United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Office of Acid Deposition,
Environmental Monitoring and
Quality Assurance
Washington DC 20460
EPA/600/M-89/015
July 1989
Research and Development
&EPA AERP status
AQUATIC EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM. AN OVERVIEW
In 1980, Congress passed the Acid Precipitation Act, thus establishing the
Interagency Task Force on Acid Precipitation. Given a 10-year mandate, the Task
Force implemented the National Acid Precipitation Assessment Program (NAPAP) to
investigate the causes and effects of acidic deposition. NAPAP includes task groups
formed to study emissions and controls, atmospheric chemistry, atmospheric
transport, atmospheric deposition and air quality, terrestrial effects, effects on
materials and cultural resources, and aquatic effects.
The AERP, formed in 1983 as part of the NAPAP Aquatic Effects Task Group, is
responsible for assessing the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic ecosystems.
Already, published AERP reports have described the chemical characteristics of lake
and stream resources in regions of the United States potentially sensitive to acidic
deposition. Complementing these findings, a report summarizing correlative
relationships between watershed and surface water chemical characteristics and
forecasting future conditions for deposition scenarios in the Northeast and the
Southern Blue Ridge Province will be published by the summer of 1989. (For a
complete listing of published AERP documents, see the mail order form attached to
this status.) Current AERP field efforts focus primarily on watershed process
studies and manipulations.
By 1990, the end of the 10-year mandate, Congress requires NAPAP to provide a full
assessment of the acidic deposition phenomenon. An important aspect of current
AERP efforts involves synthesizing results from past and current research to
describe the state of science for acidic deposition effects on aquatic systems.
Another aspect involves integrating the state of science information with illustrative
emission control scenarios to provide an assessment useful for policy decisions
concerning alternative control strategies. A group of AERP scientists is now working
on this task, which will provide valuable aquatic information for the NAPAP reports to
Congress. A summary of these activities can be found on page 8.
Status of AERP Activities-This issue of the status includes sections that provide
information about recently published AERP materials and projects in progress.
Table 1 summarizes the present status of projects within the AERP.
-------
AERP status
Project
National Surface Water Survey
National Lake Survey, Phase I
(East and West)
National Lake Survey, Phase II (NE)
National Stream Survey, Phase I
Direct/Delayed Response Project
NE and SBRP Soil Survey
Mid-Appalachian Soil Survey
Watershed Processes and Manipulations
Watershed Manipulation Project
Watershed Recovery Project
Little Rock Lake Experimental
Acidification Project
Episodic Response Project
Episodes
Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulations
Project
Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems
Biologically Relevant Chemistry
Indirect Human Health Effects
Design
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
Implementation
Complete
Complete
Complete
Complete
Ongoing
Ongoing
Ongoing
1983
Fall 1988
Ongoing
1991
Ongoing
Ongoing
Reporting
Complete
1990
Complete
Summer 1989
Fall 1990
Fall 1989
Fall 1990
Annually
Winter 1989-90
Summer 1990
Annually
Winter 1988-89
Fall 1990
Table 1. Present status and projected dates for stages of major AERP projects.
AERP FEATURE ARTICLE
Technical Information Project
Introduction--^ a November 23, 1988, memorandum,
L. M. Thomas, then EPA Administrator, commented on
the importance of technology transfer:
We have accomplished a great deal of
environmental progress during the eighteen-year
history of the Agency. The work of environmental
protection is now a fundamental element of
American society, with a wide array of institutions
contributing. EPA plays a critical role among these
institutions. Effective institutional cooperation to
achieve a more efficient use of environmental
resources is needed as we seek simultaneously to
continue to improve environmental quality and
maintain economic vitality. The most critical
element in such cooperation is the effective
sharing of environmental knowledge and expertise.
Technology transfer facilitates such sharing as we
conduct our various and expanding environmental
protection responsibilities.
The need for technology transfer in the area of
aquatic effects research is well established. A review
of historical data conducted prior to initiation of the
National Surface Water Survey indicated that a
comprehensive data base did not exist, in part due to
a lack of comparability in methodologies, parameters
measured, and quality assurance. The AERP, through
its component programs, developed methodologies
and quality assurance procedures designed to provi
comparable data of known quality. EPA regional
offices, state and local agencies, universities, and
-2-
-------
AERP status
other organizations have a critical need for the
technologies developed by the AERP. The AERP
Technology Information Project was created in 1986 to
meet this need.
