm.  With the exception
of two sampling stations, fecal coliform densities were usually below
100/100 ml.  At Stations 18 and 19, located near the Edgewood Arsenal,
fecal coliform densities exceeded the contact recreation standard on
two occasions.

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                                                             IV - 15

     The Edgewood Arsenal has taken steps to provide treatment to
its waste.  Wastewater treatment facilities are under construction
and should be completed this year.
     On June 11, 1970, the Annapolis Field Office conducted a 1-day
water quality survey of Romney Creek.  This limited survey indicated
a high phytoplankton count.  An algal bloom was found just downstream
from the Sod Run wastewater treatment plant.  High phosphorus and
variable nitrogen readings were recorded during the survey.  At the
two stations located below the point of discharge, chlorophyll a_ was
measured at 192.0 and 210.0 micrograms per liter, indicative of the
bloom conditions.  Additional sampling data will be needed to identify
the Sod Run plant as the primary cause of the algal blooms.
Operating records from the Sod Run plant showed a BQD§ removal of
approximately 68 percent for the month of January 1972.
     Swan Creek receives effluent discharges from the Aberdeen Proving
Ground and from the Glenn Heights and Town of Aberdeen wastewater
treatment plants, which discharge into Swan Creek above the Aberdeen
Proving Ground's discharge.  In the 1967 survey frequent high fecal
coliform counts were found at a sampling station located downstream
from the three discharges.  It should be noted that the effect of
tidal excursion makes the identification of bacterial sources dif-
ficult.  In addition, high chlorophyll values were reported in the
tidal headwaters of Swan Creek below these discharges.  The high
chlorophyll values coincided with the higher nutrient figures for
phosphates and Kjeldahl nitrogen recorded during the 1967 survey.

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                                                             IV - 16

     Currently, the Aberdeen Proving Ground discharges  untreated
effluent from sedimentation tanks and backwash from filters  at the
water filtration plant into the headwaters of Swan Creek.  Action
has begun to alleviate the current situation by providing  treatment of
sludge and filter backwash at the main potable water treatment plant
serving the Aberdeen Proving Ground area.

WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     The insufficient data base precludes  evaluations in terms of
nutrient enrichment in the Bush, Gunpowder, and Middle  Rivers.
Romney and Swan Creeks receive nutrients from wastewater treatment
plants in the area.  These creeks appear to act as nutrient  traps or
settling basins for the nutrients.  Localized algal blooms have
occurred in these creeks.
     The Baltimore County Department of Health conducts sanitary
surveys and performs bacterial analyses of beach water  as  its basis
for issuing permits to operate public bathing beaches.   Prior to
the 1966 summer surveys, 21 public beaches were located on the shores of
Middle, Gunpowder, Back and Bird Rivers, Chesapeake Bay, and Bear Creek.
The results of the 1966 summer surveys justified the closing of
four beaches in Middle River, two in Bird River, two in Back River,
and four in Bear Creek.  The Health Department's 1967,  1968, and 1969
surveys showed no significant changes in water quality in the beach
waters.  Seven applications for permits to operate public bathing beach-
es for the 1970 season were received and approved by the Department

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                                                              IV  - 17

of Health.  They were:  four beaches in Chesapeake Bay, two beaches in
Middle River, and one beach in Gunpowder River.  In 1971, seven applica-
tions were received and six permits issued.
     Beaches are closed in Baltimore county when the 240/100 ml
fecal coliform standard is frequently exceeded.  In several instances
the closures of beaches have been traced to failing individual sewage
disposal systems surrounding the beaches.  The Health Department sur-
veys have also pointed out unsanitary conditions associated with the
actual beach area, which included picnic grounds, dressing rooms,
showers, and toilets.
     In order to identify trends other than bacteriological, mon-
itoring data should be sought for nutrients, pest'Icides, and heavy
metals.

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                                                             IV - 18

                     D. BALTIMORE HARBOR AREA

     In February 1969, the Maryland Department of Water Resources,
with Federal financial assistance under Section 3(c) of the Federal
Water Pollution Control Act, initiated a 3-year study of Baltimore
Harbor for the purpose of developing a comprehensive water quality
management plan.  Since that time the Maryland Environmental  Service
(MES) has taken over the responsibility for completing the project.
The field work was completed in February 1972.  The recommended
management plan is expected later this year.  The plan will include  a
detailed description of existing water quality conditions in Baltimore
Harbor.  Therefore, the following discussion is a brief review of water
quality conditions in the Harbor, based on contacts with Mr.  William
Sloan, Baltimore Harbor Project Leader, MES, and current data from
the files of the Annapolis Field Office.
     Major sources of pollution in Baltimore Harbor include wastes
from the Baltimore City Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant,  which
discharges primary treated effluent directly into the Harbor, direct
industrial discharges, sewerage overflows and leaks into Harbor
tributaries, urban runoff, and the occurrence of spills of hazardous
substances from vessels and dockside facilities.

MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES
     The Patapsco Wastewater Treatment Plant currently discharges
approximately 13 mgd of primary treated wastes into the Harbor in the

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                                                             rv - 19

vicinity of Wagners Point above the mouth of Curtis  Bay.   Expansion
plans for the Patapsco Plant include secondary treatment  facilities.
In addition, the MES study may include a recommendation for nutrient
removal at the Patapsco Plant.  The Back River Plant,  Baltimore City's
major wastewater treatment plant,  provides secondary treatment to
approximately 158 mgd of wastewater, of which 38 mgd is discharged into
the upper portion Back River.  Highly eutrophic conditions, as in-
dicated by a heavy algal standing  crop, exist due to the  discharge of
treated wastewater containing large amounts of nutrients  from the
Back River Plant.
     Bethlehem Steel (Sparrows Point Plant) purchases  the remaining
120 mgd of secondary treatment effluent for use as process water.  The
process water, in turn, is discharged near the mouth of Bear Creek
which has experienced extensive algal blooms during  the summer months.
The MES study included a point of discharge evaluation for the Bethle-
hem Steel wastewater outfall to determine if better  dispersion would
result from a discharge point in the main Harbor.
     While some of the industries  in the Baltimore area have been
authorized to connect to the city's wastewater treatment  system most
major water-using industries discharge directly into the  Harbor.  Those
industries that do not discharge into the city's system must obtain an
industrial waste discharge permit under the 1899 Refuse Act.
     In December 1971, the AFO conducted a field investigation of sever-
al of the major water-using industries known to be discharging sig-
nificant quantities of wastes into Baltimore Harbor (see  attached map).

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                                                            IV - 20

Effluent samples were obtained as well  as receiving water samples
opposite the discharges.  Quantities of wastes (Ibs/day) were cal-
culated from flows provided in applications submitted by the industries
under the 1899 Refuse Act and based upon a single sample representa-
tive of the daily discharge.  The following information is provided as
an indication of industrial waste problems in Baltimore Harbor.   It should
be emphasized that the information presented does not include all of
the parameters measured in the discharges.
     The FMC Corporation discharges its waste into Stonehouse cove,
a tributary of Curtis Bay.  Ethion, an insecticide, was found in the
discharges of two outfalls at concentrations of .028 mg/1 and .661 mg/1,
respectively.  A water sample taken opposite the outfalls contained
1.118 mg/1 ethion.  Although no specific water quality criteria  for
ethion has been established for particular water use classification,
ethion is known to be an acutely toxic insecticide.
     Two discharges from Allied Chemical Corporation were found  to
contain 8.8 mg/1 and 4.5 mg/1 of chromium, respectively.  This chromium
input was calculated to be 37 Ibs/day.   The receiving water sample
taken adjacent  to the discharges contained .30 mg/1 chromium.  The
U. S. Public Health Service (PHS) drinking water standard is .05 mg/1
and the fish toxicity level for chromium is 2.0 rng/1.  Phenol was also
detected in the actual effluent at .180 mg/1  (3 Ibs/day).  A water
sample collected opposite this outfall  contained the same concentration,

-------
                                                               IV - 21

.180 mg/1 of phenol, an amount greater than that  specified  in the
PHS drinking water standards (0.001  mg/1).
     The water quality criteria for  fish and aquatic life cited in
these discussions were obtained primarily from the publication
Hater Quality Criteria, Second Edition, by J. E.  McKee and  H. W.  Wolf,
The Resources Agency of California,  State Water Resources Control Board,
revised 1963.  The Public Health Service drinking water criteria, as
well as the fish and aquatic life criteria, are presented for comparison
purposes onty.  For the most part, the constituents in the  industrial
wastes are not covered by numerical  criteria in adopted water quality
standards.
     One outfall from the Amstar corporation was  found to be discharging
36,962 Ibs/day of total carbon, concentrated at 214.38 mg/1  in the
actual effluent.  It is known that organic particulates (carbon)  reduce
dissolved oxygen in the water and form harmful sludge deposits.  Signi-
ficant discharges of phenol and sulfate were also detected  at Amstar
Corporation.
     Effluent from the Glidden-Durkee Division of SCM Corporation
contained 19,723 mg/1 of sulfate (47,335 Ibs/day).  The receiving
water sample near the outfall had 4,990 mg/1 sulfate.  Concentrations
of 353 mg/1 and 18.7 mg/1 of total Kheldahl nitrogen and total phosphate,
respectively, were present in one outfall discharge.  This  same dis-
charge was found to be contributing 648 Ibs/day of ammonia  nitrogen
(270 mg/1).  For the purpose of comparison, this  ammonia concentra-
tion, 270 mg/1, is approximately twentyfold greater than that contained

-------
                                                            IV - 22

in untreated domestic sewage.
     American Smelting and Refining Company's discharge contained
6.5 mg/1 of arsenic (108.5 Ibs/day).  The concentration of arsenic
in the immediate receiving waters was close to the fish toxicity
level of 1.0 mg/1.  Copper was also present in the effluent at a
concentration of 76 mg/1 (1,200 Ibs/day).  Copper was detected in the
receiving water sample at 12 mg/1.  Fish toxicity levels and drinking
water standards for copper are 0.15 mg/1 and 1.0 mg/1, respectively.
The actual effluent had a pH of 2.5 while the immediate receiving waters
had a 3.5 pH.  Fish tolerance levels range from 4.5 to 9.5 and the
water quality standards assigned to the Baltimore Harbor by the State
of Maryland are 5.0 to 9.0.
     The December 1971 survey disclosed that the Bethlehem Steel Cor-
poration at Sparrows Point was discharging cyanide into Baltimore Har-
bor.  The cyanide concentration and loading from this critical discharge
were found to be 16.1 mg/1 and 193 Ibs/day, respectively.  Recommended
maximum drinking water criteria and fish toxicity levels are 0.01
mg/1, and 0.1 mg/1, respectively.  The receiving water sample taken
opposite the discharge contained 14.0 mg/1 of cyanide.  Phenol was
also detected in several of Bethlehem Steel's discharges.  In the
effluent of one particular discharge, phenol was concentrated at 23.5
mg/1 (282 Ibs/day).  The receiving water sample had 21.0 mg/1 of
phenol.  Drinking water standards for phenol are 0.001 mg/1, while the
levels considered to be toxic or lethal to fish are 0.4 to 0.6 mg/1.
A low pH of 2.1 was measured in the receiving waters opposite two of

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                                                              IV - 23

Bethlehem Steel's discharges.
     Critical  concentrations of heavy metals in the actual  effluents
from Bethlehem Steel  were found for the following:   iron,  zinc,  lead,
and copper.  Iron was found being discharged at 888,000 plus  Ibs/day.
Iron concentrations in water samples collected  near several outfalls
ranged from 1.2 to 70.0 mg/1.   All  concentrations are  in excess  of
the PHS drinking water standards (0.3 mg/1)  and fish toxicity levels
(1.0 mg/1).
     Over 50,000 Ibs/day of zinc was being discharged  by Bethlehem
Steel during the December 1971  survey.  The  highest amount detected
in a receiving water  sample was 10 mg/1, which  exceeds the PHS drinking
water standard (5.0 mg/1), the  fish toxicity level  (0.15 mg/1),  and
the concentration (5.0 mg/1) at which zinc becomes  aesthetically
undesirable (causes a greasy and milky appearance in the water).
     Lead and copper  were discharged at rates of 6,335 and 127,000
Ibs/day, respectively.  Receiving water samples had concentrations of
2.0 and 27.0 mg/1 for lead and  copper, respectively.  Small traces of
lead are highly toxic to aquatic life, as lead  is an accumulative  poison.
The fish toxicity level for copper is 0.15 mg/1. The  drinking water
standards for lead and copper are 0.05 mg/1. The drinking water stand-
ards for lead and copper are 0.05 and 1.0 mg/1, respectively.
     Solids were discharged at the following rates: 32,600,000  Ibs/day
of total solids and 1.700,000 Ibs/day of suspended  solids. Both the
drinking water standard of 500 mg/1 and the  4,000 mg/1 limit  which
renders water unfit for human consumption were  exceeded by all of  the

-------
                                                              IV - 24

receiving water samples.
     The cumulative sulfate contribution from the major outfalls was
150,027,919 Ibs/day.  One particular discharge had a concentration of
118,196 mg/1 and a loading of 135,132,243 Ibs/day.  The water sample
taken opposite this critical outfall also contained 118,196 mg/1 of
sulfate.  The recommended drinking water standard for sulfate is
250 mg/1.
     The combined loadings from the major discharges for total  car-
bon, phosphate, and ammonia were 182,492 Ibs/day,+ 23,000 Ibs/day,
and 17,860 Ibs/day, respectively.  Receiving water samples contained
concentrations of phosphate ranging from 0.8 mg/1 to 5.9 mg/1.   For
purposes of comparison, it should be noted that this discharge  of
phosphate, in excess of 23,000 Ibs/day, is equivalent to approximately
one-third of the phosphate load in the entire upper Potomac Estuary from
the Washington Metropolitan Area.  Its role as a nutrient in
accelerating the eutrophication process is well documented.
     The Maryland Environmental Service's comprehensive study of the
Baltimore Harbor provided for a 1-year's study of the higher trophic
levels of the fauna in the harbor.  The study was carried out by the
Chesapeake Biological  Laboratory, Natural Resources Institute,  Uni-
versity of Maryland.  The study concludes that species showing  reduction
in numbers from the mouth of the Patapsco River to Fort McHenry are
those which live in or on the bottom or are dependent on benthic species.
Also, the fauna present in Bear Creek, Colgate Creek, Northwest Branch,
Middle Branch, and Curtis Creek are species either adapted to a highly
polluted environment or, if present, exhibit a detrimental physical

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                                                            IV - 25

condition as a result of the  environment.   The  report  contains  several
recommendations, one of which recommends  that the  biological  potential
of Baltimore Harbor could be  improved if  the addition  of untreated
industrial and domestic effluents into the tributaries and main Har-
bor were prevented by curtailment or treatment  of  present discharges
of foreign material into these areas.

BOTTOM SEDIMENT
     Analyses of bottom sediment in Baltimore Harbor were made  during
1971 by the AFO as part of a  continuing program.   The  maintenance of
shipping channels in the Harbor requires  periodic  dredging and  sub-
sequent disposal of the dredged material.   The  dredged spoils were
analyzed for potential pollutants in instances  where the spoils
were planned for deposition in healthy environs.
     On several occasions in  1971, bottom sediments (upper 2 or 3 cm)
from the Harbor were analyzed for total Kjeldahl  nitrogen, chemical
oxygen demand, volatile solids, mercury,  lead,  zinc, cadmium, chromium,
copper, and oil and grease.  Some of the  high concentrations measured
and respective sampling locations were as follows:
     Volatile Solids - 143,300 ppm Northwest branch opposite
     Amstar Corporation; 149,500 ppm Curtis Bay near Thomas Point;
     214,000 ppm Bear Creek at Long Point; 217,700 ppm Middle
     Branch at Buoy N6; 170,000 ppm Colgate Creek  headwaters;
     142,200 ppm right side of shipping channel off Sellers Point.
     COD - 343,280 ppm Northwest Branch opposite Amstar Corporation;
     666,980 ppm Bear Creek near Long Point; 552,920 ppm Middle

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                                                        TV - 26

Branch at Buoy N6; 661,000 ppm Colgate Creek headwaters.
Oil and Grease - 17,510 ppm Northwest Branch off Amstar
Corporation; 81,220 ppm Bear Creek at Lloyds Point;
38,150 ppm Middle Branch Buoy N6; 76,410 ppm lower portion
of Northwest Branch.
TKN - 2,703 ppm Curtis Bay at Buoy 16; 3,993 ppm Sparrows
Point Buoy N8; 6,220 ppm Bear Creek near Long Point;
5,811 ppm Middle Branch Buoy N6; 3,180 ppm right side of
shipping channel off Sellers Point.
Mercury - 0.043 ppm Northwest Branch opposite Amstar
Corporation; 0.026 ppm Curtis Bay both at Buoy 16 and at
Thomas Point; 0.045 and 0.046 at two of the Northwest
Branch sampling stations; 0.068 ppm opposite Hawkins Point
and adjacent to the main shipping channel.
Lead - 3,271 ppm upper Northwest Branch and 1,673 ppm
opposite Amstar Corporation in the Northwest Branch; 2,200 ppm
Colgate Creek near Dundalk; 936 ppm Colgate Creek headwaters;
1,502 ppm right side of Shipping channel off Sellers Point.
Zinc - 4,710 ppm Bear Creek at Long Point; 2,828 ppm Colgate
Creek near Dundalk; 3,324 ppm Colgate Creek headwaters;
2,589 ppm right side of shipping channel off Sellers Point.
Cadmium - Undetectable in many instances; 51 ppm Bear Creek
near Long Point; 251 ppm Colgate Creek near Dundalk; 315 ppm
and 192 ppm, middle of channel and right side of shipping

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                                                            IV - 27

     channel,  respectively,  off  Sellers  Point.
     Chromium  - 9,425 ppm Bear Creek  off Long  Point,  2,654  ppm,
     8,100 ppm, 6,763 ppm, and 5,681  ppm,  respectively,  for
     stations  in the upper portion  to the  lower  portion  of  North-
     west Branch; 3,035 ppm right side of shipping  channel  off
     Sellers Point.
     Copper -  Not measured at several sampling locations; 502
     and 518 ppm at  two sampling locations in  middle  portion of
     Colgate Creek;  320 ppm right side of shipping  channel  off
     Sellers Point.

     A comparison of Baltimore Harbor bottom sediment data  with  recent
data obtained  in the vicinity of Tangier Island  is  presented herein.
Tangier Island, located in the lower  Bay off Pocomoke Sound, is  consid-
ered a clean area with regard to pollutants in the  bottom sediment
surrounding the island.
     TKN values for  bottom sediment near Tangier Island  ranged from
140 to 770 ppm.  Most TKN values in Baltimore  Harbor  ranged between
1,000 and 3,000 ppm.
     With the  exception of two sampling  stations near the bulkhead
at Dundalk Marine Terminal, COD  in  Baltimore Harbor was  found  to
range from approximately 100,000 to 700,000 ppm. COD ranged from
2,390 to 10,540 ppm  at Tangier Island.
     Volatile  solids in Tangier  Island sediment  samples  ranged from
5,800 to 20,800 ppm.  Baltimore  Harbor sediment  values of volatile
solids ranged  from 12,500 to 217,700  ppm; most samples were in excess

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                                                               IV -  28

of 100,000 ppm.
     Oil and grease concentrations ranged from 140 to  460 ppm  in
bottom sediment adjacent to Tangier Island.   The lowest value  in  Balti-
more Harbor was 420 ppm, while the highest value was 81,220  ppm.
Eight samples fell  within a concentration range of 10,000-40,000  ppm.
Of the 39 bottom sediment analyses of Baltimore Harbor reviewed for
this section of the report, all  but one exceeded the highest value
(460 ppm) for oil and grease measured at Tangier Island.
     Lead was detected in only two of six samples at Tangier Island
at low concentrations (0.4 and 0.7 ppm).  Eight of the Harbor  samples
contained lead in excess of 1,000 ppm.
     Cadmium was also low in Tangier Island samples, averaging 0.23  ppm.
Although undetectable in most Harbor samples, cadmium  was measured in
five samples at concentrations as follows:  35.6, 51.0, 192.3, 251.2,
and 315.4 ppm
     Concentrations of zinc in Tangier Island sediment were  low:   8, 13,
12, 27, 12, and 11  ppm.   The range for zinc in Baltimore Harbor was
27 to 4,710 ppm.  At least half of the samples were in excess  of  1,000
ppm.
BACTERIOLOGICAL PROBLEMS
     The bacteriological conditions of tributaries to  Baltimore Harbor
are poor.  Gwynn Falls and Jones Falls, tributaries to the Harbor area
of the Patapsco River, are severely degraded by very  high bacterial
densities, due mainly to storm sewer drainage and sewerage system

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                                                            IV - 29

overflows and leaks, all  of which enter these streams  from the Baltimore
Metropolitan Area.
     The Baltimore  County Department of Health,  in  a  recent water
quality study of Bear Creek, noted that the only public beaches
available to the Dundalk  community are located in Bear Creek and  that
these have been closed to swimming since 1966.  The degradation of
bacteriological conditions in Bear Creek is attributed to discharges
of sewage and industrial  wastes in the area, storm  water drainage,
and tidal action causing  pollutants to flow into Bear Creek from
Baltimore Harbor.  As noted earlier, Bethlehem Steel  has a major
discharge located near the mouth of Bear Creek.
     Likewise, bathing beaches in Back River have been closed since
1966 because of excessive bacterial counts.  The major contributors
of bacteria to Back River are its polluted tributaries.  In 1965,
the AFO conducted an extensive water pollution survey of Back River.
In this study it was found that Herring Run was  the source of almost  90
percent of both coliform  and fecal coliform bacteria  contributed  by
the five tributary  streams and the Back River Wastewater Treatment
Plant.  Moores Run  and Stemmers Run, together, provided about 10
percent of the total, while the contributions of the  Back River Waste-
water Treatment Plant effluent, Bread and Cheese Creek, and Redhouse
Creek contributed about 1 percent or less.

NUTRIENTS
     During the 1969, 1970, and 1971 summer months  the Maryland

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                                                             IV - 30







Environmental Service (MES) monitored the various nutrient fractions



and measured chlorophyll a_ values in Baltimore Harbor in an attempt



to assess the problem of algae in the Harbor.  The table below



presents nutrient data collected by MES at Harbor sampling stations



on August 25, 1971, during an algal bloom (see attached location map).



The samples were taken during daylight hours between 10:00 a.m. and



2:00 p.m. EST.





                          Table IV-3



                         August 25, 1971





Sta.   Temp.°C   DO

1
1A
2
3
4
4A
4B
5
5A
6A
7A

25.3
26.4
26.1
27.2
26.0
25.8
25.5
25.8
27.2
26.4
25.4
mg/1
8.2
9.7
9.1
13.7
7.4
8.4
5.8
7.6
14.1
2.4
5.4
~ mg/1
.11
.40
.53
.90
.43
.70
.53
.37
.57
.55
.60
~mg/l
.03
.11
.11
.16
.09
.09
.09
.09
.11
.05
.12
mg/1
.41
.21
.30
.93
.26
.30
.30
.30
.45
.28
.26
P9/1
111
108
144
258
144
144
51
72
456
102
54
mg/1
1.25
1.35
.93
2.61
1.49
2.01
1.17
1.21
3.27
1.12
1.21
     The above table shows chlorophyll a_ values measured during bloom

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                                                               IV - 31

stages of algae in late August 1971.   At Stations 3 and 5A,  where the
highest chlorophyll a_ values were recorded, surface water oxygen satu-
ration conditions also occurred, probably due to the high photosynthe-
sis accompanying the algal processes.   Stations 3 and 5A are located
at the mouths of Colgate Creek and Bear Creek, respectively.  High total
phosphate values were recorded during  the blooms.  Ammonia and
nitrite-nitrate nitrogen decreased with algal activity, while increases of
total Kheldahl nitrogen indicated higher concentrations of organic
matter in the water due to the by-products of algal production.
     An examination of sampling data collected on July 8 and August 2,
1971, gives reason to believe that blooms of algae could have occurred
during these periods.  They did not,  however, even though warm water
temperatures were recorded together with nutrient concentrations in
the water considered more than sufficient for the occurrence of algal
blooms.  Possibly the presence of toxic material inhibited algal growth.
The question of possible algal poisoning will be addressed in the MES
study report on Baltimore Harbor.
     The earlier discussion of municipal and industrial discharges
identified these discharges as significant contributors of nutrients
in Baltimore Harbor.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN
     Dissolved oxygen concentrations shall not be less than 4.0 mg/1
in Baltimore Harbor according to water quality standards established
by the State of Maryland.  This standard was seldom contravened in
surface waters during the 1971 surveys.  More often, saturation

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                                                            IV - 32

conditions were observed during the daylight hours when algal
photosynthesis occurs.   Mr.  William Sloan, MES,  carried out diurnal
studies (24 hours) of algal  processes during 1970 and 1971  in  an
attempt to determine the effects of algal  respiration on DO during
hours of darkness.  Mr. Sloan reports that his tentative findings
are inconclusive.   While DO showed no appreciable fluctuation  in
Bear Creek and Stony Creek, the studies showed significant  fluc-
tuations in DO in  the Northwest Harbor and off Wagners Point.   In the
upper reach of Northwest Harbor, DO was observed to vary from  high
values of 9.0 and  12.0 ppm to low values of 0.6 and 4.0 ppm, respec-
tively, on separate occasions during the early morning hours (darkness)
The MES report is  expected to expand the algal respiration  studies.
     Although surface waters generally meet the DO standard, sub-
surface waters at  the 15-foot level are frequently depressed below
the standard.  During the summer of 1971,  the lowest subsurface DO
concentrations were observed in the Inner Harbor at sampling stations
6A and 7A.  At depths greater than 15 feet, concentrations  of DO are
often quite low.
     The Maryland  Environmental Service's  report will examine  the DO
problem as it relates to benthic demand, wastewater demand, algal
demand, and reaeration.

GENERAL
     The consulting firm of Arthur D. Little, Incorporated, was
retained by the Maryland Environmental Service to investigate  oil and
chemical spill hazards; preventive measures in industrial plants in

-------
                                                            IV - 33

the Baltimore Metropolitan Area were recommended.   Findings and
recommendations of the Arthur D. Little report, "The Prevention of
Spills of Oil and Chemicals into Baltimore Harbor and Environs,"
will be incorporated into the forthcoming water quality management
plan of MES for Baltimore Harbor.

-------
        IV - 34
Figure IV-2

-------
                              IV - 35
X

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                                Figure IV-3

-------
                                                            IV - 36

                  E.   MIDDLE WESTERN SHORE AREA

     The area covered in this section of the report is  located just
south of the Baltimore Metropolitan Area and includes  the Annapolis
Metropolitan Area.  The Magothy, Severn, South, and West Rivers are
the major drainage areas.  The drainage area includes  270 square
miles of land and over 190 miles of waterfront.
     All the rivers mentioned above are protected by water quality
standards to permit water contact recreation and propagation of
fish, other aquatic life and wildlife.  In addition, the Magothy,
Severn, South, and West Rivers are designated as shellfish harvesting
waters in the standards of the State of Maryland.
     The Maryland Department of Water Resources conducted field
surveys on the Severn and South Rivers during 1970 and  1971.  No
similar surveys by the Department were conducted for the Magothy
or West Rivers.  The 1970 and 1971 surveys included measurements of
the following parameters:  water temperature, pH, secchi disc,
conductivity, salinity, DO, total coliforms, iNOn + N03  as N, total
P04, organic P04, chlorophyll a_, NH3 as N, and TKN.
     The AFO, Environmental Protection Agency, conducted a water
quality survey of the Annapolis Metropolitan Area during 1967.
The data report from this survey covered the West, Rhode, Magothy,
South, and Severn Rivers.  In 1970 a survey was conducted on the Severn
River on a 1-day basis in March and June by the AFO.
     The Smithsonian Institute's Chesapeake Bay Center  for En-

-------
                          Table IV - 4
                       State of Maryland
                     Station Location List
                                                             IV - 3?
Station Number
    SRO
    SROW

    SROE

    SRI
    SR2
    SR2W
    SR2E
    SR3
    SR3W

    SR3E

    PPT
    SRk
    SR5
    SR6
    SR7
    SR8
    SR9
              Location
Turkey Point - mid-channel
Turkey Point - west side of channel, 10-foot
                               depth contour
Turkey Point - east side of channel, 10-foot
                               depth contour
Mouth of Selby Bay
Cedar Point - mid-channel
Cedar Point - west side, 10-foot depth contour
Cedar Point - east side, 10-foot depth contour
Ferry Point - mid-channel
North Point Almshouse Creek, 10-foot depth
                                  contour
East side of channel, 10-foot depth contour,
                                 Ferry Point
Mid-channel - Poplar Point
Mid-channel - Boyds Point
Mouth of Broad Creek
Head of Broad Creek
Mouth of Granville Creek
Beards Point (Glen Isle)
Head of South River

-------
                                        IV - 38
                                   t
                                   -H-
SOUTH RIVER
   1 MILE
                                            Figure IV-4

-------
                                                              IV - 39
                           Table IV - 5
                        State of Maryland
                      Station Location List
Station Number
              Location
     SVO

     SVBC
     SVSC
     SV1
     SVCC
     SVWC
     SV2

     SV3
     SV5

     SV6
     SV7
     SVSC1
     SVSC2
Mouth of Severn River,  off Greenbury Point,
     Buoy R "8"
Mouth of Back Creek
Mouth of Spa Creek
Off of the Naval Academy Pier, Buoy C "IT"
Mouth of College Creek
Mouth of Weerns Creek
Approximately 200 yards upstream of the Route
     50-301 bridge, 20-foot contour, mid-channel
Between Arnold Point and Brewer Point at Buoy "5"
Mouth of Little Round Bay off of St. Helena
     Island, 20-foot contour
Round Bay off of Eaglenest Point, 20-foot
     contour, mid-channel
Off of Carrollton Manor, mid-channel
Head of Severn River, Indian Landing, West Side
Spa Creek, mid-channel off Southgate Avenue
Hsad of Spa Creek

-------
SEVERN
   RUN
                                                                            IV - 40
                    STEVENS CR.
                           'FORKED CR


                                 fYANTZ CR
                                       ROUND  BAY

                                         RINOOID COVE
            HOPKINS CR.

                  BREWER  POND
                SALTWORKS CR.
            STATION LOCATION

            SEVERN  RIVER


                 I MILE
                                                                          Figure IV-5

-------
                                                            IV - 41
vironmental Studies supports an extensive estuarine research program
in the Rhode River.  One of these studies being investigated by
R. L. Cory, U. S. Geological Survey, involves biological, chemical,
and physical measurements of water quality in the Rhode River.
Time limitations on this report did not permit a review of water
quality related studies being carried out by the Chesapeake Bay
Center for Environmental Studies.
   The following discussions are based on data from the Maryland
Departments of Water Resources and Health and Mental  Hygiene and the
Annapolis Field Office.  Maps prepared by the MDWR are presented to show
sampling station locations for the South and Severn Rivers.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
   The review of fecal coliform data for the 1971 sampling season
showed only one violation of standards at one sampling location in
the South River.  During 1970, on July 21 and August 31, abnormally
high fecal coliform densities were recorded in the upper South
River.  However, the high occurrence of bacteria was attributed to
heavy rains occurring just prior to the surveys.
   The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reports
that a total of 127 acres of oyster bars remain closed in the South
River above Cedar and Melvin Points.  This area remains closed to
safeguard against possible failure of a package wastewater treatment
plant located in the upper portion of the South River.  The reach of
the river below Cedar and Melvin Points was reopened to shellfish

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                                                            IV -
harvesting on February 26,  1968.
     Water contact recreation standards  were  exceeded  at  several
sampling  stations in upper and lower Severn  River,  including  Spa
Creek, in 1971.   Based on the available  data, standards were contra-
vened on the following dates:  June 16,  July  7, and  October 13,  1971.
The MDWR attributes the excessive fecal  coliform densities  in  the
Severn River to  wastewater treatment plant discharges  from  the City
of  Annapolis, the United States Naval Academy, and  defective  septic
systems.  The City of Annapolis provides only primary  treatment  to
its wastewater.
     The entire  Severn River is currently closed to  shellfish  harvest-
ing.  The closure involves approximately 1,481 acres of public bars.   In
addition to the  sources of bacteria mentioned above, the  construction
of new housing with its concomitant erosion contributes to  the coliform
problem.
     The Maryland Department of Water Resources reports that the
bacterial quality of the Magothy is relatively good  as a  result of
the correction of more than 100 septic tank and sewage violations.
Shellfish areas  formerly closed have been reopened.
     In the Rhode and West River system, 63 acres of private oyster
bars are closed.  This includes bottom grounds in the  West  River above
the county wharf, which was closed in December 1965, and  all of
Parish Creek, closed in April 1967.  The MDWR reports  that  the bacterial
degradation is caused primarily by defective  septic  systems.

-------
                                                            IV - 43

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Dissolved oxygen measurements taken at water surfaces  indicate
that the DO standards are currently being maintained in the South
and Severn Rivers.  Contacts with personnel of the Maryland Department
of Water Resources affirm that the DO concentrations in the Rhode,
West, and Magothy Rivers are sufficient to support the beneficial
uses assigned to these streams.
     The MDWR reports that in the South River, dissolved oxygen is
depressed below a depth of 5 feet in the months of July and August.
Algal blooms have been observed during this period in the upper reach
of the South River.  Low dissolved oxygen concentrations below the
5-foot depth have also been recorded at stations in the upper Severn
River during the summer months of 1971.  It is expected that the res-
piration processes of algae coupled with low reaeration rates are
affecting the oxygen-holding capacities of the water columns in the
South and Severn Rivers.

