EPA -908/2-78-001
WATER & AIR QUALITY
TRENDS IN REGION 8
UNITED STATES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY
DENVER, COLORADO 80295
-------
EPA-908/2-78-001
WATER AND AIR QUALITY TRENDS
IN
REGION VIII
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Data Analysis Branch
Surveillance and Analysis Division
Denver, Colorado 80295
March 1978
-------
DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Surveillance and Analysis
Division, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII, and approved
for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not
constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
Document is available to the public through the National Technical
Information Service, Springfield, Virginia 22161.
-------
ABSTRACT
Water and air quality trends and summaries were determined for the
six states in Region VIII. These states are Colorado, Montana, North
Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
Only the data on EPA's "ational Data Banks were used. The STORET
data bank was used for the water quality analysis and the SAROAD base was
used for the air analysis.
The water quality status and trends were calculated and reported in
two ways; (1) as single parameter percentages of standard or criteria
violations, and (2) as a single "index" number derived as the aggregate
of percentage violations of four parameter groups.
The air quality report provides information where quality standards
are achieved as well as areas which still have significant problems.
Indices are used where appropriate.
This report was not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of cause
and affect relationships.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Abstract i
List of Figures iv
List of Tables v
SECTION I - Water Quality Report 1
Introduction 3
Summary and Findings 4
Oxygen Related Group 5
Bacteria 7
Nitrogen 9
Phosphorus 11
Total Dissolved Solids 13
Group Summary as a Water Quality Index 15
Description of the Water Quality Index 17
Basin Discussions 21
Colorado
Arkansas River 22
Colorado River 25
Rio Grande River 27
South Platte River 29
Montana
Big Horn River 32
Clark Fork River 34
Missouri River 37
Powder River 40
Yellowstone River 42
North Dakota
James River 45
Missouri River 47
Red River of the North 49
Souris River 51
South Dakota
Big Sioux River 54
Cheyenne River 50
James River 55
Missouri River 59
ii
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
Utah
Bear River 72
Green River 74
Jordan River 76
Weber River 78
Wyoming
Green River 80
North Platte River 82
Powder River 85
Wind-Big Horn Rivers 88
SECTION II - Air Quality Report 91
Introduction 93
Region-wide Summary 96
Status 100
Trends 101
State Summaries 102
APPENDICES 117
(Water)
A. State Water Quality Standards Utilized in Water Quality
Index Program 119
B. State Water Quality Standards 122
(Air)
C. National Ambient Air Quality Standards 132
D. Breakpoints for Pollutant Standards Index 134
E. Procedures Used to Construct Indices and Judge Trends. . 136
iii
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figures SECTION I - Water Quality Page
1. Standards/Criteria Violations —
Oxygen Related Group 6
2. Standards/Criteria Violations —
Bacteria 8
3. Relative Concentrations of Nitrogen 10
4. Relative Concentrations of Phosphorus 12
5. Standards/Criteria Violations — TDS 14
6. Water Quality of Major Streams in Region VIII 16
SECTION II - Air Quality
1. Status of Air Quality by County 99
2. Status and Trends in Air Quality - Colorado 103
3. Status and Trends in Air Quality - Montana 104
4. Status and Trends in Air Quality - North Dakota 105
5. Status and Trends in Air Quality - South Dakota 106
6. Status and Trends in Air Quality - Utah 107
7. Status and Trends in Air Quality - Wyoming 108
8a. Number of Days over TSP Primary Standard by Severity. . . 109
8b. Number of Days over Standard by Severity 110
iv
-------
LIST OF TABLES
TABLE PAGE
1 Summary of Air Monitoring in Region VIII in 1976 98
-------
SECTION I
WATER QUALITY REPORT
-------
-------
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this report is to present summaries and trends for
STORET resident data collected at active data-rich monitoring stations
located on the major stream segments of Region VIII.
The trend data for this analysis which represents observations made
during subsequent time periods was selected so as to provide for a two-
year overlap, to aid in eliminating some of the bias that might arise
because of year-to-year flow differentials.
The first period of study was from January 1, 1971 to December 31,
1974. The second period began January 1, 1973 and ended December 31, 1976.
This report does not attempt to classify or precisely determine
stream quality or to analyze detailed cause and effect relationships. It
attempts, rather, to impart a sense of status and trend (i.e. improvement,
degradation, etc.,) by comparing simple mathematical ratios of water
quality violations to water quality observations in successive time periods.
Data are summarized and reported in two ways; (1), as a single para-
meter percentage of standard or criteria violations, and (2), as a single
"index" number derived as the product of percentage violations of several
parametric groups.
This effort to organize and manipulate water data by completely
divorcing it from existing knowledge of geography, hydrology, or land use
practices (except where unavoidably obvious) and considering only
numerical variations, is the logical first step in the statistical approach
towards a total environmental related water quality analysis.
-------
SUMMARY AND FINDINGS
The discussion in this section reports results for the four pollutant
groups analyzed in the study. It includes information about their
predominance in the main streams of the region and their combined effect
on overall water quality as represented by the Region VIII Water Quality
Index.
The groups are:
Oxygen Related
Bacteria
Nutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus)
TDS
-------
Oxygen Related Group
Group Effects and Characteristics
The oxygen related group is generally more significant and applicable
to streams passing through populous areas where wastes are present in the
water. The two interrelated parameters comprising this group are:
Dissolved Oxygen (DO): The availability of high dissolved oxygen con-
centration in a stream is a measure of good quality and indicates that the
water can adequately support aquatic life and rapid bacteria propagation for
assimilating wastes quickly.
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) : This measurement indicates the amount
of oxygen that is being used in the stabilization of organic matter by
microorganisms. The higher the BOD load the more dissolved oxygen is
required and this in turn lowers the dissolved oxygen concentration.
Findings
Problems are apparent at several stream segments in the region (see
Figure 1). The analysis indicates that the Jordan River below Salt Lake
City, Utah has the highest percentage of oxygen related violations. Although
data of the U.S. Geological Survey continuous monitoring station at their
Henderson station on the South Platte River is not in STORET, the USGS re-
ported that dissolved oxygen concentration dropped below 5 mg/1 practically
every day of the year. These violations are probably caused by the large
number of municipal treatment plants found along the two stream segments
that are located within large metropolitan areas. Other stream segments in
the region (shown in yellow) indicate marginal problems which are probably
caused by municipal treatment plants and livestock wastes draining into
the stream.
-------
I
I
Trends
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Figure 1. Standards/Criteria Violations -- Oxygen Related Group.
-------
Bacteria
Group Effects and Characteristics
The parameters reviewed for this group are total coliform and fecal
coliform. Presence of fecal organisms in the stream is indicative of sewage
or pollution from warm-blooded animals, including man.
Findings
Figure 2 illustrates a substantial number of problem segments in the
Region. The significant problem areas are located mainly below municipali-
ties. Most of the minor problem segments shown in yellow can be char-
acterized as being impacted from municipal wastewater treatment facilities,
drainage from areas containing livestock, and irrigation return flows
containing manure fertilizers.
-------
* KJ5L T * -^1
—"-H. I I
^ V
t
Trends
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Figure 2. Standards/Criteria Violations -- Bacteria,
8
-------
Nitrogen
Group Effects and Characteristics
Municipal wastewater discharges, livestock wastes and fertilizers
that have been applied to irrigated fields are the main contributors of
nitrogen concentrations in the stream. Various forms of nitrogen are eval-
uated in the index calculations. Excessive concentrations of most nitrogen
forms have deleterious effects on biotic life yet each stream segment
requires independent analysis to determine its limiting characteristics.
Nitrogen and phosphorus when in certain combination can pose a eutrophica-
tion hazard to relatively slow moving bodies of water along a stream
course.
Findings
The map shown in Figure 3 illustrates the relative differences in
nitrogen concentrations found in waters in Region VIII. The flow of
nutrient rich irrigation return is the primary contributor to poor stream
quality for those segments of the South Platte River, Arkansas River, and
the Colorado River.
-------
! C O lG RAD
Aw"
* »W IMIV
UTAH
If . 5 -v.n
:,„ /Uv'-'-N^i "'
- ^r.ii'*'
Average
Concentrations
(Me/1)
Low
Medium
High
Trends
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Figure 3. Relative Concentrations of Nitrogen in Major Streams of Region VIII
10
-------
Phosphorus
Group Effects and Characteristics
Perhaps the most important characteristic of phosphorus is that it
can stimulate algal production in the presence of nitrogen and carbon.
Findings
The map shown in Figure 4 illustrates that the presence of phosphorus
is detected in all Regional streams in varying concentrations. The map also
suggests that the contribution of phosphorus is principally due to natural
sources. A recent publication from our Corvallis laboratory!/ states that
there seems to be little or no relationship between geologic formations and
phosphorus derivations. Our findings suggest a definite relationship
between phosphorus concentrations and the geology in Region VIII. This does
not, however, negate the fact that loadings from irrigation returns are
highly significant.
— Omernik, J.M., "Nonpoint Source-Stream Nutrient Level Relationships:
A Nationwide Study," EPA-600/3-77-105, Environmental Research
Laboratory, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Corvallis, Oregon
97330.
11
-------
r*nr
cm
_
UTAH
Average
Concent radons
(Mg/1)
Low
Medium
High
I
Trends
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Figure 4. Relative Concentrations of Phosphorus in Major Streams of Region VIII
12
-------
Total Dissolved Solids (IDS)
Group Effects and Characteristics
Total Dissolved Solids is the measure of nongaseous minerals in
solution in water - its relative "saltiness" or "hardness." Hardness
effects water taste and causes increased costs for water softening and
shortened life expectancies of household plumbing and appliances. High
concentrations of TDS in the streams are of utmost concern to agricultural
irrigators. These high concentrations also decrease crop yields in addi-
tion to taking land out of production where excessive salts have accumula-
ted in the soil.
Findings
The map of TDS Standards/Criteria Violations (Figure 5) shows the
predominance of violations determined for the streams of the Region.
13
-------
UTAH
I
Trtnds
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Figure 5. Standards/Criteria Violations — Total Dissolved Solids (IDS)
14
-------
Group Summary as a Water Quality Index
The rationale for the index derivation is discussed in a separate
section. The water quality index actually represents the product of the
percentages of violations for the five pollutant groups that were previously
discussed. A map illustrating index values for the Regional Waters is shown
in Figure 6.
The range of index values utilized in developing the descriptive map
is as follows:
0-5 Infrequent water quality problems
5-15 Intermediate and/or intermittent water quality problems
15-100 Significant water quality problems
15
-------
™/
>^,-'*w •
w&'.r _"'.
Significant Improvement
Significant Degradation
Infrequent Water Quality Problems
Intermediate and/or Intermittent
Water Quality Problems
Significant Water Quality Problems
Insufficient Data
Figure 6. Water Quality of Major Streams in Region VIII.
16
-------
DESCRIPTION OF THE WATER QUALITY INDEX
The Region VIII Water Quality Index was developed primarily in
response to the water quality assessment requirements placed upon the region
by Section 305(b) of P.L. 92-500. This index utilizes some of the conceptual
ideas developed by (1) The National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) for its
Water Quality Index used in the publication "Water Quality Index Application
in the Kansas River Basin" and (2) EPA's Region X in its "Water Quality
Index." These concepts tempered with experience and knowledge of the
geography, geology, hydrology and land use in Region VIII allowed the emer-
gence of a simple, easily understood method for qualifying regional streams
which also considered the regions unique water data characteristics.
Rationale for Parameter Group Selection and Equal Weighting
After examining several indexing systems the idea of giving equal
weights to each of 4 parameter groups was adopted. Weights developed for
the NSF index were used as a reference for the equal weight assignments.
Group 1, the oxygen related group, consists of D.O. and BOD which have
NSP weights of (0.17) and (0.11) respectively for a group total of (0.28).
This weight was reduced to (0.25) for Region VIIl's use since few D.O. and
BOD violations occur in the main stems monitored by fixed sampling stations.
Group 2, consists of total coliform (0.0) and fecal coliform (0.16)
with a combined NSF weighting of (0.16). This weighting was considered to
be much too low for the Region Index since total coliform, a significant
indicator for both point and nonpoint sources was completely neglected
in the NSF assessment. Group 2 is weighted at (0.25).
17
-------
It was felt that Group 3, consisting of nitrogen (0.10) and phosphorus
(0.10) was weighted low. Since the nutrient problem is a function of the
availability of both Nitrogen and Phosphorus they were weighted equally at
(0.125). The NSF Group 3 total weight was raised to (0.25) because of the
over abundance of natural phosphorus and nitrogen in this region and due to
the National Water Quality Assessment of 1972, highlighting nutrient enrich-
ment as the number one water quality problem.
Group 4, a combination of total solids and turbidity, represented by NSF
weights of (0.07) and (0.08) respectively, was considered as being weighted
too low at (0.15). These parameters are related to a number of different
land use practices which are not readily resolvable and apparently are
worsening year by year. The Group 4 weight was raised to (0.25).
Index Calculations
After screening the data for outlying values and attempting to rectify
other data discrepancies that are obvious and immediately recognizable, the
percentage of criteria or standards violations of each group is calculated.
These values are then raised to the even weighted 0.25 power from which a
single product, the Water Quality Index, was computed.
(% violations) {.25 '(% violations)
DO + BOD + ! BAC-T
.25 (% violations) 1.125 (% violations)
+ I NITROGEN I + I PHOSPHORUS
.125
'"
Since each group expressed as a percentage must range from 0-100 and the sum
of the fractional exponents is 1 the WQI must have a value from 1 (best) to
100 (worst) .
18
-------
If a group violation percentage was less than 1, or if it had no
violations, it was set to 1 to prevent the group product from being less than
1.
Roughly, a Water Quality Index of 10 corresponds to a station where
violation of state standards or criteria occurs 10 percent of the time in each
group.
19
-------
20
-------
BASIN DISCUSSIONS
Discussions of the analytical results obtained for each of the
principal streams in the Region are contained in this section according
to State and in alphabetic order.
The discussion treats individual stream pollutants in each first and
then an aggregate of these pollutants is computed as the water quality
index. Trends in the data are discussed whenever appropriate.
