Minnesota >/
Second Session
April 29-30, 197O
Duluth, Minnesota
Vol.1
In the Matter off Pollution of Lake Superior
and its Tributary Basin-Minnesota -
Wisconsin -Michigan
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR • FEDERAL WATER QUALITY ADMINISTRATION
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SECOND SESSION
OF THE
CONFERENCE
IN THE MATTER OF POLLUTION OF
LAKE SUPERIOR AND ITS TRIBUTARY BASIN
IN THE STATES OF MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN, AND MICHIGAN
held in
Duluth, Minnesota
April 29 - 30, 1970
TRANSCRIPT OF PROCEEDINGS
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CONTENTS_
PAGE
Opening Statement - Mr . Stein 5
Hon. P. A. Hart 10
B. H. Atwood 12
G. j. Merritt 15
C. H. Stoddard
Dr . C . E. Carson • • • •
Mrs . A. Harvell 51
B. Meyers 58
J. T. Shiner 6l
M. Hanson 72
B. Haglund 75
M. T. Downing 78
Dr. G- R. Gleason 8l
D. Zemtner 86
G. Nelson 91
R. Hellman 95
B. L. Brommer 98
D. Davidson 100
F. T. Mayo 103
C. Fetterolf 108
I
i
-------
B
CONTENTS_
(Continued)
PAGE
M. Garnet 1?6,
385
E. Terpstra 203
G. Jarecki 215
Dr. D. I. Mount 220
Hon. G. Nelson 383
T. G- Frangos 38?
R. J. Courchaine 448
T. Griffith 558
P. A. Doepke 565
J. L. Carter 568
J. P. Badalich 570
R. Koenig 626
E. T. Fride 631
K. Haley ?80
Dr. C. W. Huver 858
Summary 868
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The Second Session of the conference in the
matter of pollution of Lake Superior and its tributary
basin in the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michi-
gan, convened at 9:30 o'clock on April 29* 1970, at the
Hotel Duluth, Duluth, Minnesota.
PRESIDING:
Mr. Murray Stein
Assistant Commissioner for Enforcement
Federal Water Quality Administration
U. S. Department of the Interior
Washington, D. C.
CONFEREES:
John P. Badalich
Executive Director
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Donald J. Mackie
Executive Assistant
Department of Natural Resources
State of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Francis T. Mayo
Regional Director, Great Lakes Region
Federal Water Quality Administration
U. S. Department of the Interior
Chicago, Illinois
Ralph W. Purdy
Executive Secretary
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Lansing, Michigan
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AIDES TO ABOVE:
Dr. Howard A. Andersen
Member
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Robert C. Tuveson
Member
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Albert Lea, Minnesota
Thomas G- Prangos
Administrator
Division of Environmental Protection
Department of Natural Resources
State of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Dale S. Bryson
Director, Lake Superior-Upper Mississippi
River Basin Office, Federal Water Quality
Administration, U. S. Department of the Interior
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Carlos Fetterolf
Supervisor, Water Quality Appraisal
Water Resources Commission
Bureau of Water Management
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Lansing, Michigan
PARTICIPANTS:
Burton H. Atwood
Regional Coordinator
Office of the Secretary
U. S. Department of the Interior
Des Plaines, Illinois
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3-A
PARTICIPANTS (Continued):
Bernard L. Brommer
Conservation Committee
Duluth Central Labor Body, AFL-CIO
Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Charles E. Carson
Associate Professor of Geology
Wisconsin State University
River Palls, Wisconsin
James L. Carter
Department of Research and Development
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Robert J. Courchaine
Regional Engineer
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Lansing, Michigan
Donald Davidson
Northern Environmental Council
Duluth,, Minnesota
Philip A. Doepke
Biology Department
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Mary Theresa Downing
Students for Environmental Defense
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Edward T. Pride
Attorney at Law
Duluth, Minnesota
Merrill Garnet
Chief, Federal Activities Coordination Branch
Great Lakes Region, Federal Water Quality
Administration, U.S. Department of the Interior
Chicago, Illinois
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PARTICIPANTS (Continued):
Dr. Gale R. Gleason
Chairman, Division of Natural Sciences
Lake Superior State College
Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Thomas Griffith
Dean, School of Arts and Sciences
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Michigan
Brent Haglund
Students for Environmental Defense
University of Minnesota
Duluth, Minnesota
Kenneth Haley
Manager of Research and Development Division
Vice President, Reserve Mining Company
Duluth, Minnesota
Martin Hanson
Secretary, Wisconsin Resources
Conservation Council
Mellen, Wisconsin
Honorable Philip A. Hart
United States Senator
State of Michigan
Mrs. Arlene Harvell
Executive Director
Save Lake Superior Association
Two Harbors, Minnesota
Russell Hellman
State Representative
Michigan House of Representatives
Dollar Bay, Michigan
Dr. Charles W. Huver
Department of Zoology
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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PARTICIPANTS (Continued):
Gene Jarecki
Great Lakes Basin Commission
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Ralph Koenig
UAW
Grant J. Merritt
Lake Superior Task Force Chairman
Minnesota Environmental Control
Citizens Association
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Bob Meyers
President, Student Council
Duluth Cathedral High School
Duluth, Minnesota
Dr. Donald I. Mount
Director, National Water Quality Laboratory
Federal Water Quality Administration
Duluth, Minnesota
Honorable Gaylord Nelson
United States Senator
State of Wisconsin
Glen Nelson
Gogebic Community College
Ironwood, Michigan
John T. Shiner
Member, Great Lakes Region
Student Council on Pollution
and Environment
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Charles H. Stoddard
Resource Consultant, Wolf Springs Forest
Minong, Wisconsin
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PARTICIPANTS (Continued):
Earl Terpstra
Planning Staff Leader
Soil Conservation Service
U. S. Department of Agriculture, Michigan
David Zemtner
President-Elect
Izaak Walton League of America
Minnesota Division
Duluth, Minnesota
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ATTENDEES:
Vivi-Ann Alexander
League of Women Voters
3438 Maple Grove Road
Duluth, Minn.
R. K. Anderson
Ordean Jr. High
418 Ridgewood
Duluth, Minn.
David B. Anderson
Associate District Chief
U.S. Geological Survey
1033 Post Office Bldg.
St. Paul, Minn. 55101
Stanley Anderson
632 North 60th Avenue, West
Duluth, Minn. 55807
R. W. Andrew
NWQL, FWQA
Duluth, Minn. 55804
Burton H. Atwood
Regional Coordinator
U.S. Dept. of Interior
2510 Dempster Street
Des Plaines, 111. 60016
Joseph Bal
District Engineer
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Escanaba, Mich. 49829
Bob Baldwin
2024 Jefferson
Duluth, Minn. 55812
Ann Beacom
Students for Saving Lake Superior
715 Second Avenue, West
Brain G. Benoit
Undergraduate Research Assistant
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Duane Benoit
Research Aquatic Biologist
National Water Quality Laboratory
Duluth, Minn.
HerheEfriWi"/ JBeErg-s^m:, President
Save'.Lake: t-Superior Association
36/3I&(Crj=S'eent View
Duluth:, Minn. 55804'-,
Mrs. Frank Blatnik
League of Women Voters-.
4902 Oneida
Duluth, Minn. 55804
Arnold W. Blomquist, Ph.D.
Director
Biocentric, Jnc-v.
3521 North ;Snelling
St. Paul, Minn. 55112
Richard Boehm, Mill Manager
Kimberly-Clark Corp.
Munising Mill
Munising, Mich. 49862..
E. M. Borgesen
4022 Minnesota Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Lynn Bosley
Central Jr. High
901 Lincoln
Superior, Wise. 54880
Ruth Bowie
1621 East Third Street
Duluth, Minn.
Elgart Bremel
Resort Owner
Cornucepia, Wise.
54827
Edward G. Brewer
1st USAF
74 Defense Missile Squadron
Duluth, Minn.
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-A
Bernard L. Brommer
Conservation Committee Labor Body
Duluth Central
105 East Toledo Street
Duluth, Minn. 55811
David S. Bruno
20-7th Street
Cloquet, Minn. 55720
Robert S. Burd
Dep. Asst. Comm. for Operations
FWQA
Washington, D. C.
Elizabeth Bussey
Students for Savings Lake Superior
801 MacArthur Avenue
Ashland, Wise. 54806
Daniel R. Carlson, Photographer
KDAL-TV
Duluth, Minn.
Robert M. Carlson
Assistant Professor
University of Minnesota
1829 Kent Road
Duluth, Minn.
Ron Carmody
408 East Varnum
Munising, Mich.
Richard L. Carr, Civil Engineer
Calumet AFS
Calumet Michigan (EDC)
Calumet, Michigan Air Force Station
Mrs. William H. Carr
1834 Vermilion Road
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Dr. Charles Elwsen
Associate Professor of Biology
MECCA
26 East Exchange
St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Charles Carson
90 Cudds Court
River Falls, Wise.
B. L. Cismowski
1532 - 8th Avenue East
Duluth, Minn. 55805
Howard P. Clarke
General Attorney
U.S. Steel
700 Missabe Building
Duluth, Minn.
Earl Colten, SISA
c/o Crestwood Manor
East Star 12th
Two Harbors, Minn.
Mrs. James Contos, SLSA
129 West Anoka Street
Duluth, Minn. 55803
F. Corrado, Public Information Officer
U.S. Dept. of Interior
FWQA, GLRO
33 E. Congress Parkway, Room 410
Chicago, 111. 60605
James E. Coughlin, Editor
Duluth Labor World
Duluth, Minn.
Robert J. Courchaine
Regional Engineer
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Mason Building
Lansing, Mich.
Quincy Dadisman, Reporter
Milwaukee Sentinel
918 North 4th Street
Milwaukee, Wise. 53092
Donna Danz
Students for Saving Lake Superior
1116 - llth Avenue West
Ashland, Wise.
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-B
3
Donald W. Davidson
Northern Environmental Coordinator
Chvisne Building
Duluth, Minn.
David DeLeo
Supervisor of Personnel
Reserve Mining Company
Babbitt, Minn.
Claer Dethmers, Ph.D.
Route 6, Box 244
Duluth, Minn. 55580
Franklin H. Dickson
Reserve Mining Company
P. 0. Box 12
Silver Bay, Minn.
Ralph R. Doty
Assistant Professor-St.
4107 Dodge Street
Duluth, Minn.
Scholastice
Mary Theresa Downing
Students for Environmental Defense,
Rovers
3975 Fairview Avenue North
St. Paul, Minn. 55112
Judith A. Drummond, FWQA
2635 Jean Duluth Road
Duluth, Minn.
Mary I. Elwell
1321 East First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55805
Carlos Fetterolf, Supervise
Water Quality Appraisal
Michigan Bureau of Water Management
Mason Building
Lansing, Mich. 48926
Mrs. John Filipovich
502 Upstad Road
Proctor, Minn. 55810
Ed Fride
Reserve Mining
1200 Alworth Building
Duluth, Minn.
Lowell T. Frye, Student
Duluth Cathedral High School
1023 North Central Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55807
Kenneth Gale, Correspondent
ABC News
190 North State Street
Chicago, 111. 60601
Merrill B. Bamet, Chief
Federal Activities Coordinator
U.S. Dept. of Interior
FWQA, GLRO
33 E. Congress Parkway, Room 410
Chicago, 111. 60605
Herb Gibson
323 East Anoka
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Gary F. Ginner
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minneapolis, Minn. 55417
Gary E. Glass, Ph.D.
Research Chemist
USDI, FWQA, NWQL
Duluth, Minn.
Cak R. Gleason
Division of Natural Sciences
Lake Superior State College
Sault Ste. Marie, Mich. 49783
Howard G. Grant
Soil Conservation Representative
State Soil & Water Conservation
Commission
St. Paul Campus
University of Minnesota
St. Paul, Minn. 55101
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-C
Mrs. John C. Green
Students Environmental Defense, UMD
9773 North Shore Drive
Duluth, Minn.
Thomas Griffith, Dean
School of Arts & Science
Northern Michigan University
Marquette, Mich.
Westley A. Grosh, Chief
Twin Cities Office of Mineral
Resources
U.S. Bureau of Mines
Box 1660
Twin Cities Airport, Minn. 55111
Robert D. Grover
Land Operations Officer
Bureau of Indian Affairs
831 Second Avenue South
Minneapolis, Minn. 55402
Howard T. Hagen, Vice President
Zenith Dredge Company
14th Avenue West & Waterfront
Duluth, Minn.
K. M. Haley, Vice President
RAD
Reserve Mining Company
Silver Bay, Minn.
Gerald P. Hall
University of Minnesota
6001 Fairwood Drive
Mtka, Minn. 55343
Barbara Halligan
National Water Quality Laboratory
Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Louis Hanson
Home Secretary
Gaylord Nelson, U.S.
137 Tyler Street
Mellen, Wise. 54546
Senate
Martin Hanson, Secretary
Wisconsin Resource Conservation Council
Box 707
Mellen, Wise. 54546
Gary A. Harms
Special Agricultural Coordinator
Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission
504 Christie Building
Duluth, Minn.
James D. Harris, Safety Engineer
Reserve Mining Company
29 Horm Boulevard
Silver Bay, Minn.
Mace Harris
P. C. A.
Cloquet, Minn.
Arlene I. Harvell
Executive Director
Save Lake Superior Association
1612 Waverly Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Gary Harvell
Save Lake Superior Association
1612 Waverly Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
John G. Haverty
Environmental Control Coordinator
E. I. duPont de Nemours
Wilmington, Del.
Stephen C. Hedman
Duluth Izaak Walton League
Save Our Sylvania Action Committee
2831 East First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55812
Russell Hellman (Rep)
State of Michigan
Dollar Bay, Mich.
Mrs. Russell Hellman
Lock Box 369
Dollar Bay, Mich.
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-D
Raymond J- Higgins, Senator
State of Minnesota
735 First American N.B. Bldg.
Duluth, Minn.
Adele R. High
S. L. S. A.
218 North First Avenue West
Duluth, Minn.
Bob Hogan
Duluth Cathedral
1702 Wallace Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Mrs. Robert C. Holtze
Board Member SLSA
4854 Hamilton Road
Minnetonka, Minn. 55343
John Hovangc
Channel 6 TV, WDSM
Duluth, Minn.
Clayton B. Howk
Lake Superior License & Guide
Service
Box 116
Cornucopis, Wise. 54827
Max W. Hueftky
Sanitary Engineer
U.S. Air Force Base
1928 Snyder Street
Colorado Springs, Colorado 80909
Mary Hugo
Save Lake Superior
510 North 13th Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Evelyn Hunt
Research Biologist
National Water Quality Lab
Duluth, Minn.
J. B. Hustad, Geologist
501 Kenilworth Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Dr. Charles W. Huver
Associate Professor
Sierra Club, Clear Air, Clear Water
5345 Woodlawn Boulevard
Minneapolis, Minn.
Oliver Jackson
Director, SLSA
Larsmont, Minnesota
Eugene A. Jarecki
Comprehensive Basin Planner
Great Lakes Basin Commission
220 East Huron Street
Ann Arbor, Mich. 48108
Axel A. Jensen, Superintendent
Water & Sewer
Village of Silver Bay
52 Banks Boulevard
Silver Bay, Minn. 55614
John C. Johnson
1905 Kent Road
Duluth, Minn.
0. W. Johnson
SLSA
4707 Pitt Street
Duluth, Minn. 55804
K. R. Judkins
Ass't. to Manager of Operations
Silver Bay Division
Reserve Mining Company
Silver Bay, Minn.
T. W. Kamds, Coordinator
Air & Water Quality
The Northwest Paper Company
C & Arch Streets
Cloquet, Minn.
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-E
Einar W. Karlstrand
Duluth Herald & News-Tribune
424 West First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55801
D. Kepnppfer
1707 - Nineth
Two Harbors, Minn.
Justine Kerfoot
Wisconsin-Boundary Commission
Grand Marais, Minn.
Richard Kientz
Milwaukee Journal
2 West Miffin Street
Madison, Wise.
MiHi Kirby, Vice President
Lake Superior Dist. Po. Co.
101 West 2nd Street
Ashland, Wise. 54806
Marvin Knaffla
USWA 5296 Local
Box 83 Star Route
Silver Bay, Minn. 55614
Dr.Kenneth A. Kochsiek
Assistant Professor
2008 Daxter Avenue
Superior, Wise. 54480
Ralph W. Koewic
UAW
2266 North Prospect
Milwaukee, Wise. 53202
J. R. Kohlbry
Water Resources Chairman
League of Women Voters
2928 Greepolan Road
Duluth, Minn. 55812
George N. Koonce
MPCA
717 Delaware Street, SE
Minneapolis, Minn. 55440
Harold A. Koop, Director
SLSA
East Star Route Box 19
Two Harbors, Minn. 55616
Charles Kozel
District 5 Director
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
Eau Claire, Wise. 54701
Lea Krmpotich
216 East 6th Street
Duluth, Minn.
Bill Krueger
52 Fir
Babbitt, Minn.
John W. LaBree
University of Minnesota
4512 Depont South
Minneapolis, Minn. 55709
Vernon L. Larson, Director
Silver Bay Chamber of Commerce
13 Law Drive
Silver Bay, Minn.
G. Fred Lee
Professor of Water Chemistry
University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wise. 53706
Dr. A. R. LeFeuvre
Environmental Quality Coordinator
Canada Centre for Inland Waters
Box 5050
Burlington, Ontario
William G. Lepthiew
Base Civil Engineer
K. I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan
257 Canberra
K. I. Sawyer AFB, Mich. 49843
Mark Liebaert
Central Junior High
2213 Missouri Avenue
Superior, Wise. 54880
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-F
Kenneth F. Light
Vice President
Lake Superior State College
Sault Set. Marie, Mich. 49783
John Lind
SLSA & Twin Points Resort
Box 117 East Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn. 55616
Robert J. Lindall
Special Assistant to Attorney General
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
717 Delaware Street, SE
Minneapolis, Minn. 55440
Dean A. Lindberg
4124 West 6th Street
Duluth, Minn. 55807
Esther Marie Lindstrom
Students for Saving Lake Superior
618 - 9th Avenue West
Ashland, Wise. 54806
C. E. Lovold
Kings Landing Marina
Box 133 Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn.
Ella Lowry
427 West Third Street
Duluth, Minn.
M. D. Lubratovich
Assistant Director
Lab Management
National Water Quality Laboratory
Duluth, Minn.
Mike Lyons
SLSA
221 1/2 Pittsburg Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55806
Robert R. McClanahan
Commissioner, Third District
Cook County
Box 687
Grand Marais, Minn. 55604
Jeff Madsen
Students for Environmental Defense
65 Arthur Avenue, SE
Minneapolis, Minn. 55414
Romola Madsen
Sierra
65 Arthur Avenue, SE
Minneapolis, Minn.
William H. Magie
Friends of the Wilderness
3515 East 4th Street
Duluth, Minn. 55804
Martin J. Malloy
Duluth Cathedral High School
9123 Blook Street
Proctor, Minn. 55810
Thomas E. Malmo
Silver Bay,
Minnesota
Robert S. Mars, Jr., President
Northeastern Minnesota Development Assoc,
215 South 27th Avenue West
Duluth, Minn. 55806
J. R. Marsh, District Engineer
Ontario Water Resources Commission
411 Donald Street East
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Willard B. & Jean M. Matter
2009 East First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55812
Milton M. Mattson
SLSA
Beaver Bay, Minn. 55601
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ATTENDEES CONT:
Vincent R. Mattson
Research Aquatic Biologist
National Water Quality Laboratory
Duluth, Minn.
Francis T. Mayo
Regional Director
USDI, FWQA, GLR
33 E. Congress Parkway, Room 410
Chicago, 111. 60605
Samuel B. Mayo (Mr. & Mrs.)
Box 270, Route 6
Excelsior, Minn. 55331
P- J. Meeby, Owner
Grand Portage Voyageurs Marina
Duluth, Minn.
Mrs. Herb Melby
Voyageurs Marina
23 Floyd Circle
Silver Bay, Minn.
Glen J. Merritt
2035 Columbia Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Bob Meyers
Cathedral High Student Council
President
Duluth Cathedral High School
1738 Dunedin Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Robert D. Milberger
Cloquet Central Labor University
1362 Boland Road
Cloquet, Minn. 55720
Richard W. Mihalek, Director
Save Lake Superior of Wisconsin
Route 1, Box 81
Ashland, Wise. 54806
Gerald Minkkiner
Dui Cent. Body Conservation Committee
1730 Highway 2
Duluth, Minn. 55810
Richard L. Mitchell
Assistant Chief Mining Engineer
Reserve Mining Company
47 Astor Road
Babbitt, Minn. 55706
W. K. Montague, Attorney
Various Companies
409 Alwath Building
Duluth, Minn. 55802
Willard Munger, State Representative
7408 Grand Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Daniel D. Murphy
Save Lake Superior Association
2720 East 7th Street
Duluth, Minn.
Glenn C. Nelson
Vice President Student Body
Gogebic Community College
Ironwood, Mich. 49938
Ralph William Nelson, Forester
U.S. Forest Service
1708 Jefferson Street
115 Forest Service Federal Building
Duluth, Minn. 55812
Margaret E. Ness
Save Lake Superior
Box 32 Star Foute
Silver Bay, Minn.
Isaar A. Newland
819 East 5th Street
Duluth, Minn.
Mrs. Albert Nisswandt
2029 East Superior
Duluth, Minn.
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ATTENDEES CONT.
4-H
Grey O'Brien
News Reporter
KDAL - TV
425 West Superior
Duluth, Minn.
William P. O'Brien, Attorney
Reserve Mining Company
1200 Alworth Building
Dr. Dale Olsen
IWLA - Duluth Chapter
4615 London Road
Duluth, Minn. 55804
Diane L. Olson
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Otto Overby
East Star Route, Box 77
Two Harbors, Minn.
Florence Owens
1321 East First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55805
James E. Parker
Sanitary Engineer
U.S. Air Force
1516 Cambridge Drive
Shreveport, Louisiana 71105
Thomas R. Parr, Water Chemist
Duluth Water & Gas Department
Duluth, Minn.
Joseph Paszak
Central Labor Body - Duluth
Route 1, Box 102-B
Bornum, Minn.
Kathleen D. Parkson
Save Lake Superior Association
802 - 87th Avenue
Duluth, Minn. 55808
Raymond A. Pecbek
Reserve Mining Company
Silver Bay, Minn.
N. H. Pedersen
Production Superintendent
Lake Superior Dist. Po. Co.
101 West 2nd Street
Ashland, Wise. 54806
Mary R. Perrault
Duluth Cathedral
201 West St. Marie Street
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Mrs. Jerrold Peterson
SLSA
209 Snively Road
Duluth, Minn. 55803
Rita Peterson
Central Jr. High
913 North 22nd Street
Superior, Wise. 54880
W. B. Petry
Pollution Control Coordinator
E. I. DuPont
Barksdale, Wise. 54806
William Pond
247-A McNeil Hall WSV
Superior, Wise. 54880
Howard L. Potter
Special Assistant to Federal
Co-Chairman
Upper Great Lakes Regional Commission
Room 504, Christie Building
Duluth, Minn.
Albert C. Printz
Federal Activities Chief
Federal Water Quality Administration
Washington, D.C. 20242^
Jim Pufall
Students for Saving Lake Superior
1504 - 3rd Street East
Ashland, Wise. 54806
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ATTENDEES CONT:
4-1
10
Frank A. Puglisi, Chemist
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Ralph W. Purdy
Executive Secretary
Michigan Water Resources Commission
Lansing, Mich.
Mrs. Harvey Putnam
Duluth Bird Club-Audubon Branch
1407 Woodland Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
L. Pykkoner
419 West Faribault Street
Thomas P- Quirk, Partner
Quirk, Lawver & Matusky Engineers
505 - 5th Avenue
New York, N.Y. 10017
Jean B. Raiken
Cook County Planning Commission
Tofte, Minn.
Sister Beverly Raway
Duluth Cathedral High School
1215 Rice Lake Road
Duluth, Minn. 55811
L. E. Richie
Assistant Director of Water
Quality
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
717 Delaware Street, SE
Minneapolis, Minn. 55440
M. J. Riley
631 - 4th Avenue
Two Harbors, Minn.
Clifford Risley, Jr.
Director, R&D
Federal Water Quality Administration
33 E. Congress Parkway, Room 410
Chicago, 111. 60605
Gene Roach, President
Steelworkers 5296
Star Route Box 50-A
Silver Bay, Minn.
Warren Roske (Mr. & Mrs.)
Sierra Club
3048 North Lee
Minneapolis, Minn. 55422
Carlisle P. Runge
Professor of Law
University of Wisconsin
301 Law School
Madison, Wise.
Franklin Ryder, Civil Engineer
Corps of Engineers
1210 U.S. Post Office
St. Paul, Minn.
Wilmar L. Salo, Assistant Professor
Chemistry
University of Minnesota
Duluth, Minn. 55812
Ed Schmid
Reserve Mining Company
Silver Bay, Minn.
Victor Schmidt, Mill Manager
American Can Company
Ashland, Wise.
Howard Schmitz
Member, SLSA
1306 Central Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
Thomas W. Schmucker
Evelelth Fee Office
Box 521
Eveleth, Minn. 55734
Ernest Schober, Area Conservationist
Soil Conservation Service
2209 East 5th
Duluth, Minn. 55812
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ATTENDEES CONT:
11
F. H. Schraufnagel, Director
Bureau of Standards & Surveys
Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources
P. 0. Box 450
Madison, Wisconsin
Helen L. Seymour
LWC - Audubon Society
1925 East First Street
Duluth, Minn. 55812
John T. Shiner
SCOPE
305 1/2 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, Minn. 55408
Vernon Simula
Save Lake Superior Association
3879 Midway Road
Duluth, Minn.
Mrs. Edward E. Skarp
3375 Mieler Trunk
Duluth, Minn.
Mary Small
Duluth Cathedral High
1096-85 Avenue West
Duluth, Minn.
Earle Smedley
DePont
Braksdale, Wise.
Westley E. Smith
Aquatic Biologist
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.-
John A. Smrekar, IM Past President
Northern Great Lakes Area Council
33 Hays Circle
Silver Bay, Minn. 55614
Ginny Snarski
Research Aquatic Biologist
National Water Quality Laboratory
Duluth, Minn.
Dr. W. Brewster Snow
Associate
Quirk, Lawler & Matusky Engineers
505 Fifth Avenue
New York, N. Y. 10017
Anotn Sterle
United Northern Sportman
2418 West 15th Street
Duluth, Minn. 55806
Charles H. Stoddard
Resources Consultant
Northern Environmental Council
601 Christie Building
Duluth, Minn.
Larry Stovern
Ordean Junior High
4983 Avondale Street
Duluth, Minn.
John R. Suffron
Environmental Quality Engineer
White Pine Copper Company
White Pine, Mich. 49971
Charles Supercynski, Chairman
Math Science Division
Gogebic Comm. College
Ironwood, Mich. 49938
Laurie .Sue
EEf&t.">,Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn. 55616
Leonard R. Sve
East Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn.
Mrs. L. R. Sve
East Star Route, Box 120-A
Two Harbors, Minn. 55616
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ATTENDEES CONT:
F-K
12
Ragmald Sve
SLSA
East Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn.
Walter Sve
East Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn.
Mrs. Walter Sve
East Star Route
Two Harbors, Minn. 55616
John Teasley
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Congdon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Earl A. Terpstra
Planning Staff Leader
Soil Conservation Service, USDA
1405 South Harrison Road
East Lansing, Mich. 48823
John Thon, Program Engineer
Ontario Water Resources Commission
135 St. Glair Avenue West
Toronto, Ontario
David & Janet Thornton
5065 Hermantown Road
Duluth, Minn.
John H. Torgersen
SLA
Knife River, Minn.
Jerome D. Truhn
Assistant Attorney General
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Minneapolis, Minn.
Nick Uidahovich
Superintendent of Water Department
City of Wakefield
Wakefield, Mich.
Ulland, Geologist
P- 0. Box 285
Duluth, Minn.
Kenneth VanEss
St. Louis County Health Department
512 Courthouse
Duluth, Minn.
Donald W. Varner, Director
Research & Development
Superior Fiber Products
Superior, Wise.
M. L. Viant, Chief Mining Engineer
The Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company
504 Spruce Street
Ishpeming, Mich.
Charles Walbridge
Research Aquatic Biologist
National Water Quality Laboratory
6201 Condgon Boulevard
Duluth, Minn.
Clarence Wang, Area Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Central Park
Duluth, Minn.
Ron Way, Reporter
Minneapolis Tribune
425 Portalnd Avenue
Minneapolis, Minn. 55415
Leon W. Weinberger, Vice President
Zurn Industries Inc.
2600 Virginia Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D. C. 20037
Elsie Western
SLSA
306-First Avenue
Two Harbors, Minn.
Roger S. Whitworth, Chemist
Federal Water Quality Administration
Office of Enforcement & Coop Programs
33 E. Congress Parkway, Room 410
Chicago, 111. 60605
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13
ATTENDEES CONT:
Ronald L. Wiegel, Research Associate
Mines Experiment Station
Univeriity of Minnesota
Minneapolis, Minn. 55455
Theodore F. Wisniewski
Assistant to Administrator
Division of Environmental Protection
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P. 0. Box 450
Madison, Wise. 53702
Don Wright, Assistant Director
Public Relations
Reserve Mining Company
Silver Bay, Minn.
Mrs. Donald C. Wright
285 Outer Drive
Silver Bay, Minn.
Steve Wright
William Kelly High School
285 Outer Drive
Silver Bay, Minn.
Dave Zentner, President Elect
Minnesota Division, Izaak Walton
League
810 Arlington Avenue
Duluth, Minn.
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Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
PKOC_EEDI_NGS_
OPENING STATEMENT
BY
MR. MURRAY STEIN
MR. STEIN: The conference is open.
This Second Session of the conference in the
matter of pollution of Lake Superior and its tributary
basin in the States of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michi-
gan is being held under the provisions of Section 10 of
the Federal Water Pollution Control Act as amended.
Under the provisions of the Act, the Secretary of the
Interior is authorized to initiate a conference of this
type when on the basis of reports, surveys, or studies
he has reason to believe that pollution subject to
abatement under the Federal Act has occurred.
This conference first met on May 13 to 15,
1969, and met in Executive Session on September 30
and October 1, 1969.
As many of you know, we are dealing with one
of the most precious and clean water resources in the
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Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
United States in Lake Superior. We are dealing with a
very, very complicated problem, and as all the testimony
at the first conference showed and the large amount of
material which came out later and the public interest in
this, we need all the help we can get if we are going to
come up with an equitable solution to the problem and
keep the waters of Lake Superior as well as the other
Great Lakes in fresh, clean condition for present and
future uses, to use them ourselves, and to hand them
down to future generations.
I have said this before, but I think it bears
repeating. The Great Lakes are the greatest single
source of freshwater in the free world. The miracle
has been that they have remained fresh so long. I think
we have had pretty good indisputable evidence that we are
seeing premature signs of aging of the lakes, the kind
that happens when civilization is around a fresh body
of water, the kind of aging tha~c we have seen in lake
after lake in Asia Minor and in Europe that have had the
impact of civilization through the centuries.
The question here is, can we afford to let
this rate of deterioration go on in the Great Lakes or
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Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
are we going to take action to preserve it? I don't
think all the old conceptualisms that you might have had
are going to help the problem, that is this notion of
Federal rights, States rights, local rights, industrial
rights, and so forth. I think this is a problem of sur-
vival and a problem that we all have to work on together
if we are going to come up with the answer. I think in
that spirit all the parties vitally concerned with this
problem have been working toward its solution.
At the last session of the conference we asked
that the States follow through on the various sources of
pollution and of various discharges into Lake Superior.
Again I would like to indicate we are dealing with a
multiplicity of discharges and not just one. The clean-
up of any single discharge is not going to save Lake
Superior as it wouldn't save Lake Michigan or save Lake
Erie or Lake Ontario. We have to get at all sources,
large and small, every one of them painstakingly, to
do it.
But due to the interest in the Reserve Mining
Company, we have asked.them to undertake further engi-
neering and economic studies relating to possible ways
-------
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
or means of reducing by the maximum practical extent the
discharge of tailings to Lake Superior. Secretary Hickel
specifically recommended that Reserve Mining have a work-
ing copy of their report ready by this time, and we will
call on Reserve Mining representatives sometime during
this conference and if they have that report ready, of
course this will be considered by the conferees.
Again I would like to point out the statutory
rules of the conference. This is a conference between
the Federal Government and the State agencies. The
State agencies representing Minnesota, Michigan and
Wisconsin are here with the Federal representatives.
These constitute the conferees. All the other people
are invitees. And as in the past, we will have presen-
tations of views from members of the public and the
official agencies.
We are going to reverse the procedure that we
had last time, since the factual basis has been laid by
the official agencies. That is, last time we had the
Federal and State agencies present their material first.
This time we are going to give the citizens groups, the *
nongovernmental agencies, an opportunity to present
-------
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
statements first.
I have a list of some of the people who will
present statements, but if you want to get on I would
suggest, if you have not gotten your name up to me or
one of the State agencies, that you get in touch with
Mrs. Rheta Piere.
Mrs. Piere, would you stand up? She has the
nice bright yellow dress on, so you can spot her. Get
your name to her and you will be called on.
I would like the panel members here to intro-
duce themselves. Could we start at the far end?
MR. TUVESON: Robert Tuveson, Minnesota PGA.
DR. ANDERSEN: Howard Andersen, Minnesota PGA.
MR. BADALICH: John Badalich, Minnesota Pol-
lution Control Agency.
MR. FRANCOS: Tom Frangos, Department of
Natural Resources, Wisconsin.
MR. MACKIE: Don Mackie, Department of Natural
Resources, Wisconsin.
MR. MAYO: Francis Mayo, Regional Director,
Federal Water Quality Administration, Chicago.
MR. BRYSON: Dale Bryson, Federal Water
-------
JLO.
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
Quality Administration, Minnesota.
MR. PURDY: Ralph Purdy, Michigan Water
Resources Commission.
MR. FETTEROLF: Carlos Fetterolf, Michigan
Water Resources Commission.
MR. STEIN: My name is Murray Stein. I have
been designated by Secretary Walter J. Hickel as the
Chairman of the conference and am the representative of
Mr. Hickel.
Before we start, I would like to read a tele-
gram addressed to me. The telegram reads:
"Regret unable to be at your conference but
would like to urge that necessary steps be taken to
stop all pollution of Lake Superior from whatever source
without further delay. Would appreciate your reading
this telegram into the record."
Signed Philip A. Hart, United States Senator
from Michigan.
We are having Mrs. Virginia Rankin make a
verbatim transcript of the record here. Mrs. Rankin is
an independent contractor. We generally have the tran-
script available in several months and the States win
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11
Opening Statement - Mr. Stein
make a distribution to you. However, if anyone wants a
copy of the transcript beforehand or a portion of that
transcript, get together with Mrs. Rankin and make your
own arrangements with her, and, of course, if you make
satisfactory arrangements you can have the copy.
A word about procedure. We would like all
participants in the conference other than the conferees
to come up to the podium to make their statements and
identify themselves for the purposes of the record. If
you have copies of your statement, the conferees will
appreciate having them, but the first priority is to
give your copy to Mrs. Rankin so she can have an accu-
rate description of what you put forth. I can't urge
this on you too strongly, because this is quite a chore
for someone to stay here and take this down all day.
With that, we will first call on Burton H.
Atwood, the Regional Coordinator for the Department of
the Interior, for a short statement.
Mr. Atwood.
-------
B. H. Atwood
BURTON H. ATWOOD, REGIONAL COORDINATOR
OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS
MR. ATWOOD: Mr. Chairman, conferees and
ladies and gentlemen.
My name is Burton H. Atwood. I am with the
Office of the Secretary of the United States Department
of the Interior.
It is really a pleasure to come to Duluth
again today where it is still possible to get a breath
of fresh air and to look over the sparkling waters of
Lake Superior, which contributes so much to your economy.
The Department of the Interior has a broad
range of interests in this hearing, in addition to that
of the Federal Water Quality Administration, which is a
participant in the conference. Our Fish and Wildlife
Service, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Bureau of Mines,
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation, the National Park Service,
and the Geological Survey have specific responsibilities
in the development of this area and are, consequently
-------
13
B. H. Atwood
vitally concerned with what we accomplish here.
Today we are playing in an entirely different
ball game than existed at our first session almost a
year ago.
The people of the United States have indicated
that they care deeply about the quality of life they
have and they know that the processes that produce our
material wealth are the same processes that foul our air,
poison our lakes, destroy our land and kill our wildlife.
But they feel that they are hiring us to pro-
tect these resources and somehow they have been led to
believe that something is going to be done about it.
Now, I am afraid that they may become impatient if we
can't show some progress.
President Nixon has said:
"We no longer can afford to consider
air and water common property, free to be
abused by anyone without regard to the con-
sequences. Instead, we should begin now to
treat them as scarce resources, which we
are no more free to contaminate than we are
free to throw garbage in our neighbor's yard."
-------
B. H. Atwood
Secretary of the Interior Walter Hickel has
committed us to a policy of preventing further deter-
ioration of the country's water supplies and calls for
"use without abuse."
So I think the time has come to forget juris-
dictions, to forget additional studies and collectively
get off our "duffs" and get on with the job.
Secretary Hickel likes to recall his boxing j
|
days. He believed in beating an opponent in the earliestj
i
round possible. He found it the most economical, the j
j most effective and the best way to have all the fans in i
| |
your corner. |
i
Collectively, we have the resources and
experience to knock out pollution. We may have missed a
little in the first round and the points may be counting
up against us, but by meeting the challenge now it will
be the least costly, the most efficient way to win, and
we will have the people for us and not against us.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Atwood.
Are there any comments or questions from the
conferees?
Next we would like to call on Mr. Grant J.
-------
G. J. Merritt
Merritt.
GRANT J. MERRITT
LAKE SUPERIOR TASK FORCE CHAIRMAN
MINNESOTA ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL
CITIZENS ASSOCIATION, MINNEAPOLIS,, MINNESOTA
MR. MERRITT: Mr. Chairman, conferees.
As Lake Superior Task Force Chairman of
MECCA--and I am really not the only one representing
MECCA; there are some 3,000 members of this Minnesota
Environmental Control Citizens Association — it is a
pleasure to again address this important conference
called to end the pollution of Lake Superior.
One year ago MECCA called for immediate
action to stop the dumping of taconite tailings in Lake
Superior, and strong action to stop the spoliation and
exploitation of this greatest body of water in the
world. Since this conference convened one year ago,
the only visible results are exactly what we feared the
most--"endless study."
Despite the increasing, convincing, and in
many respects conclusive evidence of the degradation of
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G. J. Merritt
Lake Superior's waters, we still have no action to end
the dumping. Gentlemen, we again call for strong
measures to stop this destruction. There is much talk
about solving the problem, but unless we adopt a "get-
tough" policy immediately we will all be consumed by
the rhetoric while Lake Superior is lost forever.
What you gentlemen decide here on the question
of taconite tailings pollution of Lake Superior by
Republic and Armco Steel Corporations, operating through
their subsidiary, Reserve Mining Company, will have pro-
found repercussions throughout our land. If Reserve
Mining Company is required to stop this monumental
destruction of Lake Superior, and stop it forthwith,
there will be hope for the future of our environment.
If not, the results will be disastrous.
This is a test case. It will be a landmark if
we take this strong action and the results will be far-
reaching in their effects on other major pollution prob-
lems in the United States. This case might be titled,
therefore, The^Pe^op^e Versus Reserve Mining Company, a
test case.
m
A brief review of Reserve's attitude
-------
_ 17
G. J. Merritt
and the events since the May 1969 conference is not
encouraging. Following the May conference session,
Reserve hired Max Edwards, former Assistant Secretary
of the Interior, and Clark Clifford, former Secretary
of Defense as their Washington lobbyists. The policy
of Reserve Mining Company in hiring these former top
Government officials is highly questionable. Just last
month, for example, a secret meeting arranged by Sec-
retary Clifford, and attended by Reserve officials and
Congressman John Blatnik, was held in Washington, D. C.,
with General Clarke, Chief of the U. S. Army Corps of
Engineers. As everyone now knows, this issue of tail-
ings pollution of Lake Superior is of tremendous
citizen concern. Yet Reserve Mining Company arranged
a secret meeting in order to persuade General Clarke
that the Federal Permit issued by the Corps to Reserve
should not be revoked. If Reserve has nothing to hide,
we ask, why didn't they notify the news media of this
meeting? This kind of secrecy is inexcusable—yet
secret meetings between Reserve and the Federal and
State governments and suppression of important infor-
mation have become the order of the day in this
-------
G. J. Merritt
"taconite affair."
Since the Stoddard report was issued on
December 31, 1968, Reserve Mining Company has never
wavered in its constant efforts to suppress information,
secretly influence Government officials, attempt to per-
petuate its "density current theory," which plainly
does not work, and deny any and all criticism of its
operations. This shocking corporate attitude underscores
the urgent need for far-reaching reforms in our system.
It is clear that Reserve will never end its dumping
unless forceful action is taken how. MECCA deplores
the continuing effort of Reserve Mining Company to
influence U. S. Government agencies by hiring the former
heads of those same agencies. We believe the public
recognizes and will not stand for this attitude, which
might be described as "let the public be damned," which
is reminiscent of another era in American history, the
"Robber Baron" days of the 1890's.
The public is tired of the delays, the foot-
dragging and the stalling tactics of the Reserve Mining
Company and the State of Minnesota.
While the public clamors for action to end
-------
G. J. Merritt
this tailings pollution, Reserve Mining has engaged in
stalling tactics designed to hold off any action what-
soever. Just three examples of this stalling and foot-
dragging by Reserve Mining Company.
Recently Reserve Mining sued the State of
Minnesota alleging that the WPC-15 Federal-State water
quality standards were adopted illegally or, in the
alternative, that Reserve should "be granted a variance
"because enforcement would cause undue hardship in their
work. One could only hope that Reserve would show the
same concern for the hardship resulting from their con-
tinuing destruction of Lake Superior's pure waters.
Secondly, Reserve has moved to postpone the
State of Minnesota hearing ordered by Judge Donald
Barbeau, Hennepin County District Judge, to determine
whether Reserve is violating its State dumping permit.
And then third, Reserve has sought weak
recommendations or no action whatsoever from this
enforcement conference, has attacked Secretary Hickel's
recommendation that the Federal permit be, in effect,
revoked and has , in general, used every means at its
disposal to delay the action it knows is inevitable.
-------
20
'
G. J. Merritt
Unfortunately, the State of Minnesota has
participated in this footdragging ever since the
Stoddard report was released. In the first place,
after the Stoddard report became public on January l6,
1969, John Badalich of the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency blasted it as containing "irresponsible inter-
pretation," "speculation and conjecture/' and numerous
errors.
Secondly, Governor LeVander of Minnesota has
| refused to formally join this conference, thereby
seriously undermining efforts to obtain a solution to
tailings pollution through this conference.
Third, at the Executive Session of this con-
ference, which you remember last fall was held here in
Duluth, Minnesota, representatives repeatedly objected
to strong action by this conference, particularly the
strong action called for by Wally Poston. Gentlemen,
we think Mr.Poston was right and his suggestions
should have been followed. (Applause.) Instead, the
weak recommendation for further study, sponsored by the
State of Minnesota, of ways and means of reducing to
the maximum practicable extent the amount of tailings
-------
21
G. J. Merritt
discharged in the lake was adopted, and Reserve's
"Progress report" of these ways and means will soon be
before this conference.
Fourth, the State of Minnesota, represented
by Attorney General Douglas Head, vigorously opposed the
action of two citizen conservation groups, the Sierra
Club and the Minnesota Committee for Environmental
Information. These conservation organizations sought
and successfully obtained, over the opposition of the
State of Minnesota, a writ of mandamus requiring the
pollution control agency to hold the hearing I mentioned
earlier to determine whether Reserve is violating the
terms and conditions of its State dumping permit.
Fifth and finally, the Minnesota PCA has
recently gone on record with the Corps of Engineers
opposing Secretary Hickel's recommendation which calls
for revocation of the Federal permit. This in effect
means that the State of Minnesota is now opposing the
higher standards recommended by Secretary Hickel for
Lake Superior, which is in ironic contrast with the
position of the State of Minnesota in connection with
nuclear power radioactivity pollution where the State
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22
G. J. Merritt
of Minnesota is saying the Atomic Energy Commission,
the Federal Government, doesn't have high enough
standards, therefore we will adopt higher standards.
Fortunately, we do have some support from the Federal
Government and that support is more encouraging.
Secretary Hickel's letter dated February 11,
1970, to General Clark, Chief of the Army Corps of
Engineers, is a significant step forward in the battle
to save Lake Superior from the tailings. He recommended
that Reserve modify its method of discharge so as to
prevent any portion of the tailings from going beyond
the three-mile limit around the plant, either at the
surface of the waters, below the surface of the waters,
or on the bottom of Lake Superior.
Since Reserve cannot possibly modify its
dumping operation in order to meet these conditions,
Secretary Hickel was really saying the Federal permit
should be revoked. For this we commend him highly.
We only wish that he had shown courage enough to
recommend the same strong action through his own
Department of the Interior. Instead of accepting the*
weak recommendations adopted by this conference last
-------
G. J. Merritt
fall, Secretary Hickel could have called for a complete
end to the tailings discharge. He has the authority to
go beyond the recommendations of these conferees. More-
over, because of bureaucratic delay in Washington, it
was four months before Secretary Hickel signed the
recommendation proposed by this conference on October 1,
1969. However, in view of Secretary Hickel's strong
stand in February, we now urge this conference to follow
his lead and recommend revocation of both the State and
Federal permits.
We have also recently had help from another
source in Washington, Senator Walter Mondale. We are
most encouraged by Senator Walter F. Mondale's courageous
speech here in Duluth last week in which he called for
revocation of both the Federal and State permits. In
view of the political situation in this area, this step
was not an easy one for Senator Mondale, but he has the
courage of his convictions and we applaud him for the
forthright stand which he has taken. (Applause.) With
this kind of help from Washington, perhaps there is hope
for the future of Lake Superior.
It is time, gentlemen, to end the procrastination
-------
G. J. Merritt
and get on with the adoption of strong action.
It has been said that the earth is going to
hell in a wastebasket. Applied to Lake Superior, it
may be said that Lake Superior is going to hell on a
chute. As a matter of fact, two chutes, from Reserve
Mining Company and Silver Bay. While pollution pours
into Lake Superior by the millions of tons, we debate
how we can establish new committees to study the
problem. This pattern of procrastination on the
life of Lake Superior is totally unacceptable. We
cannot stand still for endless studies, months dragging
into years of delay while the pollution reaches epi-
demic proportions. Gentlemen, the time for study has
ended. The time for action is now.
We all know that the State of Minnesota
permit has been violated in several respects:
First, material quantities of matter soluble
in water are being discharged into the lake.
Secondly, there is material clouding or dis-
coloration of the water at the surface outside of the
three-mile zone specified in the permit around the
plant.
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25_
G. J. Merritt
And third, the tailings are a public nuisance.
Despite these violations, Reserve has "been
allowed to proceed as usual this past year.
In view of the entire situation, we ask this
conference to adopt the following four recommendations
at this session:
1. Revocation of Reserve's Federal and State
permits as of December 31, 1970, the end of this year.
In the meantime, we ask for this conference
to direct Reserve to begin immediate construction of
on-shore disposal facilities in accordance with the
Stoddard report.
Then if Reserve Mining Company has undertaken
such construction and has progressed satisfactorily
during the remainder of this year toward on-shore dis-
posal facilities by December 31st of 1970, at that point
conditional permits could thereafter be issued until the
construction is completed no later than December 31,
1972.
And then 4th, we urge you to adopt the fol-
lowing finding, that no further study is needed.
In conclusion, today is Earth Day plus seven.
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26
G. J. Merritt
If Earth Day and all the talk we heard last week about
saving the environment means anything, we must translate
this rhetoric into swift action. Gentlemen, you represen
the establishment and the burden of responsibility is
yours. The seeds of revolution are sown and are stirring
in the United States today and we cannot allow violent
revolution to occur. But neither can we allow the vio-
lence of pollution, which is already occurring, to con-
tinue .
As Ralph Nader has stated, pollution is indeed
violence. It is more sophisticated, perhaps, but violent
nevertheless, because of its insidious impact on the
environment. This violent destruction cannot be allowed
to continue, yet continue it does. The failure of the
State and Federal Governments to stop this violent
destruction by Reserve Mining Company which is destroying
Lake Superior and its failure to do anything over the
last 16 months since the Stoddard report was issued
raises really frightful possibilities.
Gentlemen, the challenge is here. The public
demands action now. The question is, how will you
respond? We must accept the bold challenge as expressed
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27
G. J. Merritt
by millions on Earth Day to save mankind from extinction.
If we do, we will move ahead with solutions that were
mere dreams yesterday.
We can, we must, gentlemen, stop the dumping
of tailings. ¥e call on you to move clearly, definitely,
sincerely, even energetically, and, above all, immediateljy
to stop the further destruction of Lake Superior.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Are there any comments or questions
You don't have to leave, Grant, because I have
one or a couple.
I have said many times, we wouldn't need a panejl
like this or perhaps a good lawyer like you in dealing
with pollution problems if all you had to do was shut
down an industry to control it. Anyone can do that. I
think the challenge is to keep the industry alive if
possible and to control pollution.
We also have in this, as a basis of the recom-
mendations, a distressing number, I find, of ad hominem
arguments of respected members of the bar being
indicated as holding secret meetings. Not that
I was at any of these meetings, but I didn't
-------
G. J. Merritt
find any of this attitude of secrecy, and so forth and
so on.
Again I think, as I said in my opening remarks,
unless we forget this conceptualism, unless we all try
to work this out together, I am not sure we are going to |
come up with an equitable solution. This conference made
a judgment after hearing all the testimony at the last
conference on a method and procedure to be followed where
we were going to find the facts and follow certain studies
and try to come up with an agreed-upon Judgment.
Mr. Merritt, of course it is your privilege not
i
to agree with the conference's recommendations, and I thihk
i
it is pretty clear with this that you haven't changed youjr
position one bit from what it was in the first statement
you made. You just have not agreed with the procedure wej
are undertaking here and you are suggesting we reverse
it.
MR. MERRITT: That is correct, Mr. Chairman,
except with one exception. I think that right now we
are asking for even stronger action than we did a year
ago because of what has happened in the past year, not
ii
only with regard to Reserve's hiring of these Washington
-------
G- J. Merritt
lobbyists and members of the bar, but also because of
the State of Minnesota. As I have described,, I have
given you five examples. There are more.
I don't think the conferees and perhaps you,
Mr. Chairman, realize the seriousness of this problem.
I mentioned the seeds of revolution are stirring in our
| land today. I don't think that the governments, at
least from the evidence over the past year, realize the
impact of this continual study. About all we think we i
!
can expect from this conference session during the next j
i
i
two days is another committee or to wait for Reserve's
final report, which may come in sometime in July. Well,
what kind of action is that? I don't think this con-
ference realizes how serious the problem is.
MR. STEIN: Well, I think I understand your
point of view. I also think that it is characteristic
of people who think there is a conspiratorial form of
government or action in a particular area that everyone
else does not have a notion of the seriousness of what
the problem is about.
MR. MERRITT: Well, as Ralph Nader has pointed
out, Mr. Chairman--
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G. J. Merritt
MR. STEIF: Pardon me, I think I waited until
you finished, Mr. Merritt.
MR. MERRITT: I am sorry. I thought you were
through. Go right ahead.
MR. STEIN: You may or may not disagree with
the judgment of the conference. I have known many of
these people for many, many years. In dealing with them j
at the last conference and over the past several months, j
i
I believe they recognize the scope and seriousness of
the problem. They are really alive and well people
here.
Of course, you took the one man we had
here who is no longer working with our organization
and elevated his ghost to that of a hero. That is
great, too, because I like the guy. But I wonder if
that kind of tactic will help solve the problem,
Grant, I really wonder.
MR. MERRITT: Well, we have several heroes, I
think, that we could go on. Wally Poston is certainly
one of the foremost and finest Federal Government employe
that we have seen and he stood up here, and it took courage
last fall to make his recommendations. I think that he
-------
31
G. J. Merritt
should "be recognized and I think it was very proper to
recognize him here today,, because this does go in the
official transcript of this proceeding,, as I think you
realize.
MR. STEIN: Again, no one has worked more close
ly with Wally Poston during his career in this field than
I have, and I think everyone who is familiar with this
knows that. We have been close friends and colleagues
for 25 years.
But again, it is passing strange to bring up
the guy who just doesn't happen to be here because he
changed his employment and make him the hero because he
isn't here to follow through with his statement.
MR. MERRITT: But why was his employment
changed? That is the question.
MR. STEIN: Do you think that is a proper
subject for this conference? That is the kind of thing
that I don't think is going to help clean up Lake Superio
MR. MERRITT: Yes, but neither, Mr. Chairman,,
is the kind of thing that went on in Washington last
month where Secretary Clifford called a secret meeting
with Reserve Mining Company without notifying any members
-------
G. J. Merritt
of the press and the Federal Government went right along
with them. The Corps of Engineers could have notified
| the press so we would know what was said and that the
i
| Federal Government and the industry were working together
! at that point. That is what is wrong with what hasn't
i
happened in this question.
MR.. STEIN: I guess you didn't get the point
! yet.
MR. MERRITT: Well, I think I agree. Apparentl
we are at a little loggerhead.
MR. STEIN: The fact that you keep referring to
it as a secret meeting and repeating that again and again
I
I
| by no means makes it a secret meeting except that you keep
saying it.
MR. MERRITT: Why wasn't the press notified,
then? It was a secret meeting and there has been govern-
ment suppression as late as last week. I could cite a
dozen examples of what has "been going on in this past
year. The Corps of Engineers right now refuses to
release to the press and the public statements which were
submitted in accordance with the request of Colonel
McGinniss, the Chief of the District here in St. Paul in
-------
33_
G. J. Merritt
Minnesota. This is not an isolated example, Mr. Stein.
This is going on repeatedly.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Merritt, again I think we have
the thrust of your argument. If you think that those ad
hoioinem arguments where you are pointing out people and
I
places and alleged secret meetings and pointing to these j
!
things as significant factors are going to be an aid in !
solving this problem that we are all wrestling with., bless
I
you. But I think we have your view.
i
Are there any other comments from the conferees^
i
Go ahead. You have the last word or as many j
i
i
as you wish.
MR. MERRITT: No, I think I have spoken enough,
Mr. Stein. Thank you very much. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
Now, I know there is someone else from MECCA,
but before that we would like to call on Mr. Charles
Stoddard. You know, I have lived in Virginia for 25
years and the kids still think "damn Yankee" is one
word. I have known Charles Stoddard for many years, too,
and I knew him before his name was "Stoddard Report."
(Laughter.)
-------
C. H. Stoddard
CHARLES H. STODDARD
RESOURCE CONSULTANT, WOLF SPRINGS FOREST
MINONG, WISCONSIN
MR. STODDARD: Mr. Chairman,, conferees and
citizens concerned about the future of Lake Superior.
I want to lay a ghost to rest. I am not a
ghost.
I do want to extend<;a hearty welcome to the
fold to those of you who have finally embraced the com-
pelling logic and the eternal verities of the highly
i controversial Interior Department report. A year ago
every effort was made by high public officials to dis-
pute and discredit the report which pinned the tailings
on the taconite; polluting donkey of Silver Bay.
We have come a full circle. Last February
Secretary of the Interior Walter Hickel wrote a letter
to the Chief of the Army Corps of Engineers formally
endorsing the Interior Department study report and urged
him to require Reserve Mining Company in its revised
permit to clean up its highly polluting effluent. If
i
these encouraging words are followed similarly by those
who sought to discredit the report with a will to come
-------
35
C. H. Stoddard
down hard on the polluters of this magnificant lake,
all will "be forgiven.
|
j In facing up to this enforcement issue, we have
j
j several major issues which will test the whole concept of
!
i and the value of our water pollution laws as effective
tools in cleaning up our dirty environment. It is fitting
j that the basic test of these laws comes immediately after
! E-Day--l) on our largest Great Lake, 2) with one of the
' Nation's major polluting corporations, 3) in the district
of the congressman who authored the basic legislations.
These questions will face you gentlemen who are
conferees and in whose hands the public has entrusted the
job of environmental management.
Probably the'first and relatively simple ques-
tion is whether the small polluters whose septic tanks
leak into Lake Superior will feel the strong arm of law
enforcement while the big ones with their passports from
the big economic interests buy time with their well-paid
lawyers, lobbyists and so-called scientific consultants
with legal ruses to stall action.
A more fundamental test of the effectiveness
of the whole legal and administrative system which has
-------
C. H. Stoddard
developed since 1956 faces you. There is little evi-
dence that the complex pollution control structure is
really producing clean waters. In fact, not one river
or lake, to my knowledge, is in better shape than it
was 14 years ago.
The reason? Not because of the will on the par
of the administrators, but because public agencies are
expected to prove that effluent from each source is a
pollutant rather than to require the polluter to prove
the quality of his effluent as being harmless.
Now we are faced with more procedural problems
in a complex web of State-Federal relationships which
enable agencies to pass the buck while polluters merely
profit from the further environmental degradation.
All this adds up to study, study, study,
delay, delay, delay. All of this procedural footdragging
leads us today to a direct challenge to cut the Gordian
knot. But you will be told again and again by certain
spokesmen that taconite tailings are merely sand despite
overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
In this day of advanced geology and soils
technology Webster's definition that sand is ground up
-------
C. H. Stoddard
rock lacks precision. The professional textbook on the
subject is W. H. Twenh of e1's Principles of Sedimentation,
in -which he sets forth Wentworth's size classification
of various particles of materials, sand, silt and clay:
Sand ranges in diameter from 2 millimeters to
l/l6 millimeter.
Silt ranges from 1/16 to 1/256.
Clay is less than 1/256 or 4 microns.
The U. S. Geological Survey reported that 90
percent of the Reserve Mining Company's tailings were
less than 4 microns, that is clay particles, equivalent
to 5,400 tons of daily discharge. An even larger pro-
portion is in silt size particles. Therefore, to identify
this material, as it is constantly called in the press
and other places, as sand is inaccurate. Clay and silt
particles are circulating in Lake Superior from the Silve
Bay source.
Another matter, Reserve Mining Company's own
data shows less than half of the tailings are in the
Reserve delta.
I did not come here today to split definitions,
though I did want to lay that repeated piece of information
-------
38
——
C. H. Stoddard
to rest.
One other significant fact needs to be
pointed out. This interminable footdragging, legal
procedure, political manipulation is not unknown to
one of Reserve's two owners, Republic Steel. The
record shows that it has taken five years for the city
of Cleveland to get enforcement action on a fantastic
air pollution problem caused by Republic.
Republic is now in the courts in Chicago and
Cleveland for nearly outright defiance of water pollu-
tion enforcement actions.
Perhaps it is time for the people in north-
eastern Minnesota to look again at this so-called good
corporate citizen who is using the law to continue its
profitable damage to our Lake Superior environment.
It is time to call a spade a spade. Pollution
is taking place in violation of the Minnesota State per-
mit. This permit must be amended to provide for on-land
tailings disposal or revoked. Despite a recent news
release which purports to require that the State must
certify to the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers that Reserve
is violating State water quality standards, the Corps can
-------
39_
C. H. Stoddard
act on its own motion and should without further delay.
This conference is now nearly a year old.
I Some progress is evident and more is needed. The people
in this area want Lake Superior cleaned up now. If the
great national demand for clean environment was loud and j
j
clear last week, this conference can strike a "blow this j
week by positive action today. Anything less will be a I
i
discredit to the law, its proponents and its administrators
i
If it fails, all of you fail and you will leave
i
a tragic failure to unborn generations. This cannot and i
i
i
must not happen. j
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Are there any comments or questions'}1
i
Chuck, weren't you Director of the Bureau of
Land Management in the Department of the Interior?
MR. STODDARD: I served for three years there,
yes .
MR. STEIN: One of the top spots in the Depart-
ment?
MR. STODDARD: That is right.
MR. STEIN: Well, since you were the head of
that, as a former high top government official, I really
-------
C. H. Stoddard
don't see anything sinister in you taking a position on
this case, do you?