NUTRIENTS
     The most significant nutrient concentrations observed in the South
River during the 1971 sampling surveys were measured on the July 6, 1971,
survey at the following stations:

-------
                                                            IV - 44
                            Table IV-6
Station

SR4
SR5
SR6
SR7
SR8
SR9
Temp.
°C

28.9
28.9
29.9
29.9
30.3
29.6
N02+N03
as N
mg/1
< .01
< .01
< .01
< .01
< .01
< .01
Chlorophyll
a
yg/i
60
54
78
246
72
90
T. Phosphorus
as PQ4 TKN
mg/1
.54
.37
1.12
1.25
1.11
.99
mg/1
1.20
1.13
1.07
1.20
1.13
1.27
     The above concentrations of chlorophyll  a^ and phosphates could
be expected with algal growth processes.   Blooms of algae, believed
to be the plankton organism Massartia rotundata, have been observed
in the South River during the summer months of 1971 and as recently
as December 1971.
     Abnormally high concentrations of chlorophyll a_, total P04, and
TKN were measured in the upper and the lower Severn River in the
vicinity of Annapolis during the 1971 surveys by the MDWR.  While
the high concentrations were recorded in the upper Severn River
stations on July 7, 1971, excessive concentrations were measured in
Spa Creek at Annapolis on both the July 7 and the October 13, 1971,
sampling surveys.   Plankton blooms, identified as Massartia rotundata,
were reported in the Severn River during 1971.
     The 1967 surveys by the AFO included measurements of the various

-------
                                                            IV - 45

nutrient fractions.   Occasional  high concentrations  of total  dissolved
PO, with accompanying significant chlorophyll  a_ measurements  were
reported in the Magothy, West, and Rhode Rivers during the 1967
surveys.  Current information is needed in order to  identify  water
quality trends, especially in light of the recent algal  blooms re-
ported in these waters.

HEAVY METALS AND PESTICIDES
     The MDWR analyzed water samples obtained  from the Severn and
South  Rivers for copper during the 1971 sampling seasons. Concentrations
were found to be less than 0.05 mg/1.   The detectable limit in the
laboratory is oftentimes 0.05 mg/1.  Concentrations  above this limit
could be significant with respect to the ability of  shellfish to
concentrate heavy metals.
     The MDWR did not analyze water samples for pesticides during
the 1970 and 1971 sampling surveys, nor has the Annapolis Field
Office monitored for pesticides in this study  area.

WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     Personnel of the MDWR conducted an aerial  overflight of  the middle
portion of the Bay on December 14, 1971, to determine the persistence
of algae in the Bay.  The Department had received citizen reports of
reddish-brown water in many of the tributaries  to the Bay. The  over-
flight showed plankton blooms persisting in the Magothy, Severn, South,
and West Rivers.  Biologists in $be Maryland Department of Water Resources

-------
                                                            IV - 46

have tentatively identified the predominant organism in the  bloom
as Massartia rotundata, a dinoflagellate, which generally constitutes
more than 90 percent of the total  number of organisms present.
     The algal blooms observed last summer (1971)  in the South  River
were also observed during the December 14, 1971, aerial overflight.
Algal blooms in the upper South River have been observed by  residents
in the area during the summer months since 1968.
     The extent cf the algal blooms in the Bay observed during  the
aerial overflight is discussed in  the summary section of Chapter XI.

-------

-------
                                                               IV - 4V

     F.  MIDDLE CHESAPEAKE BAY IN THE VICINITY OF SANDY POINT

     The  portion of the Chesapeake Bay covered herein includes the
middle section of the Bay, from the vicinity of the Patapsco River
southward to the Severn River area.  Surveys taken by the Annapolis
Field Office of EPA between 1968 and 1971 constitute the main basis of
the information contained in this chapter.  Twenty-two stations on
eight transects in the Bay were monitored at regular intervals to
ascertain existing water quality conditions.  Table IV-7 lists these
station locations.  The two main purposes of the EPA surveys were:
(1) to determine and identify any existing water quality trends in this
area and (2) to determine baseline conditions in this area before the
introduction of a wastewater treatment plant discharging directly into
Bay waters in the vicinity of Sandy Point.
     The proposed Sandy Point treatment plant will serve the 56.91
square mile Broad Neck Sewerage Service Area, located between Annapolis
and Glen Burnie.  This area is now served by individual septic tanks
and, occasionally, raw sewage lines discharging into the surrounding
water areas (the Magothy and Severn Rivers, and Chesapeake Bay).   The
proposed treatment plant will serve estimated populations of 70,000 by
1980 and 148,000 by the year 2000.
     Construction of the Sandy Point plant, providing secondary treat-
ment of all wastes, will be in two stages:  the first stage, to be com-
pleted and in operation by late 1972, will have a capacity of 8.8 MGD;

-------
                                                             IV  - 48

the second stage, to be completed sometime before the year 2000,
will have a capacity of 19.0 MGD.
     In 1962, the Chesapeake Bay Institute conducted a 20-day contin-
uous dye discharge study to determine the movement and dispersion of
an introduced contaminant into the Bay waters off Sandy Point.  The
dye was released approximately 1,360 yards off the shoreline just
north of Sandy Point, near the location of the future sewage outfall
from the Sandy Point treatment plant.  In this area of the Bay, tidal
currents are quite strong:  greater than 3 knots on the ebb current
and up to 2 knots on the flood current.  This causes dye (or waste
effluent) to concentrate in a narrow north-south aligned plume off-
shore Sandy Point.  During ebb tide, the plume will extend down the
Bay towards the Bay Bridge; during flood tide, the plume will extend up
the Bay.  Observations of the dye confirmed this, and at no time was
the dye plume observed to extend toward the shore at Sandy Point.
     The total dissolved and suspended material in secondary treated
waste effluent is approximately 100 ppm (parts per million) including
15 ppm inorganic phosphate and 25 ppm inorganic nitrogen.  This effluent
is considerably less dense than the surrounding Bay water, with an
average salinity of 6.97 ppt (parts per thousand) at the surface and
14.70 ppt at a depth of 40 feet.  There fore, from a bottom discharge
point, the effluent will n-se toward the surface, and thus some degree
of initial dilution will occur.  At the surface, the diluted effluent
will then become aligned in the north-south plume described above.
     Natural surface concentrations of inorganic phosphate ranged from

-------
                                                            IV - 49

.043 to .089 tng/1 near the future Sandy Point waste outfall  during
1971.  The natural surface concentrations of inorganic nitrogen
ranged from .019 to .393 mg/1 in the same area during 1971.   High
increases in nutrients (a 213 percent average greater inorganic
phosphate density and a 162 percent average greater inorganic nitrogen
density) are concentrated in a narrow plume, 100 yards wide  and 600
yards long, located 1,200 yards offshore Sandy Point.  Approximately
600 yards from shore, the average increases in nutrient densities
reduce to 21 percent for inorganic phosphate and 16 percent  for inor-
ganic nitrogen.
   Detrimental or harmful effects to Bay waters in the vicinity of
Sandy Point, due to waste effluent from the future treatment plant,
cannot be accurately predicted.  High increases in nutrient  concen-
trations will occur only in a relatively small area offshore Sandy
Point.  Elsewhere, a high degree of dilution, due to the strong
tidal currents present, will reduce the relative increase in nutrients
to an acceptable level, compared to the concentration of nutrients
naturally present.  However, the natural concentrations of nutrients
are already high and have shown a trend to increase in the last
few years.  Also, operation of the wastewater treatment plant at the
planned ultimate capacity of 19.0 MGD will greatly increase  the per-
centage of nutrients in the effluent.  It is not known how much of an
increase in nutrients the Bay waters in this area can absorb before
harmful effects occur, i.e., hypereutrophic conditions.
   The above observations are based solely on the effects of in-
creases in nutrient concentrations.  It has been assumed that bac-

-------
                                                            IV - 50

terial levels of the waste effluent will  be below the level  which would
constitute a danger to health.   While a sufficient dilution  of the
effluent nutrients is generally indicated,  this  may not be the case if
high bacterial levels are found in the effluent.  High bacterial  levels
would result in the closing of oyster bars  in the area.
     The greatest problem affecting general water quality in this por-
tion of Chesapeake Bay is that of increasing nutrient concentrations.
Both dissolved oxygen and coliform concentrations in this area are
well within the prescribed safe limits (dissolved oxygen concentration
greater than 5.0 mg/1 and coliform density  less  than 70 MPN/100 ml).
In addition, dissolved oxygen  and coliform  densities in the  Sandy Point
area have shown no trends either to increase or  to decrease  in the
past three years.  Dissolved oxygen concentrations have generally been
between 6.0 and 7.0 mg/1 while coliform densities have generally been
below 20 MPN/100 ml during this time.  The  large volume of water present,
its great assimilative capacity, and the strong  tidal currents in
this area are responsible for these conditions.
     Nutrient concentrations have, however, greatly increased during
the last 3 years.  The concentration of nitrate-nitrogen (as N) re-
mained stable between 1968 and 1971, but the concentration of total
phosphate (as PO.) increased nearly 100 percent  during the same time.
Concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen (as N) at the surface in  the Sandy
Point area averaged  .609 mg/1  and  .461 mg/1 during April and May of
1968, the months of highest concentrations  of this nutrient.  During

-------
                                                            IV - 51

1971, concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen  (as  N)  averaged  .640  mg/1
and .479 mg/1  for the same months.   It can be seen  that nitrate-
nitrogen (as N) concentrations have remained  relatively constant
between 1968 and 1971.  However, the concentration  of total  phosphate
(as P04) showed a nearly twofold increase.  Concentrations  of  total
phosphate (as  PO^ at the surface in the  Sandy Point area averaged
.122 mg/1 and  .104 mg/1 during June and July of 1968, the months of
highest phosphate (as PO/^) concentrations.  In 1971, concentrations
of total phosphate (as PO^) averaged .227 mg/1 and  .217 mg/1 for the
same months.  This near doubling of phosphate concentrations accounts,
in part, for the alarming rise in the chlorophyll  a_ density during
this time.  Surface concentrations of chlorophyll  a_ averaged between
35.0 and 40.0 yg/1 during the summer months of 1968, 1969,  and 1970.
However, in June 1971, chlorophyll  ^concentrations averaged 153 yg/1,
a nearly fourfold increase.  In addition, isolated  algae  blooms have
been observed in this area, as indicated by abnormally high chloro-
phyll ^concentrations.  On June 14, 1971, a chlorophyll  ^density  of
682.5 yg/1 was measured at Station 1, Transect G.   This  was attributed
to a high level of nutrients, in particular phosphorus (.662 mg/1),
at that time.
     Average concentrations of nitrate-nitrogen (as N) in the  Sandy
Point area are generally greatest in late winter and early spring,  and
least during late summer.  From a maximum average concentration in
February 1970 of 1.055 mg/1, the average concentration of nitrate-
nitrogen (as N) steadily decreased to a minimum  of  .007  mg/1  in August

-------
                                                            TV - 52

1970, 6 decrease of 1.048 mg/1  in a 6-month period.   The  average
concentration of inorganic phosphorus,  however,  remained  constant
during this period.  The decrease in the nitrate-nitrogen (as  N)
concentration is partly the result of a decrease in  the flow rate of
the Susquehanna River between late winter and summer.  The concentration
of nitrate-nitrogen in the Susquehanna  River is  flow-dependent:   a
high flow rate will tend to generate a  "flushing action"  in the  river
causing large loadings of nitrate-nitrogen to enter  the Bay.  In
February 1970, when a high concentration of nitrate-nitrogen was
measured in the Sandy Point area, the flow rate  of the Susquehanna
River was 64,233 cfs at the Conowingo Dam.  The  flow rate of the
Susquehanna River decreased to 17,850 cfs in August  1970, when a
low concentration of nitrate-nitrogen was noted.  In addition, ut-
ilization of nutrients by plankton accounts for  part of the decrease
in the concentration of nitrate-nitrogen during  spring and summer.
     Tables IV-8 and IV-9 summarize current nutrient and  chlorophyll
a^ concentrations at the surface in the  Sandy Point area during the
spring months of highest concentrations in 1971.

-------
                                                            IV  - 53
                         Table IV-7

Transect      Station
   AA            1             Buoy RBC
                 2             Buoy R 28 C
    A            1             Off tower at Windmill Point
                 2             Red Flasher "IOC"
                 3             Black and White buoy "13B"
    B            1             Red Flasher "2" Magothy River
                 2             Red Nun "4C"
                 3             Black Flasher, bell "1"
    C            1             Off house at Tydings-on-the-Bay
                 2             Red Flasher, bell "2C"
                 3             Edge of dumping grounds
    D            1             Off Sandy Point
                 2             Red Flasher, gong "8"
                 3             South edge of dumping grounds
    E            1             Off Hacketts Point
                 2             Red Flasher, gong "4"
                 3             Off  Matapeake ferry slip
    F            1             Tolly's Point, Buoy "33"
                 2             Mid-Bay
                 3             Brickhouse Bar, Buoy "20B"
    G            I             Off Bembe Beach
                 2             Bay Buoy (bell)

-------
IV - 54

Station

AA 1
2
A 1
2
3
B 1
2
3
C 1
2
3
D 1
2
3
E i
2
3
F 3
2
3
G 1
2

NH?-N
mg/1
.109
.471
.116
.113
.162
.098
.127
.173
.140
.169
.185
.044
.069
.095
.055
.093
.156
.089
.116
.124
.105
.060

N02+NO,-N
mg/1
.661
.719
.661
.669
.621
.705
.698
.650
.664
.693
.641
.571
.615
.573
.631
.619
.552
.634
.622
.570
.657
.666
Table IV-8
April 1971
Inorganic P
mg/1
.041
.047
.052
.055
.066
.055
.054
.038
.056
.051
.043
.037
.045
.045
.044
.053
.041
.039
.036
.041
.042
.046


Chlorophyll a Organic N
ug/i
24.0
51.8
1.5
5.3
12.8
17.3
7.5
12.0
17.3
13.5
13.5
38.3
19.5
1.5
20.3
15.0
21.8
23.3
11.3
38.3
3.0
18.8
mg/1
.254
.264
-
-
-
.439
-
.016
-
-
-
.206
.067
.215
.149
-
.563
.728
.058
.307
.183
.734

Organic P
mg/1
.062
.137
.027
.025
.051
.039
.006
.035
.043
.054
.032
.036
.023
.024
.023
.027
.021
.021
.032
.056
.022
.030

-------
IV - 55

Station

AA 1
2
A 1
2
3
B 1
2
3
C 1
2
3
D 1
2
3
E 1
2
3
F 1
2
3
G 1
2

NH3-N
mg/1
.141
.773
.484
.070
.057
.036
.225
.186
.093
.230
.145
.001
.002
.001
.002
.001
.003
.002
.004
.002
.003
.001

NO^NO^M
mg/1
.175
.146
.188
.189
.106
.088
.082
.096
.086
.060
.096
.130
.089
.077
.010
.091
.088
.078
.098
.010
.031
.010
Table IV-9
June 1971
Inorganic P
mg/1
.032
.046
.065
.064
.037
.049
.068
.058
.069
.072
.042
.048
.050
.051
.053
.074
.041
.059
.063
.063
.143
.059


Chlorophyll a Organic N
ug/i
77.3
76.5
233.3
191.3
45.8
99,8
-
156.8
180.8
234.0
150.0
146.3
130.5
105.0
50.3
198.0
27.8
86.3
131.3
96.0
682.5
132.0
mg/1
.850
-
1.574
1.549
.526
1.114
1.644
1.108
2.389
2.100
1.731
.725
.762
.536
.437
1.172
.027
.649
.790
.581
4.022
.960

Organic P
mg/1
.133
.151
.324
.274
.082
.124
.240
.123
.248
.185
.199
.141
.129
.097
.056
.162
.036
.121
.128
.108
.519
.129

-------

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                                                            IV - 56

                  6.   MIDDLE EASTERN SHORE AREA

1.   CHESTER RIVER AREA
     The Chester is the largest of the rivers in the upper section
of the Eastern Shore.  The river forms the boundary between Kent
and Queen Annes Counties as it flows from its headwaters in Delaware to
the Bay.  The Chester and its tributaries serve as the drainage
system for a 360 square mile area which has a population of slightly
less than 30,000.
     Chestertown is the largest population center and has most of
the significant waste discharges in the basin.  The discharges are
from the sewage treatment plant and the Vita Foods corporation plant
to Radcliffe Creek and from the Campbell Soup and Tenneco Chemicals
plants to Morgan Neck Creek.
     Two other sewage treatment plants are located in the Chester basin,
The Centreville plant dischages to the Corsica River and Millington
discharges to the Chester River.
     Three areas in the Chester basin are classified as Group A waters
and should be suitable for shellfish harvesting, water contact rec-
reation and propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife.
These areas are:  (1) Chester River and estuarine portions of creeks,
coves and tributaries (excluding Piney Creek, Winchester Creek and
Corsica River) from the mouth at the Chesapeake Bay to U. S. Route
213 Bridge, (2) Piney Creek and estuarine portions of coves and
tributaries from the  mouth at the Chester River to the U. S. 50-301

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                                                            IV - 57

crossing, and (3)  Corsica River and estuarine  portions  of tributaries
from the mouth at  the Chester River to Earle Cove.
     Three more areas are classified as Group  C  waters  and should be
suitable for water contact recreation and propagation of fish,  other
aquatic life and wildlife.  These areas are:   (1)  Chester River and
creeks, coves and  tributaries from the U. S. Route 213  Bridge  to the
Maryland Route 313 Bridge, (2) Piney Creek and tributaries from
U. S. Route 50-301 crossing to its headwaters, (3)  Corsica River and
tributaries from Earle Cove and from estuarine portions to its  head-
waters.  The last  two classification areas are the Chester River and
triburaries from Maryland Route 313 Bridge to  the  Delaware State Line
and headwaters classified as Group B, to be used for public or munici-
pal water supply,  water contact recreation and propagation of  fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and all of Winchester  Creek and its
tributaries classified as Group C water to be  used for  water contact
recreation and industrial water supply.
     Only two water quality surveys were available for  the Chester
River basin.  One  study conducted by the Annapolis Field Office (AFO)
in 1970 consisted  of four sets of samples at 9 stations located
between the mouth  of the Chester and Crumpton, Maryland.  The
second investigation was done by the Maryland  Department of Water Re-
sources (MDWR) and was apparently designed to  study the effect of
municipal and industrial effluents on the Chester  River, Radcliffe
Creek area.  Station location lists for these  studies  appear in this

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                                                                   IV - 58
       report.
            Another study currently in progress  was instituted in November,
       1971  as  a joint effort of the Westinghouse Electric Corporation (Ocean
       Research Laboratory and Oce^n Research and Engineering Center)  and
       the Maryland Department of Natural  Resources.   This is intended to be
       a comprehensive regional  study which will investigate the transport
       characteristics for pollutants as related to biological  contamination
       in the basin.

       BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
            The only bacteriological  data available is in the area around
       Chestertown.   The coliform densities in Radcliffe Creek are much greater
       than the densities found in the Chestertown sewage treatment lagoon
       effluents.   Vita Foods  Corporation also has a plant which discharges
       to Radcliffe  Creek and  may contribute to the coliform problem.
            Three  areas in the Chester Basin have been closed to direct
       shellfish harvesting due to bacterial pollution.   The areas closed
       and their locations are as follows:
       Area
Chester River
Corsica River
Queenstown Creek
  Number of
Acres Closed
    108
     10
               Description of the
               	Area	
All waters upstream from a line between
Ashland Landing and Quaker Neck Landing
All waters upstream from a line between
Ship Point and Wash Point
entire creek

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                                                            IV - 59

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Samples from two stations in the MDWR Radcliffe  Creek  area
study showed DO less than the 4.0 mg/1  allowable  minimum.   These
samples were taken in July when the water temperature was around
23° C.  Samples taken at these same two stations  in August  at about
the same time of day when water temperature was  24° to 26°  C  had
DO's of 7.7 and 7.4 mg/1.  Due to the seemingly  inconsistent  data,
no conclusive statement can be made as  to whether or  not there is
a DO problem.
     In the AFO study no violations of the 4.0 mg/1 minimum were
found in the surface or 20-foot depth samples  but two were  found
at 40-foot depths in September when water temperatures were 25°  C.
No sampling was done in July and August during this study and low
DO levels would be most likely to occur in these  months.

NUTRIENTS
     The AFO study was designed primarily as an  investigation of
nutrient-salinity relationships in the  estuary.   Unfortunately,
sampling was suspended during the months of July  and  August when
algal blooms are most likely to occur due to high nutrient  loadings.
In the September 4, 1970 sampling, the  two uppermost  stations at
Possum Point and Crumpton had chlorophyll a_ concentrations  of 52.5
and 111.0 ug/1 respectively.  This would indicate that excessive
bloom level algal problems may have existed during the summer.  No
nutrient parameters were run on the September  samples, thus precluding
the establishment of nutrient-phytoplankton correlations.

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                                                            rv - 6o

OTHER
     During the AFO survey in 1970, pH values ranged between 6.0 and
7.6 and were within the prescribed limits set in the water quality
standards.  The samples taken in the MDWR investigation had signifi-
cantly higher pH values (ranging from 6.5 to 8.7) and on May 18, 1971
3 samples taken in Radcliffe Creek exceeded the upper limit of the
pH standard.
     The Chester River cooperative study, mentioned previously,
will focus on pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the en-
vironment and will also produce some data on heavy metals.
WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     In response to a number of telephone calls in December, 1971,
the MDWR conducted an investigation of a reddish brown discoloration
of water in the Chesapeake Bay tributaries.  Some samples were taken
from the western shore rivers and the discoloration was attributed
to the presence of a dinoflagellate tentatively identified as Massartia
Rotundata.  This sampling led to aerial surveillance which disclosed
similar discoloration in a number of areas north of the Patuxent.  The
Chester was the most severely affected river on the Eastern Shore
but was not as heavily discolored as the areas on the western side of
the Bay.  Discoloration was recorded as far up the River as Cedar Point
and although no sampling was done in the Chester, the discoloration
was similar enough to assume that the plankton were probably the same
as those found in samples on the western shore.

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                                                            IV - 61
                       STATE OF MARYLAND

                 DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

              WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION DIVISION

           Chester River - Radcliffe & Morgan Creeks

                           Kent County

                              1971

                      Station Location List


                           Table IV-10
STATION
NUMBER                      LOCATION                  NEAREST TOWN

CH40 (S, B)      Chester River.   Red Num Buoy #40     Chestertown
                 near Chester River Country Club Dock

CH213 (S, B)     Chester River.   Chestertown Bridge   Chestertown

RC1              Radcliffe Creek.   At mouth-          Chestertown
                 Flashing Light  "41"

RC2              Radcliffe Creek.   50 yards from old  Chestertown
                 sewage treatment plant, near old
                 effluent line

RC3              Chester River.  Radcliffe Creek-      Chestertown
                 upstream of sewage treatment plant
                 effluent

RC4              Chester River.  Radcliffe Creek-      Chestertown
                 Quaker Neck Road Bridge

E                Chestertown Lagoon effluent          Chestertown
NOTE:   S= Surface sample
       B= Bottom sample

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                                        IV - 62
Anapolis Field Office - EPA
     Chester River
Station Location

Station
Number
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Table IV-11
Location
Love Point -
Long Point -
Boxes Point
Nichols Run
Bell Buoy
Buoy 9
- Buoy 14
- Buoy 16
Corsica River - Buoy 4
Milton Point
Chestertown
Possum Point
- Buoy 28
Beacon
- Buoy 44
Crumpton - Buoy 58
List
1


Latitude
39°
38°
39°
39°
39°
39°
39°
39°
39°
04'
59'
02'
05'
04'
08'
12'
14'
14'
00"
36"
64"
12"
54"
18"
01"
27"
36"



Longitude
76°
76°
76°
760
76°
760
76°
76°
76°
16'
12'
12'
09'
06'
04'
04'
00'
56'
24"
48"
06"
54"
48"
24"
07"
32"
41"

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                                                            IV - 63

2.  EASTERN BAY AREA
   The Eastern Bay Area, a small  drainage area (approximately 120
square miles) with a population of 11,500, consists of the Eastern
Bay, Wye and Miles Rivers and a number of smaller bays and creeks.
Most of the waters in this basin are estuarine, much of which are
closed to shellfish harvesting.
   According to the latest Maryland Department of Water Resources
status report (November 1, 1970), the only waste discharges in the
area are from S. E. W. Friel Company in Wye Mills, Harrison and Jarboe
in St. Michaels and the St. Michael's sewage treatment plant.  This
report also stated that legal action had been taken against Roger
Johnson for sediment pollution.  Most of the sanitary waste in this
basin is treated ineffectively in septic tank systems.  A secondary
level sewage treatment plant has been scheduled for construction at
Grasonville to reduce septic tank leaching.
   The waters of the Eastern Bay drainage area have been given
two sets of use classification by the Maryland Department of Water
Resources.  Eastern Bay and estuarine portions of tributaries, coves
and creeks (excluding St. Michaels Harbor and Wye East River) and
the Wye East River from the mouth to a point 2 1/2 miles above
Wye Landing are classified as group A waters to be used for shellfish
harvesting, water contact recreation, and propagation of fish, other
aquatic life and wildlife.  All of the non-estuarine portions of
Eastern Bay, St. Michaels Harbor and the Wye East River from a point
2 1/2 miles above Wye Landing to their headwaters are group C waters

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                                                            IV - 64

suitable for water contact recreation and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife.
     The only parts of this area  which have been adequately studied
are Miles River and St. Michaels  Harbor.   Monthly sampling was conducted
by the Department of Water Resources from April  through August in both
1970 and 1971.  Stations for these surveys were  located in St. Michaels
Harbor, Oak Creek and near the entrances  to both the creek and the har-
bor.  A station location list for these studies  is included in this
section.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     Samples taken at the two stations located in the section  of the
Miles River open for shellfish harvesting showed most coliform den-
sities ranging from about 3 to 10 mg/1 with a few isolated samples
having higher counts.  In general, the results of the surveys  support
the suitability of the water quality for  shellfish harvesting.
     Likewise, the sampling done  in Oak Creek and St. Michaels Harbor
supports the conclusion that these waters are unfit for shellfish har-
vesting.  An example of coliform  densities in this area is given in
table IV-12.

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                                                              IV - 65

                               Table IV-12
       Coliform Densities in Oak Creek  and  St.  Michael's  Harbor

June 28, 1971                  July 19, 1971                August 16,1971

A
B
C
E
F
G
Coliform
MPN/100 ml
230
230
93
430
930
230
E. Coli
MPN/100 ml
93
93
23
230
93
93
Coliform
MPN/100 ml
230
430
93
2300
930
930
E. Coli
MPN/100 ml
93
230
43
430
210
430
Coliform
I. Coli
MPN/100 ml MPN/100 ml
430
430
930
2300
430
93
230
150
93
930
93
93
 Station Locations
 A, B, C - Oak Creek Transects             E,  F,  G  -  St.  Michaels  Harbor Transects

       The bacteria pollution in  the Eastern  Bay area  is due  primarily
  to septic tank failure and subsequent leaching.  Most  of  the  shellfish
  bed closings are in shoreline areas or narrow  sections of the creeks
  and rivers.   Following is a list of areas where  shellfish harvesting
  is presently prohibited.

                              Table IV-13

       Name of Area                     Description  of Closed Portion
  Warehouse Creek                       All
  Thompson Creek                        All
   Cox Creek                             All  waters above confluence
                                        with Thompson Creek

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                                                            IV - 66



                       Table IV-13 (Cont.)


     Name of Area                     Description of Closed Portion

Leeds Creek                           All

St. Michaels Harbor                   All

Spencer Creek                         All

Little Neck Creek                     All

Newcomb Creek-Oak Creek               All

Miles River                           All  above Red Buoy #10

Wye East River                        All  above line between Dividing
                                      Creek and Quarter Cove including
                                      tributaries

Kent Island Narrows                   All  shoreline area from Wells
                                      Cove to Long Point


DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS

     The section of the drainage basin sampled appeared to be relatively

free from signs of oxygen depletion.  Only a few samples taken in

and near St. Michaels Harbor had dissolved oxygen levels below 4.0 mg/1.

These oxygen depressions were probably due to discharges from the

sewage treatment plant at St. Michaels coupled with poor transport

characteristics in the Harbor.


NUTRIENTS

     Sampling done in July and August of 1970 and 1971 indicates

that an algal problem* did exist in the Oak Creek and St. Michaels

Harbor areas.  Many of the chlorophyll concentrations found in 1970

-------
                                                            IV  - 67

were between 50 and 100 yg/1 with some values above TOO yg/1.
In 1971, the severity of the algal problem (in terms of chlorophyll
a_ concentration) in St. Michaels Harbor was significantly decreased
from 1970 (69 yg/1 was the highest chlorophyll value recorded)
and no chlorophyll concentrations above 50 yg/1 were recorded in
Oak Creek.
     There are not sufficient data to develop significant nutrient-
phytoplankton relationships.  Total phosphate concentrations
associated with the algal blooms ranged from 0.2 to 2.5 mg/1
and the nitrite plus nitrate concentrations were always less than
0.01 mg/1.  No other nitrogen fractions were reported.
*Algal problem measured in terms of chlorophyll a concentrations
with 50 yg/1 as the max before occurence of excessive bloom conditions,

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                                                            IV - 68

GENERAL
   In viewing the nutrient-algal  situation it appears  that there
may have been an improvement in water quality conditions  but that
the causes are not evident from the available data.   More extensive
work would be necessary to develop more definite relationships.
   Investigative activity in the Eastern Bay Area was  concentrated
in only a small section of the Miles River.  More work should be
undertaken in the Eastern Bay, Wye River and the other bays and
tributaries so that a better assessment of the overall basin conditions
can be developed.

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                                                            IV - 69
                        STATE OF MARYLAND

                  DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

              WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION DIVISION
                 Miles River - Oak Creek Survey
                         Talbot County
                         August 3, 1970

                      Station Location List

                           Table IV-14
Station
Number                                      Location

   A1          North Shcre, 1050 nautical  yards above Maryland  Route  33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   A2          Mid-stream,  1050 nautical yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   A3          South Shore, 1050 nautical  yards above Maryland  Route  33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   Bl          East Shore,  550 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   B2          Mid-stream,  550 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   B3          West Shore,  550 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   Cl          East Shore,  250 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   C2          Mid-stream,  250 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

   C3          West Shore,  250 nautical  yards above Maryland Route 33
              bridge at mouth of Oak Creek.

    7          Miles River, Flashing Light "7" off mouth  of Oak Creek.

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                                                            IV - 70
                           Table  IV-14 (Cont.)
Station
Number                                Location

   N4         Miles River,  Nun Buoy "4"  off St.  Michaels  Harbor.

   El         Southeast Shore, upper end of St.  Michaels  Harbor,
              450 nautical  yards  from Flashing  Light  at mouth.,

   E2         Mid-harbor,  upper end of St.  Michaels Harbor,
              450 nautical  yards  from flashing  Light  at mouth.

   E3         Northwest Shore, upper end of St.  Michaels  Harbor,
              450 nautical  yards  from Flashing  Light  at mouth.

   Fl         South Shore,  middle St. Michaels  Harbor, 425 nautical
              yards from Flahing  Light at mouth.

   F2         Mid-harbor,  middle  St. Michaels Harbor, 250 nautical
              yards from Flashing Light  at  mouth.

   F3         North Shore,  middle St. Michaels  Harbor, 175 nautical
              yards from Flashing Light  at  mouth.

   Gl         Southeast Shore, mouth of  St.  Michaels  Harbor,  300
              nautical  yards from Flashing  Light at mouth.

   G2         Mid-harbor,  mouth of St. Michaels  Harbor, 75 nautical
              yards from Flashing Light  at  mouth,

   G3         Northwest Shore- mouth of  St.  Michaels  Harbor,  250
              nautical  yards from Flashing  Light at mouth.

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                                                              IV - 71

3.  CHOPTANK RIVER AREA
     The Choptank is the largest river on the Eastern Shore draining
portions of Kent County in Delaware, and Talbot, Caroline and Dorchester
Counties in Maryland.  The drainage area of the Choptank Basin is 795
square miles and has a population of 55,000 with two population
centers at Cambridge (14,000) and Easton (11,000).  The tidal portion
of the river extends past Denton to a point slightly downstream from
Greensboro, Maryland.
     The two largest wastewater discharges in the basin are 3.8 MGD
from a heavily overloaded primary treatment plant at Cambridge and a
2.5 MGD intermediate plant at Easton.
     Other municipal treatment plants in the drainage area are primary
plants at East New Market and Trappe, an intermediate plant at Oxford
and secondary plants at Ridgely, Preston, Denton, Cambridge Sanitary
District Number 1 and Dorchester County Sanitary District Number 1.
The Denton plant provides no effluent chlorination and discharges
directly into the Choptank.   The other facilities discharge to trib-
utaries of the Choptank.
     The town of Greensboro  has a population of 1300 and discharges
raw sewage to the Choptank.   The town of Secretary (population 600)
is presently served  by septic tanks.
     There are a large number of industrial  discharges to the Choptank
basin many of which  were  reported as not being in compliance with the
laws and regulations in the  November 1, 1970 MDWR water quality status

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                                                            IV - 72

report.  Detailed information  about these  discharges  if available  in
the industrial  inventory which is  discussed  in  the  Data Inventories
section.
     The  estuarine portion of  the  Choptank River and  its tributaries
form a complicated network of  water use  classifications consisting of
11  zones  employing four different  sets of  water use categories.  Five
of these  zones  are listed as Group A waters  protected for shellfish
harvesting, water contact recreation, and  propagation of fish,  other
aquatic life and wildlife.  These  are:
1.   The Choptank and estuarine portions  of tributaries in Talbot County
from the  mouth  at the Chesapeake Bay to  a  line  extending from Bow Knee
Point to  Wright Wharf with the exception of  Black Walnut Cove,  San
Domingo Creek and Tred Avon River, which are listed separately,
2.   Black Walnut Cove from the mouth at  the  Chesapeake Bay to a  line
drawn from Battery Point to Bar Neck Point,
3.   San Domingo Creek and estuarine portions of its tributaries  from
the mouth  at Broad Creek to  the mouth of  the cove  to St. Michaels and
to non-estuarine boundaries,
4.   Tred  Avon River and estuarine  portions of tributaries other than
Town Creek from the mouth at  the Choptank  River to  Easton Point  and
to non-estuarine portions of  tributaries,  and
5.   The Choptank River, Lecompte Bay and all coves  in Dorchester County
portion from the mouth to a line drawn between  Bow  Knee Point and Wrights
Wharf Road.
     Another set of four zones are classified as Group C waters

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                                                              IV - 73

and can be used for water contact recreation and propagation of fish,
other aquatic life, and wildlife.  These zones are:
1.  Black Walnut Cove from a line drawn between Battery Point and
Bar Neck Point to all headwaters.
2.  Cove of San Domingo Creek leading to St. Michaels from its mouth
to all headwaters.
3.  Tred Avon River and all portions of tributaries from Easton Point
to all headwaters, and
4.  Town Creek and all tributaries from the mouth at Tred Avon River
to all headwaters.
     The last two classifications in the Choptank Estuary are for
Group C waters but with different water use specifications.   All of
the creeks and tributaries in Dorchester County should be acceptable
for water contact recreation, propagation of fish, other aquatic life
and wildlife and agricultural water supply.  The Choptank River and all
tributaries from a line extending between Bow Knee Point and Wright
Wharf to the Delaware line or to all Maryland Headwaters should be
acceptable for the three preceding uses and for industrial  water supply.
     A significant amount of water quality data has recently been
gathered in the Choptank basin.   The Maryland Department of Water Re-
sources conducted studies in the upper Choptank in the spring, summer,
and fall of both 1970 and 1971.   The Annapolis Field Office (AFO), EPA,
sampled on July 13-15, 1971, and again on August 5, 1971, as part of a
survey studying the major rivers on the Eastern Shore.  Another study
was conducted cooperatively by AFO and the National Marine Fisheries

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                                                            IV - 7-4
Services (NMFS) Laboratory in Oxford, Maryland,  in August,  September,

and October of 1971.   Station location lists  for these  studies  are

included at the end of this section.


BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

     The bacteriological  standards imposed on the waters  of the Choptank

as a result of classifications in water use Groups A and  C  require  a

maximum coliform density  of 70 MPN/100 ml  for Group A and a maximum

fecal coliform density of 240 MPN/100 ml  for  Group C.  The  number of

standards violations, particularly in Group A waters, is  reflected  in

the shellfish bed closings shown in the following table:


                            Table IV-15

          Shellfish Bed Closings in the Choptank Basin
     Name of           Acres
      Area            Closed

Choptank River         4962
San Domingo Creek        23


Town Creek                4

Tred Avon River         149



La Trappe Creek          58

Tilghman Island         234
             Description of
               Area Closed

All waters upstream from a line
between Howell Pt. and Jenkins Creek.

Both "branches" from point which is
north of red day beacon "14"

Entire creek from mouth to all headwaters

All waters of Tred Avon and tributaries
upstream from a line from Long Pt.
to an unnamed cove on the opposite shore.

Entire creek from mouth to all headwaters

Area surrounding Tilghman Island marked
off by closure line buoys - includes
Front Creek, Back Creek, Knapp Narrow,
Pawpaw and Blackwalnut Coves and
Dogwood Harbor.

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                                                              IV - 75

     No bacterial analysis was done on samples from the NMFS-AFO
study and the MDWR studies were in the upper Choptank, above waters
designated as Group A.  The only available bacteriological data in
Group A waters are from the AFO-1971 Eastern Shore Survey.
     Data from both AFO and MDWR studies showed many exceeding the
240MPN/100 ml fecal coliform standard between Choptank and Greensboro
where the water is classified as Group C.  Excessive bacterial counts
were observed consistently at stations near Greensboro and Denton.
These results are not unexpected since waste from Greensboro receives
no treatment at all and the effluent from the secondary plant at
Denton is not chlorinated.
     Much of the Group A water below Bow Knee Point is closed to the
intended use of shellfish harvesting (Table IV-15).  Examination of
the bacterial data from the AFO survey corroborates the validity of
the closings (Table IV-16).  Stations 8, 9, 10, and 11 each show
violations in at least 2 out of 3 samples.   These stations all lie in
the area between Bow Knee Point and Howell  Point where the shellfish
beds are presently closed.  Samples taken at stations 12 (uppermost
station in the section of the Choptank open to shellfish harvesting),
13 and 14 (located in the lower Tred Avon River which is currently
open) indicated that bacteriological standards were being met and
verified the acceptability of the area for its intended use.

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                                                            IV - 76
                            Table IV-16



   TOTAL COLIFORM DENSITIES AT STATIONS IN CHOPTANK WATERS PROTECTED



FOR SHELLFISH HARVESTING (MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE COLIFORM DENSITY 70 MPN/100 ml)
Station
Number
AFO 8
AFO 9
AFO 10
AFO 11
AFO 12
AFO 13
AFO 14
7/13/71
MPN/100 ml
330
80
330
790
60
20
20
7/14/71
MPN/100 ml
50
80
130
80
20
20
20
7/15/71
MPN/100 ml
490
20
330
No sample taken
ii
n
H

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                                                              rv - 77

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Dissolved oxygen levels in the Choptank estuary are quite high
with many of the values from fall and spring samplings reported as
being close to saturation.  As would be expected, the DO levels in
the summer are lower than in spring and fall but do remain well above
the required 5.0 mg/1 standard.  Samples taken by MDWR on July 6 and
7, 1970 showed DO ranges from 5.5 to 8.2 mg/1 and 5.4 to 9.8 mg/1
respectively.  On July 13, 1971 sampling was done independently by
both AFO and MDWR.  The following table lists the observed DO values,
arranging the stations approximately according to the river profile.

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                                                             IV - 78
                           Table IV-17
  DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES IN THE CHOPTANK RIVER ON JULY 13,  1971

 Station Number                                D.  0.  Value
                                                  (mg/1)
 AFO 1                                             8-5
 MDWR 11                                           7>3
 AFO 2                                             6-6
 AFO 3                                             8i0
 MDWR 9A                                           7j
 MDWR 10                                           7J
 AFO 4                                             2>7
 MDWR 9                                             7-i
 MDWR 6                                             6i5
 AFO 5                                             72
 AFO 5A                                             7.5
 MDWR 7                                            12.6
 MDWR 5                                             3.7
 AFO 6                                              89
 MDWR 4                                             6-7
 MDWR 3                                             7>4

 AFO 7                                              7.5
 MDWR 1                                             7>3
 AFO  8                                              6>g
 AFO  9                                             . 6.5
AFO  10                                             6-8
AFO  11                                             7  2

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                                                            IV  - 79
                         Table  IV-17  (Cont.)


Station Number                               D. 0. Value
                                               (mg/1)

AFO 12                                           10.3

AFO 13                                            6.8

AFO 14                                            6.3

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                                                             IV  -  80

NUTRIENTS
     Data from the AFO survey in July and August of 1971  indicate
nuisance level algal blooms (measured as chlorophyll  ^concentrations)
in the upper reaches of the Choptank, above the confluence with
Hunting Creek.  The blooms seem to be associated with total  Kjeldahl
nitrogen (TKN as N) concentrations above 0.9 mg/1 and total  phosphorus
(TP as PO.) concentrations above 0.3 mg/1 (see table IV-18).   The
MDWR data also show high phosphorus concentrations in the same areas
during the July sampling runs with only a few high concentrations
occurring in the spring and fall studies.
     The chlorophyll concentrations indicate that the most extensive
algal blooms occurred in the Denton area probably as a result of
enrichment from sewage and industrial waste.  Samples from station 7
(below the Dover Bridge) consistently show TP and TKN concentrations
higher than those at station 6 which is upstream from the bridge.
This is due to the effluent from the Easton sewage lagoons which empty
into an unnamed tributary 0.8 miles southwest of Dover Bridge.   The
nutrient increases are not inordinate and do not seem to influence
the algae situation significantly.

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                                                            IV - 81




                            Table  IV-18

    NUTRIENT  -  CHLOROPH/LL*  RELATIONSHIPS  IN  CHOPTANK RIVER


                   August  5, 1971           	July  14,  1971
Station
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
AFO
1
2
3
4
5
5A
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Chlorophyll a_ TP
U9/1 mg/1
103
73
80
48
28
30
28
22
33
14
38
17
10
13.5
11.3
.510
.519
.373
.361
.381
.410
.325
.433
.340
.242
.336
.204
.165
.142
.189
TKN
mg/1
1.49
1.68
1.33
.92
1.02
.96
.76
1.02
.56
.40
.94
.41
.75
.33
.52
Chlorophyll
yg/1
150
171
121
105
80
97
73
66
35
17
15
48
30
16
13
a TP
mg/1
.471
.450
.383
.326
.310
.313
.316
.333
.259
.165
.149
.214
.192
.117
.132
TKN
mg/1
1.93
1.45
1.45
1.54
1.58
1.13
.95
1.34
.87
.66
.52
.66
.92
.54
.92
*Chlorophyll a^ concentrations greater than 50 yg/1 indicate nuisance
 level algal blooms.

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                                                            IV - 82

METALS
     Metals analyses were run on three of the sets  of samples  taken in
1971.  Samples taken on July 13, 1971  during the AFO Eastern Shore
survey were analyzed for zinc, lead, mercury, copper, chromium and
cadmium.  Samples taken on August 2 and August 17,  1971  during the
AFO-NMFS cooperative study were analyzed for zinc,  lead, cadmium,
chromium and copper.
     Due to equipment sensitivity problems,  the copper,  chromium and
cadmium concentrations in the AFO samples were reported  only as
being less than 0.1 mg/1 and the lead concentrations as  being  less
than 0.5 mg/1.  The zinc and mercury concentrations in these samples
ranged from less than 0.005 mg/1 to 0.014 mg/1 and  from  less than
0/0005 yg/1 to 0.0020 yg/1, respectively.
     Almost all of the cadmium and chromium concentrations in  the NMFS-
AFO cooperative samples were reported at the lower  detection limit
(0.001 mg/1).  Many of the lead, zinc and copper values  were also
reported as 0.001 mg/1.  concentrations of lead, zinc and copper in
the NMFS-AFO samples are shown in the accompanying  tables.
     In general, the waters of the Choptank are relatively free from
contamination by heavy metals.  Zinc concentrations significantly
above the fish toxicity level of 0.15 mg/1 were observed at stations
Ml, N2, N5, and N6 but only on one of the two days  on which the
sampling was done.  The lead concentrations fall mostly  at the lower
detection limit (0.001 mg/1) with only 5 samples showing concentrations

-------
                                                            IV - 83








close to or in the fisn toxicity range of 0.1  - 0.2 mg/1.   These



isolated instances of high metals concentrations are not  sufficient



to indicate a metals problem.

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                                                           IV - 84
                           Table IV-19



                        CHOPTANK RIVER



Metal Concentrations for NMFS-AFO Samples Taken August 2,  1971
Station Depth (ft)

N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N


1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
9
9
10
10
Range

1
16
1
9
1
29
1
58
1
13
1
26
1
13
1
13
1
49
1
13

Zinc
mg/1
.016
.299
.245
.245
.001
.160
.048
.140
.001
.129
.052
.106
.001
.158
.018
.074
.021
.066
.036
.093
.001 - .299
Lead
mg/1
.1*56
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.078
.001
.001
.001
.078
.001
.001
.156
.001
.001
.001 - .156
Copper
mg/1
.025
.050
.050
.050
.001
.050
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.050
.001
.050
.025
.050
.001
.025
.001
.025
.001 - .050

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                                                            IV - 85
                             Table IV-20
                         CHOPTANK RIVER
Metal Concentrations for NMFS-AFO Samples Taken August 17,  1971
Station Depth (ft)

N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N


1
1
2
2
3
3
4
4
5
5
6
6
7
7
8
8
10


1
20
1
5
1
26
1
49
1
13
1
23
1
33
1
13
1
Range
Zinc
mg/1
.062
.026
.021
.018
.015
.007
.015
.016
.199
.120
.173
.092
.069
J30
.139
.066
.101
.007 - .199
Lead
mg/1"
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.150'
.001
.001
.001
.001
.104
.001 - .150
Copper
mg/1
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001

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                                                            IV - 86






                         Table IV-21



                 ANNAPOLIS FIELD OFFICE  STATIONS



                         CHOPTANK RIVER





Station Number                              Location



AFO  0                             Headwaters  of  Choptank



AFO  1                             Denton,  Power  Towers



AFO  2                             Buoy  79



AFO  3                             Buoy  70



AFO  4                             Buoy  66



AFO  5                             Mouth of Tuchahoe  Creek



AFO  5A                            Fixed Bridge,  Tuckahoe Creek



AFO  6                             Buoy  60



AFO  7                             Buoy  55



AFO  8                             Buoy  41



AFO  9                             Buoy  36



AFO 10                             Buoy  30



AFO 11                             Buoy  24



AFO 12                             Buoy  19



AFO 13                             Buoy  11M



AFO 14                             Channel, Tred  Avon River, Oxford, Maryland



Determinations:  Temperature,*pht Total  Phosphate, Inorganic Phosphorous,



                 Total Kjeldahl  Nitrogen, Zinc,  Nitrite  + Nitrate, Ammonia,



                 DO, Total Organic Carbon,  Lead,  Chlorophyll, Mercury,



                 Coliform, Fecal Coliform,  Copper,



                 Chromium, Cadmium.



                 *Field Determinations

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                                                            IV - 87

                           Table IV-22
          NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES LABORATORY STATIONS
                         CHOPTANK RIVER

Station
Number                                   Location
N  1                                     Denton Bridge
N  2                                     Fowling Creek
N  3                                     Tuckahoe Creek at Bridge
N  4                                     Hunting Creek
N  5                                     Warwick River
N  6                                     Cambridge
N  7                                     Howell Point
N  8                                     Benoni Light
N  9                                     Cooks Point
N 10                                     Double Mills Point
Determinations:   Inorganic Phosphorous,  Nitrite &  Nitrate,  Ammonia,
                 Total  Organic Carbon,  Zinc,  Lead,  Cadmium, Chromium
                 and Copper.

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                                                            IV - 88
                           Table  IV-23

                       STATE OF MARYLAND

         WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION DIVISION  STATIONS

                         Choptank River

                              1970

                     Station Location List


STATION
NUMBER                         LOCATION

MDWR  1                 Bridge at mouth of Hunting Creek

MDWR  2                 Bridge on Hunting Creek above
                        Linchester Pond

MDWR  EE1               Unnamed tributary receiving effluent
                        from Easton sewage lagoons, 0.8 mile
                        southwest of Dover Bridge

MDWR  3                 Pier at boat basin in  Choptank

MDWR  4  (S, B)          Dover Bridge on Maryland Route  331

MDWR  5  (S, B)          Choptank  River  at Ganey Wharf

MDWR  6  (S, B)          Tuckahoe  Creek  at mouth

MDWR  7                 Tuckahoe  Creek  at bridge in Hillsboro

MDWR  8                 Tuckahoe  Creek  at bridge on Maryland
                        Route 404

MDWR  9  (S, B)          Choptank  River  below mouth of Fowling
                        Creek

MDWR  9A (S, B)         Downstream of Denton lagoon effluent

MDWR 10  (S, B)          Choptank  River  at black day beacon,
                        1 mile downstream from Denton

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                                                            IV - 89
                       Table IV-23 (Cont.)
STATION
NUMBER                              LOCATION

MDWR 11 (S, B)          Choptank River at Maryland Route  404
                        bridge in Denton

MDWR 12 (S, B)          Choptank River at railroad bridge
                        upstream from Denton

MDWR 13                 Bridge on River Road over Chicken
                        Branch tributary just south of Brick
                        Wall  Landing

MDWR 14                 Choptank River at Brick Wall  Landing

MDWR 15                 Forge Branch at bridge on Maryland
                        Route 480

MDWR 16                 Choptank River at launching ramp
                        downstream from Greensboro

MDWR 17                 Choptank River at bridge on Maryland
                        Route 313 just north of Greensboro

MDWR 18                 Oldtown Branch at bridge on Maryland
                        Route 313

MDWR 19                 Choptank River at bridge on Maryland
                        Route 287 east of Goldsboro
NOTE:  S = Surface Sample
       B= Bottom Sample
       Stations not designated S or B are Surface
Determinations:   *DO, BOD, Turbidity,  Color,  Suspended Solids,
                 Dissolved Solids, Total  Solids,  *Temperature,
                 *pH, *Salinity, Chlorides,  Conductivity
                 (non-tidal stations), Coliforms  and  E_.  coli,
                 Nitrite, Nitrate, and Total  Phosphate.

      *  Field Determinations

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                                                             IV - 90

4.  LITTLE CHOPTANK RIVER AREA
     The Little Choptank River and its tributaries  form a  small  pre-
dominately tidal basin south of the Choptank River.   The total drainage
area of the basin is less than 100 square miles  and  the population  is
approximately 5,800.  Madison Canning Company in Madison is  the  only
known industry in the basin and was listed as being  in  compliance with
laws and regulations by the Maryland Department  of  Water Resources.
     The Little Choptank has been divided into two  use  classifications.
The river, including estuarine portions of creeks,  coves,  and  tributaries,
from the mouth (a line drawn between Hills Point and the northern tip  of
Oyster Cove) to the head of all estuarine portions  is classified as
Group A waters and may be used for shellfish harvesting, water contact
recreation, and propagation of fish, other aquatic  life, and wildlife.
The Little Choptank River and its tributaries beyond the estuary are
classified in Group C and may be used for water  contact recreation  and
propagation of fish, other aquatic life, and wildlife.
General Water Quality Conditions
     Data on water quality in this area is lacking  but  some  pertinent
information is available.  As was stated before, Madison Canning Comapny
is the only industry in the basin and reports the use of land  waste dis-
posal techniques, hence, no discharge to the water.
     On February 21, 1972, the Maryland Environmental Health Administration
opened approximately 30 percent of the 1,250 acres  of shellfish  beds which
had been closed due tc bacterial pollution.  Now open for  shellfish

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                                                            IV - 91

harvesting are "All of the waters of the Little Choptank River downstream
from a line extending from McKeil Point to Cedar Point, with the excep-
tion of Hudson Creek."  The waters which remain closed are probably
affected by leaching from the septic tanks near the shoreline.
     From the above information, it can be concluded that recently
there has been a significant improvement in at least the bacterial
quality of the water and that even through there is little pollution
creating activity in the basin, some water quality investigative work
would be desirable in this area.

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-------
                                                            IV - 92

5.  NANTICOKE RIVER AREA
     The drainage basin formed by the Nanticoke River and its major
tributaries, Marshy Hope Creek and Broad Creek, serves an 815 square
mile area in Delaware and Maryland.  The estuarine section of the basin
extends 35 miles from the mouth of the Nanticoke to Seaford, Delaware,
and includes portions of both Marshy Hope and Broad Creeks.   The total
population of the basin is over 54,000 with the highest density areas
being the Laurel-Delmar (10,500) and Seaford (16,200) census divisions.
     Of the discharges to the estuary, those at Seaford, Delaware, and
Federalsburg and Hurlock, Maryland are the most significant.  At
Seaford, wastewater from a population of 7,000 receives primary treat-
ment only.  This plant is scheduled for upgrading to secondary treat-
ment in October, 1972, and will serve as the main plant for  a new
regional system.  Secondary treatment is provided at Federalsburg but
the plant is heavily overloaded by industrial  waste, accounting for
70 percent of the flow and 85 percent of the BOD load to the plant.
Plans have been made for expansion of this plant to accommodate the
needs of the area.   Hurlock has a secondary plant which is operating
satisfactorily with an average daily flow of 1.0 MGD.
     Other significant discharges to the Nanticoke are:
     1.  Raw sewage (0.1  MGD) from Sharptown,  Maryland,
     2.  A large nylon manufacturing plant operated by Dupont at Seaford,
     3.  A secondary plant at Laurel which serves 2,500 people,
     4.  A secondary package plant at Vienna,
     5.  Delmarva Power and Light Company in Vienna,

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                                                               IV  - 93

     6.  Maryland Chicken Processors,  Inc.  in Nanticoke,  and
     7.  H. B. Kennerly & Sons, Inc.  in Nanticoke.
     Waters in the Nanticoke estuary  have been assigned four  use
classifications by the Maryland Department of Water Resources and
the Delaware Department of Natural  Resources and Environmental  Con-
trol.  The Nanticoke River from the mouth (a line between Frog  Point
and Stump Point) to a line between  the mouth of Jacks Creek and Run-
away Point, including estuarine portions of creeks, coves, and  trib-
utaries except Nanticoke Harbor is  classified as Group A  water  and
may be used for shellfish harvesting,  water contact recreation, and
propagation of fish, other aquatic  life and wildlife.  Nanticoke
Harbor is classified as Group C waters and may be used for water contact
recreation and propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife.
The Main stem of the Nanticoke from the Jacks Creek - Runaway Point
line to the Maryland - Delaware boundary is classified as Group C
waters and may be used for water contact recreation; propagation of  fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and  agricultural water supply.  The
Nanticoke estuary in Delaware is a  single zone with designated  uses
of industrial water supply after reasonable treatment, recreation,
and maintenance and propagation of  fish, aquatic life and wildlife.
     A number of surveys have been  conducted in this area by  the
Maryland Department of Water Resources and by the Annapolis Field
Office.  Sampling was done by the Maryland Department of  Water Resources
in May and August of both 1970 and  1971 and by AFO in the summers  of

-------
                                                            IV - 94

1967 and 1971.  Station location lists for these surveys are included,,

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     Surveys in 1967 by the Annapolis Field Office and in 1970 by the
Maryland Department of Water Resources, Water Quality Investigation
Division, both reported occasional violations of the 240 MPN/100 ml
fecal coliform maximum allowed in Group C waters.  Average values for
fecal coliform counts in the Group C waters, howsver, were below the
maximum level at most stations.  The coliform counts in the Group A
stations were above the maximum 70 MPN/100 ml value in almost all cases.
     The same two agencies conducted surveys again in 1971 with sampling
by the Maryland Department of Water Resources on May 24-25 and August
30-31 and by Annapolis Field Office on July 20-22 and August 10-12.
     Sampling by the MDWR in May indicated high fecal coliform values
in the Group C waters only near the Vienna Sewage Treatment Plant and
the Delmarva Power and Light Company fly ash lagoon.  The only avail-
able data on the Group A waters was obtained during this sampling run.
Of the four samples taken in Group A waters, only one met the maximum
allowable coliform count of 70 MPN/100 ml.  No valid conclusions can
be drawn regarding the suitability of the Group A waters for their pre-
scribed use since the amount of data is so limited.  Samples taken on
August 30 and 31, 1971, showed violations of bacterial standards at
almost all  of the stations in both Group A and C waters in the basin.
     The 1971 AFO study indicates an even more severe coliform problem
than was seen in the MDWR 1971 study.  Violations of the 240 MPN/100 ml

-------
                                                            IV - 95







fecal coliform maximum occur at all  stations  and  the  mean  fecal  coliform



counts (based on six samples)  at all  but two  of eight stations  exceeded



the maximum allowable level.  The most significant  incidents  of bacterial



pollution are mean fecal  coliform counts of 7,383,  3,641,  and 1,898



MPN/100 ml  at stations 1  (upstream from Seaford), 8 (Broad Creek,  Laurel,



Delaware),  and 5 (Broad Creek  at Bethel, Delaware), respectively.

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                                                               IV - 96

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Dissolved oxygen levels in the Nanticoke Basin are generally
very good, with most values ranging from 6 to 8 mg/1.  One exception
is the Nanticoke Harbor area where oxygen depressions were documented
at the end of August 1971.  At this time, depressed values existed as far
up the river as the confluence with Marshy Hope Creek.  Also in this
period, a fish kill involving a large number of menhadden was reported
in the harbor.  Representatives of the Maryland Department of Water
Resources observed rich blooms of red algae upon which the menhadden were
presumably feeding, and sampling in connection with the kill exposed
the low DO values.  No conclusive evidence has been found that would
definitely establish the cause of the kill, hence, no damage suits could
by instituted by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.  Dis-
charges from Maryland Chicken Processors, Inc. and H. B.  Kennerly & Sons,
Inc. (an oyster processing plant) along with algae blooms and the poor
transport characteristics of the harbor probably contributed to the
low DO levels.  Both of the above named companys have been put under
orders by the MDWR to provide adequate treatment for their waste.

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                                                            IV - 97
NUTRIENTS
     Nutrient levels in the Nanticoke estuary remained  quite  low  through-
out areas sampled.   Total  phosphate and ammonia  nitrogen  were  lowest
with average concentrations ranging from .14 mg/1  to .56  mg/1  and .03
mg/1 to .6 mg/1, respectively.   Nitrite plus Nitrate and  Total  Kjeldahl
Nitrogen (TKN) concentrations were slightly higher with some  average
values for TKN greater than 2 mg/1.  MDWR reports  high  nutient concen-
trations at the Vienna STP, the confluence with  Marshy  Hope Creek,  and
near Quantico Creek where  the shape of the river is severely  constricted.

OTHER
     THe pH values  found in the Nanticoke all lie  within  the  speci-
fied water quality  standards range of 6.0 to 8.5 with most of the read-
ings grouped between 6.5 and 7.5.
     Samples collected by  AFO on July 21, 1971,  were analyzed for
zinc, lead, mercury, copper, chromium and cadmium.  The metal  con-
centrations did not vary from station to station;  measured values were:
zinc - .005 mg/1; lead - .50 mg/1; mercury - .0005 mg/1;  copper - .100
mg/1; chromium - .100 mg/1; and cadmium - .ICO mg/1. The levels  of zinc,
mercury, copper and cadmium all meet Public Health Service Drinking
Water Standards and are below the levels which have been  found toxic to
fish and aquatic life.  The lead concentrations  (.50 mg/1) were
above the maximum allowed  for drinking water (.05  mg/1) and the fish
toxicity level (0.1 to 0.2 mg/1).   Chromium also occurred in  concen-
trations above the  maximum allowable for drinking  water (.05  mg/1).

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                                                            IV -  98

                          Table  IV-24
            ANNAPOLIS FIELD OFFICE  STATION  LOCATIONS
                        NANTICOKE RIVER

STATION
NUMBER                                       LOCATION
   1                              Upstream of  Seaford,  Delaware
   2                             Woodland Ferry,  Delaware
   3                             Sharptown, Maryland
   4                             Vienna,  Maryland
   5                             Broad Creek, Bethel,  Delaware
   6                             Marshy Hope  Creek,  Brookview, Maryland
   7                             Marshy Hope  Creek,  Federalsburg,
                                 Rt.  318 Bridge
   8                             Broad Creek, Laurel,  Delaware

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                                                                 IV - 99
                                Table  IV-25

                            STATE  OF MARYLAND

          WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION  DIVISION  STATION  LOCATIONS

                             NANTICOKE RIVER
STATION     STREAM     MILES ABOVE
NUMBER       CODE         MOUTH*                 LOCATION

  IS         NAN          32.5           Just  west of  Maryland  -  Delaware  line
                                        on  river  bend at black Buoy  #45

  2S         NAN          29.1           1/2 mile  upstream  from Buoy  #38
                                        (Wicomico County)

  3S         MAR          28.8           Marshyhope Creek at  Walnut Landing,
                                        .5  miles  above mouth of  Marshyhope
                                        Creek (Dorchester  County)

  3AS        NAN          23.8           Nanticoke River at Delmarva  Power
                                        and Light Company  effluent  (Dorchest-
                                        er  County)

  3BS        NAN          23.7           Nanticoke River at Vienna Sewage
                                        Treatment Plant (Dorchester  County)

  3CS        NAN          23.9           Nanticoke River at Delmarva  fly  ash
                                        lagoon effluent (Dorchester  County)

  4S         NAN          23.6           Bridge at Vienna  (Dorchester County)

  5AS        NAN          17.7           Athaloo Landing,  Buoy  #23  (Wicomico
                                        County)

  5S         NAN          14.0           Penknife  Point, Buoy #17 (Dorchester
                                        County)

  6S         NAN           8.5           Off Tyaskin,  Buoy  #13  (Wicomico  County)

  7S         WET           8.1           Wetipquin Bridge,  Wetipquin  Creek,
                                        .8 mile above mouth  (Wicomico County)

  8S         NAN           6.2           Jackson Harbor at  Bivalve  (Wicomico
                                        County)

  9S         NAN           2.3          Nanticoke Harbor (Dorchester County)


* Based on distance from confluence

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                                                            IV - 100

6.  WICOMICO RIVER - MONIE BAY AREA
     Tidal action in the Wicomico River extends for 24 miles from the
mouth of the river tc dams at Salisbury, Maryland.  The total drainage
area of the basin is 239 square miles and the population is approximate-
ly 44,500, of which 70 percent is concentrated in the vicinity of Sal-
isbury.
     The largest discharge in the basin is from a heavily overloaded
secondary treatment plant at Salisbury which treats both domestic
(40 percent of volume) and industrial (60 percent of volume ) waste.
The plant's design parameters are 3.6 MGD flow and 187 mg/1 BOD load;
the actual loadings are 4.6 MGD flow and 411 mg/1 BOD.  BOD removal
has been reduced to less than 70 percent because of the overloading
problem.  Another secondary plant is being built at Fruitland where
2,000 people are presently being served by septic tanks.
     At Salisbury, Mardel Byproducts Corporation, with inadequate
biological stabilization; and Petroleum Equipment Division of Dresser
Industries discharge to Mitchell Pond and the Wicomico River, respect-
ively.   The Green Giant Company has a plant in Fruitland which employs
land disposal  methods and J.  I. Wells in Quantico discharges inade-
quately treated waste into the Wicomico.  Mardel  Byproducts and J.  I.
Wells have been listed as not in compliance with Maryland laws and
regulations by the Department of Water Resources in the November 1, 1970,
status  report.
     Three sets of water use  classifications have been accepted for this
area.   The Wicomico river from the mouth to a point 1  mile above

-------
                                                            IV - 101

Mount Vernon wharf, and Monie Bay from the mouth  to  the  head of the  Bay
1/2 mile above Nail Point (both including estuarine  portions of creek,
coves, and tributaries) are classified as Group A waters with shellfish
harvesting; water contact recreation, and propagation  of fish, other
aquatic life and wildlife as the protected water  uses.   Tributaries
beyond both estuaries are Group C water with water contact recreation
and propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife as the protect-
ed water uses.  The main stem Wicomico River and  all  tributaries, ponds
and headwaters in Maryland from a point 1 mile above Mount Vernon
Wharf to all headwaters or the Maryland-Delaware  State Line is designated
as Group C waters with water contact recreation;  propagation of fish,
other aquatic life and wildlife; and agricultural water supply as
protected water uses.
     Surveys by AFO in 1967 and 1971 and by the Maryland Department
of Water Resources in 1970 and 1971 provide the basis for evaluation
of the water quality conditions in this basin.  Station Location lists
for these surveys are included.

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                                                            IV - 102

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     Bacterial pollution in the Wicomico River is widespread; at a
majority of the stations sampled, coliform densities averaged an
order of magnitute or more above the 240 MPN/100 ml standard set for
the prescribed water uses in the Group C waters.
     Samples taken is Sharps Creek produced the highest bacterial
counts ranging from 16,090 MPN/100 ml to greater than 160,900 MPN/100
ml in 1967 and averaging 18,500 MPN/100 ml in 1971.  This pollution
may be a result of seepage and overflows from the Green Giant land dis-
posal system and septic tank Teachings.
     Coliform count in Salisbury area generally run from 2,400 to
54,000 MPN/100 ml.  These high values are due to inadequate treat-
ment at the Salisbury treatment plant and a possible discharge from
Mardel  Byproducts.
     The waters designated for shellfish harvesting must not have
fecal coliform densities greater than 70 MPN/100 ml.  Thus, the bac-
terial  quality of the water is adequate for shellfish harvesting only
below a point 750 yards south of Clara Road in the lower section of
the river.   According to a report by the Maryland Department of Water
Resources,  22 acres in the Wicomico have been closed to shellfish
harvesting.
     No shellfish bed closings have been reported in Monie Bay,
thus indicating satisfactory bacterial  quality in those waters.

-------
                                                            IV - 103

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Data from the 1967 AFO survey showed oxygen depressions in the
Salisbury area and in Sharps Creek.   Samples  taken above Salisbury
had more than adequate dissolved oxygen but an  oxygen  sag begins between
the Nancy Point and Harbor Point stations.   (The overloaded  Salisbury
treatment plant discharges between these stations).   Further depres-
sion occurred at Gumbey Landing.  Recovery is very gradual  and DO
levels averaging 5.0 mg/1  are not reestablished until  the White Haven
station.
     Samples taken from Sharps Creek near Fruitland indicated that
severe depression of oxygen levels also existed in that area in 1967.
Low DO levels in Sharps Creek may be attributable to the oxygen demand-
ing waste entering the stream from the Green Giant land disposal system
and septic tank Teachings.

-------
                                                            IV - 104

NUTRIENTS
     Nutrient values in the Wicomico estuary show relatively low
values throughout most of the basin.  Samples at Harbor Point reflect
the impact of the Salisbury treatment plant with TKN values from 2 to
3 mg/1 and TP values from 1.2 to 2.2 mg/1.   TKN and ammonia levels
averaging 1.93 mg/1 and .70 mg/1, respectively, are also considerably
higher in Sharp's Creek than in the rest of the basin.
     Other than the two exceptions mentioned, the trend is a decrease
in nutrient concentrations at the stations  downstream from Salisbury.

OTHER
     Samples of shellfish from waters of the Wicomico and Monie Bay
have been analyzed for copper, zinc, cadmium and mercury as part of
a Maryland Department of Health and Mental  Hygiene program.  This
program will alwo include pesticide analysis in the 1972 fiscal year.