21
-------
ARKANSAS RIVER
COLORADO
Reach
1. Headwaters to Canon City,
Colorado
2. Canon City, Colorado to CO.-KS,
state line
Use
Unlimited Man
Cold Water Fish
Unlimited Man
Warm Water Fish
Classification
B-l
B-2
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
Violations were only evident at the Nepesta station where 3 violations
were noted in 178 observations.
Bacteria
Significant violations of this group appeared at the Nepesta station.
Although this station is forty miles downstream from the City of Pueblo,
Colorado, the City is probably responsible for the violations. Sub-
stantial improvement is noted for the latter time period (see graph below),
which can probably be credited to the NPDES Program.
^ 75
i i ' -*
c
cu
o
CO
ti
o
o
•rl
50
25
cd
a)
1971-74
1973-76
4-1
•H
0
C!
0
e
cd
o
•o
c
cd
.H
4J
u
o
Pn
O
^-(
J3
0)
3
0,
cd
4J
CO
01
a,
QJ
Flow
C!
CO
cd
cd
S
C
O
*-J
Lamar
c
•rH
O
O
22
-------
Nitrogen
The percentage of violations above Pueblo, Colorado, were 25 percent, but
at the Nepesta station and downstream to the Colorado-Kansas state line the
violations were about 98 percent. The municipal wastewater treatment
facility at Pueblo probably starts off the high loading. Other towns and
agricultural activities do their share to sustain this load. No trends were
discernible.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations at the Nepesta station were about 95 percent. Up-
stream and downstream from this point the violations were between 40 and 70
percent. The most significant change noted for the two time periods was the
decrease of violations from 79 percent to 37 percent recorded at the Salida
station.
TDS
Violations in this group ranges between 40 percent to 97 percent for
the segment between Nepesta and the Colorado-Kansas state line. A 6 percent
decrease in violations were noted for the latter time period.
Other
The presence of total iron, manganese and zinc in the river were noted
at the first station near the headwaters (below Leadville). The concentra-
tions (pg/1) were:
23
-------
Violations
Observations
Minimum
Mean
Maximum
Fe
total
9
15
40
573
1000
Mn
total
12
13
0
234
610
Zn
total
12
13
0
557
1200
The concentrations diminish a small amount downstream but rise again near
the Town of Portland. The maximum total iron concentration at the Colorado-
Kansas state line was 7700 mg/1.
Index Analysis
The index values above the City of Pueblo, Colorado, were less than 4.
Below the station at Nepesta and all the way downstream to the Colorado-
Kansas state line the values were about 20. Generally, the index values for
the latter time period were about 10 percent lower than for the first time
period.
24
-------
COLORADO RIVER
COLORADO
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to Grand Valley, Unlimited Man B-l
Colorado Cold Water Fishery
2. Grand Valley, Colorado to Unlimited Man B-2
CO.-UT. state line Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
No violations were observed.
Bacteria
Percentage of violations of 18 percent and 23 percent were observed at
Fruita, Colorado and Loma, Colorado, respectively for the latter time
period. These violations can only be associated with discharges from the
municipal and wastewater treatment facilities. The above violations were a
change of 40 percent less than observed for the first period.
Nitrogen
For the latter time period, the percentage violations above Grand Junc-
tion, Colorado, were about 7 percent, but at Fruita, Colorado, the violations
were 65 percent. Causes of this load can be to some extent attributed to the
municipal wastewater treatment plants from the various towns. Although
this section includes the Grand Valley where there is extensive irrigation
for orchards, it does not seem that applied fertilizers would contribute as
heavily to the nitrogen load as would be expected for the South Platte and
25
-------
and Arkansas basins, but the results appears to be about the same. The
Gunnison River also joins the Colorado River at Grand Junction and this tri-
butary carries a significant nitrogen load.
Phosphorus Related Group
Violations for this group were first apparent at the Hot Sulphur Springs
station. This station is located about 20 miles downstream from the head-
waters. There were 23 Ortho PC>4 violations per 45 observations. Downstream
from this station the percentage of violations fluctuated between 14 percent
and 87 percent.
Index Analysis
The index values for the latter time period were 16 percent less than
the values for the first time period.
TDS
The appearance of high TDS concentrations became noticeable in the index
at the state's Dotsero station. The concentrations continue to rise down-
stream. The statistics for the state station at Loma were 283 mg/1 minimum,
783 mg/1 mean, and 1442 mg/1 maximum.
Index Analysis
The index values for the segment above Dotsero Springs, Colorado, were
below 3, but the values were from 26 to 45 percent higher for the latter time
period. At New Castle, Colorado, the index was 9. No trends could be deter-
mined for the river below Dotsero Springs because some stations would show
improvement whereas the next station downstream would show degradation.
26
-------
RIO GRANDE RIVER
COLORADO
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to CO.-NM. state line Unlimited Man B-l
Cold Water Fish
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
At the Lobatos, Colorado station, 4 percent violations (2 violations per 57
observations) were noted for the first time period but no violations occurred
during the latter time period.
Bacteria Related Group
The largest number of violations noted were observed by the State at their
Manassa station where 6 violations per 50 observations (12 percent) were recorded
for both time periods. The City of Alamosa and other communities may be the
source of this load although the concentrations are comparatively low (697 mpn/
100 ml mean and 4600 mpn/100 ml maximum).
Nitrogen Related Group
The violations noted at Alamosa and the downstream stations vary between 1
percent and 10 percent. The USGS noted one violation of N02+N03 in 21 observa-
tions at their Lobatos station.
Phosphorus Related Group
High percentage violations occurred at all the water quality stations in
the valley. The average was 90 percent. It appears that the phosphorus
27
-------
load was initially picked up near the headwaters and the load is being carried
downstream.
Physical Related Group
The only item of note is the decrease in the percentage of violations from
10 percent to 1 percent for the two respective time periods. The mean TDS con-
centrations at Lobatos was 194 mg/1 and the maximum recorded was 338 mg/1.
Other
Extensive mining activities occur in the San Juan Mountains. Hence, the
influence of this area on the river is evident because of the presence of trace
metals in the analyzed samples. Some concentrations (ng/1) noted are as follows:
Violations
Observations
Min imum
Mean
Maximum
Cd
total
6
8
0
8
10
Fe
total
8
8
340
980
2500
Hg.
diss.
2
8
0.0
0.17
1.00
Hg
total
2
8
0.0
0.29
1.70
Mn
diss.
4
16
0
41
130
Pb
total
7
8
5
88
100
Index Analysis
An index value of less than 5 was calculated for portions of the Rio Grande
River below Alamosa, Colorado. Insufficient data above this station did not
permit the calculations of an index number for the upper segment of the river.
28
-------
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
COLORADO
Reach Use Classification
1. Fairplay, Colorado to Exposition Unlimited Man B-l
Avenue, (Denver, Colorado) Cold Water Fish
2. Exposition Avenue, (Denver, Unlimited Man B-2
Colorado) to CO.-NB. state line Warm Water Fish
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
Percent of violations were in the order of 40 percent between the 88th
Avenue station in Denver, Colorado, and the Henderson, Colorado station. With-
in this reach the violations for the latter time period were 5 percent lower
than the first time period. The USGS continuous monitoring station at
Henderson, recorded Dissolved Oxygen concentrations dropped below 5.0 mg/1
almost every day of the year. Violations for the remainder of the river never
exceeded 2 percent.
29
-------
Bacteria
The percentage of violations for the main-stem are shown in the graph
below.
100
Percent
Violations
75
50
25
en
t-i
0)
4J
(0
•g
n)
0)
1971-74 ~
C!
0
o
(0
P
0
0)
4-»
CO
00
M
XI
10
HI
The violations begin with the municipal wastewater treatment plants lo-
cated in the southern edge of the Denver metropolitan area. These violations
are further sustained all the way downstream from sources such as "liquid
manure" applied to fields for fertilizers and the numerous feedlots located
along the river. The graph for the latter time period could indicate an
improvement due to the impact of the NPDES permit program.
Nitrogen
High violations in the order of 78 percent were first noticed at the
Dartmouth Avenue Station in Denver, Colorado. The percentage of violations
increased to 97 percent and remained at that level all the way to Sterling
30
-------
where the percentages dropped to 76 percent. From where the violations first
became noticeable the cause is pointed to the municipal wastewater treat-
ment plants beginning at Littleton, Colorado. Fertilizers, especially the
manure applied to the fields from the numerous feedlots, have to be
responsible for much of this nitrogen load. The overall improvement in
trend varied between 2 and 9 percent reduction in violations.
Phosphorus
Violations for the segment from Littleton, Colorado, to the Colorado-
Nebraska state line were about 100 percent for the two time periods.
IDS and Turbidity
Violations for this group were between 60 and 70 percent between Denver
and the Colorado-Nebraska state line. No violations were observed above
Denver.
Index Analysis
Index values for the segment above the City of Littleton, Colorado,
were 3.5 and 2.5 for the two time periods. Downstream, from this station to
the Colorado-Nebraska state line, the index values were over 20. The
maximum value was 62 at the 124th Avenue station in Denver. The overall
index values for the latter time period were about 5 percent lower than the
first time period.
31
-------
BIG HORN RIVER
MONTANA
Reach Use Classification
1. Wyoming Border to Williams Unlimited Man B,D1
Coulee below Hardin Cold Water Fishery
2. Williams Coulee below Unlimited Man B,D2
Hardin to the Yellowstone Cold Water Fishery
River
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No violations were observed for either period at any point in either
reach.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
A bacteria violation percentage of 7 percent was observed along both
reaches for the second period. The Hardin station showed an improvement in
bacterial quality by a decrease from 20 percent to 7 percent violations be-
tween the two periods.
Nitrogen
No nitrogen violations were observed for either period at any station
along both reaches except for 3 violations out of 58 samples for the second
period at the St. Xavier station.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations for both reaches rose from 35 percent for the
32
-------
first period to 46 percent during the second period. The Big Horn station
showed a major decline in phosphorus quality indicated by an increase of
violations from 27 percent for the first period to 59 percent for the second
period.
TDS-Turbidity
Overall TDS-turbidity violations decreased from 80 percent for the first
period to 60 percent for the second period. The Big Horn station had viola-
tions of 50 percent for both periods. This was the lowest percentage of
violation along either reach.
Other
Heavy metals samples showed a high percent of violations at Big Horn,
Montana. Only a small amount of heavy metal samples were taken at Big Horn
during the first period. During the second period, samples were numerous
and indicated cadmium had a 44 percentage of violations and zinc 32 percent.
Probable Causes
Irrigation uses in Wyoming and Montana affect water quality as well as
Big Horn Lake (an upstream reservoir).
Index Analysis
The index decreased slightly from 9 to 8 for the two periods. This
would indicate that the quality had no major change. Due to the lack of
data at the St. Xavier station the quality effect of water coming from
Yellowstone Reservoir could not be ascertained. The Big Horn station just
upstream of the confluence bith the Yellowstone River showed some decline
in quality (4 to 7 index).
33
-------
CLARK FORK RIVER
MONTANA
Reach Use Classification
1. Warm Springs Creek to Cottonwood Limited Man C,D2
Creek Cold Water Fishery
2. Cottonwood Creek to the Little Limited Man C,D1
Blackfoot River Cold Water Fishery
3. Little Blackfoot River to the Idaho Unlimited Man B,D1
Border Cold Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No violations of the oxygen parameters were observed for either period
along the three reaches.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations for the upper segment (Galen-Deer Lodge) of Reach 1
became higher between the first and second period (21 percent to 30 percent).
Progressing down the river the quality continued to improve till it reached a
no violation level at Thompson Falls.
Nitrogen
Violations for the Galen-Deer Lodge segment of Reach 1 increased at both
the Galen and Deer Lodge stations for the two time periods. Galen had a rise
from 8 percent violations to 17 percent violations and Deer Lodge had no viola-
tions for the first period with 10 percent violations for the second period.
34
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations decreased at all the stations along the reaches from
the first to the second period. The violations became less numerous progressing
downstream from Galen. The violation percentage was from a high of 83 percent
for the last period at Galen to a low of 50 percent for the last period at
Thompson Falls.
TDS-Turbidity
Quality was noted to improve progessively downstream from Galen. Galen
had 100 percent violations, Deer Lodge 56 percent and the Missoula-Thompson
Falls segment of Reach 2 had no violations for the last period. A major de-
cline in TDS-turbidity quality occurred between the periods at Galen, 61
percent to 100 percent violations.
Other
Numerous heavy metal violations occurred in all the reaches during the
first period but no heavy metal samples were taken during the second period.
Probable Causes
Copper mining and refining activities at Butte and Anaconda contribute to
the metals problems in the upper portion of Reach 1. Inactive mines in that
area also add to the metal and TDS violations. Major STP's probably cause
the bacteria problems at Galen and Deer Lodge.
35
-------
Index Analysis
The upstream area consisting of Galen and Deer Lodge stations (Reach
1) has considerable more violations than the downstream segment (Reaches
2 and 3) from Missoula to the Idaho border. The overall index rose from 13
for the first period to 19 in the second period for the Galen-Deer Lodge seg-
ment of Reach 1. For the same time period, the index for the Missoula-Thompson
Falls segment (Reaches 2 and 3) remained low. An index of 3 for both periods
was calculated for this segment.
36
-------
MISSOURI RIVER
MONTANA
Reach
1. Headwaters to the Sun River
2. Rainbow Dam to Fort Peck
3. Fort Peck to the Milk
River
4. Milk River to the North
Dakota Border
Use
Unlimited Man
Cold Water Fishery
Unlimited Man
Cold Water Fishery
Unlimited Man
Cold Water Fishery
Unlimited Man
Cold Water Fishery
Classification
B,D1
B,D3
B,D2
B,D3
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No violation in oxygen criterion was noted in any of the reaches.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
The segment of Reach 1 between the headwaters and Townsend showed a
slight increase in violations (4 to 8 percent). Only at the Fort Benton sta-
tion was a sizeable improvement in water quality noted. The percentages of
violation went from 36 to 11 percent between the periods. No violation
occurred at/or downstream of Zortman for reaches 2, 3 and 4.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations were noted only from the headwaters to Zortman and
these were no greater than 7 percent for either time period and any station in
the reaches. No violations occurred in Reaches 3 and 4 from Fort Peck to the
Montana-North Dakota border.
