UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY RESEARCH REPORT
July 1 - Sept. 30, 1971
ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
College, Alaska 99701
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ALASKA WATER LABORATORY
GENERAL
The Laboratory completed detailed work plans for the FY 1972 Cold
Climate Research Program. Twelve in-house research projects combine to
make the research program for this year. The following is a listing of
the individual projects and the project leaders:
1. Cold Regions Extended Aeration Design Criteria -- Harold Coutts
2. Cold Regions Aerated Lagoon Design Criteria - Conrad Christiansen
3. Cold Regions Sludge Digestion and Dewatering - Harold Coutts
4. Significance of BOD as an Alaskan Water Quality Parameter -
Conrad Christiansen
5. Low Temperature Disinfection - Ronald Gordon
6. Low Temperature Microbiological Activity and D.O. Depletion -
Ronald Gordon
7. Winter D.O. Conditions in Alaskan Waters - Eldor Schallock
8. Management of Gravel Removal Practices on the North Slope -
Frederick Lotspeich
9. Ecology of Tundra Lakes - Eldor Schallock
10. Baseline Study of a Natural Subarctic Watershed - Frederick
Lotspeich
11. Fate and Effect of Oil Spills on Alaskan Streams - Robert
Jackson
12. Alaska Village Demonstration Project - Merritt Mitchell
Any additional information concerning these projects may be obtained by
contacting the project leaders directly. Seven projects (numbers 3, 4, 5,
8, 9, 10, and 11 in the above listing) have been newly activated this fiscal
year. The other five projects are continuations from previous years and
have generated available information or reports.
The following three projects were completed during FY 1971:
1. Bacteria Contamination of Alaska Waters
2. Baseline Conditions of Arctic North Slope
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3. Gravel Removal Practices and Uater Quality Changes from Road
Building
Final Laboratory Reports are being prepared for the projects and will
be available in the near future.
Construction began on the Laboratory's new Hazardous Material Storage
Facility and should be completed in November 1971. This facility was pro-
grammed as an R & I project and will provide 400 ft.^ of storage adjacent
to the main Laboratory complex.
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ALASKA VILLAGE DEMONSTRATION PROJECT(S)
PROJECT: 16100 ZNM
Objectives:
To plan and construct in one or more Alaskan villages, projects to
provide a central safe water supply and waste disposal facility in con-
junction with community laundry and bathing facilities and a community
health education program to help assure continued beneficial use of the
projects.
Work Accomplished First Quarter FY 1972:
Facility design efforts came upon serious difficulties this quarter.
Efforts to resolve these constituted the major portion of work done during
tne period.
As designs began to reach the preliminary stage it became apparent
that IR&T and WasteCo were producing plans too costly to implement. Funds
available for construction had been well specified from the outset, and in
the case of the WasteCo contract, consideration of limitations on project
cost entered as a major negotiating factor in the design award. Frequent,
intensive consultation between the project staff and the contractors has
been only partially successful in making tne designers fully responsive to
the need for plans that can be realized with available funds. Reductions
in the scope of facilities and services to be provided are contemplated and
alternative methods of installing the equipment are being explored. The
IR&T contract has been extended to permit attempts at cost reduction by the
designer. In addition, another Request for Proposals has been published
for the facility at Emmonak.
To bring a demonstration facility at Wainwright within our budgetary
realm, the Public Health Service (PHS) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs
(BIA) have agreed to provide substantial contributions. The Wainwright
project is especially costly in that the water source there is a remote
lake which freezes completely in winter. PHS has committed itself to
provide an insulated water storage tank of one million gallon capacity
and vehicles for water distribution and waste pickup. The BIA will
provide all pipe for tne water intake, a pump, and a standby generator.
Piling and timber for the tank foundation are already on site, delivered
via the BIA ship "North Star" on its annual trip to the village.