-------
                                                              IV  - 105

                            Table IV-26
              ANNAPOLIS FIELD OFFICE STATION LOCATIONS
                           WICOMICO RIVER

STATION NUMBER                       LOCATION

      1                              Nancy Point
      2                              Harbor Point,  Fl  57
      3                              Gumby Landing, Buoy 51
      3A                             Fl 47
      4                              Patricks Landing, Fl  45
      5                              Quantico Wharf
      6                              Collins Wharf, Buoy 30
      7                              White Haven, between  Buoy 26 and 27
      8                              Webster Cove,  Fl  18 and 19
      9                              Island Point,  Nun 12
     10                              Wicomico Creek Ferry
     11                              Sharps Creek,  River Road Bridge
     12                              Tonytank Creek Bridge
     13                              Beaverdam Creek,  Shumaker Road Bridge
     13A                             Beaverdam Creek,  Route 12
     14                              Naylor Mill Road, North of Salisbury, Md,

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                                          IV - 106
         Table IV-27



      STATE OF MARYLAND



DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES



    Wicomico River Basin
STATION
NUMBER
MILES ABOVE
MOUTH
Wicomico County
1970
Station Location List
LOCATION
NEAREST
TOWN
River Stations
1
2
3
4
4A
5
5A
6
7
8
9
Tributary
10
11
12
20.5
19.7
18.7
16.1
14.1
13.4
11.9
8.9
5.5
2.1
0.0
Stations
8.2 E 0.9
18.0 E 0.4
18.0 E 0.4
Nancy Point
Harbor Point, Buoy FL-57
Gumby Landing, Buoy FL-53
Patricks Landing, Buoy FL-45
Upper Ferry
Quantico Wharf (off J. I. Wells
effluent in the channel)
Kerod Landing
Collins Wharf
Whitehaven, Buoy FL-27
Webster Cove, Buoy FL-18
Island Point, Buoy FL-14
Wicomico Creek, bridge on Redden
Ferry Road
Sharps Creek, bridge on River Road
Tony Tank Creek, bridge on River
Salisbury
Salisbury
Fruitland
Si loam
Si loam
Quantico
Quantico
Trinity
White Haven
Mt. Vernon
Mt. Vernon
Trinity
Fruitland
Fruitland
     Road

-------
                                                            IV - 107
                       Table IV-27 (Cont.)
STATION   MILES ABOVE
NUMBER       MOUTH

Tributary Stations

  15      20.7 W 0.5


  13A     21.1 E 0.1
                          LOCATION
                                NEAREST
                                  TOWN
  13
  14
21.1 E 2.5
  14A     21.1 N 0.0
  14B     21.1 N 0.5
  14C     21.1 N 2.2
  14D     21.1 N 3.0
21.1 N 2.8
  14E     21.1 N 5.0
  14F     21.1 N 4.8
  14G     21.1 E 5.0
  14E1    21.1 N 1.0
Mitchell Pond, bridge on Md. Rt.   Salisbury
349

Beaverdam Creek, bridge on River- Salisbury
side Drive just above confluence
with Leonard Pond Run

Beaverdam Creek, bridge on        Salisbury
Shumaker Road below Shumaker
Pond

Leonard Pond Run, bridge on       Salisbury
East Main Street at the conflu-
ence with Beaverdam Creek

Johnson Pond, in pond just        Salisbury
above the dam on Md. Rt. 349

Middle Neck Branch, bridge        Salisbury
on U.S. Rt. 13

Brewington Branch, bridge         Salisbury
on U.S. Rt. 13

Leonard Pond Run, bridge on       Salisbury
Naylor Mill Road

Connelly Mill Branch, bridge      Delmar
on Jersey Road

Leonard Pond Run, bridge im-      Delmar
mediately downstream from Md. Rt.
13 bridge crossing Leonard
Pond

Beaver Dam Creek, Mt. Hermon      Mt. Hermon
crossing

Woods Creek, Jersey Road          Delmar
crossing

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                                                            IV - 108

 7.  MANOKIN RIVER AREA
     The Manokin River drains a small wedge shaped area in the middle
 of  Somerset County, Maryland.  The drainage basin is approximately
 60  square miles in area and has a population of 2900.  The only
 known discharge to the Manokin is biologically treated domestic waste
 from a Somerset County Sanitary District Plant at Princess Anne.
     The Manokin River has been divided into three zones for water
 use classifications.  The Manokin River including estuarine portions
 of  creeks, coves and tributaries from the mouth (a line between
 Pin Point and Hazard Point) to Sharps Point is designated as group A
 waters with shellfish harvesting; water contact recreation; and
 propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife as the protected
 use classifications.  Manokin River tributaries beyond the estuary
 (mouth of river to Sharps Point) are group C waters and are pro-
 tected for water contact recreation; and propagation of fish, other
 aquatic life and wildlife.  The main stem of the Manokin River and
 its tributaries from Sharps Point to all headwaters is also classi-
 fied as group C waters and may be used for water contact recreation;
 propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife; and agricultur-
 al water supply.

 GENERAL WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
     The authors have no knowledge of any water quality investigative
work done in this area and were able to find only abstract information
 regarding the water quality in the basin.   Since no sampling data
 is available, any theories advanced in this section come solely from

-------
                                                            IV - 109

subjective interpretation of non-analytical  information.
     Below are listed a number of facts that give some insight into
the water quality picture in the Manokin River.
     1.  The only discharge in the basin has adequate secondary
level treatment (biological stabilization)  and is reported as  being
in compliance with the laws and regulations of the Maryland Depart-
ment of Water Resources.
     2.  None of the shellfish areas have been closed by  the Maryland
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
     3.  A 1967 EPA* report on immediate pollution control needs for
the Eastern Shore made no mention of needs  in the Manokin River Basin.
     In view of the above statements the water quality in the  Manokin
River should be satisfactory.  Some intensive sampling should  be done
in this area to measure the background levels of the most common
water quality paramenters.  Since part of this basin is classified for
agricultural water supply use, pesticide sampling might also be infor-
mative.
* Then called FWPCA

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                                                               IV - 110

8.  ANNEMESSEX RIVERS AREA
     The  Little and Big Annemessex Rivers combine to form one of
the smallest drainage basins on the Eastern Shore.  The area drained
by these  rivers is between 35 and 40 square miles and has a population
of about  5200.  The two river systems, of which the Big Annemessex is
the northern-most, are connected by the Annemessex Canal.  On the
Little Annemessex River there is a harbor at Crisfield which has been
extensively developed with marina facilities.
     The major discharges in this basin are located at Crisfield on
the Little Annemessex River.  Domestic waste from the town of Cris-
field receives only primary treatment (secondary treatment scheduled
to begin April, 1972) before discharge.  Waste from Mrs. Paul's
Kitchens seafood packing plant (which will connect to the sewage
treatment plant in the future) presently receives only inadequate
primary treatment.
     Two water use classifications have been specified for this
basin.   The Big Annemessex River from the mouth to the bridge on
River Road; the Little Anremessex, (along with Broad Creek and
Daugherty Creek)  from the mouth to a line drawn between channel  markers
#11  and N-10 to all  estuarine headwaters; and Jenkins Creek from the
mouth to the bridge on the road to Birdtown are all  classified as Group
A waters with shellfish harvesting;  water contact recreation; and
propagation of fish,  other aquatic life and wildlife as water uses to
be protected.  These  water use areas include estuarine portions  of

-------
                                                            IV - 111



creeks, coves, and tributaries.   All  other waters  in  this  basin are

classified as Group C waters  and may  be  used  for water  contact rec-

reation and propagation of fish, other aquatic  life and wildlife.

     Relatively little investigative  work has been done in the Anne-

messex basin.  Two surveys conducted  by  the Department  of  Water Resources

on September 3-4, 1968 and  September 8, 1970  provide  the only data

which could be located.  A station location list and  map are included.


BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS

     Only one station in these two studies was  located  in  the shellfish

harvesting area.  Samples taken at this  station in 1968 showed coli-

form counts of 430 and 93 MPN/100 ml  but a sample  taken in 1970

showed a value of only 15 MPN/100 ml  which is well below the 70 MPN/100

ml maximum standard set for shellfish harvesting waters.  Indications

are that all of the designated shellfish beds remain  suitable for use.

     The group C waters were  generally acceptable  for the  designated

uses except near the two major discharges in  the  basin.  The samples

taken in 1968 indicated the following values:
Station       Sample                         Coliform      E.  Coli
Number       Location             Date       MPN/100 ml     MPN/100  ml

        100 yards west of      9-3-68        240,000+        46,000
   4    sewage treatment
        plant effluent, mouth  9-4-68          2,300          2,300
        of Hop point

        Channel next to Mrs    9-3-68          4,300            430
   7    Paul's plant, below
        mouth of Somers Cove   9-4-68         46,000         15,000

-------
                                                            IV - 112

     The sample taken September 8, 1970 showed decreases in Coliform
to 430 MPN/100 ml and E. Coli to 150 MPN/100 ml at station 4 and decreases
in Coliform to 15 MPN/100 ml and E. Coli to 7.3 MPN/100 ml at station 7.
Since only one sample was taken at each station in 1970 any statement
regarding an improvement in water quality would be considerably biased.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Only one of the samples taken in the 1968 and 1970 surveys fell
below the minimum DO value (4.0 mg/1).  Since all of the sampling
was done in September, some depression of oxygen levels in the July -
August period may go un-noted, but the general quality of the water
from the oxygen standpoint appears to be satisfactory.  The standards
for the group A and C water uses (minimum DO of 4.0 mg/1 and average
DO of 5.0 mg/1) are being met according to the data collected.

NUTRIENTS
     Nutrient analyses were performed on the samples collected on
September 8, 1970.  Total phosphate values reported in the estuary
were low, ranging from .05 to .28 mg/1, but high nitrogen levels were
found.  Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen values ranged from .80 to 1.20 mg/1
with half of the samples showing levels above 1.00 mg/1.

OTHER CONDITIONS
     No data on heavy metals or pesticides in this area is available.

-------
                                                           IV - 113
                          Table  IV-28

                        STATE  OF  MARYLAND

                  DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES

              WATER QUALITY  INVESTIGATION DIVISION

        Crisfield Harbor - Little Annemessex River Survey
                         Somerset County
                         September,  1971

                      Station  Location  List
STATION
NUMBER                                   LOCATION

   1                Middle of Somers  Cove

   2               Mouth of Somers  Cove

   3               1/4 mile north  of Flashing  Light  "13A" west  of
                   old brick icehouse

   4               100 yards west  of sewage  treatment  plant  effluent,
                   north of Hop Point

   5               Mouth of Annemessex Canal,  Beacon No.  18

   6               Beacon No. 2

   7               Channel next to Mrs.  Paul's plant,  below  mouth  of
                   Somers Cove

   8               Red Nun Buoy #12

   9               Red Nun Buoy #8

 *10               Annemessex Canal, approximately one mile  north  of
                   Flashing Light  "18"

 *11               Annemessex Canal, approximately two miles north of
                   Flashing Light  "18"

 *12               Mouth of Annemessex Canal,  north  end at  Flashing
                   Light "5"

-------
                                                            IV -  114



                       Table IV-28 (Cont.)
STATION
NUMBER                             LOCATION

 *13               Mouth of Acre Creek at Flashing  Light  "3"

 *14               Mouth of Doughterty Creek  at Big Annemessex  River
                   at Flashing Light "1"
*  These stations were added  for the  1970  survey.

-------
             CRISFIELD HARBOR      IV ' 115
    LITTLE  ANNEMESSEX RIVER  SURVEY
              STATION LOCATIONS
                                    14
ISLAND
POINT
                                  Figure TV-6

-------
                                                               IV - 116

                     H.   LOWER  EASTERN SHORE AREA

                           (POCOMOKE RIVER)

     The  Pocomoke River  is the primary drainage for a 488 square mile
 area located  in a sparsely populated (population approximately 16,700)
 portion of  the Delmarva  Peninsula.  The largest part of the Pocomoke
 drainage  area lies in Maryland with the tidal influence extending 23
 miles from  Pocomoke  Sound to a point slightly above Snow Hill, Maryland.
     Major  discharges to the Pocomoke River occur at the two population
 centers in  the basin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke City, Maryland.  Primary
 treated domestic waste from the town of Snow Hill, inadequately treated
 poultry processing waste from Maryland Chicken Processors, Incorporated,
 and inadequately treated vegetable canning waste from W. T.  Onley Com-
 pany are  all discharged  into the River at Snow Hill.  Waste from
 Johnson Meat Products Company, Campbell  Soup Comapny and Mason Can-
 ning Company, as well as domestic waste receive secondary treatment
 before being discharged at Pocomoke City.
     Three water use classifications are specified for the Pocomoke
 estuary.  The Virginia portion of Pocomoke Sound and the Virginia
 tributaries are classified as II-B waters and are generally satisfact-
ory for use as public water supply; primary contact recreation;
 propagation of aquatic life;  and  other beneficial  uses.   The Maryland
sector of Pocomoke Sound including estuarine portions of creeks,
coves and tributaries {except Fair Island  Canal) is included in group

-------
                                                              IV - 117

A water with uses specified as shellfish harvesting;  water  contact
recreation; and propagation of fish,  other aquatic  life and wildlife.
The Pocomoke River and all  its Maryland tributaries is  classified as
group C water with uses including water contact recreation; propagation
of fish, other aquatic life and wildlife; agricultural  water supply; and
industrial water supply.   Specific standards associated with the various
water use classifications are discussed in the following sections.
     Data from surveys by the Annapolis Field Office (1967  & 1971)
and the Maryland Department of Water  Resources (1971) were  used in
evaluating the water quality of this  basin.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     Bacterial water quality in the Pocomoke River  is generally poor
and examination of the data showed that many of the samples had fecal
coliform values greatly in excess of  the 240 MPN/100 ml standard set
for waters in the C use classification.  As would bs expected, bacterial
quality is at its worst immediately downstream from the population and
industrial centers at Snow Hill and Pocomoke City.
     Most of the fecal coliform values around Snow Hill range between
700 and 5400 MPN/100 ml with no apparent change in  levels between
1967 and 1971.  Bacterial pollution in this area is mainly attribut-
able to the reduced effectiveness of chlorination when coupled with
primary treatment and the inadequacy of treatment for poultry process-
ing waste
     In the case of Pocomoke City, a distinct improvement in bac-

-------
                                                            IV -  118

terial  quality occurred between 1967 and 1971.   Eight (8)  samples
taken in 1967 showed most fecal coliform counts  ranging  from 2700 -
54000 MPN/100 ml  with three of the samples  having  values greater  than
10,000 MPN/100 ml.   In 1971, six (6) samples  produced counts of 490,
490, 2400, 2400,  70 and 9180 MPN/100 ml.  This  improvement is attributed
to the secondary  treatment plant in Pocomoke  City  which  began opera-
tion in 1970 and  treats part of the city's  industrial waste as well
as domestic waste.
     The standards  in Pocomoke Sound were established by both Vir-
ginia and Maryland  to allow harvesting of shellfish in ths area.   This
requires that coliform counts average less  than  70 MPN/100 ml (in
Virginia no more  than 10% can be greater than 230  MPN/100 ml) and
additionally, in  Virginia only, chloride concentrations  must not
exceed 800 mg/1.   Due to violation of these standards shellfish beds
have been closed  in both Maryland and Virginia  waters.
     An improvement of the bacterial quality  of the water led the
Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to reopen shellfish
harvesting beds from Tulls Point to and including  Marumsco Creek  in
January, 1970.  Beds from Marumsco Creek up the  Sound to the end
of the group A waters at the mouth of the Pocomoke River remained closed,
     In November, 1971, shellfish areas in Marumsco Creek were closed,
but areas further up the Sound were opened.  The beds now open in
Marumsco Creek area form a wedge bounded by a line between number 6
light and a point 500 feet west of Rumbley Point and a line between
number 6 light and  number 1 light.

-------
                                                            IV - 119






     As reported in Water Control  Board Publications  of 1967 and



1971, there has been no changp in  the Virginia  area  (1,485  acres)



closed to shellfish harvesting.  The data collected  by AFO  in 1967



and 1971  reinforces the decision of the Water Control  Board in not



opening any shellfish beds as no improvement in the  bacterial quality



of the water can be detected.

-------
                                                              IV - 120

 DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     A Maryland Department of Water Resources survey conducted April
 19-21, 1971  showed DO  levels in the River well above the 5.0 ppm
 average required for this water use classification.
     However, sampling at the same stations from July 12-14, 1971 indi-
 cated a severe oxygen  deficiency throughout the entire stream.
     The data collected by AFO in July and August of 1967 showed a
 distinct oxygen sag starting at Snow Hill with partial recovery at
 Mil burn Landing.  At Pocomoke City waste loadings caused a further
 oxygen depletion and full recovery from the sag did not occur until
 Shell town.
     The 1971 study conducted in July, August and September by AFO
 further manifested the greater efficiency of the Pocomoke City treat-
 ment plant.  The data  shows an oxygen sag beginning at Snow Hill with
 little or no recovery at Mil burn Landing.  But, instead of a second
 sag farther downstream, significant recovery appears at the Pocomoke
 City station and almost total recovery is realized at Puncheon Landing.
     Samples taken in Pocomoke Sound and its smaller tributaries all
 showed satisfactory DO levels with most values reported being well
above 5.0 ppm.

NUTRIENTS
     The Maryland Department of Water Resources reports above normal
background values for nutrients in the River.   Most of the yearly
averages for Total  Phosphate were approximately 1.00 mg/1  and Total

-------
                                                            IV - 121

Kjeldahl Nitrogen averages ranged from .80 mg/1  to 1.5 mg/1.
Nutrients were reported as being exceptionally high in the water
near Maryland Chicken Processors, Incorporated,  where yearly averages
were:  Ammonia - 7.52 mg/1; Total Phosphate - 30.0 mg/1; and
Total Kjeldahl Nitrogen - 29.0 mg/1.
     Data collected by AFO in 1971 indicated that Total Kjeldahl
Nitrogen (TKN) was the only nutrient parameter which was slightly
above normal in the Pocomoke Sound and its tributaries.  About
half of the samples collected in this area had TKN values greater
than 1.00 mg/1.  Total Phosphate levels rarely exceeded .500 mg/1
and ammonia levels were predominantly below .100 mg/1.

OTHER
     No data on metals or pesticides in the waters of the Pocomoke
has been discovered, but some work has been done on metals in shell
fish.  The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene has
established a program for monitoring copper, zinc, cadmium and mercury
in shell fish with some of the work being done in Pocomoke Sound.
This program is to be continued in conjunction with the administration
of Maryland's food laws and is to be expanded to include pesticide
analyses during fiscal 1972.

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                                              IV - 122
             Table IV-29



          STATE OF MARYLAND



    DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES



WATER QUALITY INVESTIGATION DIVISION



           Pocomoke River
Worcester County
Station Location List
STATION
NUMBER
1


2



3
4

5

6

7

8

9

10
STREAM
CODE
POK


POK



POK
POK

POK

POK

POK

POK

POK

POK
MILES ABOVE
MOUTH*
32.6


31.2



31.6
31.0

30.9

29.0

26.5

23.0

19.6

17.5

LOCATION
Pocomoke River at Ha Met
Heights (mouth of Purnell
Branch)
Pocomoke River at W. T. Olney
(just south of Md. 12 Bridge-
Plant - effluent about 1/3
mile downstream of bridge)
Bridge on Maryland 12
Pocomoke River at Snow Hill
Sewage Treatment Plant
Pocomoke River at Maryland
Chicken Corporation
Pocomoke River at mouth of
Nassawango Creek
Pocomoke River at mouth of
Corker's Creek
Pocomoke River at Mil burn
Landing
Pocomoke River at mouth of
Dividing Creek
Pocomoke River at Johnson's

NEAREST TOWN
Snow Hill


Snow Hill



Snow Hill
Snow Hill

Snow Hill

Snow Hill

Snow Hill

Pocomoke rit^

Pocomoke Citj

Pocomoke Cit\
              Meat  Products

-------
                            Table  IV-29  (Cont.)
                                                                IV - 123
STATION
NUMBER
11


12

13




14

15

16
STREAM
CODE
POK


POK

POK




POK

POK

POK
MILES ABOVE
MOUTH*
17.1


16.6

16.5




16.0

14.6

11.8

LOCATION
Pocomoke River at Pocomoke
Provision Company (between
old and new bridge)
Pocomoke River at Ralph
Mason Company (water tower)
Pocomoke River at the
Campbell Soup Company (down-
stream of electric tower at
big grey tank with yellow
band)
Pocomoke River at mouth of
Union Branch
Pocomoke River at Puncheon
Landing
Pocomoke River at 2.8 miles

NEAREST TOWN
Pocomoke City


Pocomoke City

Pocomoke City




Pocomoke City

Pocomoke City

Pocomoke City
17



18


19


20


21


22


23
POK
         downstream of Puncheon
         Landing

9.8      Pocomoke River at 4.8 miles
         downstream of Puncheon
         Landing

         Hall  Bridge,  Cedarhall  Wharf
         Road  Crossing

         Pitt's Creek, Colona Road
         Crossing

         Town  Bridge,  Maryland 756
         Crossing

         Willow Grove  Creek,  U.S.
         113 Crossing

         Mattapone Creek,  U.S. 113
         Crossing

         Corker's Creek, U.S. 113
         Crossing
Pocomoke City



St. James


St. James


Pocomoke City


Willow Grove


Betheden Church


Betheden Church

-------
                                                                   IV - 124
                              Table IV-29 (Cont.)
STATION
NUMBER

  24


  25


  26


  27


  28


  29


  30


  31


  32


  33


  34


  35


  36


  37


  38
STREAM
 CODE
MILES ABOVE
  MOUTH*
            LOCATION

Purnell Branch, U.S. 113
Crossing

Pocomoke River, Porter's
Crossing Road

Dividing Creek, River
Road Crossing

Dividing Creek, unnamed
road crossing

Pusey Bridge, Whiteburg
Road Crossing

Dividing Creek, Dentson
Dam Road Crossing

Nassawango Creek, Mt. Olive
Road Crossing

Nassawango Creek, Maryland 12
Crossing

Nassawango Creek, Old Furnace
Road Crossing

Nassawango Creek, Red House
Road Crossing

Nassawango Creek, Nassawango
Road Crossing

Pocomoke River, Whiton
Crossing Road

Pocomoke River, Maryland
374 Crossing

Pocomoke River, Purnell
Crossing Road

Pocomoke River, Logtown
Road Crossing
NEAREST TOWN

Snow Hill


Snow Hill


Pocomoke City


Whiteburg


Whiteburg


Olivet Church


Colburne


Rolling Hills


Furnace


Nassawango Creek


Snow Hi 11


Whiton


Burbage Crossing


Purnell Crossing


Mt. Pleasant

-------
Table IV-29 (Cont.)
                                    IV - 125
STATION STREAM
NUMBER CODE
39

40

Wicomico County
41

42

43

44

45


46

47

48

Somerset County
49

50

51
MILES ABOVE
MOUTH* LOCATION
Pocomoke River, U.S. 50
Crossing
Pocomoke River, Sheppard
Crossing Road

Pocomoke River, North Folk,
Bethel Road Crossing
Burnt Mill Branch, U.S. 50
Crossing
Gordy's Bridge, unnamed
crossing
Adleurs Pond, Maryland
350 Crossing
Nassawango Creek, Mt.
Herman Road Crossing-
(Maryland 350)
Wango Branch, Wango Road
Crossing
Beaverdam Creek, Johnson's
Road Crossing
Horsebridge Creek, Johnson's
Road Crossing

Marimisco Creek, Marimisco
Road Crossing
East Creek, Tulls Road Cross-
ing
Johnson's Creek, Phoenix

NEAREST TOWN
Wil lards

Bethel


Bethel

Wil lards

Wil lards

Powell vi lie

Wango


Wango

Wango

Wango


Marimisco

Tulls Corner

Bedsworth
    Church  Road  Crossing

-------
                                Table IV-29 (Cont.)
                                                                   IV - 126
STATION
NUMBER

  52
  53
STREAM
 CODE
MILES ABOVE
  MOUTH*
          LOCATION

Johnson's Creek, Maryland
667 Crossing

Pocomoke River, end of
Wharf Shell town
NEAREST TOWN

Hopewell


Shell town
*  Based on distance from confluence

-------
                                                            IV  -  127
                           Table IV-30
                   EASTERN SHORE STUDY - AFO
                         POCOMOKE RIVER

STATION NUMBER                              LOCATION
      1                                Porters  Crossing
      2                                Snow Hill
      3                                Milburn  Landing
      4                                Pocomoke City
      5                                Puncheon Landing
      6                                Rehobeth
      7                                Cedar Hall  Wharf
      8                                Shell town,  Maryland
      9                                East of Fair Island
     10                                Opposite Persimmon Point
     11                                Fair Island Channel
     12                                Robin Hood  Bay
     13                                 Rumbly Point
     14                                Marumsco Creek
     15                                Bullbegger Creek
     16                                Pitts Creek
     17                                Holdens Creek

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                                                            IV - 128

                     I.  PATUXENT RIVER AREA

     The Patuxent River Basin covers an area of 963 square miles,
stretching for 110 miles from the headwaters in upper Howard and
Montgomery Counties, Maryland, to its mouth at Chesapeake Bay.  Major
tributaries of the Patuxent are the Little Patuxent and the Western
Branch, with drainage areas of 160 and 110 square miles, respectively.
The three regions of the Patuxent River are:
     (1)  Upper Patuxent - Frederick County line to Fall Line at Laurel;
          Little Patuxent Branch - Frederick County line to Savage,
     (2)  Middle Patuxent - Fall Line to Queen Anne's Bridge, and
     (3)  Lower Patuxent (tidal estuary) - Queen Anne's Bridge to mouth
          at Chesapeake Bay.
The upper region of the Patuxent River lies entirely in the Piedmont
Plateau geological area, while the middle and lower regions, located
below the Fall Line, lie in the Coastal Plain.
     All areas of the Patuxent River are classified as Water Use III
(water contact recreation) and Water Use IV areas (propagation of fish
and aquatic life).  In addition, the following areas are designated as
Water Use II areas (municipal water supply):  Patuxent River headwaters
to Rocky Gorge Reservoir; middle Patuxent River and tributaries; and
Little Patuxent River and tributaries.  Also, the lower portion of the
Patuxent River, from Deep Landing to the mouth of the Patuxent, is
designated as Water Use I area (shellfish harvesting).  The most strin-

-------
                                                              IV - 129







gent water quality standards in the Patuxent River,  those for shellfish



harvesting, call for an average daily dissolved oxygen concentration



of 5.0 mg/1 and a maximum coliform density of 70 MPN/100 ml.





BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS



     At the present time, a severe lack of information exists concern-



ing coliform bacteria concentrations in all  areas of the Patuxent



River.  This shortage is especially serious  in the lower Patuxent



River region where careful monitoring of bacteriological conditions



is essential.  Below Deep Landing (River Mile 29.35),  a shellfish har-



vesting area, a coliform density of 70 MPN/100 ml  must not be exceeded.



Table IV-31 summarizes the most recent coliform concentration data



available.

-------
                                                            IV - 130
                           Table IV-31

               PATUXENT RIVER BACTERIOLOGICAL DATA

                        DECEMBER 15, 1970


RIVER MILE                                        COLIFORM
                                                 MPN/100 ml

  22.90                                               39

  32.20                                            1,500

  41.75                                            4,300

  45.20                                           21,000

  54.88                                           24,000

  60.74                                            4,300

  63.67                                               93

  63.70                                               23

  66.37                                              430

  71.50                                              230

  75.00                                              430

  80.00                                               93

-------
                                                               IV - 131





      From the above data, it appears  that the  coliform density standard



is upheld in the shellfish harvesting  area.   The  coliform density tends



to decrease as one moves downstream from maximum  coliform densities



found at approximately River Mile 50.   The extremely high coliform



densities at River Miles 45.20 and 54.88 can be attributed to  the large



wastewater outputs from treatment plants at Laurel  Parkway (2.60 MGD),



Bowie-Belair (1.90 MGD), and Fort Meade (2.10 MGD).   However,  106 acres



(5 public, 101 private acres) are now  closed to oyster production out  of



a total of 14,804 acres available in the Patuxent River.  The  closed



areas are located in the lower portion of the Patuxent River and include



Back Creek, Mill Creek, and St. John Creek.



     More surveys of the entire Patuxent River  Basin need to be made to



determine if current water quality standards are  being maintained at the



required levels.




DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS




     Dissolved oxygen concentrations in the Patuxent River, from River



Mile 19.4 to 60.74, ranged from a high of 7.81  mg/1  to a low of 4.54 mg/1



on September 1, 1970.  On September 5, 1968, dissolved oxygen  values



ranged from 9.4 mg/1 to 5.5 mg/1 in the same area.   The low dissolved



oxygen values noted in September 1970  are partly  the result of a high



nitrogenous oxygen demand (NOD) at this time.  A  maximum TKN value of



1.242 mg/1 was found at River Mile 60.74, resulting in a NOD value of



5.6 mg/1.  The dissolved oxygen concentration appears to have degraded

-------
                                                            IV - 132

between 1968 and 1970, although this may be the result of a low-flow
rate during fall 1970.  Insufficient information concerning flow rates
exists in order to make a definite statement regarding dissolved oxygen
concentration trends in the Patuxent River.  Table IV-32 presents
a more detailed summary of dissolved oxygen concentrations in the
Patuxent River between 1968 and 1971.
     It can be seen that dissolved oxygen values generally are lower in
the upper region of the river, gradually increasing moving downstream.
The higher dissolved oxygen concentrations observed in the spring, as
compared to fall values, are attributed to greater flow rates in the
spring than in the fall.  Table IV-33 presents detailed dissolved
oxygen concentration data during the late spring and summer months of
1970.   Dissolved oxygen concentrations, with some exceptions, were
generally greater than 5.0 mg/1.  However, any degradation of water
quality in the Patuxent River will result in the serious contravention
of the dissolved oxygen standard of 5.0 mg/1.

-------
                                                   IV - 133
                  Table IV-32

PATUXENT RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONCENTRATIONS
                    (mg/1)
River Mile
19.40
22.90
23.90
25.25
26.65
27.35
29.35
31.85
34.35
38.25
41.45
42.80
44.50
45.20
47.45
54.88
60.74
9/5/68
-
9.4
8.0
-
8.8
8.6
8.2
7.2
7.3
8.0
-
7.8
-
6.4
5.5
-
_
5/13/70
11.87
10.96
-
10.42
-
10.09
-
8.19
-
6.46
6.15
-
-
5.02
5.16
4.98
4.94
9/1/70
4.54
5.35
-
5.62
-
5.85
-
5.35
-
6.58
7.81
-
-
5.38
5.92
5.76
4.97
5/17,
-
9.4
9.6
9.8
8.8
8.5
8.8
8.5
9.0
7.0
7.3
7.3
7.7
-
-
-
_

-------
                                                  IV - 134
                 Table IV-33

PATUXEN RIVER DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES - 1970
                  (mg/1)
River Mile
19.4
22.9
25.0
27.3
28.5
31.9
32.2
38.4
41.75
45.20
47.45
48.60
52.50
54.88
60.74
6/11/70
9.63
9.92
9.59
9.27
10.71
7.82
6.27
7.11
8.23
5.27
4.75
5.64
5.58
5.40
4.58
6/29/70
8.13
3.34
9.35
8.36
8.91
7.89
7.73
10.22
9.27
4.91
5.58
5.96
6.19
6.44
6.35
7/27/70
10.10
9.11
12.63
8.05
8.54
8.28
6.43
6.62
6.89
3.84
4.94
5.42
5.96
5.88
5.66
9/1/70
4.54
5.35
5.62
5.85
5.03
5.35
6.37
6.58
7.81
5.38
5.92
5.57
6.11
5.76
4.97

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                                                            IV  - 135

NUTRIENTS
     Recent data indicate that nutrient concentrations  in  the Patuxent
River have greatly increased in the last few years.   A  summary  of
average nutrient concentrations in 1967 and 1970  is  outlined in Table
IV-34.