MR. STODDARD: No, I didn't--
MR. STEIN: All right. O.K. Thank you.
MR. STODDARD: I just wanted to indicate that
i
! we have got a lot of procedures, Murray.
i
! MR. STEIN: Right.
MR. STODDARD: And they have got to be cut
through if we are going to make some headway on this.
MR. STEIN: That is right.
MR. STODDARD: We can't let procedures delay
us any longer. I had those problems in the Bureau of
Land Management. I cut through procedures. I raised a
little h-e-1-1 out in Oregon and I had a run-in with
lumbermen out there over sustained yield management of
their lands and it became too hot politically for some
people, but I think we have got to go down fighting even
if we have to go down.
MR. STEIN: Yes, I know. As you know, I
followed that case blow by blow, we both did together.
But the point is when you left the Bureau you
didn't cease being and you have kept moving for what you
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
were dealing with.
MR. STODDARD: That is right.
MR. STEIN: And I think you are bringing a lot
to the party with your background. So I really don't
see anything wrong with former top government officials,
such as you are, taking a side in any particular conserva
tion issue and pushing it.
Thank you very much.
MR. STODDARD: Any more questions?
MR. STEIN: May we have Dr. Charles Carson of
MECCA?
DR. CHARLES E. CARSON
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF GEOLOGY
WISCONSIN STATE UNIVERSITY
RIVER FALLS, WISCONSIN
DR. CARSON: Mr. Chairman, members of the con-
ference, ladies and gentlemen.
I am a member of the Board of Directors and
Associate Professor of Geology, Wisconsin State Universit
in River'Falls .
Last year at this conference evidence was
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
presented to show that taconite tailings from the Reserve
plant at Silver Bay were damaging the water quality and
biota of Lake Superior. Specifically, discoloration and
increasing turbidity of the water were cited and increased
eutrophication potential from added minerals. In addition,
bottom fauna essential in the food chain to trout were
shown to be damaged.
Since that time, the PGA of Minnesota, through
WPC-15, has recommended turbidity and suspended solids
maxima that Reserve says it cannot meet without destroy-
ing the tailings density current. Reserve is at present
challenging the State standards and has also presented
19 alternate disposal plans to the PGA on April 9,
1970. More recently, the Federal Water Quality Laboratory
in Duluth has released reports showing that, contrary to
Reserve's contention, tailings are biologically active in
concentrations of only 1 milligram per liter over a sig-
nificant area of the lake. Thus the fact that large
portions of the tailings, namely silica, are comparatively
inert electrically has in no way insured ~bhat they were
"inert" biologically. In fact, the relatively stable
suspension of fine silica, as compared to natural stream
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
clays, probably only enables the silica to be more
effective biologically. And this says nothing of the
incomparably more active tailings constituents such as
phosphorus. There is no doubt any more that tailings
are potentially and actually harmful.
The only questions now remaining are how will
Reserve attempt to solve this problem and whether they
will. In their April 9 testimony before the PGA,
Reserve presented 19 alternate plans, some suggested by
consultants, for disposal of tailings in various ways
that would partially or wholly restrict them from Lake
Superior. Most of the first 11 proposals were concerned
with on-land disposal of tailings in the Lax Lake area
above Silver Bay or at sites farther inland. Great
efforts were made in Reserve's report to show the hor-
rendous difficulties attached to these proposals. They
started with a diagrammatic profile of the route from
Silver Bay to Babbitt which had the vertical scale
exaggerated 50 times over the horizontal, thus making
the uplands behind Silver Bay appear to be of mountainous
proportions. After this frightening prospect came an
estimate of up to $195 million to pay for Lax Lake
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
disposal.
But even more horrible specters were conjured
| up. It appears that Lax Lake disposal would violate
j sound conservation. Naturally, with their fine record of
i environmental concern, Reserve painted a dismal picture
i
of wholesale destruction of, I quote, "prime hunting,
fishing, recreation, and resort country, with both
! i
i seasonal and year-around homes. All would be covered by j
i 1
| the tailings basin; Lax Lake itself would cease to exist.!
Dust from blowing tailings could be expected to affect j
the region." And worse yet, a1"huge tailings basin"
would be "poised high above the residences of the Beaver
I
Bay region," constituting a truly dreadful "safety hazard
With relief, Reserve concluded that this straw-man pro-
posal would have to be abandoned.
The first Lax Lake proposal was followed by one
suggesting disposal near the mine at Babbitt. For winter
operations a huge thaw-shed was envisioned or else elec-
trically heated railroad cars. This proposal, like the
first Lax Lake proposal, was regarded as totally untenabl
and was consequently abandoned. Following this one,
numbers 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9 all dealt with one type or other
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
of disposal in Lax Lake and were abandoned for reasons
i similar to those given in proposal number 1.
Proposal No. 4 suggested disposal by deep
i
j pipe into the lake. It presumed that deep water depo-
i
| sition of fines would preclude them ever rising to the
surface, a presumption by no means certain. Further-
more, in light of the recent water lab evidence concern-
j
I ing biological activity of tailings, something Reserve
i
ignores, such disposal would be even more questionable.
Reserve "abandoned for the present" this idea, but since
it is relatively cheap and would mask pollution for some
time it is likely they will reconsider.
Proposal No. 5 involves tailings disposal
under a "protective curtain" 100 feet deep. The fines thjsn
would presumably pass into deep waters underneath this
curtain and never mix with the surface waters. Exactly
the same criticisms can be made of this proposal as were
made of the deep water pipe. In addition, there is littl^
likelihood that the waves of Superior would respect any
curtain that is not made of concrete and steel.
Proposals 10 and 11 are similar to the Lax Lake
proposals and proposal number 2, and some of the same
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
difficulties were encountered. These were abandoned.
Proposal 12 was similar to the deep water pipe
proposal and the same objections can be raised. It was
abandoned.
Proposal No. 13 was for a lakeshore tailings
pond behind a dike composed of coarse tailings. Excess
water would be reprocessed. This idea would keep tailing^
from the lake,, but after attaining some size it is pos-
sible that the dike would be "unsightly," according to
Reserve,, certainly an aspect of their present program
which has never concerned them. Also dust blowing over
| the surface would possibly be a problem. If dust is not I
i
a problem with the delta now, why should it be in some
future pond? Reserve continues to study this one.
Proposal No. 14 was for a thickened coarse
tailings delta. This idea concerns building up the
snout of the delta with coarse tailings, protecting this
with pilings or rock dikes, then pumping the fines through)
a pipe into 150 feet of water. This is a variation of
the deep water pipe proposal and questionable for pre-
cisely the same reasons.
Proposal No. 15 is for construction of an
-------
Dr. C. E. Carson
underwater sand reef for bottom fauna and fish. Reserve
claims this would greatly help fishing, and best of all,
"No tailings would be seen entering the lake." Hidden
effluents are always attractive. They are still effluent
however. The same objections are raised by MECCA to this
proposal as were raised to the deep water pipe and simila^*
proposals. Great storms on Lake Superior can have a waver
base reaching the projected depth of 150 feet, and lesser
ones may generate rip currents sometimes reaching it, and
thus fines would be put in suspension. Reserve is hot fo
this one; MECCA is not.
Proposal No. l6 is for a small boat harbor and
swimming area. Tailings would be used for construction
and to make a beach. The prospect of government aid
here intrigues Reserve, and they grudgingly admit that
such a facility, if it is built, should be controlled
and operated by the village of Silver Bay.
Proposal No. 17 is for dry-cobbing of rod
mill feed, reducing the discharge of tailings to the lake
by 30 percent, but these 30 percent would be deposited ojfi
land somewhere--but the remainder, I should say.
No. 18 was for screening ore ahead of the rod
-------
Dr. C< E. Carson
mill, and according to Reserve, it would, among other
things, permit use of lower water velocities in trans-
porting waterborne solids.
I might point out that these two, 17 and 18,
should have been considered a long time ago.
The last proposal, No. 19, covers a broad
range of possibilities, or at least finally admits they
exist. It is entitled, "By-Product Use of Tailings."
One interesting suggestion here is that tailings can be
used as filter media in municipal water plants.
In brief, then, Reserve's proposals range from
threatening and expensive Rube Goldberg devices, calcu-
lated to strike terror into the hearts of their own
workers and conservationists, to ideas which would only
hide pollution to, finally, a few possibly sound ideas.
Some demonstrate, either by their difficulty, such as on-
land disposal, initial engineering blunders in first
designing Reserve, and others, 17 and 18, subsequent
engineering sloth. In other words, a lot of the present
trouble could have been avoided long ago had Reserve
chosen. So we see, once again, the cost of yesterday's
bullheadedness.
-------
49
Dr. C. E. Carson
There is little doubt that some combination
of proposals 13 and 16 through 19 could easily solve
Reserve's problem. Regarding 19, some thought ought to
be given filtering fines by either draining or forced
pumping them down inside the delta. This might be
| cheapest of all. If they filter, then maybe they will
!
j filter themselves. I suggest they consider it, and I
won't charge any fee either.
Some of Reserve's suggestions, then, merit
consideration and shed a glimmer of hope that at last
this company is coming around. However, MECCA will not
hold its breath until concrete and solid action is under
way. There have been too many tricks pulled before to
warrant high hopes now. Still, the world's largest
taconite plant and a company accounting for 12 percent
of all U- S. iron ore production--!© million tons
annually — is certainly capable of significant action if
it chooses . And an annual net profit in the neighborhood
of $60 million easily eliminates Reserve from the poverty
class, even though they sometimes pretend to bankruptcy.
If only a little of the genius that goes into the design
of such facilities as Reserve and the cautious judgment,
-------
^ 50
Dr. C. E. Carson
j and even scheming, that goes into administering them
i could be put to true social concern, recycling, and
| environmental efforts, this would be a far better land.
i
It would forever prevent revolutionaries from seeing
their mirror-images in certain corporations, and would
make it unnecessary for John Blatnik to state that, "Man
is going to learn to control his environment if it kills
i him," (laughter) as such "learning" is now doing. It
would do more for building a freer, better society than
i
| just about anything, and would materially reduce the
i
premium now placed on sycophantic toadies, which is
rapidly killing us all.
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Dr. Carson, for an
excellent statement.
Are there any comments or questions?
I do see a glimmer of hope. I really think we
are getting closer together. This is great.
DR. CARSON: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: You know, you refer to a glimmer of
hope, that is yours, and I really think with the analytical
-------
Mrs. A. Harvell
work that your group has done, and hopefully we will be
hearing from the other parties, this is very encouraging
indeed. Thank you very much.
DR. CARSON: You are welcome.
MR. STEIN: May we have Mrs. Arlene Harvell of
the Save Lake Superior Association, Two Harbors, Minne-
sota .
MRS. ARLENE HARVELL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SAVE LAKE SUPERIOR ASSOCIATION
TWO HARBORS, MINNESOTA
MRS. HARVELL: I am Mrs. Arlene Harvell and I
am currently serving as Executive Director for the Save
Lake Superior Association, an organization which is com-
posed of membership in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, an
-------
Mrs. A. Harvell
future.
On May 14, 1969, as part of our testimony at
the initial session of this conference, we presented
over 100 letters of personal testimony for the record.
If you have taken the time to read even a few of those
statements, many of them notarized eyewitness accounts
of pollution, you will realize that they are still valid
today. Their predominant message was: Yes, we can see
that taconite tailings as well as other pollutants are
destroying the beauty of Lake Superior. Their predomi-
nant plea was for strong enforcement action. It still is
Currently,we recognize four major priority
issues which this conference should be concerned with.
They are:
I, The inadequate sewage treatment facilities
for communities already established in the Lake Superior
Basin as well as for those areas anticipating development
2. The degradation of Lake Superior through
the effects of industrial waste discharges, particularly
the current damages being inflicted by taconite tailings.
3. The indiscriminate development of Lake ^
Superior's shoreline areas, including the building and
-------
Mrs. A. Harvell
expansion of powerplant facilities.
4. The despoiling of Lake Superior by the
discharge of dirty ballast and sewage wastes from cargo
vessels .
In reference to these issues SLSA submits the
following recommendations to this conference for their
consideration:
1. We encourage the preparation and publica-
tion of plans and cost proposals for future sewage treat-
ment facilities to be built in the Lake Superior Basin.
Citizens cannot be expected to act intelligently on this
priority issue without adequate knowledge of the full
scope and cost involved in the long-range plans for the
Lake Superior Basin.
2. It is our understanding that the E. I.
EuPont deNemours Company has announced plans to build a
waste treatment facility at their Barksdale, Wisconsin,
plant. A commitment to those plans would be very com-
mendable and we are watching for the construction to
begin.
Concerning the pollution of Lake Superior by
Reserve Mining Company's E. W. Davis Works at Silver Bay,
-------
si.
Mrs. A. Harvell
Minnesota, the Save Lake Superior Association contends
that the only effective means of eliminating this pollu-
tion is by total on-land deposition of the tailings.
To date, it appears as though Reserve Mining
| Company's actions, first of hiring former Government
I administrators who are former members of regulatory
|
' agencies which have been and continue to be involved in
I
| the taconite tailings issue, and also their action of
i
| seeking court appeals to Minnesota's new federally
j approved water quality standards, can only serve to pro-
i
i long implementation of pollution control measures. We
I
i feel that such actions, rather than serving to "relieve"
the concern that over 180,000 citizens of Minnesota
expressed last May 13 through 15, these actions have
only served to increase the concern about this corporate
citizen's intentions.
SLSA must call for an immediate revocation of
both the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers permit and the
permit issued by the former Minnesota Pollution Control
Commission on the following grounds:
a. The tailings are traveling beyond the nine
square miles of permit area.
-------
55_
Mrs. A. Harvell
b. The tailings are contributing to, if not a
cause of, the discoloration of Lake Superior waters and
therein also constitute a public nuisance.
c. There has been sufficient scientific evi-
| dence to presume damage to interstate waters.
d. Scientific evidence has shown that the
| taconite tailings do have a deleterious effect by reduc-
ing organisms that are necessary to fish life.
1 SLSA asks, therefore, that this conference
I
request the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and the U. S.
Bureau of Mines to make a Joint analysis of the various
I i
on-land disposal methods, sites and economic feasibilitie
i This study should utilize and compare techniques currentl;
in use at other taconite processing facilities.
3. SLSA would like the consideration of a lake
shore zoning concept for the entire Lake Superior Basin.
All new development proposed for the Basin would require
that the developer submit an environmental impact analysi^
taking into account both recreational and commercial
aspects. This analysis could then be submitted to the
proper governing authorities and made available for publi
scrutiny for a period of six months prior to issuance of
-------
Mrs. A. Harvell
permits to build and/or to operate. All such permits
would be subject to automatic revocation in the event
that their operation was found to be lowering the quality
of Lake Superior significantly.
4. While SLSA approves the intent of regula-
tions restricting wastes from small watercraft, we insist
that the same restrictions should be applied to commercial!.,
recreational and Federal vessels alide. A means of elimi-
nating the discharge of pollutant ballast water must be
initiated immediately.
The gave Lake Superior Association has recog-
nized these facts:
First, that Lake Superior is worth saving;
secondly, that she needs saving; and third, that there
is a majority who are in favor of saving her.
We feel that we have provided you, the con-
ferees, with ample support for taking a firm stand on:
Plans for adequate sewage treatment facilities,
For revocation of Reserve Mining Company's
permits to dump tailings into Lake Superior,,
For total Lake Superior Basin planning to pre-
vent pollution
-------
57
Mrs. A. Harvell
And for the elimination of ballast water and
other wastes from all vessels on Lake Superior.
SLSA, the Save Lake Superior Association,
•will support you in enforcing the conditions of all per-
mits and in upholding the highest water quality standards
for Lake Superior. Gentlemen, the rest is up to you.
(Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mrs. Harvell. I
particularly want to thank you for calling our attention
to some other pollution problems in Lake Superior other
than the taconit^e tailings. (Laughter.)
Are there any other comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
May we have Mr. John T. Shiner, Chairman of
the Students for Environmental Defense.
By the way, if anyone can't appear at the time
I call their name, don't hesitate to speak up. ¥e are
not cutting anyone off and you are not going to be
irrevocably lost. We will make other arrangements.
Do we have Sister Beverly Raway here?
SISTER RAWAY: The student president will
present our statement.
-------
58
B. Meyers
BOB MEYERS, PRESIDENT
STUDENT COUNCIL, DULUTH CATHEDRAL
HIGH SCHOOL, DULUTH, MINNESOTA
MR. MEYERS: Mr. Chairman, distinguished memberjs
i
of this conference and fellow citizens. j
I
!
My name is Bob Meyers, and as president of the j
Student Council I speak on behalf of the students of
Duluth Cathedral High School.
A matter which concerns us all brings us
i
i
together today, the future of Lake Superior. As a memberj
j
of the generation which has a special interest in the \
future, I am grateful for the opportunity to address you
today.
We at Cathedral are concerned about the future
of Lake Superior and the results of this conference for
several reasons.
First of all, we have been made aware of the
relationships which exist between man and his environment
and of the dangers which face man if they ignore these
relationships. We know what has occurred in other rivers
and lakes because of the unthinking misuse of these "
'„
natural resources. Because we cannot be certain of all
-------
59
B. Meyers
the effects of the materials, inert and otherwise,
deposited in Lake Superior, we believe it is essential
that all other reasonable precautions be taken now to
prevent an upset in the ecological balance of the lake.
I We are learning all too late that it is easier to prevent
pollution than to cure it and we hope that this conference
will be a step in the right direction.
Secondly, because Lake Superior is part of our
backyard, we have often selfishly considered it to belong
only to those whose boundaries touch its shores. We can
no longer afford to think in these terms. We are not the
only beneficiaries of its wealth. Lake Superior is a
natural resource which belongs to all of the people of
the world, present and future. We who live near the lake
bear the responsibilities of preserving it clean and pure
for all those who come after us. None of us want to be
responsible for the formation of another Lake Erie.
Finally, because we feel it so keenly that we
share the responsibility for keeping Lake Superior clean,
we at Duluth Cathedral want to offer today our energy
and cooperation in any way we can to industry, science
and government in whatever way we will be called upon to
-------
6o_
B. Meyers
assist them now or in the future and.we hope that these
forces will begin to work together for the good of Lake
Superior and the entire northern community.
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
Are there any comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
Now, before we go on, I would like to make a
point about expediting the conference. We would like to
j have people who are here in live bodies ready to come
i
j up when we call on them.
i
I Again I will ask Mrs. Piere to stand up. Will
you stand up, Mrs. Piere?
Anyone who wants to talk or make a statement
should get in touch with her. She will give me the
names and we will call on them. Please be prepared to
come up promptly and make your presentation when I call.
on you.
With that we will stand recessed for 10 minutes.
(RECESS)
MR. STEIN: Let's reconvene.
Is Mr. Shiner available at the present time
-------
J. T. Shiner
to speak for SCOPE?
MR. SHINER: Yes, sir.
MR. STEIN: Mr. Shiner, would you go ahead.
JOHN T. SHINER
MEMBER OF GREAT LAKES REGION
STUDENT COUNCIL ON POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENT
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA
MR. SHINER: Mr. Chairman, conferees, ladies
and gentlemen.
In January of this year Student Council on
Pollution and Environment, SCOPE, was formed, with help
from the Federal Water Quality Administration, to provide
the Department of the Interior contact with student
leaders interested in our environment. Students are
indeed interested in our environment and for good reasons
We have high ideals not yet blunted by realities
of profit, friendships and narrowmindedness .
We face the consequences of today's misuse of
everyone's environment and must somehow strive to pro-
tect mankind, an endangered species.
I am here today because Lake Superior is important
-------
. 62_
J. T. Shiner
and threatened. Lake Superior is important because it
is a large clean body of freshwater, one-twelfth of all
the freshwater in the world, and it is the last unpol-
luted Great Lake. It is threatened by man in many ways,
the most important being U. S. Steel, Duluth-Superior
Sewage, and,of course, Reserve Mining.
My comments will center upon Reserve Mining
because they alone are fighting with every trick imagin-
able. They have denied evidence; they have met privately
with high government officials; they have obscured any
middle ground and polarized public opinion.
They have denied evidence. Consider this
Reserve statement on green water:
"We learned that on the infrequent occasions
when we saw 'green w.ater1 it was, more often that not,
located in areas far removed from our tailings
discharge point. And close inspection revealed
that the source of the 'green water1 was not our
tailings."
Compare that statement with this by the Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration:
"On each visit, areas of green water were
-------
61
J. T. Shiner
always present beginning at the Reserve Mining Company
effluent delta and extending down the lake in a south-
westerly direction. Continuous masses of 'green' water
have been traced with diving operations and photography
to Just northeast from the mouth of Gooseberry River."
They have met privately with high government
officials. Clark Clifford, the former Secretary of
Defense, was hired by Reserve Mining Company to inter-
cede on their behalf with the Army Corps of Engineers.
A meeting was set and Reserve officials flew to Washing-
ton on March 18, 1970.
They have obscured any middle ground and
polarized public opinion.
In the presentation Reserve made last May 13
they included the Mayor of Silver Bay, who presented an
appeal to the conferees that they not wreck the town.
The Army Corps of Engineers in letters sent to
interested parties after the March 18, 1970, meeting
requested comments on, and I quote, "potential conse-
i
j
quences of a precipitous suspension of Reserve's opera- j
tions on the economy of the area." In short, they are
asking what would happen if Reserve were shut down.
In a WCCO news special titled "Short Cut to a
-------
64
J. T. Shiner
Ghost Town/' the townspeople of Silver Bay expressed
their concern that the town would be shut down if any
action were taken against Reserve's tailings.
i
| In each of these instances Reserve has chosen
i
to accentuate extremes rather than to seek any real solu-
| tion. Surely we must all realize that any realistic
i
I solution to Reserve's problem will not result in a shut-
i
!
| down of the Silver Bay plant. I do not advocate such a
shutdown and I don't know anyone who does.
In allowing the people of Silver Bay—in
I allowing the people of Silver Bay--to worry about such
j extremes, Reserve Mining Company must compete with, of
|
all people, Spiro Agnew as one of the great polarizers
of our time. (Laughter.)
Anything that man does, in principle, has a
harmful effect upon his environment. If he clears a
forest for a cornfield he has destroyed a stable com-
plexity and replaced it with a weak simplicity, but a
cornfield enables man to multiply and become interested
in other things, so we have a balance between a weaker
ecosystem and some spare time.
In truth, the situation at Reserve Mining is no'
-------
65
J. T. Shiner
as simple., but there is a short cut to help us find a
solution. The short cut I am referring to is called
excess profits.
Reserve's plant, with a capacity of 9 million
tons, was built at a cost of $300 million without a
i
j closed water system. The Erie Mining Company, with a
i
j
| lesser capacity of 7-1/2 million tons, was built at a
greater cost of $400 million with a closed water system.
t
| While I realize that this is a most simple
j
| analysis, I think that it points up the large expense
required of all the other taconite processers. Reserve
Mining should not continue to profit from degradation
of our environment.
The conferees will see at this conference the
19 alternatives presented by Reserve Mining Company. May
I suggest the logical utility of adopting criteria to
act as guidelines for Reserve? Some criteria which would
immediately come to mind might be:
1. Assurance that any dust problem would be
contained.
2. That tailings be reclaimable for later use.
3. That the Lax Lake recreation area not be
-------
66
J. T. Shiner
destroyed, but because Lake Superior is more important
than Lax Lake, this area may be modified considerably.
4. That any flocculant or coagulant used must
be extensively tested by both the Federal G-overnment and
by Reserve for chronic effects on fish and wildlife.
Gentlemen, before stating my conclusions and
recommendations, might I suggest that the control of
permits, such as those now administered by the Army Corps
of Engineers, be instead governed by the Federal Water
Quality Administration. Secondly, I would advocate
direct legal action by the Federal Water Quality
Administration rather than reliance upon other legal
departments.
Conclusions:
Reserve has reached the wrong conclusions in
the face of painstaking efforts by the Federal Water
Quality Administration.
2. Reserve has sought a polarization of
attitudes designed to win their battles dishonestly.
3. Reserve has a significant economic advantag
over other taconite producers.
-------
6?
J. T. Shiner
Recommendations:
That the conferees continue their sharp
interest in protecting Lake Superior and attempt the
very difficult transition from interest to action.
2. That the conferees note criteria for
alternate means of tailings deposition.
3. That the conferees promote a policy of no
profiting while polluting.
To conclude, gentlemen, may I quote Dr. Albert
Schweitzer:
"Man has lost the capacity to foresee and
forestall. He will end by destroying the earth."
Let's all try to prove him wrong.
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you. Mr. Shiner, don't run
off. I wish most of you would stay up there.
I want to thank you for a very thoughtful
statement. I am getting more and more convinced about
this generation gap. Do you know who was the great
polarizer of my time?
MR. SHINER: Who was that?
MR. STEIN: Admiral Richard Byrd. (Laughter
and applause.).
-------
68
J. T. Shiner
I would like to bring you back to one point
which you said, though, and I think this is a fundamental
j
point, not just here, but in all the citizens group
relations with their government and with their officials,
and that is the notion that something is wrong or some-
thing is illegal about any interest group having, quote, j
i
a private meeting with top government officials. This j
is how I spend most of my time, and I suspect the State !
i
officials, having private meetings. One, I would like- to|
i
say, it is not because these meetings are private, and ifj
i
we ever took the trouble to call the press to tell them j
i
about all the meetings we are having, we would wear out j
i
i
our welcome in five minutes and no one would care less. |
Most of the meetings anyone can come to if they want to
come. It is not that they are secret or private. They
are generally so either parochial or technical that
people are left to their own devices.
And the second point, it seems to me, under our
society if anyone asks me as a government official for a
private meeting, my door is always open and we keep it
open and that is our policy, to keep it open. If we are
talking about nonpolarization and we are trying to get
-------
J. T. Shiner
together, we have to use all the techniques we can, and
i
I one of the time-honored techniques in this country is
I having meetings with various parties to a controversy and
I trying to bring them together.
i
i
| The point is, in a democratic society, fortu-
nately, you can always throw the rascals out and if you
don't have enough faith in your public officials to trust
them in a private meeting with a special interest, group
in the field that they are working in, then it seems to
i me you need new officials, (applause) because if you give
i that up, if you .give that up, you are giving up one of
I
i
the real cherished privileges of a free society. You
and us and everyone is entitled to privacy. This is not
like a big brother society where everything you do has
to be turned inside out like a piece of bread that we are
kneading. You can, if you want privacy, get that privacy
The government will protect your right to that privacy,
the Constitution will protect the right to your privacy.
This is what makes a free society work. Please don't
knock it and go against it. We must have this.
And the reason I am taking so long in saying
%his to you, if this is the kind of thinking you get, just
-------
^ 70
J. T. Shiner
try to figure out where this is going to lead. There
I are some things here in working under the Constitution
I in a free society which are just as important to preserve
I
as cleaning up pollution.
Are there any other comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
MR. SHINER: Mr- Stein.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. SHINER: I might just try to ad lib--
MR. STEIN: Go ahead.
MR. SHINER: --and tell you why we seem to be
so upset about this particular meeting.
There are aspects of the previous boss of the
people who have the opportunity to make the decision,,
the important decisions, being hired and paid by Reserve
then to, theoretically, reverse their opinion and
|
| present the opinion with some authority to the Army
i
Corps of Engineers in this case. And while it may not be
| this particular meeting, it does seem that the Army Corps
of Engineers do tend to cooperate far better with com-
panies like Reserve Mining than they will ever cooperate
with various citizens groups. (Applause.)
-------
7JL
J. T. Shiner
MR. STEIN: Again, everyone is entitled to
make his own judgment. I don't share that Judgment.
I have worked with the Army Corps of Engineers, again,
for a quarter of a century. I think if you are think-
ing in terms of conspiracy and secret meetings, you
can get to that. However, Mr. Shiner, you can analyze
the facts of a particular situation, analyze them
very, very well both from your recommendations and your
presentation. I recognize that this business of
governmental relationships, governmental agencies
and rights being in a social field are perhaps a
little more complex than even analyzing a physical
situation of the pollution or nonpollution of a
particular watercourse.
However, I suggest that it might be very
fruitful if you did not just take statements or accusa-
tions or contentions in this field as they are given,
but rather you looked into them very, very carefully.
As far as I know, the Army Engineers are pretty
responsive to the public will. I don't know if
any of their people are here. The Army Engineers, on
the other hand, a lot of people have said, have as big a
-------
72.
M. Hanson
constituency as any governmental agency in the country
has and they don't have this constituency without having
thorough public hearings, having their ears to the
ground and painstakingly doing their homework.
Again I ask you not to make any of these broad
value judgments, but look into each case and see this,
and perhaps your attitudes or your mind may change.
MR. SHINER: Thank you very much.
MR. STEIN: Thank you. (Applause.)
May we have Martin Hanson. Secretary of the
Wisconsin Resources Conservation Council.
MARTIN HANSON, SECRETARY
WISCONSIN RESOURCES CONSERVATION COUNCIL
MELLEN, WISCONSIN
MR. HANSON; Mr. Chairman, my name is Martin
Hanson. I am secretary of the Wisconsin Resources Con-
servation Council, which is an organization of about 40
groups, in Wisconsin banded together for the wise use of
our natural resources.
I would like to endorse what other speakers
have said here rather than repeating it, such as Grant
-------
73
M. Hanson
Merritt and this young student who was here prior to my
coming up here.
I think the point is that Reserve Mining does
pollute Lake Superior and that on-land disposal is
possible. All of you gentlemen sitting at this table
in one way or another are government pollution control
and that is the name of your agencies, so do what it
says, just give them an order for on-land disposal.
Reserve Mining saves $24,000 a day by dumping
their tailings into the lake. Forty cents a ton is what
the Bureau of Mines estimated their costs were per ton
of on-land disposal and it is over sixty tons a day, that
is $24,000 a day. It buys a lot of lawyers and a lot of
propaganda to defeat the public interest.
I would like to say that in the big picture of
conservation of Earth Day here a week ago that all of us
are going to have to give up something. On Earth Day I
gave up smoking. It is real tough.
Here in the United States we are 6 percent of
the population and we consume anywhere from 30 to 60 per-
cent of the natural resources consumed in the whole world
I would like to make a suggestion that all of
-------
Z4.
M. Hanson
you gentlemen here at this table go down to where the
i
! scrap metal is loaded on the boats here at Duluth Harbor,
j i
| There you will find that the scrap automobiles and scrap j
i
metal, there is three electric cranes that load the scrap
metal on the boats, it takes 30 days. Then that boat
I
goes all the way through the St. Lawrence Seaway, throughj
i
the Panama Canal, goes to Japan. In Japan there are between
500 and 600 men that they put in that boat to unload it
by hand. It takes 30 days. Then the Japanese reuse that
metal, ship it back here and compete and undersell our
steel companies. That we continually have to tear down
more of our hills, surface mine more of our land and
throw the waste material into the lake and can't reuse
our steel is ridiculous. If we impose more restrictions
on our mining companies to leave the land in a neat and
orderly condition, not pollute the waters, and these
types of things, then we will start toward the reuse and
recycling of our natural resources which we are liable to
run out of.
So I think it would be excellent if you stop
Reserve Mining from dumping this taconite tailings into
&
the lake. I think in the big picture of conservation
-------
. 73
B. Haglund
we have to do those things and we have to do it very
quickly or we are all going to be in serious trouble.
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Any comment or question?
If not, thank you very much, Mr. Hanson.
Do we have the Students for Environmental
Defense? You have a taconite study group and a Duluth,
Minnesota, group. Are the representatives here to speak
for those groups?
BRENT HAGLUND
STUDENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
MR. HAGLUND: My name is Brent Haglund and I
represent the Students for Environmental Defense,
University of Minnesota at Duluth.
Mr. Chairman, conferees, and citizens concerned
about the future of our environment.
¥e would like to recognize first that Lake
Superior is this area's greatest natural resource. Any
practice detrimental to the quality of this lake must be
-------
76
B. Haglund
stopped and cannot be condoned.
The Students for Environmental Defense of the
University of Minnesota, Duluth, believe that the dumping
of taconite tailings by Reserve Mining Company is having
a deleterious effect upon the esthetic quality and bio-
logical functioning of the lake. Further it should be
recognized by all present that the tailings clearly
travel outside the nine-square-mile area reserved by the
Army Corps of Engineers for that purpose.
The company should realize its corporate
responsibilities to the citizens of the entire Lake
Superior region. We realize the economic impact of the
company on this region. Many of us have lived here all
of our lives. But Reserve has a responsibility to supply
more than Jobs. It must adopt practices consistent and
harmonious with a quality environment, something it has
not done to date.
We do feel that the long-term recreational,
industrial, and all other public uses of the lake would
be best served by the revocation of Reserve Mining's
permit to dump taconite tailings into the lake until that
£i
time that they may adapt environmentally suitable methods
-------
77_
B. Haglund
of tailings disposal.
Furthermore, we recognize that no one has the
right to pollute the lake in any manner. ¥e must pre-
vent damage to the lake now. ¥e must not lower our cri-
teria of quality water to achieve a .short-run economic
benefit "by allowing Reserve or any others to continue to
dump and to pollute. Therefore, our stand is that we would
like to urge the revocation of Reserve Mining's permit
until suitable and alternative methods of disposal of
production wastes have been found.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
Any comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
Is there anyone else from the Students for
Environmental Defense?
Would you come up, please.
-------
M. T. Downing
MARY THERESA DOWNING
STUDENTS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEFENSE
UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA
MINNEAPOLIS,, MINNESOTA
MISS DOWNING: My name is Mary Theresa Downing
and I am speaking for the Students for Environmental
Defense on the Minneapolis Campus. This is a statement
that was drafted "by that group.
Lake Superior, unlike Reserve Mining Company,
is a natural resource, a part of our environment, and
thus is beyond any price tag. Reserve Mining Company,
however, contributes $31-5 million every year to the
economy of the State, not to mention untold millions of
dollars every year in profits to its two stockholders,
Armco Steel of Ohio and Republic Steel of New Jersey.
Gentlemen, we must break with the tradition that "money
talks." We should realize that money does not make the
world go round, rather trees and clean water and fish and
animals, including man, are what make the world go round.
Our environment is not a passive entity which .
we can mold and change at will. Sometimes we get the
impression that man has mastered his environment,for we
-------
79_
M. T. Downing
can fly about the country any time we like. We can even j
walk on the moon. But we cannot stop lung cancer and
emphysema caused by smog. We can't change the fact that j
mother's milk has unsafe levels of DDT.
j At this conference you are given what, in com-
i
i
| parison, is a relatively simple task—to stop Reserve !
! i
i Mining's insult to Mother Nature. In your efforts please
j
i consider the widespread effects of a general degradation!
I j
of Lake Superior, and keep in mind the now irreversible
i
i
i damage that has been done to Lake Erie.
Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Miss Downing. (Applause.)
MISS DOWNING: I would also like to read a
statement from a group at the University which I am a
member of, Minnesota Rovers, a camping group.
This is a group of 160 outdoorsmen at the
University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis Campus, and
we would like to take this opportunity to express our
concern for the future of Lake Superior. We regard the
continuing process of dumping taconite tailings into j
the lake as a clear and present danger to Lake Superior's
present relatively unpolluted status. The time is long
-------
80
M. T. Downing
past when such forms of active pollution could be
regarded as spurious.
We urge that Reserve Mining be asked to other-
wise dispose of its taconite remains. Certainly the
ideal solution is to return the unused portion of the
taconite ore to the original mining site. If this is
found to be prohibitively expensive, certainly the presenft
I
I state of the art of modern technology would ensure that
i
i
I other alternatives could be found that are less disruptiv
i
i of the environment.
j
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Miss Downing.
May we have Dr. Gale R. Gleason, Chairman of
the Natural Sciences Division, Lake Superior State
College.
Now, this is all I have of the citizens
group. If I have missed any, while Dr. Gleason is
coming up--is he here?
DR. GLEASON: Right here.
MR. STEIN: Yes. While Dr.Gleason is coming
up, if anyone other than industry or governmental
officials wishes to talk now, be sure to get in touch
-------
Dr. G. R. Gleason
with Mrs. Piere .
Dr. Gleason.
DR. GALE R. GLEASON,, CHAIRMAN
DIVISION OF NATURAL SCIENCES
LAKE SUPERIOR STATE COLLEGE
SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MICHIGAN
DR. GLEASON: Mr. Chairman, conferees and
guests.
I didn't know I was walking into such a
hornet's nest at the other end of the lake. I am from
Sault Sainte Marie and things are fairly peaceful.
I am genuinely concerned as a citizen and
have been associated with water quality in trying to
establish standards since 1952. My friend Carlos
Petterolf and I remember long evenings with the Midwest
Benthological Society. Such men as Ken Mackenthun and
others certainly were the forerunners of the criteria
that we are trying to accept today.
I think basically the criteria that was pro-
posed and I hope accepted by the executive committee
will be that which is used for Lake Superior] basically
-------
Dr. G. R. Gleason
it is sound. I am concerned, however, over a couple of
aspects that may be or fall within the Jurisdiction of
the various States which are responsible for enforcing
the criteria. As a scientist I am aware that the method
of sampling and of gathering of data is far more importanjb
than the results obtained, that unless the method of
sampling and obtaining the basic information is accurate
we are going to find such situations occurring as recently
appeared in Michigan with the mercury problem.
I do not believe from what I can glean so far
that our method of sampling and mi/4n)taining a vigilance
on Lake Superior is adequate. The water intake station
at Sault Sainte Marie is located in such a position as
to receive portions of the effluent from Algoma Steel
and various streams which drain through about one-third
of the populous centers which are receiving partial treat
ment in Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario. Furthermore, at
this station, the intake is directly in the canal through
which the ships pass over less than 18 feet from the
intake and the recycling occurrence and the disturbance
of the sediments is a constant factor in this particular
station. I am hoping that this conference will look into
-------
. 83,
Dr. G. R. Gleason
a more realistic surveillance practice.
I might propose at this time that we give
careful consideration to a Federal agency which has
been established to protect our harbors, our rivers
and our lakes—yes,, in fact as far as pollution is con-
cerned they have this basic charge already. I appeared
at the headquarters of the Ninth District of the U. S.
Coast Guard three weeks ago to talk with a man in charge
of the district which covers the Great Lakes to explore
with them the possibility of establishing with the
United States Coast Guard a monitoring program. Subse-
quently I talked to the directors of the Marine Science
Technology Training Program at Governor's Island to find
out what criteria they were using in their presentation
to determine the enforcement necessary on a recent edict
they received as far as oil pollution is concerned. I j
i
could not get the complete information. However, I foundj
out that the United States Coast Guard is in fact estab-
lishing within their organization a pilot study program
to see whether or not the feasibility of extending their
services to cover all the Great Lakes is possible.
I am genuinely concerned that unless we call
-------
84
Dr. G- R- Gleason
upon an agency such as the United States Coast Guard
i that we are going to see a bureaucracy created to
! monitor these lakes at an additional expenditure to the
i
j taxpayer which would be prohibitive. These are the
j
|
| logical people to collect these samples, to have trained
i
| personnel at every station, and to report these to the
i
:
• respective State agencies for evaluation and submission
i
| to the Federal Water Quality Administration.
! I do not at this point want to exonerate also
| the Army Corps of Engineers which has fallen under fire
i
! for the last two and a half hours. I am genuinely con-
I
| cerned with the emptying of ballasts in the area of Saultj:
I
Sainte Marie. Much of the ballast that is picked up or j
transported as ballast comes from the highly polluted
| situations in Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, and possibly
from foreign ports carrying all sorts of—well, I won't
go into that. (Laughter.)
These ballasts are emptied within the vicinity
of Sault Sainte Marie and as soon as the port has been
cleared and the ships are in Whitefish Bay, many of the
ballasts carrying the domestic sewage accumulated aboard
ship are also emptied. I do not see why the Corps of
-------
85_
Dr. G- R- Gleason
Engineers in the 20-some minutes it takes to pass a ship
through the locks at Sault Sainte Marie cannot provide a
mechanism by which these ships and their companies can
j empty their ballasts and refuel with clean water and
i
! travel on up to a station like Sault Sainte Marie.
!
' (Applause.)
This could be on a cost basis and possibly an
80 percent poverty stricken area such as Sault Sainte
Marie, Michigan, could afford to build the tertiary
treatment which the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration, through the Michigan Water Resource
i
!
Commission, has passed on to the city of Sault Sainte
Marie. We might be able to get the station that we so
badly need for our phosphorus removal.
In conclusion, I am satisfied with the criteria
I am hoping that the conferees can recommend that the
monitoring methods of protecting Lake Superior be placed
on the shoulders of an agency that is capable of respond-
ing to this and handling it without an additional cost
to the taxpayers and that the Army Corps of Engineers
assume the real responsibility that they have to protect
our water resources.
-------
86
D. Zemtner
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Dr. Gleason.
Any comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
Mr. Dave Zemtner, president-elect of the
Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton.League of
America.
DAVID ZEMTNER, PRESIDENT-ELECT
IZAAK WALTON LEAGUE OP AMERICA
MINNESOTA DIVISION, DULUTH, MINNESOTA
MR, ZEMTNER: Mr. Chairman, conferees.
My name is Dave Zemtner. I am President-Elect
of the Minnesota Division of the Izaak Walton League of
America. I live in Duluth.
The Izaak Walton League endorsed the principle
of this pollution conference "by presenting on behalf of
the Duluth Chapter and the Minnesota Division a position
paper at the onset. I would like today to take two or
three minutes to reflect on the progress since our
original position paper and to share with you some of my
concerns and that of the State Division.
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87
D. Zemtner
At the time, in our position paper we indicated
strong endorsement of and support for public agencies
such as the Minnesota PCA and the Federal people elected
and appointed in providing a better environment for the
citizens of this State and the region. We indicated that
as a lay organization we were concerned with the follow-
ing sources of Lake Superior pollution: ballast, just
referred to, oil, thermal, nuclear, municipal, other
industrial as well as the taconite situation.
We indicated that as a lay organization it
would be difficult for us to articulate and get involved
in a dialogue concerning some highly technical areas, so
we were willing to follow the proceedings, support the
public agencies and see what the circumstances would pro-
vide -
We recognize that the Reserve Mining situation
presented a special problem because of the fact that the
State of Minnesota endorsed the concept originally, as
did several conservation organizations, when Reserve was
given its original permit, including the Izaak Walton
League. We indicated that this special problem should
be worked out under a harmonious environment. However, as
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D. Zemtner
I stand before you this morning, I am now getting to
the point of dismay that I referred to in my initial
comments.
It would appear that the people representing
Reserve Mining Company have taken the position that the
burden of proof must lie upon the public agencies and
the people of the region before any action need be taken.
I say this cannot be so. The burden of proof has to be
on Reserve Mining Company that they in fact are not
harming the ecosystem of Lake Superior.
Secondly, I am dismayed by the emphasis on
public relations, newspaper ads, and statements of this
type as opposed to good hard factual methods of allev-
iating the present method of disposition. The language
of this conference indicated, and I quote, "the fact that
the tailings are deleterious to the life of Lake Super-
ior." Therefore, I believe we must move into an area of
an alternate method of disposal and preferably an on-
site disposal.
Initially when talking with people represent-
ing Reserve there was strong conversation that even the
ii
green water phenomena was not really relative or related
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89
D. Zemtner
to the taconite tailings. Then the fact that the
tailings were dispersed or the fines were dispersed
into the interstate area was contested. As a layman
I believe it has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt
that the tailings do go beyond the permit limit and
into the interstate situation.
Thirdly, people representing the company have
I alleged that the sand is inert, does not go into solu-
tion. I believe as a layman from what I have listened
to that there is substantial doubt to that.
This pretty much sums up my points to be made
this morning. I will close as follows:
We need evolution, not revolution. We need
a change based on positive action, positive action that
will work out in the long-term benefit of this particu-
lar industry being able to maintain itself as a viable
part of our area. To further drag our feet and resist
change will only ultimately increase the danger of a
precipitous action that could economically be a disas-
ter to the very people that are trying to protect their
industrial interest.
Finally, I would like to point out that the
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90
D. Zemtner
Izaak Walton League very sincerely appreciates the work
of the conferees, the sincerity of the conferees, the
work being done by our own PGA group. However, in this
respect I might point out that, with due respect to the
problems that you have, we can't continue to be sideline
observers too many more months.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Zemtner.
Minnesota not only has provided able presidents
i
i
of the Minnesota Division such as yourself, but the natio
i
| al president of the Izaak Walton League also comes from
Minnesota. I wish you would give my regards to Ray Haik
when you see him.
MR. ZEMTNER: I shall surely do that.
MR. STEIN: Now, there is something you said,
and I don't want you to go away from here with a mis-
understanding. For this I might quote Oliver Wendell
Holmes when he said, "Any bright student can tell me
what the law ought to be, but it takes a real expert to
say what the law is."
Now, unfortunately, whatever you think the law
ought to be, the present law is—and I think Reserve
knows it as well as we do—that the burden of proof does
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91
D. Zemtner
rest on the public officials to prove there is pollu-
tion. Whether you think it should be that way or not,
that is the law we are operating under and that is what
we are proceeding on.
We do have amendments proposed by the Adminis-
tration to strengthen the enforcement procedures and
come up with effluent standards which would ameliorate
that somewhat. It is a question if you don't think
that the present provision of the law provides adequate
protection, you should possibly follow the new Administra^
tion proposals of strengthening the Federal law and see
if you like them. But I Just have to tell you existing
law places the burden of proof on us to prove pollution, j
Thank you. (Applause.)
May we have Glen Nelson?
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92
GLEN NELSON
GOGEBIC COMMUNITY COLLEGE
IRONWOOD, MICHIGAN
MR. NELSON: My name is Glen Nelson. I am
from Gogebic Community College. I see Dr. Gleason up
here. If you look at this map that I have been looking
at all morning while everybody else was speaking, it
shows you that Michigan has the largest hunk of water up
there.
Well, anyway, as I say, if you look at the map
on the wall, it is divided into sections and Michigan has
the largest section. In other words, if we judge what is
going on by those lines or those fences or whatever you
want to call them, Minnesota has already polluted their
share of the water.
(Laughter.) The other half belongs to Michigan
(Applause.)
But whoever drew that map must have been wrong,
because that lake doesn't belong to Michigan, doesn't
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93
G. Nelson
belong to Wisconsin, Canada or Minnesota. It belongs
to the people who live around it, who enjoy this lake.
The problem is not only Reserve Mining, it is also people
it is sewage problems. The whole lake is one big problem
but it is a minor problem because it isn't really pol- j
i
luted. We have the chance to stop this pollution as \
individuals by working at it.
They say it can't be done. I just came up
here to say that if Reserve Mining Company would like
to see something that can be done, they can go to White
Pine, Michigan. White Pine Copper Company has spent
$13 million for pollution control so far and by 1980
they will have spent $39 million in pollution controls.
They are not afraid to spend their money on pollution
controls. If Reserve Mining would like to see a nice
project, I advise them to go to White Pine and look.
It can be done. It can be done. (Applause.^
That is all I have to say.
MR. STEIN: Thank you. (Applause.")
Are there any comments or questions?
Are there any other nonindustry or nongovern-
mental people who wish to speak now?
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91
G- Nelson
If not, we will recess for lunch and let's try
to get back about 1:35.
(NOON RECESS)
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___ 95
AFTERNOON SESSION
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 1970
(1:35 o'clock)
MR. STEIN: Let's reconvene.
At this point we would like to call on Mr.
Purdy.
MR. PURDY: Thank you,, Mr. Chairman.
Representative Hellman from the Michigan House
I
of Representatives, representing a district that com-
i
j prises the counties along the western shoreline of the
i
Michigan upper peninsula and the Keweenaw peninsula,
is here today and would like to make a statement and I
would "be very pleased to introduce him to the conferees
and the audience here today.
THE HONORABLE RUSSELL HELLMAN
STATE REPRESENTATIVE
MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
DOLLAR BAY, MICHIGAN
MR. HELLMAN: Thank you, Mr. Purdy. Ladies
and gentlemen.
It is indeed a privilege to be given the
opportunity to testify at the reconvened conference on
pollution of the interstate Lake Superior and its
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96
Hon. R. Hellraan
tributary basin.
My major role, however, is that of a monitor.
As the Representative in the Michigan Legislature from
the 110th District, which has more than 150 miles on Lake
Superior, and as Chairman of the Budget for the Michigan
Water Resources Commission, and as a member of the Appro-
priations Committee for Michigan, I must protect the
services given by the Michigan Water Resources Commission
I must protect also the taxpayer's dollar to
see that it is spent in a meaningful way.
In the short time I have been at this con-
ference I have noted the absence of Canada in any official
participation in this conference. I feel in order for
this conference or any conference which affects Lake
Superior to have a meaningful purpose, it would require
that Canada be invited to participate. If we do not do
this, perhaps we could be feeding pollution into one end
faster than we could clean it out of the other, and this
definitely would be a waste of taxpayer's money, not only
for the State of Michigan but for the other two States wh
are participating here and the Federal Government as well
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„ 97
Hon. R. Hellraan
I, therefore, charge you people today with the
responsibility of providing not only lip service to your
dreams but meaningful and profitable results.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Representative Hellman.
Let me make one remark on that and you can
stay up there if you want to answer or if you have
further response.
¥e keep pointing to our Canadian brothers and
are in constant touch with them. I think we have to Just
recognize, though, on the Great Lakes, on the basis of
population and industry, 90 percent of the material going
into the Great Lakes comes from the American side, not
the Canadian side. If we clean up our side, I think thos
lakes are going to be in good shape.
MR. HELLMAN: Are you saying this to me? Are
you addressing this to me, Mr. Chairman?
MR. STEIN: No. You can make any statement you
want now. But the point is, sure, we have to clean up
all sources. Certainly our Jurisdiction under the Federal
law runs to the American side. But on the American side
we have 90 percent of the load.
MR. HELLMAN: My answer to that, Mr. Chairman,
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B. L. Brommer
would be that you can't be 10 percent pregnant.
(Laughter and applause.)
MR. STEIN: No, but you can be 90 percent
pregnant and if you divide 90 by that 10 you have 9
and you have given birth. (Laughter.)
FROM THE AUDIENCE: A point of information,
Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: ¥e will take no questions from
the audience. You can see Mrs. Piere if you want to
deliver a statement.
May we have Mr. Brommer from the APL-CIO.
BERNARD L. BROMMER
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE
DULUTH CENTRAL LABOR BODY, APL-CIO
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
MR. BROMMER: My name is Bernard Brommer. I
represent the Conservation Committee of the Duluth Centra!
Labor Body, Minneapolis AFL-CIO.
Chairman Stein, conferees, ladies and gentle-
men .
Over the past weekend organized labor held a
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99_
B. L. Brommer
pollution conference in Duluth. One of the most sig-
nificant actions at that conference was an action taken
by the International Longshoremen of America, Duluth-
i
Superior Ports. They announced at that conference that
i
they will no longer unload ships coming into the Duluth- i
Superior Port that do not have valid papers saying j
i
i
where they disposed of their ballast water, and if they j
i
i
have no papers they will assume that the water was
unloaded in Lake Superior and they will refuse to unload
those ships. (Applause.)
Organized labor has attempted for the past 15
years to get legislation on the books to prevent the
pumping of solid wastes in Lake Superior. Lake Superior
being an international body of water, we do not have any
legislation in Minnesota; we do not have legislation on
the Federal level; we do not have legislation on the
international level.
Organized labor has determined that it is
going to start including environmental issues in its
labor contracts. (Applause.1!
Organized labor has now entered the fight
against pollution and will lend itself totally to the
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IOC
B. L. Brommer
problem as it has to all the other issues that it has
i undertaken in the past.
1 We have had a lot of talk about the economics
of pollution. Organized labor in Minnesota will no
i longer tolerate the threat to the jobs of its workers in
this State. If we are going to talk about economics.,
I think that organized labor in the State of Minnesota
I is going to have something to say about that.
Thank you very much. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Are there any questions?
If not., thank you very much.
Mr. Davidson, Northern Environmental Council,
Wisconsin.
DONALD DAVIDSON
NORTHERN ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
DULUTH,, MINNESOTA
MR. DAVIDSON: My name is Donald Davidson. I
represent the Northern Environmental Council. I am very
happy to be able to come and talk to you this morning
relative to the problem of red clay along the south sjiore
of Lake Superior and I come here to state actions that
have been taken concerning erosion and sedimentation
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101
D. Davidson
control in Wisconsin.
All of Wisconsin's south shore counties have
been organized as soil .and water conservation districts
since before 1950 and have been carrying on programs of
erosion and sedimentation control since that time. All
of these counties have red clay soils. Involved are
Douglas, Ashland, Bayfield, and Iron Counties. These
soil and water conservation districts have been staffed
by the Soil Conservation Service, United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture, and technical help has been avail-
able to landowners for soil and water conservation problems
The Red Clay Interagency Committee has been
concerned with studies to determine the cause of sedi-
mentation in lakes and streams since 1955- The committee
published a report in 1967 which contained recommendations
which, if followed and implemented on the land, would
greatly reduce soil erosion and sedimentation of streams
and lakes. The committee involved the following State
and local agencies: College of Agriculture, University
of Wisconsin; U. S. Soil Conservation Service; Department
of Natural Resources, Division of Conservation; Depart-
ment of Transportation, Division of Highways; Bureau of
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102
D. Davidson
Indian Affairs, U. S. Department of the Interior;
University Extension Service; Ashland Agricultural
Experiment Station; and U. S. Forest Service.
Cost sharing practices have been utilized by
farmers under the Agricultural Conservation Program as
a means of getting more soil conservation on the land in
the counties along the south shore of Lake .Superior. Of
particular importance and widely used has been the prac-
tice of establishing and reestablishing permanent vege-
tative cover for protection from erosion.
In 1968 an inventory of Erosion on Wisconsin
Roadsides was made by many agencies and a report was pub-
lished detailing the problem in 1969. The four red clay
counties along the south shore of Lake Superior were
involved, and the inventory information concerning these
is available in the Soil Conservation Service offices in
Superior and Ashland. The Soil and Water Conservation
Districts are promoting action by individual townships,
villages, and counties to tackle the problem.
A number of projects involving gully control,
road bank stabilization, and stream bank stabilization
are in the 1970 Annual Plan of Operations of Headwaters
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103
D. Davidson
Pri-Ru-Ta Resource Conservation and Development Project
for the Lake Superior counties. The Pri-Ru-Ta Resource
Conservation and Development Project is cosponsored by
the Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the County
Board of Supervisors in the ten northwestern Wisconsin
counties. Means are being explored to get such projects
done.
Thank you. (Applause.)
MR. STEIN: Are there any comments or ques-
tions?
If not, thank you very much.
Do we have any other nonindustrial or non-
governmental participants?
If not, we will call on Mr. Mayo, our Regional
Director.
Mr. Mayo.
FRANCIS T. MAYO, REGIONAL DIRECTOR
GREAT LAKES REGION, FEDERAL WATER QUALITY
ADMINISTRATION, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MR. MAYO: Mr. Chairman, fellow conferees,
ladies and gentlemen.
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104
F. T. Mayo
The Lake Superior conferees are here to review
the existing situation and the progress that has been
made to abate pollution in the basin on conformance with
the conference recommendations. What we learn here will
lay a basis for future actions by all parties concerned.
A review of the testimony given last May clearl
shows the quality of water in Lake Superior surpasses thajt
1
of virtually all other major lakes in the United States, j
Everyone agrees the lake is in excellent shape.
However, three points must be reemphasized.
First, there is no reason to believe Lake Superior is in
some peculiar way immune to the forces of eutrophication.
Failure to take all appropriate anti-eutrophication actions
will lead eventually to a less desirable Lake Superior.
Second, it should also be noted that the character Lake
Superior is permitted to acquire will have a great impact
on the success of protecting or restoring the Great Lakes
downstream. Third, because the self-purging rate in Lake
Superior is in excess of 500 years, the lake acts as a
trap such that any persistent pollutant will tend to
accumulate. This means that if high pollution levels
are reached, for all practical purposes they will remain
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103
F. T. Mayo
forever.
The conferees are confronted with a unique
situation in this conference. In other enforcement
conferences we are usually faced with restoring a
polluted body of water to a usable condition. The
unique position on Lake Superior is that we are dealing
with an exceptionally clean body of water and we are
taking steps to preserve the lake in its present con-
dition.
There are existing areas of degraded water
quality in the lake and in the tributary streams. The
conferees were cognizant of the unique character of the
lake and the existing problem areas when they formulated
the conference conclusions and recommendations.
Final action on some recommendations is still
pending. One of the purposes of this session is to
review appropriate information and to continue our strong
efforts to protect Lake Superior in its unique state.
One of the major recommendations we will be
considering is that dealing with the proposed water
quality criteria for the lake. The Lake Superior Water
Quality Technical Committee will present us a detailed
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F. T. Mayo
report of their recommendations on that subject.
A great deal of testimony has been given in
the past sessions of the conference on the discharge of
taconite tailings from Reserve Mining Company. Secre-
tary of the Interior Walter J. Hickel gave special
attention to that matter when he transmitted the Summary
of Conference to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency.
He stated, "...I recommend that a working copy of the
progress report be readied by April 1, 1970, and that
the final progress report be prepared as recommended
thj^ ^
of the Interior.'"
The conferees, I am sure, will be hearing more
on the actions taken by Reserve Mining Company and
actions that are planned to be taken by Reserve Mining
Company to protect Lake Superior from any adverse effects
Certain of the Lake Superior enforcement con-
ference recommendations require reporting of actions
taken by the States and the Federal Water Quality
Administration towards compliance with the recommenda-
tions. Specifically, the Federal Water Quality Administr
tion has reports on Recommendation 1 dealing with the Lak
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107
F. T. Mayo
Superior Water Quality Technical Committee and Recom-
mendation 2 dealing with the effects of taconite tail-
ings discharged to Lake Superior. Other items to be
reported by the Federal Water Quality Administration
deal with new Federal legislation concerning waste from
watercraft and status of pollution abatement progress at
Federal facilities. Due to the significance of other
items of business, the latter two statements will be dis-
tributed to the conferees and entered into the record as
if read. We will, of course, respond to any questions
the conferees have on these statements.
Mr. Carlos Fetterolf, of the Michigan Water
Resources Commission, will present the Lake Superior
Water Quality Technical Committee report.
Dr. Donald I. Mount, Director of the National
Water Quality Laboratory, will present the results of
studies completed by his laboratory related to the
effect of taconite tailings on Lake Superior.
Mr. Chairman, if there are no questions,, we
can proceed with other of the Federal presentations.
MR. STEIN: If there are none, why don't you
call Mr. Fetterolf.
MR. MAYO: All right. Mr. Carlos Fetterolf
-------
C. Fetterolf
will present the report of the Water Quality Technical
Committee.
CARLOS FETTEROLF, SUPERVISOR, WATER
QUALITY APPRAISAL, WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
BUREAU OF WATER MANAGEMENT, MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT
OF NATURAL RESOURCES, LANSING, MICHIGAN
MR. FETTEROLF: Chairman Stein, conferees,
ladies and gentlemen.
I am Carlos Fetterolf, an aquatic biologist
on the staff of the Michigan Water Resources Commission.
I am supervisor of Water Quality Appraisal for the
Bureau of Water Management, Michigan Department of
Natural Resources.
I am one of Michigan's two representatives
on the Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee.
The Federal Water Quality Administration asked me to
present the Committee's report to this meeting.
At the executive session of the Lake Superior
enforcement conference held September 30, 1969, at Duluth
Minnesota, the conferees reached a number of conclusions
and recommendations after appraising water pollution in
the Lake Superior Basin. They agreed the water quality
-------
; 109
C. Petterolf
in Lake Superior is generally unequalled anywhere in
the world and that steps should be taken to protect that
quality for future generations.
Recommendation Number 1 concerned itself
|
specifically with the development of appropriate water '
quality criteria for the lake. That recommendation
states:
"it is recommended that a technical
committee to evaluate water quality criteria
for Lake Superior be formed of the conferees
and such representatives as they may designate,
within two weeks of the executive session. The
purpose of the committee is to develop particu-
lar water quality criteria as guidelines for
modification of the Federal-State water quality
standards. The provision of the necessary
secretarial assistance to the committee will
be the responsibility of the Federal conferee.