In August, tne four men who will manage and operate the AVDP facilities
were introduced to their job oy participating in a two week course of
intensive orientation in water and waste treatment. Conducted at the Alaska
Water Laboratory, the course constituted the important initial phase of
the AVDP long-term training plan. Essential help teaching came from
Messrs. Nielson, May and Wooley, EPA Training Staff who came to Fairbanks
on TDY from Corvallis. The purpose of this orientation was to instill
a high sense of sanitation consciousness, to provide the trainees with
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firm understanding of the specific treatment processes applied at their
villages, and to teach treatment process monitoring techniques. By taking
into account the special strengths and interests of the native appointees,
through emphasis upon learning through experiments in the laboratory, prac-
tical work in the equipment shop, and exercises in the classroom, participant
performance was kept at a high level throughout. The positive outcome of
this initial training session is evidence that the City Councils chose
their prospective Utility System Managers well and confirms our confidence
that the AVDP installations will be run with dedication and skill.
Arrangements have been made to produce a documentary film covering all
aspects of the demonstration projects. The cinematographer from the University
of Alaska is providing technical assistance. Filming began with the start
of operator training.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
1. Modify designs in accordance with funding limitations.
2. Determine most economical approach to facility installation.
3. Prepare social and economic impact study.
4. Continue to work with the Rural Develop Council in preparing
recommendations for establishing overall authority and responsibility, at
the State government level, to provide continuity and resources for muni-
cipal utilities in rural areas. Also utilize other avenues of approach
in bringing this need to legislative attention.
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COLD CLIMATE RESEARCH
PROJECT 16100 ZNB - COLD REGIONS EXTENDED AERATION DESIGN CRITERIA
Objectives:
Development of adequate design criteria for application of extended
aeration in Alaska.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The feed system for the Eielson A.F.B. pilot units was completely
revised from last quarter. Two non-clog variable speed 2-1/2 X 2-1/2"
sewage pumps were installed in the new dry pit pump shed. They will
pump (with flow control) the feed (raw sewage) from the cooling pond
to the extended aeration basins. One pump is operational while the other
is spare. The feed is divided at the pump discharge with separate flow
control valves, Venturis and D.P. cells for each aeration basin. A rock
trap has also been installed. The feed rate is manually controlled by
adjusting the pump speed. The cooling pond level is kept within one foot
of level by controls which regulate two 2" self-priming trash pumps located
in the sewage plant approximately 500' away. This level control system
has proved superior to timers which were used last winter. The following
modifications were also performed: for the horizontal flow aeration basin
and clarifier, a one square foot feed hole was cut in the wall between
aeration basin and clarifier. The wood slat screen feed distributer to
the horizontal flow clarifier was partially blocked with plywood sheets.
These two operations were designed to cut turbulence and level fluctuations
within the clarifier. For the upflow side, broken and clogged monosparge
type aerators were replaced and the 3/4" holes in the effluent collector
pipes were reamed out to 1" to alleviate clogging problems. Six sampling
stations from the basins were piped into one shed to speed the weekly
sample collection. The six stations were the two mixed liquors, two
effluents, one feed and one hopper sludge.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
To collect performance data for comparing the horizontal flow vs. the
upflow (with tube settler) clarifiers under low temperature operation.
PROJECT 16100 ZNE - COLD REGIONS AERATED LAGOON DESIGN CRITERIA
Objectives:
To establish design criteria for the aerated lagoon waste treatment
process in Alaska, and to evaluate parameters and contribution to effluent
quality, power and maintenance costs, and reliability.
To establish the feasibility of using open type (non-clogging)
diffusers in an aerated lagoon and obtain design information.
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To determine the comparative effects of open type diffusers and
perforated tubing diff users on aerated "lagoon process efficiencies.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The four-cell pilot aerated lagoon at Eielson has been operated for
more than two years with inconsistent results. This August the BOD levels
have dropped down to an average of 7 in the effluent. Before this drop
the sixth cell had the color of a thin pea soup. The algae appeared to
by mainly chlorella. The effluent BOD drop could partly be attributed to
the appearance of daphnia which replaced the thin-pea-soup color. Other
insect larvae were noted along with the daphnia. The daphnia appeared
to thin out in late August, early September, leaving filamentous streamers
of algae in cells 5 and 6 of the Eielson lagoon. The liquid was filtered
through this algae by the circulation pattern caused by the aeration
devices. In September the D.O. level in cells 5 and 6 dropped, due to
decreasing sunlight, and the filamentous algae took on a brown color. In
cell 6 the pH level dropped from neutral down to the range of 4 to 5
indicating that the anaerobic activity is still continuing. The effluent
BOD level for September rose to 21 ppm.