The Technical Information Project facilitates and
enhances the transfer of AERP information and
technology to EPA regional and program offices as
well as other Federal, state, and local agencies; the
business community; and the academic and
educational communities. More specifically, the
objectives of this Project are to assist organizations
involved in acidic deposition research to avoid
duplication of efforts and to make maximum use of
related research; promote communications among all
organizations involved in acidic deposition monitoring
activities; and provide a mechanism to distribute
available AERP information.
To meet these objectives, the Technical Information
Project plans and implements the distribution of
information about current AERP activities and
facilitates the synthesis and distribution of the results
of the studies and projects conducted by the many
*PRP participants. Among the participants are
rsonnel from the EPA's Environmental Research
Laboratory in Corvallis, Oregon; Environmental
Monitoring Systems Laboratory in Las Vegas, Nevada;
Environmental Research Laboratory in Duluth,
Minnesota; and Atmospheric Research and Exposure
Assessment Laboratory in Research Triangle Park,
North Carolina. Other participants include personnel
from other federal agencies [U.S. Department of
Agriculture (including the Forest Service and the Soil
Conservative Service), U. S. Geological Survey, and the
National Oceanographic and Atmospheric
Administration]; national laboratories (Oak Ridge
National Laboratory and Battelle-Pacific Northwest
Laboratories); state and private universities; and
private consulting firms.
Imp/ementat/on-The results of AERP activities are
presented in various forms:
1. this AERP status, a periodic publication that
reports on the current status of AERP activities,
includes a section for states to exchange
information about acidic deposition monitoring
activities and provides a means to obtain other
AERP products;
2. major project reports that describe a project and
the companion documents that describe aspects of
the same project;
3. data bases with accompanying user guides;
4. handbooks that compile the most up-to-date AERP
field and laboratory protocols for aquatic and soil
surveys;
5. abstracts of AERP publications and presentations
in one publication for specific time periods; and
6. brief descriptions of AERP research activities in one
volume for specific time periods.
This periodic publication, the AERP status, gives
summaries of projects currently in progress and
information about available AERP products. It also
includes an order form through which interested
parties can obtain AERP products. In addition, the
status provides a mechanism for states to exchange
information and updates about acidic deposition
monitoring activities in their area. The order form in
each new issue lists additional products as they
become available. Approximately 1,400 copies of each
issue are distributed.
The major reports and companion documents are
document sets that consist of the manuals and
reports used during or prepared as a result of a
particular AERP project. Complete or partial document
sets either are or will be available for lake, stream,
and soil surveys. The major data reports describe the
project objectives, methods, and results and provide a
summary and conclusions. There are several
companion documents that accompany each major
data report:
1. The quality assurance plan describes the design for
activities devised to ensure that survey procedures
are performed consistently and that the quality of
the generated data can be determined. This plan
includes guidance for training of participants;
identifying data quality objectives; providing quality
assurance and quality control for field operations,
sample handling, and analytical procedures;
conducting performance and system audits;
designing a data management system; verifying
and validating data; and evaluating the quality
assurance data.
2. A field operations report describes the planning of
field operations and the actual activities, which
include preparing for field operations, operating
field stations and field laboratories, and collecting
field samples. Summaries include recommen-
dations and observations.
3. An analytical methods manual describes the
chemical and physical variables measured and the
analytical methods used for that survey.
-3-
-------
AERP status
4. The quality assurance report describes the actual
quality assurance program as it may have been
modified for that survey, provides an assessment
of the quality assurance activities, and makes an
assessment of the quality of the survey data in
terms of completeness, comparability,
representativeness, detectability, accuracy, and
precision.
Data bases resulting from AERP projects should be
valuable to a wide variety of potential users, such as
limnologists, geographers, ecologists, soil scientists,
foresters, and environmental and watershed scientists
representing government, academic, and private
sectors. The data bases are unique sources of
statistically representative, consistent data derived
from lake, stream, and soil surveys related to acidic
deposition monitoring. Each data base consists of
two components: a computer diskette or tape
contains the validated data for a particular AERP
project and a user's guide provides instructions on
how to use the disk or tape and information about
how the quality of the data was assessed. To date,
more than 50 copies of the Eastern Lake Survey-
Phase I and Western Lake Survey data bases have
been distributed.
AERP handbooks are guidance documents that
contain procedures for field and laboratory operations
and quality assurance for surface water and soil
chemistry sampling. The information in these
handbooks is derived from both published and
unpublished field and laboratory manuals for aquatic
and soil surveys. The handbooks provide a step-by-
step approach for field and laboratory activities and
synthesize the quality assurance process. They
should assist organizations involved in designing and
implementing monitoring activities related to acidic
deposition or to other kinds of surface water and soil
surveys. Nearly 500 copies of the analytical methods
handbook for surface water chemistry have been
distributed to date.