                           Table IV-34
             PATUXENT RIVER NUTRIENT CONCENTRATIONS
River               N02 + N03 as N            T.  Phosphorus  as  PO^
Mile
47.45
54.88
60.74

     In the above region, nitrate-nitrogen (as N)  concentrations have
increased an average of 25 percent since 1967, while total  phosphorus
(as PO.) concentrations have increased an average  of 44 percent from
1967 to 1970.  The proceeding observations are based on average nutrient
concentration values obtained by mathematically averaging four to
eight samples taken throughout each year (1967 and 1970).
     Table IV-35 (nitrate-nitrogen) and Table IV-36 (total  phosphorus
as PO.) detail nutrient concentration data in the  Patuxent River during
the year 1970.  It can be seen that both nitrogen  and phosphorus con-
centration levels are greater in the upper region  of the river, and
gradually decrease downstream.  In general, nutrient values are highest
1967
(mg/1)
1.448
-
1.500
1970
(mg/1)
1.569
1.985
2.006
1967
(mg/1)
1.433
2.003
2.487
1970
(mg/1)
2.091
2.753
3.685

-------
                                  IV  - 136
  Table IV-35
PATUXENT RIVER
    + N03 <
    (mg/1)
N02 + N03 as N
River Mile
19.4
22.9
25.0
27.3
28.5
31.9
32.2
38.4
41.75
45.20
47.45
48.60
52.50
54.88
60.74
2/18/70
-
.383
.512
.584
.819
.841
.973
.975
.959
.901
.907
.924
.911
.901
.891
5/13/70
.065
.071
.084
.097
.269
.462
.572
.654
.743
1.070
1.420
1.550
1.490
1.490
1.410
7/27/7Q
.050
.041
.041
.041
.090
.162
.314
.447
.521
1.031
1.186
1.321
1.748
1.802
1.928
9/1/70
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.001
.121
1.350
2.160
2.330
2.550
2.840
2.680
11/23A
-
.141
-
-
-
-
.623
.726
.942
1.240
1.240
1.220
1.270
1.270
1.270

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                                          IV - 137
         Table IV-36



       PATUXENT RIVER



Total Phosphorus as PO. (mg/1)
River Mile
19.4
22.9
25.0
27.3
28.5
31.9
32.2
38.4
41.75
45.20
47.45
48.60
52.50
54.88
60.74
2/18/70
-
.175
.204
.246
.422
.363
.681
.795
1.120
.173
1.540
1.570
1.660
1.660
1.980
5/13/70
.171
.320
.371
.519
.582
.489
.542
.451
.619
1.297
1.643
1.989
2.259
2.141
2.649
7/27/70
.272
.272
.256
.337
.344
.372
.367
.506
.711
1.467
1.111
1.270
1.889
1.556
2.444
9/1/70
.400
.440
.462
.490
.427
.416
.394
.572
.622
1.783
3.765
3.248
3.963
4.128
5.119
n/23/:
-
.229
-
-
-
-
.487
.853
1.486
2.422
1.783
1.872
2.202
2.367
3.160

-------
                                                            IV - 138

during the fall months and least during the summer.  Maximum values
of 2.840 mg/1 and 5.119 mg/1 for nitrate-nitrogen (as N) and total
phosphorus (as POJ, respectively, were found on September 1, 1970.
It appears that nutrient concentrations in the middle and upper regions
of the Patuxent River greatly exceeded the recommended maximum
concentrations of nitrogen (.5 mg/1) and phosphorus (.33 mg/1)
during most of 1970 (Reference 4).  These nutrient concentrations
are far above the level that may stimulate excessive algal growth in
the river.
     Chlorophyll a^ ccncentrations provide one means of measuring the
standing crop of algae in a water body.  A chlorophyll a_ concentration
greater than 50 yg/1 indicates an algal standing crop of "bloom"
proportions (Reference 4).  In the upper region of the river, River
Mile 45.20 to 60.74, chlorophyll ^concentrations during 1970 ranged
from 5.83 to 19.76 mg/1.  The absence of excessive algal growths in
the upper Patuxent River is attributed to excessive turbidity in this
area.   Large amounts of suspended material in the water limits
light penetration, thereby limiting utilization of available nutrients
and inhibiting the growth of algae.  However, several  algal  blooms
have occurred in the lower Patuxent River.  If corrective measures
are not taken, large-scale algal blooms, such as occur yearly in the
Potomac River, could become a fact in the Patuxent River.  The in-
creasing nutrient concentrations should be checked by more efficient
wastewater treatment methods in order to prevent nuisance algal  growths.
It has been estimated that by 1980, 95 percent of the  nitrogen and 96

-------
                                                            IV - 139

percent of the phosphorus will  have to be removed from wastewater
before discharge in order to meet water quality standards  in the
Patuxent River.

HEAVY METALS
  No significant surveys of heavy metal concentrations in  the Patux-
ent River have been conducted to data.  However, present indications
are that the amounts of most metals in the river are either slight
or are comparable to levels in  most major rivers in North  America.  The
only known exception to this is found in the vicinity of Chalk Point
(River Mile 25.0), near the site of the steam electric power plant
which began operation in 1964.   High copper concentrations and green-
ing in oysters were found near the cooling water outfall at Eagle
Harbor, 2 miles upstream from Chalk Point.  These detrimental effects
were greatest near the outfall, and steadily decreased downstream
from Eagle Harbor.  At times, copper levels in oysters taken from the
economically important shellfish harvesting area-just south of Chalk
Point have exceeded the recommended limits for human consumption
and have resulted in the loss of commercial oyster sales.   The source
of the high copper levels has been attributed to corroding condenser
tubes in the power plant.

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                                                              IV - 140

   The information contained in this  chapter  has  been  obtained  from the
following sources:
   1.   Natural  Resources Institute,  "Patuxent Thermal  Studies,"
   Summary and  Recommendations, January 1969.
   2.   Governor's  Patuxent River Watershed  Advisory  Committee,
   "The Patuxent River,  Maryland's Asset, Maryland's Responsibility,"
   July 1968.
   3.   Flemer,  D.  A.,  Hamilton, D. H.,  Keefe,  C.  W., and  Mihursky,  J.  A.,
   Chesapeake  Biological Laboratory,  "The Effects  of Thermal  Loading and
   Water Quality on Estuarine Primary Production," December  1970.
   4.   Federal  Water Pollution Control  Administration,  "The  Patuxent
   River, "Water Quality Management Technical  Evaluation,  September 1969.
   5.   Federal  Water Pollution Control  Administration,  "Water Quality
   and Pollution Control Study, Patuxent River Basin,"  CB-SRBP
   Working Document No.  15,  May 1967.
   6.   State of Maryland, Department  of Water  Resources,  "Patuxent
   River Study," 1970-71.
   7.   "Patuxent Estuary Study,"  EPA, AFO,  1970,  unpublished.

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                                   PATUXENT  RIVER  BASIN
                                                                                     IV - 141
                                                           PARKWMT
                                                                            LEGEND

                                                                            • -WASTE WATER  DISCHARGES
                                                                            A-ESTABLISHED OAOINO STATION!
                                                                            • —WATER  SUPPLY  INTAKES
                                                                            T—TEMPORARY OAOINO STATIONS
  KEY
   L  W.R. GRACE and CO.
   2.  JOHNS HOPKINS RESEARCH CENTER
   3.  PATUXENT WATER SUPPLY (W.S.SC.)
   4.  MO. andVA. MILK  PRODUCERS ASSC.
   5.  SAVAOE MO. (HOWARD CO.)
e.-8.  MD. HOUSE OF CORRECTION WATER SUPPLY
   7  MO. HOUSE OF CORRECTION S.T.R
   ft.  MD.CITY  (ANNE ARUNDEL CO.)
  10.  FT. MEADE  WATER SUPPLY
   IL  FT. MEADE (2)
  \2.  LAUREL MD.- PARKWAY  (W.S.S.C.)
  IS.  FT. ME ADC (I)
  14.  NAVAL ACADEMY  DAIRY
  J6.  PATUXENT MD. (ANNE ARUNDEL  CO.)
  1C.  BOWIE-BEL AIR
  II  ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE
  10.  UPPER MARLBORO
  I A.  WESTERN BRANCH PLANT (W.S.S.C.)
  20.  PEPCO-CHALK POINT  STEAM ELECTRIC  PLANT
                                  SCALE
                                          10
                                                   IS
                                                            20
                                  IN MILES

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                                                              IV - 142

                   J.   POTOMAC RIVER STUDY AREA

     Existing water quality conditions in the Potomac River were
determined for the tidal portion of the River which extends from
Chain Bridge in Washington, D. C., 112 miles southeastward to the
Chesapeake Bay.  The tidal portion of the Potomac River is shown
in figure IV-8.
     From the Key Bridge vicinity, below the Fall Line, downstream
to the District of Columbia-Prince Georges County (Md.) line, water
quality standards have  been established to support the water uses of
recreational boating, maintenance of fish life, and industrial water
supply.  From the District of Columbia-Prince Georges County line to
Point Lookout, where the Potomac River discharges to the Bay, water
contact recreation, propagation of fish, other aquatic life and wild-
life, and industrial water supply uses are permitted.   Shellfish
harvesting is an allowable use of the Potomac Estuary from Upper Cedar
Point to Point Lookout, except in areas where such use is prohibited
by Maryland and Virginia health officials.  The water quality criteria
necessary to support the beneficial water uses in the Potomac Estuary
are listed in Chapter III.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     The highest fecal  coliform densities in the Potomac Estuary are
found in the upper portion of the estuary near Washington.  The fecal
coliform standard of 1,000 MPN/100 ml  (geometric mean) established for

-------
                               POTOMAC    ESTUARY
                                 SAMPLING STATIONS
IV -  U3
LEGEND
A  MAJOR  WASTE TREATMENT  PLANTS
•  GAGING  STATION
   POTOMAC RIVER AT WASHINGTON D.C.
A  DISTRICT OF  COLUMBIA
B  ARLINGTON COUNTY
C  ALEXANDRIA SANITARY AUTHORITY
D  FAIRFAX COUNTY- WESTGATE PLANT
E  FAIRFAX COUNTY— LfTTLE  HUNTING CREEK PLANT
F  FAIRFAX  COUNTY—DOGUE  CREEK PLANT
G  WASHINGTON SUBURB SANITARY COMMISSION — PISCATAWAY
H  ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE- PLANTS NO. I AND 4
 I  FORT BELVOIR-PLANTS NO.  I AND 2
J  PENTAGON
                                                               LEGEND
                                                                 I  KEY BRIDGE
                                                                IA  FLETCHER'S  BOAT HOUSE
                                                                 2  I4TH STREET HRIDOE
                                                                 •  HA INS  POINT
                                                                 4  BELLEVUE
                                                                 5  WOOOROW WILSON BRIDGE
                                                                 6  BROAD  CHECK
                                                                 7  PISCATAWAV CHEEK
                                                                 «  DOGUE  CREEK
                                                                 B  HALLOWING POINT
                                                                10  INDIAN HEAD
                                                                 II  POSSUM POINT
                                                                12  SANDY  POINT
                                                                13  SMITH  POINT
                                                                14  MARYLAND  POINT
                                                                IS  NANJEMOV CREEK
                                                               ISA  MATNIAS POINT
                                                                16  ROUTE  301  BRIDGE
                                                                17  MACHOOOC CREEK
                                                                18  KETTLE BOTTLIE SHOALS
                                                               ISA  MOUTH OF WICOMICO RIVER
                                                                20  KINCOPISCO  POINT
                                                                21  RAGGED POINT
                                                                22  PINEY POINT
                                                                23  POINT  LOOKOUT
                                                                24  SMITH  POINT
                                                                25  POINT LOOKOUT
                    25
                                                              10
                                              SCALE IN MILES
                                                                             Figure  IV-8

-------
                                                            IV -
the Key Bridge to the D.C. -Prince Georges County (Md.)  line segment was
consistently contravened during 1971 according to sampling data of the
Government of the District of Columbia, Department of Environmental
Services.  In the vicinity of Roosevelt Island, the results of samples
taken during the summer months of June, July, and August reveal fecal
coliform densities ranging form a low of 3,300 MPN/100  ml  to a high of
350,000 MPN/100 ml, with a mean of about 150,000 MPN/100 ml.  The high
densities are attributed mainly to untreated sewage being discharged
into the upper estuary as a result of inadequate sewerage and the
exceeding of capacity at the District of Columbia Water Pollution Con-
trol Plant (Blue Plains).
     Fecal coliform densities in the vicinity of Fort Washington show
a decrease from the above figures.  From Indian Head downstream to
Maryland Point, the fecal coliform counts are within the standard of
240 MPN/100 ml established for the estuarine reach from the D.C. line
to Upper Cedar Point.
     From Upper Cedar Point  to the Bay, the Potomac River and its
estuaries are designated shellfish waters.   There are currently  about
29,000 acres of oyster beds in the Potomac  Estuary and  its embayments.
For shellfish harvesting, the most probable number (MPN) of coliform
organisms should be less than 70 per 100 ml of sample.   Except for
isolated areas, the bacterial quality of these waters remains within
the above limits.  These isolated areas are discussed below.
     Areas currently closed to shellfish harvesting in  Virginia estuaries

-------
                                                           IV - 1-45

of the Potomac are located in  King  George  and Westmoreland Counties and
include portions of Upper Machodoc, Monroe,  and Mattox Creeks.  Four
of the condemned areas total approximately 1,868  acres of river
bottom out of an approximate total  of  15,162 acres.   Inadequate waste-
water treatment plants, marinas,  subdivision build-up, and human
activities are cited by the Virginia State Water  Control Board as
reasons for the closures.
     The following oyster bars are  prohibited for shellfish harvesting
in St. Mary's County, Maryland:
     Breton Bay - 55 acres public,  8 acres private.   Order
     issued November 1, 1971.
     St. Mary's River - 23 acres  public.   Order issued January
     17, 1972.
     Neale Sound - 2 acres private. Order issued August 1960.
     Upper St. Catherine Sound -  39 acres  public, 15  acres private.
     Order issued November 1,  1971.
     Charleston Creek - Conditions  not suitable for prior use as
     oyster storage area.  Order  issued November  1, 1971.
     Head of St. Clement Bay - 120  acres public,  23 acres private.
     Order issued November 1,  1971.
     Canoe Neck Creek - 19 acres  private.  Order  issued November
     1, 1971.
     St. Patrick Creek - 83 acres private.   Order issued November
     1, 1971.
     The November 1, 1971, closings can be attributed to faulty septic

-------
                                                              IV - 146

 systems of  individual dwellings and present management practices with
 regard to livestock.  It should be noted, however, that on January 17,
 1972, the acreage of oyster bars closed in St. Mary's River was reduced
 from 178 to 23 acres by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental
 Hygiene as a result of sewage violation corrections.
     Bacterial densities in the Upper Potomac Estuary have been
 determined routinely by the District of Columbia, Department of
 Sanitary Engineering (now Department of Environmental Services),
 since 1938.  While total coliform counts at Three Sisters Island,
 below the Fall Line, have remained fairly constant for the past
 20 years at about 2,000 MPN/100 ml during the summer months, the
 total coliform density in the estuary increased tc over 2,000,000
 MPN/100 ml near the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment Plant in 1966.
 When year-round chlorination began in 1970, the total coliform den-
 sity decreased to less than 7,000 MPN/100 ml  (Figure IV-9).
     Bacterial densities, however, remain high in the estuary along
 the Georgetown waterfront due to the overflow of mixed sanitary and
 storm sewage from the overloaded sewage treatment system.  Figure
 IV-10 indicates current fecal  coliform densities in the vicinity of
 Roosevelt Island.  Activations of the Potomac Pumping Station in May
 1972 and the closure of the so called "Georgetown Gap" in September 1972
will shift these overflows downstream.   By 1973, expansion of the
 sewage treatment facilities at Blue Plains should abate the overflows.
     Although continuing interim construction will  reduce the frequency
of combined sewer overflows, they cannot be completely eliminated until

-------
                                                                                    IV - 147
   11-001 IO1)
SHSINTOBO MXUTIOO
  (1*001 «3d)
9KMRMO mono?
                                                                                       Figure  IV-9

-------
                       FECAL  COLIFORM DENSITIES


                               ROOSEVELT  ISLAND
                      IV - H8
    100,000 -
     10,000 -
2
a:

2 i

^ 2
o 2
O x
o ±
      1,000 -
       100 -
        10
                                                     350,000 (MPN)/IOO«I
                                                               1971
                                                                        1969
                 I     I     I     I     I

          JAN. FEB.  MAR.  APR.  MAY   JUN.
 1     I      I     I     I

JUL.  AUG.  SEP  OCT.  NOV.
       DEC.



Figure IV-10

-------
                                                            IV  - 149






storm and sanitary sewers are separated, perhaps  after the year 2000.



A possible alternative to separation is the retention and treatment of



combined system and separate system overflows.





DISSOLVED OXYGEN



     The dissolved oxygen (DO) standard extablished for the Potomac



Estuary requires a minimum DO concentration of  4.0 mg/1 with a  daily



average of 5.0 mg/1.  This standard is maintained in the middle and



lower reaches of the estuary, but is contravened  during the summer



months in the upper estuary in the vicinity of  the major waste



discharges.



     The following DO concentrations represent  surface conditions at



sampling stations in the middle and lower portions of the estuary.



Dissolved oxygen concentrations are not seriously affected by waste



discharges in this area.

-------
                                                            IV - 150
                           Table IV-37
   STATION
Indian Head
(30.60 mi. below
Chain Bridge)
Smith Point
(46.80 mi. below
Chain Bridge)

U.S. Route 301 Bridge
(67.40 mi. below
Chain Bridge)


Piney Point
(99.20 mi. below
Chain Bridge)
SAMPLING
DATE
6-29-71
7-29-71
8-25-71
9-28-71
6-29-71
8-25-71
9-28-71
6-28-71
7-29-71
8-25-71
9-27-71
6-28-71
8-02-71
8-24-71
9-27-71
WATER TEMPERATURE
, °C
28.5
27.3
28.0
23.1
27.8
26.5
24.4
28.3
26.7
27.6
24.1
27.5
26.9
27.2
23.6
DO
mg/1
7.43
4.51
12.25
6.61
4.15
8.50
9.27
8.75
7.95
8.74
7.81
9.04
9.73
7.53
8.45

-------
                                                            IV  -- 151

     As indicated above, DO concentrations  exceed,  for  the  most part,
the standard of 5.0 mg/1.   Only at lower water depths,  where reaeration
is restricted by salinity stratification, are  depressed oxygen  concen-
trations observed.
     In the upper reach from Chain Bridge to Indian Head, Maryland,  a
total domestic wastewater flow of approximately 325 MGD is  discharged
into the upper Potomac estuary.  Eighteen facilities currently  serve
approximately 2.5 million people in the Washington  Metropolitan Area
with the largest facility being the Blue Plains plant of the District
of Columbia (Table IV-38).  Of the 325 MGD, 42, 23, and 35  percent come
from Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia,  respectively.
     An anlysis of loading trends since 1913 indicates  that waste-
water volumes have increased eightfold, from 42 to  325  MGD  (Table  IV-39)
Of major significance has  been the increase in ultimate oxygen  demand
(UOD) loadings.  The carboaceous UOD increased from 84,000  Ibs/day
in 1913 to about 297,000 Ibs/day in the late 1950's. With  the  con-
struction of secondary treatment facilities, including  completion  of
the Blue Plains plant of the District of Columbia,  the  carbonaceous
loading was reduced to 110,000 Ibs/day.  The nitrogenous loading
has increased steadily from 1913 to the present loading of  254,000
Ibs/day which exceeds the current carbonacous  loading of 204,000
Ibs/day.  This results in a total oxygen demand loading of  over 450,000
Ibs/day.  The instream oxidation of this load  results in low DO con-
centrations, often less than 1.0 mg/1 during the summer (Figure IV-11).
Interim chemical treatment to reduce the biochemical oxygen demand,

-------
                                                            IV - 152

suspended solids, and phosphorus in the Blue Plains effluent is
scheduled to begin in June 1972.
     As shown in Figures IV-11 and IV-12, the most seriously depressed
oxygen concentrations occur in the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson
Bridge, 12.1 miles below Chain Bridge, downstream from the Blue Plains
plant, the major waste discharge source in the upper estuary.
Under varying flow conditions dissolved oxygen levels remain depressed,
indicating that high water temperatures during the summer have a
greater influence than freshwater inflow on the ability of the upper
estuary to retain dissolved oxygen.  While freswater inflows have
been more uniform in recent summer months, the loadings requiring in-
stream oxidation have increased each year.  This is evident by the
fact that since 1960 the increase in wastewater volumes and the continued
increase in nitrogenous UOD have resulted in a total oxygen demand-
ing load to the estuary similar to that which occurred before  the
secondary treatment facility was completed in the late 1950's.
     There are 82 wastewater point source discharges into the  mid-
dle and lower reaches of the Potomac Estuary and their tributaries.
The estimated BOD, total phosphorus as P, and nitrogen as N are 4,000,
500, and 1,000 Ibs/day, respectively.  Although the discharges appear
numerous, the dissolved oxygen standard is maintained in this  portion
of the estuary as manifested by the data set forth earlier in  this re-
port.

NUTRIENTS
     While bacterial  densities and dissolved oxygen concentrations

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     10 -
     8 -i
     6 -
     4 ~
     2 -
                                                     IV - 155

                                                  TIME  PERIOD
                                                  SEPT.  10-15. 1965
                                                  FLOW = 970 cfs
                                                  TEMP. =  24.5* C
             i
             5
             I
            10
15
 I
20
 I
25
 I
30
 I
35
 I
40
 I
45
 \
50
 o>
 6
o
ci
     10 -
     8 ~
6 -J
     4 -
     2 -
                                 TIME PERIOD
                                 SEPT.  7-13, 1966
                                 FLOW =185 cfs
                                 TEMP. = 27.0'C
1
D 5
i
10
i
15
i
20
I
25
i
30
1
35
I
40
I
45
I
50
     10 -
     8 -
     6 -
     4 -
      2 -
                                                  TIME  PERIOD
                                                  SEPT. 20-21, 1967
                                                  FLOW =1.800 cfs
                                                  TEMR = 22.0* C
                  i     i     i     i     i     i     i
                  10    15    20    25   30   35   40
                     MILES  BELOW CHAIN  BRIDGE
                                               45
                                   i
                                   50
                                                             Figure IV-11

-------
     10 -

     8 -

     6 -

     4 -

     2 -
                                                      IV - 156

                                                   TIME  PERIOD
                                                   AUG.  19-22, 1968
                                                   FLOW = 2,800 cfs
                                                   TEMR =27.5*C
             \
             5
             \
             10
 I
15
i
20
 I
25
 1
30
 I
35
 I
40
 1
45
50
q
Q
10 -


 8

 6


 4 -
     10 -

      8 -

      6 -

      4 -

      2 -
                                 TIME PERIOD
                                 OCT. 16, 1969
                                 FLOW = 2,200 cfs
                                 TEMP = 19.0* C
1
3 5
10
i
15
20
i
25
30
i
35
I
40
45
i
50
                                                   TIME PERIOD
                                                   SEPT. 28-30,1970
                                                   FLOW= 1,480 cfs
                                                   TEMR=25.5*C
             i     i     r    i     i     i     i     r    \     i
             5    10    15   20   25   30    35    40   45    50
                     MILES BELOW CHAIN  BRIDGE
                                                         Figure IV-12

-------
                                                             IV - 157
remain as water quality problems in the Potomac Estuary,  nutrient in-
puts to the estuary are also incluencing a great portion  of the estuary.
     Detailed analyses of the freshwater inflow from the  upper Potomac
River Basin at Great FaTIs, Maryland, were conducted during the period
from June 1969 to August 1970 to determine the nutrient contribution
of the water entering the tidal  system.  Based on average monthly
flows for the 15-month study period, the results were as  follows:
Parameter
Monthly Average

TP04 as P04
P (Inorganic)
TKN as N
N02 + N03 as N
NH3 as N
TOC
(Ibs/day)
23,000
9,900
35,000
57,000
6,000
267,000
Percent Contribution to Bay
        (Ibs/day)
           33%
           27%
           23%
           25%
           15%
           27%
     The percent of nutrient input to the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal
estuaries by the Potomac River is based on a study of the nutrients
contributed from the following rivers:   Susquehanna, Rappahannock, Pa-
munkey, Mattaponi, James, and Chickahominy.   The Potomac is the second
largest contributor of nutrients to the Bay, outranked only by the
Susquehanna River.
     The major sources of nutrients in the Potomac Estuary are the
Washington Metropolitan Area wastewater discharges.  Under low-flow
conditions, approximately 90 percent of the nitrogen and 96 percent of
the phosphorus are from treated waste effluents.  At median freshwater

-------
                                                           IV  - 158

inflows, approximately 60 to 82 percent of the nitrogen  and phosphorus,
respectively, are from these wastewater discharges.
     The total phosphorus from wastewater discharges  has increased
about 22-fold, from 1,100 Ibs/day in 1913 to 24,000  Ibs/day in  1970,
while total nitrogen loadings have increased from 6,400  to 60,000
Ibs/day.  The greater increase of phosphorus reflects not only  an
increase in population but also the increased use of  detergents.  The
current carbon loadings are about 100,000 Ibs/day, approximately the
same as they were in the mid-1940's.
     The concentrations and forms of phosphorus and  nitrogen  in the
Potomac Estuary area are a function of wastewater loadings, temperature,
freshwater inflow, and biological activity.   As shown in Figure IV-13,
inorganic phosphorus concentrations varied considerably, at the six
stations sampled, from March 1969 through September  1970. The  concen-
tration at Mains Point, located at the upper end of  the  tidal excursion
of the major wastewater discharges, was fairly uniform,  averaging about
0.3 mg/1 during 1969 and 1970.  The data for 1971 show an average of
about 0.4 mg/1 in this area.  At Woodrow Wilson Bridge,  located below
the Blue Plains wastewater discharge, the inorganic  phosphorus  concen-
tration increased appreciably with concentrations over 2.5 mg/1 during
periods of low flow such as those that occurred in the period July to
October 1969 and September 1970.  The remaining four  downstream
stations had inorganic phosphorus concentrations progressively  smaller.
     The total phosphorus concentration closely parallels that  of
inorganic phosphorus.   In the upper reach, the ratio  of  total phosphorus

-------
                                                                                                                            IV  -  159
                                        INORGANIC    PHOSPHATE   CONCENTRATION   as
                                                               POTOMAC  ESTUARY
                                                                     M9-S7D
 10 -
 OB-
                        HAtNS  POINT
                           MILES  BELOW CHAIN BftOOE - 7.60
 l*-
 42-
 10-
 Zfl-
 ZA-
 2A-
 Z2-
 20-
 1.4-
 L2-
 I.O-
 ae-
 O6-
 CL4-
 02-
                        WOOOROW  WILSON BRIDGE
                           MILES BELOW CHAW BRIDGE = I2.K)
             FES.    MM     APR     MAY     JUH     ML     MJG
                                                                   OCT.    NOW.  '  DGC.  !   JAN.     FEB.
                                                                                                             APR-     UAV
                                                                                                                                         AUG.     SEP.
 1,6 -
 IA -
 1.2-
 10 -
ioe-
" Ofi-
                        INDIAN HEAD
                           MILES  BELOW CHAIN 8RCOE = 3O.60
      JAN     FOL  '  MAR     APR
                                        JUH.     JUL     AUG
                                                                 '  OCT.  n   NOV    DEC  [  JAN.    FEB.    MAR.   '  APR.
                                                                                 1969 -4-J-*. 1970
                                                                                                                                  JUL.     NJG.
                        SMtTH  POINT
                           MILES  BELOW CHAIN  BRUX3E - 46.60
§05-
 a4-
 OJ-
 oa-
      JAN.     FEB.  '  MAR    APR
                                        JUN. '  JUL     AUG     SEP.     OCT.  '   MOV.  '   DEC.  I  JAN.    Fil.
                                                                                                                                  JUL.    AUG.
                        301  BRIDGE
                                 BELOW CHAIN 6RIPGE =
 DJ-
 at-

                                                                                    m^"
                                                                                     ^-1 «• 070
      JAN.     FEB.    MAR    APR,  '  UAV   '  JUM.
                                                      MJG.     SEP.     OCT.     NOW     DEC
                                                                                                FEE    MAR
                                                                                                                                  JUL.     AUO.  '  SEA
 05-
= O4-
                        P1NEY  POWT
                            MLES BELOW CHAW BROGE '•  9920
      JAM  '  Ftt    MAR     APR.    MAY
                                                                                                             APR.    WAV  '  JUN. '  JUL,  ^ AUG. ^^ 3£P.
                                                                                                                             Figure  IV-13

-------
JM-
                                         NITRATE  and  NITRITE  NITROGEN  as  N
                                                       POTOMAC  ESTUARY
                                    IV  -  160
       HAJNS  POINT
          Mt£S  BELOW  CHAIN BRIDGE « 7.80
Xi
                                                                                                               '  M»   '  at.  '  jT  '   AU&  '   so>.  '
      JAN.     TO
                                 MAX     JUN.
                                                            SEP    OCT  '  m.    Dec.
                                                                                              TO '  MM     AM.
       WOODROW  WILSON  BRIDGE
           ML£S  BELOW CHUN  BRIDGE  =  12.10
                                 MAY     JUN    JUL.    AUG     SEP    OCT    NW    DCC
 O6-
 O4-
 O4-
 O-l-i
       INDIAN  HEAD
           MIUS BELOW CHAIN BRIDGE = 30.60
                                        JUN.    JUL
  J
       SMITH  POINT
           MILES BELOW CHAIN  BRIDGE > 46.BO
 O2-

 01-
                   HAD     APR     MAY     JUN     JUL     AUG     SEP    OCT    NCM.    DO.  I   JAN     FEB.    MAR.
       301  BRIDGE
           MILLS BELOW CHAIN BADGE > 67.40
                                                                                                                         JUN.  ^ JW.7 T  AUG.  '   »
                   MAR   '  APR.
                                        JUN!     JUL
                                                            SEP    OCT    NW.
                                                                           ^    CCC.  I  JAN.  ^
                                                                                MPI i »nro
                                                                                                                         JUR  *~ JUL.    AU6.  r  SO>.
       PINEY POINT
           MILES BELOW CHAIN BRIDGE > 99.ZO
      -vU4.tt3.HM
                                                                                                                                      AUG.    S£P.
                                                                                                                        Figure  IV-14

-------
                                                AMMONIA  NITROGEN as  N
                                                     POTOMAC  ESTUARY
rv -  161
YVOODROW WILSON BRIDGE
  MLES BELOW CHAW BRDGE • 12.10
                                                                                          JUL.    AUG.   SEP
                                                                                   Figure IV-15

-------
                                                            IV - 162

to inorganic phosphorus ranges from 1.1  to 1.5.   The ratio is  higher
in the middle reach, normally varying from 1.5 to 2.0 with the ratio
in the lower reach having a range of approximately 2.0 to 2.5.
     The concentration of nitrite (NO-)  and nitrate (NO,,) nitrogen
at Hains Point and Woodrow Wilson Bridge varies  almost inversely with
that of phosphorus (Figure IV-14).  The  N0p+N03  concentration  was highest
in July and August 1969 and during the spring months of 1970.   The in-
crease of N09+N0, at Indian Head, as compared to Woodrow Wilson Bridge
            L-   O
in May-June 1969, September-November 1969, and July 1970, was  a result
of the conversion of ammonia from the wastewater treatment plant dis-
charges to NOo.   The extremely low concentrations of N0?+N03 in the
summer months at Smith Point was caused  by uptake by algal cells.  Dur-
ing winter months algal utilization is lower, thus the concentrations
of nitrates are high, as in January and  April 1970.  At Piney  Point,
concentrations of NOp+NO-j were usually less than 0.1 mg/1 during 1969,
1970, and 1971.
     The concentration of ammonia nitrogen is also affected by flow
and temperature conditions.  Although large quantities of ammonia are
discharged into the Potomac near Woodrow Wilson  Bridge from wastewater
treatment facilities, the ammonia at Indian Head during the summer
months is low because of nitrification.
     During the summer and early fall months, the average ranges of
pH, alkalinity,  and free dissolved CO- (measured by titration) for the
five stations in the upper and middle reaches were:

-------
                                                            IV -  163
_p_H 	
Tun its)
7.5 -
7.0 -
7.2 -
7.5 -
7.5 -
8.0
7.5
8.0
8.2
8.0
ALKALINITY
(mg/1
80
90
70
60
65
as CaCOJ
- 100
- 110
- 90
- 85
- 85
C00
(mg/t)
2 -
8 -
6 -
2 -
7 -
4
12
10
8
8
                           Table  IV-40


                                                       FREE  DISSOLVED
LOCATION


Chain Bridge

W. Wilson Bridge

Indian Head

Maryland Point

Rte. 301 Bridge


     In the vicinity of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge,  the  increase in

both alkalinity and C0? with a corresponding decrease in  pH  is attributed

to wastewater discharges.   The decrease in both alkalinity and C02 with

a corresponding increase in pH at the Indian Head and Maryland Point

stations is due to algal growths.  In the lower estuary,  the increased

alkalinity and COo values  and decreased pH values are caused by the

smaller algal standing crops in this area.


HEAVY METALS

     Recent detection of heavy metals in sediments  of the Potomac

River Estuary has raised sufficient concern to include  the accumulation

of metals as a water quality problem requiring additional study and

analysis.

     A cooperative program of the Annapolis Field Office  and the U.S.