The Ft. Greely, Alaska aerated lagoon consists of four cells with
influent flow evenly split between two sides (two cells on one side and
two cells on the other). Hinde tubing diffusers were the original source
of aeration for the total system. The Alaska Water Lab has modified one
side to include two types of non-clog diffusers, Chicago Pump shear fusers
and Aeroflo disc fusers. The Hinde tubing on the modified side has been
temporarily disconnected from service.
Influent and effluent samples were collected routinely from both
sides of the Ft. Greely lagoon every two weeks and analyzed for BOD, COD,
solids and nutrients. In order to establish mixing and Q£ transfer capa-
bilities of the diffusers an extensive profile study will be performed
at least once under summer conditions and preferably once under winter
conditions also. D.O., suspended solids, 03 uptake rates and surface
velocities will be determined. Bottom sludge BOD contributions will also
be established if possible.
At Ft. Greely installation of an influent scoop sampler, six sampling
docks, and other minor modifications have been completed by Water Lab
personnel. Repair of an existing influent flow instrument has been par-
tially completed. Some information on surface velocities and D.O. uptake
rates has been collected and a dye study (for short circuiting) completed
although the data has not been analyzed. The dye study was done to
determine the extent of short circuiting over the center baffle separating
the two cells on each side of the lagoon. The baffle is one foot below
the water level to prevent ice damage during the winter. The influent
scoop sampler has proven to be unsatisfactory with the result that a
representative sample is not collected. Modification of equipment will
be necessary before adequate influent data collection is possible.
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Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
At Eielson A.F.B., continue monitoring the pilot lagoon.
At Ft. Greely:
1. Continue sampling on a bi-weekly basis.
2. Complete repairs to influent flow instrument.
3. Establish exact ratio of flow to each side of lagoon.
4. Modify equipment so a satisfactory influent sample can be
collected.
5. Analyze results of short circuiting study.
PROJECT 16100 ZRD - COLD REGIONS SLUDGE DIGESTION AND DEWATERING
Objectives:
To demonstrate the feasibility of using shallow lagoons and the cold
environment as a means of concentrating and dewatering waste activated
sludges and to gather enough information from the process to determine
practicality.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The old facultative lagoon at the Eielson A.F.B. pilot facility has
been adapted for use in this project. The waste activated sludge feedlines
(from the extended aeration basins) have been installed. The air lines
and aeration device have also been installed. We are waiting for the
manufacturer to ship a drain valve for installation.
Work Plan FY 1972:
The sequential plan of operation will be as follows:
1. Fill with waste activated sludge and aerate while building an ice
layer. From past experiences this ice layer should include most of the
suspended solids. After enough ice has formed and the liquid is clear
enough, step two will be:
2. Draining the supernatant leaving the ice in the basin.
3. Repeat the cycle, building up more sludge-rich ice. These cycles
will be repeated to see how much wasted solids can be collected in the ice.
4. During spring breakup, verify the ease with which the sludge rich
ice will dewater.
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PROJECT 16100 ZNH - SIGNIFICANCE OF BOD AS AN ALASKA WATER QUALITY PARAMETER
Objective:
To define the effects of arctic and subarctic conditions on the BOD
progression by investigating the combined effects of temperature, turbulence
and river water dilution on BOD reaction rates and the BOD test.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The project will include a literature search (partially completed)
and laboratory work over the course of 18 months. The necessary apparatus
has been assembled in a walk-in cold room in which the temperature can be
varied over the desired range (0° to 20°C). Turbulence studies will be
done in standard configuration containers to permit calculation of energy
transmitted to the fluid. River water will be obtained from the Chena
River above Fairbanks. Bottle BOD's will be run in parallel. Substrate
will be effluent from a bench scale biological reactor. BOD progression
rates (k values) and ultimate BOD values will be calculated and used in
an attempt to establish a relationship between temperature, turbulence,
river water dilution and BOD water dilution.
Work has begun in eliminating bugs in the apparatus and establishing
laboratory techniques to be used throughout the project. The project is
essentially on schedule with the exception that some work remains on the
literature search.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Complete verification of the laboratory techniques and begin the
actual experiment. Complete literature search.
PROJECT 16100 ZOD - LOU TEMPERATURE DISINFECTION
Objectives:
To develop laboratory and field technics for studying effectiveness
of disinfectants.