The committee may coordinate its activities
with other committees or agencies, or engage
consultants, as it determines appropriate. At
the next session of the conference, the
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110
C. Fetterolf
j committee will report to the conferees on
recommendations agreed upon for changing
or modifying existing water quality criteria
to reflect desired quality conditions in
Lake Superior."
The conferees designated the following to
represent them on the Lake Superior Water Quality Tech-
nical Committee:
Dale S. Bryson, Federal Water Quality Adminis-
j tration (Chairman)
Glen D. Pratt, Federal Water Quality Adminis-
tration (Replaced Frank E. Hall)
Carlos M. Fetterolf, Michigan Water Resources
Commission
Francis B. Frost, Michigan Water Resources
Commission
Lyle H. Smith, Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency
Clarence A. Johannes, Minnesota Pollution
Control Agency
Lloyd A. Lueschow, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
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111
C. Fetterolf
Jerome R. McKersie, Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources
Mr. Lou Breimhurst of the FWQA Minneapolis
office acted as secretary to the Committee.
Representatives of the Canadian National
Government and the Province of Ontario were invited to
the meetings and participated as observers.
This report of the Lake Superior Water Quality
Technical Committee contains recommendations based on
information from published material, testimony of experts
unpublished data from ongoing studies, information pre-
sented at the Lake Superior enforcement conference and
from the background and experience of the Committee
members .
A great deal of technical background informa-
tion pertinent to the establishment of water quality
criteria was discussed by the Committee in their delib-
erations. The Committee felt it was not appropriate to
summarize in this report the basic philosophy concerning
water quality criteria as related to the various water
uses, as this is available in the National Technical
Advisory Committee's publication entitled "Water Quality
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112
C. Fetterolf
Criteria."
The Committee felt there was insufficient
information on many parameters to adequately delineate
the existing quality of the open waters of Lake Superior.
This lack affected some of the Committee's recommenda-
tions .
The intent of the Committee was to identify
criteria sufficiently sensitive to signal small changes
indicative of potential degradation of the existing open
water quality in Lake Superior. ¥e recognized that a
distinction must be made between inshore and open lake
waters. Inshore waters were defined as areas affected
by tributary stream plumes, shore erosion, thermal bars,
or bottom sediments resuspended by wave action. It was
recognized that inshore waters would not be static but
would change with varying climatological conditions.
Waters not defined as inshore waters or mixing zones
would be considered as open waters and should reflect
the general quality of the lake.
Relative to present water quality standards.
tM
Water quality standards have been adopted for
Lake Superior by the Lake Superior States and approved
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___ 113
C. Fetterolf
by the Department of the Interior as required under the
provisions of the Water Quality Act of 1965. Michigan's
standards for temperature were excepted from approval.
The States assigned their highest water use categories
to Lake Superior, namely, public water supply, whole-body
contact recreation and cold water fishery and included
non-degradation clauses. Hence, the water quality stand-
ards for Lake Superior are the most restrictive adopted
by the States of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin and ar
among the most stringent standards nationally. The cri-
teria adopted were established using the best available
information at that time.
A problem inherent in interpretation of water
quality standards occurs where numerical values for a
certain parameter are assigned under one water use and no|fc
assigned under another. For example, a State may classif
a body of water for public water supply and cold water
fishery. The zinc criteria as established in the public
water supply category would be 5 milligrams per liter
maximum allowable concentration in conformance with the
IT. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards. Ye|t
such & concentration of zinc would be fatal to most
-------
C. Petterolf
aquatic life inhabiting that water body. Therefore,
should the State not establish a numerical value for
zinc in the cold water fishery classification, it may
I appear that a concentration of 5 milligrams per liter
i of zinc would be allowed in those waters. This type
of conflict is evident in waters that have a multiple
use classification.
The existing water quality standards for Lake
Superior were designed to protect the waters near the
shore of the lake. If these waters are fully protected
from adverse quality effects, the open waters of Lake
Superior, or the general quality of the lake will not
be degraded.
Water quality guidelines.
Before truly appropriate water quality criteria
can be established for a body of water the existing
quality must be fully assessed. This assessment permits
determination of areas of the lake in which concentrations
of certain parameters approach undesirable limits and
establishes a baseline quality from which to measure
future changes.
The waters of Lake Superior are among the least
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_;_ . 115
C. Fetterolf
studied of any of the Great Lakes. Some data have been
gathered, principally in near-shore areas, over the
years "by miscellaneous governmental agencies and uni-
versities. However, comprehensive data on the open lake
are not available.
The Committee gathered Lake Superior water
quality information from the United States and Canada
and used these data to assess the existing quality. The
| Committee also gathered as much information as was avail-
able on recently completed and ongoing research concern-
ing criteria for waters similar to Lake Superior. FWQA's
National Water Quality Laboratory at Duluth, Minnesota,
furnished the bulk of these data. Discussions with
personnel at that laboratory proved invaluable throughout
the Committee's deliberations.
The Water Quality Act of 1965 provided that
after the initial setting of standards periodic review
and revision would be required to take into account
cJhianging technology and advances in knowledge of water
quality requirements. Ultimately, truly appropriate wate
quality criteria will be developed for specific bodies of
water.
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C. Fetterolf
The Committee agreed that although the exist-
ing water quality standards on Lake Superior were very
restrictive, some were not truly appropriate because they
were drafted for all high quality waters of the States,
not specifically for the open waters of Lake Superior.
Because data were not available to completely assess
existing quality in the lake and because the existing
standards include non-degradation clauses, the Committee
concluded it was not appropriate to recommend new water
quality criteria for establishment as standards for the
open waters at this time. The Committee did feel that
existing water quality data were sufficient to permit
recommendation of adoption of water quality criteria
guidelines. These guidelines will permit monitoring of
small changes which may signal potential degradation of
existing open water quality in Lake Superior. They will
serve as an administrative instrument to the State and
Federal regulatory agencies in the consideration of waste-
water discharges and cultural activities that affect
Lake Superior. These guidelines should be revised as
additional background data become available. At some
future time the States of Michigan, Minnesota and WisconsJ
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117
C. Fetterolf
should consider these guidelines when revising their
water quality standards for Lake Superior in accordance
with the Federal Water Quality Act of 1965.
The FWQA's report, "An Appraisal of Water
Pollution in the Lake Superior Basin," as prepared for
the use of the conferees at the Lake Superior enforcement
conference included details of proposed water quality
criteria. Appendix C to that report contained the
rationale for the proposed criteria. These criteria
and rationale were used as a base for the discussion of
guidelines by the Committee.
Table 1 presents the water quality guidelines
for the open waters of Lake Superior as recommended by
the Technical Committee and includes the following
parameters:
Dissolved oxygen, turbidity, color, total
dissolved solids, total coliform bacteria, fecal coli-
form bacteria, methylene blue active substances,
phenol, ammonia nitrogen, phosphorus, iron, cadmium,
chromium, copper, lead, nickel, zinc, eyanide, hydrogen
\
sulfide, taste, temperature, pH, radioactivity, and
general statements covering other nonpersistent or
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118
C. Fetterolf
persistent wastes.
Appendix B presents the Committee's rationale
for water quality guidelines. The rationale reflects
the agreements reached within the Committee.
Waters not defined as inshore waters or mixing
zones will be considered as open waters and should
reflect the general quality of the lake. Mixing zones
may be set by the respective State agencies and reviewed
by the FWQA. Waters within the mixing zones must meet
specialized water quality criteria set by the- States and
in no case can the 96-hour median tolerance limit be
exceeded for organisms that inhabit the area and the
area shall be:
Free from substances attributable to municipal,
industrial or other discharges that will settle to form
putrescent or otherwise objectionable sludge deposits:
Free from floating debris, oil, scum and other
floating materials or other discharges in amounts suffi-
cient to be unsightly or deleterious;
Free from discharged materials that produce
color, odor or other conditions in such degree as to
create a nuisance;
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H9
C. Fetterolf
Free from substances and conditions or com-
binations thereof in concentrations that produce un-
desirable aquatic growths.
Chairman Stein and conferees, our recommenda-
tions are as follows:
The public, this Committee, and the State and
Federal regulatory agencies recognize the uniqueness of
Lake Superior. To protect Lake Superior's water quality,
with the best interests of the public being the princi-
pal consideration, the Committee respectfully recommends:
1. That the conferees adopt the proposed water
quality guidelines for the open waters of Lake Superior
as developed by their technical committee.
2. That the guidelines serve as an adminis-
trative instrument to the State and Federal regulatory
agencies in the consideration of wastewater discharges
and cultural activities that affect Lake Superior.
3. That the States of Michigan, Minnesota
and Wisconsin consider these guidelines when revising
their water quality standards for Lake Superior, in
accordance with the Federal Water Quality Act of 19&5-
4. That data collected in accordance with
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120_
C. Fetterolf
Conference Recommendation 4-, which states in part that
"The PWPCA and the States substantially strengthen water
quality surveillance plans for the Lake Superior Basin...
be compiled and disseminated by FWQA. These data will be
used in revising the proposed guidelines.
Respectfully submitted by the Lake Superior
Water Quality Technical Committee^ Dale S. Bryson,
Chairman.
(Which said report in its entirety is as
follows:)
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121
Water Quality Guidelines for Lake Superior
Prepared by the
Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee
of the
Lake Superior Enforcement Conference
April, 1970
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122
UNITED STATES
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
GREAT LAKES REGION
33 EAST CONGRESS PARKWAY, ROOM 4tO
CHICAGO. ILLINOIS 6O6O9
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123
Water Quality Guidelines
for
Lake Superior
Prepared by the
Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee
of the
Lake Superior Enforcement Conference
April, 1970
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Pa
I. INTRODUCTION 1
H. PRESENT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS 3
m. WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES 4
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS 7
APPENDIX A 9
APPENDKB 13
LIST OF TABLES
Table
1 Proposed Water Quality Guidelines
for the Open Waters of Lake Superior 5
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125
I. INTRODUCTION
On the basis of reports, surveys or studies the Secretary of the Interior on January 16, 1969
called a conference in the matter of pollution of the interstate waters of Lake Superior and its
tributary basin (Minnesota-Wisconsin-Michigan) under the provisions of Section 10 of the Water
Pollution Control Act as amended.
The conference was held May 13-15, 1969 and an executive session was held September 30 -
October 1, 1969 at Duluth, Minnesota.
At the executive session the conferees reached a number of conclusions and recommendations
after appraising water pollution in the Lake Superior basin. They agreed the water quality in
Lake Superior is generally unequalled anywhere in the world and that steps should be taken to
protect that quality for future generations.
Recommendation Number 1 concerned itself specifically with the development of appropriate
water quality criteria for the lake. That recommendation states:
"It is recommended that a technical committee to evaluate water quality
criteria for Lake Superior be formed of the conferees and such repre-
sentatives as they may designate, within two weeks of the executive
session. The purpose of the committee is to develop particular water
quality criteria as guidelines for modification of the Federal-State
water quality standards. The provision of the necessary secretarial
assistance to the committee will be the responsibility of the Federal
conferee. The committee may coordinate its activities with other
committees or agencies, or engage consultants, as it determines
appropriate. At the next session of the conference, the committee
will report to the conferees on recommendations agreed upon for
changing or modifying existing water quality criteria to reflect desired
quality conditions in Lake Superior. "
Representatives to the Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee designated by the
conferees held meetings in Madison, Wisconsin on December 12, 1969; Chicago, Illinois on
January 27-28, 1970; Minneapolis, Minnesota on February 23-24, 1970; and Chicago, Illinois
on April 3, 1970.
The following committee was designated to represent the conferees:
Dale S. Bryson, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
(Chairman)
Glen D. Pratt, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
(Replaced Frank E. Hall)
Carlos M. Fetterolf, Michigan Water Resources Commission
Francis B. Frost, Michigan Water Resources Commission
Lyle H. Smith, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Clarence A. Johannes, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
(Alternate John F. McGuire)
Lloyd A. Lueschow, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Jerome R. McKersie, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
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126
INTRODUCTION (Con't)
Representatives of the Canadian National Government and the Province of Ontario were in-
vited to the meetings and participated as observers.
This report of the Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee contains recommenda-
tions based on information from published material, testimony of experts,unpublished data
from ongoing studies, information presented at the Lake Superior Enforcement Conference and
from the background and experience of the committee members.
A great deal of technical background information pertinent to the establishment of water
quality criteria was discussed by the committee in their deliberations. The committee felt it
was not appropriate to summarize in this report the basic philosophy concerning water quality
criteria as related to the various water uses as this is available in the National Technical
Advisory Committee's publication entitled "Water Quality Criteria" dated April 1, 1968. The
reader is referred to pages 29 and 30 in particular for the basic philosophy which prevailed
throughout the discussions concerning water quality criteria for fish and other aquatic life.
The committee felt there was insufficient information on many parameters to adequately
delineate the existing quality of the open waters of Lake Superior. This lack affected some of
the committee's recommendations.
The committee recognized that a distinction must be made between inshore and open lake
waters. The intent of the committee was to identify criteria sufficiently sensitive to signal
small changes indicative of potential degradation of the existing open water quality in Lake
Superior. Inshore waters were defined as areas affected by tributary stream plumes, shore
erosion, thermal bars, or bottom sediments resuspended by wave action. It was recognized
that inshore waters would not be static but would change with varying climatological conditions.
Waters not defined as inshore waters or mixing zones would be considered-as open waters and
should reflect the general quality of the lake.
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127
II. PRESENT WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Water quality standards have been adopted for Lake Superior by the Lake Superior States and
approved by the Department of the Interior as required under the provisions of the Water
Quality Act of 1965. Michigan's standards for temperature were excepted from approval. The
States assigned their highest water use categories to Lake Superior, namely, public water
supply, whole-body contact recreation and cold water fishery and included non-degradation
clauses. Hence, the water quality standards for Lake Superior are the most restrictive
adopted by the States of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin and are among the most stringent
standards nationally. The criteria adopted were established using the best available information
at that time.
A problem inherent in interpretation of water quality standards occurs where numerical
values for a certain parameter are assigned under one water use and not assigned under another.
For example, a State may classify a body of water for public water supply and cold water
fishery. The zinc criteria as established in the public water supply category would be 5 mg/1,
maximum allowable concentration in conformance with the U. S. Public Health Service Drinking
Water Standards. Yet such a concentration of zinc would be fatal to most aquatic life inhabiting
that water body. Therefore, should the State not establish a numerical value for zinc in the
cold water fishery classification, it may appear that a concentration of 5 mg/1 of zinc would be
allowed in those waters. This type of conflict is evident in waters that have a multiple use
classification.
Appendix A lists the water quality criteria adopted by the States of Michigan, Minnesota and
Wisconsin for the open water of Lake Superior. A copy of the complete States standards is
available from the appropriate State agency.
The existing water quality standards for Lake Superior were designed to protect the waters
near the shore of the lake. If these waters are fully protected from adverse quality effects,
the open waters of Lake Superior, or the general quality of the lake, will not be degraded.
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128
III. WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES
Before truly appropriate water quality criteria can be established for a body of water the
existing quality must be fully assessed. This assessment permits determination of areas of the
lake in which concentrations of certain parameters approach undesirable limits and establishes
a baseline quality from which to measure future changes.
The waters of Lake Superior are among the least studied of any of the Great Lakes. Some
data have been gathered principally in near-shore areas over the years by miscellaneous gov-
ernmental agencies and universities. However, comprehensive data on the open lake are not
available.
The committee gathered Lake Superior water quality information from the United States and
Canada and used these data to assess the existing quality. The committee also gathered as
much information as was available on recently completed and ongoing research concerning
criteria for waters similar to Lake Superior. FWPCA's National Water Quality Laboratory at
Duluth, Minnesota furnished the bulk of these data. Discussions with personnel at that labora-
tory proved invaluable throughout the committee's deliberations.
The Water Quality Act of 1965 provided that after the initial setting of standards periodic
review and revision would be required to take into account changing technology and advances in
knowledge of water quality requirements. Ultimately, truly appropriate water quality criteria
will be developed for specific bodies of water.
The committee agreed that although the existing water quality standards on Lake Superior
were very restrictive, some were not truly appropriate because they were drafted for all high
quality waters of the States, not specifically for the open waters of Lake Superior. Because
data were not available to completely assess existing quality in the lake and because the exist-
ing standards include non-degradation clauses, the committee concluded it was not appropriate
to recommend new water quality criteria for establishment as standards for the open waters at
this time. The committee did feel that existing water quality data were sufficient to permit
recommendation of adoption of water quality criteria guidelines. These guidelines will permit
monitoring of small changes which may signal potential degradation of existing open water
quality in Lake Superior. They will serve as an administrative instrument to the State and
Federal regulatory agencies in the consideration of wastewater discharges and cultural activ-
ities that affect Lake Superior. These guidelines should be revised as additional background
data become available. At some future time the States of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin
should consider these guidelines when revising their water quality standards for Lake Superior
in accordance with the Federal Water Quality Act of 1965.
The FWPCA's report, "An Appraisal of Water Pollution in the Lake Superior Basin", as
prepared for the use of the conferees at the Lake Superior Enforcement Conference included
details of proposed water quality criteria. Appendix C to that report contained the rationale
for the proposed criteria. These criteria and rationale were used as a base for the discussion
of guidelines by the committee.
Table 1 presents the water quality guidelines for the open waters of Lake Superior as rec-
ommended by the technical committee. Appendix B presents the committee's rationale for
water quality guidelines. The rationale reflects the agreements reached by the committee.
Waters not defined as inshore waters or mixing zones will be considered as open waters and
should reflect the general quality of the lake. Mixing zones may be set by the respective State
agencies and reviewed by the FWPCA. Waters within the mixing zones must meet the condi-
tions as noted in Table 1, Footnote 1.
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129
TABLE 1
PROPOSED WATER QUALITY GUIDELINES FOR THE OPEN WATERS OF LAKE SUPERIOR1
(Mg/1 unless otherwise specified)2
Parameter 90% Value3 Maximum Value4
Dissolved Oxygen >10.0 9.0
Turbidity 0.5 JTU 5.0 JTU
Color5 Wavelength A6 0. 05 absorbance units 0.25 absorbance units
(turbidity removed) (turbidity removed)
Wavelength B' 0. 50 absorbance units 2.50 absorbance units
(turbidity removed) (turbidity removed)
Total Dissolved Solids 65.0
Total Coliform Bacteria8 10 per 100 ml 1,000 per 100 ml
Fecal Coliform Bacteria8 10 per 100 ml 200 per 100 ml
MBAS^ - no material increase
Phenol - 0.001
Ammonia Nitrogen 0.05 0.1
Phosphorus!0 _ 0.01
Iron*1 0.03 0.1
Cadmium12 0.002 0.005
Chromium 0.02 0.05
Copper 0.008 0.012
Lead 0 03 0.05
Nickel 0.015 0.03
Zinc13 0.01 0.015
Cyanide 0.002 0.004
Hydrogen Sulfide (as total 0. 002 0. 02
sulfide measured at bottom-
water interface)
Taste14 Chloroform Extracts 0.03 0.05
Temperature15 — no material increase
pH1" - Should remain between 6. 8 and 8. 5 units
Radioactivity - Recommendations for proposed radiological criteria will be deferred pending
development of model criteria by Federal Water Pollution Control Administra-
tion, Atomic Energy Commission and U. S. Public Health Service. When these
model criteria are published an appropriate review will be made at that time to
determine their suitability for the open waters of Lake Superior.
General - For non-persistent wastes and/or those that have noncumulative effects dis-
charged directly to Lake Superior and for other individual chemicals the 90
percent value is 1/20 of the 96-hour TLm value and the maximum value is 1/10
of the 96-hour TLm value. For persistent complex wastes and/or those that
have cumulative effects and other individual materials the 90 percent value is
1/100 of the 96-hour TLm value and the maximum value is 1/20 of the 96-hour
TLm value. Decision on the determination of persistent and non-persistent
wastes shall be that of the regulatory agencies.
Inshore waters are defined as areas affected by tributary stream plumes, shore
erosion, thermal bars, or bottom sediments resuspended by wave action. Waters not
defined as inshore waters or mixing zones will be considered as open waters. Mixing
zones may be set by the respective State agencies and reviewed by the Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration. In these zones other standards may be applicable
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130
TABLE 1 (Con't)
but in no case can the 96-hour TLm value be exceeded for organisms that inhabit the
area and the area shall be:
Free from substances attributable to municipal, industrial or other
discharges that will settle to form putrescent or otherwise
objectionable sludge deposits;
Free from floating debris, oil, scum and other floating materials
or other discharges in amounts sufficient to be unsightly or
or deleterious;
Free from discharged materials that produce color, odor or other
conditions in such degree as to create a nuisance;
Free from substances and conditions or combinations thereof in
concentrations that produce undesirable aquatic growths.
2 Concentrations of metals are listed on a total ion basis from unfiltered samples.
3 90% of the values obtained at one location must not exceed this value. (For dissolved-
oxygen the stated value is a minimum.) Concentrations exceeding these values signal
changes of water quality indicative of potential degradation and warrant further inves-
tigation.
^ Maximum value not to be exceeded. (For dissolved-oxygen the stated value is a min-
imum. )
Values adopted pending collection of additional data utilizing extended wavelength
technique.
6 Wavelength A: 4000-8000 angstroms, 10 centimeters light path.
7 Wavelength B: 2400-4000 angstroms, 10 centimeters light path.
o
Analyses performed by the membrane filter technique.
Increases in MBAS concentrations signal changes of water quality which may be indica-
tive of potential degradation and warrant further investigation.
10 The existing level of phosphorus in some areas of Lake Superior is greater than the
proposed 0.01 mg/1 maximum limit and is cause for concern. Every effort should be
made to reduce phosphorus inputs into the lake.
11 Values adopted pending collection of additional data.
12 Values adopted pending collection of additional data at which time the levels will be
reconsidered and possibly lowered to a 90% value of 0. 001 mg/1 and a maximum value
of 0.002 mg/1.
13
Existing levels of zinc in the St. Mary's River are gneater-than those proposed and are
cause for concern. Every effort should be made'to eliminate;sources of zinc.
14
No discharge that will impart a taint to fish flesh or?produce an off flavor in drinking
water will be permitted.
15
It is the policy of the Committee that there, shall be no material increase in the temper-
atures of the open water of Lake Superior. Appropriate numerical values for tempera-
ture will be established at a later date from values obtained by additional sampling.
16
The objective is to not allow a trend from existing mean values.
6 ;
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131
IV. RECOMMENDATIONS
The public, this committee, and the State and Federal regulatory agencies recognize the
uniqueness of Lake Superior. To protect Lake Superior's water quality, with the best interests
of the public being the principal consideration, the committee respectfully recommends that:
1. The conferees adopt the proposed water quality guidelines for the open waters of Lake
Superior as developed by their technical committee.
2. The guidelines serve as an administrative instrument to the State and Federal regulatory
agencies in the consideration of wastewater discharges and cultural activities that affect
Lake Superior.
3. The States of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin consider these guidelines when revising
their water quality standards for Lake Superior, in accordance with the Federal Water
Quality Act of 1965.
4. Data collected in accordance with Conference Recommendation 4, which states in part that
"The FWPCA and the States substantially strengthen water quality surveillance plans for
the Lake Superior Basin . . ." be compiled and disseminated by FWPCA. These data
will be used in revising the proposed guidelines.
Prepared by:
Lake Superior Water Quality Technical Committee
Dale S. Bryson, Chairman
April 3, 1970
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132
APPENDIX A
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133
LAKE SUPERIOR OPEN WATEBS
WATER QUALITY CRITERIA AND DESIGNATED USES
MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, WISCONSIN
STATE DESIGNATED USES
MICHIGAN Domestic Water Supply
Industrial Water Supply
Recreation:
— Whole Body Contact
- Partial Body Contact
Fiah, Wildlife and
Other Aquatic Life:
- Intolerant Fish
Cold Water Species
- Intolerant Fish
Warm Water Species
Agricultural
Commercial
MINNESOTA Domestic Consumption
(IB)
Fisheries and Recrea-
tion (2A)
Industrial Consumption
(3A)
COUFORM GROUP
The average of any
series of 10 consec-
utive samples shall
not exceed 1000 or-
ganisms per 100 ml
nor shall 20% of
samples exceed 5000/
100ml
Fecal conforms for
the samples )lOO/
100ml
> 50 MPN/100 ml
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
Cold Water Intolerant
Species {6 mg/1 at
anytime
Warm Water Intolerant
Species
Avg. Daily Value
< 5 mg/1
Any Single Value
< 4 mg/1
Oct-May < 7. 0 mg/1
Jun-Sep { 5, 0 mg/1
SUSPENDED,
COLLOIDAL
AND SETTLEABLE
MATERIALS
No objectionable un-
natural turbidity, col-
or, or deposits In
quantities sufficient
to interfere with de-
signated use
Turbidity
> 5. 0 units
No discharge from un-
natural sources so as
to cause any nuisance
conditions
FLOATING MATERIAL,
RESIDUES, DEBRIS
AND MATERIAL OF
UNNATURAL ORIGIN
No evidence of such
material except of
natural origin
No visible film of oil
or globules of grease
Oil > Trace
No discharge from
unnatural sources so
as to cause any nui-
sance conditions
TOXIC AND DE LETERIOUS
SUBSTANCES
Conform to current USPHS
Drinking Water Standards,
except:
Cyanide:
} 0. 2 mg/1
Chromium:
} 0. 05 mg/1
Phenols:
Mo. Avg.
> 0. 002 mg/1
Single Value
> 0. 005 mg/1
Not to exceed 1/10 of the
96-hour TLm obtained
from continuous flow bio-
assays where the dilution
water and toxicant are con-
tinuously renewed except
that other application fac-
tors may be used in spe-
cific cases when justified
on the basis of available
evidence and approved by
the appropriate agency
[> -mg/1]
Arsenic 0. 01
Barium 1.0
Cadmium 0. 01
CCE 0. 2
Chromium Trace
Copper Trace
Cyanide Trace
Fluorides 1. 5
Lead 0. 05
Manganese 0. 05
Nitrates 45.0
Selenium 0. 01
Silver 0. 05
Zinc 5.0
Public Water Supply
Industrial and Cooling
Water
Commercial Shipping
Recreation:
- Whole Body Contact
Beach areas
Fish and Aquatic Life
Trout
Waste Assimilation
Arith. Avg,
) 1000/100 ml
Max. > 2500/100 ml
during recreation
f 80% Saturation nor
t 5 mg/1 at any time
> 1 mg/1 change
Substances that will
cause objectionable de-
posits In the bed or on
the shore of a body of
water shall not be pres-
ent in such amounts as
to create a nuisance
Floating or submerged
debris, oil, scum or
other material shall not
be present In such
amounts as to create
a nuisance
Substances In concentra-
tions or combinations
which are toxic or harm-
ful to humans shall not be
present in amounts found
to be of public health sig-
nificance, nor shall sub-
stances be present In
amounts, which by bloassay
and other appropriate tests,
indicate acute or chronic
levels harmful to animal,
plant or aquatic life
> Greater Than } Not Greater Than
< Less Than {Not Less Than
Where designated uses have different criteria
the most stringent criteria are listed.
10
-------
TOTAL
DISSOLVED SOLIDS
Total Dissolved Solids:
> 200 mg/1
Chlorides:
Mo, Avg. > 50 mg/1
(MICHIGAN)
NUTRIENTS
Nutrients originating from
industrial, Municipal or
domestic animal sources
shall be limited to the ex-
tent necessary to prevent
adverse effects on water
treatment processes or
the stimulation of growth
of algae, weeds and
slimes which are or may
become injurious to the
designated use
TASTE AND
ODOR PRODUCING
SUBSTANCES
Concentrations of sub-
stances of unnatural
origin shall be less than
those which are or may
become Injurious to the
designated use
Phenols:
Mo. Avg.
>- 0. 002 mg/1
Max. Concentration
for a Single Value
> 0. 005 mg/1
TEMPERATURE
pH
Excepted from Approval Range of 6. 5 - 8, 8
J 0. 5 unit change within
range
RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS
} 1000 pc/1 of gross beta
activity In absence of Sr-90
and alpha emitters
If this limit Is exceeded the
specific radionuclldes pres-
ent must be Identified by
complete analysis in order
to establish the fact that the
concentration of nuclides will
not produce exposure above
recommended limits estab-
lished by the Federal Radi-
ation Council
Total Dissolved Solids:
> 500 mg/1
Chlorides: > 50 mg/1
Sulfates: > 250 mg/1
Hardness: J 50 mg/1
(MINNESOTA)
No discharge from un-
natural sources go as to
cause any nuisance condi-
tions
Threshold Odor:
Number} 3
Phenols:
} 0. 001 mg/1
No Material Increase
Within range of 6.5-8. 5
Gross beta concentration not
to exceed 1000 pc/1 in known
absence of alpha emitters and
Sr-90
Also: Not to exceed the lowest
concentrations permitted to be
discharged to an uncontrolled
environment as prescribed by
the appropriate authority hav-
ing control over their use
Mo. Avg.
> 500 me/1
Max. > 750 mg/1 at any
time
Materials producing color,
odor, taste or unsightli-
ness shall not be present
in such amounts as to
create a nuisance
Materials producing color,
odor, taste or unsightli-
ness shall not be present
in such amounts as to
create a nuisance
84°F Max. Change from
natural unpolluted back-
ground f 5°F Rate of
Change ^ 2"F/hour
Within range of 6.0-9.0
J 0. 5 unit change If nat-
ural values are above 8. 5
or below 6, 5
Intake water supply will be
such that by appropriate
treatment and adequate safe-
guards it will meet PHS
Drinking Water Standards,
(WISCONSIN)
11
-------
APPENDIX B
13
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136
INDEX TO APPENDIX B
Page
Dissolved Oxygen 15
Turbidity and Color 16
Total Dissolved Solids ^
Bacteria 1
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137
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. A continuous supply of oxygen is required for the normal metabolism of fish and
most of their food organisms. Oxygen is used also in the respiration of plants and by bacteria. Oxygen enters
the water chiefly by diffusion from the air and by the photosynthetic activity of plants. In general a balance is
maintained between addition and removal, but because oxygen is not very soluble the water's capacity is small,
so that any interference with the influx from the air or production by plants or any sudden increase in utilization
(as, for example, in the bacterial oxidation of sewage wastes, etc.) soon lowers it to critical levels.
The oxygen concentration needed for maintenance varies widely with species, and there is evidence that
highly desirable fish species in Lake Superior (coregonids, salmonids) require relatively high concentrations.
There are indications, also, that several of the important food organisms (gammarids and shrimp) are even
less tolerant of oxygen deficiencies. Within any one species the requirement varies with temperature, and
especially with life-history stage, the eggs and early fry being more sensitive than the adults to oxygen lack.
For such cold-water fish as salmonids a minimum of 6 mg/1 has been recommended for good growth and gen-
eral well-being of adults and their associated food organisms, and of 7 mg/1 for eggs and fry.
H. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. In addition to providing for growth, activity, reproduction and the like, the
oxygen concentration must be high enough to protect against adverse conditions that may be encountered. For
example, toxicants that enter through the gills become more toxic as the oxygen concentration is decreased, be-
cause the fish must pass more water over the gills to,get enough oxygen, and this brings more toxicant against
the gill surface. Because the low salt content of Lake Superior water permits such agents as heavy metals to be
more toxic than they would be in harder waters, it is especially important that the oxygen concentration be
maintained high enough to counteract this hazard.
Little is known about the requirements of the adult stages of the important species of fish and food organisms
under the environmental conditions of the bulk of Lake Superior, and even less about those of the more sensitive
developmental stages. Further, little seems to be known about the oxygen concentration in various parts of the
lake, especially at the bottom where the eggs and early stages of many species must live. Evidently the lake
oxygen concentrations that have entered into maintaining the recorded levels at Duluth and Sault Ste. Marie so
far have been high enough to maintain the aquatic population, and these should serve as guidelines until we have
more information.
It is important to recognize that a reduction in oxygen from existing concentrations would serve as a warning
of organic decomposition with subsequent release of poisonous materials such as hydrogen sulfide and ammonia.
ffl. EXISTING CONDITIONS. The gross range of dissolved oxygen concentrations over the period 1958-1968
was between 9.4 and 14. 6 mg/1 at Duluth, and 8. 4 and 16. 4 mg/1 at Sault Ste. Marie, with means of 12. 6 and
12.2 mg/1, respectively.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The dissolved oxygen concentration of the open water
of the lake shall not be less than 9 mg/1, at any time or any place in that habitat and 90% of the values should be
greater than 10 mg/1. For habitats occupied primarily by warmer water fish (e. g., perch and walleye in the
shallower bays) the criteria shall be not less than 5 mg/1 at any time or place in that habitat.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Brinley, F.J. 1944. House Document 266, 78th Congress,
1st Session. Part H, Supplement F, Biological Studies,
pp. 1275-1353.
2. Doudoroff, P. and C. E. Warren, 1962. Biological Problems in
Water Pollution. Public Health Service; Third Seminar:
pp. 145-155. Dissolved Oxygen Requirements of Fishes.
3. Ellis, M.M. 1937. Bulletin U.S. Bureau of Fisheries,
Volume 48:365-437. Detection and Measurement of
Stream Pollution.
4. Smith, L. L. et al, 1956. Sewage & Industrial Wastes 28:678-690.
Aquatic Life Water Quality Criteria: Second Progress Report.
5. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
15
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138
TURBIDITY AND COLOR
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS: Ecologically, the quality of the light, the intensity and the duration impinging on a
given surface area controls the ecosystem through its influence on primary production. Light is the ultimate
source of energy, without which life could not exist. Many structural and behavorial characteristics of organ-
isms are directly influenced by light, therefore making it a vital factor as well as a limiting one at both the
maximum and minimum levels.
Reduction of light presents a more serious problem in the aquatic environment than in the terrestrial. Light
diminishes rapidly even in clear water, and changes in spectral composition and in other respects. Any extra-
neous material which is introduced to water, whether it be dissolved or suspended, will diminish the light in-
tensity and possibly change the light quality. In short, suspended or dissolved solids absorb light energy, arid
this absorption will decrease that light energy available for primary production.l
Production takes place in the water at a depth to which light penetrates so that in deep water lakes the light-
penetrated "surface water" provides the major source of production for the entire depth.2 Effects of turbidity
on desirable fish in Lake Superior would first appear as indirect ones on food supply.
n. CHEMICAL EFFECTS. Increases in turbidity require an increase in the available chlorine necessary for
chlorination.3 Further, an increase in turbidity makes phosphate and radioactivity removal harder to accom-
plish.4 Turbidity produces in Lake Superior "colored water" which is not esthetically pleasing. 5
m. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Since Lake Superior is deep (average depth about 600 feet) and cold (average
temperature <42°F) primary production is already hindered. If light energy is removed because of turbidity or
color, further stress would be placed on the lake's primary production. A combination of all these adverse
conditions (extreme depth, low temperature, and light absorption) could render the lake practically sterile.
Since the lake's depth cannot be controlled, and the cold temperature is required for the natural fish, it is most
imperative that turbidity and color be removed from effluents being discharged into the lake.
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Twenty-year averages of turbidity measurements taken daily at the Duluth Water
Treatment Plant (Lakewood Pumping Station) show the mean turbidity of Lake Superior at this station to be
about 0.3 JTU.
V. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR.
Turbidity: Less than 0.5 JTU (measured by light scattering and dilution of standard solutions for JTU) for
90% of the time. Not to exceed 5.0 JTU as maximum.
Color: Committee Recommendation: Less than 0.050 absorbance units (10 cm path length, turbidity removed) over wave length
range 4000-8000 A, and less than 0.500 absorbance units (10 cm path length, turbidity removed) over the wave length
range 2400-4000 A for 90% of the time. Not to exceed five times these values as a maximum. Values adopted pending
collection of additional data utilizing extended wavelength technique.
VI. REFERENCES.
1. Odum, E. P. Fundamentals of Ecology, p. 106. W. B. Saunders and Co
Philadelphia, 1959.
2. Clarke, G. L. Elements of Ecology, p. 185, John Wiley and Sons, Inc.,
New York. 1954.
3. Felsen, D. and Taras, M.J. Journal American Water Works Association.
42, 455 (1950). '
4. Eliassen, R. et al. Journal American Water Works Association
43, 621 (1951).
5. Basic Studies on Environmental Impacts of Taconite Waste Disposal,
Part I and n, U. S. Department of the Interior, December, 1969.
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139
TOTAL DISSOLVED SOLIDS
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. The quantity of dissolved solids by itself is not especially important in
assessing water quality. More important are the kinds of dissolved solids that are present, and in some cases,
the ratio of one to another. Only when the total exceeds many times the existing values in the lake, would there
be any direct impairment.
Dissolved solids measurements do, however, provide a good index of the aging rate of the lake. Such cor-
relations have been established in Lake Erie, as an example. For this reason, dissolved solids should be kept
close to the present level to avoid undesirable aging effects.
H. EXISTING CONDITIONS. No data is available for St. Mary's River, but rarely is 60 mg/1 reached at
Duluth.
HI. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Ninety percent of the values should not exceed 65
mg/1.
IV. REFERENCES.
1. A Plan for Water Pollution Control Lake Erie Report. U. S.
Department of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration. August 1968.
BACTERIA
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. The presence of bacteria in water was recognized early as an indicator of
degraded water quality. The coliform bacterial count has been most widely used as an index of sewage contam-
ination and possible accompanying hazard of human pathogens. Some waters have a high count even though there
is little or no sewage contamination as coliform bacteria enter waterways from sources other than man, such
as land runoff from agricultural lands.
The cold temperature, extreme water clarity (permitting deep penetration of sunlight) and sparsely populated
watershed result in very low counts. The average total coliform value at Duluth is 3. 68/100 ml and 7. 81/100
ml at the St. Mary's River.
n. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The maximum total coliform count should not exceed
1000/100 ml and 90% of the counts should be less than 10/100 ml at any location. The maximum fecal coliform
count should not exceed 200/100 ml and 90% of the counts should be less than 10/100 ml at any location.
Additional Committee Recommendation: Analyses performed by the membrane filter technique.
HI. REFERENCES.
1. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
2. Sanitary Significance of Fecal Coliforms in the Environment.
U. S. Department of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, Publication WP-20-3.
3. The Bacteria, Volume II. Gunsalus and Stanier, Academic Press.
1961.
4. Pollutional Effects of Pulp and Paper Mill Wastes in Puget Sound.
U. S. Department of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, March 1967.
5. Proceeding-Eleventh Conference on Great Lakes Research 1968.
International Association for Great Lakes Research.
6. Microbiology for Sanitary Engineers. McKinney, Rose E.
McGraw-Hill, 1962, pp. 152.
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METHYLENE BLUE ACTIVE SUBSTANCES (MBAS)
I. GENERAL CONDITIONS. The methylene blue method is used for quantitatively measuring surfactants, but does not differentiate between the
now existing levels of ABS and LAS occurring in natural waters. Nor does the method differentiate between surfactants and certain natural
substances. Therefore, it has been proposed and generally accepted that these anionic substances be reported as methylene blue active substances
(MBAS).
The MBAS test provides very sensitive measurement of increases in concentrations of organic compounds in Lake Superior. While the MBAS
method does not yield a differentiation of compounds it provides a quantitative measure of change and signals potential degradation of water
quality that warrants investigation.
II. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Available information on MBAS concentrations in Lake Superior indicates a range
from 0. 01 - 0. 05 mg. 1.
III. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Committee Recommendation: There shall be no material increase in the MBAS
concentration in the open water of Lake Superior. Increases in the MBAS concentration signal changes of water quality which may be
indicative of potential degradation and warrant further investigation.
IV. REFERENCES
i. Thatcher, Thomas O.. and Joseph F. Santner, 1966. Acute Toxicity
of LAS to Various Fish Species. Proceedings 21st Purdue
Industrial Waste Conference, Engineering Extension Series
No. 121., 50(2): 996-1002.
2. Pickering. Quentin H. 1966. Acute Toxicity of Alkyl Benzene
Sulfonate to the .Eggs of the Fathead Minnow, Pimephales
promelas. Air and Water Pollution Journal, 10: 385-391.
3. Pickering, Quentin H. and Thomas O. Thatcher. 1968, The Chronic
Toxicity of Linear Alkylate Sulfonates to the Fathead
Minnow (Pimephales promelas, Raf.). Journal Water Pollution
Control Federation. In press.
4. Swisher, R. D. , J. T. O'Rourke, and H. D. Tomlinson. 1964
Fish Bioassays of Linear Alkylate Sulfonates (LAS) and
Intermediate Biodegradation Products. Journal of
American Oil Chemical Society, 41: 746-752.
5. Marchetti, R. 1965. Critical Review of the Effects of Synthetic
Detergents on Aquatic Life. Stud. Rev. Gen. Fish. Coun
Medit. , No. 26, 32 pp.
6. Arthur, John W. , 1970, Chronic Effects of Linear Alkylate Sulfonal
Detergent on Gammarus pseudolimnaeus, Canapeloma decisum,
and Physa Integra. tVater Research, In press.
18
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PHENOLS AND PHENOLIC COMPOUNDS
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Phenols and substituted phenols are toxic to trout and other fish at concentrations
of 0.1 to 10 mg/1. Studies of long term effects at lower concentrations have not been made.
Phenolic compounds, particularly the chlorophenols, cause unpleasant odors and flavors in fish from waters
containing as little as 0.0001 mg/1. Most phenols are biodegradable, but at concentrations of a few mg/1 or
less cause nuisance slime and mold growths on rocks, etc.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Phenols in drinking water are detectable by disagreeable taste and odor at
concentrations of 0. 001 to 0. 01 mg/1, thus the U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standard has been
set at 0.001 mg/1. Current waste treatment practices (tertiary treatment) are highly efficient at removal of
phenols; however, post-chlorination of the waste increases the proportion of taste and odor causing chloro-
phenols.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Phenol as such is not routinely measured in Lake Superior. However, data
from Duluth and the St. Mary's River indicate that total aromatics (including phenols) average less than
0.001 mg/1.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Based on the potential for causing taste and odor
problems in drinking water and in commercial fish, the recommended criteria for phenols in Lake Superior
is a maximum concentration of 0. 001 mg/1.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Brown, V. M., Jordan, D. H. M., and Tiller, B. A., 1967. The Effect
of Temperature on the Toxicity of Phenol to Rainbow Trout in Hard
Water. Water Research 1:587-594.
2. Pickering, Q. H.,and Henderson, C., 1966. Acute Toxicity of Some
Important Petrochemicals to Fish. Journal Water Pollution Control
Federation 38 (9): 1419-1429.
3. Ryckman, D.W., Prabhakara Rao, A. V. S., and Buzzel, J. C., Jr.
Behavior of Organic Chemicals in the Aquatic Environment: A
Literature Critique. Published by the Manufacturers Chemists
Association, Washington, D. C., Summer 1966.
4. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory Committee
to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
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AMMONIA
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS Ammonia is a normal product of animal metabolism and the major nitrogenous
excretion of fish and other freshwater animals. It enters water naturally also by microbial decomposition of
decaying plant and animal material, in rain water and, under certain conditions, by the degradation of dissolved
nitrites and nitrates. In addition, it enters water as a component of sewage, fertilizers, and numerous indus-
trial wastes. Conversely, it serves as a nutrient for some of the algae. Its concentration is unlikely to remain
constant in a normal aquatic environment, but tends to be decreased by conversion to nitrite and nitrate. Be-
cause of its many possible sources and fates, the ammonia content of natural unpolluted waters is highly vari-,
able, and has been reported to range from 0.0 to about 4. 0 mg/1, although usually less than 0. 2 mg/1.
The experimental work to date on ammonia toxicity does not provide clear guidelines, partly because the
distinction has not always been made between the highly toxic ammonia molecule and the less toxic ammonium
ion, and partly because the experiments have been too crude to be related to long-term effects. A concentra-
tion of 1. 5 mg/1 has been reported as "not harmful to fish", but it has also been reported, however, that 1
mg/1 and even 0.3 mg/1 can affect the oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. Its effects on important fish food
organisms of the lake are not known.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. The higher the pH the greater the proportion of toxic molecular ammonia
relative to ammonium ion, the toxicity of ammonium compounds increasing by 200% or more between pH 7.4
and 8.0. Over the period 1958-1968 the pH of Lake Superior water at Duluth has ranged between 7. 3 and 8.5,
with a mean of 7. 72, which is in a critical range for ammonia. Further, because of its low salt concentration
Lake Superior water is poorly buffered against changes in pH. For these reasons the standard for ammonia
must be extremely conservative to be safe for aquatic life.
HI. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Over the period 1959-1966 at Sault Ste. Marie, and 1958-1965 at Duluth, the
reported ammonia concentrations ranged between 0. 0 and 0.1 mg/1 as ammonia nitrogen, with means of 0.071
and 0.0024 mg/1, respectively.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Since the values so far recorded seem not to have had
an adverse effect, since the ammonia concentration is highly labile, and since ammonia is most toxic at high
pH ranges, the recommended criteria is a maximum of 0.1 mg/1, expressed as ammonia nitrogen, and 90%ofthe
values should be less than 0. 05 mg/1.
V. PERTINENT REFERENCES.
1. Doudoroff, P., and Katz, M., 1950 22:1432-1458. Critical Review
of Literature on the Toxicity of Industrial Wastes and their
Components to Fish. I. Alkalies, Acids and Inorganic Gases.
Sewage and Industrial Wastes.
2. Ellis, M. M. 1937. Bulletin U. S. Bureau of Fisheries.
Detection and Measurement of Stream Pollution. Vol 48-
365-437.
3. Goldstein, L., Forster, R. P. and Fanelli, G. M., Jr. 1964.
Gill Blood Flow and Ammonia Excretion in the Marine Teleost,
Myoxocephalus scorpius. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 12:
489-499.
4. Lloyd, R. 1961. Effect of Dissolved Oxygen Concentrations on the
Toxicity of Several Poisons to Rainbow Trout. Journal
Experimental Biology. 38: 447-456.
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143
PHOSPHORUS
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Phosphorus is an essential nutrient which frequently occurs in minute quantities in
natural waters and can thereby be limiting to the growth of aquatic plants. When present in excess, however,
under favorable environmental conditions, it is instrumental in producing heavy and undesirable growths of both
algae and rooted aquatic plants. Results obtained by various workers (e. g., Sawyer, 1947; Chu, 1943; Strick-
land, 1965; and Sylvester, 1961) indicate that phosphorus does not become limiting to algae until concentrations
as low as 0. 01 mg/1 or less of soluble phosphorus are reached.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Phosphorus, in increased quantities, is commonly associated with acceler-
ated lake eutrophication. The degree to which aquatic plant growth is stimulated by phosphorus is variable, and
will depend on the occurrence of other essential nutrients, temperature, light, etc. Phosphorus is, however,
a substance which is essential to plant growth, one which is frequently limiting, and one which is much more
amenable to control than many other nutrients. Nitrogen, for example, is difficult to control because some
forms of algae are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Data on phosphorus distribution in Lake Superior are scarce. A synthesis of
data published by Putnam and Olson (1960) and by Beeton, et al. (1959), indicate average distribution of total
phosphorus, as mg/1 Phosphorus, for all depths, to be as follows:
West End (West of Apostle Islands) 0. 009
Apostle Islands Region 0. 014
Open Lake, Apostle Islands to Keweenaw Peninsula 0. 010
Keweenaw Bay 0. Oil
Coastal Waters off Marquette and Munising 0. 010
Open Lake, East End 0. 005
Whitefish Bay 0. 008
The average for the entire lake is 0. 0096 mg/1.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The total phosphorus levels should not be permitted
to exceed existing values. Where background data are not available the maximum value should not exceed 0. 01
mg/1 total phosphorus. Additional Committee Recommendation: The existing level of phosphorus in some areas of Lake Superior
is greater than the proposed 0.01 mg/1 maximum limit and is cause for concern. Every effort should be made to reduce phosphorus Inputs into
the Lake.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Beeton, A. M. , J. H. Johnson, and Stanford H. Smith, 1959. Lake Superior Limnological Data. U. S.
Fish and Wildlife Service. Special Scientific Report - Fisheries No. 297, Washington, D. C., 177 p.
2. Chu, S. P., 1943. The Influence of the Mineral Composition of the Medium on the Growth of Plank-
tonic Algae. Part n. The Influence of the Concentration of Inorganic Nitrogen and Phosphate
Phosphorus. J. Ecology, 3J.:109.
3. Putnam, H. D., and T. A. Olson. An Investigation of Nutrients in Western Lake Superior. School of
Public Health, University of Minnesota, Duluth, for the Minnesota Water Pollution Control
Commission, 1960.
4. Putnam, H. D. , and T. A. Olson, 1966. Primary Productivity at a Fixed Station in Western Lake Su-
perior. Proceedings, Ninth Conf. on Great Lakes Res., Inst. of Sci. and Tech., University of
Mich. , Ann Arbor, p. 119-128.
5. Sawyer, C. N., 1947. Fertilization of Lakes by Agricultural and Urban Drainage. J. NEWWA, 63^:109.
6. Strickland, J. D. H., 1965. Production of Organic Matter in the Primary Stages of the Marine Food
Chain. Chemical Oceanography (J. P. Riley and D. Skirrow, eds.), Academic Press, New York.
7. Sylvester, R. O., 1961. Nutrient Content of Drainage Water from Forested, Urban, and Agricultural
Areas. Algae and Metropolitan Wastes, Public Health Service, SECTRW61-3, 80, U.S. Govt.
Print. Off., Washington, D. C.
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144
IRON
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Iron causes problems of taste, color and odor in water supplies and may stimulate
the growth"of bacteria and other lower plant life. It will discolor shore areas and may coat water conduits.
Concentrations in excess of 0. 3 mg/1 cause taste problems and stain laundry. Lesser concentrations in com-
bination with manganese often result in undesirable growths.
II. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Iron solubility is highly pH dependent. In more desirable pH values of 6.5 to
8.5 it occurs in the oxidized state and is rather insoluble and usually settles. Introductions of iron may result
in an increase in settleable solids content in this way. Iron will redissolve in hypolimnionic waters under cer-
tain conditions and then may cause taste and odor problems.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. The ten year average concentration at Duluth is 0. 023 mg/1 and 0. 019 mg/1 at
the St. Mary's River. The high value recorded is 0.168 mg/1. Highest readings occurred during the last sev-
eral years.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The maximum value should be 0. 1 mg/1 and 90% of
the values should be less thanO. 03 mg/1 at any single location. Additional Committee Recommendation: Values adopted
pending collection of additional data.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C. April 1968.
2. U. S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1962, Public
Health Service Drinking Water Standards, PHS Publication No. 956.
3. Water Quality Criteria, California State Water Quality Control
Board, Sacramento, California, Publication 3-A, 1963. pp. 215
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CADMIUM
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Cadmium occurs in small amounts in naturally occurring zinc ores reflecting its
close chemical relationship to zinc but in natural waters occurs in only trace amounts. Cadmium is a nonessen-
tial, nonbeneficial element. It is a heavy metal that accumulates in animal tissues and has a high pollution
potential because of its high toxicity and cumulative effects.
In the U.S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards, cadmium in excess of 0. 010 mg/1 constitutes
grounds for rejection of the supply. Long term toxicity studies conducted at the Federal Water Pollution Con-
trol Administration's Newtown Fish Toxicology Laboratory have shown slow accumulative mortality in young
fish and that newly hatched fry are extremely sensitive to cadmium. These chronic studies conducted in hard
water (in which cadmium is less toxic than in Lake Superior) gave a "safe" concentration of 0. 037 mg/1. The
test concentration of 0. 057 mg/1 was lethal to newly hatched fry.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. The toxicity of cadmium, like the other heavy metals, is influenced by water
quality characteristics, such as pH and hardness. Acute toxicity studies indicate that the lethal concentration
of cadmium in softer water is 1 mg/1.
ffl. EXISTING CONDITIONS. According to Kopp and Kroner, of 66 samples in the Western Great Lakes Basin
the frequency of detection (0. 45 millipores filtered samples) was 3%. They did not detect cadmium in Lake
Superior.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The recommended criteria for cadmium in Lake
Superior is a maximum value of 0. 005 mg/1 and 90% of the measurements less than 0. 002 mg/1 at a single
location. Additional Committee Recommendation: Values adopted pending collection of additional data at which time the levels
will be reconsidered and possibly lowered to a 90% value of 0.001 mg/1 and a maximum value of 0.002 mg/1.
V. REFERENCES
1. Pickering, Q. H., and Cast, M. The Chronic Toxicity of Cadmium
to the Fathead Minnow (Pimephales promelas) (In preparation).
2. Pickering, Q. H., and Henderson, C. Acute Toxicity of Some Heavy
Metals to Different Species of Warm Water Fishes, Proceedings
19th Industrial Waste Conference. Purdue University. 1965.
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146
CHROMIUM
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. In the U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards the presence of hex-
avalent chromium in excess of 0. 05 mg/1 shall constitute grounds for rejection of the supply. Chromium is not
known to be either an essential or beneficial element in animals. There is accumulation of chromium in many ,
animals and when inhaled, chromium is a known cancerigenic agent for man. Trivalent chromium is not oi con-
cern in drinking water supplies at present.
In long-term tests conducted at the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration's Newtown Fish Toxicology
Laboratory, in a hard water, 1 mg/1 of hexavalent chromium was found to be a "safe" concentration for sur-
vival and reproduction of the fathead minnow. The lethal value in a similar water (200 mg/1 hardness) was 33
mg/1. In a soft water, low pH bioassay the lethal value for the fathead minnow was 17 mg/1.
Bioassays conducted with four species gave lethal values of hexavalent chromium that ranged from 17 to 118
mg/1. Thus it appears that there is a great range of sensitivity of various fish species. Hexavalent chromium
appears to be more toxic to some invertebrates; 0. 05 mg/1 is lethal to Daphnia, a very important animal in
Lake Superior. In acute bioassays trivalent chromium is more toxic in soft water than hexavalent chromium.
The chronic studies indicated that their toxicity is not greatly different.
n. Special Considerations. Hexavalent chromium is very soluble in water while trivalent chromium is much
less soluble, especially in hard water. Many variables influence the toxicity of chromium. Trama and Benoit
have shown that the toxicity of hexavalent chromium is dependent on pH; it is more toxic under conditions of low
pH. The toxicity of trivalent chromium is dependent on concentration, pH, hardness, and equilibrium state.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Hexavalent chromium concentrations found in Lake Superior at Duluth had a
frequency of detection of 40%. In these samples of positive occurrence the mean concentration was 9 jug/1 and
the maximum was 20 tig/I. At St. Mary's River hexavalent chromium was found in 17% of the samples with a
mean of 3 wg/1 and a maximum of 7 jug/1. Data are not available for trivalent chromium concentrations.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The recommended criteria for total chromium is a
maximum of 0. 050 mg/1 and 90% of the values should be less than 0. 02 mg/1 at any single location.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Pickering, Q. P., and Henderson, C. Acute Toxicity of Some Heavy
Metals to Different Species of Warmwater Fishes, Proceedings
19th Industrial Waste Conference, Purdue University, 1965.
2. Trama, F.B., and Benoit, R.J. Toxicity of Hexavalent Chromium
to Bluegills, Journal Water Pollution Control Federation
Volume 32, 1960.
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COPPER
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Copper is one of the more toxic of the heavy metals to many desirable aquatic
organisms. It is also an essential trace element and is often added to the foods of both aquatic and terrestrial
animals. It is commonly used to control algal growths in water supplies. The permissible concentration in
public water supplies is 1 mg/1 and the desirable concentration is virtually absent.
Experiments with trout, perch, sunfish, freshwater shrimp, Daphnia, snails, and clams establish the max-
imum no-effect concentrations in Lake Superior water to be between 0. 01 and 0. 05 mg/1. Trout, shrimp, and
Daphnia, all important in Lake Superior, are among the most sensitive. To some animals, copper concentra-
tions that kill are substantially higher than concentrations that retard growth and inhibit reproduction. Exper-
imentation has shown that concentrations 1/10 to 1/30 of the lethal concentrations inhibit reproduction.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. Both pH and the calcium-magnesium content of water affects copper toxicity
to aquatic organisms. The lethal concentrations are more affected by these characteristics than are the no-
effect concentrations. Lake Superior water has low concentrations of calcium and magnesium and therefore
copper is more toxic in it than in most other natural waters of the United States. For this reason, stringent
criteria are needed.
ffl. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Five year average concentrations of copper at Duluth and the St. Mary's River
are 0. 003 and 0. 005 mg/1, respectively. Some values have been reported as high as 0. 02 mg/1, but nearly all
are less than 0. 01 mg/1. Except near sources of copper introduction, concentrations do not vary greatly.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The criteria for Lake Superior should be a maximum
of 0. 012 mg/1 and 90% of the measurements should be less than 0. 008 mg/1 at any single location.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Sprague, J.B., Lethal Concentrations of Copper and Zinc for
Young Atlantic Salmon, Journal of Fisheries Research Board,
Canada, 21 (1), 1964.
2. Mount, Donald I. Chronic Toxicity of Copper to Fathead Minnows
(Pimephales Promelas, Rafinesque). Water Research,
2:215-223, 1968.
3. Grande, Magne., Effect of Copper and Zinc on Salmonid Fishes,
Third International Conference on Water Pollution Research,
Section 1, Paper No. 5.
4. Sprague, J. B., Avoidance of Copper-Zinc Solutions by Young Salmon
in the Laboratory. Journal Water Pollution Control Federation.
Vol. 36 (8): 990-1004, 1964.
5. (Personal communication, National Water Quality Laboratory Staff.)
Acute and Chronic Effects of Cu+^ on Fish and Invertebrates
in Lake Superior Water, 1969.
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148
LEAD
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Lead is quite poisonous to aquatic organisms, concentrations of 0.1 mg/1 having
killed fish in soft water. In water more like that of Lake Superior, however, short term (a few hours to a few
days) mortality test values of from 5 to 50 mg/1 of lead have often been obtained.
The few longer term (up to six months), nonlethal exposures to lead in water have demonstrated that accumu-
lations in various parts of the body result from continuous uptake of lead by the fish. Such accumulations in
mammals have led to toxic effects and death after long periods of time, even many years. On the basis of
available information on fish, similar results would be expected.
Daphnia in Lake Superior water are killed in a few days by an 0. 5 mg/1 concentration; mayflies, stoneflies,
and caddisflies are killed at 16 to 64 mg/1 concentrations.
H. SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS: Because of lead's low solubility in comparison with many other metal salts,
pH and calcium-magnesium content of water are particularly important in determining its toxicity. High lead
concentrations are particularly significant in the soft water of Lake Superior.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. The average concentration of lead in filtered water at the St. Mary's River over
the five year period ending September 30, 1967 was 0. 006 mg/1. Two filtered samples taken at Duluth during
this period contained 0. 007 and 0. 02 mg/1. The average of 20 unfiltered samples taken at scattered sites in
Lake Superior during 1967 is 0. 027 mg/1. This figure excludes one very high and probably incorrect value of
0. 306 mg/1 that was found in a sample taken near the center of the lake.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The Public Health Service Drinking Water Standard
of 0. 05 mg/1 should never be exceeded and 90% of the measurements should be less than 0. 03 mg/1 at any
single location.
V. REFERENCES.
1. McKee, J. E. , and Wolf, H.W., Water Quality Criteria, Publication
No. 3-A, California State Water Quality Control Board, Second
Edition, 1963.
2. Pickering, Q.H. , and Henderson, C., 1966. The Acute Toxicity of
Some Heavy Metals to Different Species of Warmwater Fishes.
Air-Water Pollution International Journal 10:453-463.
3. Warnick, S. F., and Bell, H. L., 1969. The Acute Toxicity of Some
Heavy Metals to Different Species of Aquatic Insects. Journal
of Water Pollution Control Federation. 41:280-284.
4. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C. April 1968.
5. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1962, Public
Health Service Drinking Water Standards, PHS Publication
No. 956.
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149
NICKEL
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. The U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards do not place any con-
centration limits on nickel. It is a nonessential element, and its toxicity to mammals appears to be very low.
However, nickel may be very toxic to some plants.