Naval Ordnance Station laboratory in Indian Head, Maryland,  was initi-

ated to determine the occurrence of heavy metals in the Potomac Estuary

and bottom sediment   Sediment analyses were made during  August and

-------
                                                            IV - 164

 September 1970, and again in April 1971.  While small concentrations of
 zinc and manganese were detected in the overlying waters of the estuary,
 considerable amounts of various heavy metals were found in the sediment
 by acid extraction determination.
     From the sediment analyses presented on the following pages it is
 evident that the concentrations of lead, cobalt, chromium, cadmium,
 copper, nickel, zinc, silver, barium, aluminum, iron, and lithium in
 the upper estuary in the area immediately above the Woodrow Wilson
 Bridge are greater than the metal concentrations measured above and
 below this area.  Of the metals measured in April  1971, all showed in-
 creases in concentrations in this area but the concentrations  were
 lower than those detected in August and December of 1970.
     At Possum Point and the Route 301 Bridge, 38.0 and 67.4 miles
 below Chain Bridge, respectively, the incidence of metals in the
 sediment again increased significantly.   While there were increases
 in the qua!tities of most metals at the two sampling stations, the
 following showed the greatest increased concentrations  when compared
 to the initial  determinations made in August 1970:   barium, lead, iron,
 strontium, lithium, cobalt, magnesium, chromium, nickel, and potassium.
At the Route 301 Bridge sampling station, copper showed a sharp increase
 in April  1971,  to 731  ppm, while at Possum Point the April  1971  amount
was lower than  that of December 1970.
     Although mercury is  not included in the data  set forth at the end
of this section, sediment samples were analyzed for mercury.   The con-
centration of mercury was found to be below the detection limit in

-------
                                                            IV  -  165

practically all  samples analyzed.   Exceptions  were  noted  at  Piscataway
Creek, Hallowing Point, Indian Head,  Possum Point,  and  Sandy Point
during December 1970, at which time the concentrations  measured were
26.2, 5.0, 5.0, 5.6, and 4.7 ppb,  respectively.
     Arsenic, antimony, boron, bismuth, lanthanum,  molybdenum,  selenium,
tin, and zirconium were included in the list of  metals  to be measured.
However, the concentration of these metals  was found to be below  the
detection limit in all samples.
     Heavy metals in the Potomac Estuary are cherr.ically bound in  bottom
sediment and require heat and an acid-induced low pH in the  laboratory
procedure employed to extract them from the sediment samples.  These
metals, and the possibility of their remineralization into the  over-
lying water, must be considered in the disposal  of dredged spoil.  Dredg-
ing operations involving deepening and widening  of the  channels near
Washington, construction of piers  and marinas, etc., disturb the
sediments and require disposal of the dredged spoil.  Should dredged
material containing high concentrations of potentially  toxic metals
be deposited in open waters of the estuary during high-flow  conditions,
colloidal suspension of the fine clay sediments  with adsorbed metals
could be transported downstream to economically  important shellfish
growing areas.  The metals could then be taken up by filter-feeding
organisms which pump water through their digestive systems with probable
accumulations of metals occurring in these organisms.
     A more detailed report entitled "Heavy Metals Analyses  of Bottom
Sediment in the Potomac Estuary", which discusses possible sources of

-------
                                                                                             IV  - 166
  5000
 4000
 :«KX>
 2000
 1000 -
 CALCIUM
- •  Aufluit '70
-O  becember '70
                                                               9085 ppm
                      20
           30
40       50       60
Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                              70
80
90
100
 1000
  800
                                                     BARIUM
                                              — — — •  August '70
                                                   O  December '70
  600
i
 400
  200
                                        I
                                                          I
                                                                 '-I	
             10       20        30       40       60       60
                                        Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                              70
                                   80
         90
       100
                                                                            Figure IV-l6

-------
                                                                                   IV  - 167
100
 80
 60
 40
 20
      COPPER
 — — •  Auguft '70
     O  December '70
 	A  April'71
            10       20       30       40       50       60       70
                                       Miles BaloiM Ctwin Bridge
         SO
90
                                                                            SILVER
                                                                           • August '70
                                                                           O December '70
            10       20       30       40       50       60
                                       Miles Below Chain Bridge
70
         80       90      100
                                                                              Figure IV-17

-------
                                                                                          IV - 168
10
 9

 8

 7

 6
"• 5
#
                                                                       IRON
                                                                    • August '70
                                                                    O Decsmber '70
-4
\
V
1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
\
V
1
10       20       30       40       50        60
                           Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                                                 70
                                                                            80
                                                                                     90
                                                                                           100
?00
180

160

140

120

100

 80

 60

 40

 20

  0
                  LEAD
          	•  August '70
          i      O  December '70
          	A  April'71
                                                                          V'
           10       20        30       40       50       60
                                       Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                                                70
                                                               80
                                                                                   90
                                                                                          100
                                                                             Figure  IV-18

-------
500
400
                   STRONTIUM
                 •— •  August'70
                 — O  December '70
                                                                                     IV -  169
300
200
100
            10       20       30      40       80       60
                                     Mile* Below Chain Bridge
                                             70       80      90     100
 50
 40
 LITHIUM
• •  August '70

-O  December '70
 30
 20
 10
                                      I
                            I
I
           10       20       30       40       SO      60
                                     Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                             70       80       90     100
                                                                        Figure IV-19

-------
                                                                                            IV -  170
   30i
   20
   10
                                  COBALT
                                  •  Auguit 70

                                  O  December '70
             10
                      20       30
40       60       60
Miim bttoer Chain Brid0B
70
80
90
100
10,000
 8,000
 6,000
 4,000
 2,000
                 MAGNESIUM
            	• August'70

              -  O December '70
                                                 I
                                                          I
          j
        100
             10
                      20       30
40       60       60
 Mitei below Chain Bridge
                                                                  70
         80
         90
                                                                             Figure  IV-20

-------
                                                                                       IV -  171
  6000
  4000
c
  3000
  2000
  1000
                                                                  MANGANESE
                                                                 — •  August '70
                                                                    O  December '70
              10
20
                               30
40       50
Milat BilMtGh
60
70
                                                                        80
                                                           90
                                 100
                                                                     ALUMINUM
                                                                 •——•  August'70
                                                                    11 O  December '70
                                                                                     -^
                                 I
                                         I
                                                 _L
                                    I
               10       20       30      40       50      60
                                        MUM allow Chain Brkfe*
                                            70
                                   80
                                                            90
                                                                   100
                                                                           Figure  IV--21

-------
                                                                                           IV  - 172
 4000
 3000
52000
 1000
POTASSIUM
• August'70

O December '70
                                                       •- i	
              10
                      20       30
                       40       50      60
                       Miles Below Chain Bridge
70       80       90     100
 1000
  800 -
c
N
  600
  400 -
  200
                                                                 ZINC
                                                         — — — •   August '70
                                                           	- O   December '70

                                                         	A   April'71
              10      20
                       4ff       50       60
                       Milts Below Cham Bridge
70       80       90     100
                                                                            Figure- IV-22

-------
                                                                                   IV -  173
100
 80
  VANADIUM
• —•  Augnil '70
•—O  December '70
— -A  April'71
 60
 40-
 20
                          *T
                                    V-*--——r
                                 '^^^ ^"^           _^^M»« ^"^*
                                          "
                           ;
                          _j
           10       20       30      40       50      60
                                    Miles below Cham Bridge
                                                              70
                                                                      80
                                                                               90
                                                                                      100
                                                                             CADMIUM
                                                                       ——*~%  August '70
                                                                       —— O  December '70
                                                                                 Aprrl'71
                                                     40       60      60
                                                     Miles Below Chain Bridge
                   70
                                    90
                                           100
                                                                                        Figure IV-23

-------
                                                                                         IV -  174
  100
  80
  60
o
I
a.
  40
  20
                                                                 f
                                   CMIIOMIUM
                                   -•  AiiHUbl '70
                                  -O  December '70
                                  -A  April '71
             10       20
                               30
40
mi*
50       60
 Chain Bridge
                                                                   70
                                                                            80
                                                                                     90
                                                                                            100
 50
 40
 30
 20
 10
                                    NICKEL
                                   • August '70
                                   O December '70
                                   A  April '71
                                                         _L
            10       20       30      40        50       60
                                       Miles Below Chain Bridge
                                                                  70
                                                                            80
                                                                                     90
                                                                                            100
                                                                            Figure  IV-24

-------
                                                            IV - 175
heavy metals in the bottom sediment and recommends  further studies,
is available from the Annapolis  Field Office of EPA,  Annapolis, Maryland.

CHLORINATED HYDROCARBON PESTICIDES
     During August 5 to 11, 1969, samples obtained  from six stations
in the Potomac Estuary and a 24-hour composite sample of the final
effluent from the Blue Plains Wastewater Treatment  Plant were analyzed
for pesticides.  The estuary stations sampled are as  follows:
         STATION
     Chain Bridge
     Arlington Memorial Bridge
     Woodrow Wilson Bridge
     Piscataway
     Indian Head
     U. S. Route 301 Bridge
MILES FROM CHESAPEAKE BAY
         106.5
         100.7
          94.4
          89.0
          77.5
          46.3
     The pesticide compounds for which the samples were analyzed and
the minimum detectable concentrations for each are presented in Table
IV-41.
     None of these compounds were detected in any of the six estuary
samples or in the 24-hour composite of the final effluent from the
Blue Plains facility.
     Since there is considerable agricultural use of insecticides
and herbicides within the Potomac River Basin at certain times of the
year, and because of the limited data available, further surveys to
include those seasons of use are needed.

-------
                                                            IV - 176


                           Table IV-41

                    PESTICIDES ANALYZED AND

                  MINIMUM DETECTABLE LIMITS


COMPOUND                             MINIMUM DETECTABLE CONCENTRATION
                                                   ng/1*

Dieldrin                                            5

Endrin                                              5

DDT                                                10

DDE                                                 5

Heptachlor                                          5

Heptachlor Epoxide                                  5

Aldrin                                              5

BHC                                                 5

Endosulphan                                         5

Chlordane (Tech.)                                  25

Toxaphene                                       1 ,000

Methoxychlor                                       25
       * ng/1  = nanograms/liter

-------
                                                            IV - 177

WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     The Potomac tidal  system is saline in the lower reach with the
middle reach brackish and the upper reach fresh water.   These differ-
ences in salinity as well as nutrient enrichment by wastewater discharges
have a pronounced effect on the ecology of the estuary.   Under summer
and fall conditions, large populations of blue-green algae (a pollution
tolerant phytoplankton), mainly Aria cyst is sp.  are prevalent in the
freshwater portion of the estuary.   Large standing crops of this alga
occur, especially during periods of low flow,  forming green mats of
cells.  The blue-green algae are apparently not readily grazed by the
higher trophic forms and therefore  are often considered a "dead end"
of the normal food chain.
     The large populations of blue-green algae have been observed from
Woodrow Wilson Bridge downstream to Potomac River Route 301 Bridge
during the months of June through October.  In September of 1970, after
a period of low-straam flow and high temperatures, the algal mats
extended upstream beyond Mains Point and included the first nuisance
growth within the Tidal Basin.  The effects of the algal blooms in the
middle estuary are (1) an increase  of over 490,000 Ibs/day in total
oxygen demand, (2) an overall decrease in dissolved oxygen due to
algal respiration in waters 12 feet and greater in depth, (3) creation
of nuisance and aesthetically objectionable conditions, and (4) re-
duction in the feasibility of using the upper estuary as a potable
water supply source because of potential toxin, taste, and odor problems.

-------
                                                              IV  - 178

    In the saline portion of the Potomac Estuary, the algal  popu-
lations are not as dense as in the freshwater portion.  Nevertheless,
at times large populations of marine phytoplankton, primarily the
algae Gymnodinium sp., Massartia sp., and Amphidin^'um sp., occur
producing massive growths known as "red tides."
    On February 28 and 29, and March 1, 1972, Dr. Donald Lear,
Annapolis Field Office, observed extremely widespread "red tides"
in the Lower Potomac Estuary.  In Neale Sound, behind Cobb Island
at the mouth of the Wicomico River, in Charleston Creek (a tributary
to the Wicomico River), the Wicomico River itself, St. Catherine's
Sound, Whites Neck Creek (tributary to St. Catherine's Sound), the
Potomac River itself in this area, Dukeharts Channel, St.  Clements
Bay, St. Patrick Creek, Canoe Neck Creek, and the Potomac  River  in
the vicinity of Piney Point (about 15 or 20 miles downstream) all
showed evidence of red tide conditions.  Dr. Lear reported that  water
temperature at the time of the observations was 10 to 12°C and that
the causative organism was presumably due to the phytoplankter Massartia.
This organism is not uncommonly encountered in the lower Bay in  late
summer and early fall, but is always associated with warm  water  conditions,
In the winter of 1971, a few blooms of Massartia were recorded in  the
vicinity of Morgantown and in the reaches immediately adjacent to  the
Morgantown area.  The VJ71 blooms were few and remarkable  because  they
had not been noted before.

-------
                                                            iv - 179

     The effect of the increases  in nutrient loadings  from wastewater
since 1913 on the dominant plant  forms in the upper estuary has been
dramatic (Figure IV-25).   Several  nutrients and other  growth factors
have been implicated as stimulating this, with nitrogen and phosphorus
showing promise of being the most manageable.
     The historical  plant life cycles in the upper Potomac Estuary can
be inferred from several  studies.   Gumming [1] surveyed the estuary
in 1913-1914 and noted the absence of plant life near  the major waste
outfalls with "normal" amounts of rooted aquatic plants on the flats
or shoal areas below the urban area.  No nuisance levels of rooted
aquatic plants or phytoplankton blooms were noted.
     In the 1920's,  an infestation of water chestnut appeared in the
waters of the Chesapeake Bay including the Potomac Estuary.  This
infestation was controlled by mechanical removal [2].
     In September and October 1952, another survey of  the reaches
near the metropolitan area made by Bartsch [3] revealed that vegetation
in the area was virtually nonexistent.  No dense phytoplankton blooms
were reported although the study  did not include the downstream areas
where they were subsequently found.
     In August and September 1959, a survey of the area was made by
Stotts and Longwell  [4].  Blooms  of the nuisance blue-green alga
Anacystis were reported in the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers near
Washington.
     In 1958 a rooted aquatic plant, water milfoil, developed in the
Potomac Estuary and created nuisance conditions.  The  growth increased

-------
                                                                                IV -  180
                                                          OINV9MO
l/l

5
o
u
UJ
Q
z
UJ
cr
h-
z
UJ
2
X
O

tr
Z
O

fe
0.
LJ
	 1 •' —
o
o
q
0
o
o
q
in
111 'i 	
o
8
o
1
o
o
q
iri
c


                                                SOMOHciSOHd 1VJ.01
                                                                                 Figure 17 -25

-------
                                                            IV  -  181

to major proportions by 1963,  especially in  the  embayments  from Indian
Head downstream [5].
     These dense strands of rooted aquatic  plants,  which  rapidly  in-
vaded the stream, dramatically disappeared  in  1965  and 1966.  The
decrease was presumably due to a natural  virus [6].
     Subsequent and continuing observations  by the  Annapolis Field
Office have confirmed persistent massive summer  blooms of the blue-
green alga Anacystis in nuisance concentrations  of  greater than
50 yg/1 from the metropolitan  area downstream  at least as far as
Maryland Point [7].  Chlorophyll ^determinations (a gross measure of
algal standing crop) in the upper reach and in the  middle and lower
reaches of the Potomac Estuary are presented in  Figures IV-26 and
IV-27, respectively.
     Chlorophyll a_ at Indian Head and Smith Point for 1965-1966 and
1969-1970, as presented in Figures IV-26 and IV-27  respectively,
indicate that algal populations have not only  increased in density but
have become more persistent over the annual  cycle.   At both stations,
higher values of chlorophyll were measured  during the 1969-1970 sampl-
ing cruises.  The occurrence of a spring bloom of diatoms was observed
in 1969 and 1970.  This had not been observed  during the  1965-1966 cruises,
     These biological observations over the years appear  to indicate
a species succession.  The initial response to a relatively light
overenrichment [2] was the growth of water  chestnut which, when removed,
allowed the increasing nutrient load to be  taken up into  the rooted
aquatic plant, water milfoil (Myriophyllum  spicatum).  The die-off of

-------
MAINS POINT
   MLES BELOW CHAIN  BROGE = 7.60
CHLOROPHYLL  a
POTOMAC  ESTUARY
    UPPER REACH
                                                                                            IV  -  182
PISCATAWAY  CREEK
   MILES BELOW CHAIN BRIDGE = 18.35
                                                                                                        Mia.    in*.
                                                                                                 Figure  IV-25

-------
 SMITH  POMT
    WCS KLOW CHAM MMXiC •
                                                                                                    IV  -  183
  CHJOROPHYLL  a
  POTOMAC  ESTUARY
MOOU  «d  LOWER  REACH
JNI    ra.   ww    Am    MAY
                                   JUL    AUL  '  IO>.    OCT.    NOV.  '  OK.  I  JM.  '  FD.
                                                                                                     JUN.    ML.
 301  BRDGC
    MLES BELOW  CHAM  VMXJE * <7.4O
JAN.    FEi.   MAR.
                                   JUL    AUC     KR    OCT
                                                            ».    OK.    ML ^ ft*.
                                                                 i>»»-t-*«no
                                                                                                     JIM.    JUL.    AUG.
 PINEY  POMT
    MUS BELOW CHAM BMDGE = 99.20
                                                                                                      Figure IV-27

-------
                                                            IV - 184

water milfoil then allowed the nutrients to be competitively selected by
the blue-green alga Anacystis.  Since Anacystis is apparently not uti-
lized in the normal food chain, huge mats and masses accumulate, die
off, and decay.
     From the above considerations, it would appear that nuisance
conditions did not develop linearly with an increase in nutrients.
Instead, the increase in nutrients appeared to favor the growth and
thus the domination by a given species.  As nutrients increased further,
the species in turn was rapidly replaced by another dominant form.  For
example, water chestnut was replaced by water milfoil which in turn
was replaced by Anacystis.
     Figure IV-25 indicates that the massive blue-green algal blooms
were associated with large phosphorus and nitrogen loading increases
in the upper reaches of the Potomac River tidal system.  The massive
algal blooms have persisted since the early 1960's even though the amount
of organic carbon from wastewater discharges has been reduced by almost
50 percent.
     Laboratory and controlled field pond studies by Mulligan [8] have
shown similar results.  Ponds receiving low-nutrient additions (phosphor-
us and nitrogen) contained submerged aquatic weeds.  Continuous blooms
of algae appeared in the ponds having high nitrogen and phosphorus
concentrations.  An important observation in Mulligan's studies was
that when the water quality was returned to its original state by re-
duction of nutrient concentrations, the ecosystem also reverted to its
previous state.  This observation was also supported by studies of Ed-

-------
                                                            IV - 185






mondson [9] on Lake Washington and Hasler on the Madison, Wisconsin



lakes [10].

-------
                                                              IV - 186
                             REFERENCES
 1.  U.  S.  Public Health Service, "Investigation of the Pollution
    and Sanitary Conditions of the Potomac Watershed," Hygienic
    Laboratory Bulletin No. 1C4. Treasury Department, February 1915-

 2.  Livermore, D. F. and W. E. Wanderlich, "Mechanical Removal of
    Organic  Production from Waterways, " Eutrophi cation: Causes,
    Consequences, Correctives,1' National Academy of Sciences, 1969-

 3.  Bartsch, A. F.,  "Bottom and Plankton Conditions  in the Potomac
    River  in the Washington Metropolitan Area," Appendix A, A report
    on water pollution in  the Washington metropolitan area, Interstate
    Commission on the Potomac River Basin,
 k.   Stotts,  V.  D.  and J. R. Longwell,  "Potomac River Biological
     Investigation  1959;" Supplement  to technical appendix to Part VII
     of the report  on the Potomac River Basin  studies, U. S. Department
     of Health,  Education and Welfare,  1962.

 5.   Elser, H. J.,  "Status  of Aquatic Weed  Problems  in Tidewater Maryland,"
     Spring 1965 , Maryland  Department of Chesapeake  Bay Affairs, 8 pp
     mimeo, 1965 •

 6.   Bayley,  S.  H.  Rabin, and C. H. Southwick,  "Recent Decline  in the
     Distribution and Abundance  of Eurasian Watermilfoil  in  Chesapeake
     Bay," Chesapeake_S£i_ence, Vol. 9,  No.  3,  1968.

 7.   Jaworski, N. A., D. W. Lear, Jr.,  and  J.  A. Aalbo, "A Technical
     Assessment  of  Current  Water Quality Conditions  and Factors Affecting
     Water Quality  in the Upper  Potomac Estuary," CTSL, FWPCA,  MAR,
     U. S. Department of the Interior,  March 1969.   (Now  Annapolis Field
     Office,  Region III, Environmental  Protection Agency)

 8.   Mulligan, H. T., "Effects of Nutrient  Enrichment  on  Aquatic Weeds
     and Algae," The Relationship  of  Agriculture to  Soil  and Water Pollution
     Conference  Proceedings, Cornell  University, January  1970.

 9.   Edmonson, W. T., "The  Response  of  Lake Washington to Large Changes
     in its Nutrient Income,"  International Botanical  Congress ,
10.  Hasler,  A. D.,  "Culture Eutropni cation is Reversible,"  Bioscien.ce,
     Vol. 19, No. 5,  May 1969.

-------

-------
                                                           IV  - 187








                   K.  RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER AREA





     The tidal effects on the Rappahannock River extend for ap-



proximately 110 miles, up to the Fall  Line, in the vicinity of



Fredericksburg, Virginia.  The total  drainage area of the Basin



is 2,715 square miles.  The major industry in the tidal area  is the



American Viscose Division, FMC Corporation, at Fredericksburg.



     Water uses assigned to the Rappahannock Estuary are primary



contact recreation (prolonged intimate contact; considerable  risk



of ingestion); propagation of fish, shellfish, and other aquatic life;



and other beneficial  uses.  The uses  are protected by Class II  stan-



dards, including bacteriological standards for primary contact  rec-



reation and shellfish uses.  The standards are delineated in  the ap-



propriate section of this chapter.





BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS



     Degradation of bacteriological conditions in the Rappahannock



Estuary can occur downstream of the City of Fredericksburg during



low-flow periods as a result of secondary treated wastes discharged



by the City and the FMC Corporation.   The bacterial  quality varies



with river flows and tides.  For the  lower range of flows (less than



500 cfs), when freshwater inflow is insufficient to overcome  tidal



effects, wastes accumulate in the estuary creating degraded bacterial



and dissolved oxygen conditions.  Sampling data of the Virginia Water



Control Board obtained during June, July, and August of 1971  show  a

-------
                                                            IV - 188

fecal coliform count range of less than 100/100 ml  to  2100/100 ml  in
a reach extending from the Route 3 Bridge at Fredericksburg  to a
point about 5 miles downstream.   From a total  of nine  samples  taken
during this period, four of the  samples contained a fecal  coliform
density of less than 100/100 ml.
     Except for the short stretch noted above the estuary  below
Fredericksburg is suitable to support primary contact  recreation uses.
Fecal coliform counts were less  than 100/100 ml during the summer
months of 1971.
     The latest available report on shellfish growing  areas  by the
Virginia State Water Control Board lists six areas in  the  Rappahannock
River Basin condemned for the direct maketing of shellfish.   The con-
demned areas total approximately 2,363 acres out of an estimated total
of 69,008 acres, or roughly 3 percent, of the available oyster bars.
The 2,363-acre figure represents an approximate increase of 1,254 acres,
or 1 percent, over the 1967 figures.  Jurisdiction for closing oy-
ster bars lies with the Virginia State Department of Health.
     Oyster beds currently condemned and the reasons for their
condemnation are listed below:
     Rappahannock River (1,045 acres):  Windmill Creek - marina
        pollution, sewage treatment facilities, etc.;  below Ur-
        banna Creek - animal pollution, sewage treatment facili-
        ties, etc.
     Carter's Creek (590 acres):  industrial activity, marinas,
        residences, etc.

-------
                                                            IV  - 189

     Urbanna Creek (297 acres):   sewage  treatment  plant,  marinas,
        commercial docks, etc.
     Broad Creek (81  acres):   marinas,  commercial  docks,
        residences, etc.
     Eastern Branch of Corrotoman River  (350 acres):   lack  of
        sewage treatment facilities.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     The Virginia Water Control  Board reported that the  DO  concen-
trations during the summer of 1971  averaged 8.2 mg/1  in  the vicinity
of the Route 3 Bridge at Fredericksburg.   In this  area the  DO con-
centration averaged 7.4 mg/1  during the  summer of  1968.   Below Fred-
ericksburg at River Mile 105.3,  based on the results  of  four surveys,
the DO averaged 3.4 mg/1 in the  summer of 1971.  In the  same vicinity
DO concentrations of 2.3 mg/1 and 5.2 mg/1  were recorded in the summers
of 1965 and 1968, respectively.
     From the Route 301 Bridge at Port Royal, Virginia,  downstream  to
the Bay at Windmill Point, DO standards  are maintained.   A  review of
sampling data obtained in the summer of 1971 showed average DO con-
centrations of 8.9, 7.3, and  7.4 mg/1 at River Miles  78, 56, and 43,
respectively.  The standard established for the Rappahannock Estuary
requires a daily DO concentration average of 5.0 mg/1.
     The Middle Atlantic Region, Federal  Water Quality Administration
(now Region III, EPA), conducted a  field survey on the Rappahannock
River in the vicinity of Fredericksburg, Virginia, from April through
July 1970.  The field survey  was initiated  to gather data in order  to

-------
                                                            IV - 190

reevaluate the water quality aspects of the proposed Salem Church Re-
servoir of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers.   A total  of 16 stations
were sampled weekly from the Fall  Line at Fredericksburg downstream to
the Route 301 Bridge at Port Royal, Virginia.   The following parameters
were measured:  water temperature, DO, BOD,-, and pH.  The results of the
dissolved oxygen determinations are briefly discussed below.
     The limited amount of field data collected during  the 1970
field survey showed depressed dissolved oxygen concentrations below
the City of Fredericksburg, in the vicinity of Bernard  Bar, and in
the area of Route 301 Bridge, Port Royal, Virginia (see Figures IV-28
through IV-30).  Although the City of Fredericksburg and the FMC Cor-
poration provide secondary treatment to its sewage and  process water,
respectively, instream oxygen demand from the treated effluents ap-
parently results in an oxygen sag  in the vicinity of Bernard Bar, es-
pecially during the low-flow summer conditions.  The mean monthly flows
entering the estuary at Fredericksburg during June and  July 1970 were
521 and 774 cfs, respectively, while the 1970 mean yearly flow was
1,360 cfs.  In addition, the FMC Corporation discharges approximately
20 MGD of spent cooling water, which receives no treatment, upstream
from Bernard Bar.  The oxygen sag  found 20 or .30 miles  downstream
from Fredericksburg (Figures IV-28 through IV-30) was not evaluated in
the study.

NUTRIENTS
     The Annapolis Field Office made a determination of the nutrient
input from the freshwater portion  of the Rappahannock River Basin

-------
                                                         IV - 191
                                                    -J
                                                    5
I
q
O
«0
O
I
o
                                                                     iu



                                                                     I
                                                                     (A
                                                                     UJ
                                                                     -I
                                                                  o
                                                                 •o
                           p
                           •i
                          N39AXO  aaAiossia
                                                        Figure  IV-28

-------
                                                        IV - 192
                                                 \
                                                 I
i
O
l
q
i
P
i
p
0
O
                                                       s
                                                                     111

                                                                     I
                                                                     v>
                                                                     V)
                                                                     Ul
                                                                     J
                                                                     c
                                                                     Ul
                                                                   o
                                                                 —o
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                           N39AXO Q3A1OSSOQ
                                                 Figure  IV-29

-------
                          IV - 193
UJ
J
LL
O
0.
OXYGEN
SOLVED
lfl
a


B
UJ
a:
ANNOCK
RAPPAH




^.
UJ
£
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FIELD Si
(7/29/70)
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Figure IV-30

-------
                                                            IV - 194



at the Fall Line (River Mile 110.3) for the period June 1969 to

August 1970.  Based on average monthly flows for the 15-month study

period the results were as follows:


                             AVERAGE MONTHLY          % INPUT TO
PARAMETER                      CONTRIBUTION               BAY	
                                 (Ibs/day)              (Ibs/day)

T. P04 as P04                      1 ,600                    2%

P (Inorganic)                        900                    2%

TKN as N                           3,900                    3%

N02 + N03 as N                     3,600                    1%

NH3 as N                             600                    1%

TOC                               29,000                    3%


     The following table of nutrient data is intended to show nutrient

concentrations at several randomly selected sampling stations main-

tained by the Virginia Water Control Board.  Valid conclusions can-

not be drawn as the data is not sufficiently extensive, nor is it

correlated with flow rates.

-------
                                                            IV - 195
                           Table IV-42
STATION
LOCATION
(river mi 1 e)

  108
  103
   78


   56



   43


   29


   18


    8
  DATE
6-22-70
7-26-70
9-03-70
6-02-71
7-02-71
7-21-71
8-08-71

6-22-70
9-03-70
6-02-71
7-02-71
7-21-71
8-08-71

4-13-70
5-27-70

2-05-70
4-13-70
5-27-70

4-13-70
5-27-70

4-13-70
5-27-70

4-13-70
5-27-70

2-10-70
5-27-70
9-28-70
   TOTAL
PHOSPHORUS AS P
    (igTiT

       .1
       .1
     < .1
     < .1
     < .1
     < .1
       .1

       .18
     < .1
     < .1
     < .1
     < .1
       .20

     < .05
     < .05

       .05
       .1
     < .05

     < .05
       .05

       .05
       .50

     < .05
       .05

     < .05
       .05
       .3
    NITRATE
NITROGEN AS N
    fingTTJ

       .19
       .53
       .07
       .78
       .39
       .24
       .52

       .17
       .15
       .78
       .39
       .39
       .45

       .22
       .24

       .20
       .35
       .01

       .30
       .03

       .50
       .05

       .01
       .02

       .12
       .05
       .05
     The Virginia Water Control Board collected limited nutrient data

during the 1960's and has provided summaries of the analyses of this

data.  At the Route 301 Bridge, Port Royal, Virginia (River Mile 79),

-------
                                                            IV  - 196

the average minimum and maximum nitrate-nitrogen  concentrations during
1962 were .02 and .28 mg/1,  respectively,  based on  10  sets  of data.
For most sampling stations,  however,  yearly concentration  averages  are
obtained from very limited  data.   Phosphorus concentration  data is  re-
ported for only three stations  in the data summaries covering the  1960's,

HEAVY METALS
     The Virginia Water Control Board sampled for mercury,  lead, and
arsenic during the summers  of 1970 and 1971.  For the  most  part, the
data is limited to one set  for  either 1970 or 1971  and available only
for the upper or middle reaches of the estuary.   However,  the concen-
trations measured in water  samples were less than the  detectable limits
for the three metals in most samples.  The concentrations most  fre-
quently observed were:  less than .0005 ppm for mercury,  less than
.010 ppm for lead, and less  than .005 ppm  for arsenic.
     Huggett et al.  analyzed zinc, copper, and cadmium concentrations
in a paper entitled "Utilizing  Metal  Concentration  Relationships in
the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) to Detect Heavy  Metal
Pollution," VIMS Contribution number  431,  Virginia  Institute of Marine
Science, October '1971.  The  study analyzed the distribution of  zinc,
copper, and cadmium in oysters  from Virginia's major rivers.  In the
Rappahannock Estuary these  metals were distributed  in  the  oyster as
follows:
     Zinc:  400 - 800 ppm,  Lowery Point (below Tappahannock, Va.)
       to Jones Point; 0 -  400  ppm, Jones  Point to  Bay.

-------
                                                            IV - 197

     Copper:   25 - 500 ppm, Lowery Point to Bowlers  Wharf;  0-25 ppm,
        Bowlers Wharf to Bay.
     Cadmium:  1.0 - 1.5 ppm,  Totusky Creek to Bowlers  Wharf;
        0.6 - 1.0 ppm, Bowlers Wharf to Jones  Point; (also  Cor-
        rotoman River), < 0.6  ppm, Jones Point to Bay.

PESTICIDES
     The Virginia Water Control  Board analyzed water samples in June
and July of 1971 in order to detect the presence of  chlorinated
hydrocarbon and phosphorus based pesticides.   The chlorinated  and
thio-phosphate groups were measured at less than .1  ppm at  all  sampl-
ing stations  selected for review.  This recent data  will  provide some
basis for detecting increases  in pesticide concentrations.

WATER QUALITY TRENDS

     Water quality remains generally good in the Rappahannock  Estuary.
Contributing  factors to the maintenance of water quality standards
are the apparent absence of intensive development within the basin
drainage area and the provision of secondary treatment  of wastewater
at Fredericksburg, the major population center in the basin.  However,
a more sufficient data base must be established in order to identify
any water quality trends.  This will necessitate intensive  and
extensive monitoring of nutrients, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Although the  sparse data on metals and pesticides show  concentrations
in the water as negligible, bottom sediment data could  show accumu-

-------
                                                           IV - 198







lations of greater significance.   The  remineralization of metals



by disturbing bottom sediment is  a growing  concern where shellfish



are economically important,  as in the  case  of  the Rappahannock



Estuary.

-------
                                                            IV - 199

                      L.  YORK RIVER AREA

     The York River is formed by the confluence of the Mattaponi
and Pamunkey Rivers, its two principal tributaries, at West Point,
approximately 35 miles from its mouth.  The entire York River is
tidal.  The Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers are tidal from West Point
for distances of about 51 and 37 miles, respectively.   The major
water-using industry in the study area is the Chesapeake corporation,
located in the Town of West Point, which produces draft pulp, liner
board, and draft paper.
     Water uses assigned to the York River tidal system by the Common-
wealth of Virginia include primary contact recreation; propagation of
fish, shellfish and other aquatic life; and other beneficial uses.
The uses are protected by Class II water quality .standards, including
bacteriological standards for primary contact' recreation and shellfish
harvesting uses.
     The following discussions of existing water quality conditions in
the York Estuary are based largely on data provided by the Virginia Water
Control Board.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     During the summer months of 1970 fecal coliform counts were found
to be less than 100/100 ml in the York River from a point approximately
4.5 miles below West Point to its mouth.  Monitoring stations were
sampled on a frequency of once a month over a-two-to three month period.
The primary contact recreation standard prohibits'a fecal coliform

-------
                                                            rv  -  200

density in excess of a log mean of 200/100 ml  (multiple-tube
fermentation or MF count).
     Currently, there are eight shellfish areas  in  the  York River
closed to harvesting by the Virginia State Department of Health.
The condemned areas total approximately 5,092  acres out of an
estimated total of 18,653 acres, or about 27 percent of the avail-
able oyster bars.  The 27 percent figure reflects improved bacterial
conditions, since nearly 39 percent of the available acreage was
closed in 1967.
     Of the estimated 5,092 acres closed, 4,675  acres are located in
the main stem of the York River.  These areas  are in the vicinity of
the Town of West Point, the Naval Warfare School, Gloucester Point,
the City of Yorktown, and the Naval Weapons Station at  Yorktown.   The
largest closure is "located in waters adjacent  to and below the  Town
of West Point.  The reasons for condemnation of  this area include
industrial discharge, sewage discharges, marinas, and residential areas
on the shoreline discharging raw and partially treated  sewage.   Indus-
trial discharge from the Chesapeake Corporation  constitutes the most
significant pollution source affecting the closure  of shellfish bars
in the vicinity of West Point.  The remaining  closures  are in Timber-
neck Creek (112 acres) and Sarah's Creek (305  acres).

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     The following table gives  the results of  dissolved oxygen  measure-
ments for 1971.