To determine the effectiveness of chlorine disinfection at low
temperatures on primary and secondary sewage treatment plant effluents.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
It was planned to utilize the chlorine contact chamber in which the
effluents from the Eielson A.F.B. pilot plant are chlorinated for the field
studies. After this portion of the project was planned, it was found that
the flow time through the contact chamber could not be determined or con-
trolled so this portion of the study is being held in abeyance until a
satisfactory contact chamber can be located. The laboratory portion of
the study will continue even though no parallel operating system is avail-
able. This will permit development of the ability to handle the necessary
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technics. Currently, the laboratory equipment for studying the effective-
ness of chlorine has been assembled and the first time study of chlorine
effectiveness at 0°C with a room temperature (25°C) control has been run.
The effluent used for this first series of studies is the upflow clarifier
effluent from the extended aeration system at the Eielson A.F.B. pilot
plant. A 24-hour composite of this effluent was studied with the following
results:
At 0°C contact chamber temperature:
0 time Cl2 concentration mg/1 0.00
total coliform/100 ml 725,000
30 minutes Cl£ cone.
1 hour Cl2 concentration
2 hour Cl2 concentration
4 hour Cl2 concentration
6 hour Clo concentration
total coliform/100 ml
24 hour Cl2 concentration
0.49 0.98 1.95 2.93 3.90
0
0
0
0
0
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
787,000 24,000
0 0.00
0.13
0.13
0.06
0.06
0.03
84
0.03
36
0.74
0.68
0.57
0.53
0.57
<1
0.37
<2
1.58
1.57
1.49
1.43
1.40
2
1.09
<2
2.39
2.27
1.90
2.28
2.24
2
1.12
<2
total coliform/100 ml 437,000 3,600
At 25°C contact chamber temperature:
0 time Clo concentration mg/1 0.00 3.90
total coliform/100 ml 387,000
6 hour C12 concentration 0 1.78
total coliform/100 ml 300,000 <2
24 hour Clo concentration 0 1.01
total coliform/100 ml 84,000 <2
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
On the basis of this first experimental run, refinements will be made
to accurately ascertain the effectiveness of chlorine as a low temperature
disinfectant under laboratory conditions. It will be necessary to redesign
some portions of this study during this quarter to obtain the desired
information.
PROJECT 16100 ZND - LOW TEMPERATURE MICRO-BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND P.O.
DEPLETION
Objectives:
1. Complete the rate study of the stationary vs. dynamic closed
system and effect of velocity of the water on rate of D.O. depletion at
0° and 5°C.
2. Survey gross nutritional requirements of selected D.ure cultures
of indigenous river bacteria which are capable of rapid D.O. depletion at
0° and 5°C with protein as the nutrient.
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3. Determine effect of nutrients required for the pure cultures on
the rate of D.O. depletion by the natural mixed population of bacteria
in unpolluted river water.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The rate study of the stationary vs. dynamic closed system with the
laboratory substrate selected for study was completed during July when the
work at 5°C at high and low velocities with unpolluted river water was
finished. The results show that motion has a significant effect in that the
time required to deplete the D.O. was nearly twice the time in the stationary
system as compared to both dynamic systems. The blanks show that there is
essentially no D.O. depletion when no substrate has been added. The ratio
of the dynamicrstationary system D.O. depletion time is essentially the
same at both low and high velocities which suggests that the rate of motion
has little effect and that the important point is just being in motion so
that the metabolic end products are carried away from the cells and new
substrate is brought in contact with the cells.
The survey of gross nutrition was started. All cultures were examined
by streaking on agar plates and picking individual colonies to ensure that
each culture was pure. This process was done twice. The first method used
to select cultures for additional study was ability to show abundant growth
in broth in 5 days at 5°C when innoculated from a fresh broth culture. The
cultures which met this criteria were examined in broth, on agar streaks
and as discrete colonies on agar for gross morphology. Similar cultures
were grouped and only on? culture of each group which were morphologically
the same was retained. Approximately 100 pure cultures remained after this
selection process and were the ones used for additional study. The growth
range of these pure cultures was determined at 5° increments from 0° to
45°C. Growth was recorded as scanty, moderate or abundant and the time
for growth to appear was recorded. However, the data shown here only
indicates growth or no growth at each temperature as follows:
0° - 20°C All cultures grew
25°C 87 " "
30°C 78
35°C 59
40°C 44
45°C no
Total Cultures = 100
Growth at 0°C was checked at 48, 72, and 144 hours and appeared as follows:
48 hours 50 cultures grew
72 hours 92
144 hours 100
Total Cultures = 100
Again, growth was recorded as scanty, moderate or abundant but not so in-
dicated here.