The lethal concentration of nickel in soft water (20 mg/1 hardness) to the fathead minnow is about 5 mg/1 and
in hard water (360 mg/1 hardness) it is about 43 mg/1. With continuous-flow testing the lethal concentration is
20 mg/1 in water of 200 mg/1 hardness. Using these data, the estimated lethal concentration in Lake Superior
water (44 mg/1 hardness) would be 7 mg/1 of nickel. Some Lake Superior fish are more sensitive, however.
In a long-term bioassay conducted with a water of 200 mg/1 hardness at the Federal Water Pollution Control
Administration's Newtown Fish Toxicology Laboratory, the "safe" concentration was 0.4 mg/1 nickel. At this
concentration the fathead minnow lived, grew, and reproduced.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Certain environmental variables affect toxicity of nickel, but toxicity is not
affected by hardness as much as for other metals. Various types of aquatic life differ considerably in sensi-
tivity to nickel.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Concentrations of nickel in the Western Great Lakes Basin were found in 9% of
the samples. In the samples with positive occurrence, the mean concentration was 0. 01 mg/1 and the maximum
concentration was 0. 028 mg/1. Nickel was not detected at Duluth.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Nickel should not exceed a maximum of 0. 03 mg/1
and 90% of the values should be less than 0. 015 mg/1 at a single location.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Pickering, Q. P. and Henderson, C., Acute Toxicity of Some Heavy
Metals to Different Species of Warmwater Fishes, Proceedings
19th Industrial Waste Conference, Purdue University, 1965.
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150
ZINC
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Zinc is one of several heavy metals occurring almost universally in surface wa-
ters. These natural levels of zinc vary greatly and are influenced by minerals in soils and characteristics of
the water itself. Zinc is an essential trace metal for aquatic life, yet inhibits fish production at quite low con-
centrations.
Long-term tests with the fathead minnow in which the fish were continuously exposed to a series of zinc con-
centrations during the entire life cycle indicate that concentrations significantly inhibiting reproduction are much
lower than the lethal concentrations or those that have demonstrated some histological or physiological changes.
These studies were conducted in water with higher calcium, magnesium and pH than that found in Lake Superior
water and therefore zinc was less toxic under the test conditions. A decrease in reproduction occurred at a
zinc concentration of 0. 045 mg/1 in hard water. Since the test was conducted in a harder water than that of Laie
Superior and the toxicity of zinc increases as the calcium-magnesium level decreases, the safe level in Lake
Superior is lower than 0. 045 mg/1. Zinc partially reduces reproduction over a wide range of concentrations and
there is no sharp threshold.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Many environmental variables affect the toxicity of zinc. Principal examples
would be the calcium-magnesium content of the water, pH, temperature, and differential sensitivity of aquatic
species. Such factors prohibit the selection of a single criterion for all freshwater environments.
HI. EXISTING CONDITIONS. The mean zinc concentration in water taken at the Duluth, Minnesota, water
treatment plant was 0. 009 nig/1 and at the St. Mary's River, 0. 020 mg/1. The current permissible level of
zinc in public water supplies is 5 mg/1. The high values recorded in St. Mary's River are of concern.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Zinc concentrations should not exceed 0. 015 mg/1 and
90% of the values should be less than 0. 010 mg/1. Additional Committee Recommendation: Existing levels of zinc in the St. Mary's
River are greater than those proposed and are cause for concern. Every effort should be made to eliminate sources of zinc.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Brungs, W.A. Chronic Toxicity of Zinc to the Fathead Minnow
(Pimephales Promelas, Rafinesque). Transcription American
Fisheries Society, April 1969.
2. Mount, D. I. The Effect of Total Hardness and pH on Acute
Toxicity of Zinc to Fish. Air and Water Pollution Inter-
national Journal, 10:49-56 (1966).
3. Skidmore, J. F. Toxicity of Zinc Compounds to Aquatic Animals,
with Special Reference to Fish. The Quarterly Review of
Biology, 10 (3): 227 (Sept. 1964).
4. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C. April 1968.
28
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151
CYANIDE
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Cyanide is a highly poisonous chemical and occurs principally from industrial
processes. It combines with hemoglobin in blood, forming a rather stable complex, and reduces the oxygen-
carrying capacity of the blood. It is poorly removed by normal water treatment processes.
Experiments with trout and bluegills resulted in total kill at 0.05 mg/1 and other adverse effects as low as
0.005 mg/1.
The U. S. Public Health Service Drinking Water Standard is 0.2 mg/1 and the desirable concentration is vir-
tually zero.
n. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Cyanide toxicity to aquatic life forms is highly pH dependent. Undissociated
hydrocyanic acid is most toxic and this is present in the largest proportion at low pH values. It combines
readily with heavy metals and may be more or less toxic than the uncombined form, depending on the particular
complex.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Average concentrations at both Duluth and the St. Mary's River are less than
0.001 mg/1.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The maximum concentration should not exceed 0. 004
mg/1 and 90% of the values should be less than 0. 002 mg/1 at any location.
V. REFERENCES.
1. Biology of Water Pollution, U. S. Department of the Interior,
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, 1967.
2. U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1962,
Public Health Service Drinking Water Standards, PHS
Publication No. 956.
3. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical
Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the Interior,
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, Wash-
ington, D.C. April, 1968.
4. Cairns, John. Notulae Naturae, #361, July 30, 1963.
5. Doudoroff, P. Transactions of the American Fishery
Society, Vol. 95, No 1, Jan. 1966.
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152
HYDROGEN SULFIDE
I. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Sulfides in water are the result of natural processes of decomposition in enriched
waters, sewage, and industrial wastes such as those from oil refineries, tanneries, pulp and paper mills!
chemical plants, and gas manufacturing facilities. Sulfides are produced by the action of anerobic organisms;
on sulfates and organic sulphur compounds. Hydrogen sulfide contributes to taste and odor of water supples
that can be detected by man at 0. 005 0. 010 mg/12 and taints flesh of aquatic organisms.
Experiments with eggs and fry of trout, walleye, northern pike, suckers, and immature blue gills and fathead
minnows indicate lethal concentrations of undissociated hydrogen sulfide to vary between 0. 008 - 0. 058 mg/K
Trout fry are killed in three days at 0. 020 mg/1 at high oxygen levels. Freshwater shrimp are more sensitive
than fish fry.
H. SPECIAL CONSIDERATION. Hydrogen sulfide decays exponentially with a half life of one hour in oxygen-
ated water.3 However, it can be evolved into oxygenated water from organic deposits and can be found at
lethal concentrations at the bottom-water interface. * The toxicity of an effluent may bear no relation to its
potential toxicity in organic deposits. Fish eggs, fry, and food organisms are most susceptible^ Since most
species of sport and commercial value in Lake Superior spawn at depths of 100 fathoms or less, it is,im-
portant that good water quality be maintained to this depth at the bottom-water interface.
Fish fry are more sensitive to hydrogen sulfide at low oxygen concentrations.2 The toxicity of sulfide in-
creases markedly with a decrease in pH because there is more undissociated hydrogen sulfide present.
m. EXISTING CONDITIONS. No measurements of dissolved sulfide have been recorded for Lake Superior,
however, it is unlikely that any accumulation has occurred since high oxygen levels are found even at 250
meters.
IV. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The recommended criteria is a maximum of 0. 02
mg/1 and 90% of the values less than 0. 002 mg/1 as total sulfide measured at the bottom-water interface.
V. LITERATURE CITED.
1. Colby, Peter J. , and Smith, Lloyd L., Jr. , 1967. Survival of
Walleye Eggs and Fry on Paper Fiber Sludge Deposits in
Rainy River, Minnesota. Transactions American Fisheries
Society 96 (3) 278-296.
2. Unpublished Data, Department Entomology Fish and V ildlife,
University of Minnesota, St. Paul.
3. Hayes, F. R., Reid, B. L. and Cammeron, M. L. 1958. Lake Water
and Sediment. II. Oxidation-Reduction Relations at Mud-
water Interface. Limnology and Oceagrophy 3: 308-317.
4. Unpublished Data, Bureau of Commercial Fisheries, Ashland, Wisconsin.
5. Longwell, J. and Pentelow, F.T. K. 1935. The Effect of Sewage on
Brown Trout (^almo trutta L.) Journal Exp. Biology 12: 1-12.
TASTE
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Tastes and odors affect principally municipal water supplies and beverage
industries. In places, tainting of fish flesh occurs and causes impairment of the water for fish production.
Great expense is incurred at some treatment plants in other areas of the country because activated carbon
treatment is needed to remove tastes and odors.
II. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Committee Recommendation: In order to avoid expensive water
treatment in the future and to protect fishery resources substances causing taste should not be permitted. Chloroform extracts should not exceeds
maximum of 0.05 mg/1 and 90% of the values should be less than 0.03 mg/l. No discharge that will produce an off-flavor in drinking water nor
impart a taint to fish flesh will be permitted.
III. REFERENCES.
1. U. 3. Department of Health, Education and Welfare, 1962, Public Health Service Drinking Water
Standards, PHS Publication No. 956.
2. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory Committee to the Secretary of the
Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C. April 1968.
3. Microbiology for Sanitary Engineers. McKinney. 1962.
4. Duluth Municipal Water Supply. Ten Year Composite Log Annual Reports. Duluth, Minnesota. 1968.
5. Quality of Waters, Minnesota a Compilation Taste and Odor, 1955 1962. State of Minnesota,
Department of Conservation, Division of Waters, Bulletin 21, June 1963.
30
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153
TEMPERATURE
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Temperature affects all physical, chemical, and biological processes in
Lake Superior. If the normal temperature regime is altered the complete balance of the lake will be changed.
An increase in temperature is known to accelerate the aging process of lakes, increase the toxicity of chem-
icals, lower dissolved oxygen levels, increase algal growths, disrupt delicate biological cycles, and endanger
many important sensitive organisms.
Increases in the water temperature of Lake Superior will require more stringent water quality standards for
other parameters.
n. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. The valuable lake trout, herring and whitefish of Lake Superior require cold
water for their survival. Complete mortality of developing embryos is known to occur at 12°C (54° F.).
Significant reduction in hatch occurs above 60°C (43°F.) among the coregonid fishes. Most of the important
fish in Lake Superior spawn in the fall (Oct., Nov., Dec.) in response to falling temperatures, requiring tem-
peratures of about 10° C (50°F.) or less to initiate the response. Incubation of the eggs which are found on the
lake bottom is best below 6°C (43°F.). Optimum incubation occurs at 0.5°C (33°F.) for the lake whitefish
(Coregonus clupeaformis) and 2° C (36°F.) or less for the lake herring (C. artedi). Upon hatching in the spring
the young fish move into surface waters and at this time exhibit greater temperature tolerance than the incu-
bating eggs. Exposure to temperatures of 15°C (59°F.} vrlii be tolerated by lake herring fry for extended
periods without increased mortality rates. Temperature between 18 - 21°C (64-70°F.) will be tolerated for
lesser periods but extended exposure to these temperatures increases rate of mortality markedly.
m. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS.
A. Heated effluents should not contribute to temperatures of water so as to cause them to serve as barriers
to the movement of anadrumous fish to and from their spawning and rearing areas.
B. Discharge of heated effluents should be to the epilimnion, unless a special study indicates a more desir-
able discharge point, because the important fish species in Lake Superior are deep water dwellers much of the
time.
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Lake Superior is a cold clear, oligotrophic lake. It usually does not exhibit
well defined temperature stratification until mid-July and even then the stratification is not uniform from area
to area and the thermocline is poorly developed. The lake may mix to great depths and homothermous water
around 2°C (36°F.) has been found to occur to depths of 600 ft. The deep water remains near 4°C (39°F.)
through the year. Yearly average temperatures from Duluth and St. Mary's River are 8.5°C (47°F.) and 7. 3°C
(45°F.).
Nine year average temperatures at St. Mary's River, given as quarterly averages are:
I. (Jan., Feb., Mar.)
n. (Apr., May, June )
m. (July, Aug., Sept. )
IV. (Oct., Nov., Dec. )
Average of
Quarterly Mean
- 0.7° C (33° F)
- 5.5° C(42° F)
- 16.0° C(61° F)
- 7.0° C (45° F)
Average of
Quarterly Maximum
2. 3° C (36° F)
14. 9° C (59° F)
20.4° C (69° F)
13.8° C (57° F)
Average temperatures along the North Shore and mid-lake are below these temperatures while averages for
areas along the South Shore (Calumet, Marquette, etc.) are similar and occasionally somewhat higher.
These are the maximum values for Lake Superior obtained from the literature as referenced.
I. (Jan., Feb., Mar.)
n. (Apr., May, June )
(July, Aug., Sept.)
m.
IV. (Oct., Nov., Dec.) -
Mean
Max.
Mean
Max.
Mean
Max.
Mean
Max.
1.3° C
2.8° C
6.8° C
17.2° C
17.9° C
25.0° C
7.6° C
13.9° C
(34° F)
(37° F)
(44° F)
(63° F)
(64° F)
(77° F)
(46° F)
(57° F)
Soo (St. Mary's R.)
Marquette
Soo (St. Mary's R.)
Calumet
Soo (St. Mary's R.)
Calumet
Soo (St. Mary's R.)
Calumet
1965 NWQN
1954 Beeton
1964 NWQN
1955 Beeton
1966 NWQN
1953 Beeton
1963 NWQN
1953 Beeton
31
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154
TEMPERATURE (Con't)
V. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Committee Recommendation: There shall be no material increase in
the temperature of the open water of Lake Superior. Appropriate numerical values for temperature will be established at a later date from valties
obtained by additional sampling.
VI. REFERENCES.
1. Beeton, A.M., Johnson, J.H. and Smith, S.H., 1959. Lake Superior
Limnological Data. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special
Science Report - Fisheries No. 297, Washington, D. C., 177 pp.
2. Breeder, C. M. Jr., and Rosen, D. E., 1966. Modes of Reproduction
in Fishes, American Museum of Natural History, Garden
City, New York.
3. Dryer, W. R., 1966. Bathymetric Distribution of Fish in the
Apostle Island Region of Lake Superior. Transactions of
American Fisheries Society. 95 (3): 248-259.
4. National Water Quality Laboratory: Thermal Studies, 1966-
1969. Unpublished Data.
5. National Water Quality Network (1957-1968) Annual Compilation
of Data. (Storet Retrival System). U. S. Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, Washington, D. C.
6. Price, John W., 1940. Time-temperature Relations in the Incubation
of the Whitefish, Coregonus clupeaformis (Mitchill). Journal
General Physics (4) 23: 449-468.
7. Ruschmeyer, O. R. and Olson, T. A., 1958. Water Movements and
Temperatures of Western Lake Superior. School of Public
Health, University of Minnesota, for Minnesota Water
Pollution Control Commission, 86 pp.
8. Tait, J. S., 1960. The First Filling of the Swim Bladder in
Salmonids. Canadian Journal of Zoology. 38: 179-187.
9. Wells, LaRue, 1966. Seasonal and Depth Distribution of Larval
Bloaters (Coregonus hoyi) in Southeastern Lake Michigan.
Transactions of American Fisheries Society. 95 (4); 388-396.
32
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155
PH
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Most organisms of esthetic and commercial importance live in water within
an extremely narrow pH range. The pH concentration is governed by many inorganic chemicals and biological
processes. Excessive additions of domestic or/and industrial wastes result in pH changes and can therefore
make water unsuitable for desirable organisms. Thus it is important to control pH which in turn will regulate
other water quality parameters.
E. BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS. Rudolfs, et. al. (1953) states that a pH range from 6. 5 to 8.4 is tolerated by
most fish. Chandler (1940) suggests values between 7. 5 to 8.4 to be best for plankton production. Ellis (1937)
found that most inland waters having fish have pH values between 6. 7 and 8.6. Hart, et. al. (1945) report that
only 5% of the waters in the United States supporting a good fish population have pH less than 6.7 whereas 95%
have a pH less than 8.3. Parsons (1968) found the greatest number of species of plankton, benthos, and fishes
to be in stream sections with a pH of 6.8 and above.
Work with pH at the National Water Quality Laboratory suggests that pH values below 6. 0 inhibit or reduce
spawning success with fathead minnows, and are lethal to Daphnia magna and new Gammarus pseudolimnaeus.
HI. SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS. Permissible criteria for public water supplies given in Water Quality
Criteria (1968) give a range of pH from 6. 0- 8. 5.
IV. EXISTING CONDITIONS. Lake Superior is an oligotrophic lake low in total dissolved solids and rather
poorly buffered. Beeton (1959) gives pH values ranging from 6. 9 to 8. 0 in 1953 for samples taken at various
depths in the open lake; however, most values were between 7. 3 and 7. 7. The maximum, minimum and mean
pH values in Lake Superior were:
Lake Superior 01. Mary's River
at Duluth at Saulte Ste. Marie
Years 1958 1968 1960 - 1968
No. Samples 543 457
Maximum 8.5 8.3
Minimum 7.3 6.8
Mean 7.7 7.8
V, RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. The pH in Lake Superior should remain between 6. 8
to 8,5. Additional Committee Recommendation: The objective is to not allow a trend from existing mean values.
VI. REFERENCES.
1. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
2. Beeton, A.M., J.H. Johnson, and S.H. Smith, 1959. Lake Superior
Limnological Data. U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Special
Science Report -- Fisheries No. 297, Washington, D. C., 177 pp.
3. Chandler, D. C., 1941. Limnological Studies of Western Lake Erie.
I. Plankton and Certain Physical-Chemical Data on the Bass
Islands Region, from September 1938 to November 1939. Ohio
Journal of Science 40, 291.
4. Ellis, M. M., 1937. Detection and Measurement of Stream Pollution
(Related principally to fish life).^ U. S. Department of
Commerce, Bureau of Fisheries Bulletin 22.
5. Hart, W. B., P. Doudoroff, and J. Greenbank. 1945. Evaluation
of Toxicity of Industrial Wastes, Chemicals and Other
Substances to Freshwater Fishes. Water Control Laboratory,
Atlantic Refining Company, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
6. Parsons, J. D., 1968. The Effects of Acid-Strip-Mine Effluents
on the Ecology of a Stream. Arch. Hydrobiol. 65(1):25-50.
7. Rudolfs, W., et. al. 1953. Industrial Wastes. Reinhold
Publishing Company, New York.
33
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156
RADIOACTIVITY
I GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. There are at present no numerical radiological criteria directly applicable
to the open waters of Lake Superior. Releases of radioactive materials to the lake (or otherwise) are regulated,
however, by license by the Atomic Energy Commission.l Concentration of radionuclides in food and water used
in interstate commerce, derived from the lake, are regulated by the U. S. Public Health Service. In addition,
State and local regulations limit the concentrations permitted in public drinking waters.
The Federal Water Pollution Control Administration has been working with the Atomic Energy Commission
and the U. S. Public Health Service to develop model radiological criteria for water. These criteria will apply
to receiving waters, as different from waste effluents which are regulated by the Atomic Energy Commission as
noted above. These criteria will be composed of three parts designed for the protection of human health as it
may be affected through (1) drinking water, (2) waters used for recreation and other purposes involving poten-
tial human contact with or ingestion of water, and (3) waters used for the production or processing of food for
human consumption (i. e. fish, shellfish, irrigated crops, milk, etc.).
After a draft of the criteria, developed at staff level through the joint effort of these three Federal agencies,
has been reviewed and officially endorsed by each agency, it will be submitted to the Federal Radiation Council,
the Conference of State Sanitary Engineers and an appropriate organization of the State radiological health
officers for review, comments and hopefully, endorsement. This process may require up to a year to com-
plete.
n. EXISTING CONDITIONS. The 12 year average gross beta radioactivity at Duluth is approximately 9.5
picocuries/1, including several years of active atmospheric bomb testing (and accompanying fallout). Radio-
activity levels since 1965 have averaged less than 3.5 picocuries/1.
The similar 12 year average for total alpha activity, which includes radium and other naturally occurring
radionuclides, is approximately 0.12 picocuries/1.
Similar averages were obtained at the St. Mary's River station.
HI. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. Committee Recommendation: Proposed radiological criteria wilt be
deferred pending development of model criteria by Federal Water Pollution Control Administration, A tomic Energy Commission and U.S. Public
Health Service. When these model criteria are published an appropriate review will be made at that time to determine their suitability for the open
waters of Lake Superior.
IV. REFERENCES.
1. U. S. Atomic Energy Commission, Part 20: Standards for Protection
Against Radiation, Federal Register 25 (224): 10914-10924.
November 17, 1960.
2. National Committee on Radiation Protection, Report of Ad Hoc
Committee, Somatic Radiation Dose for General Population,
Science 131:482. February 19, 1960.
3. Maximum Permissible Body Burdens and Maximum Permissible
Concentrations of Radionuclides in Air and in Water for
Occupational Exposures. Handbook No. 69, National Bureau
of Standards, Washington, D. C. 1959.
4. Background Material for the Development of Radiation Protection
Standards. Staff Report, Federal Radiation Council,
Washington, D. C. July 1964.
5. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
34
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157
ALL OTHER POLLUTANTS
I. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS. Application factors provide a rational basis for estimating safe concen-
trations of pollutants utilizing easily obtained lethal values and are especially useful for establishing safe con-
centrations of mixed effluents. The procedures to be followed in deriving application factors are discussed on
pages 58 and 59 of the Report of the National Technical Advisory Committee on Water Quality Criteria and a
brief outline follows.
As the report points out, a great difference usually exists between the toxicant concentration that kills in a
few days and the concentration that is just barely safe over one or more entire life cycle periods of continuous
exposure to the toxicant. An application factor is composed of the ratio or fraction derived by relating, for a
given pollutant, the mortality data from a four day toxicity test to the just safe concentration for the entire life
cycle. This factor can subsequently be used to estimate environmental concentrations of this toxicant that are
safe for different species of fish or in different water types. One does this by multiplying the application factor
for the pollutant by the toxicity data obtained from a four day test with the new species or water type. A differ-
ent application factor must be calculated for each pollutant.
Thus, application factors are important because they eliminate the necessity of having to expose entire life
cycles of all species in all water types. They have varied from 1/7 to 1/500 for different pollutants that have
been tested.
n. RECOMMENDED CRITERIA FOR LAKE SUPERIOR. In the absence of specific information, safe concen-
trations of pollutants should be:
1. For nonpersistent pollutants or those that have noncumulative effects, the environmental concentration
should not exceed 1/10 of the 96-hour TLm level at any time or place, and 90% of the measurements
should not exceed 1/20 of the 96-hour TLm value.
2. For other toxicants the environmental concentrations should not exceed 1/20 and 1/100 of the 96-hour
TLm level under the conditions described in (1) above.
3. Proportional reductions should be made in the permissible concentrations of pollutants when they are
known to affect or add to the toxicity of other pollutants present in the water.
m. REFERENCES.
1. Water Quality Criteria, Report of the National Technical Advisory
Committee to the Secretary of the Interior, Federal Water
Pollution Control Administration, Washington, D. C., April 1968.
2. Mount, D.I., and C.E. Stephan. 1967. A Method for Establishing
Acceptable Toxicant Limits for Fish--malathion and the butoxye-
thanol ester of 2, 4-D. American Fish Society, Trans. 96(2):
185-193.
35
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C. Fetterolf
MR. STEIN: Any comments or questions?
MR. BADALICH: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. BADALICH: Is a motion in order at this
time?
MR. STEIN: You can make a motion if you wish. I
MR. BADALICH: Mr. Chairman, I move that we
adopt the recommendations of the water quality criteria
committee.
MR. STEIN: All right.
MR. BADALICH: As stated on page number 7 of
their report.
MR. STEIN: 0. K. I have a few questions
before you adopt that. That motion will be in order.
This is no criticism of you, Mr. Fetterolf,
but someone asked once what a camel was and was told
that it was a horse created by a committee.
I notice when we get to page 3 here, it
talks about water quality criteria on public water
supply and cold water fishery. It says that the
problem of zinc criteria as established in public water
supply would be 5 mg/1 maximum allowable concentration.
-------
159
C. Petterolf
Yet such a concentration would be fatal to most aquatic
life inhabiting that water body and, therefore, we shouldn't
really take this 5 mg/1 if we take a water quality criteria.
We can reverse that with mercury. With mercury
it might not be harmful to the fish, but it will be harm-
ful to humans. J
i
i
i
What would hurt if we took the most restrictive
i
situation?
MR. PETTEROLF: Nothing would be hurt.
MR. STEIN: All right. I don't see where this
problem arises. If you put this in a cold water fishery
and you put this for public water supply, we take the
criteria or the requirement that is going to protect the
use we are going to protect. We don't want to kill fish
and we surely don't want to kill people, so I don't see
that we have a problem.
MR. PETTEROLF: The Committee wrestled with
putting this paragraph in the report or deleting it, but
a problem exists where a State has placed a 5 milligram
per liter restriction on zinc for drinking water and yet
they do not have restrictions for aquatic life, and the
restrictions for aquatic life might be based on the
-------
I6c
C. Fetterolf
results of bioassays done over a long period, but the
actual concentration of zinc which would "be harmful to
aquatic life is not particularly well known. And so
while the States did not have particular restrictions
on zinc for the protection of aquatic life, they did
have restrictions in that would protect human health.
MR. MACKIE: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. MACKIE: We seem to be discussing a motion
and it might be in order to have a second to the motion
before we go any further in getting on the record.
MR. STEIN: We don't take votes here, but if
you want a second, fine. Is there a second?
MR. MACKIE: If the motion is in order, then
I think we should discuss it properly.
MR. BADALICH: Is this a new procedure, Mr.
Stein, or what?
MR. STEIN: No, this is not a new procedure.
MR. BADALICH: Oh, I see.
MR. STEIN: This is not a new procedure- Each
State speaks for itself and we try to arrive at a con-
sensus and we don't take votes here because the Secretary
-------
C. Petterolf
makes the Judgment at the end.
MR. BADALICH: Oh, that is right.
MR. STEIN: Now, if you think when we have got
three States here we are going to be outvoted, you can
try this and we will put it on the record.
MR. BADALICH: Are you afraid of that, Murray,
or what? (Laughter.)
MR. STEIN: No, I am not afraid of that. But
I would like the facts to come out for the people to see
what you are voting for here and then when you want to
vote for it, that is great. I don't need a second, but
you can vote for this if you want. (Laughter.)
Do you want a second?
MR. BADALICH: Well, whatever might be in
order here, Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: We don't need a second to take
this up, but if you want a second we will be delighted
to have one. (Laughter.)
MR. BADALICH: Do I take it, Mr. Stein, that
we are going to concur in this thing unanimously so we
don't have to have a motion? Is that it?
MR. STEIN: No, if you are going to concur in
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162_
C. Fetterolf
this unanimously, I am going to need a little convincing,
MR. BADALICH: I see.
Well, Mr. Chairman, am I recognized?
MR. STEIN: Yes. How can I help it? (Laughter
MR. BADALICH: Thank you.
Regarding the last statement on the multiple
use, I see no conflict, as far as that goes, in the State
of Minnesota. We have adopted multiple use on many of
our streams and lakes and rivers, and so on, and any
time that there is a difference in the parameters being
used we always do go along with the most stringent.
So in this case, in the illustration that Mr.
Petterolf brought forth here on the zinc, our classifi-
cation is more restrictive on the aquatic life, so then
in turn--I mean on aquatic organisms—so then in turn
we would apply the fisheries classification to this
instead of the--
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. BADALICH: --Public Health Service as far
as drinking water supply is concerned.
MR. STEIN: As far as I understand, with the
three States involved here and therPe'deral 'Government,
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. 163
C. Fetterolf
we all adopt the same rule, and I am shocked that the
Committee should even bring this up as an issue, because
we haven't had this problem for years. I know Minnesota
does this; I Know the other States do this—that where
we have to protect fishlife and where we have to protect
human life we adopt the most restrictive to protect the
maximum number of water users.
In no way should this be construed as a
criticism on my part of the States programs, because
since 19^0 the States have been,as far as I can see,
20 years ahead of this report in their operations.
Whenever they have a more restrictive use, they have no
problems in requiring the more restrictive requirement.
But my main point goes to the next one. I
see the committee did a tremendous Job and I would like
to read this sentence. It says:
"Because data were not available to completely
assess"—the committee did one thing. They may not have
split the atom, but they split an infinitive--"to com-
pletely assess existing quality in the lake and because
the existing standards include nondegradation clauses,
the committee concluded it was
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164
C. Fetterolf
new water quality criteria for establishment as standards
for the open waters at this time." And then they indi-
cated that they were proposing guidelines.
Well, we have been over this guideline business},
i
up and down, and I think you have heard from the citizens
this morning. I think what we are asking for, and for
which we have a legal requirement set by the Federal
Government, is to set water quality standards that we
are going to regulate. And if all we can come up with
is guidelines for an indication that these aren't quite
sufficient because we don't have enough data yet, we
can't use them as standards.
Yet if you want to adopt this, this is great; j
I will be glad to accept the motion.
MR. PURDY: Mr. Stein.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. PURDY: I have one question that I would
like to ask Mr. Fetterolf, and this relates now to the
matter of considering a guideline or criteria for the
most restrictive use.
Mr. Fett'erolF, in Table 1, now, are the values
recommended by the Committee those that the Committee
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165
C. Fetterolf
deemed necessary for the most restrictive need?
MR. PETTEROLP: Yes, they are.
MR. STEIN: Then v/hy can't you accept them as
a criteria or a requirement? What is this guideline
recommendation we have? What do we do with that?
In other words, a State can look at this and
if they like it they can use it, or we can use it, and if
we don't, we can't. Is that what the Committee has given
us and that is what you want to adopt? Maybe this is a
giant step forward, like the first guy on the moon.
MR. PURDY: Mr. Stein, under what provisions
can this conference adopt water quality standards for
the States?
MR. STEIN: Under this conference we can
recommend those and the Committee can put these forward
as a recommendation. But, as far as I can see, they are
saying that they have insufficient data and they are
Just putting these forward as a guideline. Once you
come up with requirements and you say that it is sup-
ported by insufficient data, I think you have damned it
by such faint praise you put us on a real rack if we are
going to adopt these as a requirement. Either you have
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166
C. Petterolf
the data to recommend it or you don't.
Now, what did this Committee do?
MR. PURDY: It would seem that we have the
report and recommendations of the Committee and they
state this.
MR. STEIN: Yes, we do. Do you want to adopt
this for the conferees? I will be glad to entertain it.
MR. MACKIE: Mr. Chairman, I will second the
motion made by Mr. Badalich.
MR. STEIN: 0. K.
Do all the conferees want to adopt this report
as guidelines?
MR. PURDY: Well, Mr. Stein, I for one have
received this report to review for the first time about
5 minutes ago, even though I had representatives on
this Committee. I would like the opportunity of
studying the report and reviewing it in detail now with
my representatives that were on the Committee.
MR. STEIN: Right. Well, Mr. Purdy, for myself
I didn't get the report a minute before you did.
Are there any other comments?
Do we want to defer that on Mr. Purdy's
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16?
C. Petterolf
comment that he needs more time to review?
MR. MAYO: Mr. Chairman, in the face of Mr.
Purdy's comment and his concern about the need for the
State of Michigan to have additional time, I would like
to suggest to Mr. Badalich that he, and his second,
consent to the withdrawal of the motion.
MR. STEIN: Is this agreeable?
MR. BADALICH: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. BADALICH: Mr. Mayo, could you specify
some time there that you would want for review? Because
I think this is a very important matter and I think that
we should probably take some definitive action on this.
MR. STEIN: Let me tell you, I don't think we
should, and I can give you a time for review. You will
recall, Mr. Badalich, that at the first sessions of the
conference we said that the six months legally would run
from the time we issued the summary.
MR. BADALICH: Yes, that's right.
MR. STEIN: These six months, as I understand
it from looking at the papers as served and mailed, will
not be up until the end of July. Is my understanding
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168
C. Fetterolf
correct?
Therefore, I think if this is the case, after
that date at the very earliest point in August might be
the time to consider this.
Will this be agreeable?
MR. BADALICH: Well, Mr. Chairman, I would be
willing to withdraw my motion providing that we do take
this up at the next scheduled reconvening of this con-
ference .
MR. STEIN: Right.
MR. BADALICH: Which will be after July 26
of this year.
MR. STEIN: That is correct.
MR. BADALICH: All right, I will agree to that.
MR. STEIN: All right, then we are in agreement
Are there any other comments or questions?
This will be a prime issue at that time.
MR. MAYO: Mr. Chairman, I would like to raise
the point with the other conferees and ask them if they
feel it would be appropriate to address themselves to
these recommendations in the context of suggested stand-
ards rather than only as recommended criteria at that
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_____ 169
C. Fetterolf
time. I would like some comment from them on that
point.
MR. STEIN: Do you want it right now?
May I make a suggestion to you, Mr. Mayo? I
think you asked a very pertinent question and it certainly
seems we are going until tomorrow. Would you agree that j
we should give the conferees time to consult with their
i staffs and look at this and possibly come up with an
answer if they want to answer it tomorrow?
MR. MAYO: Fine. Fine.
MR. STEIN: 0. K.
Are there any further comments or questions?
MR. BADALICH: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. BADALICH: I think the State of Minnesota
would not be adverse to this. Actually these criteria
as proposed here are fairly comparable to our standards,
but you have to realize that under statutory procedure
as far as States are concerned we will possibly have to
hold a public hearing to ratify these standards if there
is any deviation from what has been accepted now through
our normal course of hearings.
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170
C. Fetterolf
MR. STEIN: Mr. Badalich, I thoroughly
agree with you. I couldn't agree with you more.
But instead of a committee setting a standards cri-
teria regulation, we have one damning us with faint
praise, by saying, "Because data were not available
to completely assess"--! keep going over that split
infinitive all the time--"to completely assess
existing quality in the lake and because the exist-
ing standards include nondegradation clauses, the
committee concluded it was not appropriate" the only
thing I am asking for is, if we are confident enough
of this, maybe we should remove the disclaimer.
MR. BADALICH: Well, I think that
these criteria were actually developed as guide-
lines to the State agencies as well as to the
Federal Government to adopt this as future water
quality standards. And we certainly will follow
this intent of the Committee to make any modifica-
tion in our standards to be conducive or, should I say,
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171
C. Fetterolf
comparable to what has been proposed.
MR. STEIN: I think we are very close on this.
You see, if the committee puts this forward and says the
reason they can't adopt these as standards is "because
data were not available to completely assess existing
quality," then presumably if one follows the recommenda-
tion of the committee, we need considerably more data in
order to accept these as standards.
The question that I have is: Haven't they done
enough work to give us a .Judgment whether we can adopt
these as standards or not? When one talks about this
endless study operation, any time a group comes out and
says, and I quote again, "because data were not available
to completely assess," I think one can say that about
anything. The time has come when we go into produc-
tion. Are we going to have a standard or are we not
going to have a standard? (Applause.)
MR. PURDY: Mr. Stein.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. PURDY: It would seem to me that one of the
difficulties in this area would be what the standard pro-
poses to do. Now, if, say, these standards are recommend
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172
C. Fetterolf
on the basis that this is the water quality that is
necessary to protect a particular use, then possibly
we can go to the literature and determine what that
standard ought to be and, in fact, have ample information
to do this.
It is my understanding, though, that some of
these standards are based upon the desire to maintain
the Lake Superior water quality in its present state,
and the problem there is the absence of information of
the present quality of the Lake Superior waters.
MR. STEIN: All right. That is why I think
you should have until tomorrow to consider this.
But, it seems to me, if we have an antidegrada-
tion clause in it, and we are talking about when water
quality in Lake Superior is above any existing standards
we won't degrade it; if this is the issue; if this is
what we are saying and we agree on that in principle--
then we can go out and analyze the quality of the waters
subsequent to that statement of policy, find out what it
is and keep those waters up to that. That is one thing,
MR. PURDY: When I review with my representa-
tives on the Committee, I think this is one of the problen
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173
C. Fetterolf
that we ar-e discussing right at the moment.
MR. STEIN: Right. By the way—and I want to j
I
i
say this to the audience—this is not a very simple j
i
problem. I think we probably can use all the time between
i
i
now and the end of July. It may or may not have been <
fortuitous, but we will need it to examine this. But you'
i
make a determination tomorrow how closely you want to commi
i
yourselves now, because our present intention is to reconf
!
|
vene the conference early in August (after that July date |
i
has run and the legal date has run) to come up with these!
j
conclusions. In view of the complex problems with which we
are confronted here, you may want to consider until
tomorrow how we set this forward. But I would recommend
when you consider this that you don't tie yourselves
down or make any premature judgments on this issue.
Mr. Purdy, I stand with you on this. I don't
think that given this material that you can make a very
rapid judgment on it.
Are there any other comments or questions?
If not--
MR. FETTEROLF: Mr. Stein.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
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174
C. Fetterolf
MR. FETTEROLF: In the charge to the committee
from the conferees it states,, "The purpose of the com-
mittee is to develop particular water quality criteria
| as guidelines for modification of the Federal-State water
|
| quality standards." j
I i
j i
And in one of our recommendations we suggest I
; that these water quality guidelines be considered by the !
i
j States as standards. There are some that could perhaps I
i " I
!
be considered now as standards and there are others that j
i
do need further work. I
i
MR. STEIN: 0- K. Then maybe we are dealing J
i
i
i
with a literary operation and you don't mean a disclaimer!-
I
you don't mean to disclaim all these for inadequate data.
In other words, you are suggesting that a considerable
portion of these you would recommend, on the committee's
recommendation, be adopted as criteria and standards righj;
now? Some of them you are not so sure of?
MR. FETTEROLF: We could recommend that some
of them be considered by the various States for adoption
as standards at this time.
MR. STEIN: Right. 0. K.
I think again we should go through those rather
-------
C. Fetterolf
carefully — and this is Just a suggestion--with the
States before we come to our next one, make a judgment,
and recommend to your State agencies those which you
believe can be adopted and those which you believe need
further work. Let's see what the States say, because
we are probably closer to the goal line than we imagine.
Let me tell you this. Substantively I think
your work is great.
MR. FETTEROLF: So do we. (Laughter.)
MR. STEIN: I wish you would have more confi-
dence in this and put it forward for something for
adoption.
MR. FETTEROLF: If the United States Government
and the various States supplied the funding for the
gathering of information it could be substantially done.
MR. STEIN: Oh. (Laughter.) I wish we would
come up with another answer of why we don't do anything
other than, "if only the Federal Government would supply
the funding, we would do it." There has got to be another
excuse. (Laughter.)
MR. FRANCOS: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
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176_
C. Petterolf
MR. FRANCOS: We, I think, generally concur
with the direction that this whole discussion has taken;
and I think basically our position is that we ought to
| adopt whatever standards we find that we can agree on and
do it as soon as we can.
MR. STEIN: Thank you very much, Mr. Frangos.
(Applause.}
Mr. Mayo.
MR. MAYO: The next presentation will be given
by Mr. Merrill Garnet of the Federal Water Quality Adminisp
tration Regional Office—The Summary of Waste Treatment
and Disposal Facilities at Federal Installations.
MERRILL GAMET, CHIEF
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATION BRANCH
GREAT LAKES REGION, FEDERAL WATER QUALITY
ADMINISTRATION
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
MR. GAMET: Mr. Chairman, conferees, ladies and
gentlemen.
My name is Merrill Garnet. I am Chief of the
Federal Activities Coordination Branch, Great Lakes
Region, Federal Water Quality Administration.
-------
___ 177
M. Garnet
This report is made of accomplishments that
have been made toward abatement of pollution at Federal
installations in the Lake Superior Basin,, and I would
like to refer to each installation which was given con-
sideration here case by case.
The U. S. Air Force:
!
I
i
Calumet Air Force Station. Additional 30,000 j
I
G-PD contact stabilization treatment plant plus chlorina- j
tion was completed and placed in operation in October 1969
i
!
K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base. Modification,, j
i
expansion and improvement of existing secondary treat- !
i
ment facilities were completed and became operable in
i November 1969. A request for funds to provide for
nutrient reduction will be submitted by June 30, 1970.
The USAF Regional Environmental Health Laboratory will
conduct pilot studies to obtain design criteria. The
tertiary treatment facilities will be completed or under
construction by December 1972.
Finland Air Force Station. Contact stabili-
zation treatment facilities plus chlorination were com-
pleted and placed in operation in June 19&9-
Duluth Air Force Missile Site. Sanitary wastes
-------
178
M. Garnet
are treated in an extended aeration plant without
chlorination. Fiscal year 1971 funds will be requested
to provide chlorination, or to connect to the municipal
system. The station has been informed of the May 1970
deadline for chlorination and advised that immediate
interim remedial measures be taken to install temporary
facilities until such time as a final decision is made
and project completed.
Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth. Con-
nection of the sanitary sewer system to the Duluth
municipal system was completed in October 1969.
U. S. Forest Service:
Clark-Helen Day Use Area-Sylvania Campground,,
Ottawa National Forest. Construction of sewer system,
aerated lagoon, spray irrigation and chlorination in
progress. Completion, summer 1970.
Kenton Dwellings, 1, 2 & 3, Ottawa National
Forest. Project to connect sanitary waste system to the
municipal system. Projected completion date, fall 1970.
Black River Campground, Ottawa National Forest.
Design for aerated lagoon and irrigation system has been
completed. Projected project completion, summer 1971.
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179
M. Garnet
Tofte Administrative Site, Superior National
Forest. Project to install secondary treatment, sub-
surface sand filtration, and chlorination has been com-
pleted.
White Pace Reservoir Campground, Superior I
i
National Forest. Fiscal year 1971 funds will be requested
for a sewer system, aerated lagoon, spray irrigation and
i
chlorination. Estimated project completion summer 1972. j
i
i
Two Lakes Campground, Chequamegon National
Forest. Preliminary plans have been completed to install
a waterborne system with aerated lagoon, irrigation and
disinfection. Fiscal year 1971 funds will be requested
with projected completion date by December 1972.
U. S. Coast Guard:
Duluth Entrance Harbor Light Station. Station
has secondary treatment plus chlorination, but it is pro-
posed that this station be unmanned and automated in 1971
Bayfield Station, Bayfield, Wisconsin.
Station is manned by one person on an intermittent basis
and is equipped with an incinerator type toilet. An
office trailer with sanitary tie to the existing city
sewer is to be installed in the near future.
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180
M. Garnet
Passage Island Light Station. Existing
facilities consist of a 900-gallon septic tank with
discharge to Lake Superior. Proposed unmanning 197^
to 1976. No interim plans have been made to comply
with conference recommendations. The U S. Coast Guard
was advised of the December 1972 deadline.
In addition, for your information this station
has a complement of five men.
Rock of Ages Light Station. Station has no
treatment. All wastes discharge to Lake Superior. Pro-
posed unmanning 197^- to 1976. No interim plans made to
comply, but the Coast Guard has also been advised of
the December 1972 deadline. There are five men stationed
at this installation also.
U. S. Coast Guard Cutter WOODRUSH stationed
at Duluth. Development work is in progress to provide
a satisfactory secondary package treatment plant plus
chlorination on this vessel. Anticipated completion of
installation is prior to December 31, 1972.
U. S. Army, Corps of Engineers:
U. S. Vessel Yard, Duluth. Connection of the
sanitary sewer system to the Duluth minicipal sewer system
-------
_ 181
M. Garnet
was completed in November 1969.
Two derrick boats, one dredge and three tow
boats are equipped with macerator-chlorinators and
detention tanks for chlorine contact,, followed by over-
board discharge. Evaluation is presently in progress
of a recirculating-evaporating-holding type toilet. It
is presently anticipated that these devices will be
approved and will be installed on all of these vessels
by or before December 31, 1972.
National Park Service:
Motor Vessel RANGER III, a 165-foot vessel.
s,
This is the only passenger-carrying vessel providing
service to Isle Royale. It is equipped with adequate
holding tank capacity and discharges wastes into the
Houghton-Hancock municipal sewer system.
The Tug J. E. COLOMBE. Equipped with a hold-
ing tank which is evacuated to a septic tank drainfield
system at the Mott Island Headquarters when necessary.
Pour 26-foot Motor Vessels. These vessels
provide inter-island transportation for National Park
Service employees. Portable holding tanks have been
recommended for emergency use. These will be provided.
-------
182
M. Garnet
Department of Justice, Immigration and
Naturalization Service:
Border Patrol Station,, Grand Marais, Minne-
sota. Installation of a new lift station., septic tanks,
sand and gravel filter, and chlorination facilities was
completed during the winter of 1969*
And finally a word about operating reports.
Information has been received that the Depart-
ment of Defense has initiated steps to liberalize exist-
ing regulations regarding the release of operating data
for wastewater treatment plants. This will be done in
order to assure compliance with the intent of Executive
Order wherever possible by recognizing that there may be
some limitations in the interest of national defense.
Each State will be required by letter to submit to the
Regional Office a list of facilities from which operating
records are desired. These operating records will be
submitted to the appropriate Regional Office and for-
warded to the requesting State.
This is the end of my report.
(The foregoing report with its attached tables
is as follows:)
-------
183
SUMMARY OF WASTE TREATMENT AND DISPOSAL
AT FEDERAL INSTALLATIONS
WITH SURFACE WATER DISCHARGES IN THE
LAKE SUPERIOR BASIN
(More detailed information is given in the status report that
has been distributed to the conferees.)
.This report has been prepared for presentation at the reconvened session
of the Lake Superior Enforcement Conference, Duluth, Minnesota, April 29,30,
19TO. We are pleased to report on the accomplishments that have been made
toward abatement of pollution at Federal installations in the Lake Superior
Basin.
U.S. AIR FORCE:
1. Calumet Air Force Station - Additional 30,000 GPD contact stabiliza-
tion treatment plant plus chlorination vas completed and placed in
operation in October 19&9-
2. K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base - Modification, expansion and improve-
ment of existing secondary treatment facilities were completed and
became operable in November 1969. A request for funds to provide
for nutrient reduction will be submitted by June 30, 1970. The
USAF Regional Environmental Health Laboratory will conduct pilot
plant studies to obtain design criteria. The tertiary treatment
facilities will be completed or under construction by December 1972.
3.. Finland Air Force Station - Contact stabilization treatment facili-
ties plus chlorination were completed and placed in operation in
June 1969.
^. Duluth Air Force Missile Site - Sanitary wastes are treated in an
extended aeration plant without chlorination. FY 1971 funds will
-------
184
2
be requested to provide chlorination, or to connect to the
municipal system. The station has been informed of the May 1970
deadline for chlorination and advised that immediate interim
remedial measures be taken to install temporary facilities until
such time as a final decision is made and project completed.
5. Minnesota Air National Guard, Duluth - Connection of the sanitary
sewer system to the Duluth municipal system was completed in
October 1969.
U.S. FOREST SERVICE:
1. Clark-Helen Day Use Area-Sylvania Campground, Ottawa National
Forest - Construction of sewer system, aerated lagoon, spray
irrigation and chlorination in progress. Completion, summer 1970.
2. Kenton Dwellings, 1, 2 & 3, Ottawa National Forest - Project to
connect sanitary waste system to municipal system. Projected
completion date, Fall 1970.
3. Black River Campground, Ottawa National Forest - Design for
aerated lagoon and irrigation system has been completed. Pro-
jected project completion summer 1971.
H. Tofte Administrative Site, Superior National Forest - Project to
install secondary treatment, subsurface sand filtration and
chlorination has been completed.
5- White Face Reservoir Camp Ground, Superior National Forest -
FY 1971 funds will be requested for a sewer system, aerated lagoon,
spray irrigation system, and chlorination. Estimated project
completion summer 1972.
-------
185
3
6. Two Lakes Campground, Chequamegon National Forest - Preliminary
plans have been completed to install a waterborne system with
aerated lagoon, irrigation and disinfection. FY 1971 funds will
be requested with projected completion date by December 1972.
U.S. COAST GUARD
1. Duluth Entrance Harbor Light Station - Station has secondary
treatment plus chlorination, but it is proposed that the station
be unmanned and automated in 1971.
2. Bayfield Station, Bayfield, Wisconsin - Station is manned by one
person on an intermittent basis, and is equipped with an incinera-
tor type toilet. An office trailer with sanitary tie to the
existing city sewer is to be installed in the near future.
3. Passage Island Light Station - Existing facilities consist of a
900-gal. septic tank with discharge to L.Superior. Proposed
unmanning 197^-76. No interim plans have been made to comply with
conference recommendations. The USCG was advised of the Dec. 1972
deadline.
k. Rock of Ages Light Station - Station has no treatment. All wastes
discharge to L.Superior. Proposed unmanning 197^-76. No interim
plans have been made to comply but USCG was advised of Dec. 72
deadline.
5. USCG Cutter WOODRUSH, Duluth - Development work is in progress to
provide- a satisfactory secondary package treatment plant plus
chlorination on this vessel. Anticipated completion of installa-
tion is prior to December 31, 1972.
-------
186
U.S. .ARMY, CORPS OF ENGINEERS:
1. U.S. Vessel Yard, Duluth - Connection of the sanitary sewer system
to the Duluth municipal sever system vas completed in November 1969.
2. Two derrick boats, one dredge and three tow boats are equipped with
macerator-chlorinators and detention tanks for chlorine contact,
followed by overboard discharge. Evaluation is presently in
progress of a recirculating-evaporating-holding type toilet. It is
presently anticipated that these devices will be approved and will
be installed on all of these vessels by or before Dec. 31, 1972.
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE:
1. Motor Vessel RANGER III (l65 ft.) - This is the only passenger-
carrying vessel providing service to Isle Royale. It is equipped
with adequate holding tank capacity, and discharges wastes into
the Houghton-Hancock municipal sewer system.
2. Tug J. E. COLOMBE (U5 ft.) - Equipped with a holding tank which
is evacuated to a septic tank, drainfield system at the Mott Island
Headquarters when necessary.
3. Four 26-ft. Motor Vessels - These vessels provide inter-island
transportation for National Park Service employees. Portable
holding tanks have been recommended for emergency use. These will
be provided.
DEPARTMENT OF_ JUSTICE, IMMIGRATION^AND^NATURALIZATION SERVICE:
1. Border Patrol Station, Gran_d_Marais, Minnesota - Installation
of a new lift station, septic tanks, sand and gravel filter, and
chlorination facilities was completed during winter 1969.
-------
18?
5
OPERATING REPORTS:
Information has been received that the Department of Defense has
initiated steps to liberalize existing regulations regarding the
release of operating data for waste water treatment plants. This
will be done in order to assure compliance with the intent of
Executive Order wherever possible by recognizing that there may be
some limitations in the interest of national defense. Each State
will be requested by letter to submit to the Regional Office a list
of facilities from which operating records are desired. These
operating records will be submitted to the appropriate Regional
Office, and forwarded to the requesting State.
-------
188
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
om of i.;r-wwTiu.i Apr. ] 970
PREPARED Or
DESIGNATED SOURCE i LOCATUt
MICHIGAN
U.S. Coast Guard
Keveenau Lower Entr) Preli*1n»rv Nwts
(IT; Ffral Pl.ni
(FI) Flmnsinj
(CO) Construction
(Conpl.)
(ET)
S;ATUS OF COMPLIANCE
~ (») Aheid of Schedule
(.) On Schedule
(0) Behind Schedule
(Le» th«n 1 r"r)
(00) Behind Schedule
(Onr 1 /ej')
(*) Unl literal Entwijton
S1wl DJ Jut*
\\{
5 «
(3)
'! *'?r
' '"J"*1" ,
econd.ry Trtatmt
or£qu1..i,rt
Completed
Holding Tank
(ST)
(DF)
Septic Tank
Drain Field
(<) Phoiptwrin or
»«tHent Derc.il
(5) Me. or I^roved Trt.
(6) Plwt tv».fon
(p) Persons
!?) Rtductton.
Acid.
(U)
(8) Connect to Hunlcipal Sjrste. 11 E.clude dear inter IS) i.aluate Present F«cili?;
(9 Sep.ritlon or Control of (12) Sewers (16) deduction of Al! Critic,..
fnW,i™.d 5~.n (13) Adwwte Tre»l«nt Constituents
l Iron (Hi Neulf
a tr^en 0(1
1 n£Sen" 'oeMn.1 ' CMblwd Sewn
)'^* (sTSoUds, (10) Stor. Se«r Tr,.U.nt
T0> Thre>llo)<' Mor>
(13) Adeowte Tre.lwnt
ro« Cp«r,tlon
tonuitu.nts
(17) Ad»nced n«te ;«
-------
189
GREAT
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH
LAKES REGION
ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
DATE OF i..fiiuwT:u. • v
13) Adwiwtc Trtatwnt CCK-sli tuCFifcs
(14) Ii^rort Operation (17) Adv-nced Waste Treat •
-------
190
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
DATE OF I..r..a.MAI[u.Apr .1970
PREPARED o"'
DtSIWATEO SOURCE I LOCATIM
MICHIGAN, Cont'd.
U.S. Air Force, Cont'd.
K.I. Sawyer Air Force Base
Republic (Marquette Co.)
Sanitary Wastes
Industrial wastes
RECEIVING WATERS
Silver Lead
Creek,
tributary t
Lk. Superior
REMEDIAL NEEDS
h
>
Present
Treatmen
Sec. dp
Holding J
settling
tanks wi~
oil skim
devices )
REQUIRED CONSTRUCTION
- SCHEDULE
PP
,h
dng
: lagoon
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE POP . and/Or
CONSTRUCTION !1,000 GPD
668.0
; 0.11
i
j
COrHEHTS AND/OR REASON (OX DtLA'
The original sevage treatment plant vas hydraulically over-
loaded, and on occasions, the effluent did not meet water
quality levels set for Silver Lead Creek, which waters the
State designated as a trout stream. The Air Force in 1965
developed preliminary plans for remedial measures to meet
these requirements.
Due to more restrictive effluent standards imposed by the
State (80$ phosphate removal and 5-S; S'ATUS OF COKPLI«.'!C£
(rf) r'reliahnar/ Plans ~ (*) Anead of Schedule (00) SeniniJ Schedule
(F?< Final Plans (•) On Schedule (Over 1 year)
(FI) Financing (0) Behind Schedule (•) Unilateral EUenslon
(CO) Construction (Less tlian 1 year) Given by State
(Compl.) Completed (ST) Septic. Tank
(HT) Holding Tank (DF) Drain Field
KMEOIAL :;EEDS
(!) Saeple I/or Report
(2) Disinfect!'*
(3) Secondary Treatment
or Equivalent
(*) fViojpnorui or
*i*trtent Removal
(5) «ew or Inproved Trt.
(6) Plant Expansion
(P) Persons
Seduction, Re*»»a! or
Keutrallzatlon of:
Acid. (CD Chloride.
(Cu) Copper, (CD) Cyanide.
(g) Connect to Municipal Syste* (11
(9) Separation or Control of (12
Certified Severs (13
(Ft) Iron, (H) Metali.
[BOO) Onycen'Demand,' ' ' Certified Sexers
;Pn) Phenol, (S) Solids, (10) Storn Se»er Treaucnt
;TO) Threshold Odor,
E»cluM Clear «ater (ij) tvaiwte Present Facilfiel
Sc»ers (U) Reliction of All Critic*!
Adequate Treatment Constituents
Icprove Operation (17) Adv.need Viaste Treit-^r.;
-------
191
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
DATE or i-roaxAWiApr.1970
PREPARED B»
DESIGNATED SOURCE S LOCATI l»
MICHIGAN. Cont'd.
U.S. Derjt. of the Interior
Bur. of Snort Fisheries &
Wildlife
Pendills Creek National
Fish Hatchery, Brinley
(Chippewa Co. )
Hiawatha Forest Fisa
Hatchery, Raco (Chippewa
Co.)
RECEIVING WATERS
Pendills
Creek to
Lk. Superior
Sullivans
Creek to
Lk. Superior
REMEDIAL MEEDS
None
None
i
Present
Treatmen
Rone
None
REQUIRED CONSTRUCTION
SCHEDULE
-
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE f^Pi-8^^/01"
coKSTRucno,< 1,000 GPD
5,750.0
iU, 220.0
i
COWCMTS AND/08 REASON rt)R OELAt
Fish hatchery effluent from fish rearing tanks.
Fish hatchery effluent from fish rearing tanks.
;*?} Preliminary Plant
iF?) Fin.! Plans
(F:)
S ATUS OF
""
a of
) Cl ScJieUale
10) 3€Mn3 Soiled It
th«n ) yt»r)
(donpl'. f Completed
(ET) Holding Tank
(00)
(•)
(Ov«r 1 yetr)
Ettmston
...
(i) S«np?c i/or Report
(2) OdlnffCtlon
(3) Sccondtr/ Trr«t««fit
lent
, £i>*n bjr St»te or Cqulv*
(ST) Septic Tank
(DP) Drain Field)
(4) Pnospncrvt or
fcutHent Rewjval
(5) i*ew or luprowd Trt.
16) Plant £*p»ni1on
(P) Persons
it) tttucllon, RewMl or
•futnlljJtion of:
tr Trtift
-------
192
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
DATE OF
PREPARED 0V
ADT J.970
XSIGMTE3 SOURC£ I LOCATION
MINNESOTA
U.S. Coast Guard
Duluth Entrance Harbor
Light Station
Duluth ( St . Louis Co . )
U.S. Dent, of Agriculture
Forest Service - Superior
National Forest
Tofte Administrative Sit
(Cook Co.)
White Face Reservoir Cam;
Picnic Ground
(St. Louis Co. )
Sveleth Nursery Adminis-
tration and Nurserj
Eveleth (St. Louis Co.)
U.S. Air Force
Finland Air Force Statioi
Finland (Lake Co.)
RECEIVING WATERS
^..Superior
i G
o G
G
Surface
drainage to
tributary o:
Baptism
Biver thence
Lk. Superior
REMEDIAL MEEDS
Sec. C10
p)f A/or tepert
(2) Dlltnfrctlon Hutrtfnt
(3) Stconiliry Trtltwnt (5) Hn or Improved Trt.
or Equfvalprt (61 Pl*nt Exp«ns1on
(ST) Septic Tank (P)
(DF) Drain Field
Persons
, Dnntt or
Dvutril lotion of:
*cU, (Cl) Cklorlof,
(Co) Capptr. (CX) C/.f.lo»,
Fe) Iron, (M) P*ull. (8) Connect to Municipal .
») iiltrejen, 011. . (9) Separation or Control of
•00) 0>/om DoMfi4, CortlnciJ Sewn
Pn) Phenol. (S) Solloj. (10) Stern Seotr Treat««t,t
T9
(11) Eiclvtfe Clear kater
U S«
Aa^.ujto Trotnent
(•pro** Operation
(16)
(17)
Cvalyatt P
Reduction of AM i
Corttltuents
Advanced Vatte Tn
Fac»Mi*eJ
-------
193
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
DATE OF UfOWIATHM Apr .1970
DESIGNATED SOURCE 1 LOCAT! IN
MINNESOTA, Cont'd.
:J.S. Air Force j Cont'd.
Duluth Air Force Missile
Site, Duluth (St. Louis Co.
Minnesota National Guard
Duluth ( St . Louis Co . )
^.S.Deut. of Justice
i^rasration and Naturalizati
Border Patrol Station
Grand Marais (Cook Co.)
ii_'_S. Array (Corns of Engineer
U.S. Vessel Yard
Duluth (St. Louis Co.)
RECEIVING WATERS
Roadside
) Ditch
Miller-s
Creek
on
Ground and
Pigeon River
s)
G
REKEOIAL NEEDS
2
None
None
None
Present
Preatment
Sec.
None
3ec . Cl
None
REOUIREO CMSTRUCTIOM
SCHEDULE
FI
Compl .
Compl .
Compl .
?op . and/or
1,000 GPD
=
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE
100' L. REQUIREMENTS
150 P
10.0
12.0
2.0
0.20
COMMENTS AND/OR REASON I-'OR DELAY
Sanitary wastes are treated in an extended aeration package
treatment plant, the effluent from which is discharged with-
out chlorination to a ditch that terminates two miles from
the nearest body of water. FY 71 funds will be requested to
provide chlorination facilities or make connection to a
proposed municipal sewer system. Station has been informed
of May 1970 deadline for providing chlorination and has been
advised to take immediate action to install temporary facili-
ties until final decision is made and project completed.
In October 1969, .connections were made to the Duluth Municipal
sewer system for sanitary waste disposal.
During winter of 1969, completed the installation of nev lift
station, septic tanks and sand-gravel filter, the effluent
from which, if any, is chlorinated and discharged to Pigeon
River .