-------
                                                            IV - 201
                           Table IV-43






RIVER MILE          DATE          TIME          DO CONCENTRATION
tatute Mile)
31.48

28.10


11.14


2.92


1.88


6-28-71
8-01-71
6-28-71
8-01-71
8-23-71
6-28-71
8-01-71
8-23-71
6-28-71
8-01-71
8-23-71
8-01-71
8-23-71

1200
1200
1220
1210
1320
1250
1305
1350
1340
1325
1440
1345
1430
(mg/1)
5.8
6.4
6.2
7.4
5.8
6.5
9.8
6.6
6.0
7.0
8.1
7.6
8.8

-------
                                                            IV -  202

     As shown by the available data, the DO standard of 5.0 mg/1
was not contravened on the dates at the specific hours  listed above.
However, during the summer months of 1970 at River Mile 0.92 on the
Pamunkey River, immediately below the Chesapeake Corporation discharge
output, the following DO concenrations were measured:  3.6 mg/1
(July 26), .80 mg/1 (Aug.  12), and 5.0 mg/1 (Aug. 24).   No DO data
was available at this sampling location for the summer  months of 1971.
     The Chesapeake Corporation at West Point discharges its effluent,
which includes spent cooling water, to the Pamunkey River about 1-mile
upstream from its confluence with the York River.  The  effluent,  about
25 MGD, is characteristically high in BOD (30,000-35,000 Ibs/day).  The
assimilative capacity of the upper York River has thus  far precluded
serious oxygen depletions except for the degradation in the Pamunkey
River noted above.  Increases in the strength of the current wastewater
loadings could exceed the present capacity of the upper York River
to assimilate this effluent.
     The Chesapeake Corporation has constructed a small pilot plant
to determine the most efficient method of treating its  wastes.  The
Virginia Water Control Board has established a compliance date of
October 1973 for the Chesapeake Corporation to provide  adequate treat-
ment of all its wastewater.

NUTRIENTS
     The Pamunkey and Mattaponi Rivers were included in the detailed
study by the Annapolis Field Office of the nutrient contribution to

-------
                                                            IV - 203
the Chesapeake Bay from its major tributary watersheds.  These two

rivers provide the most significant freshwater flows to the York

River tidal system.  The following table sets forth the average concen-

tration of nutrients for the two rivers measured during the period of

July 1969 to August 1970.  The sampling stations were located above the

Fall Lines in freshwater areas.
Pamunkey
River at
Hanover, Va.

Mattaponi
River at
Beaulahville,
V i rg i n i a
TP04
as P04
 mg/1

  .18
.16
                          Table IV-44
Inorganic
    P
  mg/1

   .13
             .13
TKN as
   N
 mg/1

  .53
              .58
N02+NOs
 as N
  mg/1

   .19
            .11
                                                            as
                                                          N      TOG
                                                                 mg/1
                                        mg/1

                                         .12
6.15
            .07    8.08

-------
                                                            IV - 204


     Nutrient data collected during 1970 and 1971 by the Virginia

Water Control Board is presented below.


                          Table IV-45
 STATION LOCATION
(Statute river miles)

Mattaponi River -
   Mile 1.34
Pamunkey River
   Mile 0.92
York River -
   Mile 31.48
York River -
   Mile 28.10
York River -
   Mile 11.14
York River -
   Mile 2.92
  DATE
2-10-70
3-19-70
4-17-70
5-07-70
8-24-70
9-10-70
6-28-71

2-10-70
3-19-70
4-17-70
5-07-70
8-12-70

3-19-70
4-14-70
5-07-70
8-24-70
9-10-70
6-28-71

3-19-70
4-17-70
5-07-70

3-19-70
4-17-70
5-07-70

3-19-70
5-07-70
       TOTAL
PHOSPHATES AS
    fmgTTJ

      .05
     1.00
      .05
      .10

      .05
      .10
      .05
      .05
      .40

      .10
      .05
      .05
      .10
      .05
      .05
      .05

      .10
      .05
      .05

      .10
      .05
NITRATE NITROGEN AS N
      [mgTTj

         .25
         .02
         .34
         .01
         .03
         .18
         .19
         .19
         .01
         .17
         .02
         .06

         .01
         .01
         .02
         .02
         ,05
         .19

         .01
         .05
         .04

         .01
         .10
         .02

         .01
         .01
     The Mattaponi River and Pamunkey River data set forth above

was obtained from sampling stations located on the two streams a

short distance from their confluence with the York River.

-------
                                                            IV - 205


     As shown above, nutrient data was collected only at two of the

monitoring locations during 1971  and only on one occasion.   No

nutrient data was reported for the York River stations for 1968 or

1969.  Nutrient monitoring should continue on a more frequent basis

to identify any nutrient trends in the York River Estuary.


HEAVY METALS

     The following table indicates the concentrations of several

heavy metals detected in water samples during 1970 and 1971.  A

blank space in the table indicates no measurement of that metal at the

given location.


                         Table IV-46
Station Location  Date  	Concentration in ppm (or mg/1)	
                        Chromium Zinc Copper Mercury Manganese Lead Arsenic

Mattaponi River  9-10-70   -                  <.0005     -
   Mile 1.34     6-28-70   -                  <.0005    -      .110 <.005

Pamunkey River   3-19-70   .010  .010  .020     -      .150
   Mile 0.92     4-17-70   .030  .030  .020     -      .110
                 5-07-70   .040  .010  .020     -

York River       9-10-70   -                  <.0005    -
   Mile 31.48    6-28-70   -     -      -      .0014    -      .010   .005

York River       9-10-70   -     -      -     <.0005    -
   Mile 28.10

York River       9-10-70   -     -      -     <.0005    -
   Mile 11.14

York River       9-10-70   -                  <.0005    -
   Mile 2.92
     Huggett, et al.  analyzed oysters in 1971 from the York River to

-------
                                                           IV - 206

determine the distribution of zinc,  copper,  and  cadmium in  the oysters.
(See Rappahannock River section of this  chapter  for further information.)
Zinc was found to be uniformly distributed  in  the  oysters  in  concen-
trations from 400 to 800 ppm from Terrapin  Point,  about 5  miles  below
West Point, to the mouth of the York.  The  highest concentrations  of
copper, 50 to 100 ppm, were detected in  oysters  collected  between
Terrapin Point and Mount Folly.  Oysters containing from 1.5  to  2.0 ppm
of cadmium were taken from Puritan Bay and  the mouth of Queen Creek.
These were the highest concentrations  of copper  and cadmium found  in  the
York River, although both metals were  found in oysters  from other
areas of the estuary.  Further information  on  these studies can  be
obtained from the Virginia Institute of  Marine Science.

PESTICIDES
     Of the sampling stations reviewed for  the York River  study  area,
pesticide data was reported for two stations only.  At  River Mile  1.34
on the Mattaponi River, water samples  collected  June 28, 1971,  contained
concentrations of 1.00 ppm pesticides  for both the chlorinated and
thio-phosphate groups.  Downstream at  River Mile 31.48  on  the York
River, water samples contained less than .100  ppm for both pesticide
groupings on June 28 and August 1, 1971.  Continuous monitoring  of
pesticides should be included in ongoing sampling programs for the York
River.

WATER QUALITY TRENDS
     Although 27 percent of the available oyster bars are  currently

-------
                                                            IV - 207






closed in the York River, this figure represents improved bacterial



conditions since 1967.   Sanitary surveys during 1967 resulted in the



closure of nearly 39 percent of the available acreage.   Compliance



by the Chesapeake Corporation with pollution abatement  order should



further reduce the amount of oyster bars now closed downstream from



the Town of West Point.

-------

-------
                                                            IV  - 208

                      M.   JAMES RIVER AREA

1.   JAMES RIVER
     The James River, the most southerly major tributary  stream, is
approximately 340 statute miles in length and provides  16 percent  of  the
freshwater inflow to the  Bay.   There is  a total  fall  of 988 feet
from the headwaters near  Iron  Gate, Virginia to the fall  line sep-
arating the Piedmont and  Coastal  Plain at lower Richmond, Virginia.
From Richmond the James is a tidal estuary that joins the Bay at
Hampton Roads, a distance of approximately 107 statute  miles over  which
the fall in river level is negligible (less than 10 feet).   The mean
freshwater discharge is approximately 7,500 cfs with  recorded extremes
of 329 and 325,000 cfs.
     Industry in the James Estuary is concentrated in three areas:
Richmond, Hopewell, and the Norfolk-Newport News area.  A thorough
account of the historical, meteorological, economic,  population,
industrial, and transportation aspects of the James Estuary are
contained in a recent report,  "The Tidal James", by John  B. Pleasants
of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
     The James Estuary, in Virginia water quality standards, is classi-
fied as Class IIB waters  from  the mouth  at the Old Point  Comfort-Fort
Wool line to the fall line at  Richmond.   This includes  the Chickahominy
River to Walker's Dam and the  tidal waters of the Appomattox River.
These waters shall be satisfactory for primary contact  recreation,
the propagation of fish and other aquatic life, and other beneficial
uses.  In addition, the estuarine segment from the Old  Point Comfort-

-------
                                                            IV - 209

Fort Wool line to Barrets Point (mouth of Chickahominy River)  is as-
signed the special  bacteriological  standard (70 MPN/100 ml  coliforms)
to protect the shellfish bars in this area, many of which,  however,  are
condemned for direct marketing because of contravention of  the standard,

     The following discussions of existing water quality conditions
are based on data provided by the Virginia Water Control Board, the
Virginia Institute of Marine Science, and inhouse data of the  Annapolis
Field Office of EPA.

BACTERIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS
     From October 14 through 30, 1969, the Federal  Water Pollution
Control Administration, Middle Atlantic Region (now,  EPA, Region III)
conducted an intensive water quality survey of the  James Estuary between
Richmond and Hopewell.  Samples were collected each day at slack low
tide and analyses were run for total coliform, fecal  coliform,  dissolved
oxygen, temperature, biochemical oxygen demand, nutrients, chemical
oxygen demand, total carbon, and metals.   Figure IV-31  shows  the 1969
sampling locations.
     The bacteriological  results of the October 1969  survey are presented
in graphic form in Fig. IV-32.  Results are given as  the most probable
number of bacteria (MPN).   These data indicated that  the fecal  coliform
levels in the James  River were acceptable for all water uses  during
October at Boulevard Bridge and Mayo's Island.  Immediately below these
areas and downstream from the Richmond and Henrico  County wastewater
treatment plants the standard for primary contact (200  MF/100 ml fecal

-------
                                                            IV - 210

coliforms) recreation was contravened.   Data of the Viginia State
Water Control Board (VWCB) for the 1971  summer sampling season show that
excessive bacterial counts still  preclude contact recreation water uses
in the upper estuary from the Richmond wastewater treatment plant out-
fall downstream to Bermuda Hundred less than two miles north of Hopewell.
     From sampling Station 168 below Goode Creek, downstream to Duch Gap,
a distance of approximately 10 miles, fecal coliform densities (MPN) av-
eraging up to 80,000/100 ml were  recorded on May 6, 1971.   Fecal coliform
densities averaged less than 5,000/100 ml on June 13, 1971, and tended
to decrease on subsequent sampling runs, although bacterial counts still
exceeded the standard for primary contact recreation.  The Annapolis
Field Office (AFO) recorded excessive fecal coliform counts in this same
segment of the James River during the fall of 1971.  At a  station below
Goode Creek on October 19 and November 2, 3, and 4, the densities were:
2,400/lOOml, 2,100/100 ml, 91,800/100 ml, and 790/100 ml,  respectively.
Below the Richmond Deepwater Terminal the counts were 240,000/100 ml,
17,200/100 ml, 870/100 ml, and 5,400/100 ml on the respective sampling
dates.  During the October 1969 intensive survey fecal coliform den-
sities averaged about 25,000/100  ml in this segment of the estuary.
     The high fecal coliform densities described above were mainly due
to discharges by the City of Richmond of raw wastes to Goode Creek
which then entered the estuary.  On February 28, 1972, an  intercepting
sewer was connected to the Richmond treatment plant which  diverted 2 MGD
of previously discharged raw wastes from the Goode Creek area.  The
VWCB advises that this recent hook-up eliminates the last  raw discharge

-------
                                                                       IV - 211
ID J
cc
                                                                               Figure  IV-31

-------
                                 FECAL  COLIFORM  DENSITIES


                                                VS


                                           RIVER  MILE

                                       OCTOBER   14 — 30. I960
              IV  - 212
  10.000-
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   1.000-
     100-
                                                                     RECOMMENDEO LIMIT FOR

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    RECOMMENDED  LIMIT FOR


    SECONDARY CONTACT RECREATION
          — BOULEVARD


            BRIDGE
              120


     RECOMMENDED  LIMIT FOR


     PRIMARY  CONTACT  RECREATION
                             200
                 no
                                 100              go
80
                                       STATUTE  RIVER  MILES
                                                                                 70




                                                                            Figure IV-32

-------
                                                                 IV -  213
   CC

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                                                           Figure IV-33

-------
                                                            IV - 214

from the City of Richmond to the James River.  It should be noted, how-
ever, that the existing combined sewers (sewers which carry both storm
water and sewage) will still result in the bypass of raw wastes to
the estuary during periods of high runoff following heavy rains when
the sewage treatment plants' hydraulic capacities are exceeded.  The
extent of bacterial degradation in the James estuary at and below Rich-
mond will have to be assessed during the 1972 sampling season.
     From Turkey Point downstream to Windmill Point, a distance of
approximately 12 statute miles, the bacterial levels steadily decrease.
The great dilution capacity of the estuary at Hopewell and the absence
of unchlorinated domestic waste in this reach appears to influence the
bacterial recovery of the estuary.
     The estuary from Windmill Point downstream to the ESSO pier at
Newport News, a distance of approximately 62 statute miles, showed no
serious bacterial degradation during the 1971 VWCB sampling runs.
Sampling frequency amounted to one sampling run per month from May
through September, except for July when two sampling runs were made.
Except for occasional moderately high levels, fecal coliform densities
were found to be less than 100/100 ml in this stretch of the estuary.
     The most recent published report on shellfish growing areas by
the Virginia Water Control Board lists eleven areas in the James River
Basin condemned for the direct marketing of shellfish.  The condemned
areas total approximately 46,727 acres out of an estimated total of
93,062 acres available.  Jurisdiction for closing shellfish areas lies
with the Virginia State Department of Health.

-------
                                                            IV  -  215

     The larger areas closed to direct marketing  of shellfish are as
follows:  James River below Hog Island, 3,392  acres;  Pagan  River,
2,270 acres; Nansemond River, 1,980  acres;  Willoughby Bay,  1205 acres;
and the Hampton Roads area of the James River  including  the Elizabeth
River, 36,275 acres.   The large closures in the Hampton  roads area are
due to several reasons, including:   the large  population density, num-
erous marinas, dockage of naval vessels, industrial  activities, and
numerous wastewater treatment plant  discharges.   This latter problem  is
discussed in detail in the Elizabeth River  section.

DISSOLVED OXYGEN CONDITIONS
     Table IV-47 presents DO concentrations measured  by  the VWCB  during
the late spring and mid-summer months of 1971.  Dissolved oxygen  concen-
trations in the mainstem of the James River, with few exceptions, were
greater than the standard which requires a  daily  average of 5.0 mg/1  and
a minimum of 4.0 mg/1.  The highest  DO concentrations were  recorded dur-
ing the May 11, 1971  sampling run when water temperatures were  favorably
low for DO maximum concentrations.   In the  100 mile reach below Richmond
the temperature averaged 18.9°C (66°F) during  the sampling  on May 11,  1971.
Generally, the results of the July 23 and August  3,  1971 sampling runs
show decreased oxygen concentrations.  The  average water temperature  at
the sampling stations on August 3, 1971 was 29.3°C (84.6°F) or  10.4°C  (18.6°F)
greater than the May 11, 1971 average temperature.  The  higher  water  tem-
peratures would result in a decrease in the oxygen holding  capacity of
the water and an acceleration of biological activity  relating to  oxygen-
consuming decomposition of organic wastes and  detritus.

-------
                                                            IV - 216
Rt. 17-1-258 Bridge

(13.54)
Byoy 12

(20.54)
                          Table IV-47
SAMPLING
STATION
Esso Pier, Newport News   5-11

(Statute mile 7.77)
Buoy 24, Mulberry Point   5-11

(26.07)
DATE
T97T
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
DO
fng/1
8.4
9.0
7.8
6.8
3.8
8.6
8.0
6.7'
7.2
4.2
8.8
6.6
8.0
8.2
8.4
10.0
7.0
8.0
6.4
8.6
TEMP
C
18.3
23.3
24.4
25.0
25.6
18.9
25.0
25.6
25.6
26.1
20.0
25.6
26.1
26.1
27.8
18.9
26.7
26.7
26.1
27.8

-------
                                      IV  - 217






Table IV-47 (Cont.)
SAMPLING
STATION

Buoy 43, Hog Point
(34.27)



Swann Point
(42.92)



Buoy 74, Brandon Point
(56.22)



Buoy 86, Windmill Point
(69.34)



DATE
T97T
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-11
6-14
7-03
7-23
8-03
DO
mg/1.
11.2
7.8
8.0
-
8.4
10.0
7.2
8.0
7.0
8.0
7.0.
4.6
5.8
4.2
6-. 4
9.8
7.4
6.5
7.4
7.0
TEMP
°C
21.1
26.1
26.1
26.7
28.3
21.7
26.7
26.1
25.6
28.9
20.6
27.2
28.9
27.2
30.0
21.1
27.8
27.8
27.8
29.4

-------
                                                            IV - 218
                       Table IV-47 (Cont.)
SAMPLING
STATION
Rt. 156 Bridge, Jordan

Point (77.44)
Buoy 118 Below American   5-06

Tobacco (80.01)
Buoy 126

(81.61)
Byoy 150, Dutch Gap

(94.84)
DATE
1971
5-13
6-27
7-05
7-08
7-23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7-05
7-23
8-03
DO
mg/1
6.4
5.0
7.8
6.0
8.0
6.0
10.2
6.2
7.4
8.6
6.8
8.0
6.2
6.0
7.0
9.0
7.0
6.0
8.0
7.0
5.0
TEMP
°C
23.3
30.0
30.6
27.8
27.8
30.0
16.7
25.6
28.9
28.3
30.0
16.7
23.3
27.8
28.3
30.6
16.7
24.4
27.8
28.3
30.6

-------
                                                            IV - 219
SAMPLING
STATION
Buoy 155, Dutch Gap

(96.76)
Buoy 157

(98.34)
                        Table IV-47 (Cont.)
Buoy 166, Below Deep

Water Terminal (103.22)   6-13
Buoy 168, Below

Goode Creek
DATE
1971
5-06
6-13
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7-05
7-23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7.23
8-03
5-06
6-13
7-23
8-03
DO
mg/1
9.2
6.5
8.0
7.0
5.0
6.2
6.0
8.2
4.0
5.0
7.8
8.0
6.4
6.0
10.0
8.0
6.6
6.2
TEMP
°C
17.2
23.9
28.3
28.3
32.8
17.2
28.3
28 .,9
28.3
29.4
17.2
23.3
28.3
30.6
17.2
23.3
28.3
30.6

-------
                                                            IV - 220

     The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) collected slack
water samples at successive stations upstream from the mouth of the
James Estuary on several occasions between June and December 1971.
Dissolved oxygen measurements and 5-day BOD determinations were taken
at the surface and at the bottom of the water column.  The purpose of
these field studies was to determine the existing water quality of the
estuary below Richmond by evaluating the degree of deoxygenation caused
by the biochemical breakdown of organic matter accompanying the waste
discharges entering the estuary.
     Figures IV-34, IV-35, and IV-36 show the results of low water
slack runs made by VIMS on June 11, August 10, and September 8, 1971.
Oxygen sags resulting from instream biological breakdown of waste are
apparent from the graphs, and show a much more frequent contravention
of the 4.0 mg/1 standard than indicated in Table IV-47 above.  The
oxygen sags tend to become elongated due to the ebbing of the tide.
The tidal influence appears more pronounced in the vicinity of Hopewell
where the estuary widens.  As expected, bottom waters tended to be lower
in DO than surface waters; with a few noteworthy exceptions, the differ-
ence was only about 0.5 mg/1.
     The initial oxygen sag begins about 5 miles below the discharge
point of the City of Richmond's wastewater treatment plant, and extends
approximately 12 nautical miles downstream to the, vicinity of Turkey
Island.   During the August 10 and September 8, 1971 low water slack
runs, DO was depressed to 3.0 mg/1 near the confluence of Falling Creek

-------
                                                                      IV -  221
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                                              o
                                              
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                                                             IV -  222
                                                     o
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                                                                            IV -  223
                                                                    o
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                •8
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                                                                      to
                   _J
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Figure IV-36

-------
                                                            IV - 224

with the estuary.  Higher freshwater dilution flows and colder water
temperatures prevented a significant DO depression during the June 11,
1971 run.  Freshwater flows recorded at Richmond for the 3-day periods
preceding the August arid September runs averaged 5,728 and 7,689 cfs
lower, respectively, than the average 3-day flow recorded prior to
the June run.
     Table IV-48 summarizes most of the significant sources of organic
loadings to the James Estuary from Richmond to Hopewell.  The most
pronounced influence on the segment discussed above is the high organic
loading exerted on the estuary by the Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant
(STP).  While secondary treatment facilities are slated for operation
in October 1972, this facility currently provides only primary treat-
ment to approximately 40 MGD of wastewater and exerts a 5-day BOD
loading of 38,364 Ibs/day.  Even with secondary treatment, combined
sewers in Richmond will result in the bypass of storm and sanitary
wastes to the estuary following periods of heavy rainfall.  Other
sources of organic loadings above Turkey Island are the Henrico County
STP, Richmond Deep Water Terminal STP, Chesterfield County's Falling
Creek STP, and duPont Company's STP.  The Henrico County STP provides
secondary treatment and discharges to Gillies Creek just below Richmond.
     From Turkey Island to several miles downstream, the estuary begins
to recover from the oxygen sag downstream from the Richmond STP.  However,
as shown in Figures IV-34, IV-35, and IV-36, an elongated oxygen sag  then
occurs and extends from Hopewell downstream to the vicinity of the

-------




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                                                            IV - 226

entrance of the Chickahominy River, a distance of about 20 nautical miles.
A combination of poorly treated domestic wastes from the Colonial Heights,
Hopewell, and Petersburg areas and heavy organic industrial effluent
from the Hopewell area contribute to this oxygen sag.  As shown by Table
IV-48, Colonial Heights, Petersburg, and Hopewell currently provide
primary treatment only.  The Petersburg Sewage Treatment Plant, which
is overloaded by about 700,000 gallons per day, and the Colonial Heights
STP discharge to the Appomattox River, while the Hopewell STP discharges
to Bailey Creek.  The Appomattox River in the vicinity of the Route
10 Bridge at Hopewell showed no serious DO depression during the 1971
sampling season; Bailey Creek, where it is traversed by Route 10, 0.6
mile upstream from its confluence with the James contained no DO at
all except in cold weather.
     Bailey Creek, in addition to recurring domestic wastes from
Hopewell and Fort Lee, receives a heavy industrial effluent from
several industries.  These discharges enter the James River (Bailey
Bay) below the Route 10 Bridge sampling station operated by the VWCB.
The largest organic loadings to Bailey Bay are from Continental Can
Company and Hercules Powder Company which discharge 39,840 and 39,400
Ibs/day of 5-day BOD, respectively.  The results of the 1971 monitoring
by the VWCB at the Route 10 Bridge were as follows:

-------
                                                            IV - 227
DATE

1-18-71
2-14-71
3-13-71
4-28-71
5-13-71
6-27-71
7-08-71
8-02-71
pH
10.0
5.5
>10.0
0.0
>10.0
8.2
6.7
8.9
TEMP
°F
44
39
64
64
77
98
82
90
DO
mg/1
4.0
6.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
0.0
-
0.0
BOD
mg/1
250
146
195
230
-
380
-
200
     The above data strongly demonstrate that the current industrial
loadings to Bailey Bay are a significant factor in the depressed DO
concentrations noted between Hopewell  and the confluence of the
Chickahominy River,  Although not shown above, fecal  coliform stan-
dards at this station were greatly exceeded, with values recorded
in excess of 80,000 MPN/100 ml, indicating inadequacy of domestic
sewage treatment.
     The remaining oxygen sag, determined at low water slack, is
downstream from Jamestown Island near the mouth of College Creek.
The organic loadings from several small treatment plants in the
Jamestown area and the treated wastes from Williamsburg which are
discharged into College Creek could have influenced the lower DO
concentrations in this section.  The 1.82 MGD of wastewater from
Williamsburg, previously treated at the College Creek plant, has

-------
                                                            IV -  228

recently been diverted to the newly constructed Hampton Roads Sani-
tation District's Williamsburg Plant, located near the Camp Wallace
Military Reservation.  Plans call for connecting the existing small
plants in the Jamestown area to the new Williamsburg Plant.
     The Virginia Institute of Marine Science also made runs at high
water slack conditions, Figures IV-37, IV-38, and IV-39.  The evidence
of DO depression is similar to the low water slack runs discussed above,
except that oxygen demanding material tends to become concentrated
following high tide conditions.  During flood tide, pollutants move
upstream resulting in a backup and concentration of wastes rather
than a dispersal.  This effect is more pronounced in the upper estuary
during low freshwater inflows.  As with the low water slack runs, the
lowest DO concentrations were recorded when flows were low and water
temperatures high.  The oxygen sag near Hopewell is closer to the waste
outfalls following the flood tide.
     Figures IV-40 and IV-41 show biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) data
for bottom and surface water conditions obtained during high water
slack.  No BOD data were available for the low water slack runs.
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science found these data to be in-
conclusive, as they often failed to coincide with DO deficits for the
same sampling stations.  However, BOD peaks were apparent below Rich-
mond, Hopewell, and College Creek.  The BOD surges at nautical River
Miles 76 and 60 seem to manifest first, the high BOD discharge from the
City of Richmond's primary plant and second, the heavy organic indus-
trial loadings flowing from Bailey Bay at Hopewell.

-------
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                                                                       IV  - 229
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                                                                     Figure  IV-37
                        (vudd)

-------
 IV - 230
Figure IV-38

-------
                                                    IV  - 231
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                                                        IV - 233
Ul
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-------
                                                            IV - 234

NUTRIENTS
     Surveys of the James Estuary were conducted during the spring and
summer months of 1970 and 1971 by the Virginia Water Control Board and
in November 1971 by the Annapolis Field Office (AFO) of EPA.  The AFO
carried out a detailed study of nutrient contributions to the Bay from
the James and Chickahominy River as part of its "Chesapeake Bay Nutrient
Input Study."  The only other available data containing nutrient concen-
trations were taken by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in an
intensive study from 1965-1966.  These sources constitute the basis of
the information contained in this section.
     In September 1966, nitrate-nitrogen concentrations (as N) ranged
from .028 to 1.246 mg/1 between River Miles 13.54 and 98.34.  The highest
values, 1.078 and 1.246 mg/1, were found at River Miles 56.22 and
69.34, downstream from the industrial discharges at Hopewell (Statute
River Mile 80.01).  Inorganic phosphorus (as P) and organic phosphorus
(as P) ranged from .016 to .372 mg/1 and .031 to .271 mg/1, respectively,
in the same area as above.  The highest phosphorus values were recorded
at River Mile 98.34.   In addition, chlorophyll a_ values of 92.0 and
86.0 yg/1 were found at River Miles 69.34 and 98.34, respectively,
well above the 25 yg/1 level  generally considered as acceptable.  In
terms of algal blooms, previous studies in the Potomac Estuary have
shown that chlorophyll a_ values in excess of 50 ug/1 are indicative
of nuisance conditions.
     Nutrient data taken in August and November 1971 did not differ
appreciably from concentrations found in September 1966.  While the

-------
                                                            IV -  235

levels of nitrate-nitrogen  were  higher in  August  1971  than  in  Sep-
tember 1966, the concentrations  of both inorganic and  organic
phosphorus (as P) were lower than  the September 1966 levels.   However,
the nitrate-nitrogen concentration decreased in November  1971  and the
inorganic phosphorus (as P) level  increased, as compared  to September
1966 levels.  Although chlorophyll a_ values  were  low in November  1971
(varying from 1.5 to 24.9 yg/1), no other  recent  chlorophyll  a_ data
exists.  This precludes any statement concerning  algal  growth  in  the
James Estuary during periods of  high nutrient concentrations.
     In 1971 nutrient concentrations were  greatest during the  late
spring and early summer months,  in particular the May-June  period.
Concentrations of both inorganic and organic nutrients in May  1971
are given in Table IV-50.  The concentrations of  ammonia-nitrogen
and nitrate-nitrogen tended to increase downstream from Hopewell,
while inorganic phosphorus (as P)  levels increased downstream from
Richmond  (River Mile 107.95).  The latter  increase is  due to primary
treated domestic wastes from the City of Richmond, while  the nitrogen
increases are due to industrial  wastes discharged into Bailey Creek,
just downstream from Hopewell.  During 1971, ammonia-nitrogen  concen-
trations and total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN; includes ammonia) in Bailey
Creek were excessively high, with NhL as N varying from a low of 2.00
mg/1 to a high of 11.00 mg/1 and TKN varying from 7.0  mg/1  to 14.0  mg/1
at the Rt. 10 bridge, 0.6 mile from the confluence of  Bailey Creek
with the James River.  The high nitrate-nitrogen concentrations down-
stream from Hopewell could reflect the oxidation of NH~ to nitrate-

-------
                                                            IV - 236

nitrogen due to the abundance of oxygen in the mainstem area.   Discharges
into the Appomattox River and from American Tobacco Company,  directly
into the James downstream from the mouth of the Appomattox, may account
for the high nitrate-nitrogen levels in the James River downstream
from River Mile 77.44.  Insufficient data exist at this time  to deter-
mine the impact of the Appomattox River on nutrient levels in  the James
River.  Also, the high organic and inorganic pho.sphorus (as P) levels
found in Bailey Creek are not reflected in increased values in the James
River downstream from Hopewell.  High dilution in this area could ac-
count for the lower P levels.
     Nutrient concentrations in James River bottom sediment in the
summer of 1971 are shown in Figures IV-42 and IV-43.  (Note:   All River
Mile locations for sediments are given in nautical miles.) While TKN
does not exhibit a definite pattern, total phosphorus concentration
maxima occur at River Miles 5, 30, 37, and 40.  No correlation between
nutrient concentrations in surface water and bottom sediment  of the
James River can be found.
     A lack of sufficient nutrient and chlorophyll a_ concentration
data prevents making a definite statement regarding any related water
quality problems in the James River.  Chlorophyll a_ data taken during
periods of high nutrient concentrations are essential in order to deter-
mine if any nuisance algal growths exist, as both nitrogen and phosphorus
levels in the upper James River are present in amounts which  could
support excessive algal growths.  In addition, the nutrient loadings
originating from  municipal and industrial sources should be  determined.

-------
                                           IV - 237
        I    23   4   5   24 25  26  27 28
       29  30  31  32  33  36 37  38  39 40
2500i
           42  57  58   59  60  61  66  67 70
       71  72  73  75   77  78  79  80  84



     JAMES  RIVER  (MILES  FROM MOUTH)

-------
                                                    IV - 238
    200-
    100-
E
o.
Q.
CO
a

-------
                                                            IV - 239

     An initial step in determining nutrient sources to the James
Estuary was taken by AFO during 1969-1970.  Detailed analyses of the
freshwater inflow from the James River at Route 147 Bridge (West Rich-
mond) and from the Chickahominy River at Route 60 Bridge were conducted
during the period from June 1969 to August 1970 to determine the nutrient
contribution of the water entering the tidal system.  The Appomattox
River was not included in this intensive study.  The following table
presents the average concentration of nutrients based on average
monthly flows for the two rivers measured during the 15-month period
of June 1969 to August 1970.

                           Table IV-49
TPO,
AS P04
mg/1
.20
.57
INORGANIC
P AS P04
mg/1
.13
.39
TKN AS
N
mg/1
.64
.73
A§ N 3
mg/1
.66
.25
NH_
AS N
mg/1
.13
.07
TOC
mg/1
5.51
10.53
James River
Chickahominy
   River
Average monthly contributions in pounds per day for the two rivers
can be found in the report "Chesapeake Bay Nutrient Input Study,"
Technical Report Number 47, by the Annapolis Field Office of EPA.

-------
       Table IV-50

      James River

Nutrient Concentrations
        May 1971
                                        IV - 240
Statute
River Mile

7.77
13.54
20.54
26.07
34.27
41.27
42.92
56.22
69.34
77.44
80.01
81.61
94.84
96.76
98.34
103.22
106.18
107.95
NH,-N
o
mg/1
.600
.500
.300
.070
.380
.060
.070
.310
.600
3.900
.620
.030
.600
.550
.600
.500
.400
.130
N00+N00-N
<- J
mg/1
.190
.310
.450
.700
.800
.900
.850
.950
.650
.600
.300
.500
.250
.400
.510
.450
.400
.350
Inorganic P
as P
mg/1
.060
.010
.010
.010
.100
.060
.030
.030
.030
.100
.070
.070
.100
.100
.140
.140
.100
.010
Organic N
mg/1
-
-
-
.130
.420
.240
.230
.490
.400
.700
.280
.570
.200
.050
.000
.000
.000
.070
Organic P
mg/1
.040
.090
.090
.090
.000
.040
.070
.070
.070
.000
.030
.030
.000
.000
-
-
.000
.090

-------
                                                           rv  - 241

PESTICIDES
     Both chlorinated hydrocarbon  and  thio-phosphate pesticides were
found in surface waters of the James  River during the late  spring  and
summer months of 1971 (May-July).   Total  concentrations  of  each of the
above general categories of pesticides were less  than 0.100 yg/1,  the
minimum detectable laboratory limit for those parameters employed  at  the
time the analyses were made.   The  chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides
Dieldrin, DDE, DDT, and Lindane were  also monitored, with the fol-
lowing range of concentrations measured:
              Dieldrin     .007 -  .030 yg/1
              DDE         <.020 -  .030 yg/1
              DDT         <.030 -  .060 yg/1
              Lindane      .030 -    -   yg/1
     The United States Public Health  Service standards for public  and
municipal water supplies at the raw water intake  were, at no  time,
contravened by any of the above pesticides.  The  maximum allowable
concentrations of these pesticides are:
              Dieldrin     .017 mg/1
              DDT          .042 mg/1
              Lindane      .056 mg/1
Currently, no standard exists for DDE, although it appears that this
pesticide is also present in only very small amounts.
     In general, pesticides in the James River were found at levels
far below the point at which they would constitute a hazard to health.

