UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY RESEARCH REPORT
MY I-SEPTEMBER 30,
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
College, Alaska 99701
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ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
The Laboratory served as co-sponsor of the International Symposium
on Water Pollution Control in Cold Climates ?t the University of Alaska,
July 22-24, 1970. This symposium hosted over 150 participants from 12
different countries. Some 50 of the participants toured the Laboratory
and were briefed on programs and techniques of the Laboratory. Two
papers were presented at the Syrrposium by Laboratory personnel.
The Alaska Village Demonstration Project was established at the
Laboratory in September. This project wss authorized by Section 20
of the Water Quality Improvement Act of 1970 (Public Law 91-224). The
Project Head arrived and began operation planning for the project which
requires a report to the Congress in January 1973.
The Laboratory cooperated with the State of Alaska Department of
Health and Welfare in the planning and presentation of the Cold Regions
Environmental Health Seminar held September 23-24, 1970, at the Alaska
Methodist University in Anchorage. Three staff members made presenta-
tions at the seminar which was attended by approximately 140 representa-
tives of government, industry, and private firms.
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ALASKA VILLAGE DFI10NSTRATION PROJECT
PROJECT: 1610 GGR
Objectives:
To plan and construct in one ur mere Alaskan villages, projects to
provide a central safe water supply and waste disposal facility in conjunc-
tion with community laundry and battling facilities and a community health
education program to help assure continued beneficial use of the projects.
Work Accomplished First. Quarter FY 1971:
A staff of two, Project Head and Project Social Anthropology Advisor,
have been assigned to the project and are on duty at the Alaska Water Labora-
tory.
The staff has been accumulating data and information on village popula-
tions, health problems, water supply and waste disposal facilities and programs
of other Government agencies which relate to this project. This data is a
compilation of reports and information already in files of agencies or non-
governmental organizations which have already done the basic searching. Some
analysis of data has been done to the end of selecting appropriate villages
for location of the projects.
Further, the staff has been reviewing literature and other available
knowledge on recent R & D work on water, waste water and refuse disposal
processes. Preliminary efforts have been made to coordinate these projects
with the State of Alaska program for the same purpose. They have been un-
able to plan specifically until after the bond election on 3 November.
Work Plan for Second Quarter FY 1971:
Site selection and recommendation will be completed and, general selec-
tion of process type will be made. Invitations for letters of interest will
be issued to potential contractors who might be interested in bidding for the
village R & D projects.
Providing the mechanics or methods of bringing native village residents
into the project, so that their knowledge can be put into decisions, will be
a very difficult but extremely necessary goal of the project for this period.
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COLD CLIMATE RESEARCH
PROJ ECT : __ ]61J)p_ GHG_i
Objectives:
1. Determine effectiveness of chemical disinfection of low temperature
waste water treatment plants,
2. Develop disinfection design criteria for low temperature system.
3. Demonstrate application of low temperature design criteria.
Wo r k n Cgmp 1 e te d J i r jt _Qu i a r te r _ FY "1.971 :
Discussions were conducted with Robert A. Taft Water Research Center
scientists to determine research needs as well as the present state-of-the-
art of disinfection specifically for cold regions application.
As a result of emergency requirements that were imposed by the Air
Force during a hepatitis outbreak at the Eiclson Air Force Base, we are
constructing a chlori nation system for treating the effluent from our
facility. The new system will allow us to conduct limited studies related
to the effectiveness of low temperature disinfection of secondary effluents.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1971:
1. Complete the chlori nation facility.
2. Continue to develop a comprehensive investigation and demonstration
program for development of low temperature disinfection design critera.
PROJECT: 16100 6GS . - APPLICATION OF ADVANCED WASTE TREATMENT TO NORTH
SLOPE
Objectives:
1. Establish water use patterns for remote location operations.
2. Develop total utility concepts including tertiary treatment of
sewage, partial reuse, and effective sludge disposal.
3. Determine the effectiveness of small scale tertiary package
plants and demonstrate their capabilities under remote site operating
conditions.
4. Determine feasibility of reducing water requirements through
selection of fixtures and alternate means for supplying human needs such as
sauna baths.
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Y 1971:
Two package tertiary plants incorporating chemical coagulation, upflow
clarification, two state carbon fi'!tratio:i and adsorption were installed by
the Wagley Construction Company at Toolik Lake and Dead horse on the North
Slope. Field trips v/ere condncled by the Alaska Water Laboratory to
determine the effectiveness of these units, especially at the extremely low
loadings they are operating ex. presently. There seems to be indication
that special operating procedures will he required for package activated
carbon plants when operating at very low lof
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1. To determine the T.clhoci of collecting D.O. samples in BOD
bottles which will minimize icing |,voble:rs and provide the most valid
sample.