Published collections of abstracts of publications and
presentations provide scientists and administrators,
both within and outside EPA, with a concise reference
to the available literature generated by the AERP.
These collections contain bibliographic citations and
brief descriptions of the publications and
presentations authored or co-authored by AERP
personnel. About 250 copies of the first of these
documents for fiscal year 1988 have been distributed.
The Research Activity Descriptors contain concise
descriptions of ongoing AERP projects. These
summaries provide scientists and administrators with
the most current information on the research strategy
of the AERP and the projects contributing to that
strategy.
How to Get AERP Products-Jhese AERP products are
available at no charge from the Center for
Environmental Research Information (CERI). Specific
products may be ordered, or interested parties may
request a copy of the status which contains an order
form listing all the available products. Send requests
to:
CERI, AERP Publications
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
For further information about the AERP Technical
Information Project, address inquiries to:
Daniel T. Heggem
Technical Director
AERP Technical Information Project
EPA Environmental Monitoring Systems
Laboratory-Las Vegas
P. O. Box 93478
Las Vegas, Nevada 89I03-3478
(702) 798-2358
(FTS) 545-2358
COMPLETED AERP ACTIVITIES
This section lists projects for which recently published
materials are available. These materials may be
ordered by filling in the order form at the end of this
status. As indicated on the form, it should be
returned to the address given for the Center for
Environmental Research Information (CERI).
Direct/Delayed Response Project
The Direct/Delayed Response Project: Quality
Assurance Report for Physical and Chemical Analyses
of Soils from the Southern Blue Ridge Province of the
United States is available for the first time in this
issue of the status. The Southern Blue Ridge Province
soil survey was conducted during 1986. Fifty-one
physical and chemical parameters were examined to
characterize a statistical sampling of watersheds in a
region of the United States that was believed to be
susceptible to the effects of acidic deposition. This
report provides an assessment of the data quality
terms of detectability, internal consistency, precisioi.,
accuracy, representativeness, completeness, and
comparability.
-4-
-------
AERP status
Descriptions of Research Activities
The Research Activity Descriptors: FY89 provides
scientists and administrators, both within and outside
the EPA, with the most current information on the
AERP research strategy and the projects contributing
to that strategy. Brief descriptions of AERP research
activities cover those funded in fiscal year 1989 and
those proposed for funding in fiscal year 1990. This
publication can be ordered by means of the form in
this issue of the status.
CURRENT AERP ACTIVITIES
The following summaries describe the status of acidic
deposition research projects currently in progress.
Direct/Delayed Response Project
The Direct/Delayed Response Project (DDRP) was
designed to examine critical scientific and policy
questions as to whether or not acidification is
continuing in certain regions, whether or not it is just
^ginning in other regions, how extensive the effects
^ht become, and over what time scales effects
might occur. DDRP was the subject of a feature
article in the March 1989 AERP status, which gives
more detail about the objectives, study regions,
approach, data analyses, and preliminary results of
this project. At this date, data from the study
watersheds in the Northeast and Southern Blue Ridge
Province have been analyzed and results have been
described in a draft report that is currently undergoing
external peer review. A final report will be prepared in
late summer 1989.
As described in the March 1989 status, 36 watersheds
are being studied in the Mid-Appalachian region.
These watersheds have been mapped and sampled
and soils analyses are complete for the samples
collected. The mapping, sampling, and analytical
protocols for this survey differ only slightly from those
described in earlier issues of the status for the
Northeast and Southern Blue Ridge Province regions.
Data analyses similar to those performed for the
watersheds sampled in the previous two surveys will
be performed for watersheds included in the Mid-
Appalachian study. A final report on the Mid-
Appalachian Region will be prepared for inclusion in
the NAPAP 1990 Integrated Assessment.
Address inquiries concerning the DDRP to:
M. Robbins Church
DDRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 304
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 304
Watershed Processes and Manipulations
Watershed studies conducted as part of AERP are
using three approaches to further understand the
effects of acidic deposition on surface waters.
Process-oriented research on natural systems aims to
improve our understanding of the nature and function
of specific watershed mechanisms that contribute to
surface water acidification. Watershed manipulations
focus on understanding the integrated response of the
biogeochemical processes that operate within a
watershed and contribute to surface water quality.
Developing and testing surface water acidification
models combines current understanding of surface
water acidification with the results of the other two
areas of research to help quantify the uncertainties
associated with forecasting future surface water
chemistries with models. The Watershed Manipulation
Project, Watershed Recovery Project, and Little Rock
Lake Acidification Project are watershed studies
currently in progress.