-------
                                                           IV - 242

Although the tidal  James Estuary is not now used as a public  or
municipal water supply, studies are currently underway to determine
the feasibility of such a water use for the upper Estuary.

HEAVY METALS
     The Virginia State Water Control  Board monitored the following
heavy metals in the James River during April, May, and September  1970,
and June 1971:  arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese,
mercury, and zinc.   The range of concentrations of the above  metals were
found as follows:
            Arsenic                   < .005 mg/1
            Cadmium                   < .010 mg/1
            Chromium                  < .010 - .040 mg/1
            Copper                    < .010 - .140 mg/1
            Iron                        .600 mg/1
            Lead                      < .010 mg/1
            Manganese                 < .010 - .100 mg/1
            Mercury                   < .0005 - .0076 ppm
            Zinc                      < .010 - .080 mg/1
Concentrations of six of the above metals  (arsenic, cadmium,  chromium,
copper, lead, and zinc) were, at all  times, less than the standards the
United States Public Health Service has set for the raw water intake of
public and municipal water supplies.   The  water supply raw water  intake
standard was contravened in the case  of iron and manganese, for which

-------
                                                            IV - 243

the standards are 0.3 mg/1  and 0.05 mg/1,  respectively.   The standard
for manganese was contravened four times  out of a total  of 16 samples,
while the standard for iron was contravened on the only  occasion this
metal was monitored.  In general, heavy metal  concentrations in the
main stem of the James Estuary are satisfactory, except  between River
Miles 77.44 and 98.34 where higher concentrations of some metals are
found.
     High heavy metal concentrations, in  particular chromium, iron,
manganese, and zinc, were found at Creek  Mile 0.65 in Bailey Creek
0.6 mile from its confluence with the James Estuary at River Mile 77.
The following heavy metal concentrations  were found during 1970 and
1971 at River Mile 0.65 in Bailey Creek:
         Arsenic                   < .005 mg/1
         Cadmium                   < .010 mg/1
         Chromium                  < .010 - .060 mg/1
         Copper                      .010 - .050 mg/1
         Iron                        .900 - 1.700 mg/1
         Lead                        .020 - .030 mg/1
         Manganese                   .120 - .140 mg/1
         Mercury                   < .0005 ppm
         Zinc                        .070 - .340 mg/1
A number of industries discharge significant amounts of wastes into
Bailey Bay, including Continental Can Co., Hercules Powder Co., Allied
Chemical Co., and Firestone Co.

-------
                                                            IV - 244

     During the summer of 1971 concentrations of lead, mercury, and
zinc in the bottom sediment of the main channel of the James River
were monitored.  This survey was conducted by the Virginia Institute
of Marine Science in order to identify those dredging spoils which
would violate water quality criteria for open water disposal.  The
following limits for heavy metal concentrations have been set by EPA
for open water disposal of spoil materials:
                Lead           50 ppm
                Mercury         1 ppm
                Zinc           50 ppm
     Figures IV-44, IV-45, IV-46 delineate the concentrations of the
above heavy metals in the bottom sediment of the James River (Note:
River Mile locations in the remainder of this section are given in
nautical miles).  The criterion for lead was contravened at only one
location, River Mile 82.0, about three miles below Richmond City's
sewage treatment plant, where a concentration of 55 ppm was found.
The concentration of mercury in the sediment was found to be satisfac-
tory throughout the James River, never exceeding 1.0 ppm.  However, the
concentration of zinc in the James River sediment exceeded the spoil
material disposal criterion in a large portion of the river, in parti-
cular between River Miles 25.0 (in Channel SW of Hog Island) and 64.0
(opposite Bailey Creek), and between River Miles 71.0 and 74.0 (in vi-
cinity of Dutch Gap).  Most zinc concentration values fell within a
range between 50 and 240 ppm.  At River Mile 72.0, a maximum concentra-
tion of 708 ppm of zinc was found in the James River sediment.  In the

-------
                                                            IV -
paper "Utilizing Metal  Concentration Relationships  in  the  Eastern  Oyster
(Crassostrea virginica) to Detect Heavy Metal  Pollution,"  VIMS no.  431,
October 1971, oysters in the lower portion of  the  James  River (below
River Mile 25) were reported to contain concentrations of  zinc ranging
from 800 to 1600 ppm.  However, no correlation between the levels  of
zinc in bottom sediment of the James River and the  zinc  levels in  James
River oysters has been  found.

-------
                                          IV - 246
E
Q.
Q.
O
<
LJ
50-

40-

30-

20-

10-
      50-i

      40-

      30-

      20-

      10-
           29  30  31  32  33   36 37   38  39  40
           41   42   57  58  59  60  61   66   67  70
           71  72  73  75  77  78   79   80 84

          JAMES  RIVER  (MILES  FROM  MOUTH)
                                          Figure 11-44

-------
                                                   IV - 2-47
E
Q.
O.
Dd
ID
O
QC
UJ
29   30   31   32    33   36   37   38   39
     0.4 -
     0.2-
             71   72   73   75    77   78   79   80   84

              JAMES  RIVER  (MILES  FROM  MOUTH)  Figure IV_45

-------
                                             IV - 248
6
a
a


O
Z

Nl
                72  73   75   77   78   79  80  84
         JAMES  RIVER  (MILES  FROM   MOUTH)

                                           Figure IV-46

-------

-------
                                                            IV -  249

2.  ELIZABETH RIVER
     The Elizabeth River, an estuary with sluggish tidal  cycles
inhibiting the inflow of fresh water, is an example of an excessively
utilized waterway in regard to waste assimilation.  Due to (1) the
relatively shallow nature of the Elizabeth River (2) low dispersion
and transport characteristics and (3) intense industrial, commercial
and domestic development, the Elizabeth River's ability to assimilate
the diverse waste input from these sources is extremely limited.
     The three main branches of the Elizabeth River - the Eastern Branch,
Western Branch and Southern Branch - are characterized by heavy in-
dustrial, commercial and domestic pollution problems.  In addition
to domestic waste discharged by sewage treatment plants and toxic
wastes discharged by a variety of industrial  concerns, the area is
plagued by frequent spills and waste discharges from the extensive
shipyard and docking facilities therein.
     On the Eastern Branch are located shopbuilding and drydock facilities,
an automobile assembly plant, an electric power plant, and several ship-
ping docks which contribute to the waste input of the river.  The
Southern Branch, the most industrialized and longest branch of the
Elizabeth River, is characterized by a variety of industrial and  com-
mercial concerns:  cement plants, creosote treatment plants, ship-
building and drydock facilities, food processing plants, power plants,
chemical plants, and U. S. Navy shipyards.  On the Western Branch, the
least industrialized branch of the Elizabeth River, are located

-------
                                                           IV  - 250

a chemical  manufacturing company and shipyards.   The  Main  Branch  houses
shipping terminals, coal loading yards,  an oil  terminal, and  sewage
treatment plants.

INDUSTRIAL  DISCHARGES
     In March, 1972, the Annapolis Field Office  conducted  field inves-
tigations of major industries known to be discharging significant quanti-
ties of wastes into the Elizabeth River.  Effluent samples and  receiving
water samples opposite the discharges were obtained.   This information
is presently being analyzed and will be  published at  some  later time.

BACTERIOLOGICAL
     In 1967 twelve areas in the James River Basin were condemned
by the State Health Department for the direct marketing of shellfish.
These condemned areas represented approximately 91% of the available
shellfish harvesting acreage in the state of Virginia.  The entire
Elizabeth River was included as one of the original condemned areas
for the location of oyster beds.  Condemnation of these areas was
based on several factors:  high population density, sewerage  system
with 30 pump stations, heavy boat activities (commercial  and  military
docks), numerous marinas, location of refineries and  oyster processing
plants, and heavy shipping activities.
     Based on 1971 data the State Health Department has condemned
eleven areas in the James River Basin for direct marketing of shellfish.
These condemned areas total 46,727 acres as compared to 42,170 acres

-------
                                                            IV - 251






which were condemned in 1967.  However, the condemned areas of 1971



represent approximately 50% of available acreage for shellfish har-



vesting on the James River Basin.  This decrease in the percentage of



condemned areas is not to be construed as a decrease in the amount of



condemned acreage.  It is, rather, due to an increase in the total



available shellfish harvesting acreage from a 1967 level of 46,335



acres to a 1971 level  of 93,062 acres.



     Based on a water quality survey of the Elizabeth River during



November, 1971 by AFO, fecal coliform counts (MPN) varied from 330/100



ml to 54,200/100 ml at station L-28 (Western Branch, Elizabeth River).



The following table presents the total coliform and fecal coliform



levels for the sampling period at stations in the Main Branch, Western



Branch, Eastern Branch, and Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.

-------
  Table IV-51
ELIZABETH RIVER
                                   IV - 252
STATION
NUMBER

L-28



L-29

L-31


L-33


L-34


STATION
DESCRIPTION

Western Branch
Elizabeth River

Norfolk Reach
Eastern Branch
Elizabeth River
Eastern Branch
at Pescara Creek

Southern Branch
at St. Helena

Southern Branch
Paradise Creek

DATE

11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11 -02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
COLIFORM
MPN/100 ml
1300
54200
490
5420
2400
24000
17200
17200
34800
16090
24000
17200
-
9180
_
FECAL COLIFORM
MPN/100 ml
1300
54200
330
9180
3480
9180
17200
10900
9180
16090
24000
17200
-
5420
_

-------
                                                            IV - 253






     As can be seen in the preceding chart, extremely high total and



fecal coliform counts were detected at every station.  In every case



the specific bacteriological water quality criteria assigned to shell-



fish areas was violated (i.e. 70 total coliform organisms MPN per 100



ml).



     During 1969, 1970, and 1971 the VWCB monitored portions of the



Eastern and Southern Branches of the Elizabeth River.  The following



table gives the coliform levels detected sporadically at three locations



for the 1968, 1969, 1970, and 1971 sampling runs.

-------
         Table IV-52
EASTERN BRANCH, ELIZABETH RIVER
                                           IV - 254
RIVER
MILE





0.07






4.62




STATION
DESCRIPTION DATE

09-09-68
02-03-69
07-24-69
04-21-70
Alternate Route 58- 05-05-70
460 Bridge 11-22-70
Chesapeake, Virginia 05-11-71
06-14-71
07-06-71
09-02-71
06-28-68
07-24-68
Route 13 Bridge
08-22-68
Norfolk, Virginia
09-09-68
02-03-69
04-28-69
07-24—69
04-21-70
TOTAL COL I FORM FECAL COL I FORM
MPN/100 ml MPN/100 ml
430
4300
43000
230
4600
930 0
930 700
1300
430 <100
>11000 600
30
430
91
750
23000
930
1500
2400

-------
                                    IV - 255
Table IV-52 (Cont.)
RIVER
MILE



4.62





2.03






STATION
DESCRIPTION DATE

05-05-70
11-22-70
Route 13 Bridge 05-11-71
Norfolk, Virginia 06-14-71
07-06-71
08-22-68
09-09-68
02-03-69
Beltline Railroad 04-21-70
Bridge 05-05-70
Norfolk, Virginia 10-27-70
(Southern Branch) 11-22-70
05-11-71
06-14-71
07-06-71
TOTAL COL I FORM
MPN/100 ml
11000
4300
930
-
430
430
230
930
930
11000
11000
930
1500
-
430
FECAL COL I FORM
MPN/100 ml
-
400
200
700
300
-
-
-
-
-
-
0
100
1600
<100

-------
                                                            IV - 256

MUNICIPAL DISCHARGES
     The discharges emanating from two primary treatment plants on
the Elizabeth River contribute to the widespread water quality problems
associated with this river.
     The Hampton Roads Sanitation District Commission operates several
sewage treatment plants with nearly sixty pumping stations, the majority
of which affect the water quality of the Elizabeth River.  Occasionally
these pumping stations overflow and raw untreated sewage enters the
Elizabeth River.  This situation contributes significantly to the high
levels of coliform bacteria in the receiving waters.
     A recurring eutrophication problem in the Elizabeth River is
alledgedly the result of two plants - the Lamberts Point and Army
District Sewage Treatment Plants.  Quantities of algae rivaling
those found in the upper Potoomac Estuary were evidenced in photographs
of the Elizabeth River taken by a resident of the area.
     The Hampton Roads Sanitiation District Lamberts Point Treatment
Plant serves a population of 220,000 and has a design capacity of
24 MGD.  At the present time this primary plant is utilized at a
25 MGD rate.  Based on 1971 data the plant provides only 20% BOD
removal and discharges approximately 24,000 Ibs/day of BOD into the
Elizabeth River.
     The Hampton Roads Sanitation District Army Base Treatment Plant
serves the James River north of the Lamberts Point Treatment Plant.
     The plant has a design capacity of 11 MGD and is presently being

-------
                                                            IV - 257

utilized at a 12.3 MGD rate.  Based on 1971  data the plant provides
28% BOD removal and discharges 11,300 Ibs/day of BOD into the receiving
waters.
     Based on the Municipal Waste Quality Inventory and Waste
Facilities Needs Data Report compiled by EPA in cooperation with the
Virginia State Water Control Board the following TableIV-53 is a list
of Hampton Roads Sanitation District Treatment Plants.
     Two additional treatment plants not listed in the  Municipal
Waste Facility Inventory and Waste Facilities Needs Data Report
are in operation on the Main Branch and Southern Branch of the
Elizabeth River.  A 15 MGD primary treatment plant is in operation
at Pinner Point on the Main Branch.  This plant is not  well operated
and, as a result, frequent overflows of untreated sewage into the
Elizabeth River are not uncommon.  A 2 MGD sewage treatment plant
is in operation at Great Bridge (State Highway Number 168) on the
Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River.

-------
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                                                            IV - 259

NUTRIENTS
     The domestic and industrial  waste input to the Elizabeth River
contributes not only to high levels of coliform bacteria  and toxic
industrial wastes but also to progressive stream fertilization which
ultimately leads to excessive algal growth.   High nutrient levels,
especially nitrogen and phosphorus, contribute to dense algal growth
and resultant stream deterioration.
     In November 1971 the Annapolis Field Office, EPA,  Region III,
conducted an intensive water quality survey  of the James  and Elizabeth
Rivers.  The data from this study are presented in the  following
table:

-------
                                    Table  IV-54

                                ELIZABETH  RIVER  SURVEY
                                    November,  1971

                               Annapolis Field Office
                                                                      IV - 260
STATION
L-26
L-27
L-28
1-29
L-30
L-31
L-32
L-33
L-34
SECCHI
 DISK
 inches

  36
  42
  35

  44
  40
  36

  36
  30
  24

  42
  48
  40

  42
  30
  34

  36
  36
  36

  30
  34
  24

  36
  36
  30

  27
  48
  27
DATE
TEMP   T. PO,
 Pi
TKN
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
11-02-71
11-03-71
11-04-71
7.30
7.20
6.80
7.10
7.20
6.70
7.15
7.10
6.70
7.15
7.20
6.65
7.10
7.20
6.55
7.25
7.00
6.60
7.20
7.00
6.55
7.10
6.90
6.60
7.00
6.80
6.80
                                                 mg/1     mg/1    mg/1
                  22.87  0.404
                  23.30  0.352
                  20.14  0.309

                  22.78  0.409
                  23.07  0.403
                  20.90  0.241

                  23.2   0.373
                  23.2   0.341
                  20.64  0.276

                  23.03  0.459
                  23.04  0.386
                  21.06  0.451
                  23.12
                  23.15
                  21.31

                  23.18
                  23.10
                  21.50

                  23.30
                  23.40
                  21.00

                  23.73
                  23.72
                  21.70

                  24.00
                  23.67
                  22.04
       0.440
       0.481
       0.528

       0.438
       0.462
       0.418

       0.404
       0.425
       0.574

       0.432
       0.366
       0.462

       0.462
       0.405
       0.561
0.408  0.790
0.332  0.610
0.334  0.830

0.337  0.840
0.290  0.670
0.306  0.870

0.354  0.960
0,252  0.920
0.244  1.200

0.435  1.010
0.326  0.800
0.354  0.980

0.406  1.080
0.364  0.830
0.371  1.010

0.427  1.060
0.354  0.890
0.365  1.120

0.392  1.120
0.355  0.940
0.346  1.060

0.470  1.100
0.336  1.210
0.363  1.000

0.418  1.130
0.332  1.030
0.413  1.100
        0.390
        0.371
        0.373

        0.360
        0.328
        0.348

        0.336
        0.302
        0.354

        0.334
        0.300
        0.327

        0.315
        0.319
        0.331

        0.303
        0.309
        0.324

        0.291
        0.308
        0.327

        0.290
        0.315
        0.310

        0.290
        0.302
        0.314

-------
                                    IV - 261
   Table IV-54 (Cont.)
ELIZABETH RIVER SURVEY
    November, 1971

Annapolis Field Office
STATIOI

L-26
L-27
L-28
L-29
L-30
L-31
L-32
L-33
L-34
< NH3
mg/f
0.343
0.396
0.378
0.343
0.348
0.652
0.516
0.512
0.594
0.520
0.427
0.537
0.506
0.463
0.598
0.598
0.463
0.517
0.702
0.515
0.755
0.506
0.488
0.494
0.500
0.441
0.502
DO
mg/1
6.23
6.69
7.28
5.29
6.48
6.56
5.87
6.09
6.77
5.03
1.33
6.25
4.77
5.30
4.33
5.71
4.23
5.02
5.30
4.52
5.02
6.31
4.27
4.76
5.01
BODr
mg/T
1.48
1.19
1.28
-
1.60
1.41
1.96
1.56
1.12
-
1.50
0.74
0.94
-
1.68
1.49
1.13
1.41
TOC
mg/1
5.49
7.12
9.49
5.41
6.72
10.39
6.29
8.22
12.30
8.01
8.26
11.41
11.27
10.02
14.74
12.76
11.60
15.21
10.42
4.43
23.07
15.30
7.36
19.42
17.99
10.03
22.41
TC
mg/1
20.04
21.13
23.50
19.62
20.35
24.24
20.04
21.61
25.54
22.42
22.17
25.24
23.96
24.64
27.65
25.72
26.10
28.01
23.83
23.60
33.84
26.94
25.15
31.12
28.83
27.35
33.45
                  CHLOROPHYL    CONDUCTIVITY   SALINITY
                     ug/1          y mhos         ppt

                      6.0          18.35         11.60
                                  19.18         12.06
                                  18.65         12.45

                      7.5          19.28         12.18
                                  19.40         12.30
                                  20.00         13.30

                      9.3          17.82         11.24
                                  18.40         11.90
                                  18.14         12.00

                      4.5          19.22         12.10
                                  20.15         12.74
                                  20.14         13.20

                      8.3          19.45         12.24
                                  20.25         12.85
                                  19.93         13.10

                      3.0          19.34         12.12
                                  19.75         12.55
                                  19.40         12.66

                      6.8          18.20         11.44
                                  19.20         12.00
                                  17.70         11.58

                     12.0          19.34         12.00
                                  19.76         12.33
                                  20.00         12.88
                      6.8          18.18         11.24
                                  18.50         11.50
                                  18.53         11.90

-------
                                                            IV -  262

     During 1969,  1970 and 1971  the VWCB monitored  portions  of
the Eastern and Southern Branches  of the Elizabeth  River.  Sporadically
high nutrient levels were detected at three  stations.   The following
table presents the nutrient data collected by  the VWCB.

-------
                                                                                                                IV  -  263
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-------
                                                            rv - 264

     Sediment data for the Elizabeth River beginning off Craney Island
in the Elizabeth River Channel  and extending down the Southern Branch
of the Elizabeth River is presented in Figure IV-47.  Although these
data, collected by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science in the
summer of 1971, are not extensive they do illustrate some areas where
high concentrations of total  Kjeldahl nitrogen, COD, volatile solids
and total phosphorus have been  detected.
     Total Kjeldahl nitrogen  concentrations in the sediment vary from
1000 ppm near Craney Island to  nearly 35,000 ppm (3.5%) at nautical
mile 14 in the Southern Branch  of the Elizabeth River (Intracoastal
Waterway in the vicinity of State Highway 168).  Organic loadings
from treatment plant effluents  are indicated by high total Kjeldahl
nitrogen concentrations.  High  TKN concentrations in sediment may be
indicative of the direct influence of the six treatment plants on the
Elizabeth River.
     The chemical oxygen demand and volatile solids percentage in the
sediment increase nearly uniformly from mile zero (at Craney Island)
to mile 14 (Southern Branch - Intracoastal Waterway).  This steady in-
crease from Craney Island Reach to the Southern Branch (State Route  168)
is indicative of the buildup  of biologically resistant matter.  The
intense industrial development  and corresponding deposition of toxic
matter into the Elizabeth River is no doubt a contributing factor
to the condition illustrated  in Figure IV-47.
     Total phosphorus concentration in the sediment varies from

-------
                                                          IV - 265
a 2.000-
CL
2
LU
u
DC.
UJ
CL
Q.
Q.
                                           VOLATILE  SOLIDS
                  234

                  ELIZABETH
                                       i

5   6    7   89   10   II    12  13   14

 RIVER  (MILES  FROM  MOUTH)

                                 Figure IV-47

-------
                                                            IV - 266






approximately 10 ppm to 300 ppm.   Peak values  were  detected  at numerous



stations in the Elizabeth River.



     Lead, mercury, zinc and copper concentrations  in  the  sediment are



illustrated in figure IV-48.  Due to sluggish  tidal  cycles which inhibit



the fresh water inflow, the suspended matter introduced into the



waterway via natural conditions and heavy industrial  loading renders



the bottom sediment toxic.  High  levels of mercury  (3  ppm),  lead (500 ppm),



zinc (1200 ppm) and copper (300 ppm) were detected  by  the  Virginia



Institute of Marine Science.

-------
     600-t
                                                       IV - 267
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    1,000 -
_    800-
600-
     400-
     200-
                                            12
                     MILF.S  FROM  MOUTH
                                             14
                                                   Figure  IV-48

-------

-------
                                                            IV - 268

                    N.  LOWER CHESAPEAKE BAY

     For the puposes of this discussion, the lower Bay area includes
all open waters of the Bay from Smith Island seaward to the Atlantic
Ocean.
     Whaley et al., Chesapeake Bay Institute, The Johns Hopkins University,
conducted 24 surveys of the upper Chesapeake Bay and several of its
tributary rivers during 1964, 1965, and 1966.  The primary purpose of
this study was to inventory the distributions of the various forms of
phosphorus and nitrogen.  The results of this study were recently
reported by Dr. Donald W. Pritchard, Director of the Chesapeake Bay
Institute (CBI Contribution Number 154).
     The Bay sampling stations, in the study mentioned above, extended
from the mouth of the Susquehanna River seawerd to a point in the Bay
just below the mouth of the Potomac River.  Some of these earlier
studies are compared with more recent data discussed in the upper Bay
and Sandy Point sections of this report.
     The Chesapeake Bay Institute has conducted more recent studies
which included surveys of nutrient distribution throughout the entire
length of the Bay.  These surveys were conducted on a monthly basis from
April 1969 through May 1971.  The samples are still being analyzed with
results expected during fall of 1972.  Once interpreted, this data
should provide a general picture of nutrient distribution in the lower
Bay, heretofore not known, as well as  a basis for determining changes
in nutrient concentration in the middle and upper Bay.

-------

-------
                                                                V - 1
                            CHAPTER V




                 DATA EVA....I iTION AND INVENTORIES




                       A.  DATA EVALUATION






     It is estimated that approximately 50 institutions and federal




and state agencies are involved in data collection and analysis in the




Chesapeake Bay or its tidal tributaries.




     The nature of this report and the resources available to the authors




precluded a comprehensive inventory of all sources of "water quality"




data.  Major emphasis was placed on obtaining current data from the reg-




ulatory agencies involved in monitoring programs to assure compliance with




water quality standards.   Those agencies were:  the Annapolis Field Office,




EPA; the Virginia Water Control Board; the Maryland Department of Water




Resources; the District of Columbia Department of Environmental Services;




and the Maryland Department of Health, which monitors shellfish waters.




Other sources of data, collected by various institutions, were utilized




in attempts to identify possible water quality trends for a particular




estuarine area and as a supplementary nature where data were limited.  Flow




data from the U. S. Geological Survey were sought to relate, for example,




depressed dissolved oxygen concentrations under low-flow conditions.




     Monitoring data of the regulatory agencies of the District of




Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, and the Environmental Protection Agency




showed contraventions in numerical water qualtiy standards for the




particular time the sample was taken.  Standards for which numerical




criteria were adopted are:  pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, and bacteria

-------
                                                                V - 2
(fecal and/or total coliform).   Monitoring,  for the most part,  was con-




ducted during the critical high temperature  periods.  Two to three sets




of data usually were available  for the summer months of June,  July,  August,




and September.   Although attempts are made to collect data at slack water




tide (high or low), the limited manpower and resources of the agencies




did not always  permit the correlation of data collection with tidal stages.




Where data collection was correlated with tidal stage and freshwater flows,




it is limited to a sub-estuary  of the Bay, for example, the upper Potomac




Estuary.




     Parameters for which there are no required numerical stream or eff-




luent standards, but are considered essential for predicting water quality




effects on the Bay are discussed below.  The following discussion pertains




to data from the regulatory agencies.




Pesticides:




     The Virginia Water Control Board (VWCB) began sampling for pesticides




in the Rappahannock, York, and  James Estuaries in its routine survey




during the 1970 sampling season.  Detection and identification of pest-




icides is generally by the two  major categories, chlorinated hydrocarbons




and thio-phosphates.  However,  specific chlorinated-hydrocarbon com-




pounds were isolated for the James River.  The Maryland Department of




Water Resources (MDWR) does not currently monitor pesticides in its rou-




tine surveys.  The Maryland State Department of Health (MDH) checks shell-




fish for pesticide content when contamination is expected.




     The District of Columbia Department of Environmental Services (DCDES)




does not monitor pesticides in the Washington area of the Potomac River.

-------
                                                                V - 3






     The Annapolis Field Office (APO) of EPA now has an in-house cap-




ability for pesticide analysis and will begin inclusion of pesticide mon-




itoring during intensive surveys of water quality problem areas.   Prior




to this, pesticide samples were sent to the Beltsville Laboratory for




analysis.




     There is a need for expansion of current pesticide detection pro-




grams, especially in the economically important shellfish areas.   Poly-




chlorination biphenyl (PCB) should also be monitored.  The WCB did




include PCB's in its James River surveys.  Intensive surveys should be




carried out to establish background levels for pesticides and PCB's,




followed by routine monitoring to detect changes i'n concentrations and




significant sources.




Heavy Metals:




     The MD¥R samples for metals in special studies, such as power plant




effluent effects and proposed sites for power plants.  In the case of




the Calvert Cliff plant, radiation levels were measured off-shore of the




construction site.  With few exceptions, metals are not routinely mon-




itored by MDWR.  The MDH analyzed shellfish for metal content when con-




tamination was expected.  The WCB began monitoring for metals during




19TO.  In 1970, the following metals were sampled in the James Estuary:




arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, and




zinc.  The AFO has a metals analysis capability and has recently increased




its monitoring of metals in both water and bottom sediment.  The DCDES




does not sample for metals.




     There is a need for intensive surveys to ascertain background levels

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                                                                V -
of metals, especially in shellfish waters.  This should be followed up




by periodic monitoring to note any buildup of metals.




Nutrients;




     All the agencies discussed herein routinely monitor for the various




nutrient fractions of nitrogen and phosphorus.  Only MDWR and AFO include




measurements of chlorophyll a to determine standing crops of phyto-




plankton.




     There is a critical need to establish nutrient-phytoplankton rela-




tionships in areas, such as the upper Chesapeake Bay and the Potomac




Estuary, where organic pollution is believed to be causing accelerated




eutrophication with its accompanying dissolved oxygen  depletions.  Cur-




rently, nutrient monitoring is neither intensive nor extensive.  Nutrient




data obtained in the various tidal tributaries are not correlated with




the net inflow at the mouth of the Bay, which is required to assess the




effects of nutrients on the Bay proper.




Data Needs:



     As previously mentioned, data collection and analysis is estimated




to be scattered among some SO institutions and federal and state agencies.




The intricate patterns of tides and currents have historically restricted




investigators to small areas of more manageable proportions.  In some




instances, such as the upper Potomac Estuary, enough data were collected




and interpreted to allow simulation studies of the effects of waste




discharges on the receiving waters.  Studies have been limited, however,




to predictions of water quality in defined areas of tidal tributaries to




the Bay.  The conspicuous absence of historical data throughout the Bay

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                                                                V - 5
on a systematic basis prevents the prediction of the effects of wastes




discharged in a. particular estuary or Susquehanna River contributary




loadings on other segments of the Bay.




     A knowledge of water quality of the entire Bay is essential.  Water




quality sampling over an extended period of time, and as frequently as




possible, is needed for all tidal tributaries of the Bay and the Bay it-




self.  Sampling in the tidal tributaries should occur at  slack water




tide with freshwater inflows recorded.  Concurrent slack water sampling




boat runs up the entire main channel of the Bay would be a vital element




of this program.  The resulting data from the tidal tributaries would




then be integrated, with the slack water runs data, to give an overall




picture c: the water quality conditions of the Bay for the sample period.

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                       B.   DATA INVENTORIES






     Two basic types of data were used in the formulation of this report:




l)  water quality monitoring data (including reports interpreting data),




and 2)  inventories of waste discharges (including data from waste dis-




charge sampling).  Since the volume of information acquired and used was




extensive, it was impractical to include all of the data in the report.




Therefore, it was determined that this data should be compiled and made




easily accessible to those interested in further or more detailed exam-




ination of the water quality in the Bay.  In order to provide this access,




a computerized data storage and retrieval system (STOKET), developed by




the Environmental Protection Agency and its predecessor agencies, will




be utilized.  As well as serving as a repository for the data collected




during this study, STOKET will serve as the source for much of the infor-




mation collected in future studies.




     The following paragraphs are intended to give the reader a brief




description of the types of data available in, and the capabilites of,




the STORET system.  Anyone desiring a more detailed knowledge of STORET




or wishing to obtain copies of available data may contact the Surveillance




Branch of the EPA Region III Office, 6th and ¥alnut Streets, Philadelphia,




Pennsylvania  19106.




Water Quality Data




     The STORET system was originally conceived as a method for central




storage of water quality data.  Hence, this is the most sophisticated




of the subsystems that comprise STORET.  Water quality data collected by

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                                                                V - 7
EPA, U. S. Geological Survey,  and state and other participating agencies




has been stored over the last few years and was available for interpre-




tation during this study.  The data which was gathered by the authors




from sources cited throughout the text will also be computerized in STORET




as soon as possible, manpower and resources permitting.




     Water quality data is stored in the STORET system by unique station




number which is identified by either mileage from the mouth of the river




(River Mile Indexing) or latitude and longitude.  Within the station




designation, data is stored by date, time and depth to further identify




its origin.  The samples are characterized by physical, chemical and




radiological parameters which are virtually limitless and number more




than 500-  There has been some difficulty in classifying biological




parameters for use with the system but work in this area will continue.




     The Virginia Water Control Board also operated a computerized data




storage and retrieval system which handles all of the data collected in




Virginia.  The Maryland Department of Water Resources is presently




working on a system for computerizing their water quality data.




Municipal Waste Inventory




     The Municipal Waste Inventory became the second subsystem in STORET




based on the Public Health Service inventory of 1968.  A continuous up-




dating procedure has since been developed by EPA and the various states




to keep the inventory as current as possible and to include information




on future waste treatment needs.   The states initially provided a listing




of all present or planned sewage treatment plants and now periodically




update the information carried in each waste facility record.  EPA has

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                                                                V - 8
taken responsibility for the computerization of the data and for pro-




viding it to interested parties as well as to the states.




     Information about each plant is stored under a unique identification




number which represents the plant by state, city and facility codes.  Data




is stored in three separate sections for each plant.  The first section




contains identification data and shows, among other things, the county




and community in which the plant is located, receiving waters,  latitude




and longitude of the ou-cfall, and census statistics.  The second section




describes the physical plant and includes the type of sewer system employed,




population served by the plant, type of treatment, actual and design flows




and loads, percentage removals of organics and nutrients,  and the kinds




of equipment used in the treatment process.  The third section is entitled




"Waste Facilities Heeds Data" and contains information on cost and type




of new construction required and schedules for completion of new projects.




Industrial Waste Inventory




     The industrial inventory was the last of the subsystems added to




STOKET and was primarily designed to store information on implementation




of new facility construction by industries.  Since this inventory listed




only industries with construction needs, it did not meet the requirements




of this study.  The basic format of this inventory was modified and the




inventory was expanded to include all of the industries which have filed




for permits to discharge with the Corps of Engineers.  The existing




record format contained information on the county and city where the




plant is located, the receiving waters, schedules of new construction,




waste discharge flows, and latitude and longitude of discharges.  The

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                                                                V - 9
modifications were instituted to acquire the flexibility to include




information on the type of waste being discharged and the type of treat-




ment presently employed.




     A more elaborate vaste inventory system (RAPP) based totally on the




Corps of Engineers permit applications is currently being developed.




When this new inventory is completed (probably January 1973)  "the modified




inventory developed for this report will be obsolete and will be replaced




by the RAPP system.

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                        ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

     The authors, Thomas H. Pheiffer, Daniel K. Donnelly, and
Dorothy A. Possehl of the Annapolis Field Office, Region III, EPA,
wish to express their appreciation to those who assisted in the pre-
paration of the report.
     Special thanks go to Michael E. Bender, Virginia Institute of
Marine Science: A. W. Madder, Virginia State Water Control  Board;
William M. Sloan, Maryland Environmental Services; John R.  Longwell,
Maryland Department of Water Resources; Samuel  Fowler, Maryland De-
partment of Health and Mental Hygiene; and Carol  Feister, The Johns
Hopkins University.
     The authors also wish to acknowledge the assistance of all staff
members of the water chemistry laboratories of the institutions and
federal and state agencies who contributed data for this report.
Without their analysis of water samples, data would not be  available
for presentation.

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