2. To establish a means o1' transporting samples from the sample
site to a heated area without incurring hreu!;>-•;
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C. Initially begin the v/inC'V field .season with weekly systematic
sampling of the Chatanika, Salclu «nu Cheiir, ri^rs. Later in the quarter
field trips by both truck and riircrai't will bo taken to determine D.O.
levels in rivers along the road system and In river systems not accessible
by road.
PROJECT: 161 00 FHC - COLD RF.GIUNS rXTEi^D AERATION DESIGN CRITERIA
Objective:
Development of adequate dr-sign criteria for application of extended '
aeration in AlasS^a.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1971:
A construction contract involving major modifications at the Eielson
Air Force Base pilot facility was awarded and has progressed satisfactorily.
Operation of bench scale reactors in the Laboratory constant temper-
ature room continued into August when a hepatitu's scare and required room
modifications caused discontinuance of that work. Information, obtained in
those studies lead us to believe that nitrification-denitrification may
become a major problem with upflow clarifiers. Nutrient analyses were
performed on samples from various points in the large tube settler reactor
to determine if nitrification and resultant denitrification were responsible
for the bulking and settling problems encountered at-temperatures above ~7°C.
Denitrification was one of the possible causes of the bulking problem
pointed out by Dr. Eckenfelder and Dr. Wuhrmann in a conference held at
the Alaska Water Lab during the Cold Climate Symposium in July. The nutrient
analyses have been completed but the data has not been analyzed. A paper
entitled "Design Considerations for Extended Aeration in Alaska" was
presented by Mr. Clark at the International Symposium for Cold Climate Water
Pollution Control held in Fairbanks.
A cooling system was constructed by AWL personnel in an existing lagoon
at the Eielson pilot facility so that representative sewage temperatures
may be obtained.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1971:
1. Complete Eielson facility modifications.
2. Conduct start up check out for the two extended aeration systems.
3. Develop operation data related to extended aeration systems
operated with a minimum of environmental protection.
4. Continue constant temperature room studies to determine causes
of sludge separation problems.
5. Further define the surface icing phenomena through laboratory
testing.
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PROJECT : 161 QO FHD - DESIGN CRITFi? I A _FOP
Ohj ec t;i_ves_:
A. To establish design criteria for tk derated lagoon waste treat-
ment process in Alaska. Design criteria will include operational efficiency
versus loading, evaluation of coprcri'ction ir.eh'iods, evaluation of types of
feasible equipment, and process nodi fi cations to provide more efficient
plant utilization. To evaluate p-ir-meters and contribution to effluent
quality, power and maintenance co'-fcs, and reliability.
B. To demonstrate the fedsibllity of waste stabilization lagoon
application in Alaska, particularly jtili/'irvj winter storage and summer
treatment capabilities. To develop design criteria for setting loadings,
for operational schemes, etc. To investigate materials utilization and
other design factors to minimize costs.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1971:
A. Aerated Lagoons: modifications end repairs were completed at the
Eielson aerated lagoon pilot facility and the water level brought back up
to normal operating depth in mid-August. After nearly a year of operation,
it is clearly evident that open, non-restrictive air diffusers are superior
from a reliability standpoint. One note of caution to designers 3 the dif-
fusers must have the same operating head and will not tolerate wide
variations of depth of submergence.
A new phase of our continuing cooperative study with the FAA at their
Northway Flight Center was entered with modification of their air diffuser
system to test an air-lift pump device.
B. Studies at the Fort Yukon sewage lagoon continued with field trips
in July, August, and September. By mid-September, the bottom temperature
v/as down to approximately 6°C and no temperature gradient existed. During
July surface temperatures reached 20°C while bottom temperatures remained
low, but in August the bottom temperature rose to 8°C while the surface
temperature declined to 14°C.
A contract was awarded to modify the Eielson facility so that
operational data may be obtained for a facultative lagoon system utilizing
tv/o cells, one short detention with a second in series having total winter
storage. The contract work is progressing satisfactorily.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1971:
A. Aerated Lagoon:
1. Continue evaluation of Northway Aerated lagoon with aeration
system modifications.
2. Participate with the Corps of Engineers and Fort Greely Arctic
Testing Facility in modification of an existing aerated lagoon system to
demonstrate the capabilities of open aeration devices.