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An "optimum" growth temperature above 5°C was selected for each culture.
This temperature was one at which the culture produced abundant growth. A
study of the utilization of carbohydrates by each pure culture has been
started. The basal medium for this study is Phenol Red Broth Base (Difco).
The carbohydrate being studied is added to the basal medium at 0.5° wt./vol.
concentration, the pure cultures incubated in this medium at 5°C and the
"optimum" temperature with the following results when glucose was used as
the carbohydrate:
Inc.
Temp.
5°C
"Opti-
mum
T."
Basal medium without glucose
Alkal.
95
92
Growth
without
reaction
5
3
No growth
0
5
Basal medium with glucose
Acid production
Strong
17
15
Weak
15
22
Alkal .
62
57
Growth
without
reaction
6
2
No growth
0
4
Total Cultures = 100
A plate count of the bacteria at one unpolluted sample station on the
Chena River is being done once a month at 0°, 20° and 35°C to monitor any
changes which may take place in the relative numbers of these bacteria
throughout the year. The following results have been obtained thus far:
Date
6/24/71
7/08/71
7/28/71
8/26/71
9/27/71
0°C
8500/ml
5500/ml
3175/ml
1700/ml
20°C
16500/ml
5500/ml
4800/ml
2700/ml
35°C
^92/ml
43/ml
7/ml
2/ml
12/ml
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
When the temperature of the sewage treatment plant effluents approaches
0°C or as low as it will go, the stationary vs. dynamic D.O. depletion
systems will be used to study the relative rates of D.O. depletion with
primary and secondary treatment plant effluents. The effluent temperatures
should be in the desired range by the end of November.
As time permits, the study of the gross nutritional requirements of
the pure cultures will be continued, using other carbohydrates and perhaps
getting started on the organic alcohols.
The monthly plate counts will continue.
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PROJECT 16100 XCN - WINTER P.O. CONDITIONS IN ALASKA HATERS
Efforts were directed to describing the objectives of the project
for the FY 1972 winter field season and writing the completion report
which states the results of the past several field seasons.
Objectives:
1. Examine the effects of low dissolved oxygen concentration on
aquatic organisms.
2. Examine some of the causes of winter low dissolved oxygen phenom-
enon that has been documented in Alaskan streams.
3. Continue on a limited time and money available basis the survey
of winter D.O. conditions in Alaskan waters. More emphasis will be placed
on lakes and pond waters.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
Results stated in the completion report to be finished in FY 1972
included: Documentation of suppressed dissolved oxygen concentration during
winter. The severity depends upon the stream, the prevalent conditions in
that area and the particular time. Depressed D.O. concentration of less than
2 mg/1 have been found in numerous streams including the Chena, Sagavanirktok
and Yukon rivers. Generally, dissolved oxygen concentrations are depressed
as the water mass moves downstream. Upper stream areas are usually more
highly oxygenated than lower stream areas.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Work in the next quarter will include redraft and correcting the D.O.
completion manuscript, field work in objective number 2, and detailed
planning and equipment purchases collecting to examine the efforts of low
D.O. on aquatic organisms.
PROJECT 16100 ZOB - MANAGEMENT OF GRAVEL REMOVAL PRACTICES ON THE NORTH
SLOPE TO ENHANCE HATER QUALITY
Objectives:
The overall objective is to ascertain the effects of stream bed dis-
turbance on stream hydraulics and sediment loads, how these sediments
influence water quality and short and long-range effects of sediments on
aquatic life.
Objectives for FY 1972 will include becoming familiar with methods to
accomplish the study, select reaches of representative streams likely to
be disturbed and collect and analyze samples of water, gravels, and
invertebrate fauna of several streams.