Watershed Manipulation Project (WMPJ-The WMP
involves process-oriented research designed to assess
the quantitative and qualitative responses of
watershed soils and surface waters to altered levels
of acidic deposition. Hypothesis testing at the
southeastern Maine research site is being conducted
by an interdisciplinary team consisting of a site team,
six scientific task teams, and an EPA management
team.
As part of the WMP, "An Evaluation and Analysis of
Three Dynamic Watershed Acidification Codes
(MAGIC, ETD, and ILWAS)" was prepared by the WMP
modeling group at Battelle-Pacific Northwest
Laboratories. The report presents an independent
assessment of the adequacy of Direct/Delayed
Response Project (DDRP) watershed process models
to forecast surface water acidification resulting from
acidic deposition in the eastern United States. The
assessment addresses model process formulations,
-5-
-------
AERP status
differences among codes in simulation of acid
neutralizing capacity, and recommendations for further
research to increase the forecast reliability of the
three DDRP models. The report concludes that,
although each model has limitations in making long-
term forecasts, such forecasts will be useful in the
development of a national policy for limiting the
emissions of acidic deposition precursors.
Address inquiries concerning the WMP to:
Timothy C. Strickland
WMP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 SW 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 353
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 353
Watershed Recovery Project (WRP)~"Vr^ WRP is
focusing on the question of how air drying affects the
measured sulfate adsorption and desorption
isotherms of soils. Wet and dry sulfate adsorption
and desorption isotherms have been determined for 60
soil samples obtained from 20 sites in the Southern
Blue Ridge Province. The samples are being analyzed
for other properties such as cation exchange capacity,
pH, exchangeable bases, organic matter, and
extractable iron and aluminum. These analyses will
be used to develop regression equations estimating
wet isotherms from dry isotherms, providing a link
with the data base of the Direct/Delayed Response
Project.
Laboratory analysis of the 40 samples obtained from
watersheds in the Northeast is complete. The data
are being used to develop the regression equations
for this region.
Address inquiries concerning WRP to:
Jeffrey J. Lee
WRP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 318
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 318
Little Rock Lake Experimental Acidification Project-Tbe
artificial acidification of Little Rock Lake (April 1988
status) in northern Wisconsin offers researchers the
chance to study the responses of whole ecosystems
to the effects of acidification. As the seventh summer
of intensive research approaches, the results of last
year's acidification to a pH level of 5.1 are becoming
available. Compared to the curtained-off reference
basin of the lake at a pH level of 6.1, water
concentrations of calcium, manganese, and iron have
increased substantially; aluminum concentration has
increased slightly to 15 /ug/L; and concentrations of
cadmium, copper, and lead have not changed.
Internal alkalinity generation has increased greatly as
a result of bacterial sulfate reduction. Decomposition
of oak leaves was dramatically reduced in association
with a less viable bacterial community. Phosphorus is
more strongly adsorbed to sediments, supporting the
contention that acidification promotes increased
oligotrophication. Preliminary model predictions
forecast that complete chemical recovery from a pH
level of 5.2 would occur in 8 to 9 years, with 50
percent recovery in about 2 years.
Seven species of pelagic zooplankton have been
reduced or eliminated while three have increased in
abundance. No such responses have been observed
in littoral species, although transient changes occurred
in association with the particularly dense Mougeotia
mat of 1987. Fall-emerging Tanytarsini midges,
spring-emerging Chironomini midges, and Caenis
mayflies have been greatly reduced. Continued
absence of young-of-the-year rock bass indicates
drastically reduced survival or elimination. Black
crappie, often cited as a more sensitive species,
reproduced successfully last summer at a 5.1 pH level.
A laboratory study is underway to obtain further
information on the poor overwinter survival of young-
of-the-year largemouth bass at pH levels of 5.5 and
5.1
Address inquiries concerning the Little Rock Lake
Experimental Acidification Project to:
John Eaton
Little Rock Lake Project Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Duluth
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minnesota 55804
(218) 720-5557
FTS: 780-5557
Episodic Response Project
Several approaches to understanding acidic episodes
in surface waters have had only partial success for a
number of reasons. Both intensive studies and survey
approaches have been generally data-limited, primarily
as a result of the unpredictable nature of snowmelt
and rainstorm events. Most of these studies have
employed manual sampling as the principal field
sampling approach, and thus episodes that begin on
weekends or at night are typically missed. Survey
-6-
-------
STATE
INFORMATION
The AERP status provides a forum for states to
exchange information and updates about acidic
deposition monitoring activities. Highlighted state
activities are presented below.