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B. facultative Lagoons:
1, Complete facultative lagoon mollifications and place the
Eiel son system in operation.
2. Continue evaluation cf the Fort Yukon lagoon system.
PROJECT: 161QQ GIJG_ - BASELINE COijQjTIONS OF ARCTIC NORTH SLOPE
Objectives:
Provide baseline water quality information on the Sagavanirktok System
and the immediate industrial region of the developing oil field. Water
quality parameters include the nitrogen forms, phosphate, ortho and total,
and dissolved oxygen, as well as numerous other chemical parameters. Also
included are the biological aspects of the Arctic aquatic ecosystem with
emphasis on indigenous coliform bacterial, benthic biota such as
Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, Trichoptera, and Diptera. Indigenous fish are
also discussed.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1971:
Field work was completed during the prior quarter. Analysis on data
collected continued with limited biological analysis remaining.
Data analysis and report writing were both temporarily suspended because
of higher priorities on other projects. Final reporting is dependent upon
completion of biological data analyses which will be continuing toward the
end of the second quarter.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1971:
Finish the biological data and complete the report manuscript during
this quarter.
PROJECT: 16100 6GT - FATE AND EFFECT OF OIL SPILLS ON ARCTIC RIVE_RS
Objectives:
Develop an understanding of the rate of movement and ultimate fate of
petroleum spilled on and under the ice of ice covered rivers.
Establish the toxicity of spilled hydrocarbons to the aquatic communi-
ties of ice covered streams.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1971:
Although this project is now being developed, several related projects
are now underway or are being proposed under grants or contracts. Upon
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completion, these projects will provide answers to some of the objectives
of this overall project.
One proposal by the Institute of Marine Science, U. of A., will study
oil spills on small Arctic lake? and a dec.,; lake in Central Alaska. An-
other proposed study will study the niovc-nxni. of a small controlled spill on
the 1Vig*ck
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KF;IOV/-\L)R'\CTJ(:!.S ON ARCTIC NORTH SLOPE AND
wAiyiJMkiiLJLH^
£bjeej/iyej>_:
1. Ascertain the nature and degree of damage that activities
associated with gravel removal and road conscruction have on the aquatic
ecosystem in sub-Arctic and Arctic Alaska.
2. Develop guidelines to be used by operators and resource managers
to permit orderly removal of gravel and pe;v,1t road construction without
damage to aquatic life and water quality.
Literature review for the first part of the project was commenced but
has not progressed beyond a collection of titles. Considerable literature
is available, describing various effects of silt and other sediment on
aquatic life, and enough seems to be available to document how this form
of pollution affects the aquatic ecosystem without additional field research.
A draft of the guidelines for road building was completed the fourth
quarter of FY 1970 and sent out for review. A good review was done by
engineers of the Alaska Highway Department district office in Fairbanks and
several good suggestions wera made. A follow-up conference was held with
these reviewers and A'-JL personnel to smooth out some differences of inter-
pretation. The guide is presently being revised and- should be completed in
the second quarter.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1 971:
Continue with literature review for gravel removal project and write
up an experimental outline for the project.
Complete the road guide and get it to the printers by December 31, 1970.
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CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY ShRVICES
AccojTipl shed Fvrs t Quar i er !'Y 197:
Work accomplished during 1Mb Quarter 'included 2500 analyses of
samples collected by the Rese<. su'Vfjr field Benson . This includes a
large number of bottom faun? r^iwios, v/'ik h require extensive sorting
and identification procedures, aM will rxt.er.ci through the winter
months. Projects active during this period include:
1. The Alyeska Pipeline Study (formerly TAPS)
2. Bearing River Coal Field Investigation
3. Sitka and Ketchikan Pulp Effluent Investigations
4. Southeast Alaska Log Storage Study
5. Petersburg Forest Refertilization Study
6. Cold Climate Haste Treatment Studies on lagoons at
Eielson Air Force Base, Northv/ay, and Fort Yukon
7. Advance Waste Treatment Studies on the North Slope
l6 d Second Qu arter FY 1971 :
1. Analysis of samples collected from Caribou Creek experimental
watershed.
2. Completion of chemical and biological analysis of samples collected
from the Alyeska Pipeline Study. Processing of these data into the STORET
system.
3. Continuation of work on data processing system for laboratory and
field generated data.
4. Upgrading of the laboratory analytical quality control program for
Consolidated Laboratory Services.
5. Continuation of routine analysis of samples in support of the Cold
Climate Waste Treatment Research Program.