In November 1969 connections vere made to the Duluth munici-Dal
sewer system for sanitary waste disposal.
l?*t Pr*;i»in*ry Plans
(ft) fiMl fltn
!CO) Cwitructton
(Compl.) Compl-Jted
(KT) Holding Tank
S «TOj Of (WLIASCt
~ (•) tf.tia of Sowdult (00) SMInd Scheme
(•) On ScJ>««ul« (Onr 1 yf«r)
(0) Sfflind SO-.filult (•) UnfUter.l Citm
Uiw 1 jre»r) Sl«f> by 5Ut«
(ST) Septic Tank
(DF) Drain Field
(1) Single i/or Resort
(2) OliinfecKon
(3) SecorxJary Tr«atnent
or Equ1v«l«nt
(P)
(4) Phosphorut or
Alvtrirnt ^fflovtl
(5) *** or Improved Trt.
(6) Pi»nt Cvpftnsion
Persons
(7) HtSiKtlan, tenoMl or
HcutriXtttlon of:
Mi. (C1) Oitortde.
(Cu) Copptr. (01) Cyt
r«) Iron, (K) rvtilt.
») Kltrejen, Oil. ,
SCO) 0»ygen Dm*n4,
Pn) nitnol. (5) So)to»,
to) TbmhoU (Mar.
(15) i.
(S) Coimtct to HuntcfDll Sjrttm (US f«Iu
-------
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
BATE OF i.foa«AT;uiApr.l970
PRtfASEO Sir
OESI6WTED SOURCE 1 LOCAT 0.1
WISCONSIN
U.S. Coast Guard
Bayfield Station
Bayfield (Bayfield Co.)
Superior Entry Sout'.i
Breakwater Light Station
Superior (Douglas Co. )
U.S. Dent, of Agriculture
Forest Service
Cheauaaegon National 7orest
Two Lakes Campground
(Bayfield Co.)
V E S S E L S
MINNESOTA
U.S. Coast Guard
USCG WOODRUSH
i
«T: COWJCTIOH PX«E :T«TUS OF COM
(r>, PreltBlMr/ Pl»n« («) Ahead o
(F?) Final Plans (') On Sctie
(FI) Financing (0) 3eMnd
(CC/ ConstrvctfoA (Less
(Conpl. ) Completed
(HT) Holding Ta
RECEIVING HATERS
None
Allouez
Bay
G
Lk. Superior
area of opei
tion
PLI«CE
f Scnecyle (00) Behind
cult (0«r
Sc*w*/le (•) Unllat
thM 1 /tar) tlrtn
(ST)
nk (DP)
REMEDIAL NEEDS
None
None
3, -2
3, 2
a-
Schedule
1 year)
rral Citenslon
by State
Septic Ta
Drain Fie
Present
Treatment
Incinera-
,or type
;oilet
ST, DP
None
None
(1) Sanple I/or
U) JHHnfection
(3) SeconOarj Tn
nk
Id
REQUIRED CONSTRuaiOK
SCHEDULE
Compl .
Compl.
PP
FI
Beoort (4) Photpho
Xutrip
>at«rnt (S) «n or
fit Ui fltnt C
(P) Pe
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE
COHSTRUCTlat
1
nn or '
nt Removal
RpanMon
rsons
Pop . and/or
1.000 GPD
11 P
n P
13.0
1*7 P
>) Reduction. Kewral or
Xeutrtlltatlcn of:
Acid. (O) Oilorld*.
(Cti) Cooper, (0) C/.
COKMCJ.7S MO/OH REASON f'OB DELAY
Station is manned by one person on an intermittent basis, and
is equipped with an incinerator type toilet. An office trailer
with sanitary tie to the existing city sewer is to be
installed in the near future.
Station has been unmanned.
Preliminary plans for the construction of a waterborne syster.
with aerated lagoon, irrigation and disinfection have been
completed. FY 71 funds will be requested for this project', ani
completion is expected by Dec. 1972.
Development work is in process for a small package secondary
sewage treatment plant plus chlorination that could be utilinal
on board. It appears that this effort will be successful, and
that these facilities will be installed by Dec. 31, 1972.
Also, shore waste unloading facilities at Duluth Harbor with
connections to the municipal sewer system will be provided.
(Fe) Iron, (n) rvuli, («) Connect to Municipal SjrU"" (") t.cU* Clear water (H) Iwlwte Prcimt FaciiitJeJ
!•) altrooen. Oil, i») Separation or Control of (U) Se«*rs (16) KMuctton of All Criti[»l
(MO) Ovjen OeMnd/ Co«Dlne« Sewn (11) Ade-iua'e treatment Ct«tlt*i
-------
195
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
/.TE OF I.irORWTJuiApr J970
C/.TE
KS:G.,ATLO SOURCE i UCATIM
MINNESOTA, Cont'd.
Vessels, Cont'd.
U.S. Army (Corps of Engin
Derrick Boat DK 20
Derrick Boat - COLEMAN
Dredge - GAILLAK)
Tow Boat - MARQir.iTTE
Tow Boat - SUPERIOR
Tow Boat - DULUTH
RECEIVING WATERS
sers)
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk . Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
REMEDIAL NEEDS
3, 2
3, 2
3, 2
3, 2
3, 2
3, -2
Present,
treatment
Macerate
Chlorina
plus det
tion tan
it
ii
it
it
ii
REQUIRED COWTR'JCTICH
SCHEDULE
r -
bor
2n-
c
—
-
-
*
L^Bo 8IS/OP
=
—
=
STATUS OF COHPLIAHCE
ADD'L. REQUIREMENTS
5
11
27
8
9
1 3
i
i
i
COmtNTS AND/OR REASON fdft OCLAT
Macerator/chlorinator and detention tank for chlorine contact
installed; overboard discharge. Evaluation is in progress of
a recirculating-evaporating-holding type toilet. It is presently
anticipated that this type of device will be approved and
installed by or before December 31, 1972.
it ti
it ' ii
it it
it it
n ii
lit; CC j'STS^TIO^HA^
if?} ? re i i si n» ry P1»M
,'F?) Final ?Ufii
{fl) Financing
(CO) Construction
SUTUS OF
of Sch
i On Scr.«i.Ie
(0«r I jttr)
!C) ZentniJ ScJieiJul; (*) Utilittral Eitw
(l«i tJun 1 r«r) Siren i/ State
(1) S»-df I/or Report
(2) 3iiinf*ctlof]
(3) Stcomiar/ Trtatiwnt
or tQwf*alcnt
(4) Phejptorirt
Kutrient
(5) *i*w o*~ iip
(6) fUnl (tp
(') ^auction, Drnoiil or
Urutrtlitatlon of:
AtU. (Cl| Ollorl*.
(u.) Copper. (CI) C/anlot,
(Coapl.) Completed
(HT) Holding Tank
(ST) Septic Tank
(DF) Drain Field
(P) Persons
fe) Iran, (K) Metail, (a) Connect to Municipal S/jte. [11) C«clwoe Clear liater (15 Evaluate Preient fac!l.:>»»
«) MUrecn. Oil. (9) Separation or Control of (12) Serrj (Hi Mi-ctUn cf AH Cm;c .;
SCO) Oiroen Oe«a»d. Contained Se^n (IJ) Aiequat'- treatment Cor»t!t»enU
Pnl Phenol. (S) Soil*. (10) Storn Se«r tftaWer.t (Ml l«*ro»e Operation (U) M.an<« Jtltt Treat •-:
TO) Tnmnold OdOr, '
-------
196
GREAT LAKES REGION
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE WITH ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
OAT£ OF UrORNATIlH Apr . 19 70
BY
BESISMTED SOURCE i LOCATION
MICHIGAN
Vessels, Cont'd.
National Park Service
M.V. RANGER III (l65')
?ug J.E. COLOMBE (1*5')
M.V. CONRAD L (26')
M.V. DEMRAY (26')
M.V. LOUIS J. (26')
M.V.C.M. GOTHE (26')
RECEIVING HATERS
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
Lk. Superior
REMEDIAL HEEDS
None
None
HT
HT
HT
HT
Present ! REQUIRED CONSTRUCTION
Treatmen SCHEDULE
HT
HT
None
None
None
None
Compl .
Coznpl.
—
-
-
STATUS OF COMPLIANCE
OWSTRUCTKW
—
=
—
-
-
Pop . and/ or
1,000 GPD
138 P
2 P
2 P
2 P
2 P
2 P
COmEHTS AND/OR REASON FOR DRAT
Discharges into Bought on-Hancock municipal sanitary sewer
system. This is the only passenger-carrying boat providing
service to Isle Royale.
Discharges to septic tank and drain field at Mott Island
Headquarters when necessary
Portable holding tanks have been recommended for emergency use,
since vessel is only used for inter-island travel by NPS
employees .
ii it it
n it it
it n ii
<*': towsxrun PHASE S:iw or lH>n>*tt Trt.
(HT)
Holding Tank
Girffiky Sute or CQui*«tertt . . _(6) Plant tuptnsfo
(ST; Septic Tank (P) Persons
(DF) Drain Field
(ll tefectton. ftnmil or
*fwtr«Hnt(on of:
Ac IS. (Cl) Oi10r.
(Co) Copper. (Ol) Cr.Mo»,
ft) Iron, (ft) (Vtit«. (6) dxnrct to Municipal
») iOtrosfn. 0(1, . (») S*p«r«tton or Contrel cf
too) ttyytn Dmand. Corfitiwd Sewn
Pr.) Phenol, (S) Sol, (10) Stom Vroer Tnltivnt
10) Thmhold Ooor, *
tidl/de Clfjr »jtfr (15) txlultr Vmcnt Ftcilltirt
Sf»en (1*1 Tdvctlw of All Critic.'.
Adequate Trcal»«nt
»« Oo
-------
„, __ 197
M. Gamet
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Garnet.
Are there any comments or questions?
Yes, Mr. Purely.
MR. PURDY: I have one, Mr. Stein.
First of all, I would like to state that in
the matter of the operating reports that we are pleased
to see this change and we look forward to the improve-
ments that we believe this will bring about. The Calumet
Air Force Base states it has had an operating problem
for sometime and hopefully this will help rectify that
problem.
¥itn respect to the number 2 item, though, the
K. I. Sawyer Air Force Base, it is my understanding from
our people that we have in the upper peninsula that the
modifications that took place and that became operable
in November 1969 were those that would primarily make
the operations of this plant easier and that they did
not add additional capacity to the plant. Plans have
been prepared for an additional trickling filter. This
trickling filter was not a part of this construction.
The plant has been overloaded. It has caused conditions
in the receiving stream in violation of the State
-------
M. Garnet
standards.
We do not believe that the changes made last
year will correct this condition. And it is our under-
standing that a study will be initiated this coming
summer to review again what is necessary. But in our
review of this situation, expansion of the K. I. Sawyer
Air Force Base facilities still is necessary and then
beyond that the matter of phosphorus removal.
MR. STEIN: Why do they need a study, Mr.
Purdy?
MR. PURDY: I am not sure why the study is
needed when earlier studies showed that there was a need
for an additional trickling filter. It was not con-
structed. It would seem as though this additional
trickling filter is still needed.
MR. GAMET: It is my understanding that this
study will be made to determine design criteria for
nutrient removal, primarily.
MR. PURDY: Oh. What I am stating, that
beyond nutrient removal there is the need for additional
facilities to provide a higher degree of carbonaceous
-------
. 199
M. Garnet
oxygen demand removal and that this has existed for
some time.
MR. STEIN: Do you agree with that, Mr. Garnet?
MR. GAMET: Yes, I believe that is correct.
MR. STEIN: And they don't need a study in
order to determine that—that they have to do it?
MR. GAMET: No, sir.
MR. STEIN: Are they committed to doing that?
MR. GAMET: No, so far as I know, but they will
certainly be put on notice immediately.
MR. STEIN: All right. Because again, I don't
see any virtue in going through these studies with
Federal facilities when we don't permit a city or an
industry to have that privilege. If they need the
removal, then they need it. And I don't think this stuff
has to be studied if this isn't meeting the water quality
standards of Michigan.
Is there any disagreement with that?
MR. GAMET: No, sir.
MR. STEIN: All right.
Well, I wonder again, Mr. Garnet, if you can
put the installation on notice and have a report for us
-------
200^
M. Garnet
at the next session on this. There may be noncompli- *
ance, but I think the issues are clear as to what they
have to do.
MR. GAMET: We will be in contact with them,
and we will have a report at the next-session of the
conference.
MR. STEIN: Right.
Any other comments or questions?
MR. FRANGOS: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. PRANGOS: I notice in the report there
were several references to May 1972, and this is just a
point of clarification. Is this a self-imposed deadline
by the Federal Government?
MR. STEIN: Mr. Garnet.
MR. GAMET: Did I understand you to say
December 1972?
MR. FRANGOS: December, I am sorry, yes.
MR, GAMET: That is a requirement of Executive
Order 11507, which states that all Federal facilities
will have adequate treatment facilities installed or
under construction by December 1972, and further that
-------
201
M. Garnet
each agency will prepare a report and submit it to the
Bureau of the Budget by June 30, 1970, for these projects
MR. FRANGOS: Fine. We are pleased to see it.
As you know, the Executive Order has been in existence
for a number of years, and we commend the Administration
for moving forward.
MR. STEIN: No, this is a new one, Mr. Frangos.
I think this one is really a different kind because this
last one provides the funding as well as the direc-
tion.
MR. FRANGOS: Fine. That has been everybody's
problem.
MR. STEIN: Right.
MR. GAMET: I might add one more thing. The
Executive Order further states that funds that are appro-
priated for this purpose may not be used for any other
purpose.
MR. FRANGOS: That is good to know.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions?
It not, thank you very much, Mr. Garnet.
We will stand recessed for 10 minutes. And
-------
202
M. Garnet
don't go away, because Dr- Mount comes next.
(RECESS)
MR. STEIN: Let's reconvene.
Mr. Mayo.
MR. MAYO: Mr. Chairman, in response to Mr.
Purdy's question about additional studies at the K. I.
Sawyer Air Base, there is a point of confusion between
the inquiry by Mr. Purdy and the response by Mr. Gamet.
Mr. Gamet would like to clarify that.
MR. GAMET: For the purposes of the record, I
would like to clarify the statement which I made regard-
ing a study which is proposed at K. I. Sawyer Air Force
Base. I stated that this study was for the purpose of
determining design criteria to provide nutrient reduction,
This is incorrect. The statement is that the study is
required in order to determine what facilities are
necessary to meet present State standards, which is not
more than 64 pounds per day of BOD discharged into the
receiving stream.
This is the purpose of the study.
MR. MAYO: Thank you.
Does that answer your question, Mr. Purdy?
-------
203
E. Terpstra
MR. PURDY: My only point on the earlier
question was that I did not want the record to indi-
cate that the facilities that were built last year
were sufficient to meet State standards other than
phosphorus removal and that there is still a need for
other facilities.
MR. GAMET: One other point I might make is
that they are quite certain that the addition of
another trickling filter will not be adequate to meet
the present State standards and they want to determine
what is required to meet those standards.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
MR. MAYO: There is one other Federal agency
wishing to make a short statement.
Is Mr. Earl Terpstra of the Soil Conserva-
tion Service here?
EARL TERPSTRA, PLANNING STAFF LEADER
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE, U. S.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, MICHIGAN
MR. TERPSTRA: I am Earl Terpstra, Planning
Staff Leader, Soil Conservation Service, USDA, Michigan.
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20^
E. Terpstra
I am presenting a statement for the United
States Department of Agriculture by Arthur H. Cratty,
Commissioner, Agriculture, Great Lakes Basin Commission.
At the first session of the Lake Superior
pollution conference, a statement was presented for the
U. S. Department of Agriculture. The statement outlined
the programs and assistance of USDA. This statement
will deal more specifically with the problems and needs
of the basin with regard to pollutants.
We have identified the amount of sediment
contributed to Lake Superior by hydrologic units. The
total amount of sediment delivered to Lake Superior in
the United States is approximately 184,000 tons per
year. Sheet erosion accounts for 64 percent of the
sediment, streambank erosion accounts for l6 percent,
and 20 percent comes from urban construction and road-
side erosion. For the record, Mr. Chairman, Attachment
1 is a summary of the estimated annual sediment delivered
to Lake Superior by hydrologic unit. In addition,
Attachment 2 is a map showing the location of sediment
production along major streams. Let me point out the
map is preliminary, subject to revision, but does
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205
E. Terpstra
pinpoint the location and relative intensity of sedi-
ment production.
In the United States portion of Lake Superior,
there are approximately 700,000 acres of cropland, to
date 315*000 acres have been adequately treated. The
primary needs to reduce erosion and sedimentation are
terraces and strip cropping on 25,000 acres and cover
crops and crop residue use on 5^,000 acres. Improved
rotation to include legumes and grasses are needed on
6l,000 acres.
Of the 165,000 acres of pastureland in the
basin, approximately 31,000 acres need improvement and
26,000 acres need to be better managed.
Much is being accomplished with the ongoing
programs. For example, 141,600 acres have been planted
to trees; 206,000 acres have an adequate crop rotation;
2,670 acres of grassed waterways have been applied; 13
miles of terraces have been constructed; 2,330 acres of
strip cropping installed; and 3,4-00 acres of contouring
have been applied. All of the above practices contribute
to the reduction of erosion and sedimentation.
Another source of pollutant has come from
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206_
E. Terpstra
mining operations. We have been assisting some mining
companies with technical assistance. For example, we
have provided technical assistance to the White Pine
Copper Mine located in Michigan. We have recommended
various plant materials for slopes of dykes and
restoration of the dyked areas where they are filled.
We have also assisted the Calumet and Hecla mine in
Michigan with stabilizing mined wastes of finely crushed
rock.
Another source of sediment comes from logging
operations. We are presently exploring methods to work
with loggers to control this source of sediment.
Prom this information, it is evident that, an
accelerated land treatment and sediment control program
is urgently needed. The realization of such a program
will be dependent upon a cooperative endeavor of indi-
vidual landowners, local and State government, and the
Federal Government. It must be remembered that carrying
out these practices is voluntary on the part of the land-
owner, and we in USDA do not have policing powers, or
powers to construct, operate, and maintain practices on
private lands.
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20?
E. Terpstra
Item 18 of the conclusions of the first
conference summary charged the Wisconsin conferees to
distribute information to the other conferees concern-
ing the action plan developed by the Red Clay Inter-
Agency Committee and report on the activities of the
Red Clay Inter-Agency Committee at the next conference
session. Because of the above charge, I will not
report on the Red Clay area. If I can be of assistance
to you or the conferees regarding the Red Clay area,
please let me know.
Mr. Chairman, this concludes my report.
MR. STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Terpstra.
(Items 1 and 2 follow.)
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208
Attachment 1
Lake Superior Basin (U. S. Portion)
Estimated Average Annual Sediment Production
by Iftrdrologic Units
Unit
Superior Slope Complex
St. Louis River
Nemadji River
Apostle Islands Complex
Bad River
Montreal River
Porcupine Mountain Complex
Ontonagon River
Keweenaw Peninsula Complex
Sturgeon River
Huron Mountain Complex
Grand Marais Complex
Tahquamenon River
Sault Complex
-
Basin Total
Percent of Total
Erosion Source - Tons Per Year
Sheet
24,100
6,400
4,200
25,700
8,500
2,400
11,100
2,800
14,200
2,200
5,900
7,300
1,100
1,700
117,600
64i/
Streambank
5,600 *)
3,000 Y
500 J
4,200
1,000
400
2,500
1,300
3,300
900
2,300
2,900
900
600
29,400
!#/
Urban
15,400
15,400
8^
Roadside
21,600
21,600
iaV
Total
j 59,200
29,900
9,500
2,800
13,600
4,100
17,500
3,100
8,200
10,200
2., 000
2,300
21,600
i845ooo
100
I/ Based on an average annual, rate computed from conservation needs data by
soil resource areas. Delivery ratios applied based upon drainage area
size averages.
2/ Based upon average erosion rate of 27 tons per square mile found in recent
streambank erosion study. Delivery ratios applied.
3/ Duluth-Superior metropolitan area. Based upon present average annual
erosion from urban construction of 76,000 tons (from urban erosion
evaluations in Great Lakes Basin Framework Study). Delivery ratio of
25 percent assumed.
4/ Based upon recent roadside erosion study in Wisconsin.
erosion per square mile. Delivery ratios applied.
Rate of 20 tons
Preliminary
April 27, 1970
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LAKE SUPERIOR BASIN
HYDROLOGIC UNITS
1-5000 3-5-000 5"-/o,ooo 10,000 +•
River Basin Planning Staff
U.S. Dept. of Agriculture
Soil Conservation Service
East Lansing, Michigan
-J
O
Production-Tons. Per Year
/ / St. Louis x
' / .Pi-era^, X
Keweenaw Peninsula
x^
x/
Tah\}uamenon
Ri
n o n pS\^
iver /
,^
w
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210
E. Terpstra
MR. STEIN: Are there any comments or ques-
tions?
MR. PURDY: One point of clarification, Mr.
Chairman.
Mr. Terpstra, you mentioned your technical
assistance to the C and H, Calumet and Hecla, and the
White Pine mine with reference to sediment problems. I
"believe you are referring to the soil erosion that takes
place from their tailings ponds and not sediment con-
tained in wastewaters from these facilities, is this
correct?
MR. TERPSTRA: That is correct.
MR. PURDY: 0. K.
MR. MAYO: I have a question or two, Mr.
Chairman.
I understand, Mr. Terpstra, that the agricul-
tural stabilization and conservation program of the
Department of Agriculture has recently been funded to
include assistance to farmers for on-the-farm water
pollution control activities. I am wondering if you
could make some general comment on the extent to which
*
the ASCS program might be applicable to the acreages
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. 211
E. Terpstra
that you indicate still need treatment. Is the ASCS
program likely to offer much of an opportunity for
corrective actions on the acreages that you have
identified as needing additional treatment?
MR. TERPSTRA: I really cannot speak to that
point. The impact, as I understand it today, is pretty
much for treating farm wastes, lagoon systems, and this
type; whereas, the sediment erosion or most of the sedi-
ment erosion we are talking about here comes from the
cropped acreages itself as well as the urban buildup
areas, urban construction, this type of activity.
So I am afraid I can't answer your question.
MR. MAYO: As I understand it, each ASCS
committee develops a handbook of accepted practices that
the Federal Government will share the cost in, in terms
of on-the-farm improvements for water pollution control.
It seems to me that at the moment most of the water
pollution control practices have been directed toward
the control of livestock wastes, that sort of thing.
MR. TERPSTRA: This is correct.
MR. MAYO: We aren't aware yet that the com-
mittee is considering participating in a wider range of
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2JL2_
E. Terpstra
**
practices that might offer an opportunity for sub-
stantial relief in sediment control, and I would
certainly recommend that the ASCS committees begin
/
to look at the use of these funds for on-the-farm
water management activities that extend beyond the
livestock waste controls into the area of sediment
control.
MR. STEIN: Any other comments or questions?
I would like to commend you, Mr. Terpstra.
And I would like to say, in my experience, this is the
first time we have been able to get specifics from the
Department of Agriculture as to the kind of waste
coming in, rather than glittering generalities .
Let me ask you something again. I don't
want to kill the goose that lays the golden egg, but
we got the sediment production reports by hydrologlc
units. What we have been really striving to get
is the amount of pesticides, the poisons and the
nutrients that are going into the lake. Do you think
by the end of July you can give us a breakdown on that
like you have given us on this?
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_ 213
E. Terpstra
MR. TERPSTRA: That, Mr. Chairman, is highly
doubtful.
MR. STEIN: Pardon? I didn't hear that.
MR. TERPSTRA: That is highly doubtful that
this could be done by that time.
MR. STEIN: When can we get that? You see, we
are interested in keeping sediment out of the lake, but
we are also interested in keeping out nitrogen, phos-
phates and fertilizers or any of the runoff from the
pesticides- or insecticides or herbicides which are used
on the land. We have never been able to get a report on
precisely what is used. We surely haven't got what is
runoff into the lake, particularly in Lake Superior.
Until we begin getting an inventory on that and perhaps
controlling it, I am not sure we are going to contrjol
water quality in the lake.
MR. TERPSTRA: One of the problems, Mr.
Chairman, that we in the Soil Conservation Service,
while we have some expertise in the sediment field, do
not have the necessary expertise, I feel, in this pesti-
cide range, so I am afraid that we are going to have to--
MR. STEIN: Don't they have that in your
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E. Terpstra
Department?
MR. TERPSTRA: The Agricultural Research
Service, I would presume, probably have and are con-
tinuing studies on this, but I cannot speak for them
today.
MR. STEIN: All right.
Is there any other--
MR. FRANCOS: Could we have copies of that
report, Mr. Chairman?
MR. STEIN: By the way, I think this is an
important report. I don't know how many copies we
have, but we will have these duplicated and transmitted
to the conferees. (See pages 208 and 209.)
By the way, I do think this is a breakthrough.
This is the first time we have ever gotten this, and
really I want to commend you and the Soil Conservation
Service for this. This is great.
MR. TERPSTRA: Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
One other item I might want to point out in
regard to pesticides, the Great Lakes Basin Commission,
in connection with one of their limnological systems anal
sis, I believe are going to do some work on this aspect. Iff
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. 215
G. Jarecki
Gene Jarecki, a member of the staff, is here today
and perhaps he could enlighten some on this aspect.
MR. STEIN: You put him on the spot, I didn't.
I don't know if he wants to. (Laughter.) Does he want
to come up or not?
Yes, come on up.
GENE JARECKI
GREAT LAKES BASIN COMMISSION
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN
MR. JARECKI: I am Gene Jarecki with the Great
Lakes Basin Commission staff. Just a few words in regard
to what Mr. Earl Terpstra has mentioned.
One of the needs which is recognized in the
Great Lakes Basin Commission is the unfortunate present
state of the art in terms of available procedures for
predicting effects on the lakes of various management
measures and alternatives. Because of the complexity
of the problem and the lack of any single organization
charged with the managing of the Great Lakes Basin
environment, there is a serious lack of adequate data
for quantitative description of the lakes and a
-------
G. Jarecki
deficiency in the understanding of the physical, chemi-
cal, and biological processes which operate within the
lake system. Recognizing this, the Great Lakes Basin
Commission is in the process of evaluating the feasi-
bility of mathematical modeling of the lakes in order
to provide a procedure for quantitatively predicting the
effects on the lakes themselves of the various struc-
tural and nonstructural management alternatives on the
lakes and within the contributing drainage areas of the
Great Lakes Basin. The study schedule to be completed
.in about a year will serve to integrate and coordinate
the individual efforts of the member agencies within
the basin, and this includes the Lake Superior area, and
will not be a duplication of the existing or future
efforts.
This is where we are trying to point out the
effects of the man-made activities on the land, what they
will do on the lakes. At the present time we Just don't
have adequate tools to do this, and hopefully by inte-
grating all of the chemical, biological and physical
aspects on the lakes we can produce a tool that will be
effective in evaluating the effects on the lakes.
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217
G- Jarecki
MR. STEIN: Are there any comments or ques-
tions?
I hope the results will be a little more
specific than the prospectus. (Laughter.)
MR. JARECKI: I may point out that our first
study is getting into a feasibility or practicability
study. In other words, a mathemetieal modeling of the
lakes is a big effort and we are trying to evaluate
first what data is available on the lakes. And inci-
dentally, we are working on a cooperative informal
basis with some of the Canadian people also on this.
And until we evaluate just what can be done in a major
mathematical modeling of the lakes, it will take some
time.
MR. STEIN: Well, again we are asking very
specific questions--what kind of pesticides, insecti-
cides, herbicides, what kind of poisons are going into
the lake; what kind of nutrients are going into the
lake? You know, after hearing our own people, I
hesitate any more to criticize those Russians for the
kind of political double talk they put out. Any time
I hear that we are going to have a real thorough
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218
G. Jarecki
evaluation, go into mathematical models, look at the
chemical, physical and biological features, and it is
going to take some time, I know where we are. This is
like talking about people and saying we have to think
about men, women and children. I don't know who else
you think about. (Laughter.)
The point is, we have not been able to get
any specifics on what agriculture is putting in. Our
Assistant Secretary, Carl Klein, has said that we are on
our way with industry; we are on our way with munici-
palities; but possibly one-third of the problem is
agriculture. We have not got this. For the first time
we got a breakthrough on the sedimentation runoff.
Again I cherish this (laughter). But I think until
we are going to get the material from the agricultural
people on what is running off the land from the appli-
cation of fertilizers and all the other ingredients you
put on to protect the crops, we are not going to be
able to deal with this pollution problem, even if we
clean up every last bit of industrial and municipal
wastes in Lake Superior, including the feedlots .
With all the acres that they are talking
about here, we still haven't got that. All we are
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. . 219
G- Jarecki
getting is the notion that we are thinking of a
mathematical model, which will take some time. Can
we ever get a notion on how much fertilizer and pesti-
cides, insecticides and herbicides are sold in the
counties that drain into Lake Superior and what the
amounts are and the constituencies of these are? We
have been trying to get that for years.
MR. JARECKI: I agree with you, Mr. Chairman,
100 percent. Incidentally, the results of the sediment
study that were just presented are part of the frame-
work study that the Great Lakes Basin Commission is
undergoing at the present time. Hopefully we will try
to get—and when I say "we" I mean all the agencies
and the States that are involved in this study—will
prepare and get all the data that is available. And,
unfortunately, there are basic data gaps in this, as
was pointed out previously. And whatever we can utilize
we will evaluate.
MR. STEIN: All right. Thank you.
Are there any comments or questions?
If not, thank you very much.
Mr. Mayo.
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. 220
Dr. D. I. Mount
MR. MAYO: The next report will be presented
by Dr. Donald Mount of the National Water Quality
Laboratory on effects of taconite on Lake Superior.
DR. DONALD I. MOUNT, DIRECTOR
NATIONAL WATER QUALITY LABORATORY
FEDERAL WATER QUALITY ADMINISTRATION
DULUTH, MINNESOTA
DR. MOUNT: My name is Donald Mount. I am
Director of the National Water Quality Laboratory,
Federal Water Quality Administration, United States
Department of the Interior, in Diiluth, Minnesota.
Mr. Chairman, I am not sure whether I can go
off the record or not. What I have to say first does
not really need to be on it.
(Off the record.)
DR. MOUNT: I would like to take this oppor-
tunity in a more serious vein to thank my staff, some
of which are sitting at the back tables, for the long
hours that they have put in. And while I am reluctant
to say, Mr. Chairman, that I am presenting additional
studies, that is what I am doing, and I will try to be
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221
Dr. D. I. Mount
specific and not present models.
I would like at this time to submit to the
record for inclusion in it, if possible, a copy of the
six technical reports which were mailed to the conferees
and of which you have copies now.
MR. STEIN: Without objection, this will be
entered into the record as if read.
(Which said reports are as follows:)
-------
EFFECTS OF TACONITE ON LAKE SUPERIOR
April, 1970
-------
EFFECTS OF TACONITE ON LAKE SUPERIOR
April, 1970
223
1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
I. Physical Characteristics of Green Water along the
North Shore of Lake Superior h
II. Distribution of Taconite Tailings in the Sediments
of the Western Basin of Lake Superior 29
III. Effect of Taconite on Bacterial Growth 52
IV- Taconite Bioassays 66
V. Effect of Taconite Tailings on Algal Growth 73
VI. The Dissolution of Taconite Tailings in Lake
Superior 87
***
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I. Physical Characteristics of Green Water Along the North Shore of
Lake Superior
Conclusions:
1. A major cause of "green water" along the north shore is
tailings suspended in the water.
2. Not all green water masses occurring in Lake Superior are due
to tailings.
3. Water clarity in green water, caused "by tailings, is k to 10
times less than clarity in clear water-
U. The color is due to reflected light from suspended particles.
II. Distribution of Taconite Tailings in the Sediments of the Western Basin
of Lake Superior
Conclusions:
1. Taconite tailings from the Reserve Mining Company at Silver Bay,
Minnesota are deposited discontinuously on the surface of the
lake bottom over an area of at least 1,000 square miles in the
western tip of Lake Superior.
2. The tailings are mixed in the top 5-10 cm of sediment.
3. The percentage of cummingtonite in tributary stream sediments
accurately indicates the cummingtonite content found in the
subsurface bottom sediments.
h. Tailings deposits are found in both Minnesota and Wisconsin
waters. Although the sediments in Wisconsin waters contain very
low percentages of taconite tailings, the tailings deposits are
distinguishable quantitatively from stream sediments.
III. Effect of Taconite on Bacterial Growth
Conclusions:
1. Tailings are biologically active at concentrations of approximately
1 mg/1 — a concentration expected to occur over a significant
area of the Lake.
2. The reduced die away or enhanced growth is displayed by
indicators of fecal contamination, as well as pathogenic bacterium
IV. Taconite Bioassays
Conclusion;
Direct toxic effects of tailings on the lake organisms were found
-------
825
3
at concentrations that would be expected to occur only in local
areas of the Lake.
V. Effect of Taconite Tailings on Algal Growth
Conclusions:
1. Algal growth rate was higher in 10% (l6 mg/1 particles <2u)
taconite tailings suspensions.
2. Increased growth rates are related to increases in soluble silica
from the tailings and subsequent utilization by diatoms.
VI. The Dissolution of Taconite Tailings in Lake Superior
Conclusions:
1. In addition to the increase in soluble salts as the ore is
processed, taconite tailings show continued solution after
leaving the plant.
2. The rates of dissolution increase with decreasing concentrations
of particles/unit volume of water and with increasing temperature.
3. After 332 days, increases in soluble components from tailings in
Lake Superior water under simulated lake conditions were:
Increase in
Component mg/kg total tailings
Si02 331
Na 37
K 1
Ca 282
Mg 11
SS 6l
TDS 1110
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PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF GREEN WATER
ALONG THE MINNESOTA SHORE OF LAKE SUPERIOR
Robert Andrew and Gary Glass
-------
227
5
INTRODUCTION.
Asa result of public concern regarding the phenomenon of
"green water" along the Minnesota shore of Lake Superior, scuba divers
on the staff of the National Water Quality Laboratory conducted a field
investigation to observe the physical characteristics of green water and
to obtain samples of accurately positioned sampling devices so that the
appearance of the watdr at the point of sampling would be known.
The sampling was performed between the dates of September 10
and October 11, 1968, during a period in which green water was usually
present. Throughout this period, green water was not observable
northeast of the Reserve Mining Company effluent regardless of the
prevailing wind directions. On each visit areas of green water were
present, beginning at the Reserve Mining Company discharge and
extending southwest, often as a continuous mass of green water and
observed as far as Gooseberry River. Discontinuous green water
masses were observed from the boat and from an automobile as far
south as Crow River.
During sampling periods in front of the Reserve Mining Company
delta, billowy gray clouds of waste were visable both from the surface
and by the divers under water and extended off shore as far as 300 feet
and to a depth of 35 feet. These clouds were not seen, however, beyond
-------
228
6
Reserve's southwest breakwall.
Field Collecting Methods.
Water samples from green and clear water masses were
collected by divers by positioning hoses, connected to a pump, at the
proper location beneath the surface and pumping water from the selected
point into polyethylene sample bottles. The pump was operated a minimum
of ten minutes before samples were collected. Water clarity measurements
were made with a standard Secchi disc 8" in diameter with black and white
alternating quadrants, and attached to a line marked in fathoms. Surface
mileages were computed from the rate of speed and time. Bottom depths
at all stations were determined by a Raytheon Fathometer, Holiday Mark II
Model DE-716.
Field Observations.
Divers reported that green water appeared to form as gray clouds
of tailings diffused into the clear lake water. The water appeared green
to the divers whether they observed it by looking upward, downward, or
horizontally. Measurement of light penetration by use of a Secchi disc
indicated that water clarity in clear water was three to four times greater
than water clarity in green water. On one occasion the width of the green
water band was followed by visual observation and Secchi disc readings
and was found to extend two miles offshore. Divers reported that green
water was consistently much more turbid than clear water; underwater
-------
229
7
visibility was commonly five feet in green water stations and 35 to 40
feet in clear water stations. At night the green water appeared gray in
color and the divers reported that particles appeared in a flashlight beam
in a way similar to dust in a sunbeam passing through dusty air.
Methods for Laboratory Investigations of Water Samples.
All water samples were filtered directly, without pre-treatment,
to remove the suspended solids. A total volume of lake or stream water
estimated to contain approximately 1 to 15 mg of suspended matter was
filtered through a pre-weighed . 45 micron membrane filter. The filters
were dried overnight at 70° C and re-weighed to determine the concentra-
tion of solids. For mineralogical investigations, the dried filters were
mounted on glass slides and subjected to X ray diffraction analysis. Samples
were scanned at 2° (2-thetaj per minute using a Picker horizontal arc
diff.ractom.eter, copper X ray tube, and nickel filter.
Diffraction intensities were measured using a Nal scintillation
detector, single channel pulse height discriminator, and a ratemeter
recorder. All samples were run using a ratemeter range of 0-1, 000 cpm
and a 3-second time constant. For the resolution and accurate determina-
tion of spacings, some samples were scanned at 1/2 per minute. Size
fraction separations were made by sedimentation (2) and the percentage
of the fractions obtained were calculated (dry weight basis).
A Gary Model-14 ratio recording spectrophotometer equipped with
a High Intensity Visible Source Accessory No. 1471200 was used to record
-------
230
8
the optical density and wavelength measurements. Reflectance measure-
ments were made on solids using the Cell Space Total Diffuse Reflectance
Accessory, Model No. 1411750. Liquid samples were viewed through 10 cm.
cells with quartz windows. The reflectance spectra of solid samples were
recorded directly from the 0. 45p Millipore filter membranes upon which
they had been collected. The wavelength, A/, calibration of the spectro-
photometer was effected by using a NBS holmium oxide glass, No. K-122.
The optical density of absorbance calibration was made using neutral
density filters of known value.
Results of Laboratory Analyses.
Results of the mineralogical analysis of the suspended solids
fraction (> 0. 45;u) of Reserve Mining Company effluent and the north
shore streams are shown in Table 1. Examples of X ray diffraction
patterns obtained, are shown in Figures 1 and 2.
The X ray diffraction analysis of the tailings indicates that
cummingtonite and quartz are the major constituents of all fractions
examined, with minor amounts of chlorite and mica also present. The
magnetite known to be present is apparently not sufficiently crystalline
to be shown by X ray diffraction. Cummingtonite is proportionately
higher than quartz in the less than 2/u fraction; quartz is the dominant
mineral in the coarse fractions. Some separation due to sedimentation
'£•
of these fractions can be observed in the tailings at the delta as
-------
231
evidenced by the two water samples that were collected by the divers
at 50 and 100 feet. The sample at 100 ft. contained large silt and sand
particles (mostly quartz) that were easily visible following filtration and
were not present in the samples collected at 50 ft.
In contrast, the samples from the north shore streams, that were
collected by resuspending bottom sediment in stream water, are marked
by an entirely different suite of minerals. The normal group of soil clay
minerals prevails, including kaolinite, mica, vermiculite, chlorite, the
feldspars, and quartz. In two samples (19 and 21) minor traces of an
amphibole were found and tentatively identified as cummingtonite. An
insufficient amount was present for positive identification.
The distinguishing characteristics of the tailings are: 1) large
quantities of cummingtonite, especially in the 2 -.45 u fraction and,
2) absence of feldspars and kaolinite.
In cooperation with personnel from Reserve Mining Company,
additional water samples were collected by the divers along the Wisconsin
shore of Lake Superior in early November. On the basis of aerial
observations, an area of "yellow-green" water was identified, approxi-
mately 2 1/2 miles northeast of Port Wing, Wisconsin, that extended
roughly one mile into the Lake. This area of highly turbid water was
produced by heavy local runoff following rainfall. Observations by the
divers indicated that near the edges of the turbid area the water color
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232
10
was a dull brown to greenish-yellow and that, because of the turbidity,
light penetration was less than 6 feet.
Analysis of one water sample collected by the divers contained
a suspended solids content (> 0. 45 ji) of 2. 7 mg/1. X ray diffraction
analysis of these solids indicated that montmorillonite, mica, chlorite,
and quartz were the dominant minerals present. Traces of feldspar and
an unidentified amphibole, possibly cummingtonite, were present. The
X ray diffraction pattern recorded for the solids from this sample was
similar to those obtained from the finer fractions of bottom sediments
collected in this area of the Lake.
As early as 1949 the conclusion was reached by Trathewey (3)
that "identification of minerals in the sediment will not likely enable an
investigator to determine the source, since many minerals are common
to both the shore rocks and the iron ore deposits." Trathewey's identifi-
cation of grunerite (by microscopic examination) in a single fraction of a
single bottom sample appears to be the basis for the general conclusion
that "grunerite" is unreliable as an "identifier" of taconite tailings (4).
This is an unwarranted generalization from such limited data and ignores
completely the marked differences in mineralogy and particle size
differences that do exist between "tailings" and natural sediments.
Grunerite (and similar amphiboles) may occur in the stream and lake
sediments, but only as a minor constituent of the silt and sand fractions.
-------
233
ll
Trace amounts were found in two of the six streams samples. (See
additional data in Table 1 of Lake Sediment Report. ) There was an
absence of grunerite and other amphiboles in the <2 /a fractions of the
stream bottom sediment samples analyzed (see Table 1). Grunerite
(or most probably cummingtonite) is a major constituent of the taconite
tailings in all size fractions, including those less than 2 p. (clay size).
This size fraction was not considered or analyzed in earlier reports (3, 5).
The present study indicated that "grunerite" in the tailings is a
physical mixture of two amphiboles, probably cummingtonite and grunerite.
Based on comparisons with X ray diffraction studies of reference cumming-
tonite and grunerite specimens, and on published work (6) (7), cumming-
tonite is the major amphibole mineral present in the taconite tailings with
an admixture of a small amount of grunerite. A total of 7 X ray diffraction
spacings have been resolved for the major amphibole found in the tailings
and the spacings agree more closely with those for reference cumming-
tonite rather than those for grunerite. The mixture of cummingtonite and
grunerite thus found serves as a unique means of identifying the taconite
tailings. The relative quantities of the two that are present in a tailings
sample may be dependent on the particular source(s) in the mine, although
this should be verified.
Results of the analysis of the Lake water samples are shown in
Table 2. These results have been grouped on the basis of visual observa-
-------
234
12
tion into "clear" and "green" waters. Within groups, the samples are
listed in. order from Northeast to Southwest.
The more obvious analytical differences shown in Table 2, are in
the suspended solids and cummingtonite-grunerite content of these solids.
A suspended solids content of approximately 1 rug/liter or more occurred
in water having a characteristic "green water" appearance. The water
samples collected in "green water" areas on October 1 and 8, 1968 (Nos.
26, 28, 31 and 32) were collected at the edges or near limits of the "green
water" areas and show solids contents near, or slightly less, than the
1 mg/1 limit.
The suspended solids from Reserve's discharge, as identified
by their cummingtonite contents are shown in Table 2. The amount of
tailings varies inversely in proportion to the distance from the effluent
delta—evidence that it is the source of the suspended solids and of the
"green water." As additional evidence of the source of the "green water"
solids, selected samples were subjected to more detailed X ray analysis.
Sample 8 (collected 3 1/4 miles southwest of the delta), sample 15
(collected midway between Split Rock and Gooseberry Rivers), and
sample 32 (collected 1/2 mile out from Crow River) each showed the
presence of the mixture of cummingtonite and grunerite, as well as quartz,
characterizing the taconite tailings, as noted earlier.
-------
235
13
To statistically validate the cummingtonite-grunerite mixture in
the suspended solids as a unique tracer, the X ray diffraction peak heights
for both the cummingtonite and quartz in the samples were subjected to
statistical analysis. Regression analysis of peak height vs. the weight of
suspended solids showed correlations of 0. 90 for cummingtonite and 0. 79
for quartz with standard errors of estimate of the mineral contents (X) of
+ 0.133X and + 0. 201X respectively, for 10 mg samples. The implications
of these statistical analyses are:
1. The cummingtonite and quartz contents of the suspended
sediments fall within a very narrow range.
2. These suspended sediments arise from a common
source which is relatively uniform in its composition of cummingtonite
and quartz.
There is strong evidence that bottom sediments or stream sediments
are not the source of the cummingtonite or quartz in the "green water."
With equal sample weights, kaolinite and other clay minerals are below
limits of detection (by the X ray techniques used) in the vicinity of the
plant, because cummingtonite and quartz predominate in the suspended
solids in this area. At greater distances the suspended cummingtonite -
quartz solids are diluted and traces of clay minerals are found again in
the suspended materials because they constitute a larger portion.
-------
236
14
The optical absorbance spectra of "clear, " "green," and "gray"
water samples show a small absorbance versus distilled water over the
o o
wavelength range from 7400 A to 3000 A. This absorbance is character-
istic of particles suspended in the liquid sample and is due to scattered
light. The magnitude of this absorbance is approximately proportional to
the quantity of suspended particles present. The concentration of the
particles increased in the order "clear," "green," "gray" for liquid
samples. The concentration of any dissolved substance which could give
rise to an absorbance was not great enough to be detected using a 10 cm.
cell path length.
The scattered or reflected light due to the suspended particles
was studied by recording the total diffuse reflectance of the suspended
solids after they were collected on a 0. 45 u Millipore filter. Typical
spectra for the solids obtained by filtering the same volume of "clear
water" and "green water" samples are shown in Figure 3. The number
of the spectral traces correspond to sample numbers listed in Tables
1 and 2. The lower two traces are from the solids in 3 liters each of
"clear water. " The upper two traces are from the solids in 3 liters
each of "green water." The absorbance bands at 4200, 6100, and 6700
o
A have the same approximate ratio as those for chlorophyll A (8). In
Figure 4 typical spectra for the same weight of solids obtained by filter-
ing "clear" and "green" water samples of different volumes are shown.
-------
237
15
The most striking feature is the increase in absorbance of light at 4000 A
that can give rise to a visually (to the eye) observable yellow-green color (9).
Figure 5 gives a comparison of the typical spectral traces for solids obtained
from "clear, " "green," and "gray" water samples.
The reflectance spectra of all solid samples have the same
general shape, showing an increase in absorbance at shorter wavelengths.
All the "green water" solids spectra are similar in shape. The increase
in absorbance at shorter wavelengths may be attributed to either an
absorption band which is characteristic of the composition of the solid
£r_ to a light scattering effect due only to the size distribution of the
particles or a combination of both. For effective light scattering by small
particles, the particle size must be in the order of 0. 05x (wavelength of
the light being scattered or absorbed), (10). The theoretical absorbance
due to light scattering by small particles varies with the wavelength of the
scattered light. The equation (10) is: Absorbance (scattering) = (constant)
x (wavelength) ~Y, where y = 4. In practice this equation is obeyed to the
o
extent that y ranges from 3 to 4 for particles whose size is less than 150 A
n °
(11). For particles greater than ^150 A, y is less than 3. The mathema-
tical analysis of the average "green water" solids spectra obey the above
equation, where y ranges between 2. 4 to 3. 7. The analysis of the "clear
water" solids spectra give y in the range of 2 to 3.
The mathematical analysis of the "green water" solids reflectance
-------
238
16
spectrum, using a chromaticity diagram (12) gives the dominant wave-
o
length of the reflected light of ca. 5750 A. Light of this wavelength is
visually observed as a yellow-green color.
The "clear," "green," and "gray" water samples can be differen-
tiated by the quantity of suspended particles present in each and by the
reflectance spectra of the filtered solids. For the same volume of each
type of water sample, the absorbance increases in the order "clear,"
"green, " "gray" for the solids which have been filtered from the samples.
/
Since the spectra of the "green" water solids obey the scattering
equation for small particles, the absorbance of light can be attributed to
light scattering effects of particle size (and geometry) and not necessarily
to the composition of the particle. The dominant wavelength of light
o
reflected from these solids is ca. 5750 A.
The scattering efficiency of particles increases as the particle size
increases (10). The "gray" water samples contain an appreciable fraction
of larger sized particles as is indicated by stronger absorbance at longer
wavelengths than that for the other sample types. This absorbance would
mask the absorbance of the smaller fraction of small particles and therefore
would not give the same visual appearance.
Conclusions.
1. A major cause of "green water" along the north shore is
tailings suspended in the water.
-------
17
2. Not all green water masses occurring in Lake Superior are
due to tailings.
3. Water clarity in green water, caused by tailings, is 4 to 10
times less than clarity in clear water.
4. The color is due to reflected light from, suspended particles.
-------
TA _,E 1. Results of Suspended Soli'ds Analyses, of R°.= erve Mining Co. Effluent and North Shore Strea.
Mineralogical Corroosibion*
Election
Date
(1968)
9/9
9/9
9/9
9/16
9/19
10/1
10/1
9 /2k
10/1
10/1
10/1
Sample
No.
5
5a
5t
3
7
19
21
16
23
25
27
Sample Location
"Tailings" and Gray
Water Near Effluent
Reserve Mining Pilot
Plant Raw Mill Eff .
Effluent (5) - <2u
fraction
Effluent (5) - 2-50y
fraction
Reserve ' s Is . out
50 ft.
Eff. Delta out 100 ft
North Shore Streams
Big Kanitou River
(Mouth)
Baptism River
(Mouth)
Beaver R. (Mouth)
Beaver R. (Mouth)
Split Rock R.
(Mouth)
Gooseberry R.
(Mouth)
Collection
Depth
(ft)
-
-
-
50
100
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
Surface
Suspende.d
Solids Cummingtonite Chlorite-
(mg/l) (Grunerite) Quartz Verm.iculite Mica,- Other
1600 +++ ++ + Tr
980 +++ ++ +
kho ++ +++ +
59.lt +++ ++ +
92.2 ++ -H-+ _
92.3** Tr +++ Tr Tr +++ Feldspar
U.3** Tr - ++ + + Kaolinite
5-k - - -H-+ ++ + Kaolinite
2.6** - Tr Tr Kaolinite
l>k** - +++ Tr - + Knolinite
+ Feldspar
190.8** - +-H- + Tr +-I- Feldspar
+ Kaolinite
** Designations - +++ Major Cornx^onent, ++ Minor Component s + Minor to Trace, Tr - Tz-ace only, - not detected. r\>
K"" Xnclxxclerj I'osiaspenclGcl "bottom socLrLmeivts . G>
-------
TABLE 2 - Results of Suspended Solids Analyses of Water Samples from LaXe Super ioi-
M i n e r al o f; i cal Composition*
'llection
Date
(1968)
10/11
10/1
10/1
9/16
9/19
9/20
9/26
9/19
10/1
9/16
Collection
Sample
No.
33
20
22
1
10
12
lU
9
2h
14
Sample Location
"Clear" Lake Water
Shovel Pt. 1/2 Mi.
out
1 Mi. N.E. Mouth Mani-
tou R. g Shoreline
Just S. of Baptism
R. @ Shoreline
Palisades 1/2 Mi.
out
Palisades 1/2 Mi.
out
3 Mi . out from
Silver Bay
5 Mi. out from
Silver Bay
"Green" Water
De-oth
(ft)
60'
Surface
Surface
50'
60 '
60 '
Surface
Suspended
Solids Curmningtonite Chlorite-
(ing/l) (Gruncritc) Quartz Venniculite Mica Other
0.1 - None -
Identi-
fied
O.^t - None - -
Identi-
fied
O.lt - + - Tr Feldspar
0.8 ++ + Tr -
0.9 + + Tr +
0.1 Tr - Tr
0.7 Tr Tr -
50' off Reserve Mining
Co. S.W. Breaker
N.E. of Beaver R. in
Bay @ Shore
1 Mi. S. of
Beaver Pt .
60'
Surface
12'
2.0 +++ ++ + -
2.0 +++ ++ +
3.7 +++ ++ +
ro
-------
TABLE 2. (continued) Results of Suspended Solids Analyses of Water Samples from Lake Superior
Mineralopical Composition-'
Collection Collectior
Date Sample Depth
(1968) No. Sample Location (ft) (mfs/l) (Grunerite) Quartz Venniculitc Mica Other
9/19
9/25
9/2li
10/1
9/27
10/1
10/8
10/8
"Green Water"
8 3-1A Mi. S. Eff. Delta 60'
13 3-1/2 Mi. S.W. Eff. Surface
Delta
17 Split Rock Lths.
Bay
18 Split Rock Lths.
Bay
Surface 2.6
30'
26 Split Rock Resort, Surface
1/2 Mi, S.W. of
Split Rock R. §
Shore
15 Midway Between Split Surface
Rock & Gooseberry R.
28 Just N.E. -of Goose-
berry R, @ Shore Surface
32 1/2 Mi. out from Surface
Crow Creek
31 1/2 Mi. out from
Crow Creek
•uspended
Solids Cummingtonite Chloritc-
(ing/l) (Grunerite) Quartz Veriniculitc
2.7 +++ -H- +
2.7 +++ ++ +
2.6 +++ ++ +
3.3 +++ ++ +
0.9 ++ + +++
1.U -H-+ + +
1.2 +++ + +
0.8 +++ + +
Mica,
-
-
-
-
+
Tr
_
Tr
60' 0.5
+++
+ Tr Kaolinite
Tr Tr Kaolinite
Tr Kaolinite
Tr Tr Kaolinite
Tr Tr Kaolinite
* Designations - +++ Major Component, ++ Minor Component, + Minor to Trace, Tr - Trace only, - not detected.
ro
CN>f=-
oTO
-------
FIGIjRE 1
X RAY DIFFRACTION PATTERNS OF SOLIDS FILTERED
FROM TAILINGS EFFLUENT AND "GREEN WATER."
a. ) Effluent Cloud out 50 ft. from Island.
(No. 3 - Table 1) 9/16/68. 250ml., 59. 4 mg/1.
b. ) "Green Water" - Split Rock Lighthouse Bay.
(No. 18 - Table 2) 9/24/68, 2, 000 ml. , 3. 3 mg/1.
243
21
-------
CO
CO
ro
CD
<.
o
Z2
0
c
V!
c
r
c
EH
1— I
CO
1
pa
M
A/\
H
--i
3
D
0
J
j
0
<
LTN
o__ OJ
"^ CO
, — ; f
O i
ro
1 i
°" li
S \i
A
^\J
u
LEGEND - C - Cunningtonite
G - Grunerite
Q - quartz
V - Vermiculite (or Chlorine)
F - Feldspar
vo
CM
Of
30
26
i
22
18
t
10
i
6 *
ANGLE 20, DEGREES
-------
23
FIGURE 2
X RAY DIFFRACTION PATTERNS OF SOLIDS FILTERED
FROM BIG MANITOU RIVER WATER AND
"CLEAR" LAKE SUPERIOR WATER
a.) Big Manitou River at Mouth (No. 19 - Table 1),
10/1/68. 500ml., 92. 3 mg/1.
b. ) "Clear" Water 5 Miles out from Effluent Delta.
(No. 14 - Table 2) 9/26/68, 3, 000 ml. , 0. 7 mg/1.
-------
246
24
co on
H on
on on
«\ r>
fa O'
r*
H
1— 1
co
2
H
H
£
H- i
I
1
|
i
i
i
i
i
,
)
\
V
/I
LEGEND - C - Cummingtonite
Q - Quartz
M - Mica
V - Verniculite (or Chlorite)
K - Kaolinite
F - Feldspar
vo
CM
w
'^'Vv/^
B.
OJ
LTN
co
o
H
rv
>
30
1
26
1
22
I
18
J
10
ANGLE 20, DEGREES
-------
DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE, ABSORBANCE
o
o
o
3000 -
1^000 ~.
5000
Q
'6ooo -
tooo -
8000
o
ro
o
U>
O
VJ1
O
O
CD
O
Figure 3. Diffuse reflectance (visible) spectra of solids from 3 liter samples of Lake Superior water,
collected on 0.!;5 u Millipore filters. The spectra are from samples: "clear" vater "12, 3.0 1. filtered,
Oji mg. solids; "clear" water //lU, 3.0 1. filtered, 2.1 mg. solids; "green" vater //15, 2.9 1. filtered, 3-7
mg. solids; "gree.-j" water //9, 3-0 1. filtered, 6.1 rig. solids.
ro
Ul
-------
DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE, ABSORBANCE
o
o
3000
1*000
g 5000 -
a
o
1-3
>»6"ooo -
7000 -
8000 -;
o
ro
o
"to
o
o
V/l
o
CA
O
O
CO
Figure 4. Diffuse reflectance (visible) spectra of solids, approximately 2.1-3.1 mg. each, filtered fro::;
different volurn.es of Lake Superior vater. The spectra, are from samples: "clear" water /flhf 3.0 1. filtered,
2.1 ing. solids; "clear" water //I, h.O 1. filtered, 3.1 mg. solids; "-green" water //32, 3.0 1. filtered, 2.3
mg. solids; "green" water #15, 2,9 1. filtered, 2.6 mg. solids.
CO
-------
DIFFUSE REFLECTANCE, ABSORBANCE
o
o
o
3000 -f
It 000 -
o
ro
o
u>
a
£
<
^5000 -
•^4
0
i-3
W
V
>06ooo -
jf
fF
<
7000 ~jj .^
O r\ r\ t~\ —
/
l-1
ro
-*-
-X^
jf^
S
y
*? i
i
i
o
H
W fD
O (»
H ^
H- -:
P^
W S!
& /
(D i
4 VO
o
CA
j
0 O
—5 CD
\ i
— , *, ^r*"^"75 ~*
- -"L^''^'
O
vo
I
4
{
i
P'igure 5. Diffuse reflectance (visible) spectra of solids filtered from Lake Superior vater. The spectra
are from samples: "clear" water //12, 3.0 1. filtered, O.U mg. solids; "green" vater //9, 3.o 1. filtered, 6.1
mg. solids; "gray" water //7> 0.5 1. filtered, 146.1 mg. solids.
ro
-FT
-------
250
28
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. H. D. Putnam and T. A. Olson; Studies on the Productivity and
Plankton of Lake Superior, 1961, p. 16.
2. Soil Chemical Analysis, Advanced Course, M. L. Jackson, Univ.
of Wis. , 1956.
3. Trathewey, W. D. , Lake Superior Sediment. A Condensation from
the Monthly Reports of W. D. Trathewey, 1948-1949.
4. Letter dated September 21, 1967 from Edward Schmid, Director of
Public Relations, Reserve Mining Co. , to Lyle H. Smith, Minnesota
Pollution Control Agency, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Report attached
on "Lake Superior Sediment. "
5. Schwartz, G. M. , 1958; Report on Bottom Sample s in and near
Silver Bay, Lake Superior. Minnesota Geological Survey.
6. Ghose, S., 1961; The Crystal Structure of Cummin gtonite. Acta.
Cryst. 14: 622-627.
7. Ghose, S. and Hellner, E. , I960; The Crystal Structure of
Grunerite and Observations on the Mg-Fe Distribution. Jour.
Geol. _67: 691. '
8. J. S. FrutonandS. Simmonds, General Biochemistry, 2nd ed. ,
John Wiley, N. Y. , 1958, p. 548.
9. F. W. Sears and M. W. Zemansky, University Physics, 2nd ed. ,
Addison-Wesley, Reading, M 285, p. 816.
10. H. C. van de Hulst, Light Scattering by Small Particles,
J. Wiley, N. Y. , 1957.
11. Arlin Gyberg, Light Scattering, Ph.D. Thesis, 1968, University
of Minnesota, private communication.
12. W. W. Wendlandt and H. G. Hecht, Reflectance Spectroscopy,
Interscience Publishers, N. Y. , 1966, pp 228-251.
-------
Distribution of Taconite Tailings
in the Sediments of the
Western Basin of Lake Superior
Robert W. Andrev
Investigations by the Staff of
The National Water Quality Laboratory
April 1970
251
29
-------
252
30,
INTRODUCTION
Analysis of dredge samples collected in April 1969 from the western
basin of Lake Superior revealed the presence of cummingtonite in the surface
layers of the bottom sediment. Data presented at the May 19^9 Lake Superior
Enforcement Conference showed that cummingtonite is a major mineral constituent
of taconite tailings discharged into the lake by the Reserve Mining Company
at Silver Bay, Minnesota and also that cummingtonite is present in the sus-
pended solids in water samples collected from green water areas near the point
of discharge. No other discharge^man made or otherwise exists that would
contribute significant quantities of cummingtonite to the bottom sediments
of Lake Superior. In addition, as will be shown in this report, contributions
from the streams tributary to Lake Superior are insignificant in comparison.