California
During the first half of 1989 the Research Division of
the California Air Resources Board completed the
final technical assessment of the aquatic effects
research funded under the Kapiloff Acid Deposition
Research and Monitoring Program. The focus of this
5-year research effort was the Integrated Watershed
Study (IWS) at Emerald Lake, Sequoia National Park.
A final review of the IWS projects and modeling
efforts was conducted on February 16-17, 1989, at the
University of California, Santa Barbara. Participants
evaluated the three watershed modeling approaches
hat were funded as part of the Kapiloff Program.
Research Division staff developed a research and
monitoring plan for the next 5 years that includes an
aquatic effects section. This plan was approved by
the Air Resources Board in May 1989, following
consultation with other California State agencies and
the Board's Scientific Advisory Committee on Acid
Deposition. This Atmospheric Acidity Protection
Program is designed to lead to standards for acidic
deposition or atmospheric acidity to protect sensitive
human populations and natural ecosystems. This
5-year program will be funded as of July 1, 1989.
Field research will begin in the Sierra Nevada during
1989. The aquatic effects research program will
increase our understanding of the quality and
quantity of acidic inputs to high-elevation watersheds
of the Sierra Nevada and the responses of these
systems to increases in acidic deposition. More
work will be done to establish dose-response
relationships for sensitive aquatic biota in lakes,
streams, and ponds.
Address inquiries on above information to:
Dr. Kathy A. Tonnessen
California Air Resources Board
P.O. Box 2815
Sacramento, California 95812
(916) 324-1744
Illinois
Acidic (pH < 5.5) surface waters in many "sensitive"
watersheds of eastern North America and northern
Europe receive disproportionately large amounts of
their water from highly acidic (pH < 5.0), organic-rich
soils and peats, and from acidophilic ecosystems.
The Illinois State Water Survey has completed field
and literature surveys of similar sensitive watersheds
in the Southern Hemisphere that are not receiving
man-made acidic deposition.
This study indicates that these Southern Hemisphere
sensitive control watersheds that are not receiving
acidic deposition can have proportions of highly
acidic clear and colored surface waters equal to and
even greater than that reported for regions receiving
acidic deposition. Such naturally acidic surface
waters contain few living organisms and are
characterized by a sparse fauna and flora typical of
acid-stressed aquatic ecosystems.
Acidic surface waters appear to be the rule rather
than the exception for studied areas of the Pacific
Coastal Plain of eastern Australia. The existence of
the few lakes and streams with pH > 5.5 appears to
be related to watershed disturbance which is, in turn,
related to soil acidity. Surveys show that
84 percent of the examined generally larger, main
Coastal Plain lakes have a pH level < 5.5 and
79 percent have a pH level ^ 5.0.
Reported concentrations of dissolved organic carbon
(DOC) for highly acidic waters range from 0.5 mg/L
to 39 mg/L. Acid stress in aquatic ecosystems is
related to both H+ and aluminum, both of which act
to disrupt ion and gas regulation of aquatic
organisms. Clear to moderately colored waters with
a pH level < 5.0 contain toxic aluminum. Essentially
all solution aluminum in Australian clear water with
pH < 5.0 (DOC less than 2 mg/L) is toxic aluminum.
In New Zealand, analysis of Westland lakes and
streams suggests that highly acidic (pH < 5.0)
surface waters also may be the rule rather than the
exception in forested podzol soil watersheds
developed on the granites and glacial tills west of
the Alpine Fault of the South Island of New Zealand.
S-1
-------
In Tasmania, there are corresponding west-to-east
gradients in climate, soil, and vegetation. Highly
acidic podzol soils and peats, and associated
acidophilic vegetation, occur in the moist and recently
glaciated, mountainous sensitive watersheds of the
west as do the acidic waters--37 percent of the
sampled surface waters have pH < 5.5, and
28 percent have pH < 5.0. No waters with pH < 5.0
occur in the nonglaciated and drier east. Overall,
10 percent of the 170 surveyed Tasmanian surface
waters have pH < 5.0.
Most reports of widespread and recent aquatic
acidification are not based on direct observation but
are the necessary conclusion of the fundamental
premise of accepted acidification theory; that is, in
the absence of acidic deposition, water chemistry of
sensitive watersheds is geologically controlled by
weathering of mineral bases that produces alkalinity.
However, this study suggests that near-surface
runoff through highly acidic, organic-rich materials is
not geologically controlled by weathering of mineral
bases in the absence of acidic deposition, but is
naturally controlled by organic and biologically
produced acids. It is suggested that the principal
effect of acidic deposition is the qualitative shift of
the nature of acidity (from organic and biologically
produced acids to H2SO4), rather than a large
quantitative increase in surface water acidity, as
predicted by theory.