6. Analyses of trace metals samples collected from the Bering River
Coal Field Study.
7. Sorting and identification of bottom fauna collected from the
Bering River, Caribou Creek, and Dissolved Oxygen Effect Studies.
8. Technical and advisoty support to other projects as requested.
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PUBLICATIONS AND FkTSLNIATIONS
The following papers wore presented by Alaska Water Laboratory staff
members at the International Sy^vcrlum on Kotor Pollution Control in Cold
Climates, held at the University' of Alaska, July 22-24, 1970:
"Design Considerations for F.x tended Aeration in Alaska"
by Sidney E. Clark, Harol'J <=. Coutt^j and Conrad
Christiansen
"Depletion of Oxygen by Microorganisms in Alaskan
Rivers at Low Temperatures" by Ronald C. Gordon
The following papers were presented by Alaska Water Laboratory staff
members at the 21st Alaska Science Conference held at the University of
Alaska, August 16-19, 1970:
"Assimilative Capacity of Arctic Rivers" by El dor W.
Schallock, Ernst W. Mueller, and Ronald C. Gordon
"Environmental Effects of Water Pollution in the
Arctic and Sub-Arctic" by Ernst VI. Mueller
"Impact of Road Construction on Water Quality Manage-
ment" by Frederick B. Lotspeich
"Physical-Chemical Waste Treatment for the North Slope"
by James Kriessl and Sidney E. Clark
"Water Quality Management Research Requirements
for Alaska" by Sidney E. Clark
"Winter Survival of Fecal Indicator Bacteria in a Sub-
Arctic Alaskan River" by Ronald C. Gordon
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Alaska Water Laboratory's new publication, "Biological Waste Treat-
ment in the Far North" was returned from the printers and 197 copies of it
have been mailed out upon request. Information on the issuance of this re-
port appeared in several Alaskan newspapers and journals.
Other Alaska Water Laboratory reports mailed out this quarter are as
follows:
"Effects of Placer Mining on Water Quality in Alaska" -
9 copies
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"Ecological Changes in ths Cbena River" •- 11 copies
"Effects of Forest Firec, on v'.rler Quality in Interior
Alaska" - 34 copies
The new information pamphlet on the Alaska Water Laboratory was received
from the printers end 304 copies or it have b?en distributed.
There were approximately 300 general information pamphlets requested
and mailed out this quarter. 1'e also received and .responded to seven general
inquiries regarding the func.uioii o1 FK'QA ciiu our Laboratory.
The Alaska Water Laboratory display v/as shown in both the Capitol Building
in Juneau., and here at the Laboratory. The latter viewing v/as set up for the
benefit of those attending the 21 si Alaska Science Conference held at the
University of Alaska, August 16-19, 1970. This display will, in the near
future, be moved to the Fairbanks airport for public viewing.
VISITORS TO THE ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
Dr. Frank Schaumburg of Oregon State University spent one day at the
Laboratory and the University of Alaska campus discussing the effects of
log storage on water quality.
August 1970:
Visitors to the Laboratory this month included Mr. Jesse Cohen, Mr.
James Kreissl, and Mr. Frank Middleton from the Robert A. Taft Water Re-
search Center in Cincinnati, Ohio, and fir. Charles Meyers and Mrs. Maxine
Mi Hard from FWQA Headquarters Office.
September 1970:
Mr. Trenton Crow, Safety Management Officer, FWQA Headquarters Office
in Washington, D.C., visited the Laboratory during this month.
TRAVEL
July 1970:
Mr. Latimer, Laboratory Director, attended a two-day meeting in Washing-
ton, D.C., for all Laboratory Directors, which included discussions on new
work plans, EPA organization plans, project management, and other FWQA program
relationships. He also attended the Fifth International Water Pollution Re-
search Conference held in San Francisco, California, July 27-31, 1970.
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AiigustJ970_:
The FWQA Marine Pollution Lcoiogy Sex', in-? r was held in Anchorage,
August 4-6, 1970, and Dr. Edward C. Bev/y, flic'-obiologist at the Alaska
Water Laboratory participate^ in 'its pr>'c;,'f,t:i r>on.
Mr. Latimer, Laboratory H in1': tor, i>"avGle<; Lo Portland August 26-28,
1970, to meet with Regional personnel ano! to eltend the Regional Training
Committee Meeting.
Dr. Ronald C. Gordon, Rc-v.v.Tch Microbicioqist at the Alaska Water
Laboratory, attended the lnt
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