37
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations remained constant for the two periods. From
the headwaters to Fort Benton the percentages of violation were from 85 to
100 percent. In the portion of the river from Zortman to Fort Peck the
violations dropped drastically to less than 10 percent. Then the viola-
tions rose steadily in the portion of the river from Fort Peck Dam to the
Montana-North Dakota border. At Culbertson, near the Montana-North Dakota
border, it had risen to 65 percent.
TDS-Turbidity
IDS violations were not greater than 7 percent for Reaches 1 and 2.
These reaches extend from the headwaters to below Fort Peck Dam. However,
at Culbertson the percentages of violation rose to 24 percent for the
second period.
Other
The heavy metals, consisting of cadmium, zinc, lead and manganese,
showed violations which occurred intermittently for both time periods at
several stations along all the reaches. These violations were as high as
45 percent for some of the metals at several stations.
Probable Causes
Abondoned mines in Reach 1 can cause some of the severe metal problems,
Industrial, irrigation, and municipal uses in the Great Falls-Fort Benton
portion of the river account for the water quality being slightly poorer
than the quality of water in the downstream areas of the reaches.
38
-------
Index Analysis
The index values for both periods remained low. The general index
range was from 1 to 6. Only the part of the river from the headwaters to
Fort Benton had an index value as high as 6.
39
-------
POWDER RIVER
MONTANA
Reach Use Classification
1. Wyoming Border to the Unlimited Man B,D3
Yellowstone River Cold Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
The oxygen violation percentage remained the same for both periods
at less than 2 percent.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations for the first period amounted to 21 percent. No
bacteriological samples were taken the second period.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations remained the same for both periods at 9 percent.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations declined slightly from 100 percent in the
first period to 89 percent in the second period.
TDS-Turbidity
TDS-turbidity violations for the reach declined slightly between
the two periods. (100 percent to 88 percent).
Other
Heavy metals were high and in most cases showed an increasing percent
40
-------
of violations from period one to period two. Cadmium went from 0 to 90
percent violations, lead 4 to 67 percent and zinc 21 to 56 percent.
Mercury violations remain high at 50 percent.
Probable Causes
Natural runoff and irrigation diversion appear to be the major
factors influencing violations.
Index Analysis
Only one station, at Moorhead, was monitored within this reach.
The index dropped from 13 to 7 but no bacteriological data were present
in the second period. This biases the index to a lower value. Had the
bacteria violations for the second period been the same percent as the
first period, the index would be 16. This suggests little improvement
occurred in quality between the periods.
41
-------
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
MONTANA
Reach Use Classification
1. Yellowstone Park to Laurel Unlimited Man B,D1
WTP Cold Water Fishery
2. Laurel WTP to Billings WTP Unlimited Man B,D2
Cold Water Fishery
3. Billings WTP to North Unlimited Man B,D3
Dakota Border Cold Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No violations were observed for either period. The range of dissolved
oxygen was from 7 to 13.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
The segment upstream of the Laurel WTP station (Reach 1) showed a
Decrease in violations from 23 percent the first period to 17 percent the
second period. However, the segment downstream of Billings (Reach 3)
showed an increase from 33 percent to 41 percent violations between the
periods. The Huntley station, approximately 10 miles downstream of
Billings showed an increase of violations from 65 to 84 percent between the
two periods. This rate decreased downstream till it reached less than 15
percent violations at Sydney.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations for both periods were from 0 to 5 percent along all
42
-------
the reaches except for the station at Billings. This station showed a
higher number of violations (16 percent for both periods).
Phosphorus
In a fashion similar to the bacteria violations in the reaches, a
violation decrease from 59 percent the first period to 40 percent the second
period was noted in Reach 1 at and above the Laurel WTP. Reach 3, below the
Billings WTP, showed a sizeable increase in violations from 53 percent the
first period to 74 percent the second period. At Corwin Springs 85 per-
cent violations occurred, possibly due to natural sources at Yellowstone
Lake. Billings and Miles City had a significant rise in violations. The
two time periods showed a violation increase from 32 to 48 percent viola-
tions for Billings and 34 to 57 percent violations for Miles City.
TDS-Turbidity
The overall TDS-turbidity violation percentages remained almost the
same for both time periods. Violations of less than 15 percent occurred
in Reach 1, Reach 2 and the portion of Reach 3 upstream of the confluence
with the Big Horn River. Downstream the violations rose to 35 percent.
The Big Horn River had TDS-turbidity violations of greater than 50 percent.
The Powder River, which had violations over 50 percent, causes the viola-
tions downstream of the confluence with the Yellowstone to rise to 57
percent for the second period.
Other
Heavy metal violations occurred for both time periods in Reach 3,
the part of the river from Billings to the Montana-North Dakota border.
43
-------
The two metals with the highest violations (lead and zinc) have shown a
decline in violation percentages from the first to second period. Lead
violations dropped from 72 to 55 percent and zinc declined from 62 to 34
percent between the periods. The violations seemed to occur more fre-
quently in the Billings area but they did extend as far downstream as
Sydney, Montana.
Probable Causes
The quality of the Yellowstone River at and downstream of Billings is
affected by two oil refineries, a sugar refinery, two STP's and a power
plant. Irrigation diversions influenced the quality along the entire
reach. As indicated earlier the inflows of the Powder and Bighorn Rivers
affect the water quality of the Yellowstone.
Index Analysis
The index changed very little between the periods. Reach 1 from
Yellowstone Park to the Laurel WTP had an index decrease of 1 (6 to 5) .
Reach 3, from the Billings WTP to the Montana-North Dakota border has an
index of 12 for both periods. The Billings station showed a noticeable
index increase from the first period to the second period. This was caused
by increased violations of bacteria, phosphorus and TDS-turbidity criteria.
44
-------
JAMES RIVER
NORTH DAKOTA
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to the North Dakota- Limited Man IA
South Dakota Border Native Fish
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
The overall percentage of violations rose from 4 percent to 6 percent
over the two periods. The greatest increases between periods were at
Edmunds and Oakes, (23 to 50 percent and 6 to 19 percent respectively).
The middle section of the river (Jamestown and Lawrence) had no violations.
V
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacterial violations for the reach decreased slightly (31 to 27 per-
cent) . Despite the fact that the Jamestown stations showed a drop in
violations (34 to 21 percent), all the other stations showed an increase,
from 8 to 22 percent.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen samples were taken only at the two stations on the down-
stream portion of the reach (Lawrence and Oakes). The violations remained
approximately the same, varying only from 10 to 15 percent for both periods
at both stations.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations were close to 100 percent for the reach during
both time periods.
45
-------
TDS-Turbidity
IDS and turbidity violations in the reach remained approximately the
same, at 70 percent for both periods.
Other
Manganese violations from 80 to 85 percent were noted at Jamestown
and further downstream at Lawrence for both periods.
Probable Causes
Frequent low flow conditions along with agricultural and municipal
diversions and nonpoint sources created the high IDS violation percentage.
Naturally occurring phosphorus accounted for the high phosphorus levels.
Index Analysis
The overall index showed an increase (24 to 26) between the two time
periods, indicating some deterioration in quality. However, the Edmunds
station (farthest upstream) and the Oakes station (farthest downstream)
showed marked index increases. Edmunds increased from 24 to 36 and Oakes
increased from 17 to 34 between the two periods. Moving from upstream
to downstream for the last period, Edmunds had an index value of 35. The
index was 11 at Jamestown and began to rise again until it reached 34 at
Oakes.
46
-------
MISSOURI RIVER
NORTH DAKOTA
Reach Use Classification
1. Montana-North Dakota Border to Unlimited Man I
North Dakota-South Dakota Native Fish
Border
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No oxygen violations occurred in either period at any station along the
reach.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations decreased from 12 percent for the first period to
5 percent for the second period. The only area of significant increase was
at Williston where 3 percent violations were noted the first period and 12
percent the second.
Nitrogen
Only one to 2 percent violations were noted for the entire reach.
Phosphorus
Violations of phosphorus criteria for the reach remained the same for
both periods at 44 percent. Only at Garrison Dam and Bismarck was an improve-
ment in quality noted. Garrison Dam violations declined from 24 percent to
18 percent and Bismarck violations also declined from 55 percent to 42 per-
cent violations between the two periods.
47
-------
TDS-Turbidity
IDS and turbidity violations for the reach increased from 5 percent
to 9 percent from one period to the next. The Williston station samples
indicated a drastic rise in violations (12 to 42 percent). The other
stations in the reach were relatively stable in violation percentages.
Other
The segment from Williston to Garrison Dam is plagued with intermittent
heavy metal problems. Cadmium above 80 percent, zinc above 50 percent and
mercury above 40 percent occurred in both periods. Manganese showed a
drastic violation increase from 0 to 32 percent over the two periods.
Probable Causes
The influence of the Yellowstone River above Williston is a probable
cause of the high metals violation ratings extending from Williston to
Garrison Dam. Phosphorus occurs naturally in this reach.
Index Analysis
The Missouri River index has remained very good throughout both periods
(4 and 2). A value of approximately 8 for both periods occurs at Williston
apparently because the Yellowstone River merges with the Missouri just
upstream of Williston. Beside the index of 8 at Williston, only at Bismarck
does the overall index rise as high as 5.
48
-------
RED RIVER OF THE NORTH
NORTH DAKOTA
Reach Use Classification
1. Wahpeton to the Canadian Border Unlimited Man I
Native Fish
Group Analysis
Qxjrgen Related Constituents
Oxygen violations for the reach increased only slightly during the
two periods (1 percent to 3 percent). The quality from an oxygen stand-
point is still very good.
Bacterial (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations decreased from the first to the second period
(39 to 33 percent). The only two areas having major problems are Fargo
and Oslo. Both have 60 to 65 percent violations with no sign of de-
creasing violations with time.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations showed a slight increase between periods (16 to
19 percent). Almost every station showed some increase. Violations were
low (below 15 percent) from Fairmont to Fargo. At and below Fargo, the
violation percent rose and then dropped again at all the stations below
Grand Forks.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations were 95 to 100 percent along the entire reach
49
-------
except at and upstream of Wahpeton, where the violation rate was 85
percent.
TDS-Turbidity
Measurements for IDS and turbidity showed a marked increase in
violation percent, (18 to 27 percent). A significant rise in violations
was shown downstream of Grand Forks and Oslo.
Other
Heavy metal violations were prevalent along the entire river with
no sign of improvement between the time periods. Cadmium and manganese
are the prime violators with 98 percent and 90 percent violations.
Probable Causes
Several sugar refineries, major STP's and major power plants degrade
this river. Low flow conditions and agricultural runoff also causes
some of the violations. Phosphorus occurs naturally which makes the
percent of violations close to 100.
Index Analysis
The overall index values shows an increase from 13 to 18 from the
first to second periods. In most of the stations at Grand Forks and
upstream, the quality is improving. Below Grand Forks the quality
becomes worse between the two time periods.
50
-------
SOURIS RIVER
NORTH DAKOTA
Reach Use Classification
1. Canadian Border to Canadian Border Limited Man IA
Native Fish
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
The percent of oxygen related constituent violations for the reach
rose slightly between the two periods (10 to 14 percent)- Upstream of
Minot, the violations remained constant at less than 15 percent but,
downstream of Minot to the Canadian border the violations for the second
period were greater than the first period violations (11 to 15).
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations rose from 10 to 15 percent between the two
periods. This is almost exactly the same violation percentages noted for
oxygen related constituents. The major bacterial degradation was at Saw-
yer, which is below Minot (4 percent to 26 percent).
Nitrogen
Violations of the nitrogen parameters rose 50 percent (8 to 12 per-
cent) between the two periods. Sherwood (near the Canadian border) had
11 percent and 24 percent violations during the two periods. The only
other major degradation in nitrogen was noted at Minot (7 to 38 percent).
51
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations remained constant for both periods averaging
about 95 percent. Only at Minot was a major degradation noted (44 to
100 percent). All the other stations had an initially high violations
rate which continued in the second period.
TDS-Turbidity
IDS and turbidity violations in the reach dropped considerably (62
to 49 percent). An improvement in quality occurred at almost all the
stations examined.
Other
pH violations were noted 3 to 5 percent of the time for both periods
at most stations. Cadmium, manganese, mercury, lead and zinc violations
were prevalent. The highest percentages of violation were for cadmium
and manganese with 95 and 74 for the last period.
Probable Causes
Naturally occurring phosphorus accounts for some of the high phos-
phorus violations. Oxygen and nitrogen problems at and below Minot are
probably caused by the STP's and municipal runoff from the Minot area.
Index Analysis
The index value increased slightly (20 to 24) between the two periods
indicating some degradation in the water quality. The index at Sherwood,
near the Canadian border, rose from 22 to 28. The water coming from
Canada showed an increase in violations between periods. Violations in
52
-------
water flowing back into Canada, measured at the two Westhope stations,
also increased (16 to 23 percent). Based on violations observed, water
flowing into Canada appears to be of higher quality than that flowing
from Canada in both time periods.
53
-------
BIG SIOUX RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. Headwaters to the Diversion Limited Man 1,5,8,9,10,11
Canal at Sioux Falls Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Index (P.O. and BOD)
During the first period of record only one D.O. violation was recorded in
the total reach. The Dissolved Oxygen violations increased to 8 percent
during the second period with the major concentrations occurring between the
headwaters and the Brookings, South Dakota station. Presumably part of this
change is due to seasonal recording differences at low flows and pooled condi-
tions when considerable organic nutrients were present.
Bacteria Related Index (fecal and total)
The high bacteria violations which contribute to the Quality Index for
this stream segment have remained essentially constant showing no improvement
over the two periods of study with an average near 22 percent. This problem
is probably related to the increased oxygen and nutrient problems.
Nitrogen
The percentage of nitrogen violations increased markedly from the first
to second time period in a consistent manner all along this stream segment.
Forty-seven percent (47) violations in 1971-1974 to 65 percent violations in
1973-1976.
54
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations remained at approximately 100 percent throughout
both time periods. This seems to be due primarily to nonpoint phenomena
stemming from natural phosphates in the soil.
IDS and Turbidity
Little change noted over the two time periods in TDS and turbidity
parameters. Violations are consistently observed in the 72 percent range.
Maximum values for TDS range from 1008 mg/1 in the first period to 4501 mg/1
in the second period.