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Based on these preliminary findings, an additional objective will be
to define and plan in detail, a program of research to obtain definitive
answers to questions relating to realistic management of the aquatic
resources as they are affected by construction activities.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
The literature review started in FY 1971 was actively pursued this
quarter and revealed that serious gaps of knowledge exist concerning the
life requirements of aquatic communities as affected by sedimentation
processes. With these facts in mind a work plan was completed in which a
five year program was proposed. Additional information is required before
problems can be thoroughly defined; this will be accomplished through
additional literature search and conferring with workers who have experience
in this field. Several study sites have been selected as initial points to
work when weather permits. All are on the proposed pipeline corridor but
others may be chosen as circumstances dictate.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Continue literature review and visit workers in Alaska and others who
have research experience in the field of sedimentation and its effect on
aquatic life. Develop a work plan for FY 1973 that defines areas of
research needed to fill-in the gaps of knowledge as revealed by the liter-
ature and conversation with those who are familiar with this problem.
PROJECT 16100 ZQL - ECOLOGY OF TUNDRA LAKES
The Tundra Lakes project is part of the International Biological
Program. This comprehensive program is intended to study various biomes
to better understand and manage the areas. Five biomes, grassland, desert,
deciduous, coniferous and tundra are being investigated. The IPB Tundra.
Biome intensive study site, located at Point Barrow, has three terrestrial
subprograms and one aquatic subprogram.
In each subprogram numerous studies are being conducted by various
agencies and universities. In the aquatic subprogram these studies include:
physical-chemical characteristics of ponds; microbiological metabolism in
sediment; zooplankton population dynamics.
Objective:
With these and other studies underway, it is the objective of the AWL
Tundra Lake study to develop a project that fills an existing need in the
subprogram and is interrelated with existing studies.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
Accomplishments during the quarter include a field trip to Point
Barrow to confer with the aquatic subprogram coordinator, to discuss
interrelated projects with principal investigators and to observe the
International Biological Tundra Biome intensive study site.
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Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Continue communication with aquatic subprogram coordinator and
principal investigators to develop an integrated project.
PROJECT 16100 ZOY - BASELINE STUDY OF A NATURAL SUBARCTIC WATERSHED
Objectives:
The overall objective is to obtain sufficient data on all aspects of
the aquatic ecosystems in the Poker-Caribou Creek watershed over a long
enough time interval to enable development of a watershed model as a
reliable tool to predict dynamic behavior of subarctic watersheds when
defined perturbations are imposed on them.
To attain this broad objective the immediate objective is to identify,
catalog, and evaluate the significance of each segment of the entire biota
for each individual stream draining a subwatershed prior to disturbance;
and to measure chemical and physical parameters under a variety of environ-
mental conditions over a sufficient time span to evaluate interrelation-
ships of environmental factors and the stream biota prior to disturbance.
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
A work plan was completed and approved early in July to detail pro-
jected work for FY 1972 as well as outlining a strategic plan for five
years. Work for the first quarter of FY 1972 consisted of four sampling
trips to collect water samples, biological samples, and make field measure-
ments of temperature, pH, conductivity, and alkalinity. All trips were
completed on schedule, the last trip was made on September 29, which com-
pletes field work for this project until spring when another sampling trip
will be made after breakup.
Preliminary interpretation of data shows that water from each sub-
watershed has subtle differences in quality that persisted throughout the
four month period. Poker Creek differs from Caribou Creek in conductivity,
alkalinity, pH, and temperature; these also persisted throughout the
sampling period. Other data is not yet available to add to these prelim-
inary interpretations but will be available later in the fiscal year.
VJork Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Continue the lab analysis of samples collected during the field
season; tabulate and interpret these data as they become available and
make an evaluation of all data. Commence a plan for FY 1973 to be
completed late in this year before the next summer field season.
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PROJECT 16050 XCU - FATE AND EFFECT OF OIL SPILLS ON ALASKAN STREAMS
Objectives:
1. To characterize the nature and extent of oil as it is transported
over and through organic (soil and vegetation) and inorganic layers after
being applied to an interior Alaskan watershed.
2. To demonstrate the influence of such things as runoff v/ater and
permafrost on transport of oil.
3. To determine changes in character of crude oil spilled on cold
streams (0-5°C).
Work Completed First Quarter FY 1972:
Most activity centered around putting lab equipment on line and ordering
supplies and equipment. Soil samples have been obtained and extractions with
organic solvents are being made for background data.