Identification of the taconite tailings in the bottom sediments would be
positive if cummingtonite were present in a stratified layer in the upper part
of the bottom sediment cores from Lake Superior. Since the discharge of taconite
tailings to the lake began only recently, geologically speaking, one would expect
to find tailings (and/or cummingtonite) only in the upper more recently deposited
-------
253
layers of "bottom sediment. On the other hand, if the cummingtonite, used as
an indication of tailings, occurred uniformly throughout the sediments, then
the source of the cummingtonite would not be man made. Low concentrations
of cummingtonite in the tributary stream sediments is strong supporting
evidence that the Reserve Mining Company discharge is the primary source of
cummingtonite in the bottom sediments of Lake Superior.
The primary objective of the present study is to determine the areal
extent and depth of deposition of cummingtonite in the bottom sediments of
Lake Superior as an indication of the deposition of taconite tailings.
Coring and identification techniques would also be useful to state and other
agencies for the study and assessment of similar waste disposal problems.
Sampling Methods
As shown in Figure 1,bottom sediment cores were collected during July
1969 from four transects in the western end of Lake Superior. Ten equidistant
sampling stations were located on each transect, between the 13 fathom (80 foot)
depth contour at either end of each transect (Figure l). Four additional
samples were collected, two in a line off the water supply intake of the
-------
254
32
city of Duluth and. two others within the area indicated by Reserve Mining
Company and the U.S. Geological Survey as overlain by 0.1 inch or more
tailings deposits. Locations of the sampling stations are accurate to
approximately 0.2 mile. The Bureau of Commercial Fisheries vessel, Siscovet,
equipped with radar and other conventional navigational aids, was used for
the cruise.
The sediment cores were collected by use of a Phleger core sampler
with an internal diameter of 1 3/8 inches (3.5 cm). Two cores were collected
at each station. Immediately after collection, the cores (contained in plastic
tubes) were assigned a code number and quick-frozen, in dry ice. Attempts to
section and study the cores immediately upon collection (e.g. pH measurements)
proved impractical because of space and time limitations on board the research
vessel.
In addition to the cores, samples were collected of the bottom sediments
in the major tributary streams entering the western basin of the lake. These
stream sediments were collected near the mouth at each of the streams as
indicated by open circles on Figure 1. These samples were collected with an
-------
255
Skaian dredge fron a quiet pool or "eddy" area where fine sediments vould be
expected to accumulate. All samples were collected between May and September
1969,sufficiently upstream from any influence of lake wave action and all
Minnesota stream samples were collected upstream from Highway 6l to avoid
possible influence of tailings used for winter ice control.
X-ray diffraction analysis was used for the mineralogical assay of
sediment samples. Prepared secernent samples were filtered, dried on O.
membrane filters, and mounted on glass microscope slides for x-ray diffraction
analysis. The samples were analyzed using copper K alpha radiation, and
scanned at 2°/min over the range of k to 30°. Diffraction peaks were recorded
by use of a scintillation detector._, peak height- discriminator and rate meter
recorder-
Cores were first analyzed rapidly to provide an overview of all sampling
stations. Then detailed analytical data were obtained on cores from stations
in primary areas of deposition. For the preliminary analysis, one core from
each station was selected at random, sectioned and analyzed without the analyst
knowing the identity of the sample. Samples for this part of the study were
-------
256
prepared by suspending approximately 100 xig of the sediment in 100 ml dis-
tilled water and allowing the suspension to settle for 33 minutes at a
temperature of 25° C in order to separate the <5y fraction. The upper 5 cm
of the suspension was then filtered through a pre-weighed O.Ujpy pore-size
membrane filter. The filters vere dried at 70° C3 weighed and the weight of
solids calculated. The solids retained on the filter by this procedure con-
tained particle sizes ranging from approximately O.ij-5 to 5y. No other chemical
or physical pretreatments were made prior to the x-ray diffraction analysis.
For the final analyses, individual sediment layers in the core were
selected, based on a visual observation of sediment colors. Where no color
differentiation was observed,, cores were sectioned at 0.5 cm intervals or less.
Approximately 100 mg samples of each of the upper four sections of the core
were prepared for x-ray analysis in the following manner:
1. Organic matter and manganese dioxide were removed by hydrogen
peroxide oxidation.
2. Iron oxide coatings were removed by reduction and chelation with
sodium dithionite-sodium citrate buffer at 75° C.
-------
257
35
3. Separation of the <2y (clay) fraction vas made by repeated
centrifuging and resuspension.
IK The separated <2y (da-) fraction was filtered and weighed on
membrane filters, as previously described.
The method of standard additions was used for the quantitative analysis
of cummin gtonite (by x-ray diffraction) in the sediment samples from the cores.
To a predetermined volume of the suspension of each sediment sample to "be
analyzed a volume of a suspension containing a known concentration of cumming-
tonite <2y in size was added, such that the total solids collected on the
O.^5p membrane filter was 25*2 mg. A similar filter was prepared with the
suspension of the sample without added standard cummingtonite . The membrane
filters thus prepared (with and without standard cummingtonite) were scanned
twice from 8 to lU° 2 0 on the x-ray diffraction instrument. The difference
in heights of the cummingtonite peaks for the two samples was measured
and used to calculate the cummingtonite content of each sample.
-------
36
RESULTS AMD DISCUSSION
The results of the analysis of the stream sediments from the stream
tributary to the western basin of Lake Superior are shown in Table 1.
The average cummingtonite content of the fifteen stream sediments sampled
it
was 1.7^*0.63% . Since the reported values for cummingtonite in Table 1
include natural variation in cummingtonite content of the sediments and
the analytical error associated with sample collection and analysis, the
data can be used statistically to estimate the range of cummingtonite
contents that would be expectec in the bottom sediments of the lake assuming
that the tributary streams are the primary source of cummingtonite.
Results for the detailed analysis of the lake sediment cores are
shown in Table 2a - 2 ,e. In order to compare results of the core analyses with
the cummingtonite contents of the natural stream sediments, a stepwise statis-
tical analysis was performed. A Student's T range test was used to define those
* Range equals Standard Deviation.
-------
259
37
cores where the deepest sample in the core, (the oldest sediment) was within
the predicted range of the stream sediments. Samples with cummingtonite
greater than 2.87% were considered outside this range. In Figure 2, the
stations indicated "by open circles are those where the deepest section in
the core is within the statistical range predicted from the stream sediment
data. The stations shown "by solid cirfiles on this map are those where the
lowermost section in the core is greater than the range predicted from the
stream sediment data and are from a source other than the tributary streams.
The average cummingtonite content of the samples within the range of those
**
predicted from the stream sediments was then calculated and found to be 1.95*0.57/».
This value approximates the mean and range of cummingtonite content in the
natural bottom sediments of the lake.
The same test was used to determine which upper sections of the cores
were outside the range of the natural bottom sediments. The samples outside the
#* *
expected range of natural sediments in the lake are identified by an asterisk
* Least significant difference, Student's 95% level.
** Range equals < Standard Deviation.
*** Least significant difference, Student's 99% level equals 3.^6%.
-------
260
38
in Tables 2a-2e. The distribution of these cores is shown in Figure 3 and
illustrates the distribution of tailings in the lake. Since the <2y fraction
of the taconite tailings contains approximately U0$ cummingtonite, the cumming-
tonite percentages in Tables 2a-2e can be converted to % tailings by deducting
3.5% (the maximum expected for natural sediments) and multiplying the remainder
by 2.5. The data in Tables 2b and 2e are plotted in Figures U and 5. In
these figures the depth distribution of cummingtonite in the cores is shown
in inset figures superimposed on cross-sectional profiles of the lake.
The station locations and the water depth in fathoms are shown in cross-
sectional view. These figures show that most of the tailings (as reported
earlier in the conference proceedings) are deposited in the deep trough
parallel to the north shore of Lake Superior. They also show deposition
of fine tailings over large areas and although deposition is predominant in,
it is .n,°^- confined to, the deep water but rather occurs over most of the area
West and South of the Apostle Islands. The distribution pattern of the tailings
becomes discontinuous eastward along the Wisconsin shore. The predominant lake
currents are rather stable and move in a counterclockwise direction; the' highest
-------
261
39
percentage and greatest thickness of taconite tailings occur southwest of
the plant in the deeper water, and lesser amounts occur at greater distances
from the discharge. Because of wave action, and especially dilution "by
tributary stream sediments from the northwestern shore of Wisconsin, the
tailings deposits in the bottom sediments "become discontinuous with distance
from the discharge.
The relatively high percentages of cummingtonite at stations 20 and
\2 on the Wisconsin shore suggest that wave action and/or current conditions
cause the taconite tailings to deposit relatively close in shore on the
Wisconsin side of the lake.
Summary
1. Taconite tailings from the Reserve Mining Company at Silver Bay,
Minnesota are deposited discontinuously on the surface of the
lake "bottom over an area of at least 1,000 square miles in the
western tip of Lake Superior.
2. The tailings are mixed in the top 5-10 cm of sediment.
3. The percentage of cummingtonite in tributary stream sediments
-------
262
40
accurately indicates the cummingtonite content found in the
subsurface bottom sediments.
k. Tailings deposits are found in both Minnesota and Wisconsin waters.
Although the sediments in Wisconsin waters contain very low percentages
of taconite tailings, the tailings deposits are distinguishable
quantitatively from stream sediments.
-------
263
41
Table 1. Results of x-ray diffraction analysis for cummingtonite in
stream sediment samples.
Collection
Date
Minnesota Tributaries
9/16/69
9/16/69
57 2/69
57 2/69
57 2/69
5/ 2/69
5/ 2/69
U/22/69
l*/2l/69
Wisconsin Tributaries
l*/22/69
9/17/69
9/17/69
9/17/69
9/17/69
9/17/69
Stream
Sampled
Pigeon R.
Brule R.
L. Marais R.
Baptism R.
Beaver R.
Gooseberry R.
Knife R.
French R.
St. Louis R.
Nemadji R.
Nemadji R.
Bad R.
Sand R.
Siskiwit R.
Iron R.
Cummingtonil
2.05
2.1*3
2.05
1.02
1.25
1.79
1.50
1.1*9
1.16
2.11
1.5*
1.58
2.26
0.68
3.15
Mean
Standard Deviation 0.63
-------
264
42
Table 2a. Results of sediment core analysis, Silver Bay to Sand Island transect
Total
Water Core
Depth Length
Sta. (Fath) (cm)
11 13-20
12 IkQ
13 160 9-7
Ik 110 59.8
15 100 26.3
16 95 20.7
17 80 20.7
18 63 15.0
19 38 Ik. 9
20 ill Dredge
Sample Depth
in Core
(mm) % <2y
No sample
Wo sample
0-5
5 - 15
§97
0-5
5-10
10 - 20
§100
0-10
§15
15 - 20
35 - kO
23 - 38 b
38 - k2
k?. - 1*5
§100
0-7
7-11
11 - 21
21 - 2k
0-2
2-5
5-10
10 - 15
0-2
2 - k
k - 9
9 - Ik
0-10
- Bedrock
- Bedrock
-a
-
76.0
77.5
79-5
79. k
73.9
^mmmm f*
75.3
75.3
6k.6
72.7
71.8
71.9
63.8
68.6
67.9
66.9
2k. 9
23.5
16.8
19.8
<5
% Cum.
-
-
2.1*3
2.6l
2.80
1.72
3.32
3-50*
2.73
3.08
1.53
1.82
3.56*
3.6l*
1.26
1.10
2.59
2.07
2.03
2.36
6.31*
a Analysis incomplete.
b Partially disturbed core. Original top of core sampled as closely as possible.
c Sample lost in preparation.
* Cummingtonite content outside statistical range for natural sediments.
See text for explanation.
-------
Table
Sta.
30
29
28
27
26
25
2k
23
22
2"b. - Results of sediment core analysis, Encampment
Herbster transect,
Total
Water Core
Depth Length
(Fath.) (cm)
lU 15.2
122 9.0
138 12. U
102 6.5
87 31.0
82 11.5
68 29 . 5
57 18.5
U8 23.7
•
Sample Depth
In Core
(mm)
0-2
2 - k
h - 9
9 - lU
0-7
7-10
10 - 15
20 - 25
0-8
8-10
10 - 15
0 - 5
5-10
10 - 20
35 - ^0
0-2
2-10
10 - 15
15 - 20
0-6
6-9
9-15
35 - ^0
0-2
2-5
5-15
15 - 20
0-5
5-10
10 - 25
25 - 30
0-1
1-2
2-3
3 - U
% <2y
11.2
10.2
10.0
8.U
30,0
55.2
71.1
72.1
38.5
70.8
79.0
71.5
69.3
76.8
75.3
62.2
69.3
71.6
73.0
66.8
7U.2
69.8
70.8
71.0
71.3
71.6
70.5
66.7
66.3
63.3
6U.8
38.1
1*3.7
38.0
52.1
265
43
Island to
% Cum.
(<2y)
26.2*
23.9*
12.3*
6.15*
29.6*
10.7*
6.Ui*
2.37
1U.7*
2.80
3.11
2.17
2.59
1.73
2.96
5.17*'
2.22
1.90
1.58
2.18
0.73
0.1^
2.2U
1.15
1.53
2.12
0.99
0.98
1.80
1.66
1.85
3.11
2.51
1.65
1.75
21 15 Dredge 0-10 <5 2.8U
* Cummingtonite content outside statistical range for natural sediments
See text for explanation.
-------
Table
Sta.
33
3U
35
36
37
38
39
1*0
1*1
1*2
2c. - Results of
transect.
Total
Water Core
Depth Length
(Path.) (cm)
sediment core analysis,
Sample Depth
in Core
(mm)
Stoney
$<2y
266
44
Point to Brule River
% Cum.
(<2u)
ll* - Wo Sample - Bedrock
75 10.0
55 19.0
1*3 22.1*
39 18.7
36 21.7
32 30.5
27 7.0
17 3.0
,
12 Dredge
0-2
2-5
5-10
0-5
5-7
7-12
12 - 17
0-2
2-1*
1* - 9
9 - ll*
0-5
5-10
10 - 15
30 - 35
0-10
10 - 12
12 - 19
19 - 29
0-27a
27 - 1*0
27 - 1*0
27 - 1*0
0-5
5-10
10 - 15
15 - 20
0-5
5-10
10 - 15
15 - 20
0-10
1*0.7
38.1*
1*2.8
1*0.3
1*1.1*
!*3.5
!*5.9
1*5.2
1*5.6
1*8.8
1*6.6
53.9
1*8.3
1*9.1*
51.5
1*7.3
1*6.5
51.6
52.1*
1*7.1
19.7
21.7
1*1*. 3
6.1*
8.6
7.6
7.2
7.2
8.8
6.6
7.2
<5
28.9*
16.8*
3.8l*
13.8*
12.6*
7.96*
1*.57*
ll.l*
5.56*
2.80
1.62
8.37*
2.32
1.87
1.81
1.60
2.17
2.89
1.52
1.97
2.67
2.UO
2.20
1*.36*
2.70
2.73
2.15
3.85*
2.26
2.07
0.80
7.1*5*
a Partially disturbed core. Original top of core sampled as closely as possible,
Cummingtonite content outside statistical range for natural sediments.
See text for explanation.
-------
Table
267
45
2d. - Results of sediment core analysis, Grand Marais to Ontonagon
transect .
Sta.
1
2
3
1*
5
6
7
8
9
10
Water
Depth
(Path.)
15
65
107
112
103
87
76
95
93
13
Total
Core Sample Depth
Length in Core
(cm) (mm) % <2y
Dredge 0-10 <5
20 -a
25
37.5
ho
25
25 0-5 59. U
5-10 87.1
10 - 20 90.1
20 - 30 Qh.h
25
UO
No Sample - Bedrock
% Cum
(<2y)
0.21
-
-
-
-
-
8.37*
U.71*
8.66*
3.31*
-
-
a Analysis incomplete.
* nummlngtoni-fce content outside statistical range for natural sediments.
See text for explanation.
-------
268
46
Table 2e. - Results of sediment core analysis, miscellaneous samples.
Sta.
31
32
1*3
1*1*
Water-
Depth
(Path.)
162
152
19
2k
Total
Core
Length
(cm)
8.1*
20
12.9
23.3
Sample Depth
in Core % Cum.
(mm) % <2y (<2y)
0-25 -a
used for development of sectioning methods
0-5
5-10
10-20
0-5
5-10
15-20
a Analysis incomplete
-------
Figure 1. - Location of sampling stations in the vestern "basin of Lake Superior.
DULUTH
%$ CORE SAMPLING STATION
O STREAM SAMPLING STATION
FO
-------
Figure H. - Location of sampling stations where the cummingtonite content of
the deepest sample in the core is outside of the statistical range
(95$ level) for the natural stream sediments. Least significant
difference equals 2.87$ cunmingtonite.
DULUTH
CORE SAMPLING STATION
STREAM SAMPLING STATION
OUTSIDE STREAM SEDIMENT RANGE
WITHIN STREAM SEDIMENT RANGE
K>
-s
o
-------
Figure 3. - Location of sampling stations where cummingtonite content of
any upper sediment layers is greater than the statistical
range (99% level) for the natural "bottom sediments.
Least significant difference equals 3.^6% cummingtoivite.
DULUTH
\5 CORE SAMPLING STATION
O STREAM SAMPLING STATION
OUTSIDE NATURAL SEDIMENT RANGE
WITHIN NATURAL SEDIMENT RANGE
-------
Distance from Wisconsin shore (miles)
" I0 ? t I ? ? t
STA. 33
BEDROCK
STA. 33 STA.39 o
%CUM.
90 9
0
STA.35
% CUM.
0 9 10 13 5.
DREDGE
SAMPLE
VERTICAL EXAGGERATION ~ 25-1
ALL SEDIMENT DEPTHS ARE IN MM
FIGURE 4.
STONEY POINT, &IINN. TO
RELATIONSHIP OF % '
RIVER, WIS. TRANSECT SHOlflfcSG THE
TO SEDI^EfcJT DEPTH IfJ CORE SAMPLES.
ro
-q
ro
-------
22
Distance from Wisconsin shore (miles)
STA. 21
COM.
DREDGE
SAMPLE
STA. 30
V. CUM.
10 15 20
TA.26 STA. 25
% CUM. %CUM.
5 0
^GSW*'
^Xl^Sl
^ 0
fl'STA.24 o
%CUM.
oi 5
5-
10-
15-
20-
1 5'
i
1
1
a I0"
\ "'
3-
m zo.
25-
30-
PA. 23
/oCUM.
1
1
VERTICAL EXAGGERATION ~ 25'I
ALL SEDIMENT DEPTHS ARE IN MM.
25-f
FIGURE 5. ENCAMPMENT ISLAND TO HERBSTER V/IS. TRAMSECT SHOV/IN6 THE
RELATIONSHIP OF % CUMMINGTONITE TO SEDIMENT DEPTH IN CORE SAMPL
ro
-------
27*
52
EFFECT OF TACONI TE
ON BACTERIAL GROWTH
Donald L. Herman, Ph.D.
-------
275
53
Introduction.
Bacterial counts in Lake Superior are strikingly low, a feature
of the Lake that makes it one o^" the best water'supplies in the nation.
The discharge of taconite tailings by Reserve Mining Company has a
potential effect upon the high quality water of Lake Superior which relates
directly to the bacterial pollution already entering the Lake.
During the summer of 1969 field samples taken in green water,
containing taconite, were found to have higher bacterial counts than
samples of clear water from the same area of the Lake. This suggested
biological activity of the taconite tailings (9, 11).
Tests were designed to determine in controlled conditions if
tailings in lake water promote bacterial growth and, if so, at what
concentrations. E. coli was selected as one test species because it
is widely used as an indicator of pollution (12) and Klebsiella pneumonia,
previously isolated from tributary water, was used as a representative
pathogenic species. Evidence given by Mr. Edward Geldrich in the May
1969 session of the Lake Superior Enforcement indicated that the die away
of pathogens as compared to E. coli, is much slower in cold temperatures
than in warmer temperatures. This die away has significance for pollution
control agencies because it means that the same number of indicator coliforms
indicate different number of pathogens (7, 8, 10).
Methods.
The following organisms were used for the tests:
-------
276
54
1. Escherichia coli, NWQL #234 from the Lake Superior
area and of fecal origin.
2. Escherichia coli, CDC #435-70 from a Lake Superior
tributary and of water origin.
3. Klebsiella pneumonia, type 14, CDC #6417-69 also
from Lake S tperior tributary water.
The isolations were made following the recommendations listed in Standard
Methods (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6). Final classification at the National Water
Quality Laboratory followed the protocol of "Identification of Enterobacter-
iaceae" (14) and the biotest based on Patho Tec Strips (13). The human
pathogens from water were sent to the Communicable Disease Center,
Atlanta, Georgia for confirmation.
The bacteria used as the test organism were placed in a sterile
TSA broth tube. The tube was incubated for 24 hours at 200 rpm, at 35° C,
in a shaker-type water bath. After the incubation period, one milliliter
was placed into a sterile dilution bottle and a series of dilutions were
made to obtain the desired inoculum population. This also washed free
the nutrients from the TSA broth, leaving only the nutrient source from
the. taconite and/or lake water.
EMB agar, a selective media, was used to determine counts of
E. coli. The organisms that developed a irgreen sheen'r and/or dark
centered colony, characteristic of the group, were counted.
-------
277
55
Initial tests with E. coli showed no significant difference between
total counts using TSA agar and EMB agar. The EMB agar assured better
counts, minimizing confusion from contamination. The test organisms
were incubated at 20° C for three days. "Standard Methods for Micro-
biology" (1, 2, 4) was used at all times during handling of the test organisms.
During the test periods, picks from the plates were made and streaked on
EMB plates and placed in the 35 C incubator to confirm the identity of the
test organism (5). Tests were made in 125 ml flasks, sealed off during the
test period to avoid air contamination. Control flasks containing filtered,
sterilized Lake Superior water, inoculated and uninoculated, plus uninoc-
ulated 100% sterilized effluent served as controls. In all cases, these
controls remained free of contamination for the entire test period.
Taconite effluent with<2 u particle size (15) added to flasks plus
sufficient filtered lake water to give a final volume of 100 ml was used.
Concentrations of 100% (162 mg/1 SS), 10% (16. 2 mg/1 SS), 1% (1. 6 mg/1 SS),
and .1% (.16 mg/1 SS) were tested. Triplicate flasks were used for each
concentration. Flasks were then autoclaved for 15 minutes at 15 Ibs.
steam at 250° F, cooled and inoculated.
All flasks were incubated at 20° C and the "Standard Plate" method
was used to count bacteria at 3, 5, 7, 9 and 11 days after inoculation. EMB
agar plates were used for counting coliforms and the_K_. pneumonia.
-------
278
56
Results and Discussion.
As shown in Table 1 and Figure 1, E_._ coll #234 exhibited a rapid
die away in lake water, but extended survival in the . 16 mg/1 concentration.
Concentrations of 1. 6 mg/1 and greater resulted in greatly enhanced growth.
E_._ coli #435-70, Table 2, responded similarly in lake water and in the
.16 mg/1 concentration, but grew profusely at 1. 6 mg/1 and higher concentra-
tions. _K_. pneumonia, Figure 2 and Table 3, likewise died away rapidly in
lake water and .16 mg/1 but grew well at 1. 6 mg/1.
The statements made by Mr. Edward Geldrich and Dr. Graham
Walton in the May 1969 Conference are substantiated by this experimental
work. The data clearly show that concentrations of tailings of 1. 6 mg/1
(1%) or less promote growth and significantly reduce die away of bacteria
of sanitary significance. Since green water has been shown to contain
1-2 mg/1 of suspended solids (16), and in preliminary counts contained
higher bacterial counts than clear water, the field and laboratory data
compliment each other and definitely demonstrate biological activity and
discredit the statement that tailings are inert.
Conclusions.
1. Tailings are biologically active at concentrations of approxi-
mately 1 mg/1--a concentration expected to occur over a significant area
of the Lake.
2. The reduced die away or enhanced growth is displayed by
indicators of fecal contamination, as well as a pathogenic bacterium.
-------
279
57
Table 1. - Escherichia coll, NWQL #234 Response, in Organisms/ml,
to Taconite Effluent ( <2 ji
Days
0
3
5
7
9
11
.Replicate
Mean
1
2
3
~rn
1
2
3
In
1
2
3
~rn
1
2
3
"m
1
2
3
~m
1
2
3
m~
Lake
Water
17
20
14
(17)
9
7
11
(9)
1
2
1
(1.3)
3
4
2
(3)
<1
<1
<1
100%
(162 mg/1)
93,000
95, 000
87, 000
(92,000)
120, 000
122, 000
117, 000
(120, 000)
84, 100
78, 900
87, 500
(84, 000)
59, 100
58, 000
55, 700
(58, 000)
73, 000
69, ooo
43, 700
(62, 000)
10%
(16.2 mg/1)
11, 500
12,000
9,400
(11,000)
38,400
36,200
41, 500
(39,000)
32, 400
33,000
28, 700
(31, 000)
38,000
37,200
25, 500
(34,000)
23, 000
28, 000
29, 000
(27, 000)
4. i — -
particles) at
1%
(1. 6 mg/1)
32,900
34, 500
31, 000
(33,000)
61, 000
59,000
67, 200
(62,000)
47,000
51,000
41,000
(46, 000)
54,000
53,000
45, 000
(51, 000)
54,000
59,000
53,000
(55,000)
— " o '
20° C
.1%
(.16 mg/1)
1,400
1,200
1,700
(1,400)
1,700
2,200
2, 000
(2, 000)
1, 365
1, 455
1,275
(1,400)
1,700
1,900
1, 500
(1,700)
1,290
1,400
1, 100
(1,300)
Inoculum
2, 000
2,215
1,815
(2,000)
-------
280
58
Table 2 - Escherichia coli, CDC #435-70 - Response, in Organisms/ml,
Days
0
3
5
7
9
11
Replicate
Mean
1
2
3
m
1
2
3
m
1
2
3
m
1
2
3
m
1
2
3
m
1 <1
2
3
m
to
Lake
Water
366
290
380
(300)
204
165
219
(200)
211
220
170
(200)
192
179
140
(200)
:100
27
32
(30)
Taconite Effluent «2 u particles) at 20° C
100%
(162 mg/1)
2, 300
1,900
2,600
(2,300)
6, 100
5, 670
6,400
(6, 100)
242, 000
256, 000
235, 000
(244, 000)
228, 000
240,000
212, 000
(227,000)
266, 000
273, 000
260,000
(266, 000)
10%
(16.2 mg/1)
4,200
3, 700
4,250
(4, 100)
2, 000
1, 760
2,210
(2, 000)
23,000
25, 500
2,1,700
(23, 000) (
82, 500
85,200
76,700
(81,000)
68,000
72, 000
64, 000
(68,000)
1%
(1. 6 mg/1)
6, 100
5, 600
6,430
(6, 000)
79, 000
74,000
82, 000
(78,000)
97,000
112,000
91,000
100,000)
93, 000
95,400
88,500
(92,000)
73,000
69,000
78,000
(73,000)
.1%
(.16 mg/1)
267
212
308
(300)
55
42
67
(60)
54
65
48
(60)
27
35
21
(30)
11
18
9
(15)
Inoculum
900
1, 165
860
(1,000)
-------
281
59
Table 3. - Klebsiella pneumonia^Type 14 CDC #6417 - 69 Response,
Replicate
Days Mean
0 1
2
3
"m
3 1
2
3
"m
5 1
2
3
'm
7 1
2
3
•m
9 1
2
3
~rn
in Organisms /ml,
at 20° C
Lake 100%
Water (162 mg/1)
<1 135,500
<1 137,000
41 129,000
(134, 000)
t.1 500,000
41 520, 000
*1 470, 000
(497,000)
41 290, ooo
Zl 280,000
,a 310,000
(293, 000)
*1 678, 000
4.1 507,000
-------
282
60
FIGURE 1. Escherichia coll, NWQL, #234, Response,
in Organism/ml, to Taconite Effluent
(<2 p particles) at 20° C
-------
&>/
MWQL
10ffKi^JUmy1>
NATKR
CQHTHOU
466
TIMS. IM
10
II
-------
284
62
FIGURE 2. Klebsiella pneumonia, type 14, CDC
#6417-69. Response, in Organisms/ml,
to Taconite Effluent (<2 u particles) at
20° C
-------
285
KL£ja3Lg.LL»9/l >
I
7
-------
286
64
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. "Manual of Microbiological Methods, " Society of American Bacteri-
ologists, McGraw-Hill Book Company, Inc., New York, 1957.
2. "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, "
Twelfth Edition, 1965, APHA-AWWA-WPCF.
3. "Standard Methods for the Examination of Dairy Products, " Eleventh
Edition, I960, APHA.
4. "Current Practices in Water Microbiology," Training Manual, USDI,
FWQA, 1969.
5. "Diagnostic Bacteriology, " Fifth Edition, Schaub, Foley, Scott &
Bailey, Mosby Company, 1958.
6. Blair, Lennette 8t Truant, "Manual of Clinical Microbiology, " American
Society for Microbiology, 1970.
7. Geldreich, Edwin E. and Bernard A. Kenner, "Concepts of Fecal
Streptococci In Stream Pollution, " J. Water Pollution Control Federa-
tion, 41 (8): p. 332-352, 1969.
8. Geldreich, Edwin E. , "Applying Bacteriological Parameters to
Recreational Water Quality, " Journal American Water Works Associa-
tion, February 1970.
9. Heukelekian and Dondero, "Principles and Applications in Aquatic
Microbiology," John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 1964.
10. Guthrie, Rufus K. , "Bacterial Cycles and Water Quality," Southwest
Water Works Journal, October 1968.
11. Gunsalus & Stanier, "The Bacteria" Volumes I - V, Academic Press
I960.
12. Minnesota Department of Health, "Minnesota's Health, " January 1970,
Volume 24, Number 1.
13. Borchardt, Kenneth A. , "Simplified Method for Identification of
Enteric and Other Gram-negative Bacteria Using Re a gent-Impregnated
Strips", The American Journal of Clinical Pathology, Vol. 40 (5): 1968.
Reprinted from Technical Bulletin of the Registry of Medical Technolo-
gists, Vol. 38, (4): 1968.
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28?
65
14. Edwards & Ewing, "Identification of Enterobacteriaceae, " Burgess
Publishing Company, 7th Printing, 1969.
15. Lemke, A. E. 1970. "Taconite Bioassays," Report of the National
Water Quality Laboratory. Lake Superior Enforlement Conference.
16. Andrew, R. W., G. E. Glass. 1970. "Physical Characteristics
of Green Water Along the Minnesota Shore of Lake Superior. "
Report of the National Water Quality Laboratory, Lake Superior
Enforcement Conference.
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TACONITE BIOASSAYS
Armond E. Lemke
288
66
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289
67
Introduction.
The question has been raised as to whether tailings are directly
toxic to lake organisms. The bioassays described below were performed
to determine the approximate tailings concentration that exhibits a toxic
effect. Since only the finer particles are transported substantial distances
by lake currents,, tests were made using the <2 u particle size fraction
suspended in the effluent water. Lesser concentrations were obtained by
mixing an appropriate amount of effluent with raw Lake Superior water.
Methods.
Selective sampling throughout the Reserve plant revealed that the
hydroseparator effluent had the largest amount of 2 micron and less
particles and fewer large particles. This point was used as a source of
tailings for the bioassays and the hydroseparator in the number 4B area
in the plant was used as a sampling point. Weekly samples were collected
during most of the period, and a composite of material was also made by
continuously pumping a small flow.
The samples for use in the bioassays were siphoned from the
hydroseparator into 5-gallon polyethylene jugs; about 60 gallons of
hydroseparator effluent was collected weekly. The material was placed
in a 20° C constant temperature room and settled for 24 hours. The
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290
68
upper 30 centimeters of the liquid suspension, about 4 gallons of each
5, was then removed by siphoning. The liquid removed contained
particles 2 microns and less as indicated by a settling table prepared by
the Geological Survey. The remaining one gallon in each jug was
composited and settled for an additional 24 hours, after which the upper
30 centimeters was again removed by siphoning. The five original aliquots
and the resiphoned one were composited, resulting in a mean solids
concentration of approximately 200 mg/1. Weekly samples varied
between 140 and 280 mg/1 with a mean of 180.
Concentrations of 200, 20, 2, and . 2 mg/1 solids were used
initially and in later tests cor centrations of 200, 100, 50, and 25 mg/1
were used to more precisely determine the toxic concentration level.
A modified proportional diluter was used to continuously deliver
the various concentrations at a flow rate of approximately 17 ml/min.
The tests were run in a constant temperature room, controlled at 8° C
for the tests with Limnocalanus, a lake copepod; lake herring; brook trout;
lake trout; and Mysis, a lake oppossum shrimp. The tests with Daphnia
magna were made at 20° C; the choice was based on the preferred
temperature of the organism.
The pH determinations were made weekly as well as after filling
the toxicant holding chamber in order to check uniformity of effluent
samples. The pH of the 200 mg/1 concentration varied from a low of
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291
69
7. 95 to a high of 8. 25. The high pH occurred approximately two hours
after addition of the new batch of material and the pH declined to the low
just previous to adding neweffluent. The pH decreased probably as a result
of constant stirring and aeration. The control pH varied from 7. 67 to
7.82; the high usually occurred in the afternoon, apparently as a result
of photosynthesis in the lake. Dissolved oxygen concentrations were 90%
or more of saturation in all cases.
Daphnia tests were begun with day-old animals, herring and brook
trout tests were begun with freshly stripped and fertilized eggs.
Limnocalanus and Mysis, adults or sub-adults, collected by plankton net
from. Lake Superior, were used. Lake trout eggs were well developed and
in the eyed stage. Single groups of ten Limnocalanus per concentration,
single groups of 20 brook trout eggs per concentration were used, and for all
other species duplicate groups of 10 animals, or 20 per concentration, w&tfe
used.
Results and Discussion.
In Table 1, the results expressed in mean survival percentages,
are given for each test. The righthand column shows the length of time
that the test was conducted; the length was, in part, determined by
incubation time or generation time. Since only the Daphnia have been used
in previous tests, the problems of testing new and delicate animals resulted
in lower control survival and reduced precision. Considering the data as
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70
a whole, the 100% (200 mg/1) seems to have a consistent adverse effect
on all species and Mysis and Limnocalanus appear to be sensitive at
lesser concentrations, perhaps as low at 25% (50 mg/1).
Daphnia, one of the more sensitive organisms to heavy metals,
appears to be little affected by tailings. Its reproduction was not
significantly affected except possibly in the 100% (200mg/1) concentration.
Mortality could not be determined during the exposure because the animals
were not visible in the turbid water but it is probable that some adults may
have died of natural causes during the three-week test giving variable
numbers of surviving adults.
Lake trout eggs were not available in the earlier developmental
stages--the stage that is usually more susceptible. The effects on both
of the important lake invertebrates, Mysis and Limnocalanus, are
consistently related to concentration and therefore are probably true effects
even though control survival is less than the usually accepted 80% value.
The low control survival for most organisms suggests that either
test conditions and/or test animals were not optimum. If anything, the
effects of taconite on the test animals should have been greater due to stress
from test conditions or inferior animals and therefore the effects would
appear abnormally severe. (The avoidance of tailings by fish has not
been measured.)
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293
71
Conclusion.
Direct toxic effects of tailings on the lake organisms were found
at concentrations that would be expected to occur only in local areas of
the Lake.
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TABLE 1
Percent Survival of Selected Organisms
Exposed to Various Concentrations of Tailings
Concentrations tested mg/1 solids
Species
Daphnia
magna
D. magna
Young ( 2)
produced
Limnocalanus
Lake herringl')
Brook trout (4)
Lake trout ' '
Mysis (6)
relicta
200(1) 100
20
35 65
11 127
0 0
15
25
40
0 0
50 25 20 2 0. 2 Control
60 25 50 50
75 35 50 50
50 183 95
0 10 60
15 15 30 30
60 80 85 55
85 80 50 75
20 50 50
Test
Duration
21 days
21 days
21 days
128 days
118 days
43 days
2 1 days
1 200 mg/1 = 100% effluent less >2 p. particles
Values are absolute numbers
began with stripped eggs
"* Began with stripped eggs
Began with late-eyed eggs
" Used a^' Its collected from Lake.
«*» A3
VO
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295
73
Effect of Taconite Tailings on Algal Growth
R. W. Andrew and G. E. Glass
Investigations by the Staff of the
National Water Quality Laboratory
April 1970
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296
74
Introduction
Concern regarding the disposal of taconite tailings in Lake Superior
has arisen over possible biological effects on the Lake of soluble nutrients
(8)
contained in the tailings effluent. Concurrent studies by the National
Water Quality Laboratory staff on the solubility of the tailings indicate
that several elements (notably silicon, magnesium, sodium, potassium, and
manganese) are soluble at concentrations considerably higher than the levels
found in the water of the western basin of the Lake. All of the above elements
(l 2)
are known nutrients required for algal growth ' s and could contribute to
eutrophic effects if increased in concentration in the Lake as s result of
such disposal practices.
Silicon is important because it is required in relatively large quantities
for the formation of diatom spicules and is a major constituent of the tailings
effluent. Recent work in Lake Michigan , for example, has shown that enrich-
ment by as little as 0.7 mg SiOg/1 resulted in increased cell counts, COg
utilization, and species diversity - particularly of the diatoms. Also,
increases in the cell counts were well correlated with decreases in soluble
silica concentrations.
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297
75
The experiment described in this report was designed to indicate whether
taconite tailings stimulate algal growth under conditions similar to those
existing in Lake Superior.
Methods
The algal growth experiment was conducted using effluent with the
>2 micron particles removed, diluted with raw, and filtered Lake Superior water.
The <2y suspension (and included dissolved solids) were separated by sedi-
(M
mentation from a sample of "hydro separator" tailings collected at the
Reserve Mining Company plant on 19 March 1970. Lake Superior water for the
experiment was collected at the City of Duluth water intake on 23 March 1970.
/ Q\
The suspended solids content and chemical analysis of the tailings suspension
and Lake Superior water are shown in Table 1.
Algae and diatoms contained in the raw lake water served as the initial
Inoculum for the growth experiment. Initial algal counts of the lake water
contained 160 to 200 cells/ml, 90% were diatoms. To preclude variations
attributable to algal cells in the taconite suspension, the suspension was
heated for 1/2 hour at 60° C to kill the algae present. Terminal measurements
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298
76
of this suspension shoved that no viable cells were present; nor was there
any measurable chlorophyll.
The growth experiment was conducted at 10° C (+2°) under 22 hour/day
illumination using a combination of Gro-Lux and Duro-Test* fluorescent lights.
Raising the water temperature from the existing lake temperature (k° C) to
approximately 10° C was intended to have the same stimulatory effect as
summer temperatures under actual lake conditions, but without causing
communities of atypical or temperature-tolerant species to develop. Likewise,
increasing the photoperiod to 22 hours permitted increased growth at natural
rates.
Dilutions containing 10$, 1$, and 0.1% tailings suspensions were prepared
using a constant amount of raw lake water. All dilutions were made to a total
of 1.2 liters using 0.22y membrane filtered lake water. All solutions were
tested in duplicate, in silanized^ 2 liter flasks. Controls (in duplicate)
containing 100$ raw lake water, 90$ raw lake water - 10$ filtered lake water,
* Mention of commercial products does not constitute endorsement by the
Federal Water Quality Administration.
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299
77
10$ tailings - 90$ filtered lake water, and 100$ filtered lake water, vere
also carried thru the growth experiment.
The progress of the experiment was followed by removing subsamples
periodically for algal counts and chlorophyll analyses. Positions of the
flasks were randomized after each sampling. Algal cell counts of all flasks
vere made initially, after 9 and 11 days, and at the termination of the
experiment (l8 days) using Sedgewick-Rafter counting cells and standard
microscope counting techniques . Chlorophyll analyses were performed
(7)
.using both colorimetric and fluorescence techniques initially and after
10 and 18 days respectively. The experiment was terminated on 10 April 1970
(8)
after 18 days of growth. Additional chemical and suspended solids analyses
were performed at the termination of the experiment.
Results and Discussion
Algal cell counting and chlorophyll analysis of selected flasks showed
that little or no growth occurred prior to the 5th day of the experiment.
From the 5th day thru the termination at 18 days, all flasks except the
sterilized and filtered lake water controls showed an increased rate of growth.
Algal cell counts determined after 9» H» and 18 days are shown in
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300
78
Table 2. Chlorophyll-a contents of the flasks after 10 and 18 days are
shown in Table 3. The results at 18 days are shown on Figure 1.
These results reveal that the growth rate of algae in 10$ tailings,
is roughly U0-80$ higher than in the control. Total cell counts and
chlorophyll contents in the 10$ tailings at the end of the growth period
were statisticallly different from controls, at 90$ and 99$ confidence levels
respectively. Intermediate growth rates were shown by the two lower tailings
concentrations. The results indicate that the tailings effluent can be
utilized by algae as a source of nutrients. Since the increase in growth
rate is not in direct proportion to the tailings concentration, a growth
response is indicated that is proportional to an increase in concentration
of some essential element already present in the lake water. Calculations
based on the data in Table 1, for example, indicate that the soluble silica
concentrations to be expected in the various dilutions of tailings as prepared
were: 3.3^0, 3.016, 2.98U, and 2.980 mg/1 for the 10$, 1$, 0.1$ tailings,
and controls respectively. In view of the algal responses to increases in
silica concentrations noted^ ' in Lake Michigan, this factor alone could explain
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301
79
the increased growth rate shown in Tables 2 and 3.
This is further supported by the chemical analyses performed at the
termination of the experiment. A summary of these results is shown in
Table h. Comparing the soluble silica concentrations obtained for the
various dilutions, a net decrease is noted in the soluble silica from that
calculated above, except in the sterile 10$ tailings control. A net increase
is shown in this case, from the solution of the tailings particles during
/ON
the 18 days of the experiment. (See Glass for silica solubility rates
from tailings).
Other differences in Table U do not appear significant, except possibly
the soluble manganese concentrations. The manganese concentrations in all
flasks show a net increase over that predicted from the original analyses.
Suspended solids increases in the controls and 1% tailings are believed
attributable to the increased biomass formed as a result of algal growth.
The suspended solids content, however, of the 10% tailings dilution is less
than th,e nominal l6.3 mg/1 expected on the basis of dilution of the original
suspension. This may be due to sampling error, since some flocculation and
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302
80
attachment of particulate matter to the sides of the flasks were observed.
Conclusions
1. Algal growth rate was higher in 10% (l6 mg/1 particles <2y) taconite
tailings suspensions.
2. Increased growth rates are related to increases in soluble silica
pojtt^l
from the tailings and*subsequent utilization by diatoms.
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303
81
References
1. Biesinger, K. E. 1967. Micronutrients as Possible Factors Limiting
Primary Productivity in Certain Alaskan Lakes. Ph.D. .Dissertation
Univ. of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
2. Nicholas, D. J. D. 1963. Inorganic nutrition of microorganisms,
p. 363-^7. In F". C. Steward (Ed.) Plant Physiology III. Academic
Press, Inc., New York.
3. Schelske, C. L. and Stoermer, E. F. 1970. The effect of silicon
on natural phytoplankton populations in Lake Michigan. Thirteenth
Conference on Great Lakes Research. Buffalo, N. Y., March 31 -
April 3, 1970. Abstracts pg. 3.
IK Jackson, M. L. 1956. Soil Chemical Analysis - Advanced Course,
pp. llU-127. Published by the author. Madison, Wisconsin.
5. Erickson, S. , Lackie, N. and Maloney, T. 1970- A Screening
Technique for Estimating Copper Toxicity to Estuarine Phytoplankton.
Jour. Water Poll. Control Fed. In Press.
6. A.P.H.A. - A.W.W.A. 1965. Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Waste Water, 12th Edition, pp. 61*9-659-
7. Humphrey, G. F. and Wootton, M. 196U. Determination of photosynthetic
pigments in sea-water. Report to SCOR-Unesco Working Group 17.
Unesco - Monographs on Oceanographic Methodology, pp. 12-17-
8. Glass, G. E. 1970. The Dissolution of Taconite Tailings in Lake
Superior. Report of the National Water Quality Laboratory. Lake
Superior Enforcement Conference.
-------
Table 1 - Suspended Solids and Chemical Analysis of <2y
Tailings Suspension and Raw Lake Water Used in
Algal Growth Experiment.
304
82
Suspended Solids (mg/l)
Dissolved Solids*
SiO? (mg/l)
Ca * (mg/l)
Mg (mg/l)
Na (mg/l)
K (mg/l)
Mn (yg/1)
Zn (yg/1)
Cu (yg/1)
Total Hardness (mg/l as CaCO_)
Total Alkalinity (mg/l as CaCO_)
Tailings
Suspension
(3/19/70)
163
6.58
12.9
U.58
1.9^
1.90
22.7
1.0
0.7
U8.8
50.8
Raw Lake
Water
(3/23/70)
0.6U
2.98
15.^
3.^9
1.35
0.6U
0.3
2.9
1.1
52.8
52.0
Determined after passing a 0.22y pore size membrane filter.
-------
Table 2 - Algal cell counts in various concentrations of
effluent containing <2y particles and incubated
at 10°+2° C.
305
83
Time (Days)
Concentration
10J<
1%
0.1
tailings
tailings
% tailings
Control
9
ll*80+ll*0**
11*50+200
11*20+70
1060+200
11
2610+150
2270+300
1850+110
1590+1*20
18
1*680+760***
1*180+290
3580+180
3370+990
tailings <25
filtered lake water
<25
<25
* Counts expressed as cells per ml.
** £lus or minus values indicate total counting error.
*** Significantly different from controls at 90% confidence level.
F Ratio equals 1*.37«
-------
Table 3 - Chlorophyll-a production in various concentrations
of effluent containing <2y particles and incubated
at 10°+2° C.
Time (Days)
Concentration 0 10 18
10$ tailings 0.89(2)*
1% tailings 0.7^.05 0.78(l) 1.8o(U)
(U)**"
0.1% tailings 0.67(l) 1.73(2)
Control 0.50(1) 1.57(M
tailings - _ 0.00(2)
90% filtered lake water
* Values expressed in yg/1
** Numbers in parentheses indicate number of chlorophyll analyses
included in mean value.
*** Significantly different from controls at 99# confidence level.
P Ratio equals 13.7.
306
84
-------
Table ^ - Suspended solids and chemical analysis, of the various concentrations
of effluent containing <2y particles, at termination of the algal
growth experiment.
Dissolved Solids
Effluent
Concentration Suspended Solids Si02 Ca Mg Na K Mn Zn Cu
__^^____ (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (mg/l) (yg/l) (yg/l (yg/l)
tailings
lU.O
3.02 13.5 3.50 1.51 0.82 1 .h 2.7
tailings
3.7
2.18 12.9 3.2U 1.36 0.62 1.5 ^.2
tailings
- No analyses -
Control
3.5
2.30 13.8 3.36 l.Uo 0.63 0.9 5-5 1.7
tailings 18.2
90$ filtered lake water
U.33 12.6 3.^0 1.1*3 0.79 8.9 2.1 1.1
00
u>
in O
—•3
-------
3.0
2.0
at
I
Q.
o
CE
3
o
1.0
WAVELENGTH
,•- CONTROL O.1 "I. 1 %, 108/.
TAILINGS EFFLUENT CONCENTRATION
o
Fj.gxrre 1. Chloroplnyll-a content and spectra (6630 A region) versus taconite tailings effluent concentration.
O
c»
-------
The Diasolutton of
Taconite Tailings in
Lake Superior
by
Gary E. Glass, Ph.D.
Contribution from the
National Water Quality Laboratory
Federal Water Quality Administration
Department of the Interior 1970
309
87
-------
310
Introduction
The Conferences on pollution of Lake Superior and its tributary basin
held in Duluth, Minnesota May and September 1969 called attention to the
mining practices of Reserve Mining Company, Silver Bay, Minnesota. The
process used for extracting iron Involves crushing the minerals in a
water slurry and removing the magnetite using electromagnets. The
extracted slurry (taconite tailings) is then pumped into Lake Superior.
Particle sizes of minerals in these tailings are extremely small with
40% of the total tailings less than 44 microns (0.0017 inches) and -^3%
less than 2 microns (0.00008 inches). As a result of these conferences,
the questions of taconite solubility, distribution and effects on Lake
Superior have been posed. This study was designed to provide answers to
the first of these questions.
The minerals which make up taconite tailings are comprised mainly of
silicates; quartz (Si02), cummingtonite (Mg4 Fe2 5 Mn/j 2 CaQ 4 Siy n A!Q ^
022 (OH2), grunerite, (Fe4<7 Mg2.i Mn0%2 (Si+Al)8 022 (OH2), magnetite,
(Fe304) and small amounts of others. The extremely small particle size to
which these minerals are crushed exposes tremendous surface area to chemical
activity. Marked increases in the rate of solubility of quartz with
increasing surface area have been measured . Quartz was found to dissolve
to the extent of 11 mg/1 soluble silica (Si02) equilibrium, 25° C. The
dissolved silica concentration in Lake Superior is ^ 2.6 mg/1.
In general, the rate at which inorganic salts dissolve is a diffusion
controlled process^2', that is, the rate determining step is the speed at
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311
89
which, the dissolved species leaves the particle site. Stirred solutions
will dissolve more rapidly and approach chemical equilibrium faster than
unstirred solutions. Temperature has a marked effect on the rate and
extent of dissolution. Amorphous silica requires more than 80 days to
fi\
reach, chemical equilibrium at 25° C^ J . The equilibrium concentrations
of soluble silica vary with temperature and are 70 mg/1 at 0° C, 120 mg/1
at 25° C, and 350 mg/1 at 90° C^3), Solubility and thermodynamic data
have been determined for several clay minerals^ ' where chemical
equilibrium required 2-5 years to be attained at room temperature.
Little is known about the weathering properties of cummingtonite,
the main component of taconite tailings. This mineral is formed at high
temperatures^ and in an aqueous environment is probably unstable or
metastable at best. Preliminary solubility tests by Reserve Mining
Company'"^ show increases in dissolved Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Si02« These
tests were conducted over a 4-month period at 4° C. The particle size
of the sample was not known and the amount of sample used in the test
was too small (6 gms/2 gallons). These conditions are not sufficient
to assess the solubility of tailings in view of the factors given above.
For the studies of natural sediments™', two to ten grams/liter were
used at 25° C, 2-5y in size, with minimal shaking to come to equilibrium
in a year's time.
The main elemental components of taconite tailings will be followed
by chemical analysis. These are Si02, Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, and Al.
The latter three are thermodynamically unstable at lake conditions and
should precipitate.
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312
90
Methods
Metal analyses were performed using an atomic absorption spectrometer
equipped with a direct digital readout (Perkin-Elmer Model 403)*and three-
slot Boling type burner. Aqueous solutions of sodium, potassium, and
silica (7) were aspirated directly as were calcium and magnesium solutions
after dilution with a lanthanum chloride solution. Copper (8), iron (8),
manganese (9), cadmium (9), and zinc (9) were concentrated by chelation
and extraction with methylisobutylketone. Freshly-prepared standards
(Hartman-Leddon Company) were used for instrument calibration.
Optical absorbance measurements were made using a ratio recording
spectrophotometer (Perkin-Elmer 402) with matched quartz cells. Dissolved
oxygen (10) and silica CIO, 11, 12) were measured colorimetrically.
All pH measurements were made with an expanded scale, temperature
compensated instrument CCorning Model 12) and glass electrodes (Beckman
Instruments). Conductance measurements were made with an impedance
bridge at 1000 hz (Heathkit Model 2R) and dip type cell, K=0.1 (Yellow
Springs Instruments Co., liic^, No, 3402) at constant temperature, 18 ~
0.1° C, in a circulating water bath (Forma Scientific, Inc, Model 2095).
Ultra-high purity water ( 18 megohms) was used throughout the
experiments for analysis and dilutions (Millipore Corp., S-Q system using
distilled water input). All chemical reagents were of A..C.S., reagent
grade or better.
Samples were collected in aged polyethylene bottles wh±ch had Been
rinsed with acid, lake water, and distilled water, and stored in dark
constant-temperature rooms at 6 i 2° C and 20 i 2° C for the different
experiments.
* Manufactures are mentioned for equipment identification purposes only.
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313
91
Results and Discussion
The results of the taconite dissolution rate measurements are shown
in Table 1 and Figures 1 and 2. The increased rate at which tailings
dissolve at 20° C allows the chemical equilibrium of the system to be
approached in a reasonable period of time and makes possible accurate
measurement of dissolving substances. Elements which dissolve and are
not at chemical equilibrium will react faster at higher temperatures
forming insoluble compounds and will not show significant solubilities.
The experiment was started by adding fresh taconite tailings from a
hydroseparator to premeasured volumes of distilled water in one liter
plastic bottles. The bottles were stored at 20 - 2° C except during
conductance measurements when they were placed in a constant-temperature
bath at 18° C. The increase in conductance which occurs after the
initial increase when the ore is processed, shows further dissolution
of the tailings after they leave the plant (Figure 1)* The rate at
which tailings dissolve during the first few days is much greater than
the long-term rate of dissolution as is indicated by the large initial
slope of the conductance-time plots. Significant increases In soluble
silica, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and dissolved solids were
measured. Sodium, iron, copper, manganese, zinc, and cadmium showed
little or no increase in concentration within experimental error for the
O.lp membrane filtered samples. The net rates of dissolution, Table 1,
increase with decreasing concentration of tailings and dissolved solids.
* Increases in dissolved solids were estimated using differences in
specific conductivity (13) . The relationship was derived at 25° C and
may be used at other temperatures to determine differences between solutions
with little increased error^
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3H
92
This is probably due to increased clumping of particles in the higher
concentrations resulting in less exposed surface area/gram of tailings.
The initial concentration of dissolved solids decreases with decreasing
concentration (due to dilution with distilled water) making the approach
to chemical equilibrium faster at the lower concentrations..
At lower temperatures the rate of dissolution and the approach to
chemical equilibrium is slower. In a second experiment, fresh tailings
from a hydroseparator were held at 6° C, and one liter samples were
taken periodically after shaking. The. results of analysis of these
samples are shown in Figure 2. Silica, manganese, potassium, and
magnesium show measurable increases during a 4-week period. Little or
no further increase was observed for zinc (1-3 ug/11, cadmium C<0«1 yg/1)»
copper 0.7 (ug/1), iron (1.4 g/1), calcium (12.5 mg/1) and sodium
(1.9 mg/1) over the 28 day period. Compared to the 20° C data, the only
differences are calcium and manganese. No increase in the concentration
of calcium was measured within experimental error over the 4-week period ct U° C.
The manganese (II) ion reaction with dissolved oxygen produces insoluble
manganese IV oxide. In general, reaction rates increase with temperature
and at 20° C over a 90-day period manganese-dissolved oxygen chemical
equilibrium may be reached, precipitating the initially soluble manganese
as manganese dioxide.
In order to estimate the total quantity of taconite tailings which
dissolves under lake conditions (low temperature, high dissolved oxygen
and minimal stirring) a series of five-gallon samples were taken in the
plant from a main launder chute over a two-week period. The samples
were kept at 6 - 2° C in the dark in a constant temperature room with no
-------
315
93
stirring or shaking. Three of the samples were chemically analyzed in
detail after 332 days and the data are shown in Table 2. The supernatant
water above the tailings in each, bottle was carefully siphoned off and
the remaining water and approximately 6 mm of settled tailings were
thoroughly mixed and transferred to centrifuge bottles for separation.
Both the supernate and the centrifuge decantate were then filtered
(0.1 y membrane) for chemical analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis of
the suspended -solids showed mainly cummingtonite and quartz. The relative
percentage of quartz increased when the suspended solids were filtered
with a 0.1 y pore size membrane versus a 0.45 y membrance. An average
of 20% of the remaining suspended solids in the supernate passed through.
•a 0.45 y pore size membrane filter.
The volume of interstitial water was determined for the centrifuge
packed solids and is assumed to approximate the gravity sedimented values.
The differences in the chemical analysis between the top and bottom water
fractions are due to the increased concentrations of solubles in the
interstitial water. Using the appropriate volume corrections, the
concentrations of dissolved salts iji the interstitial water may be
estimated. They are: Si (37±3 mg/1), Na, (4-4-1 mg/1) , K (13-4 mg/1),
Ca (53^3 mg/1) , Mg (10-3 mg/1) . These are maximum values only and their
accuracy is limited by large inherent errors in the calculation. They
are included only as an indication that further dissolution does take
place in the interstitial water of the tailings following sedimentation
on the lake bottom.
-------
316
94
In order to assess the total input of dissolved salts to Lake
Superior water, the total or gross increase of each dissolved substance
in the supernatant water was measured and compared to the total weight
of taconite tailings sedimented. The gross increases per kilogram of
total taconite tailings added to Lake Superior (Table 2) should be
considered as "ball park" estimates. Some of the uncontrolled factors
which would increase these values are dilution in the Lake causing
increased rates of dissolution, the presence of organic and inorganic
complexors, stirring due to Lake currents and sedimentation,and clumping
in the bottles of the "fines" with the course particles to a greater
extent than is found in the "heavy density current." Factors which
would decrease these values are the presence of organic and inorganic
reactants which would coagulate the particles and precipitate the soluble
salts, and immediate covering of the tailings surface in areas with high
natural sedimentation rates.
The above factors may tend to cancel each other making the calculated
gross increase, a reasonable estimate. But due to the variability within
ore deposits, more accurate values would be obtained by sampling over
a larger span of time.
-------
317
95
Conclusion
I. In addition to the increase in soluble salts as the ore is processed,
taconite tailings show continued solution after leaving the plant.
2. The rates of dissolution increase with decreasing concentrations of
par tides/unit volume of water and with increasing temperature.
3. After, 332 days, increases in soluble components from tailings in
Lake Superior water under simulated lake conditions were:
Increase in
Component mg/kg total tailings
Si02 331
Na 37
K 70
Ca 282
.Mg 11
SS 61
TDS 1110
-------
318
96
References
(1) Stober, W.., Advan. Chem, Ser,, 67, ACS, Ed. R. & Gould,
(2) Nielson, A, E,, Kinetics of Precipitation, Pergamon Press,
London, 1964, p. 121.
(3) Krauskopf, K.» B., Geochimica Et Cosmochimica Acta 10, 1-26, (1956).
(4) Kittrick, J.. A., Clays and Clay Minerals, 17, 157-167 (1969).
(5) Toder, H. S., Jr., Ann. Kept, Geophys. Lab., Carnegie Inst.,
Wash.., D.C., pp. 232-237 0-957).
(6) Haley, K.. M.., Reserve Mining Company, communication to NWQL,
12/31/69,
(7) Analytical Methods for Atomic Absorption spectrophotometry,
Perkin-Elmer Corp., Sept. 1968, St-?l.
(8) Arthur, J. W., and Leonard, E. N., Water Research. 1970,
submitted for publication..
(9) Mansell, R. E., Atomic Absorption Newsletter (perkin-rElmer)
.4, 276 (1965).
(10) Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wjastewater,
12th Ed. 1965.
(11) Kolthoff, I. M, & Elving, P. J., Editors, Treatise on
Analytical Chemistry?Pt2, Vol. 2, p. 62.
(12) Jackson, M. L.,, Soil Chemical Analysis, Prentice-rHall; 19-58,
p. 294.
(13) Haley, K. M., Reserve Mining Company, Transcript of Lake
Superior Enforcement Conference, May 13, 1969, Reserve Mining
Company Statement, p. 51.
-------
319
97
Table 1 - Summary of Taconite Dissolution Rate Study (20° C, 90 days)
Solution
Composition^
% Tailings
Effluent
100$
15%
50%
25%
0%
Lake Superior
Waterb
Total
Suspended
Solids
nig/ml
19.8
13.7
9.02
5.19
0.00
0.00
<2ji
Suspended
Solids
mg/ml
1.1
0.81
0.55
0.3T
0.00
0.00
PH
initial
8.60
8.61
8.72
8.95
It. 8
7-72
final
7-71
7-57
7.61
7.6l
5-2
7.^3
Specific
Conductance
18°C
initial final
u-mhos/cm
97-7 12U.
75-7 106.