Address inquiries on above information to:
Mr. Edward C. Krug
Illinois State Water Survey
2204 Griffin Drive
Champaign, Illinois 61820
(217) 333-7824
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental
Services operates several lake monitoring programs
5.00
72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89
3.00
Year
Figure S-1. Annual median precipitation pH values
for New Hampshire from 1972 through 1988.
designed to document the impacts of acidic
deposition. It has a continuous record of pH
measurements for precipitation beginning in 1972. An
updated summary by sensitivity category shows the
acidic rain status of New Hampshire lakes and
ponds (Table S-1). Figure s-1 is a graph depicting
the annual median precipitation pH values from 1972
through 1988.
The Department recently published a report entitlec '
"Acidity Status of Remote High Altitude Trout Ponds
in New Hampshire."
Address inquiries on above information to:
Mr. Robert H. Estabrook
State of New Hampshire
Water Supply and Pollution Control Commission
6 Hazen Drive
P.O. Box 95
Concord, New Hampshire 03301
Lake survevs
Sensitivity
Category
Summer
Range
No.
%
Winter
No.
%
Remote
ponds
Sorina
No.
%
Alkalinity
Acidified
Critical
Endangered
Highly sensitive
Sensitive
Not sensitive
Total
£ 0
> 0-2
>2-5
> 5-10
>10-20
> 20
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
mg/L
CaCO,*
CaCO,*
CaCO,*
CaCO,*
CaCO,*
CaC03*
8
68
163
170
64
18
"491
2
14
33
35
13
4
lol
9
77
142
154
46
19
447
2
17
32
34
10
4
"99
6
25
9
9
2
0
~51
12
49
18
18
4
0
101
PH
Acidified
Critical
Endangered
Satisfactory
Total
< 5
5.0-5.4
5.5-6
> 6
pH units
pH units
pH units
pH units
9
20
66
396
"491
2
4
13
81
loo
9
44
102
175
"330
3
13
31
53
loo
2
11
19
19
~51
4
22
37
37
loo
* To convert top eq/L, multiply these values by 20.
Table S-1. Acidic Rain Status of New Hampshire Lakes and Ponds 1976 - 1988
S-2
-------
AERP status
approaches have had limited success because of
logistical difficulties associated with sampling
unfamiliar systems. Therefore, a more intensive
approach is being employed at 5 streams in
Pennsylvania and 10 streams in New York. Biological
and chemical characterization will be conducted during
snowmelt and rainstorm events through means of
automated and manual sampling techniques.
Eastern Episodes-Goals of the Episodic Response
Project are to:
1. identify and quantify short-term acidic episodes in
4 to 5 streams in each of three regions-the
Northern Appalachian Plateau in Pennsylvania and
the Adirondack and Catskill mountains in New York
State-and describe biological responses to
episodes.
2. synthesize the results of the studies in these areas
into regional models that will describe and predict
both the chemical and biological effects of these
short-term events.
Research at the ERP sites proceeded throughout the
iter, although site access was limited due to
-xtreme freezing conditions. In spite of this difficulty,
a number of episodic events have been monitored and
ERP scientists are beginning to characterize the
duration and chemical components of acidic episodes
in these eastern regions. Consecutive spring storms
in Pennsylvania have resulted in the highest flows ever
recorded on these ERP study streams. Mortality was
observed in radio-tagged fish; those that survived
moved erratically and appeared to be very sick.
Bioassay experiments with trout had to be restarted
on three streams when more than 90% mortality
occurred. Bioassay mortality was also observed in
the Catskills region of New York, although the
episodes there were not as extreme as in
Pennsylvania.
Address inquiries concerning the ERP to:
Parker J. Wigington, Jr.
ERP Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 354
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 354
Regional Episodic and Acidic Manipulations Project
EAMJ--R.EAM is designed to provide data on the
effects of increased acidic deposition on surface
water quality following whole catchment manipulation.
At the Fernow Experimental Forest (administered by
the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service),
near Parsons, West Virginia, scientists are monitoring
the response of surface waters to acidification on
both chronic and episodic time scales.
Plans for acidic manipulation of the watershed are on
schedule. The first catchment manipulation was
completed in January via helicopter additions of dry
ammonium sulfate. Application rates are tailored to
the ambient wet deposition rate for the season and
are approximately three times the actual rate. In
January 7.06 kg S/ha were added, in May 21.17 kg
S/ha, and in September the researchers expect to add
7.06 kg S/ha.