Literature studies have been initiated in an attempt to obtain background
on laboratory techniques.
Work Plan Second Quarter FY 1972:
Continue the literature search and contact people knowledgeable in
the areas of oil analysis so that appropriate techniques can be developed
at the Alaska Water Laboratory.
Examine residues of soil extracts with such tools as the gas chroma-
tograph, infrared spectrophotometer and column chromatograph. This will
aid in setting detection limits of contaminant hydrocarbon.
Begin model stream studies in the cold room by spilling oil on water
tanks and monitoring the composition of the slick and those fractions
which dissolve in the water.
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CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES
ONGOING PROJECTS:
1. Petersburg Forest Refertilization Study (Operations — Cooperative
with U. S. Forest Service, Institute of Northern Forestry Research):
Received 16 samples in July. The final samples will arrive in
October after which data will be evaluated and a joint EPA/USFS
report prepared.
2. Kodiak Enforcement Study (Operations):
A number of receiving water and bottom sediment samples
were received in August.
3. Effects of Pulp Hill Wastes on Water Quality in Silver Bay (Opera-
tions):
Approximately 300 samples of pulp mill waste, receiving waters
and bottom sediments were received in early September for a
variety of analyses, including TOC, BOD, COD, mercury, sul-
fide, solids, sulfite waste liquor, etc.
4. Eielson Pilot Plant (Cold Climate Research):
Samples were received on a weekly basis for COD, BOD, solids
and nutrients.
5. Cold Climate Disinfection (Cold Climate Research):
CLS support of this project, through determination of chlorine
demand, pH, TOC and total nitrogen, on approximately bi-weekly
basis is to continue to Spring 1972.
6. Experimental Watershed Study (Cold Climate Research):
Forty-six samples of surface waters for a large range of chemical
parameters, and 21 samples for bottom fauna identification were
collected and submitted.
7. Alaska Village Demonstration Project (Cold Climate Research):
A small number of samples were received for chemical analysis
only.
8. Fort Greely Aerated Lagoon Project (Cold Climate Research):
Sampling began this quarter and will continue throughout
the winter. Solids, filtered and unfiltered BOD, COD, and
nutrients were determined on a small number of samples during
this quarter.
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9. Approximately 150 samples of local well water were analyzed for
nitrate under a cooperative program with the Alaska State Depart-
ment of Health and Social Services.
10. A small number of samples from the environs of a forest fire near
Fairbanks were collected in July to ascertain possible introduction
of nutrients by aerial dispersal of fire retardant, and to ascertain
the effects of fire line and trail building on the sediment load
of the streams. Samples were taken for nutrient and sediment
analysis, and bottom fauna examination.
QUALITY CONTROL PROGRAM:
Continuous updating and modifications of our data processing system is
taking place. The system is being used for storage and retrieval of
project data. Modifications are being initiated to utilize ADP for
handling lab bench-sheet printouts, and quality control systems.
SUMMARY
CIS has handled over 4000 chemical and microbiological analyses requested
in support of on-going Research and Operations projects, in addition to
outfitting two major field operations—the Kodiak and Silver Bay investi-
gations. CIS has also handled approximately 45 bottom fauna samples,
sorting and identifying to the family and/or generic level.
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GRAMS AND CONTRACTS
PROJECT 16100 EXH - "Water Pollution Control in Cold Climates--A Symposium1
Institute of Water Resources, University of Alaska,
Dr. R. Sage Murphy.
The photo-ready copy of the symposium proceedings was received and
reviewed by the project officer and transmitted to Washington, D.C. for
printing by GPO.
PROJECT 16100 EOM - "Baseline Water Quality Study of the Alaskan Arctic
Estuarine Development," Institute of Marine Sciences,
University of Alaska, Dr. Patrick J. Kenney.
Much of the quarter was spent in the field gathering the second summer's
data from the estuarine and fresh waters of the North Slope study area. It
was a very successful summer field season with improvement in logistic
support and operating techniques noted. Samples are being analyzed at
the University's laboratory.
PROJECT 16100 FWQ - "Investigations on Possible Effects of Crude Oil on
Aquatic Organisms of the Central Alaskan Fisheries,"
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alaska,
Dr. James E. Morrow.