57-3 86.2
39-2 67.5
0.87 1-76
85.9 85. ^
Hydroseparator tailings, dilution made with distilled water. Samples
shaken each day for ten days and weekly thereafter.
Source: Lakewood Pumping Station, Duluth, Minnesota.
-------
Table 1 - Continued
Solution
Composition
% Tailings
Effluent
100%
15%
50%
25%
Lake Superior
Water
Concentration of Final Solutions
Samples filtered, O.Jji pore size
mg/l >ig/l
Si02 Na K Ca Mg
Ik.6 2.56 5.10 17.1 ^.93
12.1 1.9!* 4.11 15-1 3.82
9.23 1.36 2.88 13.2 2.73
6.35 0.76 1.76 11.3 1.58
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
2.62 1.15 0.55 14.2 3.00
Fe Cu Mn Zn Cd
1.7 0.7 0.9 1.7 0.0°
2.9 0.6 0.4 1.2 0.0
2.8 0.7 0.4 10.0 o.o
it.9 0.5 0.4 3.6 0.0
3.9 0.7 0.0 2.1 0.0
2.5 1.5 0.0 0.9 0.0
Net Rate of Increase
(20°C, 90 Days)
mg increase/kg tailings^
Si02 Na K
Ca Mg TDSC
430 0 100 210 70 795
550 0 130 390 90
690 8 140 750 110
940 120 190 1500 140
c Less than 0.1 jig/1.
Calculated using initial concentration of 100$ tailings immediately after processing: SiOp (6.0 mg/l),
Na (2.58 mg/l), K (3.18 mg/l), Ca (13.0 mg/l), and Mg (3-53 mg/l).
e Total dissolved solids, calculated using 0.605 mg/l per ^mho/cm change in conductivity (13).
U)
vO O
Oo
-------
Table 2.
Summary of Taconite Dissolution Study
(6° C, 332 days)
Sample
Fraction of Solids Packed Sedimented Solids Dissolved pH Specific
Date Collected Sample Suspended Sedimented Density, % Inter- Oxygen Conductance
Elapsed Time
I
I
I
II
II
III
III
3/25/69
337 days
3/30/69
332 days
UA/69
327 days
Top
Bottom
Top
Bottom
Top
Bottom
Filter Pore Size Total <2u yet Water stitial 18° C
0.1* 5u O.lu Water
Volume
.iters mg/1 mg/1 g g g/ml % ml mg/1 ;i-mhos/cm
17.1*9 2.91 3.21 — -- — — — 12.1* 8.09 1^7
2.03 — — 806 28. 8C 2.1*1 21 215 -- '8.13 153
17. ^ 1.76 2.22 — — — — — 12.9 8.07 1^8
2.08 — — 512 22.3° 2.26 22 lU8 — 8.07 151*
17.35 1.82 2.58 — ~ — — — 12.2 8.10 ll*2
2.17 -- — 623 17.7 2.29 21* 196 — 8-°7 ^9
a Study terminated 2/25/70-
Determined after centrifugation of sample.
0 Determined by centrifugation.
Determined by gravity sedimentation.
(jO
**> ro
-------
Table 2 - Continued
Sample
Final Concentrations of Lake Water
Samples Filtered, O.lu Membrane
rag/liter ^ig/liter
SiO|
IT 12.9
IB 14 . 3
IIT 13 . 3
IIB 15.3
IIIT 13.9
IIIB 16.4
Na
2.69
2.79
2.08
2.19
2.36
2.51
K
4.38
5.70
2.31
2.98
2.34
3.20
Ca
21.0
23.0
24.1
26.3
21.4
24.6
MS
6.97
7.12
6.14
6.25
6.88
7.10
Fe
0.0
1.8
0.3
0.3
1.7
0.0
Cu
0.0
2.4
0.0
0.2
0.1
0.1
Mn
1.4
2.8
2.4
0.7
1.2
0.5
Zn
0.5
12.8
0.4
0.6
0.5
0.4
Total
Increase per Kilogram of Total
Tailings1 (6°C,
mg
Cd Si02
0.0 244
0.0
0.0 402
0.0
0.0 347
0.0
Averages 331
Na
37
36
38
37
K
90
65
54
70
Taconite
332 days)
increase/kg tailings
Ca Mg
185 94
409 118
252 120
282 111
Suspended
Solids
62
61
61
61
Dissolved
Solidsg
87-4
1410
1040
1110
e Mean value for tops of entire series, 13.2 +_ 1.0 mg/1.
^ Calculated from increased values in water over tailings compared with "open" Lake Superior water values:
Si (2.6 mg/1), Na (1.12 mg/1), K (0.57 mg/l), Ca (13.2 mg/l), Mg (2.99 mg/1), suspended solids (0.6 mg/l),
and specific conductance (86 u-mhos/cm, 18° C).
6 See footnote 'e1 Table 1.
U)
o
o
-------
1 2 O
1 OO
O
e
00
I 8O
u
O
z
60
O
2
O
O
O
u. 40
u
ui
Q.
in
20
TACONITE TAILINGS EFFLUENT
1 00 °/»
0 L.SUPERIOR WATER
DISTILLED WATER
15
30
-e-
45
DAYS
60
75
FIG. 1 . Specific conductance of taconite tailings effluent versus days at 20° C.
UJ
ro
U)
-------
Figure 2. Chemical analyses of taconite tailings effluent versus days at 6° C.
0-TAILINGS SUSPENSION O-PLANT INTAKE WATER
10
8
S
4
2
0
C
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
C
c -
o- -'
'(^
J> SILICON DIOXIDE (mg/I)
3.00 0 0 O <
m
» 1 1
) 7 14, 21 2?
DAYS
/ "°\
J '
•
POTASSIUM (mg/I)
III
7 14 21 2«
DAYS
30
24
16
12
6
0
& C
5.0
4.0
3D
2jO
> C
*
ki
[MANGANESE (ug/D
) 7 14 21 28
DAYS
-
D-© ^®
k
MAGNESIUM (mg/I)
V 7 14 21 28
DAYS
-------
. 325
Dr. D. I. Mount
DR. MOUNT: I would also like to indicate
that the slides which I will use in a few minutes need
not be entered into the record so far as we are con- !
cerned because they are contained in the figures or
they are identical to the figures appended to my state-
ment .
The statement which I am going to give has
been very carefully worked over by myself and our staff
in order to try to present what we believe are the key
points that have been raised in past conferences, what
the data really show and particularly the results of
the additional studies which we were instructed to do
by the Commissioner of FWPCA.
During the past sessions of this enforcement
conference, statements have been made regarding the
effects on the ecology of Lake Superior of taconite
tailings discharged from Reserve Mining Company. The
purpose of my presentation today is to attempt to
identify important points which the National Water
Quality Laboratory feels have been established beyond
reasonable doubt. We have been conducting laboratory
investigations regarding the chemical and biological
-------
32£
Dr. D. I. Mount
"behavior of tailings and we completed a sampling survey
of Lake Superior bottom sediments last summer. Results
of these studies are presented in technical reports that
have been sent to each of the conferees in advance of
this conference.
During the autumn of 1968, members of my staff
studied in some detail the characteristics of green water
that occurs along the Minnesota shore and is particularly
noticeable in autumn and spring. The purpose was to
identify the characteristics of green water and the
source, if possible. As a result of these field and
laboratory investigations,we found that green water
contains approximately 1=5 parts per million of sus-
epnded solids as opposed to clear water which contained
,5 or less parts per million of suspended solids.
Attendant with this increase of suspended solids con-
centration is a reduction in light penetration by as
much as 5 to 10 times. Divers report that when viewed
at night using a flashlight beam, particles can be
observed in a sunbeam—excuse me—particles can be
observed as a sunbeam passing through dusty air. On
some days, bands of green water extended in .a continuous
-------
327
Dr. D. I. Mount
fashion from the Reserve discharge to many miles southwest
i
on the plant, and there was no doubt in the minds of the :
i
divers observing the green water bands that the source ;
!
was Reserve Mining. i
i
To provide objective data substantiating this '
observation, detailed analyses of the suspended solids '
were completed to identify the same, using the presence !
of cummingtonite and the absence of clay minerals as i
!
indicators . The results established beyond reasonable '
doubt that these bands of green water were due to tail- '
i
ings suspended in the water.
Figure 1, slide 1, shows the characteristic j
i
x-ray diffraction patterns of the suspended solids in !
green water and of effluent from the plant. Normal clay i
minerals are absent and the patterns are identical for j
both samples, suggesting a common source. These are j
i
being pointed out now on the screen. i
Figure 2 shows characteristic x-ray diffraction
patterns for sediments from two tributaries to Lake
Superior. Note the absence of cummingtonite and the
presence of normally found clay minerals. Other labora-
tory studies of the reflectance spectra of suspended
-------
328
Dr. D- I. Mount
1 tailings from green water indicated that the color would
i
i
I appear as yellow-green to the eye.
If we could have the lights, please.
Green water masses sampled along the Wisconsin
shore, and caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent run-
off, contained only a trace of cummingtonite but the
normal clay minerals that are found in natural sediments
were present. Since these analyses did not reveal the
presence of tailings in green water masses along the
Wisconsin shore, the results added confidence that the '"
method of identifying tailings in Lake Superior water
by the use of cummingtonite is a valid one.
j Other data were presented in the May session
i
of this enforcement conference and established the
presence of cummingtonite in the water supplies of
several municipalities along the Minnesota shore. The
significance of these findings is not that there is an
adverse effect on water supplies, but that the percent
of tailings in the sediment of the water supplies
decreased with distance from the Reserve plant, indica-
tive that the source was from that discharge. Further-
more, sediment collected from the detention basin at the
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
Duluth Lakewood Pumping Station in 1962 was negative
for cummingtonite and therefore not containing tailings,
but sediments obtained in 1969 were positive for tail-
ings. These observations lend strong evidence that
the source of the tailings could not have been from the
insignificant use of them on the highway for ice control
and highway fill.
Some were not convinced that the method was
i
valid, so a core sampling program was developed to
establish whether or not there were natural sources of
commingtonite in other parts of the lake that might
confuse identification of tailings. Undisturbed core
samples were taken with conventional core sampling
devices, quick frozen aboard the vessel, and brought
to the laboratory for analysis. Sections of these cores
were made and the measurements of cummingtonite, and
therefore tailings, were quantitative. The detailed
results and statistical evaluations are presented in
the technical report supplied to you.
Traces of cummingtonite in tributaries had
been found and reported previously in the May conference,
so it was necessary to quantify the amount present and
-------
330^
Dr. D. I. Mount
contributed from natural sources. The bottom portions
of the cores had the same percent cummingtonite as the
natural stream sediments from tributaries in Wisconsin
and Minnesota. This established that the input of trace
i
i
I amounts of cummingtonite from tributaries was not
i
I changed for a long period of time and that our estimates
i
I
i of these trace amounts contained in stream sediment are
i
i
! representative.
i
i
j Knowing the true amount of cummingtonite from
i
i
! natural sources enabled us to positively distinguish
the input from Reserve even though very minor amounts
are found in the stream sediment. The cummingtonite
content of the upper layers of some cores is much higher,
I
i
i indicative of a more recent and new source of that
i
mineral. Cores taken "down current" from the Reserve
discharge and near the plant show as much as 30 percent
cummingtonite or as much as 75 percent.
The statistical analysis performed revealed
that 7 of 14 cores from the Wisconsin side of the lake
contained tailings in the upper layers of the core. The
percent of tailings in lake sediment is low and depo- .
sition is discontinuous over the area southwest of the
-------
331.
Dr. D. I. Mount
i
i
Apostle Islands. Tailings are mixed with the surface
layers of sediment and are not as a blanket over the
bottom. Slide 3 shows the relationship between the
depth of tailings within the core—the depth of tailings
plotted on the vertical axis and the amount of tailings
on the horizontal. Those would be the bar graphs. Yes,
the amount of tailings horizontally and the depth within
the core on the vertical scale. And these are shown in
relation to the depth of water in which the sample was
taken for a transect from Encampment Island to Herbster,
Wisconsin. One can see that the tailings are being
deposited primarily in the edge or in the deep trough,
as shown by the bar graphs with the wide parts at the
top, off the Minnesota shore and that on this transect
no tailings were found in the Wisconsin portion of the
lake, indicative that the tailings are not crossing the
lake at that point.
The next slide, Figure 4, shows a similar plot
for a transect extending from Stony Point to Brule River.
You note that the water depth is not as deep now; we are
out of the deep part of the trough, and one can see that
the tailings are deposited over a broad area of the lake
-------
332
Dr. D. I. Mount
and in Wisconsin. This pattern may be caused by lake -
i
i
j currents carrying suspended tailings out of the trough
|
! into more shallow water, forcing them to spread. This
; suggests a reason Wisconsin samples on the Encampment
i
j Island-Herbster transect, which was the previous slide
j that I showed, were negative. The obvious stratification
: of cummingtonite in the core establishes beyond reasonable
I doubt that the source is a recent one.
If we could have the lights, please.
!
; In conjunction with the other data, this clearly
i
\ identifies the source of cummingtonite as tailings and
i demonstrates movement into a State other than that one I
i \
j i
| in which the discharge originates. I
Another investigation completed during the past
winter at the National Water Quality Laboratory was one
to measure the direct toxic effects of tailings on lake
animals. For these tests, we utilized the liquid portion
of the effluent and only the less than 2 micron tailings.
This decision was made because we do not expect the
coarser particles to be carried great distances in Lake
Superior. The results of these tests also have been pre-
sented in a technical report also.
-------
333
Dr. D- I. Mount
Concentrations less than 10 percent, which
would be equivalent to 20 parts per million of sus-
pended solids, less than 2 microns, had no direct
effects on the eggs of brook trout, lake trout or lake
herring, nor were there significant effects on the
reproduction of important plankton organisms such as
Daphnia. The data for Mysis and Pontophoria, two of the
important invertebrate food organisms in the lake, are
inconclusive, but suggestive that there may have been
effects at lesser concentrations. Mortality in control
tanks was higher than is normally acceptable for bio-
assays of this type, and so no significance can be
i
j attributed to these mortalities of these two inverte-
i
| brates. Bioassay data clearly suggest that direct
i
adverse effects of the tailings on fishes and fish food
organisms will not occur at the concentrations expected
in the lake, except for local areas near the discharge
and in the heavy density current.
Other tests were performed utilizing Lake
Superior plankton to determine whether or not there is
| algal growth potential from the effluent. The results
of these growth tests utilizing Lake Superior algae, at
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
prevailing summer surface temperatures, reveal that at
10 percent effluent (equivalent to 20 parts per million
suspended solids) there were slight growth promotion
effects of the effluent as shown in the next slide.
You can see that the amount of chlorophyll
approximately doubled in the 10 percent concentration.
I The jiggly lines at the bottom are the tracings of the I
i
i spectograph recording the chlorophyll analyses. These i
! i
! are not large, but do suggest that there is some nutrient
i !
i i
i value in the tailings and that a sufficient concentration!
produces a measurable increase in algal growth. These
| data do not suggest that there will be an algae bloom
near the point of discharge, but indicate that materials
are dissolving that provide nutrients for algal growth
and that the tailings therefore should be considered as i
|
one source of nutrients in Lake Superior. j
Still other tests were performed to determine
the effect on the growth of bacteria of sanitary signifi-
cance. E. coli, one of the most commonly used indicator
bacteria, and Klebsiella pneumonia, a human pathogen,
were used as representative bacteria for the tests.
Figure 6, the next slide, shows the response of E. coli
-------
335
Dr. D. I. Mount
to tailings. The 0.1 percent effluent in Lake Superior
water compared to 100 percent lake water caused a sig-
nificant decrease in the dieaway of E. coli. This is to
say that they lived longer and grew and did not die away j
as they did in the lake water. And the 1 percent con- I
I i
centration produced a luxurient growth of bacteria. '
|
Figure 7 shows the response of Klebsiella to !
taconite tailings, and in this case there was no response
I
at 0.1 percent but a significant response at 1 percent--
the 1 percent equivalent to 2 milligrams per liter, a
particle less than 2 microns. These tests suggest s-trongly
I
that bacteria discharged into the lake will live longer
or even grow in the presence of tailings. Most important-
ly, however, these tests demonstrate that the tailings
are biologically active and they are not inert.
At the present time,known discharges of
bacteria to Lake Superior are not numerous and the
number should be reduced when adequate treatment is pro-
vided. There is no implication from this data that we
should expect to see a bacterial problem in Lake Superior
if discharges containing bacteria are adequately controlled
Solubility studies were also made to establish
-------
336_
Dr. D. I. Mount
the rate of solution of tailings in Lake Superior water.
Some solubility studies were performed at summer tem-
peratures in order to accelerate the rate of solution
and to compress the experimental period into a shorter
time span. The results of some of these studies are
presented in Figure 8, the next slide. You can see a
rapid increase in dissolved materials as the water passes
through the plant, shown on the initial part of the
curve as a vertical line, and a much slower rate of
solution during the next 28 days. Various dissolved
solids increased from 1-1/2 to 18 times over those in
lake water.
Figure 9j "the next slide, shows the increase
in conductance of the water in contact with tailings.
During a period of 90 days, conductance, an indicator
of total dissolved solids, increased from 30 to 70
percent, depending on the suspended solids concentration.
If we could have the lights now, please.
Other tests measured solubility of total
tailings effluent in 5-gallon carboys at 6° Centi-
grade for a period of 332 days. These provided a
more realistic picture of the solubility rate that
-------
337
Dr. D. I. Mount
might be expected from tailings settled on the lake
bottom. This experiment was unrealistic in that there
were no water currents in the jugs to mix the dissolved
materials. These data show increases up to 100 percent
in the dissolved silica, sodium, potassium, calcium and
magnesium, indicating that even in the absence of cur-
rents and when settled on the bottom, the tailings do
dissolve slowly. Increases in dissolved solids in ;
I
interstitial water were much larger. ,'
Since Reserve reported preliminary data on |
i
bottom fauna studies in May, we did not conduct additional
sampling surveys in the lake, but we look forward with I
I great interest to hearing at this conference the results j
1 j
of those studies. I
i
Unfortunately, it was not possible to co.nduct j
the experimental work designed to determine whether or I
j
not important fishes in the lake, such as lake herring, j
avoid green water. These studies would have been help-
ful in assessing the significance of green water along
the Minnesota shore and in verifying the alleged effects
on commercial fishing.
The data presented do not clearly reveal the
-------
338_
Dr. D. I. Mount
impact of tailings on Lake Superior. I have had
numerous discussions with my staff regarding the
probable impact of tailings on the lake viewed in light
of the data currently available. We are fully aware of
the serious consequences of failing to adequately pro-
tect Lake Superior from man-made discharges and we are
also keenly aware of the expensive disposal methods
which would have to be employed in order to eliminate
this discharge. With these important considerations
in mind, and in light of the scientific data presently
available, we believe that the following points are
established beyond reasonable doubt:
1. Tailings discharged to Lake Superior by
I Reserve Mining are found in the western end of Lake
Superior and occur in the sediments of Wisconsin. These
deposits are discontinuous and are mixed with the sur-
| face layers of the bottom sediment of the lake. There
is not a blanket over the western portion of the lake,
except for an area near the point of discharge.
2. Tailings cause green water along the Minne-
sota shore, and there is an adverse public reaction to
the aesthetic appearance of this coloration.
-------
339
Dr. D. I. Mount
3. The tailings contribute measurable quan-
tities of dissolved materials to the lake. Based on
data supplied to the State of Minnesota by Reserve,
this is a minimum of 20 tons per day. These materials
provide measurable algal growth stimulation when in
sufficient concentration,, indicative of their nutrient
I value.
[
! 4. Tailings are biologically active as evi-
i
I denced by effects on algae and bacterial growth.
i
t
5. With the data available to date, it does
not seem probable that there are direct adverse effects
on the fishes of Lake Superior or their food organisms,
except near the discharge.
6. The bacterial and algal growth promotion
and the contribution of dissolved solids from the tail-
ings contribute in an adverse way to water quality.
7. Many materials contributed to Lake Superior
water by the taconite discharge are contained in other
discharges identified by this conference, and the control
of the Reserve Mining discharge should be considered as
one part of the basin-wide problem.
These effects must be put into perspective and
-------
Dr. D- I. Mount
"balanced against still other considerations. Of all
uses, regulatory agencies most often regard effects !
! I
I of pollutants on aquatic life as the most pronounced, j
but this is not true in Lake Superior. This conference
stated that Lake Superior is a "priceless natural heri-
I tage" and that it is "to be preserved in its present
state." To achieve these goals, every effort must be
j made to remove all possible sources of materials enter-
ing the lake. Data have been presented to this conferenc
I before demonstrating that an increase from 0.5 to 1.5
parts per million of suspended solids will reduce water
clarity by severalfold. This is a change not worth
considering in most lakes; neither are such changes
likely to drastically alter the fishery of Lake Superior.
But they will cause an obvious and undesirable change in
the lake's blue color, aesthetic appeal, and water clar-
ity.
In my judgment the effect of Reserve's dis-
charge should be assessed in terms of altering the lake's
appearance rather than the toxic effects on fish and
fish food organisms or endangering water supplies. The
discharge is one of many sources increasing the dissolved
e
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
materials in the water and these materials provide some
acceleration of the lake's aging process. Certainly
!
the population and industrialization will increase in j
| the basin and this growth will place an increased burden
t
i on Lake Superior. The decisions made now regarding the
! addition of persistent materials will affect the entire
; future history of Lake Superior.
i
: As sanitary engineers and regulatory adminis-
| trators, we have fooled ourselves and unthinkingly
<
! implied that secondary waste treatment of sewage will
i
; give a high quality effluent, but this effluent still
| contains high (relative to Lake Superior) concentrations
! of dissolved solids that also contribute to aging. The
concentrations of sulphates, chlorides, calcium, sodium,
i
j nitrates and others, are much higher in secondary
i
effluent than present concentrations in Lake Superior,
{ and these sources, combined with ones from mining, paper
i
! manufacturing and clay erosion, will accelerate the
increase in total dissolved solids and eventual eutro-
! phication. We won't stop eutrophication, but we can
reduce the rate.
Many say Lake Superior is too big to
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
contaminate. As a boy in Ohio I heard this said of Lake |
I
| Erie, too, but now we know differently. I, for one, havej
been skeptical of the alleged effects of pesticides on
] fish and birds, but I must confess my mind has been
changed by environmental recovery following the ban of
DDT and dieldrin in Great Britain. Who of us here today
would have believed five years ago that a few parts per
trillion of DDT in Lake Michigan would result in seizure
of coho salmon by FDA because the DDT concentrations in
the flesh were unacceptably high? Who of us here would
have predicted two years ago that the very small discharge
of mercury into Lake St. Glair and Lake Erie would
result in closing the commercial fishery of Lake Erie
in order to guard against human consumption of fish
containing an unacceptable amount of mercury?
Some here today believe that the present dis-
charges to Lake Superior will not cause adverse changes
in the lake- What are the chances that an effect like
the DDT one in Lake Michigan will happen in Lake Superior,
perhaps for a different pollutant? How many realized
that the Welland Canal around Niagara Falls would result
in the near loss of the lake trout fishery of Lake
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
Superior as a result of the lamprey?
We must consider Lake Superior as part of the
I
Great Lakes and not isolated from them. Of course Lake
i
Superior will not be affected by many events in the other
I
j Great Lakes,, but events in Lake Superior will certainly i
I |
! affect them. The high quality water from Lake Superior '•
\
\ must have a tremendous beneficial effect on Lake Erie •
I ,
] and clearly nothing should be done to reduce that benefit.
! In summary, I suppose the essence of what I i
i
; have tried to say is that the effects of present dis-
I
charges are small, but they are in the direction of '
degradation, mostly because the materials being added j
i
are persistent and the flushing rate of the lake is
very slow. Their effects are irreversible and cumulative!.
The decision is, in reality, based on the question, shoul
our plan of action protect for 50 years or 500 years or
I
more? Historians may well record that the future of Lake
Superior was cast by this conference. The conferees'
responsibility is sobering.
Thank you. (Applause.)
(The foregoing report, with attachments, is as
follows:)
-------
SUMMARY OF EFFECTS OF TAILINGS
ON LAKE SUPERIOR
Donald I. Mount, Ph. D. , Director
NATIONAL WATER QUALITY LABORATORY
Duluth, Minnesota
-------
During past sessions of this Enforcement Conference,
statements have been made regarding the effects, on the ecology of
Lake Superior, of taconite tailings discharged from Reserve Mining
Company. The purpose of my presentation today is to attempt to
identify important points which the National Water Quality Laboratory
feels have been established beyond reasonable doubt. We have been
conducting laboratory investigations regarding the chemical and
biological behavior of tailings and we completed a sampling survey of
Lake Superior bottom sediments last summer. Results of these studies
are presented in technical reports that have been sent to each of the
conferees in advance of this conference.
During the autumn of 1968, members of my staff studied, in
some detail, the characteristics of green water that occurs along the
Minnesota shore and is particularly noticeable in autumn and spring.
The purpose was to identify the characteristics of green water and the
source, if possible. As a result of these field and laboratory investiga-
tions, we found that green water contains approximately 1. 5 ppm of
suspended solids as opposed to clear water which contained . 5 or less ppm
of suspended solids. Attendant with this increase of suspended solids
concentration is a reduction in light penetration by as much as 5 to 10
times. Divers report that when viewed at night using a flashlight beam,
particles are visible in the green water in much the same way that dust
particles can be observed in a sunbeam passing through dusty air. On
some days, bands of green water extended in a continuous fashion from
the Reserve discharge to many miles southwest of the plant, and there
was no doubt in the minds of the divers observing the green water bands,
that the source was Reserve Mining.
To provide objective data substantiating this observation,
detailed analyses of the suspended solids were completed to identify
the same, using the presence of cummingtonite, and the absence of
clay minerals as indicators. The results established beyond reasonable
doubt that these bands of green water were due to tailings suspended in
the water.
Figure 1 shows the characteristic X ray diffraction patterns of
the suspended solids in green water and of effluent from the plant.
-------
Normal clay minerals are absent and the patterns are identical for
both samples, suggesting a common source. Figure 2 shows
characteristic X ray diffraction patterns for sediments from two
tributaries to Lake Superior. Note the near absence of cummingtonite
and the presence of normally found clay minerals. Other laboratory
studies of the reflectance spectra of suspended tailings from green
water indicated that the color would appear as yellow-green to the eye.
Green water masses sampled along the Wisconsin shore and
caused by heavy rainfall and subsequent runoff, contained only a trace of
cummingtonite but the normal clay minerals that are found in natural
sediments were present. Since these analyses did not reveal the
presence of tailings in green water masses along the Wisconsin shore,
the results added confidence that the method of identifying tailings in
Lake Superior water by the use of cummingtonite, is a valid one.
Other data were presented in the May session of this Enforce-
ment Conference and established the presence of cummingtonite in the
water supplies of several municipalities along the Minnesota shore.
The significance of these findings is not that there is an adverse effect
on water supplies, but that the per cent of tailings in the sediment of
the water supplies decreased with distance from the Reserve plant,
indicative that the source was from that discharge. Furthermore,
sediment collected from the detention basin at the Duluth Lakewood
Pumping Station in 1962 was negative for cummingtonite and therefore not
tailings, but sediments obtained in 19&9 were positive for tailings. These
observations lend strong evidence that the source of the tailings could
not have been from the insignificant use of them on the highway for ice
control and highway fill.
Some were not convinced that the method was valid, so a core
sampling program was developed to establish whether or not there were
natural sources of cummingtonite in other parts of the Lake that might
confuse identification of tailings. Undistrubed core samples were taken
with conventional core sampling devices, quick frozen aboard the vessel,
and brought to the laboratory for analysis. Sections of these cores were
made and the measurements of cummingtonite and therefore tailings, were
quantitative. The detailed results and statistical evaluations are presented
in the technical report supplied to you. Traces of cummingtonite in
tributaries had been found and reported previously, so it was necessary
-------
347
to quantify the amount present and contributed from natural sources.
The bottom portions of the cores had the same per cent cummingtonite
as the natural stream sediments from tributaries in Wisconsin and
Minnesota. This established that the input of trace amounts of
cummingtonite from tributaries has not changed for a long period of
time and that our estimates of these trace amounts contained in
stream sediment, are representative. Knowing the true amount of
cummingtonite from natural sources, enabled us to positively distinguish
the input from Reserve even though very minor amounts are found in
stream sediment. The cummingtonite content of the upper layers of
some cores is much higher, indicative of a more recent and new source
of that mineral. Cores taken "down current" from the Reserve discharge
and near the plant show as much as 30% cummingtonite (or as much as
75% tailings). The statistical analysis performed revealed that 7 of 14
cores from the Wisconsin side of the Lake contained tailings in the upper
layers of the core. The per cent of tailings in lake sediment is low and
deposition is discontinuous over the area southwest of the Apostle Islands.
Tailings are mixed with the surface layers of sediment and are not as a
blanket over the lake bottom. Figure 3 shows the relationship between
depth of tailings within the core and depth of water, for a transect from
Encampment Island to Herbster, Wisconsin. One can see that the tailings
are being deposited primarily in the deep trough off the Minnesota shore
and that on this transect no tailings were found in the Wisconsin portion
of the Lake. Figure 4 shows a similar plot for a transect extending from
Stoney Point to the Brule River. One can see that the tailings are deposited
over a broad area of the Lake and in Wisconsin. This pattern may be
caused by lake currents carrying suspended tailings out of the trough into
more shallow water; forcing them to spread. This suggests a reason
Wisconsin samples on the Encampment Island-Herbster transect, were
negative. The obvious stratification of cummingtonite in the core
establishes beyond reasonable doubt that the source is a recent, one.
In conjunction with the other data, this clearly identifies the source of
cummingtonite as tailings, and demonstrates movement into a state other
than that one in which the discharge originates.
Another investigation completed during the past winter at the
National Water Quality Laboratory, was one to measure the direct toxic
effects of taconite tailings on lake animals. For these tests, we
utilized the liquid portion of the effluent and only the less than 2 micron
tailings. This decision was made because we do not expect the coarser
particles to be carried great distances in Lake Superior. The results
-------
348
of these tests have been presented in a technical report also.
Concentrations less than 10% (equivalent to 20 ppm of suspended
solids), had no direct effects on the eggs of brook trout, lake trout or lake
herring, nor were there significant effects on the reproduction of important
plankton organisms such as Daphnia. The data for Mysis and Pontoporia
are inconclusive, but suggestive that there may have been effects at
lesser concentrations. Mortality in control tanks was higher than is
normally acceptable for bioassays of this type, and so no significance
can be attributed to these mortalities of these two invertebrates. Bio-
assay data clearly suggest that direct adverse effects of the tailings on
fishes and fish food organisms will not occur at the concentrations expected
in the Lake, except for local areas near the discharge and in the heavy
density current.
Other tests were performed Utilizing Lake Superior plankton to
determine whether or not there is algal growth potential from the effluent.
The results of these growth tests utilizing Lake Superior algae, at
prevailing summer, surface temperatures, reveal that at 10% effluent
(equivalent to 20 ppm suspended solids), there are slight growth promotion
effects of the effluent as shown in Figure 5. These are not large, but do
suggest that there is some nutrient value in the tailings and that a sufficient
concentration produces a measurable increase in algal growth. These data
do not suggest that there will be an algae bloom near the point of discharge,
but indicate that materials are dissolving that provide nutrients for algal
growth and that the tailings therefore should be considered as one source
of nutrients in Lake Superior.
Still other tests were performed to determine the effect on the
growth of bacteria of sanitary significance. E_. coli, one of the most
commonly used indicator bacteria and Klebsiella pneumonia, a human
pathogen, were used as representative bacteria for the tests. Figure 6
shows the response of E_. coli to tailings. One-tenthper cent effluent in
Lake Superior water (equivalent to approximately .2 mg/1 of suspended
solids), compared to 100% lake water caused a significant decrease in
the die away rate of E_. coli, and 1% produced a luxurient growth of
bacteria. Figure 7 shows the response of Klebsiella to taconite tailings
and in this case, there was no response at .1%, but a significant response
at 1% (equivalent to 2 mg/1). These tests suggest strongly that bacteria
discharged into the Lake will live longer or even grow, in the presence of
tailings. Most importantly however, these tests demonstrate that the
tailings are biologically active and that they are not inert. At the present
-------
time, known discharges of bacteria to Lake Superior are not numerous
and the number should be reduced when adequate treatment is provided.
There is no implication from this data that we should expect to see a
bacterial problem in Lake Superior if discharges containing bacteria
are adequately controlled.
Solubility studies were also made to establish the rate of
solution of tailings in Lake Superior water. Some solubility studies were
performed at summer temperatures in order to accelerate the rate of
solution and to compress the experimental period into a shorter time
span. The results of some of these studies are presented in Figure 8.
You can see a rapid increase in dissolved materials as the water passes
through the plant and a much slower rate of solution during the next 28
days. Various dissolved solids increased from 1. 5 to 18 times over those
in lake water. Figure 9 shows the increase in conductance of the water
in contact with tailings. During a period of 90 days, conductance, an
indicator of total dissolved solids, increased from 30 to 70%, depending
on the suspended solids concentration. Other tests measured solubility
of total tailings effluent, in 5-gal. carboys at 6° C (a typical lake
temperature for the bottom of the Lake), for a period of 332 days. These
provided a more realistic picture of the solubility rate that might be
expected from tailings settled on the Lake bottom. This experiment was
unrealistic in that there were no water currents in the iugs to mix the
dissolved material. These data show increases up to 100% in the dissolved
silica, sodium,potassium, calcium and magnesium, indicating that even
in the absence of currents and when settled on the bottom, the tailings
do dissolve slowly. Increases of dissolved solids in interstitial water
were much larger.
Since Reserve reported preliminary data on bottom fauna studies
in May, we did not conduct additional sampling surveys in the Lake, but
we look forward, with great interest, to hearing at this conference the
results of those studies.
Unfortunately, it was not possible to conduct the experimental
work designed to determine whether or not important fishes in the Lake,
such as lake herring, avoid green water. These studies would have been
helpful in assessing the significance of green water along the Minnesota
shore and in verifying the alleged effects on commercial fishing.
The data presented do not clearly reveal the impact of tailings
on Lake Superior. I have had numerous discussions with my staff regarding
-------
350
the probable impact of tailings on Lake Superior, viewed in light of
the data currently available. We are fully aware of the serious
consequences of failing to adequately protect Lake Superior from man
made discharges and we are also keenly aware of the expensive disposal
methods which would have to be employed in order to eliminate this
discharge. With these important considerations in mind, and in light
of the scientific data presently available, we believe that the following
points are established beyond reasonable doubt:
1. Tailings discharged to Lake Superior by Reserve Mining
are found in the western end of Lake Superior and occur in the sediments
of Wisconsin. These deposits are discontinuous and are mixed with the
surface layers of the bottom sediment of the Lake. There is not a
blanket over the western portion of the Lake, except for an area near
the point of discharge.
2. Tailings cause green water along the Minnesota shore,
and there is an adverse public reaction to the aesthetic appearance of
this coloration.
3. The tailings contribute measurable quantities of dissolved
materials to the Lake. Based on data supplied to the State of Minnesota
by Reserve, this is a minimum of 20 tons per day. These materials
provide measurable algal growth stimulation when in sufficient concentra-
tion, indicative of their nutrient value.
4. Tailings are biologically active as evidenced by effects on
algae and bacterial growth.
5. With the data available to date} it does not seem probable
that there are direct adverse effects on the fishes of Lake Superior, or
their food organisms,, except near the discharge.
6. The bacterial and algal growth promotion and the contribution
of dissolved solids from the tailings contribute in an adverse way to water
quality.
7. Many materials contributed to Lake Superior water by the
taconite discharge are contained in other discharges identified by this
conference and the control of the Reserve Mining discharge should be
considered as one part of the basin-wide problem.
-------
351
These effects must be put into perspective and balanced against
still other considerations. Of all uses, regulatory agencies most often
regard effects of pollutants on aquatic life as the most pronounced, but
this is not true in Lake Superior. This conference stated that Lake
Superior is a "priceless natural heritage" and that it is "to be preserved
in its present state. " To achieve these goals, every effort must be made
to remove all possible sources of materials entering the Lake. Data have
been presented to this conference before demonstrating that an increase
from. 5 to 1. 5 ppm of suspended solids will reduce water clarity by
several fold. This is a change not worth considering in most lakes;
neither are such changes likely to drastically alter the fishery of Lake
Superior. But, they will cause an obvious and undesirable change in the
Lake's blue color, aesthetic appeal, and water clarity.
In my judgment the effect of Reserve's discharge should be
assessed in terms of altering the Lake's appearance rather than the
toxic effects on fish and fish food organisms, or endangering water
supplies. The discharge is one of many sources increasing the dissolved
materials in the water and these materials provide some acceleration of
the Lake's aging process. Certainly the population and industrialization
will increase in the basin and this growth will place an increased burden on
Lake Superior. The decisions made now regarding the addition of
persistent materials will affect the entire history of Lake Superior.
As sanitary engineers and regulatory administrators, we have
fooled ourselves, and unthinkingly implied that secondary waste treat-
ment of sewage will give a high quality effluent, but this effluent still
contains high (relative to Lake Superior) concentrations of dissolved solids
that also contribute to aging. The concentrations of sulphates, chlorides,
calcium, sodium, nitrates and others, are much higher in secondary
effluent than present concentrations in Lake Superior, and these sources,
combined with ones from mining, paper manufacturing and clay erosion,
will accelerate the increase in total dissolved solids and eventual
eutrophication. We won't stop eutrophication, but we can reduce the rate.
Many say Lake Superior is too big to contaminate. As a boy in
Ohio I heard this said of Lake Erie, too, but now we know differently. I,
for one, have been skeptical of the alleged effects of pesticides on fish and
birds, but I must confess my mind has been changed by environmental
-------
352
8
recovery following the ban of DDT and dieldrin in Great Britain. Who
of us here today would have believed, five years ago, that a few parts per
trillion of DDT in Lake Michigan would result in seizure of coho salmon
by FDA because the DDT concentrations in the flesh were unacceptably
high? Who of us here would have predicted two years ago, that the very
small discharges of mercury into Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie would
result in closing the commercial fishery of Lake Erie, in order to guard
against human consumption of fish containing an unacceptable amount of
mercury?
Some here today, believe that the present discharges to Lake
Superior will not cause adverse changes in the Lake. What
are the chances that an effect like the DDT effect in Lake Michigan will
happen in Lake Superior, perhaps for a different pollutant? How many
realized that the Welland Canal around Niagra Falls would result in the
near loss of the lake trout fishery of Lake Superior, as a result of the
lamprey?
We must consider Lake Superior as part of the Great Lakes
and not isolated from them. Of course Lake Superior will not be
affected by many events in the other Great Lakes, but events in Lake
Superior will certainly affect them. The high quality water
from Lake Superior must have a tremendous beneficial effect on Lake
Erie and clearly nothing should be done to reduce that benefit.
In summary, I suppose the essence of what I have tried to
say is that the effects of present discharges are small, but they are in
the direction of degradation, mostly because the materials being added
are persistent and the flushing rate of the Lake is very slow. Their
effects are irreversible and cumulative. The decision is, in reality,
based on the question, should our plan of action protect for 50 years,
or 500 years, or more? Historians may well record that the future of
Lake Superior was cast by this conference. The conferees' responsibility
is sobering.
-------
QUARTZ
CUMMIMGTONITE ill
FIG. 1. X ray diffraction pattern of
suspended solids of tailings effluent
and of green water.
CUMMINGTO
30
26
22
8
14
10
-------
FIG. 2. X ray diffraction patterns of
suspended solids from tributaries to
Lake Superior.
35*4
CUMM1NGTONITE
30
26
22
18
14
"io"
T
-------
Distance from Wisconsin shore (mites)
DREDGE
SAMPLE
,.26 STA.25
%CUM. %CUM.
0
0-
^ 5-
S
s
— 10-
X
t
U.I5-
(/>
25
STA. 29
% CUM.
10 20 3
"'^••:';jSlE3
.-„ ,i
--^
VERTICAL EXAGGERATION ~ 25M
ALL SEDIMENT DEPTHS ARE IN MM.
FIGURE 3 . ENCAf.1Pf.1ENT ISLAND TO HERDSTER V/IS. TRANSECT SHOWING THE
RELATIONSHIP OF % CUMMINGTONITE TO SEDIMENT DEPTH IN CORE SAMPLES.
U)
VJ1
-------
Distance from Wisconsin shore (miles)
STA. 33
BEDROCK
STA.SS
% CUM.
0 C 10 0
STA. 54
% CUM.
1.0 20
STA. 30
% CUM.
3 10. IS g.
53 STA.39 o -jj- 5-
"3 0° 5 1
_iO-~i L S- r-J IO-
0
3-
10-
15-
20-
85
30-
8
1
13-
10--
DREDGE
SAtJPLE
15-:
20-,
VERTICAL EXAGGERATION ~ 25'l
ALL SEDIMENT DEPTHS ARE IN LI M.
FIGURE
STOREY POUJT, MINM. TO DRULE RIVER, VVIS. TRANSECT SHOWING THE
RELATIONSHIP OF % CUMmNGTOmTE TO SEDIMENT DEPTH IN COHE SAMPLES.
OJ
Ul
cr\
-------
3.0 ff-
1
2.0 j.
0. F
0 F
K f:
o -
5 1.0 f
CONTROL 0.1 "/. 1 "/.
TAILINGS EFFLUENT CONCENTRATION
10"/0
FIG. 5. Chlorophyll-a content and spectra (6630 A region) versus taconite
tailings effluent concentration.
u>
-------
358
FIG. 6. Growth response of E. coll to tailings.
WATER
COJflROL.
10
II
-------
FIG. 7. Growth response of K. pneumonia to tailing's.
I ELLA PNEUMOKJIA TYPE 1-1-
369
\
\
\
\
LAKE. WATS H.
\-
TIME IM
-------
36o
FIG. 8 Chemical analyses of taconite tailings effluent versus days at 6 C
G-TAIL1NGS SUSPENSION
lot
S f
.0-
.o-
JO"
u
j£ SILICON DIOXIDE (mg/l)
4 H
14
DAYS
21 2S
O-PLANT INTAKE WATER
30 !;
24
0 ^
O
MANGANESE (/u g / I)
14
DAYS
21 2S
3.0
2.0
1.0
o.
POTASSIUM (mg/l)
0.0
0
14
DAYS
21
5.0
3.0'
4.0
2jO
-©«
MAGNESIUM (mg/l)
•O-
0
14
DAYS
21 28
-------
1 2 0
1 00
O
o
00
80
ui
o
z
u
r>
o
z
o
u
o
o
UJ
CL
60
-40
20
TACONITE TAILINGS EFFLUENT
0 L.SUPERIOR WATER
DISTILLED WATER
15
3O
45
DAYS
60
75
-0-
FIG. 9- Specific conductance of taconite tailings effluent versus days at 20° C.
U)
-------
362^
Dr. D. I. Mount
MR. STEIN: Thank you for a very comprehensive
and careful statement.
Are there any comments or questions?
Mr. Purdy.
MR. PURDY: Mr. Stein, I feel so.mewhat frus-
trated here. I was trying to relate the problems with
respect to the Reserve Mining Company to problems of
interstate pollution, the subject that I think is of
prime importance to this conference, to determine whether
in fact such discharges are subject to the control of
this conference.
I can recognize the value of the priceless
natural heritage of the lake as it is, but again is this
a matter that is under the Federal Act that is actionable
under interstate pollution?
MR. STEIN: Well, that is a conclusion we have
to get. But let's ask Dr. Mount to answer that. I was
looking at the same point. Let's try to work on this
together.
Dr. Mount, let's see if you can help us on this
You indicate that these—one of your--I can't put my
finger on it, but you can. Oh, here is where it says:
-------
363
Dr. D. I. Mount
i
i
"1. Tailings discharged to Lake Superior by j
Reserve Mining are found in the western end of Lake '
Superior and occur in the sediments of Wisconsin." •
i
Would you explain that without the conclusion? i
i
DR. MOUNT: Well, I am not sure I can say it •
\
any better than I have tried to say it already. But we '
are simply saying that they are moving from Minnesota to i
i
Wisconsin and they are circulating through this end of :
the lake. i
MR. STEIN: Yes. Let me see if I can para- ;
phrase this, and why don't you check me, Mr. Purdy. '
As I understand your statement, Dr. Mount, you j
i
!
are saying that the tailings discharged into Lake Superior
I
I
j by Reserve Mining find their way to Wisconsin; that these!
i
!
tailings are biologically active and promote the growth
of algae.
Have I overstated that?
DR. MOUNT: In proper concentrations and also
bacteria.
MR. STEIN: Yes, and also bacteria.
All right. Now, presumably in proper concen-
trations in Wisconsin?
-------
364
Dr. D. I. Mount
MR. PURDY: That is what bothers me.
DR. MOUNT: We have not made measurements in
the water, but it certainly seems reasonable to me that
concentrations in the order of less than a half a part
per million would be expected to occur in Wisconsin from
time to time, not necessarily in all of the water nor all
of the time.
MR. STEIN: You would expect that the concen-
trations in Wisconsin of taconite tailings caused by the
activities of Reserve Mining would from time to time--I
am just restating this; you can do it—from time to time
would create biologically active conditions which would
lead to the growth of algae and bacteria. Is this a fair
i
j
statement of what you have said?
DR. MOUNT: I can only express an opinion and
that is that I would expect concentrations in the range
of a half a part per million or less to occur at times in
Wisconsin, and our recent tests with bacteria have shown
that this accelerates their growth rate.
MR. STEIN: I can draw a conclusion here, but I
would rather have you do it. Let me ask this: In your
*
opinion, do you believe that from time to time in Wisconsin
-------
__ 365
Dr. D. I. Mount
waters there occurs taconite tailings caused by the
discharge of wastes from Reserve Mining which results in
bacterial activity which causes accelerated algal and
bacterial growth?
DR. MOUNT: I am not trying to avoid that ques-
tion. Maybe I am. (Laughter.)
I am looking at Figure 4 and I see there that
there are concentrations in the range of 10 percent in
the surface sediments very near the State line, and I
would certainly expect to find such concentrations in
Wisconsin in that area that most probably would promote
some bacterial growth.
MR. STEIN: How about algal growth?
DR. MOUNT: I wouldn't want to venture an
opinion on that one, not with our present information.
MR. STEIN: All right.
MR. PURDY: Mr. Stein, I have several questions
that relate to this that I would like to run down through
just for clarification in my own mind.
You discuss the green water phenomena. Now, is
this limited to Minnesota waters?
DR. MOUNT: As far as our measurements are
-------
366_
Dr. D. I. Mount
concerned. The measurements that we did make in Wiscon-
sin on one date did not contain tailings, in our judgment
MR. PURDY: J,ust;.fjDffrmgr own information, you
mentioned divers' report. I; am wondering who the divers
were .
DR. MOUNT: Mr. Jack Arthur, who is present
i
| today; Mr. Duane Benoit I think is here.
MR. PURDY: These were people on your staff?
| DR. MOUNT: My staff, yes. And Mr. Wesley
Smith. And we have slides which we could have brought of
that. I
MR. PURDY: You mentioned the presence of tail-
ings in water supplies. Again is this,limited to Minne-
sota water supplies?
DR. MOUNT: Yes, it was. We :found them only in
Minnesota waters.
MR. PURDY: You mentioned the adverse effects o
the tailings on fishes and fish food organisms as occur-
ring in the local areas near the discharge and in the
heavy density current. The 9~square-mile area has been
referred to in many other cases. Would this be contained
within this 9-square-mile area or would it extend outside
-------
-^ ___ 367
Dr. D. I. Mount
of thisV
DR. MOUNT: As I indicated., we didn't make
bottom fauna studies. I refer you or remind you again j
!
of the State report in which, as I recall, the organism j
i
counts of Pontoporeia were somewhat higher nearer the i
i
discharge and diminished at a greater distance from the j
plant. There is no question, I believe, from the infor- '
j
mation supplied by the company to the State and contained!
in several reports that the pile of tailings identifiable;
in at least tenths of inches in depth extends for some j
i
considerable miles beyond that, I am not sure whether it '
is 10 or 15 or some distance like this. As I indicated, j
Reserve has completed, as I understand it—well, they
reported in the May session that they were doing some
bottom fauna studies and I would hope that we will hear
from them in regard to the effect on organisms that they j
found.
MR. PURDY: Then the report discusses the
measurable increase in algal growth. Would you consider
these in the same context as, say, phosphorus discharged
from Munising, Michigan, that this is contributed to the
lake and mixes with the lake water as a whole and so,
-------
368_
Dr. D. I. Mount
therefore, contributes to accelerated rate of eutrophi-
cation of the lake as a whole?
DR. MOUNT: We were not able or did not identify
the particular element or mineral which caused the
increased algal growth, but we believe that there is j
i
nutrient value in these tailings, and I would see no I
! reason why this contribution would not enhance contri- i
| i
! butions from other known sources of nutrients. If you |
! !
I have detailed questions on this, I think perhaps Dr. i
i Bartsch ought to handle those since he is more familiar I.
i i
i i
| with the algal growth than I. |
i
I
j MR. PURDY: I am not so concerned about the
i
| specific element, but would it be considered to have the
same effect as some other specific element discharged at j
some other point in the lake that we say mixes with the
lake water as a whole and therefore is of interstate sig-
nificance?
DR. MOUNT: I would think that it would have a
contributing effect or an additive effect.
MR. PURDY: That is all. Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Are there any other comments or
questions?
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369
Dr. D. I. Mount
MR. MAYO: Yes, I have a few questions,, Mr.
Chairman.
Dr. Mount, would you elaborate on your Conclu-
sion No. 7 as to the relationship of the Reserve discharg
to other discharges on the lake?
| DR. MOUNT: Yes. The Chairman, Mr. Stein, askejl
i
i
! me in October about the significance of something added
i
I to the lake and whether it might affect the lake in some
other place. What we are trying to say in this Con-
• elusion No. 7 is that we cannot consider Reserve as being
j
j the only source of materials that affect this lake and
that other discharges, which I identified in my statement
are also contributing similar materials, and these should
receive careful attention too and be considered in light
of all discharges and not just a single one.
MR. MAYO: One other question. In the summary
report that you presented you mentioned the significance
of the tailings with respect to Klebsiella pneumonia.
Why was that organism chosen?
DR. MOUNT: Mr. Chairman, if it is all right, I
would like to ask Dr. Donald Herman of my staff to answer
that question.
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370
Dr. D. I. Mount
Dr. Herman.
DR. HERMAN: I am Donald Herman, Research
Microbiologist with the National Water Quality Lab.
The question was why we selected Klebsiella
pneumonia as one of the test organisms. Well, for years
in judging pollution effects on our waters we have used
the coliform organisms as an indicator. They have been
i covered as a group. In this case, since we did find the
|
Klebsiella pneumonia organism within the basin area, it
was isolated from waters within the basin and also was |
| confirmed by the National Communicable Disease Center,
I included this as an example of the pathogenic type
I
organism as well as our work with E. coli, which is well
recognized as an indicator organism.
MR. MAYO: How significant is the Klebsiella
pneumonia organism in the basin; how significant is this
in the basin?
DR. HERMAN: In the basin, I could not say for
the basin as a whole. I found this isolation in one area
within the basin. As you realize, with a limited staff
and limited time, we have not had the time to check other
areas of the basin. But this is one case where the
-------
. 371
Dr. D. I. Mount
Klebsiella pneumonia was a pathogenic organism that was
found within the wa-cer within the basin, so it exists
as a typical example of an organism that we know can
be found in areas of Lake Superior.
MR. MAYO: Thank you. !
i
!
MR. STEIN: Mr. Frangos. j
I
i
MR. FRANGOS: Yes. First let me congratulate |
i
Dr. Mount on an excellent summary of an awful lot of
work and investigation.
I would like to inquire about this question of
the tailings providing nutrients or algal growth. I am
wondering,, can you give us some kind of a comparison as
to the potential contribution of tailings and let's say
other sediments?
DR. MOUNT: Dr. Glass, would you care to answer
that question? I think you have made some comparisons
with tributaries.
DR. GLASS: My name is Gary Glass, National
Water Quality Lab.
I conducted the dissolution experiments which
make up Report No. 6. I believe the question is how do
the nutrients which stimulate algae, or in this case
-------
372_
Dr. D. I. Mount
diatoms, compare with other nutrients within the basin?
If one considers the approximate increases that
I measured, these increases multiplied, times the total
volume or the total amount that, say, Reserve puts out in
one day compared with the St. Louis River, for instance, j
the St. Louis River is approximately — oh, I think it is
the largest stream entering the lake and certainly is the
largest in this area or in the western end of the lake--
compared the Reserve amount of silica, silicon dioxide,
with the St. Louis River, the amount found is approxi-
mately 40 percent of the input of the St. Louis River.
Now, the ^-0 percent number is a very approximate number
based on the numbers of the results of my dissolution
experiments.
My dissolution experiments give a minimum
amount of silica which will be added by the Reserve
Mining Company. These numbers could be increased or
probably would be increased by simulating the effects of
Lake Superior on the tailings themselves. I would have
to--well, I would describe my experiments which used
these 5-gallon carboys, no stirring or mixing of these
sediments to derive these silicon dioxide numbers.
-------
__ 373
Dr. D. I. Mount
But in general or to recap., in terms of the
growth stimulation that was found for diatoms, the silicaj
I
i
appears to be the component which caused this growth !
i
increase, and comparing the daily output of the Reserve i
!
with the St. Louis River, Reserve corresponds to be at a
i
minimum 40 percent of the St.Louis River. These are i
based on gross estimates. \
Does that answer your question? The number may!
be closer to 80 percent in reality. |
|
MR. PRANGOS: Well, then, I conclude that we i
!
have got a very significant problem, looking at the whole,
i
sedimentation problem in the lake. There was some i
I
i
question, at least when we started our inquiry here, j
about the solubility of silica and its stimulating effect
Shouldn't we be raising that same question with other
minerals that are contained in these sediments?
DR. GLASS: I believe the answer is yes.
MR. PRANGOS: So we have a real interest in
controlling this whole erosion business, don't we?
DR. GLASS: Certainly.
DR. MOUNT: Mr. Frangos, I would like to point
out again, I think it is very important that the algal
-------
I
111
Dr. D. I. Mount
growth studies which we have reported are only a small
number of experiments, and I don't think we should make
world-shaking conclusions on that amount of data. I
think they do suggest very strongly that there is algal
growth promotion. Whether or not it is due to one
particular material in it, I think we have not established
that at all.
MR. FRANGOS: Well, the decisions may be some-
what earth-shaking.
| I would like to ask the same question about
i
{ bacteriology. I noticed we talked about the tailings
j
j are biologically active and hence in some way can stimu-
!
i
late bacterial growths. Could we not say the same thing
perhaps or ask that question about, again, other sediment
materials?
DR. GLASS: The stimulation of bacteria could
be caused by several factors, none of which we have
looked at individually. There could be just the physical
effect of having the substrate present which would pro-
mote the growth also in addition to the nutrients which
could be added or derived from the tailings. These pointjs
are of academic interest insofar as tailings are being
-------
375
Dr. D. I. Mount
added to the lake and do materially increase, say, close
to the plant the suspended solids, so regardless of what
the specific cause of the increase is, the fact remains
that they do stimulate bacterial growth.
MR. FRANGOS: Pine, but there may be other
materials that similarly stimulate this kind of growth.
DR. GLASS: Oh, certainly. You might derive
the same thing from the sediments.
DR. MOUNT: I think this is a very significant
point, that we are not dealing with an isolated effect.
I believe that is very important.
MR. MAGKIE: Dr. Mount, with relation to your
Conclusion No. 5 relative to direct adverse effects on
the fishes of Lake Superior or their food organisms,
have your investigations led you to believe that there
may be indirect effects?
DR. MOUNT: I am sorry, I missed the last part.
MR. MACKIE: Have your investigations led you
to believe that there may be indirect or possible long-
range effects?
DR. MOUNT: Oh, we have not measured that, but
I certainly would think if changes such as the nutrient
-------
Dr. D. I. Mount
inputs are enough to cause a change in the plankton, for
example, there would be no question that we would see
changes in the fishes . And this is why I worded that verfy
carefully and said direct toxic effects.
I think, for example, again, when we see more
of the bottom fauna data we may--we certainly have seen
already in the State of Minnesota data, at least, their
attributing effects to the bottom organisms, in this case
Pontoporeia. So I think we should certainly leave that
open as a distinct possibility.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions?
Mr. Frangos.
MR. FRANGOS: Just one more question and I
would like to just review this.
My recollection is that at the last conference
we were very much interested in the data presented in the
discussions dealing with the effects on the shrimp in
that localized area in Minnesota. ' Now, did we not—at
least didn't we have the suggestion that because this doe
have an indirect effect on the fisheries in that locality
and because of the way fishes lived in the lake that it
-------
. 377
Dr. D. I. Mount
was affecting the lake as a whole?
DR. MOUNT: I think that it is very important
to recognize that in Lake Superior much of the food pro-
duction, as will be pointed out later in this conference,
I am sure, does occur only at certain water depths and
these are by and large limited to the shore areas and
certain other shallow areas. So the effect in terms of
the percent of the lake—an area affected, expressed in
terms of the percent of the total lake, is not a fair
comparison if one is looking at the production of food
organisms. And so we cannot consider the lake as being
made up of State boundaries, as I said before, or iso-
lated pieces. It must fit together, and what happens in
one part of the lake will affect or may affect what
happens in another part.
MR. STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions?
Mr. Purdy.
MR. PURDY: Yes.
Dr. Glass, relating back to the question asked
by Mr. Frangos, you estimated some -4-0 to 80 percent
increase—or not increase—equivalent to the St. Louis
-------
Dr. D- I. Mount
River. When you estimated the effects of the tailings,
i
are you assuming that, say, the total daily discharge of j
I
tailings would be in surface contact with water for dis- j
solution in the water or are you assuming that some will
be covered and not be in contact with the water?
DR. GLASS: The 40 percent estimate corresponds
to assuming that 45 percent of the tailings remain on the
delta and 55 percent go down the slope into the lake. And
this also does not include the water in the 45 percent
which is already enriched. It just takes that gross
| fraction 55 percent of the total; and if you include the
water from the 45 percent of the delta, it will get you
about 60 percent; and if you make a few other modifying
assumptions, you will raise the estimate to 80 percent of
the silica in the St. Louis River. This is based on the
St. Louis River having an average flow of 2,200 cfs and !
with the geological survey data approximating the silica i
content of about 6 parts per million. This is over a
6-months period that they measured the silica.
MR. PURDY: I think one of the complexing prob-
lems that again this indicates is that any sort of wet
process to handle tailings will cause some dissolution of
-------
379
Dr. D. I. Mount
the silica into the carrying-water vehicle. Even if
| you went to a wet tailings pond and retained the tailings
!
i in a pond on land, you would still have some of the
i
carryover of this dissolved silica now going into the
!
! lake .
|
i
!
DR. GLASS: This is correct. The dissolution
rate, however, will be slowed as the amount of silica
builds up in this process water. If you were to recircu-
late the process water, say, from a tailings pond, say
if you recirculated it 10 times, you would not build up
I 10 times the amount of silica that one sees now. It
i would approach the equilibrium value of silica in the
receiving water and then tend not to dissolve as rapidly
as though there was no silica present.
MR. PURDY: Thank you.
MR. STEIN: Are there any other questions or
comments?
Let's see, Dr. Mount is still there. Let me
refer to a statement you have on page 5. You say:
"Since Reserve reported preliminary data on
bottom fauna studies in May"--I assume that means last
May?
-------
38o_
Dr. D. I. Mount
DR. MOUNT: Yes.
MR. STEIN: --"we did not conduct additional
sampling surveys in the lake"--in other words, we didn't
take any action for a year--"but we look forward,, with ,
great interest, to hearing at this conference the results
of those studies."
Now, you mean you got the preliminary results
and you haven't heard a thing from them yet?
DR. MOUNT: I haven't seen anything.
!
MR. STEIN: Well, who do you expect to put in
the-- In other words, we suspended the Federal and State'
j governmental operations depending on Reserve, which they
were going to--and we got preliminary results last May.
We didn't do anything? We haven't heard one word from
them for a year?