Other
Temperature and pH violations are nonexistent in the segment but th^re
are numerous zinc, lead and manganese criteria violations.
Probable Causes
There exists frequent near no flow and pooled water conditions. Concen-
trations of ammonia and nitrates are the result of decomposition of animal
wastes in runoff from pastures and cultivated fields. A major sand and
gravel plant, a rock quarry and crushing operation and three sewage treatment
plants are in this reach.
Index Analysis
Index values calculated show a marked increase for the second time period
over the entire length of the reach (19 vs 31). That portion of the stream
at and above Watertown contributed most of to this increase. The index for
55
-------
-3-
the Brookings and for the Dell Rapids station continued to show generally
poor water quality. Both time periods have sufficient data available to
allow the assumption that the index is reflecting the existing stream
quality.
56
-------
BIG SIOUX RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. Sioux Falls Diversion Canal Limited Man 5,8,9,10,11
to Klondike Dam Warm Water Fishery
2. Klondike Dam to the Iowa Limited Man 4,7,8,9,10,11
Border Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents (DO and BOD)
Dissolved oxygen violations in this segment increased from 8 percent in
the first time period to 10 percent in the second time period with 70 per-
cent of all observed violations occurring in the stretch below Brandon, South
Dakota.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Bacteria violations were reduced nearly in half over the two time periods.
Approximately 71 percent violations occurred in time period 1 as compared to
37 percent violations in time period 2. This reduction seems to be fairly
uniform over all sampling stations in this segment.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations doubled over the two periods of study, the largest
increase being noted at stations immediately downstream of Sioux Falls.
Phosphorus
No noticeable change is observed in phosphorus standards violations over
57
-------
the two time periods. Violations occurring at all sampling stations in the
segment are practically 100 percent. Perhaps a seasonal breakdown of the
data could pinpoint and differentiate those areas affected by contributions
from municipalities and from natural sources.
IDS and Turbidity
Violations of the IDS standards remain at the 75 percent level during
both time periods. Chloride and sulfate violations approach 50 percent.
Chlorides seem to show a marked increase below the Sioux Falls plant during
the second time period. This along with the decrease of bacteria in the seg-
ment is probably due to higher levels of chlorination during sewage treat-
ment and in the winter from road salts carried by storm sewers.
Other
There were no observations of temperature or pH violations during the
first time period. Two pH violations (9.5) were recorded in the second time
period. Frequent zinc, lead, manganese and mercury violations were recorded
during both time periods.
Probable Causes
The major sewage treatment plant at Sioux Falls: two meat packing plants,
three power plants, urban runoff. Upstream agricultural uses.
Index Analysis
The overall index calculated for the two different time periods shows
little change despite the fact that bacteria violations in the total length of
58
-------
the reach have decreased and nitrogen violations have increased. It is
evident that the sewage treatment plant at Sioux Falls has considerable effect
on quality throughout the entire length of this segment.
59
-------
CHEYENNE RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. Wyoming Border to Angostura Limited Man 5,8,9,10,11
Dam Warm Water
Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No D.O. violations were observed during the first time period and only
one violation in 57 observations was found in the second time period.
There were no BOD violations in either time period.
Bacteria
Bacteria violations showed no change in Edgemont and held at 15 per-
cent throughout both periods of this study.
Nitrogen
Percentage violations for nitrogen changed considerable over the two
time periods by increasing from 13 percent to 52 percent. Most lakes in
the area show advanced stages of eutrophication.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations showed some improvement with a decrease from 75
percent to 50 percent.
TDS and Turbidity
Measurements of TDS and turbidity violations remain at 100 percent
60
-------
over the two time periods. Conductivity sulfate and chloride violations
are all in the 95 to 100 percent range and show no improvement from one
time period to the next.
Other
One p" event was detected in the second time period and all 25 of the
manganese observations were excessive.
61
-------
CHEYENNE RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses; State Classification
1. Angostura Dam to the Fall Limited Man 4,7,8,9,10,11
River Warm Water
Fishery
2. Fall River to the Missouri Limited Man 5,7,8,9,10,11
River Warm Water
Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
During each time period only one D.O. violation was recorded. BOD
information is not available for any portion of this reach and there is no
D.O. data for that segment immediately below the Angostura Dam and the
Buffalo Gap Station.
Bacteria
Violations of criteria set for bacteria remain at approximately 28 per-
cent throughout each time period. All of these violations occurred at the
Wasta and Plainview stations. No information on bacteria is available at
the upstream stations of this reach.
/
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations increased from 61 percent in period one to 71 per-
cent in period 2. Only a few of these violations (6 percent) occurred in the
upper reach near the Angostura Dam.
62
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations although still excessive showed some decline.
Violations of 74 percent were observed during period one and 68 percent
during period two. Violations of the phosphorus standard criteria were
found to approach a fairly constant level throughout the reach.
IDS and Turbidity
IDS and turbidity violations were found in the 94-98 percent range
during both periods. These concentrations remain constant throughout the
entire reach. Excessive salinity events were observed and sulfate and
conductivity violations were consistently at 100 percent.
Other
One p" event was observed in the first time period and three in the
second period. Several cadmium, lead, zinc, selenium, chromium, manganese
and mercury violations were noted in both periods.
Probable Causes
o Industrial and municipal discharges at the Rapid City Power
Plants near Rapid City.
o Sand and gravel washing at Hot Springs, Wasta, Sturgis,
Wall and Spearfish.
o Timbering and mining activities (open pit mines and
tailings dumps), agriculture (irrigation, cultivation,
stock feeding).
63
-------
o Irrigation increases dissolved solids in tributaries
entering this reach.
o Bog iron in the Rapid Creek drainage.
o Placer mining scars on French, Battle, Castle, Rapid,
Bear Butte and Whitewood Creeks.
o Home Stake Gold Mine wastes from Whitewood Creek.
o Cement plant discharges at Rapid City.
o Nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, BOD, calcium, magnesium,
sodium, suspended solids and other chemicals are added to
all surface waters in this area from natural sources.
Index Analysis
A change in index values over the two time periods, from 26 to 23
suggests some improvement of the overall water quality in this reach.
Highest violation percentages continue to occur for nitrogen, phosphorus
and IDS.
64
-------
JAMES RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. North Dakota Border to Huron, Limited Man 5,8,9,10,11
South Dakota Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
No BOD data are available in the reach and there is no DO data at Columbia.
DO violations observed show little change over the two trend periods.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
Observations of bacteria violations remain at approximately 3 percent and
are only recorded at Hecla and Stratford.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations show some slight increase over the observed time
periods (49 percent - 58 percent).
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations continue to remain at the 100 percent level for both
time periods.
TDS-Turbidity
TDS and turbidity show some improvement over the trend periods with a
violation percentage of 74 during time period 1 and 57 during time period 2.
However, the maximum and mean observations in time period 2 exceed those in
period 1.
65
-------
Other
One pH violation (10.0) in 54 observations was noted in the first time
period and 2 violations in 35 were found in period 2. No temperature viola-
tions were observed. Excessive manganese violations (100 percent) were
observed in each period.
Probable Cause
Intermittent flows occur in the headwaters region above Huron, South
Dakota. Lower stream gradient in portions of the basin often causes reverse
flows in the reach. Feedlots, cultivated fields and pastures abound in the
basin. Sixty-five percent of the total land in the basin is under
cultivation.
Index Analysis
The index value for this stream segment shows a slight increase in the
second time period suggesting some decrease in overall stream quality
(16-18).
66
-------
JAMES RIVER
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. Huron, South Dakota to the Limited Man 5,8,9,10,11
Missouri River Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
There seems to be no significant change in BOD or DO; observations over
the two time periods continue to show an average of 10 percent violations.
Bacteria
Bacterial violations remain at approximately 10 percent and are concen-
trated in the upper portion of the reach in the vicinity of Huron, South
Dakota.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations show a significant increase over the two time periods.
38 percent to 59 percent. Here again the greatest concentrations occur
immediately below the Huron station.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations continue at 100 percent throughout the length of
this segment during each of the time periods.
TDS and Turbidity
Violations of TDS and turbidity criteria remain at near 80 percent.
67
-------
Chloride and sulfate violations in the second time period are 19 percent
and 62 percent respectively.
Other
No temperature violations were observed in the first time period. There
was one violation in the second period at the South Dakota station north of
Yankton. Three pH violations were noted at Huron. Several manganese and
mercury violations occurred.
Probable Cause
Two major sewage treatment plants are located at Mitchell and Huron.
There are several industrial dischargers, upstream feedlots and irrigation
diversions and returns on this reach.
Index Analysis
The index values (24-26) for this stream segment signify a slight
decrease in quality. These calculations are probably more representative
and reliable than others due to the relative abundance of data observed
in this reach.
68
-------
MISSOURI RIVER (CENTRAL)
SOUTH DAKOTA
Reach Uses State Classification
1. North Dakota Border to Big Unlimited Man 1,2,7,8,9,10,11
Bend Dam Cold Water Fishery
2. Big Bend Dam to the Iowa Unlimited Man 1,4,7,8,9,10,11
Border
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Constituents
Over 6000 D.O. measurements with 20 violations were observed in the
first trend period. No violations were found in the second period where some
1400 observations were made. One BOD violation occurred in period one, none
were found in the second time period.
Bacteria (fecal and total)
No bacteria violations were found in either time period for that por-
tion of the segment between the North Dakota border and the Pierre, South
Dakota station. In the reach below Pierre and the Iowa border there were
16 percent violations noted in the first period and 20 percent violations in
the second period all occurring at the station near Yankton, South Dakota.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations increased from 6 percent in period one to 25 per-
cent in period two.
69
-------
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations went from 50 percent to 30 percent in the upper
stream reach (above Pierre). No violations were observed in the lower
stream reach during either period.
TDS and Turbidity
Measurements of TDS and turbidity violations remain much the same
throughout the study periods and the supporting data are sparse for this seg-
ment. However, numerous conductivity measurements (1200) are available and
show an overall violation percentage in excess of 20 percent. No sulfate
violations occurred and only 3 chloride violations were observed.
Other
Two pH violations appeared in the first period and seven (7) in the
second; several mercury, lead, and cadmium (10) violations occurred in both
periods.
Influencing Factors and Probable Causes
Quality is dominated by four major man-made lakes — Oahe, Sharpe,
Francis Case and Lewis and Clark. Irrigation diversions and returns on
tributaries have some impact.
Two major sewage treatment plants are on the main stem and a major
source of heavy metals tailings is located on a far upstream tributary.
Index Analysis
The index value increased from 2 to 6 over the two time periods and
70
-------
reflects some deterioration. However, the overall quality for this seg-
ment of stream is generally quite good. Significant stations in the reach
are below the Oahe, Big Bend and Gavins Point Dams.
71
-------
BEAR RIVER
UTAH
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to UT.-WY. state line Limited Man CC
Cold Water Fishery
2. ID.-UT. state line to mouth Limited Man CC
Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Index
The Geological Survey did not record any violations for the oxygen
related group at their monitoring station near the Bird Refuge (mouth of the
Bear River). However, 70 miles upstream the state reported that about 13
percent violations had occurred at their Amalga station.
Bacteria
The state recorded 56 and 67 percent bacteria violations at their Amalga
station for the two time periods. Near the mouth of the Bear River the
observed violations were 17 percent and 13 percent for the two respective
time periods.
Nitrogen
The state recorded an increase in violations for the two time periods
from 20 percent to 60 percent at their uppermost station; but a short dis-
tance downstream no violations were recorded. At the mouth the USGS recorded
violations of 75 percent and 36 percent for the two time periods.
72
-------
It appears that there is substantial irrigation throughout this reach
and the upstream reach in Idaho which affects this pollutant group.
Phosphorus
Violations of the phosphorus pollutants varied between 42 percent and
80 percent. The violations computed for the total reach were 50 percent
for the first time period and 65 percent for the latter period.
IDS
The percentage violations for this group for the two time periods were
constantly 25 percent, except at the mouth where the USGS recorded 3 viola-
tions in 4 observations (75 percent).
Index Analysis
The index values for the reach of the Bear River between the Idaho-Utah
state line and the mouth varied between 16 and 23. The differences in index
values at each station for the two time periods were not significant for
trend evaluation.
73
-------
GREEN RIVER
UTAH
Reach Use Classification
1. Flaming Gorge Reservoir to Limited Man CC
UT.-CO. state line Cold Water Fishery
2. CO.-UT. state line to mouth Limited Man CW
(Colorado River) Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
The only violations observed were at the station near Jensen, Utah,
where 4 percent was noted.
Bacteria
The State of Utah observed between 17 and 27 percent violations occur-
ring in the reach between the Flaming Gorge Dam and Jensen, Utah. Also,
40 and 52 percent violations were noted above the wastewater treatment
facility at Green River, Utah for the two respective time periods. No trends
are discernible in the data for the lower reach of the Green River.
Hitrogen
Violations of 93 and 53 percent were recorded below the Flaming Gorge Dam
for the two time periods. Perhaps the wastewater treatment plant located
at Dutch John is responsible for these violations. Downstream 85 miles at
Jensen, Utah, the State of Utah recorded 67 percent violations while the
USGS recorded 18 percent. The next station, Green River, Utah, is located
about 200 miles downstream. The violations here were 70 percent and 29
percent as determined by the state and USGS, respectively.
74
-------
Phosphorus
Below the Flaming Gorge Dam the percentage of violations were about
15 percent. For the reach between Jensen and Green River, Utah, the
percentage of violations were in the order of 60 percent. Trends cannot be
determined because the variations of the index are not consistent between
stations and for the two time periods. Differences in concentrations as
determined by the USGS and the state could cause these wide variations in
violations.
IDS
Violations of this parameter group begin with 2 percent observed near
the headwaters in Wyoming and progressively rise to 40 percent at the
Flaming Gorge Dam. At the Green River, Utah station the violations obser-
ved were about 80 percent. Values for both time periods were almost the
same.
Index Analysis
The index for the Green River near the Flaming Gorge Dam was about 13
and at the Green River, Utah station it was about 20 for the second time
period. Both these values represent a 25 percent increase over the values
calculated for the first time period.