Address inquiries concerning REAM to:
Timothy C. Strickland
REAM Technical Director
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 353
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 353
Temporally Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems
(TIME) Project
A major TIME objective is to identify trends in surface
water chemistry that may be related to acidic
deposition. An internal report, "Biological Monitoring
for Acidification Effects: Results of a U.S.-Canadian
Workshop," is complete and available for review. This
summary of the workshop and the eight papers
prepared for the workshop demonstrate that
biomonitoring can be cost effective for characterizing
subtle changes in acidification or recovery.
Compositional data on phytoplankton, periphyton,
zooplankton, benthic macroinvertebrates, and fish can
be used to construct response variables. Specific
combinations of variables will be recommended to
serve as (1) early warning signals of acidification or
recovery and (2) indicators of longer term chronic
ecological effects.
Several scientists are working on site selection and
classification. Other major directions include the draft
research plan and the draft data analysis plan, both
of which will specifically address biological aspects of
the project including issues related to geographical
representativeness.
-7-
-------
AERP status
Address inquiries concerning the TIME project to:
Jesse Ford
Technical Director
TIME/Long-term Monitoring
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666, ext. 442
FTS: 420-4666, ext. 442
SYNTHESIS AND INTEGRATION
ACTIVITIES
Regional Case Stud/es~S\r\ce acidic deposition was
identified in the 1970s as an important issue relative to
aquatic effects, much research has been conducted
by a variety of agencies, institutions, and universities.
This large body of information has not been analyzed
on an integrated, regional-scale basis. The Regional
Case Studies (RCS) Project synthesizes previously
existing information and newly acquired information
from the AERP to provide regional comparisons of
surface water quality (including chemistry and biology)
in areas of the United States identified as being
potentially sensitive to, changed by, or at risk because
of acidic deposition.
The major product of the RCS project is a book
entitled Acidic Deposition and Aquatic Ecosystems:
Regional Case Studies. Most of the book is devoted
to chapters that synthesize and integrate our
knowledge about the current and potential effects of
acidic deposition on lakes and streams in selected
regions of the United States where large percentages
of the surface waters have low acid neutralizing
capacity. Regions included in the analyses are the
Adirondack Mountains, Maine, the Catskill Mountains,
western Virginia, the Southern Blue Ridge, northern
Florida, the Upper Midwest (northern Minnesota,
Wisconsin, and Michigan), the Rocky Mountains, the
Sierra Nevada, and the Cascade Mountains. The
chapters discuss regional limnology, particularly the
current status of low-ANC lakes and streams, and the
relative importance of processes that control the acid-
base chemistry of surface water. The chapters are
being written by scientists currently doing research in
the regions. The National Surface Water Survey data
and other regional data sets are being analyzed.
Five introductory chapters provide background
information on processes that affect water chemistry
and how to assess their importance, a description of
methods for assessing long-term trends in water
chemistry, an analysis of effects on fish and other
biota, and the relevant geography of the case study
regions. Two concluding chapters provide a
synthesis, integration, and summary of information
presented in the case study chapters.
A major conclusion of the book is that the important
factors and processes controlling acid-base chemistry
of surface waters vary considerably among regions of
the United States.
Final versions of most chapter manuscripts were
completed near the end of March. With a publication
date set for early 1990, this document will support the
Aquatics State-of-Science reports for the National Acid
Precipitation Assessment Program.
Address inquiries concerning the RCS project to:
Donald F. Charles
RCS Project Coordinator
U.S. EPA Environmental Research Laboratory
200 SW 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 753-6221
FTS: 420-4666
1990 Report A?//V///es--Scientists in the Aquatic Effects
Research Program are playing a major role in the
preparation of the State of Science/Technology
(SOS/T) and Integrated Assessment (IA) for NAPAP.
The 1980 Congressional mandate that established
NAPAP, an interagency program, required periodic
assessments of the effects of acidic deposition on
the environment, including evaluations of the extent
and severity of the effects on lakes and streams. The
1990 IA, based on the information presented in the
SOS/T, fulfills this final obligation and represents the
conclusion of NAPAP.
The SOS/T is comprised of 28 reports that summarize
current knowledge and present state-of-the-art
analytical techniques for evaluating the relationship
between atmospheric emissions and acidic deposition;
the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic, terrestrial,
material, and cultural resources and on human health
and visibility; and the economics associated with
these effects. Seven of the 28 reports are specifically
related to the effects of acidic deposition on aquatic
resources and, collectively, are being authored by
scientists sponsored by the U.S. EPA, the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. Department of
Energy.
-8-
-------
s
AERP status
The IA is structured around five principal questions:
1. What are the effects of concern and what is the
relationship between acidic deposition/air pollutant
concentrations and these effects?
2. What is the relationship between emissions of
precursor pollutants and acidic deposition/air
concentrations of pollutants?