The final experiments with coho salmon were conducted during the first
part of the quarter when oil was introduced into the stomachs of the fish.
The resulting high mortality in both experimental and control fish suggested
that the procedure rather than the oil was responsible for the deaths. Sock-
eye salmon were received, acclimated to salt water and the same series of
experiments were conducted with these fish as with the coho salmon. The
results were very similar with both species except that the serum protein
patterns are different.
PROJECT 16100 PAK - "Lime Disinfection of Sewage Bacteria at Low Temperature,"
Department of Microbiology, Colorado State University,
Dr. S. M. Morrison.
The effect of lime on total and fecal coliforms at pH 10.0, 10.5, 11.0,
11.5 and 12.0 in raw settled sewage was studied at 5°C. The death and survival
rates for total coliforms were found to be dependent on the pH and duration of
exposure and were readily reproducible at all pH values. Similar data was
obtained for fecal coliforms, but there was a lack of reproducibility between
experimental runs.
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PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
The presentation, "Safe Water Supply and Uaste Disposal for an Arctic
Village" was given by Barry H. Reid at the Alaska Science Conference held
at the University of Alaska in August.
The publication "Environmental Guidelines for Road Construction in
Alaska" was given final review and approval. The report will be printed in
October and should be available for distribution by November.
Mr. Latimer presented a summary of "EPA and Alaska Water Laboratory
Interests in Forest Resources Research" at the Forestry Research Conference,
University of Alaska, in July.
Mr. Schallock presented a slide-illustrated lecture on Grayling popula-
tions and some limiting factors at a Wildlife Populations Seminar series.
PUBLIC RELATIONS
The following Alaska Water Laboratory reports were distributed during
this quarter:
"The Chena River--A Study of A Subarctic Stream" - 60 copies
"Effects of Large Scale Forest Fires on Water Quality in
Interior Alaska" - 60 copies
"Biological Waste Treatment in the Far North" - 20 copies
"Ecological Changes in the Chena River" - 40 copies
"Effects of Placer Mining on Water Quality in Alaska" - 35 copies
We distributed approximately 700 Working Papers during this quarter.
There were approximately 300 miscellaneous public information pamphlets
sent out.
The Alaska Water Laboratory display remained at Alaskaland during this
period.
A tour of the Laboratory facilities was given to a fifth grade class
in September.
VISITORS
Visitors to the Laboratory during this quarter included:
Messrs. Lyman Nielson, Donald May and John Wooley, from the Training Branch
of the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory, Corvallis, Oregon.
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Mrs. Dottie Himes, EPA Headquarters office.
Mr. Rodney Poland, Jr. from the Cold Regions Research and Engineering
Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire.
TRAINING
Mr. Frank James, Pilot Plant Maintenance Mechanic, attended a course
entitled "Wastewater Treatment for Plant- Operators," held at the University
of Alaska, July 26-30, 1971.
Mr. Frank C. Foster, Sewage Plant Disposal Operator, traveled to
Cincinnati, Ohio, August 2-14, 1971, to attend two EPA courses--"0rientat-on
to Wastewater Treatment Operation," and "Operator Instructor Development."
The following employees attended the EPA course "Water Quality Studies,"
which was held at the Alaska Water Laboratory, August 9-20, 1971: Don Budbill,
Conrad Christiansen, Charlotte Davenport, Ronald Gordon, Robert Jackson, Fran
Jacobs, and William Jinkinson.
Mr. Budbill traveled to Seattle in August to attend the CSC course
"Basic Management Techniques II."
The following employees are attending job-related courses at the
University of Alaska this semester: Charlotte Davenport, Fran Jacobs, William
Jinkinson, Fred Lotspeich, and Eldor Schallock.
TRAVEL
Mr. Latimer and Mr. Mitchell traveled to the Edison Water Laboratory in
Edison, New Jersey, to discuss oil-related programs. They then went to
Washington, D.C. to meet with EPA personnel regarding the Alaska Village
Demonstration Project.
Mr. Latimer also traveled to Seattle to attend the Regional Training
Committee meeting.
Mr. Mitchell went to Portland to meet with WasteCo officials.
Mr. Budbill and Mr. Foster both traveled out of the state to attend
training courses.
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