75
-------
JORDAN RIVER
UTAH
Reach Use Classification
1. Utah Lake to Utah-Salt Lake Limited Man CW
County Line Cold Water Fishery
2. Utah-Salt Lake County Line to Limited Man CC
mouth (Great Salt Lake) Cold Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
Violations were noted throughout the fifty mile length of the Jordan
River in Utah. This reach is characterized by numerous municipalities and
industries located alongside the front range of the Wasatch Mountains.
Violations in excess of 80 percent were dominant at the water quality
stations located below the discharge points of the wastewater treatment
plants. The index values for both time periods were about the same thus,
no trends could be determined.
Bacteria
Violations in the order of 15 percent were recorded below Utah Lake and
the percentage levels rose to 80 percent below Murray, Utah and continued at
that level throughout the remaining portion of the river. The State of Utah
commonly monitors the stream above and below the discharge points of the
numerous wastewater treatment plants. At most stations the data for the two
time periods appear to be constant.
76
-------
Nitrogen and Phosphorus
Percentage of violations for the entire length of the Jordan River is
about 100 percent for each group.
IDS and Other
The Jordan River originates at the outlet of Utah Lake. At this point
the IDS concentrations have been observed to be in the order of 1000 mg/1.
At some of the downstream stations the concentrations are over 2000 mg/1.
Also, the stream is highly concentrated with iron. At station No. 491545,
the observed concentrations (pg/1) of some trace metals are as follows:
Fe
(diss.)
1
18
0
43
700
Fe
(total)
13
17
200
1328
7000
Hg
(total)
1
17
0.0
0.02
0.30
Mn
(diss.)
2
12
0
24
100
Zn
(diss.)
1
19
0
17
239
Violations
Observations
Minimum Cone.
Mean Cone.
Maximum Cone.
Index Analysis
Index values at the upper end of the Jordan River were 23: and 49 for
the first and second time periods, respectively. These values progressively
increase to the extent that they were 73 and 68 at the mouth near
Farmington Bay.
77
-------
WEBER RIVER
UTAH
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to U.S. Highway Limited Man CC
40 Cold Water Fishery
2. U.S. Highway 40 to mouth Limited Man CW
(Great Salt Lake) Warm Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
At the station above the Central Weber wastewater treatment facility
the percentage of violations was 12 percent for the first period and 6 per-
cent for the latter.
Bacteria
This parameter is directly related to the oxygen group. Surprisingly,
the percentage of bacteria violations was found to be higher at the station
above the plant. Yet, as would be expected the concentrations of total
coliform were higher below the plant with a mean of 57,790 mpn/100 ml and
a maximum over 100,000 mpn/100 ml.
Nitrogen
The stations for the three forks of the river, all located near the
mouth, recorded 44 and 100 percent violations for this group. This parameter
is N02+N03.
78
-------
Phosphorus
Almost 100 percent violations of this parameter were recorded at each
of the three fork's mouths of the Weber River. The USGS recorded 20 per-
cent violations at their Gateway station which is located about 20 miles
upstream from the mouth.
IDS
Percentage violations recorded above the Central Weber plant were 31
percent and 20 percent, respectively, for the two time periods.
Index Analysis
Only at one station was there sufficient data to calculate an index
number. This station is located above the Central wastewater treatment
facility. The calculated index was 22 for the first time period and 26 for
the second period.
79
-------
GREEN RIVER
WYOMING
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to WY.-UT. state Cold and Warm Water I
line Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
No violations were observed.
Bacteria
The USGS recorded 17 percent and 74 percent violations at their stations
above and below the City of Green River, Wyoming respectively. Probably,
the high percentage violations at the latter station are due to the boom town
effects of the extensive energy development activities occurring in the
Bitter Creek drainage area. The recent influx of people into this area has
overloaded the existing wastewater treatment facilities and has increased the
bacterial concentrations of the groundwater in areas where there are no treat-
ment facilities. The trend for the two time periods indicates a minor
improvement and it is expected that substantial improvement will be evident
in the future because of the Construction Grants Program.
Nitrogen
Although the Green River has been loaded severely by the wastewater
treatment facilities at Green River and Rock Springs, there were only
4 percent nitrogen violations noted.
80
-------
Phosphorus
Below the headwaters where the river leaves the mountain range, the
percentage of violations for this group were 56 percent for the first time
period and 10 percent for the second period. From this station to the
station at Green River, Wyoming, the percentage of violations varied between
0 and 14 percent. At Green River, Wyoming, the percentage of violations
were 78 percent.
TDS
Violations of this parameter group begins with 2 percent observed near
the headwaters and progressively rise to 40 percent at the Flaming Gorge
Dam.
Index Analysis
The segment of the Green River above the USGS Big Island station has
an average index value less than 3. Just above the City of Green River, the
value is about 8 and from a point below the City to the Flaming Gorge Dam
the index is about 13. The indices for the two time periods are about the
same.
81
-------
NORTH PLATTE RIVER
WYOMING
Reach Use Classification
1. CO.-WY. state line to Cold and Warm I
WY.-NB. state line Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Index
Only one violation in 479 observations was noted.
Bacteria
The highest exceedances of criteria levels (75 percent) were
recorded at the station below Casper, Wyoming. The percentage level
drops to 29 percent at the next station downstream near Douglas. At
the Wyoming-Nebraska state line the percentage level is 23 percent.
The towns along the river are probably the main contributors along with
some contributions coming from ranches.
Nitrogen
The frequency of nitrogen violations vary along the entire North
Platte River. The violations are most apparent below the reservoirs
where irrigation occurs. As would be expected from municipalities,
there are increases of violations below the cities of Casper, Mills,
Lingle, and Torrington.
82
-------
Phosphorus
Violations of phosphorus are predominate throughout the Basin.
The occurrence of violations approach 90 percent just downstream of
the municipalities named in the Nitrogen index discussion.
IDS
The concentration of TDS builds up uniformly along the North Platte
River and reaches a mean concentration of 660 mg/1 near the Wyoming-
Nebraska state line. The maximum concentration recorded was 1010 mg/1
near Casper.
The State of Wyoming recorded TDS violations of 95 and 98 percent
at their two stations of which one is located south of Douglas and the
other is Rawhide Creek.
Other
The North Platte River Basin Valley must contain a substantial
amount of iron. The concentration of dissolved iron in the river
increases from 130 yg/1 near Seminoe Reservoir to about 270 yg/1 at
Mills, Wyoming. The total iron concentrations vary from 240 yg/1 to
790 yg/1 at the two corresponding stations.
The index indicated a few violations of the trace metals between
Alcova and the Wyoming-Nebraska state line. The proportion of
violations (violations/observations) noted for this reach are as
follows:
83
-------
Cd, Total - 7/7 Mn, Total - 2/8
Cu, Dissolved - 3/15 Pb, Total - 7/7
Fe, Total - 5/8 Zn, Dissolved - 6/15
Hg, Total - 3/8 Zn, Total - 5/8
Mn, Dissolved - 1/15
Index Analysis
Above the station at Mills, Wyoming, the index was less than 5.
Between Casper and the Wyoming-Nebraska state line the index fluctuated
between 9 and 16 with the higher values appearing just below the
larger municipalities. Trends are not discernible from the data
because some segments show improvement while other segments show some
degradation.
84
-------
POWDER RIVER
WYOMING
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to WY.-MT. Cold and Warm I
state line Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Index
There were four violations recorded in 24 observations at the
Arvada station for the latter time period. This station is located
some 70 miles below the next station upstream. Therefore, the extent
of the dissolved oxygen problem is uncertain. The State of Wyoming
305(b) Report for 1976 mentions that the condition of oxygen deple-
tion along this river is due to low flow velocity characteristics.
Bacteria Related Index
Violations of the bacteria index were detected at the first
station at Kaycee and the violations are apparent all the way down-
stream. This problem is somewhat peculiar because there are only a
few small towns located in the 200 miles of the main stem of the
Powder River. But, there are a number of ranches in the upper portion
of the basin and it is therefore surmised that the livestock is the
contributing source.
The only large community in the Basin is the City of Buffalo
which is located on Clear Creek, a tributary that enters the Powder
85
-------
River below Arvada. Any effects noted for the City will be included
in the Montana index.
The Wyoming 305(b) Report states that because of the condition of
the City of Buffalo's wastewater treatment facilities, Clear Creek
is in noncompliance with the state's water quality standards and is
not expected to meet the 1983 goals.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen related violations for the entire river are in the order
of 14 percent (7 violations in 50 observations.) The index identifies
this parameter as dissolved nitrate nitrogen, NC^-N. There is
probably irrigation occurring along the upper reaches of the river for
the hay fields but it is not known whether this is the contributing
source of the nitrogen load.
Phosphorus
Violations for the phosphorus index average about 48 percent or
40 violations per 83 observations. Again, it is surmised that the
excessive concentrations are derived from natural sources.
TDS
High percentage of violations for this category exists for the
entire basin. The index reports maximum TDS concentrations of
2680 mg/1. Also, the state's 305(b) Report describes the problem
very explicitly. A few condensed comments are:
Soil erosion and natural runoff causes increases in
sediment and salinity loads.
86
-------
Salinity loadings from numerous oil brine discharges
into Salt Creek result in a fourfold concentration
increase...
The South Fork is classified as a high sediment
loading area. Produced water from oil producing
facilities contributes heavily to salinity.
This basin is characteristic of the deposits of sedimentary shales
which are highly saline and erodible. Hence, any storm activity will
cause the overland runoff to be highly concentrated with suspended
solids. Also, the groundwater will be found to be highly concentrated
with TDS.
Index Analysis
Index values for the stations near Kaycee, Wyoming were 8 and 12
for the respective two time periods. At the Arvada station (150 miles
downstream) the index was 18 and 37. The higher index value for the
second time period does not completely indicate a trend but does show
the sensitivity of the index to the percentage of violations for the
component groups. For example, it appears that for this basin the
collection of 39 samples of phosphorus reveals a more significant
number of violations (41 percent) than the 15 samples collected for
the first time period (7 percent). Time of the year and frequency
of data collection could be influencing factors.
87
-------
WIND-BIG HORN RIVERS
WYOMING
Reach Use Classification
1. Headwaters to WY.-UT. state Cold and Warm I
line Water Fishery
Group Analysis
Oxygen Related Group
For the total reach, only 3 violations were detected in 234
observations. The violations were below Boysen Dam.
Bacteria
Above Boysen Reservoir the exceedance of criteria levels was 53
percent, but no excesses were detected below the reservoir. According
to the map, the source of these high values appears to be the waste-
water treatment facilities owned by the City of Riverton, Wyoming.
Further downstream from the reservoir, the percentage levels rise
again to 50 percent near the cities of Lucerne and Worland and from
there diminish to 29 percent near Kane. The small towns and ranches
with livestock possibly account for these high bacteria levels.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen violations of 14 percent were recorded for the reach
between Worland and Kane, Wyoming.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus violations (84 percent) were highest at the uppermost
88
-------
stations of the Wind River. The minimum violations (11 percent) were
noted at the station below Boysen Reservoir. Below this station to
the Wyoming-Montana state line, the percentage of violations approached
57 percent.
TDS
This basin is characteristic of another typical salt producing area.
TDS concentrations at the Dubois station range from 84 to 156 mg/1. At
the Wyoming-Montana state line the TDS concentrations vary between 410
and 1010 mg/1. The percentage violations calculated for the entire
river were 27 percent.
Other
The State of Wyoming 305(b) Report discusses the problem situation
of the basin very adequately. Brief comments extracted from their
report are as follows:
Increases in coliform, salinity, and nitrogen are
noted between Riverton and Boysen Reservoir.
The segment below Riverton will not meet 1983 goals
because of the nitrogen increases caused from the
City's waste discharges and irrigation return flow.
(Two other segments have been identified as not
expected to meet "83 goals).
Violations of Drinking Water Regulations for total
gross Alpha and Beta occur below the Town of
Thermopolis. This is caused by natural source.
Produced water from oil extraction activities
contributes heavily to salinity.
89
-------
Index Analysis
The index values for the Wind River station at Riverton, Wyoming,
were 4 and 7 for the two time periods. For the stations above Boysen
Reservoir, the index was 12 and below the reservoir, which is the Big
Horn River, the index was 3. The Big Horn River station at Kane,
Wyoming, had an index value of 14 for both time periods.
90
-------
SECTION II
AIR QUALITY REPORT
91
-------
92
-------
AIR QUALITY IN REGION VIII
I. Introduction
Monitoring of air quality in Region VIII has increased greatly in
both scope and frequency over the last five years due to the public
demand for information on harmful pollutants in the air and the passage
of federal legislation in 1970 known as the Clean Air Act Amendments.
Some minimal historical data are available prior to that time through
such federal efforts as the National Air Sampling Network (NASN) and
the Continuous Air Monitoring Program (CAMP), as well as state and
local programs. However, with the State Implementation Plans required
by the legislation, state agencies began aggressive monitoring plans
which have resulted in the creation of an extensive monitoring networks
and the building of a large air quality data base.
The majority of all data from these networks are stored in EPA's
computerized system, Storage and Retrieval of Aerometric Data (SAROAD).
In this data bank are stored measurements for a variety of atmospheric
pollutants and meteorological measurements. The system is able to
generate summary reports on the data it contains or it can print out
the raw data in some suitable format. In Region VIII the Surveillance
and Analysis Division is responsible for putting all the data into the
system and responding to requests for summary information and raw data.
The Division is also responsible for reporting on the quality of the
Region VIII environment as measured by the air monitoring equipment at
sites throughout the Region.
93
-------
This report summarizes available air quality data. It's primary
objective is to determine the status and trends in air quality within
the six-state Region. In achieving this objective, the report
provides information on whether or not air quality standards have been
achieved and defines areas which still have significant problems to
solve. An attempt has been made to present the information in a form
which can be understood by both technical and nontechnical readers and
still accurately reflect actual conditions and complexities inherent in
monitoring those conditions. Indices are used wherever possible.
The report is not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of cause
and effect relationships or to evaluate the effects of control
atrategies on air quality. However some general conclusions become
evident from looking at the data. In addition, neither the collected
data nor calculated indicators are beyond reproach. Data gaps, both in
time and space, do exist and raise questions as to the appropriateness
of certain indicators. Variations in weather which have tremendous
impacts in examining trends over the years are not taken into considera-
tion. The quality of the data itself may be questioned. The indica-
tors have been developed to minimize these problems as much as
possible, and the report narrative explains what the indicators may
actually mean. Refinements to index calculation procedures, expanded
networks, and better quality control in data collection and analysis
should provide a better data base to work with in future reports.