3. What is the sensitivity to change (i.e., change in
effects with incremental deposition changes)?
4. What are the estimates of future conditions with
and without new emissions reduction strategies?
5. What differences emerge from comparative
evaluations of future illustrative scenarios?
The NAPAP Aquatic Effects Task Group, led by EPA,
with major efforts by the Aquatic Effects Research
Program, will contribute answers principally to
Questions 1, 3, 4, and 5.
The Aquatics Task Group will address Question 1 by
roviding an integrated assessment of the current and
Historical status of the effects of acidic deposition on
aquatic systems (including regional patterns in the
chemistry of surface waters and associated fish
populations) and the processes important in
controlling surface water acidification and recovery.
For Question 3, the various types of models used to
project future status of aquatic resources will examine
the sensitivity to changes in sulfur deposition inputs,
i.e., how different are model outputs (projections)
given incremental changes in sulfur deposition ranging
from an increase of 20% over current deposition levels
to a decrease of 50%?
Question 4 will be addressed by projecting the future
conditions of aquatic resources under two
assumptions: (1) current policy on emissions control
is maintained and (2) reductions occur in emissions of
sulfur dioxide (a principal precursor to acidic
deposition). For the second assumption, various
illustrative strategies for emissions reduction will be
evaluated.
Question 5, an integrated evaluation of the results of
Question 4, will compare and contrast the outcomes
of projected changes in aquatic resources under
different deposition scenarios. Examples of the types
of responses currently under consideration for the
analyses include changes in fish populations and
extent, magnitude, and rate of changes in pH and acid
neutralizing capacity in lakes in the East and Upper
Midwest and streams in the Middle Atlantic and
Southeast.
The SOS/T, as presently planned, will be presented for
review at an International Conference in February
1990. The final reports are scheduled for publication
in mid-1990. The production schedule for the IA is
concurrent with that for the SOS/T, with publication of
the final document scheduled for September 1990.
For information on the SOS/T and I A, contact:
D. McKenzie
Chairman, Aquatic Effects Task Group
EPA/Environmental Research Laboratory-Corvallis
200 S.W. 35th Street
Corvallis, Oregon 97333
(503) 757-4666
FTS: 420-4666
Technical Information Project-The efforts of the
Technical Information Project, as part of the AERP
synthesis and integration activities, are discussed in
detail in the feature article beginning on page 2.
-9-
-------
THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY
BLANK
-------
AERP status
If you would like to receive any of the following
AERP products, please check the appropriate
box(es) and fill in your name and address below.
MAJOR REPORT/COMPANION DOCUMENTS
Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I
Major Report - Characteristics of Lakes in the Eastern United
States
Volumes Mil 4007
Volume I 4007a
Volume II 4007b
Volume III 4007c
Quality Assurance Plan 4008
Analytical Methods Manual 4009
Field Operations Report 4010
Quality Assurance Report 4011
Western Lake Survey - Phase I
Major Report - Characteristics of Lakes in the Western United
States
Volumes MI 3054
Volume I (out of print) 3054a
Volume II 3054b
Quality Assurance Plan 8026
Analytical Methods Manual 8038
Field Operations Report 8018
Quality Assurance Report 4037
National Stream Survey - Phase I
Major Report - Characteristics of Streams in the Mid-Atlantic
and Southeastern United States
Volumes MI 3021
Volume I 3021 a
Volume II 3021b
Pilot Survey Major Report 4026
Pilot Survey Field Operations Report 8019
Quality Assurance Plan 4044
Field Operations Report 4023
Processing Laboratory Report 4025
Quality Assurance Report 4018
Direct/Delayed Response Project
* Quality Assurance Report
Southern Blue Ridge Province
DATA BASES
Western Lake Survey - Phase I Data
Base (Special order form will be sent) .
Eastern Lake Survey - Phase I Data
Base (Special order form will be sent) .
HANDBOOKS
Handbook of Methods for Acid Deposition
Studies, Laboratory Analyses for Surface
Water Chemistry
8100
4027 -
4032
PROJECT DESCRIPTORS
Research Activity Descriptors, FY 1988 .
* Research Activity Descriptors, FY 1989 .
ABSTRACTS
Biennial Publications and Presentations
Journal. 1985-86
3026
9006
9059
9007
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Return to:
CERI, AERP Publications
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
26 W. Martin Luther King Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268
Publications listed for the first time.
-11-
-------
Uprted Stater Center for Environmental Research
Environments .election Information , PATF
'Agency Cincinnati OH 45268 POSTAGE & FEES PAID
EPA
PERMIT No. G-35
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use, $300
EPA/600/M-89/Olb
------- |