The report contains two primary sections and Appendices. The first
94
-------
section describes in general terms the monitoring activity in the
Region and results of that monitoring. Indicators are defined and
pollutants of primary interest are described in terms of their
effects. The second section describes in greater detail the extent
and magnitude of air quality problems throughout each state in the
Region on a pollutant specific basis. Finally, future trends are
predicted based on efforts to control pollution. The Appendices
contain information on air quality standards and criteria used to cal-
culate indicators for each pollutant.
95
-------
II. Region-wide Summary
The Environmental Protection Agency has been given the authority
to establish ambient air quality standards which specify, for the
principal and most widespread classes of air pollutants, limitations
necessary to protect the public health and welfare. These pollutants
currently are total suspended particulate matter, sulfur dioxide,
nitrogen dioxide, photochemical oxidants, and carbon monoxide.
Standards for lead have recently been proposed.
Two types of standards were established. Primary standards are
set at levels to protect human health. Secondary standards are set
at levels to protect against other forms of damage to such things as
vegetation and materials. The numerical value of each standard is
listed in Appendix C.
Research has concluded that the following specific health effects
can result from exposure to concentrations above the primary standards:
Total suspended particulates (TSP) — aggravation of asthma and chronic
lung diseases, increased cough, chest discomfort, restricted
activity, aggravation of heart and lung disease symptoms in
the elderly, increased death rates;
Sulfur dioxide (S02) — aggravation of asthma, aggravation of heart
and lung disease symptoms in the elderly, increased lung
illness, increased death rate;
Carbon monoxide (CO) — interference with mental and physical activity,
reduced capacity in persons suffering from heart and other cir-
culatory disorders;
96
-------
Photochemical oxidants (Ox) — aggravation of asthma and chronic
lung disease, irritation of the eye and of the respiratory
tract, decreased vision, reduced heart and lung capacity;
Oxides of nitrogen (NOX) — increased chronic bronchitis.
The severity of these effects increases with increased pollutant
concentrations.
Status and trends in air quality are determined by comparing
measurements made at monitoring stations to these standards. The main
indicators used to characterize air quality in this manner is the
number of days in which measurements exceeded the primary standards at
the worst site in each county. The indicator may not represent air
quality for the entire county, however the worst site is always
selected in areas which have some population exposure so that the
measured concentrations are affecting some segment of the population.
To account for variations in meteorology the indicator is averaged
over the three-year period, 1974-76.
A second indicator is used to demonstrate the severity of the
problem. Each pollutant has been assigned an alert level, the concen-
tration at which the public must be notified of possible adverse
health effects. These values shown in Appendix D are significantly
higher than the standards and are not frequently encountered. The
average number of days per year (1974-76) over the alert level for
each county has been chosen as the indicator of severity.
97
-------
These two indicators correspond to breakpoints in the Pollutant
Standards Index (PSI)* which is becoming the nationwide index for
reporting air quality levels to the public. In the PSI the worst site
pollutant concentration in each metropolitan area is chosen, and the
index is calculated from the concentration at the site referenced to
primary standards and alert levels. (see Appendix D)
Methods were developed to estimate the values of the indicators
when samples are not always taken every day, instruments malfunction,
and sites are moved. Otherwise there would be no standard procedure
for comparing one site to another. These methods are detailed by
pollutant in Appendix E.
The results of this analysis are summarized in Table 1 and shown
graphically in Figure 1. A more detailed breakdown by state can be
found in Section III.
Table 1
Summary of Air Monitoring in
Region VIII in 1976
TSP S02 N02 CO Oxidants (ozone)2
Total sites 233 79 44 19 17
Counties with data 122 45 33 14 12
Counties exceeding primary standard 37 6 0 12 10
Counties exceeding alert level 14 5 0 7 1
Counties with deteriorating air 6000 0
quality
Counties with improving air quality 6002 0
Counties with insufficient data or 110 45 33 12 12
no discernible trend
Total number of counties: 291
U.S. EPA. "Guideline for Public Reporting of Daily Air Quality —
Pollutant Standards Index (PSI)," EPA 450/2-76-013, August 1976.
Instrumentation measures ozone which is the primary constituent of
oxidants.
98
-------
'•£>
Insufficient data
No evidence prinary standard
exceeded for any pollutant
Primary standard exceeded
for at least one pollutant
Alert level exceeded for
at least one pollutant
Figure 1. Status of Air Quality by County.
-------
It should be noted that if more than one pollutant is being
monitored in the county, the map shows the worst of these pollutants;
therefore for some counties the effects of multiple-pollutant problems
are masked. County to county comparison cannot be made by relying on
this map alone.
The extent of air quality monitoring shows total suspended parti-
culate networks to be most prevalent followed in order by SOo and NC^,
respectively. Carbon monoxide and ozone are normally measured only in
urban areas where the probability of encountering standards violations
is high. NC>2 has proven to be a problem only in urban areas.
Although violations have not occurred, to date, both Denver and Salt
Lake County are on the threshold of exceeding the standard. More
recent data indicate that Denver exceeded the NC>2 standard in 1977.
Status
TSP presents the most widespread pollutant problem with 37
counties over the primary standard. Only six counties are above the
SC>2 standard and these are affected by specific point source of SC>2.
Urbanized counties account for all 12 of those exceeding CO standards.
Oxidant violations occur in 10 counties, both urban and non-urban,
and there is a high probability that violations would be found in
counties not now being monitored.
In terms of severity, only a few counties have values exceeding
the alert level. Adams County north of Denver is singled out for
reaching the oxidant alert level. Major urban counties have high CO
100
-------
concentrations. Counties with or near point sources, smelters or
refineries, have high SC>2 values. Explanations for high TSP values
is more complex. Urban areas as well as high mountain valleys and
smaller arid communities all have recorded values above the alert level.
Trends
As shown in Table 1, no significant, general, regionwide trends
are evident except in the case of CO, which has been decreasing over
the years in the central-city areas of both Salt Lake City and Denver.
The number of counties showing decreasing concentrations of TSP
equalled the number of counties with increasing TSP concentrations.
Since the majority of sites in the Region have been established since
1972, an analysis of trends is somewhat impractical. Many of the
counties described as having no trend actually had insufficient
data to determine any accurate trend.
County-by-county trends are presented in the next section.
101
-------
III. State Summaries
This section presents a summary of all air quality data in the
Region, in terms of the five criteria pollutants. The indicators are
1) the average number of days per year over primary standard and 2)
days over alert level.
A. Introduction to graphics
Figures 2 thru 7 show status and trends in air quality for all counties in
which sufficient data are available. Trends are determined by criteria as
described in Appendix E. Status is defined as an average over the three
year period, 1974-76.
The frequency of occurrence of days over standard and alert level
is shown in Figure 8 (a and b). It is possible to compare areas
according to the severity and frequency of the problem by referring
to the bar charts. The location of the worst site within the county is
identified.
B. Inference and discussion by pollutant
TSP
TSP values which exceed alert levels are recorded in areas of
widely differing degrees of topography, demography, and industrializa-
tion. Values exceeding standard in such places such as Pueblo,
Colorado and Magna, Utah, may be explained, in part, by emissions from
traditional sources. These are fuel combustion sources or industrial
process emissions from both stacks and non-point fugitive emission
sources.
102
-------
FIGURE 2: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
COLORADO
County
Adam: 5
Alamosa
Arapahoe
Archuleta
Boulder
Clear Creek
Delta
Denver
Douglas
Eagle
El Paso
Fremont
Garfield
Gunnison
Huerfano
Jackson
Jefferson
La Plata
Larimer
TSP
CO O
00
x
County TSP SOg NO^ CO
o
D
o
o
i>
103
Las Anirreis
Logan
Mesa
Moffat
Montezuma
Mont rose
Morgan
Otero
O
o
o
i«f
6
o
o
fi\
Pueblo
Rio Blanco
Routt
San Miguel
Weld
Pitkin
Prowers &/
O
D
;io evidence standard exceeded
Exceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
Increasing trend (deterioration)
j~\No apparent trend
•(^•Decreasing trend (improvement)
-------
FIGURE 3: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
MONTANA
County
Big Horn
Carter
TSP S02 N02 CO Ox
TSP S02 N02 CO
Cascade
Custer
D
O
Daniel., £> Q Q
Dawson I\
Deer Lodge [^
Flathead
Granite
Glacier Q L> Q
0
County
Jefferson
Lewis & Clark ^\ r~\
Lincoln l~\
Missoula
Powder River
Powell
Rosebud
Silver Bow
Yellowstone
O O D
g\
No evidence standard exceeded
jExceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
"f pncreasin9 trend (deterioration)
j^)>No apparent trend
J \ Jecreasing trend Cimprovement)
104
-------
FIGURE 4: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
NORTH DAKOTA
Barnes
Billings
Bowman
Burleigh
Cass
O
O
O
1>OO
i>OO
Dunn
Grand Forks
Grant
O
O
OOO
Hettinger Q> H^> O
OOO
OOO
McKenzie
McLean
Mercer
Morton
Mountrail
Oliver
Ramsey |\
Richland
Sheridan
Stark
Stutsman
Ward
Williams [_"/
OOO
too
No evidence standard exceeded
Exceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
/\ Increasing trend (deterioration)
I \ No apparent
I I Decreasing trend (improvement)
105
-------
FIGURE 5: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
SOUTH DAKOTA
County
Beadle
Brookings I\
Brown
Codington I\
Custer
Davison I\
Fall River [~"\
TSP SO? NO
County TSP S02 N0
Harding
Hughes
Lawrence f~N I \ I \
Minnehaha H|N f^>
Pennington Ij^ I \
Yankton I\
No evidence standard exceeded
Exceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
j j- Increasing trend (deterioration)
[~NNO apparent trend
-------
FIGURE 6: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
UTAH
TSP SQ2 N02 CO Ox
Weber
No evidence standard exceeded
Exceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
Increasing trend (deterioration)
No apparent trend
J I Becreasing trend (improvement)
107
-------
FIGURE 7: STATUS AND TRENDS IN AIR QUALITY
WYOMING
County ISP S02
Albany
Bi/; Horn
Campbell
Carbon
Converse
Crook
Fremont
Goshen
Hot Springs
Johnson I*S
Laramie
o
o
o
ODD
O O
County TSP S02 N02
Lincoln
Nat rona
Par,
Platte
Sheridan
Sublette r~\
Sweetwater
Teton
Uinta
Washakie | ^
Weston
Q\ [~\ r~\
No evidence standard exceeded
Exceeds primary standard
Exceeds alert level
Increasing trend (deterioration)
I \No apparent trend
Decreasing trend (improvement)
108
-------
FI6.8(a): NUMBER of DAYS OVER TSP PRIMARY
STANDARD by SEVERITY
County (City)
n o
4->
c
Cascade (Great Falls)
Flathead (Columbia Falls)
Missoula (Missoula)
Silver Bow (Butte)
Cass (Fargo)
Morton (Mandan)
Burleigh (Bismarck)
Minnehaha (Sioux Falls)
Pennington (Rapid City)
Brown (Aberdeen)
Carbon (Price)
Salt Lake (Salt Lake City)
Utah (Provo)
Weber (Ogden)
Sweetwater (Rock Springs)
Exceeds standard
Exceeds alert level
109
-------
FIG 3(b):NUMBER of DAYS OVER STANDARD
by SEVERITY
County (City)
Deer Lodge (Anaconda)
Jefferson (Saddle Mtn.)
Yellowstone (Laurel)
Iron (Cedar City)
Salt Lake (Kearns)
Tooele (Tooele)
Adams (Weiby)
Boulder (Boulder)
Denver (Denver)
El Paso (Colo. Springs)
Jefferson (Arvada)
Larimer (Ft. Collins)
Weld (Greeley)
O
O
Yellowstone (Billings)
Davis (Bountiful)
Salt Lake (Salt Lake)
Utah (Provo)
Weber (Ogden)
Average Number of Days Per Year (1974-76J
SULFUR OXIDES
0 20 4C
60
CARBON MONOXID
80
ZULU
0 X I D A N T
o
u
Adams (Weiby)
Denver (Denver)
El Paso (Colorado Springs)
Jefferson (Arvada)
Yellowstone (Billings)
Oliver (Stanton)
Davis (Bountiful)
Salt Lake (Salt Lake)
Utah (Provo)
Weber (Ogden)
JL.
:4Q _aa ao
zzzj Exceeds standard
••Exceeds alert level
110
-------
Most of the airborne particulate in this Region emanate from
nontraditional and natural sources. Nontraditional sources include
dusty paved and unpaved roads, construction and demolition operation,
auto exhaust, other urban activities (e.g., street-sanding), and
agriculture. The semi-arid to arid climate which characterizes the
area tends to exacerbate the potential for dust to become airborne.
Windstorms are often severe enough to account for some high values.
The combination of non-traditional sources and meteorology could pro-
vide one explanation for anomalies where alert levels are reached in
communities like Telluride, Colorado, and Rapid City, South Dakota.
General urban activity in cities of 30,000 or more seems sufficient to
produce readings over the primary standard. No explanation is yet
available for the high values at Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Columbia
Falls, Montana.
In contrast to most of the country, TSP levels in this Region
have not changed much over the years. No significant trend is evident
anywhere, although some individual sites may display a trend in one
direction or another. Since the indicators are based on 3 year averages,
the figures do not show the effect of the drought on TSP levels, however,
1976 and 1977 values do appear somewhat higher than past years.
S02
Since S02 background concentration is negligible and the
contribution from residential and commercial fuel combustion sources
is minimal, the only sources of atmospheric S02 are fuel combustion
111
-------
and industrial processes. Areas with high S02 levels usually coincide
with the locations of smelters, refineries, and power plants.
N02
Both Denver and Salt Lake City are on the borderline of exceeding
the annual N0£ standard. (Recent data show the standard was exceeding
in Denver in 1977.) The automobile is the major source. Monitoring
for NC>2 by an acceptable method is relatively new, and no trends are
discernible.
CO.
The CO 8-hour standard is exceeded at nearly every location
exposed to a sufficiently large average daily traffic load. In Denver,
the CO standard is exceeded more frequently than any other standard,
about 24 percent of the days each year, most frequently in the winter
months. The levels in both downtown Salt Lake City and downtown Denver
have been decreasing, however concentrations recorded at these sites
are probably conservative estimators of actual levels since traffic is
heavier at other locations. Insufficient historical data preclude
analyzing for trends at any other sites.
Qxidants
Violation of the oxidant standard is probably more wide-spread
and frequent than the data show. Although only 10 counties are shown
as exceeding oxidant standards, the number is probably much higher,
particularly in the Northern Great Plains, where data are not avail-
able. In many remote areas, even where the compounds which react to
112
-------
form oxidants are not available in high concentrations, oxidant
standards are exceeded. Whether the high values are natural or man-
made is yet to be determined. Since oxidants are formed in the
atmosphere and not emitted from sources, the highest concentrations are
usually found downwind from major urban areas. Thus, Adams County north
of Denver, Jefferson County west of Denver, and Davis County north of
Salt Lake City are most frequently over standard. The site in Welby
(Adams County) is over standard approximately 20 percent of the days
of each year, mostly in the summer months.
113
-------
IV. Outlook for the future
If trends in historical data are difficult to determine, predicting
future ambient concentrations is little more than guesswork. On the
other hand, if we can exclude variations in meteorology and look solely
at emission rates and expected emission reductions due to control
programs, the picture becomes somewhat clearer. Some general predic-
tions can be made.
The outlook for S02 is probably the best since point sources can
be controlled through the addition of control equipment for existing
sources and reviews of new sources for appropriate emission limitations.
S02 concentrations should thus be decreasing in areas which are now
recording values over the standard. Slight increases may occur in
areas surrounding new power plants or other energy related developments,
as the prevention of significant deterioration increments are used up.
The outlook for TSP is not as encouraging due to the nature of
TSP sources in the Region and the dry climate. Some decrease may occur
in central-city areas due to control strategies aimed at non-traditional
sources, however not much improvement is expected from natural sources
of windblown dust in rural areas. An extended drought would increase
values substantially.
Pollutants from the automobile will continue to be a problem over
the next few years until the combined effects of emission controls on
cars and inspection-maintenance programs begin to reduce emissions, or
114
-------
until significant reductions are made in vehicle-miles-traveled in
urban areas. A recent study predicts a gradual reduction in both CO
and oxidants, over the next 20 years, despite an increase in the number
of registered vehicles, because of the Federal Vehicle Emission Control
Program. Localized CO problems will continue to exist in locations of
high vehicular traffic. N02 concentrations, may increase and perhaps
begin to exceed annual standards in urban areas because strict emission
control standards for cars have been delayed and production of N02 in
the photochemical smog reactions as hydrocarbon levels are lowered.
This study was completed prior to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977,
which postponed the requirements for high altitude certification of new
cars at least until 1981. In addition recent information on high
altitude emissions indicate even higher emission rates than originally
used in the study.
Enough data should be available for subsequent reports to allow a
better analysis of trends in oxidants and N02- Procedures will also
be available to adjust data for meteorological conditions. Trends in
population exposure to various pollutants will be a feature of future
reports.
* "Air Quality in Denver Metropolitan Region, 1974-2000," EPA Region VIII,
EPA-908/1-77-002 (May, 1977).
115
-------
116
-------
APPENDICES
Water
A. State Water Quality Standards Utilized in Water
Quality Index Program
B. State Water Quality Standards
Air
C. National Ambient Air Quality Standards
D. Breakpoints for Pollutant Standards Index
E. Procedures Used to Construct Indices and Judge Trends
117
-------
118
-------
APPENDIX A
State Water Quality Standards and/or Criteria
Utilized in Water Quality Index Program
119
-------
STATE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
(Utilized in Water Quality Index Program)
Reach
Class
Colorado
1. Bl
2. B2
15.
Montana
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
B, Dl
B, D2
B, D3
C, Dl
C, D2
North
I
IA
South
A
B
C
D
E
Dakota
Dakota
Wyoming
Utah
16. C
17. CC
18. CW
DO
6.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
7.0
7.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
6.0
5.5
6.0
6.0
BOD
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
10
Total
Coliform
1000
1000
1000
100
1000
1000
1000
1000
1000
5000
1000
1000
1000
5000
Fecal
Coliform
1000
1000
200
200
200
200
200
200
200
1000
200
200
200
1000
1000
5000
5000
5000
Chloride
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
100
175
100
100
100
100
100
250
250
250
250
Sulfate
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
450
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
250
Seasonal
120
-------
Criteria Utilized in Water
Quality Index Program
STORET
Number
Nutrient Group
00631
00618
71851
00630
00620
71887
00600
00665
00650
00666
00660
00671
IDS
00095
00515
70295
70300
Trace Metals and
01005
01025
01027
01030
01034
01040
01042
00950
00951
01046
01045
71890
71900
01056
01055
01065
01067
01049
01051
09503
01147
01090
01092
Parameter
Nitrogen
N02 & N03
N03-N
Nitrate
N02 & N03
N03-N
Total N
Total N
Phosphorus
Phos.-Tot.
T. P04
Phos.-Dis.
Ortho P04
Phos.-Dis.
Conductivity
Residue
Residue
Residue
Others
Barium-Dis.
Cadmium-Dis .
Cadmium-Tot.
Chromium-Dis.
Chromium-Tot .
Copper-Dis.
Copper-Tot.
Fluoride-Dis.
Fluoride-Tot.
Iron-Dis.
Iron-Tot.
Mercury-Dis .
Mercury-Tot.
Manganese-Dis.
Manganese-Tot .
Nickel-Dis.
Nickel-Tot.
Lead-Dis.
Lead-Tot.
RA-226
Selenium-Tot.
Zinc-Dis.
Zinc-Tot.
Standard
Value
0.6
0.6
2.6
0.6
0.6
2.6
0.6
0.03
0.09
0.03
0.09
0.03
750
500
500
500
1000
4
4
50
50
20
20
1.6
1.6
300
300
0.2
0.2
50
50
100
100
30
30
3
10
30
30
mg/1
yMHO
mg/1
Mg/1
pC/1
yg/i
121
-------
APPENDIX B
State Water Quality Standards
122
-------
COLORADO
WATER QUALITY STANDARDS SUMMARY
STANDARD
Settleable
Solids
Floating
Solids
Taste, Odor,
Color
Toxic
Materials
Oil and
Grease
Radioactive
Material
Fecal Col i form
Bacteria
Geometric Mean
Turbidity
Dissolved
Oxygen
PH
Temperature
CLASS
A!
Free From
Free From
Free From
Free From
Cause a film or
other discoloration
Drinking Water
Standards
<200/100ml
No increase of more
than 10 J.T.U.
6 mg/1 minimum
6.5 - 8.5
Maximum 68° F.
Maximum Change 2°F.
A2
Free From
Free From
Free From
Free From
Cause a film or
other discoloration
Drinking Water
Standards
<200/ 100ml
No increase of more
than 10 J.T.U.
5 mg/1 minimum
6.5 - 8.5
Maximum 90°F.
Maximum Change:
Streams - 5°F.
Lakes - 3°F.
Bl
Free From
Free From
Free From
Free From
Cause a film or
other discoloration
Drinking Water
Standards
< 1000/1 00ml
No increase of more
than 10 J.T.U.
6 mg/1 minimum
6.0 - 9.0
Maximum 68°F.
Maximum Change 2°F.
B2
Free From
Free From
Free From
Free From
Cause a film or
other discoloration
Drinking Water
Standards
<1 000/1 00ml
No increase of more
than 10 J.T.U.
5 mg/1 minimum
6.0 - 9.0
Maximum 90°F.
Maximum Change:
Streams - 5°F.
Lakes - 3°F.
-------
(1) Special limits for the Clark Fork
have been established.
Montana
Water Quality Standards Sumnary
Total
Col ifortn
(Average)
Dissolved
Oxygen
PH
Turbidity
Temperature
Settl cable
Solids
Sedimentation
Res.
Radioactive
Material
Toxic Materials
(Free From)
Oil a
Grease
Color
A-Closed
50/100 ml max.
Total coil-form
NA
Mo Change
No Increase
No increase
No increase
No increase
No waste
No increase
No increase
:
-------
Mater Quality Standards Summary
Fecal Col i form
fipnitiPrrir. Mp^n
Total Col i form
Geometric Mean
Dissolved Oxygen
pH
Turbidity (1)
Temperature
Color
Taste, odor
Floating Solids
Toxic Material
Oil & Grease
Iodine 131
Radium-226
Strontium- 89
Strontium-90
Tri tium
(1) Unless due tc
Class I Class IA Class II Class III
200/100 ml.
1000/100 ml.
5.0 mg/1 minimum
7 - 8.5
10 JU
85 °F maximum
5°F max. change
15 units
Free from
Free from
Free from
Not to exceed
10 mg/1
5 pc /I
1 PC /I
100 pc /I
10 pc /I
3000 pc /I
i runoff
200/100 ml.
1000/100 ml.
5.0 mg/1 minimum
7 - 8.5
10 JU
85 °F maximum
5°F max. change
15 units
Free from
Free from
Free from
Not to exceed
10 mg/1
5 pc/1
1 pc/1
100 pc/1
10 pc/1
3000 pc/1
200/100 ml.
1000/100 ml.
5.0 mg/1 minimum
6 - 9
25 JU
90 °F maximum
3°F max. change
25 units
Free from
Free from
Free from
Not to exceed
10 mg/1
5 pc/1
1 pc/1
100 pc/1
10 pc/1
3000 pc/1
1000/100 ml.
1000/100 ml.
5.0 mg/1 minimum
6 - 9
40 JU
90 °F maximum
3°F max. change
40 units
Free from
Free from
Free from
Not to exceed
10 mg/1
5 pc/1
1 pc/1
100 pc/1
10 pc/1
3000 pc/1
NJ
Ul
-------
North Dakota
Water Quality Standards Summary
N>
Class I
Class IA
Class II
Class III
Ammonia
Arsenic
Barium
Baron
Cadmium
Chlorides
Chromium (hexa) or trivalent
Copper
Cyan i des
Lead
Nitrates
Phenol s
Phosphates (as "P")
Selenium
TDS (2)
Zinc
Sodium X nf ratinnc
1.0 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
0.5 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
100 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
4.0 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
.01 mg/1
500 mg/1
0.5 mg/1
50%
1.5 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
0.5 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
175 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
4.0 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
.01 mg/1
1000 mg/1
0.5 mg/1
60%
1.5 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
0.5 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
250 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
.01 mg/1
1000 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
60%
2.0 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
0.75 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
250 mg/1
0.05 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
0.1 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
0.01 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
.01 mg/1
>1000 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
60%
(2) Unless naturally higher
-------
South Dakota
Water Quality Standards Summary
IDS
Nitrates
(as .1)
PH
Total coll.
neometric
Mean
Fecal coli.
Geometric
Mean
Chlorine Res
Airror. i a
Nitrogen
(as N)
Chlorides
T. Cyanide
Free
Cyanide
0.0.
D.O.
Spawning
Season
1
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.0-9.0
5000/
100 ml
Drinking
Mater
Standards
Free from
Free from
Free from
Free from
Free from
Drinking
Water
Standards
N/A
2
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.6-8.6
5000 /
100 ml
Drinking
Water
Standards
0.02 mg/1
0.06 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02 mg/1
0.005
mg/1
6.0 mg/1
7.0 mg/1
3
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.5-8.8
5000/
100 ml
Drinking
Water
Standards
0.02 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 mg/1
7.0 my/1
4
1000 mg/1 '
10 mg/1
6.5-9.0
5000/
100 ml
Drinking
Water
Standards
0.02 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
5
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.3-9.0
5000/
100 ml
Drinking
Water
Standards
0.02 mg/1
1.0 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
6
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.0-9.0
5000/
100 ml
Drinking
Water
Standards
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
7
1000/100 ml
10 mg/1
6.5-8.3
1000/100 ml
Recreation season
any sample 2000/
100 ml
200/100 ml rec-
reation season
any sample 400/
100 ml
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0 mg/1
0.02 mg/1
0.005 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
8
1000 mg/1
10 mg/1
6.0-9.0
5000/100 ml
Recreation sea-
son any sample
10.000/100 ml
1000/100 ml rec-
reation season
any sample 2000/
100 ml
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0 mg/1
0.02 mg/1
0.005 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
9
2500 mg/1
50 mg/1
MN03
6.0-9.5
See #8
See #8
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0 mg/1
0.02 mg/1
0.005 mg/1
5.0 mg/1
IVA
10(5-1/9-30)
1500 mg/1
50 mg/1
as N03
6.0-9.5
5000/
100 ml
root crons/
rec. area
1000/
100 ml
root crops/
rec. area
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 mg/1
N/A
11
2000/mg/l
50 ng/1
as N03
6.0-9.5
5000/
100 ml
1000/
100 ml
0.02 mg/1
1.5 mg/1
100.0
mg/1
0.02
mg/1
0.005
mg/1
5.0 :ng/l
N/A
N>
-------
South Dakota (Contd)
Water Quality Standards Summary
H£S (undis-
sociated)
H- T. Iron
M
UU
TSS
Temp.
Turbidity
Conduc-
tivity
Sod i urn
abs. ratio
Alkalinity
(as CaC03)
1
Free from
Free from
Free from
Drinking
Water
Standards
Drinking
Water
Standards
2
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
30 mg/1
65°F max.
10 J.C.U.
3
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
90 mg/1
75°F max.
50 J.C.U.
4
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
90 mg/1
80°F max.
50 J.C.U.
5
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
90 mg/1
90° F max.
50 J.C.U.
6
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
150 mg/1
90°F max.
50 J.C.U.
7
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
150 mg/1
90"F max.
50 J.C.U.
8
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
150 mg/1
90°F max.
50 J.C.U.
9
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
150 mg/1
90° F max.
50 J.C.U.
4000 micro
MHO's at
25°C
750 mg/1
10
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/1
150 mg/1
90°F max.
50 J.C.U.
2500 micro
MHO's at
25°C
10
11
0.002 mg/1
0.2 mg/T
150 mg/1
90° F max.
50 J.C.U.
2500 micro
MHO's at
25eC
-------
NOTES - SOUTH DAKOTA
For All Classifications
A. Radioactive Material
Iodine
Radium
Strontium
Strontium
Tritium
- 131
- 226
- 89
- 90
-
- 5 pc/1
- 1 pc/1
- 100 pc/1
- 10 pc/1
300 pc/1
B. Toxic Materials Above Standard
Allowed for certain
beneficial purposes
if no danger to health
C. Petroleum Products
No materials of petroleum
derivation shall be dis-
charged which results in
concentration of excess
of 10 mg/1 or imparts of
visible film or sheen
D. Gas Pressure
Less than 110% of saturation.
129
-------
Utah
Miter Quality Standards Summary
u>
o
Total coll fora
Avenge
Fecal coll fora
B.0.0.
0.0.
pM.
Temp.
Chemical
Standards
Physical
Standards
Radiological
Standards
Settleable
Solids
Floating Solids
"A"
Drinking
Uater
Standards
Drinking
Uater
Standards
Free from
Drinking
Water
Standards
6.5-8.5
Suitable
for in-
tandad use
Drinking
Water
Standards
Drinking
Water
Standards
I/ 30th of
MPCU
Values
Free from
Free from
"B"
50/100 •!
See A
See A
See A
6.5-8.5
Set A
See A
Set A
See A
See A
See A
"C"
5000/100 •!
See A
Except Biological
Uater Std's
5 mg/1
5.5 «g/l
6.5-8.5
See A
See A
SM A
See A
See A
See A
•cc-
See C
See C
See C
6.0 mg/1
6.5-8.5
68"F MX
2'F change
See A
See A
See A
See A
See A
"CW
See C
See C
See C
SM C
See C
80'F max
4*F change
SeeA
See A
SM A
See X
See A
"CR"
1000/100 •!
See C
See C
See C
SM C
SM A
See A
SM A
See A
SM A
See A
•ecu"
SM C
SM C
See C
See C
See C
68°F MX
2*F change
SM A
SM A
SM A
See A
SM A:
•CWR"
SM C
SM C
SM C
See C
SM C
80* F MX
4*F change
SeeA
SM A
SM A
SM A
SM A.
.„.
5000/100 al
See C
25 mg/1
SM A
6.5-9.0
None Added
SM A
See A
SM A
See A
SM A
•f "S"
C
S
m
Ul
•
M
M
a
C
o
«•
C
3
M
|
*
tl
£
u
M
5
8
2
M
t
1
I
1
I
i
£
9
J
+>
»
i
I
»
i
ut
1
s
IA
s
u
••
I
M
£
&
§
«
*
M
HI
•
c?
M 1
-J
*"2
AS
Wat:er>
-------
Wyoming
Water QuVMty Standard Summary
Fecal Collform
Geometric Mean
Total CoHforra
D.O.
Floating Solids
011 & Grease
PH
Radioactive Material
a. Radium - 226
b. Strontium - 90
Salinity
Sett 1 cable Solids
Taste, Odor, and Color
Temperature
Toxic Material
Turbidity
Total Gas Pressure
I
*May 1 thru Sept. 30
280/100 ml primary contact
1000/100 ml secondary contact
None
6.0 mg/1
Free from
10 mg/1 max.
6.5 - 8.5
BPT
3 pc/1
10 pc/1
—
Free from
Free from
Warm water 90° F (max)
Cold water 78°F (max.)
2°/4° max. increase
Free from
Increase of 10 JTU max.
110% of Atmosphere
II
**May 1 thru Sept. 30
10001/1 secondary contact
None
5.0 mg/1
Free from
10 mg/1
6.5 - 8.5
BPT
--
Free from
Free from
Warm water 90°F (max. J
Cold water 78° F (max.)
2°/4" max. Increase
Free from
Increase of 10 JTU max.
1102 of Atmosphere
III
None
None
None
Free from
10 mg/1
6.5 - 8.5
BPT
Under study
Free from
None
None
Free from
None
110% of Atmosphere
* Applies to stm water below 7000 feet and certain other streams.
** Applies to all other waters not in I.
-------
APPENDIX C
National Ambient Air Quality Standards
132
-------
NATIONAL AMBIENT AIR QUALITY STANDARDS
Pollutant
Suspended particulate matter
(Total suspended particulates)
(TSP)
Sulfur dioxide
(S02)
Carbon monoxide
(CO)
Oxidants/ozone
(0 + Oz or 0.,)
X -5
Nitrogen dioxide
(N02)
Time period/standard
Annual, secondary
Annual, primary
24-hr, secondary
24-hr, primary
Annual, primary
24-hr, primary
3-hr, secondary
1-hr, primary
8-hr, primary
1-hr, primary
Annual, primary
Maximum
permissible
concentration
60 ug/m3
75 ug/m3
150 ug/m3C
260 ug/m30
80 ug/m3
365 ug/m3C
1300 Mg/m3C
40 mg/m3
10 mg/m3
160 ug/m30
100 ug/m3C
aPrimary: to protect public health.
Secondary: to protect public welfare.
°These values are not to be exceeded more than once per year.
133
-------
APPENDIX D
Breakpoints for Pollutant
Standards Index
(Includes alert level for each pollutant)
134
-------
Breakpoints for PSI
in Metric Units
01
Breakpoints
50'" of primary short-
term NAAQS
Primary short-term NAAQS
Alert Level
Warning Level
Emergency Level
Significant Harm Level
PSI
Value
M
50
100
200
300
400
500
TSP
iig/m3
24-hr.
75a
260
375
625
875
1000
ug/m3
24-hr.
80a
365
800
1600
2100
2620
TSPxSO?
(yg/m3)2
b
b
65xl03
261xl03
393xl03
490xl03
CO
mg/m3
8 hours
5.0
10.0
17.0
34.0
46.0
57.5
03 ,
ug/m3
1-hr.
80
160
400C
800
1000
1200
N02
1-hr.
b
b
1130
2260
3000
3750
Annual primary NAAQS.
No index value reported at concentration levels below those specified by the Alert
level criteria.
For the PSI index 400 yg/m3 appears to be a more consistent breakpoint between the
descriptor words "unhealthful" and "very unhealthful" than the 03 Alert Level of
200
-------
APPENDIX E
Procedures Used to Construct
Indices and Judge Trends
136
-------
TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE
Indices
1. Select worst site in each county based on
o Number of days per year greater than 260 yg/m
averaged over three year period (1974-76)
o Data available in 1976
o Population exposure of site. Should be
representative of populated area of county
2. For the selected site, estimate the number of days greater than
260 yg/m^ for each year (1974-76) and average over the years of
record.
o In years with no recorded violations, estimate is
automatically zero
o For other years estimate is made assuming a log-
normal distribution of data throughout the year
o If data are not log-normal, actual distribution
is used to estimate number
o If data do not allow for construction of a
credible distribution, the actual number of days
over standard is used
3. For same site, estimate number of days with at least one average
o
greater than 375 yg/m-5-
o Use same criteria as above
137
-------
Trend
1. Analysis done only for counties with 5 or more years of data.
2. Judgements based on
o Annual frequency distributions
o Annual geometric means
o Number of days per year greater than primary
standard
o Second highest values per year
o Trends in other sites within county
138
-------
SULFUR DIOXIDE
Indices
1. Select worst site in each county based on
o Population exposure. Must be in area where
people are present
o Representativeness within county
o Number of days per year greater than 24-hour
average of 365 yg/m
o Data available in 1976
2. For the selected site, average number of days per year greater
than primary 24-hour standard for three year period (1974-76).
o Actual data used
o Continuous data preferred over non-continuous
3. For same site count number of days with at least one average
o
greater than 800 pg/m .
o Actual data used
Trends
1. Analysis done only for counties with 5 or more years of data.
2. Judgements based on
o Number of days per year over standard
o Annual frequency distribution
o Second highest value per year
o Annual average
139
-------
NITROGEN DIOXIDE
Indices
1. Select worst site in each county based on
o Highest annual average
o Data available in 1976
o
2. Determine whether annual average is greater than 100 yg/m ,
average 1974-76.
o Actual data are used
o Years without valid annual average are disregarded
Trends
1. Analysis done only for counties with 5 or more years of data.
2. Judgements based on
o Annual average concentrations
o Annual frequency distributions
o Trends in other sites within county
140
-------
CARBON MONOXIDE
Indices
1. Select worst site in each county based on
o Number of days greater than 10 mg/m 8-hour average
o Data available for 1976
2. For selected site, count the number of days per year (1974-76)
with at least one 8-hour average greater than 10 mg/m^.
Average these yearly values.
o For periods with no data, estimate by examining
data for same site for same period of other
years and by looking at data for other nearby
sites.
3. For same site count number of days with at least one average
greater than 17 mg/m .
o Actual number always used
Trends
1. Analysis done only for those counties with 5 or more years of
data.
2. Judgements based on
o Number of days per year over standard
o Annual frequency distributions
o Annual average concentration
o Second highest concentration
o Trends in other sites within county
141
-------
(OZONE)
Indices
1. Select worst site in county based on
o Number of days greater than 160 yg/nr
o Data available for at least one year
(1974-76) during the months April through
September.
2. For selected site, count the number of days per year (1974-76)
with at least one hourly average greater than 160 yg/m .
Average these yearly values.
o For periods with no data, estimate by examining
data from nearby sites and for the same site
during same period of other years.
o Data are insufficient if unavailable during the
peak ozone season (April-September).
3. For same site, count number of days with at least one average
greater than 400 yg/m^.
o Actual number is always used
Trends
1. Analysis done only for those counties with 5 or more years of
data.
2. Judgements based on
o Number of violations per year
o Number of days greater than standard for each year
142
-------
o Annual frequency distribution
o Second highest value for each year
o Trend in other sites within county
143
-------
I ECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(Please read Instructions on the reverse before completing)
RFPORTNO. |2.
EPA-908/2-78-001
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Water and Air Quality Trends in Region VIII
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
5. REPORT DATE
March 1978 ..
7 AUTHOR(S)
Thomas A. Entzminger, Richard Sotiros, Barry F. Levene
William H. Tabor
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION COUl
8. I'LHFOHMINi; OIU1 AN I / A II ON III I'DM I NO
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Surveillance and Analysis Division
1860 Lincoln Street
Denver, Colorado 80295
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
11. CONTRACT/GRANT NO.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Same
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Final
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
Water and air quality trends and summaries were determined for the six states in
Region. VIII. These states are Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and
Wyoming.
Only the data on EPA's national data banks were used. The STORET data bank was
used for the water quality analysis and the SAROAD base was used for the air analysis.
The water quality status and trends were calculated and reported in two ways;
(1) as single parameter percentages of standard or criteria violations, and (2) as a
single "index" number derived as the aggregate of percentage violations of four para-
meter groups.
The air quality report provides information where quality standards are achieved
as well as areas which still have significant problems. Indices are used where
appropriate.
This report was not intended to be a comprehensive analysis of cause and effect
relat ionships.
17.
KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
Air Pollution Forecasts
Air Quality
Water Quality
Water Quality Index
b.IDENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
Colorado STORET
Montana SAROAD
North Dakota
South Dakota
Utah
Wyoming
:. COSATI I ield/Group
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Release to public
19. SECURITY CLASS (This Report)
Unclassified
21. NO. OF PAGES
144
20. SECURITY CLASS {This page)
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) PREVIOUS EDITION is OBSOLETE
144
-------
INSIHUUMONS
1. REPORT NUMBER
Insert the I PA report number as it appears on the cover of the publication.
2. LEAVE BLANK
3. RECIPIENTS ACCESSION NUMBER
Reserved lor use by each report recipient.
4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
Title should indicate clearly and briefly the subject coverage of the report, and be displayed prominently. Set subtitle, if used, in smaller
type or otherwise subordinate it to main title. When a report is prepared in more than one volume, repeat the primary title, add volume
number and include subtitle for the specific title.
5. REPORT DATE
Each report shall carry a date indicating at least month and year. Indicate the basis on which it was selected (e.g., date of issue, date of
approval, date of preparation, etc.).
6. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION CODE
Leave blank.
7. AUTHOR(S)
Give name(s) in conventional order (John R. Doe, J. Robert Doe, etc.). List author's affiliation if it differs from the performing organi-
zation.
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NUMBER
Insert if performing organization wishes to assign this number.
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME AND ADDRESS
Give name, street, city, state, and ZIP code. List no more than two levels of an organizational hirearchy.
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER
Use the program element number under which the report was prepared. Subordinate numbers may be included in parentheses.
11. CONTR ACT/G R ANT NUMBE R
Insert contract or grant number under which report was prepared.
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME AND ADDRESS
Include ZIP code.
13. TYPE OF REPORT AND PERIOD COVERED
Indicate interim final, etc., and if applicable, dates covered.
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
Insert appropriate code.
15. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
Enter information not included elsewhere but useful, such as: Prepared in cooperation with. Translation of, Presented'at conference of.
To be published in. Supersedes, Supplements, etc.
16. ABSTRACT
Include a brief (200 words or less) factual summary of the most significant information contained in the report. If the report contains a
significant bibliography or literature survey, mention it here.
17. KEY WORDS AND DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
(a) DESCRIPTORS - Select from the Thesaurus of Engineering and Scientific Terms the proper authorized terms that identify the major
concept of the research and are sufficiently specific and precise to be used as index entries for cataloging.
(b) IDENTIFIERS AND OPEN-ENDED TERMS - Use identifiers for project names, code names, equipment designators, etc. Use open-
ended terms written in descriptor form for those subjects for which no descriptor exists.
(c) COSATI I 1ELD GROUP - Field and group assignments are to be taken from the 1965 COSATI Subject Category List. Since the ma-
jority of documents are multidisciplinary in nature, the Primary Field/Group assignment(s) will be specific discipline, area of human
endeavor, or type of physical object. The application(s) will be cross-referenced with secondary Field/Group assignments that will follow
the primary posting(s).
18. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Denote releasability to the public or limitation for reasons other than security for example "Release Unlimited." Cite any availability to
the public, with address and price.
19. &20. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION
DO NOT submit classified reports to the National Technical Information service.
21. NUMBER OF PAGES
Insert the total number of pages, including this one and unnumbered pages, but exclude distribution list, if any.
22. PRICE
Insert the price set by the National Technical Information Service or the Government Printing Office, if known.
EPA Form 2220-1 (Rev. 4-77) (Reverse)
------- |