DR. MOUNT: As I said, Mr. Chairman, I have not
received anything.
MR. STEIN: Who do we expect to put in the
material about the fish foods being killed, such as the .
shrimp in particular areas, if you are not going to get
it from this?
DR. MOUNT: As I indicated, I hoped that Reserve
-------
. 381
Dr. D. I. Mount
would report this at this conference.
MR. STEIN: But if they don't, we are not going
to have the information, right?
DR. MOUNT: I don't believe Reserve would with-
hold information like that.
MR. STEIN: I don't believe they would withhold
it, but we have no notion of -whether they have it. Are
you confident they have it and are going to produce it?
DR. MOUNT: I only know what was said at the
May conference--that these were preliminary results and
they would continue with the bottom fauna studies. I
believe the record will bear me out on that.
MR. STEIN: And you are confidently expecting
that they will produce those at this conference here
today and tomorrow?
DR. MOUNT: I hope they will.
MR. STEIN: All right. Well, if they don't
what are we going to do?
DR. MOUNT: Drop back ^0 and kick, I guess.
(Laughter.)
MR. STEIN: Well, I am optimistic with you and
I am sure that your faith in Reserve is not misplaced and
-------
382_
Dr. D. I. Mount
we are going to get this tomorrow.
Are there any other comments or questions?
If not, we will stand recessed until 9:30
tomorrow morning. |
i
i
(Whereupon, at 5 o'clock an adjournment was !
i
taken until 9:30 o'clock, April 30, 1970.) I
-------
383
MORNING SESSION
THURSDAY^ APRIL 30, 1970
(9:30 o'clock)
MR. STEIN: We stand reconvened.
I would like to read a telegram which pre-
sumably should have been here yesterday but we did not
get it.
Addressed to me, the telegram reads as follows:j
"in a telegram yesterday to the Chief of the
United States Army Corps of Engineers, I once again
urged the Corps to cancel its present permit allowing
Reserve Mining Company to dump its tailings into Lake
Superior and to base any future permit to Reserve on the
adoption of plans that guarantee the expeditious and
complete elimination of the tailings pollution of the
lake." (Applause.)
"in a commendable step in February, the Sec-
retary of the Interior urged a similar approach in his
letter to the Chief of the Corps with department recom-
mendations. By any or all of the means available to
Federal and State authorities, including court action if
necessary, this pollution of the lake must be stopped.
The evidence presented this month by Federal reports that
-------
384
Hon. G- Nelson
I the tailings cover areas in a 1,000-square-mile portion
|
of Lake Superior, including Wisconsin as well as Minne-
sota waters, is further confirmation of the serious and
interstate nature of this discharge. The threatened
environmental consequences are similar to those that
have all but destroyed Lake Erie and are threatening
Lake Michigan. The cost to society of the pollution of
Lake Superior and the cost in economic as well as other
terms to the local area and the region would be immeas-
urable. There is no way to replace this resource, no way
to compensate for its destruction.
"By comparison, the costs of controlling the
Reserve discharge are minimal and preliminary studies by
the company's consultants confirm the feasibility of on-
land disposal of the tailings, as did a United States
Bureau of Mines study.
"This matter is a classic test of our willing-
ness in this country to establish a national commitment
to restore and protect the quality of our environment.
If we are unable of unwilling to protect the integrity of
the largest and most significant freshwater lake in
America, there is serious doubt that we will meet the
-------
. 385
M. Garnet
grave challenge posed by our national environmental
crisis . "
Signed Senator Gaylord Nelson. (Applause.)
We also have some things to clear up from
yesterday before we proceed with calling on the States.
Mr. Bryson.
MR. BRYSON: There is one additional statement
by the Federal Water Quality Administration. This deals
with vessel waste legislation that has recently passed
Congress. Mr. Garnet will read the legislation into the
record.
MERRILL GAMET, CHIEF
FEDERAL ACTIVITIES COORDINATION BRANCH
GREAT LAKES REGION, FEDERAL WATER QUALITY
ADMINISTRATION, CHICAGO,, ILLINOIS
MR. GAMET: Mr. Chairman, conferees.
(The following statement was read by Mr. Garnet:
-------
386
FEDERAL VESSEL WASTE LEGISLATION
Congress has passed a bill to further amend the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act to control pollution from vessels within the navigable
waters of the United States. The lair applies to any vessel used, or
capable of being used^ on the navigable waters of the U.S. New vessels
are units whose construction starts after promulgation of the standards
called for by this law, and existing vessels are units whose construction
started prior to the promulgation of the standards. The law also applies
to U. S. vessels unless excepted by the Secretary of Defense in the
interest of national security.
Not later than 2 years after enactment of the law the Secretary of the
Interior, after consultation with the Coast Guard, shall promulgate
Federal Standards of performance for marine sanitation devices which
shall be designed to prevent the discharge of untreated or inadequately
treated sewage into navigable waters.
The Coast Guard shall promulgate regulations governing the design,
construction, installation, and operation of any marine sanitation devices.
Initial standards and regulations become effective for new vessels two
years, after promulgation and for existing vessels five years after
promulgation.
Before the standards and regulations are promulgated everybody interested
including Federal and State Agencies and private industries have to be
consulted by the Secretary of the Interior and the Secretary of Transport-
ation.
After the effective date of the standards and regulations, no State or
political subdivision can adopt or enforce any law or regulation respect-
ing these devices in connection with any vessel covered by this law.
The State can however prohibit discharge of sewage in any waters of the
State where it is needed to implement water quality standards, with the
approval of the Secretary of the Interior.
Existing vessels that have devices installed according to State statutes
or the PHS "Handbook on Sanitation and Vessel Construction 1965" will be
considered in compliance until they need replacement or are found not to
be in compliance.
Existing State laws will govern where they require compliance prior to
the Federal compliance date. Present State statutes which do not require
waste disposal devices on watercraft or have go, compliance date later than
Federal law will be required to follow the Federal law concerning waste
disposal devices and time schedule.
-------
38?
T. G. Frangos
MR. GAMET: That Is the end of the statement.
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
If there are no questions on that, we will go
on. We from here on out will call upon the State agencies
to make presentations and the States will be responsible
for managing their own time.
First we will call on Wisconsin. <
THOMAS G. FRANGOS, ADMINISTRATOR :
DIVISION OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION i
i
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES j
MADISON, WISCONSIN
MR. FRANGOS: Mr. Chairman, conferees. I
I
My name is Thomas Frangos, the Wisconsin ,
]
Department of Natural Resources, and I will present j
i
i
information to you on the Wisconsin program relating j
j
to recommendations of this enforcement conference. I j
i
believe that all the conferees have a copy of this reportj
i
i
and I request that the full report be made part of the
record.
MR. STEIN: Without objection, the entire
report will be entered into the record as if read.
(Which said report is as follows:)
-------
388
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Division of Environmental Protection
PROGRESS REPORT
to the
LAKE SUPERIOR ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE
Duluth, Minnesota
April 29-30, 1970
-------
389
The following is a summary report of Wisconsin actions and programs
related to achieving compliance with the recommendations of the first session
of the Conference. Comments have been itemized to correspond with the
recommendation number as they appear in the Summary of Conference issued
by the Secretary of the Interior, January 26, 1970.
Two staff members participated in the development of the report
"Water Quality Guidelines for Lake Superior" which was prepared by the Lake
Superior Water Quality Technical Committee. Wisconsin is in substantial
agreement with the recommendations contained in that report.
Recommendations No_. __ 2__and No. 3 - Reserve Mining
Recommendation Jjo^^ 4 _^ Water Quality , Sar^eillarice_Progr;am
Monitoring stations were established in 1961 on the Montreal River
and the Bad River, and a new station was established in 1969 at the City of
Ashland water intake. Samples are collected monthly with determinations made
for alkalinity, chlorides, hardness, color, pH, 5-day BOD, solids, fecal
coliforms, temperature and dissolved oxygen. In addition, nutrients are
determined on a quarterly basis.
Re cooEnenda^i on _NoI__5_2._S e conda. r y_B i£lo g_i cal__Wasjte_TreatiTien.t
In keeping with the State Stream Standards and to provide for and
enhance the uses of oar watercourses, it has been determined that the minimum
treatment for domestic sewage should be equivalent to that normally referred
to as secondary treatment. It is further required that all plants treating
domestic or industrial wastes which discharge effluent to surface waters be
under the direction of a certified operator.
Recoajmendations No. 6 and JNo._7j1_Di.s in fection
Wisconsin endorses the continuous disinfection of municipal treatment
plant effluents and those industrial discharges containing pathogenic bacteria
-------
" 2 " 390
which may have a deleterious effect on persons coding into contact with Lake
Superior water. It is our statewide policy that throughout the year all
bio-mechanical municipal treatment facilities must provide continuous
disinfection. All Wisconsin municipalities affecting Lake Superior are
in compliance with this recommendation.
This recommendation pertains to treatment of municipal wastes and
calls for an 80 percent overall removal of phosphorus in each states'
portion of the Lake Superior drainage basin.
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, at its April 1969 meeting,
adopted a policy on phosphorus removal (appended as Attachment B) . On the
basis of this policy and the recommendation of the Conference, Wisconsin is
requiring greater than 80 percent removals by the 3 municipalities containing
populations of 2,500 or more to attain the overall objectives. There are 8
sewered municipalities in the Lake Superior basin of which 3 account for nearly
90 percent of the population.
All industries located within the basin shall meet requirements of
the approved Wisconsin interstate water quality standards, as well as the
intrastate standards now in effect. Industries are being encouraged to
cooperate with municipalities in providing joint treatment facilities where
technically feasible and economically desirable.
Re commend .a tiori_Ng_. __!_ 0_ - _Ab aterne n t^_S chedules
In accordance with the recommendations of the Lake Superior Enforcement
Conference, a list of municipalities and industries discharging wastewaters to
the Lake Superior basin is submitted to the conferees and is shown in Attachment A
Wisconsin's Statutes and administrative practices call for periodic drainagi
basin or sub-basin surveys, report of findings, public hearings and finally
-------
- 3 -
391
issuance of orders to those pollution sources where corrective measures need
to be taken.
In 1968, orders were issued to Wisconsin sources of pollution in the Lake
Superior drainage basin. The orders generally required the provision of adequate
treatment facilities in keeping with the water quality standards. Since these
orders were issued prior to the convening of the Lake Superior Conference, they
do not fully implement all of the Conference recommendations. They do not require
phosphorous removal. These orders do, however, require completion dates well in
advance of the January 1974 requirements for secondary treatment established by this
Conference.
The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled meetings with municipalities
and industries to review status of compliance. These meetings, scheduled for
May 1st In Ashland, are pre-enforcement conferences conducted jointly with the
State Attorney General to evaluate progress that has been made under existing
orders. Prior to June 1st, a formal hearing will be conducted to develop new
or amended orders that will incorporate new requirements and compliance dates.
Where necessary compliance dates may be extended. In no instance will completion
dates extend beyond May 1972. This means that compliance will occur at least
20 months prior to the timetables established by this Conference.
The following is a narrative description of the status of each of
Wisconsin's waste sources which affect or may affect the water quality of
Lake Superior or interstate waters:
The City of Ashland was ordered to construct adequate sewage treatment
facilities and to develop plans for storm and sanitary sewage separation or
construct treatment facilities for both clear water and wastewater. Preliminary
plans were submitted on March 31, 1969 and on February 23, 1970 a "Comprehensive
Review on Water and Sewerage Systems" report was received. This new report
-------
392
- 4 -
furnishes information oa the adequacy of the sanitary sewers and lift stations
and the need for sewer extensions. Recommendations were made for the needed
facilities and site locations.
The City of BayfjLeld was ordered to construct sewage treatment facilities
and to develop a program for clear water exclusion or construct facilities for
adequate treatment of both wastes and waters tributary to the system. The city
retained a consulting engineer in June 1968, and during the summer of 1969 a
survey was conducted on the existing sewage treatment plant.
The City of_Hurley_ was ordered to construct adequate sewage treatment
facilities and to develop a clear water exclusion program or to construct
adequate treatment facilities for both clear water and wastes. Through legal
conferences, the city has agreed to adopt a clear water exclusion ordinance,
survey the existing clear water problems by July 1, 1970, submit a preliminary
engineering report by August 1, 1970, submit final plans within 60 days after
approval of the preliminary report, and complete the required construction by
the end of the 1971 construction season.
The £ity_o£_Su£eraor_ was ordered to construct adequate waste treatment
facilities and to develop a program for storm and sanitary sewer separation
or construct facilities for adequate treatment of both wastes and waters
tributary to the sewer system. A preliminary engineering report was submitted
on March 6, 1969. A letter from the Department stated that a definite time-
table for elimination of clear water and separation of combined sewers was
needed. Also required were further flow figures, data on aeration units,
feasibility of joint treatment with Superior Fiber Products, and phosphorus
removal considerations.
The £ity__o_f__Wagh_bu_rn was ordered to construct adequate treatmeiit
facilities and to develop a program for clear water exclusion or provide for
-------
393
both clear water and waste treatment. The city retained a consulting engineer,
and final plans and specifications for treatment facilities are being prepared.
The P}i^e_Air_Saiii_tori\£Ti was ordered to provide adequate treatment
facilities. An engineer was retained, and a preliminary report has been
submitted. With the existing small amount of wastewaters generated, the
septic tank— soil absorption system currently in use may be adequate. The
present waste flow is about 5,000 gallons per day, but consideration is being
given to changing the institution to a home for the aged. Field checks by
the district staff are pending.
Ijn^o^r^orated, was ordered to construct adequate
process wastewater treatment facilities individually or jointly with the City
of Superior. Also, sanitary sewage -must be connected to the city sewerage
system or receive adequate, treatment. A preliminary engineering report will
be submitted shortly as was agreed to by the company after conference with the
state's attorneys. A joint treatment proposal with the city was rejected by
Superior Fiber Products. Sanitary sewage will be dealt with following a
sanitary survey of Superior's waterfront..
The Ame^Cjaa_£a;iijCoj.^an2; provides chemical treatment of process waste-
waters. The facilities include chemical feeders, clarification and centrifuging
which after installation satisfied the water pollution abatement order. Further
treatment by biological methods may be required.
, has directed all wastewaters to
the city and, therefore, has complied with the water pollution abatement order
as of April 1, 1970.
The Du PqnJ^J2gjmpjmy_ was ordered to provide adequate treatment of wastes.
On June 1, 1969, they submitted an engineering report and final plans for
facilities to dispose of their neutralized wastes by dispersion.
-------
- 6 -
394
This January, after continued research, an alternate proposal was
submitted for- the evaporation and incineration of their wastes using newly
developed techniques. Earlier this year, changes were instituted resulting
in a 60 percent decrease in the pollution from this plant. However, an
extension of time to May 1, 1972 is needed to place the evaporation— incineration
facilities in operation.
Re c qmme nd a t i o n s No. __ 11 and No. 12 - Areawide S ewerage Sys terns
The recommendations concerning the encouragement of unified collection
systems for contiguous areas and fostering the replacement of malfunctioning
septic tanks with adequate collection and treatment facilities were incorporated
into a "Policy on Proliferation of Waste Treatment Plants." This policy
reaffirms Wisconsin's position encouraging the joint treatment of municipal
and industrial wastes. A copy of the May 1969 Board policy is appended as
Attachment C.
Reco;a-nen_dation No. _ 13 i_Bj£P_assing_
Municipalities having combined sewers in the Wisconsin portion, of the
Lake Superior drainage basin appear in the same list required for Recommendation
No. 10. This is sho^n as Attachment A. Action is being taken to minimize
bypassing whenever possible. All orders issued by the Department contain
requirements for reducing bypassing from combined sewers or where "clear water"
problems exist. Flow regulating devices may be effective in an overall program
of reducing pollution from combined wastes.
i0.:'-' " Combined Sewers
Combined sewered areas are being separated in relation to urban renewal
%
projects and whenever reconstruction projects permit such separation. No new
combined sewers are being installed.
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395
The high cost of sewer separation in the cities makes it imperative
that more practical methods of handling combined sewage be developed.
Different techniques are being investigated at federal demonstration grant
projects in the Cities of Chippewa Falls, Milwaukee and Kenosha.
Chippewa Falls is discharging high flows associated with storm water
into a holding pond where the waste is stored until the flow subsides suffi-
ciently to allow the pond contents to be directed to the treatment facility.
The City of Milwaukee installed a large tank which holds combined
sewage for subsequent pumping to the interceptor sewers when the flow
subsides. This facility is provided with chlorination equipment to allow
primary sedimentation and disinfection of the combined sewage flow prior
to discharge when the flow exceeds the capacity of the tank.
At Kenosha, it is proposed to develop an expandable treatment facility
to cope with combined sewage flows by providing additional secondary treatment
capacity. Plans have been approved and the city is proceeding on the project.
Provisions are made at the three demonstration projects to provide
records of flow volumes and treatment achieved so that these systems can be
appraised. None of the three projects in Wisconsin appear to be panaceas,
yet each has merit and may provide a solution for certain situations and areas.
Last year, Governor Knowles signed into law Chapter 146, Laws of 1969
(Attachment D) , which pertained to the use and regulation of pesticides.
The law establishes a Pesticide Review Board with representation from Health,
Agriculture and Natural Resources. All rules regarding pesticides promulgated
by any Wisconsin state agency are subject to revision and approval by the
Pesticide Review Board.
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396
Chapter 426, Laws of 1969 (Attachment E), was published on March 11,
1970. This law prohibits the distribution, sale and use of DDT except under
certain limited conditions.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources initiated a pesticide
monitoring program in 1969 such that all streams tributary to Lake Superior
have been sampled. In addition, water and plankton, from Lake Superior open
waters are being sampled for pesticide residue. It is anticipated that a
report on the pesticide monitoring results will be published early in 1971.
The Department sponsored research projects and is currently cooperating
with the FWQA in further studies to evaluate the impact of new pesticide
control programs.
Recommend a tjuxi. No^JLS j- Water era ft Pollution
Recent Wisconsin legislation (Attachment F) has extended the boat
toilet law to include outlying waters of the state. This prohibits the
operation of boats equipped with toilets on any outlying waters of the state
unless the toilet wastes are retained for shore disposal. The new law does
not apply to boats engaged in international or interstate commerce. Federal
regulation is needed to control sewage pollution from the latter sources.
Wisconsin law applies to outlying waters with respect to prohibiting
the throwing or depositing of trash, garbage, debris, litter, etc., into
waters of the state and provides a fine of up to $200 for each offense.
The total number of cases on outlying, inland and boundary waters amounted
to 323 in 1968 compared with 175 in 1969.
Recommendation No. 17__^_Dredgin.g
*
This recommendation called for prohibition of the dumping of polluted
material into Lake Superior.
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397
- 9 -
On June 6, 1969, Governor Knowles, with the advice of an ad hoc com-
mittee, sent a position statement to the Corps of Engineers regarding Great
Lakes spoil disposal. The Governor pointed out that more scientific research
in this area is urgently needed to assess the impact of land disposal techniques
on wetlands. Development of an equitable formula for financing is also needed.
It was suggested that a long-range program be considered by the Great Lakes
Basin Commission.
Re commend a t ion _NcK__lj3 - Red Clay Interagency^Committee
Report appended as Attachment G.
Recommend^ation. No. 19__^_0i_l_Pollu.tion
All significant controllable discharges of oil to the Wisconsin section
of Lake Superior have been eliminated.
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Municipalities
April 28, 1970
WISCONSIN WASTEWATER SOURCE IN LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE BASIN
Source
(Order No.)
Ashland
(1-68-2)
Bayfield
(1-68-4)
Hurley
(1-68-11)
Iron River
(1-68-13)
Knight, Tn. of
(Iron Belt)
(1-68-12)
Me lien
(1-68-15)
Montreal
(1-68-16)
Pence
(1-68-20)
Saxon
(1-68-23)
Existing
Receiving Waters Treatment
Lake Superior Primary and
Disinfection
Lake Superior Primary and
Disinfection
Montreal River Primary and
Disinfection
Iron River Primary
Iron Belt Trib. Primary
Bad River Primary
W. Fork Montreal R. Primary
Pence Tributary Septic Tanks
Vaughn Creek Septic Tanks
Remedial
Needs
Secondary
Clear Water
Phosphorus
Secondary
Clear Water
Secondary
Clearwater
Phosphorus
Secondary
Clear Water
Secondary
Clear Water
Secondary
Clear Water
Secondary
Clear Water
Adeq. Fac.
Adeq. Fac.
Affects
L. Superior
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Status
Eng. retained & pre-
liminary report sub-
mitted 3/69, 2/70.
Planning ext. to 8/70.
Eng. retained 6/68,
24 hr. STP survey,
1969.
Order extension on
construction to 10/71
through legal staff
requested.
Final plans for STP and
sewer system almost
complete 1/70. Resolu-
tion complete construc-
tion by 9/70.
Plans submitted 6/69.
Legal conference 10/69.
Legal conference 1/70.
Agreement to complete
construction 8/71.
Public health problem.
No strean pollution.
11 ii ii
uo
MD
Attachment A
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Page 2
Municipalities
April 28, 1970
WISCONSIN WASTEWATER SOURCES LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE BASIN
Source
(Order No.)
Port Wing, Tn. of
Superior, City of
Superior, Vil. of
Washburn
(1-68-30)
Receiving Waters
Trib. , Flag River
Lake Superior
Pokegama River
Lake Superior
Existing
Treatment
Lagoon.
Primary and
Disinfection
Stabilization
Pond
Primary and
Disinfection
Remedial
Needs
None
Secondary
Clear Water
Phosphorus
None
Secondary
Clear Water
Affects
L. Superior
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
No
Yes
Yes
Status
Treatment
Satisfactory
Preliminary report
3/69. Letter of 3/70.
Following conf. with
staff, outlined addi-
tional information
needed from cons. eng.
Eng. retained 7/68.
24-hr. STP survey, 196
Ondassagon School,
Ashland
(1-68-19)
Pure Air San. ,
Bayfield
(1-68-21)
Whittlesey Creek
Drainage Course
Secondary
Septic Tanks Pending
No
No
Preliminary report 8/69.
Requested final plans
by 1/70.
Legal extension to 1970.
Plans approved 4/6/70.
Existing septic tanks
to be checked for
adequacy. Engineer
retained 9/68.
uo
A-2
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Industries
April 28, 1970
WISCONSIN WASTEWATER SOURCES LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE BASIN
Source
(Order No.) Receiving Waters
Twin Ports Dairy, S. Fork, Fish Cr.
Benoit
(1-68-28)
Martin's Dairy, Siskiwit River
Cornucopia
(1-68-14)
Fuhrmann's South None
Shore Dairy,
Iron River
(1-68-9)
Great Northern R.R. , Bluff Creek
Allouez
(1-68-10)
•Koppers, Inc., None
Superior
Murphy Oil Co., Newton Creek
Superior
Existing Remedial Affects
Treatment Needs L. Superior
None Adequate No
Treatment
None None No
Hauling None No
None Adequate No
Treatment
Lagoon No
Separator & Adequate No
Lagoons Treatment
Status
Constructed septic
tank and dry well for
san. sewage. Legal
agreement to have com-
plete compliance by
8/70.
Ceased operations 3/69
No discharge.
Plans submitted 3/69.
Agreement to have com-
plete compliance withr
90 days of state plan
approval.
No discharge.
Plans and specificatio
submitted 3/20/70.
(1-68-31)
Great Northern R.R.,
Superior
Drainage
Separator & None
Lagoons
No
No discharge.
Soo Line R.R.,
Superior
(1-68-24)
A-3
Drainage
Connected to None
No
No discharge.
-!=•
o
o.
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Page 2
Industries
April 28, 1970
WISCONSIN WASTEWATER SOURCES
LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE BASIN
Source
(Order No.) Receiving Waters
Union Tank Car, Drainage
Superior
(1-68-29)
Superior Fiber Lake Superior
Products Company,
Superior
(1-68-26)
Mason Milk Products, Drainage
Mason
American Can Company, Lake Superior
Ashland
(1-68-3)
Existing
Treatment
Septic Tank
and Lagoons
Chemical and
Screening
Septic Tank
and Lagoons
Mechanical
Clarifiers
Centrifuge
Remedial Affects
Needs L. Superior
None No
Sanitary Sew. Yes
Treatment ,
Ind. Waste
Treatment
None No
None Yes
Status
No discharge.
Joint treatment with
city rejected 8/69.
120 tons/day hardboard
mill. Legal requested
preliminary eng. report
for ind. waste 3/70.
San. sewage will be
dealt with pending
Dept. investigations
in spring of 1970.
No discharge.
Investigating sludge
incineration.
2% MGD, BOD 80-150 mg/1
Lake Superior
Power Co., Superior
Lake Superior
None
None
No
Moquah Cheese Fcty.,
Moquah
(1-68-17)
Bodin Fisheries,
Bayfield
(1-68-5)
A-4
Lake Superior
Hauling
Connected
None
None
No
No
Order satisfied 12/68.
Connection to city
verified 3/12/70.
4=-
o
-------
WISCONSIN WASTEWATER SOURCES LAKE SUPERIOR DRAINAGE BASIN
Page 3
Industries
April 28, 1970
Source.
(Order No.)
.Receiving Waters
Existing
Treatment
Remedial
Needs
Affects
L. Superior
Status
E. I. DuPont Nemours
Barksdale
(1-68-7)
Andersonville Coop.
Dairy, Ashland
(1-68-1)
Boyds Creek
Little Beartrap
Creek
Neutralization Adequate
Flow Equalization Ind. Waste
Treatment
Holding and
Hauling
None
Yes
No
Evaporation-incineration
proposal pending
approval. Time schedule
dependent on approval.
No discharge pending
field check.
o
ro
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403
Attachment B
State of Wisconsin
Department of Natural Resources
POLICY ON PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL FROM EFFLUENT
(Adopted April 17, 1969)
PREAMBLE
Phosphorus is a key nutrient controlling fertility of natural
waters. Small concentrations of phosphorus may stimulate the growth
of blue-green algae and other organisms, making rivers and lakes
unsuitable for recreation and increasing water purification costs.
Where algae do not thrive, increased growth of floating and bottom-
rooted weeds impedes stream flow and complicates other aspects of
water management.
Sewage effluents often contribute large amounts of phosphorus
to surface waters. Methods exist for substantial removal of phosphorus
from sewage and industrial wastes.
POLICY
Prompt action to reverse the present over-fertilization of
waters of Wisconsin and to enhance the quality of these waters for all
useful purposes is essential.
It is the policy of the Natural Resources Board that:
1. The Department of Natural Resources may require any waste-
water discharger—regardless of population, volume or type of waste
discharged, or geographic location—to provide for removal of excess
amounts of phosphorus where such discharges are causing, or may cause,
over-fertilization of surface waters.
2. In conformance with recommendations of the Lake Michigan
Enforcement Conference, the Department shall take the actions necessary
to achieve an overall reduction of at least 80 percent of the phosphorus
tributary to municipal and industrial waste treatment facilities located
within the Lake Michigan drainage basin by December 31, 1972.
-------
State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Attachment C
Policy on Proliferation of Waste Treatment Plants
To avoid costly errors through the construction of a multiplicity of
waste treatment plants in conflict with area-wide or basin-wide concepts of
pollution control, a clear declaration of policy is necessary.
It is the policy of the State of Wisconsin Natural Resources Board to:
1. Promote the use of unified sewage collection systems serving
contiguous areas.
2. Encourage (in accordance with Section 144.07, Wisconsin Statutes)
connection of developing areas to existing treatment plants
wherever such action is fully feasible and clearly in the public
interest.
3. Discourage construction of sewage treatment facilities not designed
in accordance with an acceptable area-wide plan.
4. Discourage proliferation of small sewage treatment plants in
contiguous areas and encourage abandonment of multiple plants in
favor of joint treatment where technically feasible and economically
desirable.
5. Disapprove use of state construction grant monies for construction
of treatment plants not in conformity with an acceptable plan.
6. Encourage joint treatment of municipal and industrial wastes where
physically and economically practical.
7. Disapprove installation of septic tank-soil absorption systems in
areas where risk of malfunction or failure is high, and where alternate
collection and treatment systems can be provided.
8. Promote replacement of nonfunctioning septic tanks with alternate
collection and treatment systems to meet the intent of this policy.
Adopted: May 15, 1969
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con
(N». 124, S.)
405
Attachment D
CHAPTER 146 LAWS OF 1969
\N \CT
AM ACT to amend 29.60 (5) (c); to repeal an<1 recreate 29.2'* (4V „,..
to create 15.191 (2), 15.195, 94.69 (8), (9) ami (in), 140.05 '(15)
and 140.77 of the statutes, relating to the use of pesticides,
creating a pesticide review board, and granting rale-making power.
The People of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and asser:-hl.\
no enact as follows: *'
SECTION 1. 15.191 (2) of the statutes is created to read:
15.191 (2) PUSTTCmF ?KVI?.'" ^O\r?r>. The pesticide review
board shall have the program responsibilities 'specified under ss.
29.29 (4), 94.69 (9) and 140.77.
SECTION 2. 15.195 of the statutes is created to read:
15.195 SAME; ATTACHED WARDS /IN/) COMMISSIONS. (I)
PESTICIDE REVIEW ROAm There is created in the. department of
health and social services a pesticide review board. The'revtew board
shall consist of the secretary of agriculture, the secretary of natural
resources and the secretary of health and social services or their
designated representatives.
reafj5ECTION 3. 29.29 (4) of the statutes is repealed and recreate^ to
29.29 (4) USE OF PESTICIDES. The department of natural
resources, after public hearing, may adopt rules governing the use
of any pesticide which it finds is a serious hazard to wild animals
other than those it is intended to control, and the making of reports
thereon. In making-such determinations, the department to the extent
relevant shall consider the need for pesticides to protect the well-
being of the general public. It shall obtain the recommendation of the
pesticide review board and such rules are not effective until approved
by the pesticide review board. "Pesticide" has the meaning designated
in s. 94.67.
SECTION 4. 29.60 (5) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
29.60 (5) (c) Nothing in tnis chapter shall prevent the oommisoiaH'
department or its dcputioo wardens from using dynamite or having
dynamite in possession near beaver houses or dams for the purpose of
removing beaver dams when the beavers are causing damage to property
owners, nor shall it bo unlawful for ony portion to uso poioonod baits,
dynflmitg or poison pas under rulss anf* regulations which shnM hft
pfqiq^yifoiaf^ iQjyifiti K«r HM» /*f\mmtcojf\f| and th^ T^^t** ^^partm^n^ Q^
agriculture, for the deatruetion of-mjutfcoua inaccta, rodents or R
sparrows. —
(over)
-------
406
t-HAPTFP U6 I AWS OF1' (Continued)
SFCTION 5. 9i.69 (3), (Q) anO (10) of the statutes are created to
read:
94.69 (8) To govern the conditions under which containers of
pesticides may be transported, stored or disposed of.
(9) To govern the use of pesticides, including their formulations, and
to determine the times and methods of application and other conditions
of use.
(10) The department shall adopt rules when it determines that it is
necessary for the protection of persons or property from serious pesHcide
hazards and that its enforcement is feasible and will substantially
eliminate or reduce such hazards. In making such determination the
department shall consider the toxicity, hazard, effectiveness and public
need for the pesticides, and the availability of less toxic or less
hazardous pesticides or other means of pest control. 'It shall obtain the
recommendations of the pesticide review board and such rules are not
effective until approved by the pesticide review board. Such rules shall
not affect the application of any other statutes or rule adopted thereunder.
SECTION 6. 140.05 (15) of the statutes is created to read:
140.05 (15) Where the use of any pesticide results in a threat to the
public health, the department of health and social services shall take all
measures necessary to prevent morbidity or mortality.
SECTION 7. 140.77 of the statutes is created to read:
140.77 PESTICIDE REVIEW BOARD. (1) The pesticide review board
created by s. 15.195 shall collect, analyze and interpret .information, and
make recommendations to and coordinate the regulatory and .informational
responsibilities to the state agencies, on matters relating to the use of
pesticides, particularly recommendations for limiting pesticide use to
those materials and amounts thereof found necessary and effective in the
control of pests and which are not unduly hazardous to man, animals or
plants. Pesticide rules authorized by ss. 29.29 (4) and 94.69 are not
effective un til approved by the review board.
(2) The pesticide review board shall appoint a council not to exceed
6 members of technical or professional experts composed of one
representative each from the department of agriculture, department of
health and social services, department of natural resources, college of
agricultural and life sciences of the university of Wisconsin, water
resources center of the university of Wisconsin, school of natural
resources of the university of "Wisconsin, and in addition 3 public members
appointed by the governor and confirmed by the senate for 'staggered 3-year
terms who'shall be technical or professional experts in the use of
pesticides, one of whom shall be a representative of the pesticide industry,
one of whom shall be a representative of the agricultural industry and one
of whom shall be a person of ''roa^ knowledge and experience in the
conservation and wise use of natural resources. The council shall
generally assist the review board and shall assist particularly .in obtaining
scientific data and coordinating pesticide regulatory, enforcement, research
and educational fun ctions of the state.
(3) The pesticide review board shall report to the governor and the
legislature any pesticide matters it finds are of vital concern for the
protection of the health and well-being of people or for the protection of
fish, wildlife, plants, soil, air and water from pesticide pollution. Such
report may include its recommendations for legislative or other governmental
action.
Copied: 12-69
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40?
C 0 F V Attachment E
(No, )63, A.)
CHAPTER _ LAWS OF 1969
A V ACT
AN ACT to create 134.67 of the statutes, prohibiting the distribution,
sale and use of the chemical compound DDT.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and
assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 134.67 of the statutes is created to read:
734.67 DISTRIBUTION AND SALE OF DDT PROHIBITED. No
person shall distribute, sell, offer for sale or use the chemical compound
DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichlorenthane) or any of its isomers except as
provided in this section. In subs. (1) and (2) "DDT" includes
compounds isomeric with DDT.
(1) For the purposes specified in sub. (2), the secretary of
agriculture, the state health officer and the secretary of natural
resources shall constitute a DDT emergency board, and any such
officer may call a meeting of the emergency board to act under sub. (2).
(2) (a) In the event of the outbreak of an epidemic disease of humans
or animals spread by insects which it is known can be controlled by DDT
but cannot be adequately controlled by any other known pesticide, the
emergency board may authorize the use of DDT in controlling the
epidemic upon a finding that:
1. A serious epidemic disease of humans or animals exists;
2. The disease is likely to spread rapidly unless insects which
spread the disease are controlled; and
3. The only effective means of control is DDT.
(b) In the event of the outbreak of a plant disease of epidemic
proportions which threatens a significant portion of the affected crop and
which is caused or spread by an insect which it is known can be controlled
by DDT but cannot be adequately controlled by any other known pesticide,
the emergency board may authorize the use of DDT in controlling the
epidemic upon a finding that:
1. An epidemic plant disease exists;
2. The disease threatens a significant portion of the affected crop;
and
3. The only effective means of control is DOT.
(c) The emergency board also may authorize the use of DDT or its
isomers or metabolites for specified research by educational institutions
if it finds that no ecologically significant residues of DDT or its isomers
or metabolites will be allowed to escape into the environment.
(over)
-------
408
CHAPTER__426__ LAWS OF 1969 (Continued)
SECTION 2. RECONCILIATION WITH PENDING LEGISLATION. If
Senate 3111 124 which creates a pesticide review board becomes law,
section 134.67 (1) of the statutes, as created by this act, is repealed and
references in section 134,67 (2) of the statutes, as created by this act,
to the "emergency board" shall be deleted and references to "pesticide
review board" substituted therefor.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This act shall take effect on
December 31, 1969, or on the day after publication, whichever occurs later.
Copied:
3-69
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409
Attachment F
STATE OF WISCONSIN
1969 Assembly Bill 417 Date published*: March 19, 1970
CHAPTER 471 , LAWS OF 1969
AN ACT to amend 30.71 (1); and to repeal ami recreate 30.71 (2) of
the statutes, relating to use of boat toilets on outlying waters of
the state.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate
and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1. 30.71 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
30.71 (1) No person shall operate any boat equipped with
toilets on inland waters of this state-; — except — the
v unless the toilet wastes are retained for shore disposal by
means of facilities constructed and operated in accordance with
rules adopted by the state board of health. "Inland waters" means
the waters defined as Inland waters by s. 29.01 (4).
SECTION 2. 30.71 (2) of the statutes is repealed and
recreated to read:
30.71 (2) Mo person shall operate any boat equipped with
toilets on any outlying waters oF this state, as defined i.n s. 29.01
(4), unless the toilet wastes arc retained for shore disposal by
means of facilities constructed and operated in accordance with
rules adopted by the department of health and social services. This
subsection shall not apply to boats engaged In international or
interstate commerce.
SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATES. SECTION 1 of this act shall take
effect on January 1, 1971. 'SECTION 2 of this act shall take effect
on January 1, 1970.
*Section 990.05. ll'isennsm Statutes: Laws and acts; time of j?oinji into force. "Every law or
act which floes not expressly pi-escribe the time it takes effect shall, lako effort on the day aflrr
its publication."
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4io
Attachment G
RED CLAY INTERAGENCY COMMITTEE ACTIVITIES
In 1955, representatives of agencies concerned with land use problems
on the red clay soils of northwestern Wisconsin met to analyze the conditions
existing in the area. In 1956, the directors of these agencies designated
representatives to serve on a Red Clay Interagency Committee. This committee,
together with the assistance of field personnel from their respective organi-
zations, local landowners and interested people, evaluated land use problems
on red clay soils and prepared and distributed a report on the Whittlesey
Watershed (May 1957) which contained a description of the problems and
proposals to correct them.
The Whittlesey Watershed was selected for intensive study. From 1958
to the end of 1959, a considerable amount of work was done as a follow-up on.
the recommendations contained in the May 1957 Whittlesey Watershed report by
the Red Clay Interagency Committee. The 1960 progress report contained a
brief presentation on the established practices, experiments conducted and
the results obtained during the period of 1958-69.
The 1964 progress report covers the period from April 1960 to December
1963. In addition to the results of the demonstrations, this report contained
some specific recommendations on the establishment of protective cover on
stream banks and highway banks to protect them against loss of topsoil and
eventual stream and lake siltation.
In 1967, this committee temporarily concluded its work by submitting
a report consisting of recommendations and a summary of development and research
results to serve as a guide to all organizations concerned with the control of
erosion and sedimentation in the area. This report was entitled "Erosion and
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411
- 2 -
Sedimentation Control on the Red Clay Soils of Northwestern Wisconsin."
Copies of this report have been distributed to conferees of the Conference
to supply information oa the action plan developed by the Red Clay Interagency
Committee. During the last two years this committee has been rather inactive,
but it is understood that the topic will be reviewed in 1970 to ascertain
what has been done towards the implementation of the 1967 recommendations.
In order to implement the recommendations contained in the committee1s
final report, the Water and Land Subcommittee of the Natural Resources Committee
of State Agencies prepared an action type of report which was entitled "Report on
Surface Drainage of Lake Superior Watershed" (September, 1957). In addition to
a description of these watersheds and an outline of surface drainage and related
problems, this report contained a presentation of possible solutions to problems
as well as a consideration of present comprehensive programs. Although efforts
are continually being made to handle some of the more serious situations,
complete control of the matter would seem beyond the economic means of the
area. An example to the point is that on one occasion it was estimated to
cost well over one-half a million dollars to control the erosion of one and
one-half miles of shoreline. Thus, it can be said that the control of sedi-
mentation through improved soil and water management, improved highway
construction and maintenance is a social, economic and political problem.
The Whittlesey Watershed in Bayfield County was selected by the
committee for intensive evaluation because of local interest, the existence
of a watershed association, and the availability of considerable information
on the land problems of this particular area. The results obtained here were
used for setting standards and developing procedures to be used in preparing
a land management plan for the entire northwestern Wisconsin red clay area.
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412
— 3 -
The Whittlesey Watershed is a geologically young area with soil
erosion processes still occurring naturally at a rapid rate. These became
accelerated wherever and whenever steep slopes become almost devoid of or
bear only sparse stands of vegetation. Abnormally heavy rains have periodically
accelerated erosion on exposed clay soils. Man has also speeded up erosion
through certain agricultural activities, timber cutting and highway construction.
These activities include primarily: (1) Forest fires and clear-cutting of
stands, (2) grazing streambanks, and (3) construction of roads on or through
erodable sites creating raw banks.
Although erosion and the resultant sedimentation cannot be eliminated
entirely, they can be reduced through proper soil and water conservation
practices. Generally, the presence of vegetation on steep slopes is one of
the principal soil stabilizing factors. Vegetation serves to reduce runoff
both by its use of water in growth processes and by physical retardation.
However, there is reason to believe that cover alone will not in many cases
stabilize the steep raw slopes, but nevertheless the maintenance of existing
cover and the restoration of cover on denuded areas is the first course of
action. Another method for controlling flooding and the resultant erosion
and sedimentation would be to construct detention dams and sedimentation
basins in the streambeds, providing that funds are available and that the
benefits received will have sufficient value to warrant the expenditures.
The general objectives of the committee were:
1. Analyze land use problems on red clay soils and prepare a plan
acceptable to all agencies from demonstrations in the Whittlesey Watershed
and other watersheds, such as Elk Creek, MacKenzie Creek, Brule River,
Track Creek, etc.
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413
- 4 -
2. Develop specifications for developing and preparing road and
streambanks for seeding, seed mixtures, and methods of seeding.
3. Assist local landowners with the fencing out of livestock to
eliminate grazing on stream and iroadbanks, shorelines and forests.
4. Promote sound forest management practices.
5. Demonstrate the use of various seed mixtures, various types of
mulches with or without asphalt along with newly developed equipment such
as the Finn hydroseeder and mulcher, International Paper "Iwifiber," the
Ludlow "soil-saver," etc., to establish cover for stabilizing steep inclines
along streams, roads, shorelines, etc.
6. Establish ponds to lessen the effects of floods by withholding
water during periods of high rainfall.
7. Stabilizing the shorelines of streams and lakes by cement bagging,
willow planting, the use of "Gabions," etc., to prevent erosion and also
flooding by deepening and straightening stream channels.
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T. G- Frangos
MR. FRANGOS: The following is a summary report
of Wisconsin actions and programs related to achieving
compliance with the recommendations of the first session
of the conference. Comments have been itemized to cor-
respond with! the recommendation number as they appear in
i
the Summary of Conference issued by the Secretary of the
Interior on January 2.6, 1970.
Recommendation No. 1. Technical Committee.
This was reported by the representative of
that committee earlier in this conference. Wisconsin
staff people participated in that committee, as you
heard, and we are in substantial agreement with the rec-
ommendations contained in that report.
Recommendations Nos. 2 and 3 refer to Reserve
Mining and we have no comments at this time.
Recommendation No. 4, water quality surveil-
lance program.
Monitoring stations were established in 1961 on
the Montreal River and the Bad River, and a new station
was established in 1969 a"k ^^e city of Ashland water in-
take. Samples are collected monthly with determinations
made for alkalinity, chlorides, hardness, color, pH,
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- 413
T. G. Frangos
5-day BOD, solids, fecal coliforms, temperature and dis-
I solved oxygen. in addition, nutrients are determined on
i
I
| a quarterly basis.
|
| Recommendation No. 5, secondary biological
! waste treatment.
| In keeping with the State Stream Standards and
i
I to provide for and enhance the uses of our watercourses,
|
i it has been determined that the minimum treatment for
i
domestic sewage should be equivalent to that normally
referred to as secondary treatment. It is further
required that all plants treatment domestic or industrial
wastes which discharge effluent to surface waters be
under the direction of a certified operator.
Recommendations No. 6 and No. 7 refer to dis-
infection.
Wisconsin endorses the continuous disinfection
of municipal treatment plant effluents and those indus-
trial discharges containing pathogenic bacteria which may
have a deleterious effect on persons coming into contact
with Lake Superior water. It is our statewide policy tha
throughout the year all bio-mechanical municipal treat-
ment facilities must provide continuous disinfection.
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T. G. Frangos
All Wisconsin municipalities affecting Lake Superior are
in compliance with this recommendation.
Recommendation No. 8 refers to general waste
treatment requirements.
This recommendation pertains to treatment of
municipal wastes and calls for an 80 percent overall
removal of phosphorus in each State's portion of the
Lake Superior drainage basin.
The Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, at its
April 1969 meeting, adopted a policy on phosphorus
removal and that policy statement is appended to our
report as Attachment B. On the basis of this policy
and the recommendation of the conference, Wisconsin is
requiring greater than 80 percent removals by the three
municipalities containing populations of 2,500 or more
to attain these overall objectives. There are eight
sewered municipalities in the Lake Superior Basin, of
which three account for nearly 90 percent of the
population.
Recommendation No. 9* industrial wastes.
All industries located within the basin shall
meet requirements of the approved Wisconsin interstate
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T. G. Frangos
water quality standards,, as well as the intrastate stand-
ards now in effect. Industries are being encouraged to
cooperate with municipalities in providing Joint treatment
facilities where technically feasible and economically
desirable.
Recommendation No. 10, abatement schedules.
In accordance with the recommendations of the
Lake Superior enforcement conference,, a list of munici-
palities and industries discharging wastewaters to the
i
i
Lake Superior Basin is submitted to the conferees and is
shown in Attachment A.
Wisconsin's statutes and administrative prac-
tices call for periodic drainage basin or sub-basin sur-
veys, report of findings, public hearings and finally
issuance of orders to those pollution sources where cor-
rective measures need to be taken.
In 1968^ orders were issued to Wisconsin source
of pollution in the Lake Superior drainage basin. The
orders generally required the provision of adequate treat
ment facilities in keeping with the water quality stand-
ards. Since these orders were issued prior to the con-
vening of the Lake Superior conference, they do not fully
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418
T. G. Frangos
implement all of the conference recommendations. For
example, they do not require phosphorus removal. These
orders do, however, require completion dates well in
advance of the January 197^ requirements for secondary
treatment established by this conference.
The Department of Natural Resources has
scheduled meetings with municipalities and industries
to review status of compliance. These meetings, scheduled
for May 1 in Ashland, are pre-enforcement conferences
i
conducted jointly with the State Attorney General to ,
i
evaluate progress that has been made under existing !
i
orders. Prior to June 1, a formal hearing will be con-
ducted to develop new or amended orders that will incor-
porate new requirements and compliance dates. That date
is April 21, and it will be held in Superior, Wisconsin.
Where necessary, compliance dates may be extended. In no
instance will completion dates extend beyond May 1972.
This means that compliance will occur at least 20 months
prior to the timetables established by this conference.
The following is a narrative description of
the status of each of Wisconsin's waste sources which
affect or may affect the water quality of Lake Superior
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T. G- Frangos
or interstate waters:
The city of Ashland was ordered to construct
adequate sewage treatment facilities and to develop
plans for storm and sanitary sewage separation or con-
struct treatment facilities for both clear water and
wastewater. Preliminary plans were submitted on March
31, 1969, and on February 23, 1970., a "Comprehensive
Review on Water and Sewerage Systems" report was received
This new report furnishes information on the adequacy of
the sanitary sewers and lift stations and the need for
sewer extensions. Recommendations were made for the
needed facilities and site locations.
The city of Bayfield was ordered to construct
sewage treatment facilities and to develop a program for
clear water exclusion or construct facilities for ade-
quate treatment of both wastes and waters tributary to
the system. The city survey was conducted on the exist-
ing sewage treatment plant.
The city of Hurley was ordered to construct
adequate sewage treatment facilities and to develop a
clear water exclusion program or to construct adequate
treatment facilities for both clear water and wastes.
Through legal conferences, the city has agreed to adopt
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420
T. G. Frangos
a clear water exclusion ordinance, survey the existing
clear water problems by July 1, 1970^ submit a prelimi-
nary engineering report by August 1, 1970. Final plans
must be submitted within 60 days after approval of the
preliminary report and the construction must be completed
by the end of the 1971 construction season.
The city of Superior was ordered to construct
adequate waste treatment facilities and to develop a
program for storm and sanitary sewer separation or con-
struct facilities for adequate treatment of both wastes
and waters tributary to the sewer system. A preliminary
engineering report was submitted in March of 1969. A
letter from the Department stated that a definite time-
table for elimination of clear water and separation of
combined sewers was needed. Also required were further
flow figures, data on aeration units, feasibility of
j joint treatment with Superior Fiber Products, and phos-
phorus removal considerations.
The city of Washburn was ordered to construct
adequate treatment facilities and to develop a program
for clear water exclusion or provide for both clear water
oil
*
and waste treatment. The city has retained a consulting
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T. G. Frangos
engineer and final plans and specifications for treatment
facilities are being prepared.
The Pure Air Sanitorium was ordered to provide
adequate treatment facilities. An engineer was retained,
and a preliminary report has been submitted. With the
existing small amount of wastewaters generated, the
septic tank-soil absorption system currently in use may
j be adequate. The present waste flow is about 5,000
gallons per day, but consideration is being given to
changing the institution to a home for the aged. Field
checks by the district staff are pending.
Superior Fiber Products, Incorporated, was
ordered to construct adequate process wastewater treat-
ment facilities individually or jointly with the city of
Superior. Also, sanitary sewage must be connected to the
city sewerage system or receive adequate treatment. A
preliminary engineering report will be submitted shortly
as agreed to by the company after conference with the
State's attorneys. A joint treatment proposal with the
city has been rejected by Superior Fiber Products. Sani-
tary sewage will be dealt with following a sanitary surve
of Superior's waterfront, which is now under way.
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T. G. Frangos
The American Can Company provides chemical
treatment of process wastewaters . The facilities include
chemical feeders, clarification and centrifuging which
after installation satisfied the water pollution abate-
ment order. Further treatment by biological methods may
be required and the performance at that treatment facilitjy
is now being evaluated.
Bodin Fisheries,, Incorporated, in Bayfield,
has directed all wastewaters to the city and, therefore,
has complied with the order as of April 1, 1970.
The Du Pont Company was ordered to provide ade-
quate treatment of wastes. On June 1, 19&9* they sub-
mitted an engineering report and final plans for facilities
to dispose of their neutralized wastes by dispersion.
This January, after continued research, an
alternate proposal was submitted for the evaporation and
incineration of their wastes using newly developed tech-
niques. Earlier this year, changes were instituted
resulting in a 60 percent decrease in the pollution from
this plant. However, an extension of time to May 1, 197J2,
is needed to place the evaporation-incineration facili-
ties in operation.
At this time, Mr. Stein, I would like to read
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423
T. G. Frangos
into the record a letter addressed to you concerning the
Du Pont situation.
MR. STEIN: All right.
MR. FRANGOS: This letter is addressed to "Mr.
Murray Stein, Chairman, Lake Superior Enforcement Con-
ference, Federal Water Quality Administration, 633
Indiana Avenue N. W., Washington, D. C.
"Dear Mr. Stein:"
MR. STEIN: Mr. Frangos, may I go off the
record for just a moment?
MR. FRANGOS: Yes.
(Off the record.)
MR. STEIN: Let's go back on the record.
(Which said letter follows:)
-------
State of Wisconsin \ DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Secretary
April 28, 1970 MADISON, WISCONSIN 53701
Mr. Murray Stein, Chairman
Lake Superior Enforcement Conference
Federal Water Quality Administration
633 Indiana Avenue, N. W.
Washington, D. C. 20242
Dear Mr. Stein:
The E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company owns and operates a TNT plant
at Barksdale, Wisconsin. After neutralization and flow equalization, wastes
from these operations discharge to Boyds Creek and flow into Chequamegon Bay.
About 15 years ago the Company installed land disposal facilities. These
proved to be inadequate.
As part of the Wisconsin plan for implementation of the Interstate Water
Qualify Standards, we advised that "adequate treatment or disposal" of these
wastes would be provided by October, 1970. In September, 1967 Du Pont officials
met with representatives of this Department to discuss proposed remedial facil-
ities. They pointed out that test results from several laboratories and years
of experience demonstrated that the waste is harmless to humans, animals and
aquatic life in the Bay and exhibits no oxygen demand. The problem is essentially
one of aesthetics caused by color. Methods of handling these wastes at several
federal installations have not been very satisfactory.
The 1967 proposal was reviewed by staff of our Department and with Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration personnel. On the basis of these dis-
cussions and the Company presentation to the Natural Resources Board, the
Natural Resources Board advised that it would not be opposed to disposal of
wastes by dispersion. A final decision on the acceptability of this method of
disposal was left open, pending the development of technical data by the Du Pont
Company. The Du Pont Company prepared an engineering report and final plans for
the disposal facilities were submitted to the Department on June 1, 1969. In
the interim period, some reservations developed and these plans have not been
approved by the Department of Natural Resources.
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425
Mr. Murray Stein, Chairman - April 28, 1970 2.
Additional meetings with the Federal Water Quality Administration followed
last fall and winter. Recent research investigations by Du Pont indicate that
a new process of evaporation-incineration, using newly developed techniques and
a fluidized bed incinerator, will permit the burning of wastes without the in-
herent disadvantages of prior processes. Du Pont has now proposed to our
Department that it use the latter alternate approach. The Company has further
proposed a revised time schedule as follows:
1. Submissions of plans and specifications - 3 months after permission
to proceed.
2. Fabrication of equipment and complete construction - 18 months after
final approval of plans and specifications by this Department.
Considering a period for state technical review and approval, the overall
date for completion of the project would be May 1, 1972, with interim dates of
August 1, 1970 for submission of plans.and December 1, 1970 for the beginning
of construction.
As an interim measure, the Company has initiated internal changes in
operations that have resulted in a 60 percent reduction in the concentration of
the waste discharge. The volume of discharge continues at about the previous
level but concentrations have been reduced by that amount.
Although the new proposal has not been used elsewhere, we believe it has
real potential. Successful development could be helpful in providing technology
to improve handling of TNT wastes at other operations in the country. The time
schedule now being considered is beyond that initially required. It significantly
precedes deadlines recommended by the Conference. We believe it should provide a
more acceptable solution of the problem.
Early concurrence in this proposal by the Federal Water Quality Administration
is required so that the Company may proceed to initiate its abatement program.
Very truly yours,
Division of\ Environmental Protection
Thomas G. Frangos/!
Administrator \J
cc: Ralph W. Purdy
John P. Badalich
Francis T. Mayo
E. I. Du Pont de Nemours & Company
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426
T. G. Frangos
MR. STEIN: Thank you.
I wonder if I might interject there, it would
help me considerably in responding-to.othis request if
"before this session of the conference were completed I
could get the views of the other States as well on the
proposed extension of the time, and whenever you feel
appropriate we could have those comments.
MR. FRANGOS: All right, fine.
As you know, this has been a difficult tech-
nical situation and it seems to us that this offers a
real good solution to the problem that they have up j
there. This will essentially, as far as treatment goes,
be a closed system.
Recommendations Nos . II"1 and 12,.areawide sewer-
age systems.
The recommendations concerning the encourage-
ment of unified collection system for contiguous areas
and fostering the replacement of malfunctioning septic
tanks with adequate collection and treatment facilities
were incorporated into a "Policy on Proliferation of
Waste Treatment Plants." This policy reaffirms Wisconsin
position encouraging the joint treatment of municipal
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42?
T. G- Frangos
and industrial wastes. We have attached a copy of the
May 1969 Board policy on areawide sewerage systems.
Recommendation No. 13.
Municipalities having combined sewers in the
Wisconsin portion of the Lake Superior drainage basin
appear in the same list required for Recommendation No.
10. This is shown as Attachment A. Action is being
| taken to minimize bypassing whenever possible. All
orders issued by the Department contain requirements,
as we have indicated,, for reducing bypassing from com-
bined sewers or where "clear water" problems exist.
Flow regulating devices may be effective in an overall
program of reducing pollution from combined wastes.
Recommendation No. 14.
Combined sewered areas are being separated in
relation to urban renewal projects and whenever recon-
struction projects permit such separation. No new com-
bined sewers are being installed.
The high, cost of sewer separation in the cities
makes it imperative that more practical methods of han-
dling combined sewage be developed. Different techniques
are being investigated at Federal demonstration grant
projects in the cities of Chippewa Falls, Milwaukee and
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428
T. G. Prangos
Kenosha. Then the report recites very briefly the naturej
of these projects, but I won't take the time to read
those now.
Recommendation No. 15 relates to pesticides.
Last year Governor Knowles signed into law
Chapter 146., Laws of 1969, which pertained to the use and
regulation of pesticides. The law establishes a Pesti-
cide Review Board with representation from Health, Agri-
culture and Natural Resources. All rules regarding pesti
cides promulgated by any Wisconsin State agency are
subject to revision and approval by the Pesticide Review
Board.
Chapter 426, Laws of 1969, which appears as
Attachment E, was published on March 11, 1970. This law
prohibits the distribution, sale or use of DDT except
under very limited conditions.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
initiated a pesticide monitoring program in 1969 such
that all streams tributary to Lake Superior have been
sampled. In addition, water and plankton from Lake
Superior open waters are being sampled for pesticide
residue. It is anticipated that a report on the pesticide
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429
T. G. Frangos
monitoring results will be published early in 1971.
The Department sponsored research projects and
is currently cooperating with the FWQA in further studies
]
j to evaluate the impact of new pesticide control programs.
i
i Recommendation No. 16, watercraft pollution.
i
i Recent Wisconsin legislation (Attachment F) hasi
i i
i
! extended the boat toilet law to include outlying waters '
i ,
| of the State. This prohibits the operation of boats <
i !
i •
\ equipped with toilets on any outlying waters of the State!
i unless the toilet wastes are retained for shore disposal.;
i
The new law does not apply to boats engaged in inter- |
I
national or interstate commerce. Federal regulation is j
needed to control sewage pollution from the latter sources
j
And as indicated, we now have that. i
i
Wisconsin law applies to outlying waters with j
i
respect to prohibiting the throwing or depositing of j
|
trash, garbage, debris, litter, etc., into waters of the j
State and provides a fine of up to $200 for each offense.
The total number of cases on outlying, inland and boundary
waters amounted to 323 in 1968 compared with 175 in 1969.
Recommendation No. 17-
This recommendation called for prohibition of
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429-A
T. G. Frangos
| the dumping of polluted material into Lake Superior.
On June 6, 1969, Governor Knowles, with the
advice of an ad hoc committee, sent a position statement
to the Corps of Engineers regarding Great Lakes spoil
disposal. The Governor pointed out that more scientific
research in this area is urgently needed to assess the
impact of land disposal techniques on wetlands. Develop-
ment of an equitable formula for financing is also
needed. It was suggested that a long-range program be
considered by the Great Lakes Basin Commission.
Recommendation No. iQ, Red Clay Interagency
Committee.
In response to a request by the previous ses-
sion of this conference our Department has prepared a
| summary report which discusses our experience with
i
1 erosion problems in the drainage basin and some of ,;the
work of the Red Clay Committee and followup work to the
Red Clay Interagency Committee report. We have included
that as Attachment G and this is included in the material
that you have. If you so desire, we can read this.
I will leave that to your discretion and the conferees
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430
T. G. Prangos
discretion.
Recommendation No. 19, oil pollution.
All significant controllable discharges of
oil to the Wisconsin section of Lake Superior have been
eliminated.
This concludes our report, Mr. Chairman and
conferees, subject to your desire on our report on
erosion problems.
MR. MAGKIE: Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Yes.
MR. MACKIE: Before we get into specific ques-
tions, it might be worthwhile for both the conferees and
for the audience to have a little broader explanation,
perhaps, of the forthcoming conferences that Mr. Frangos
spoke of a moment ago.
About 10 months ago the Department of Natural
Resources entered into a memorandum of understanding
with the State Attorney General which set up procedures
for enforcement. Briefly this memorandum called for the
institution of pre-enforcement conferences. In other
words, when the polluter reaches the point where he is
if. some way delinquent as far as the orders are concerned
-------
T. G. Frangos
rather than referring it directly to the Attorney
General at that time the memorandum of understanding
calls for a pre-enforcement conference at which the
polluter is called in and a conference is held with the
polluter, representatives of our Department, the engi-
neers, and a representative of the Attorney General.
This conference really amounts to the polluter's last
opportunity to explain his position and to explain his
actions before going to court action.
It has turned out that this has been a very,
very useful tool, and since the signing of this memo-
randum of understanding about 104 of these conferences
have been held. And as I indicated, when the polluter
is faced with the last opportunity before litigation,
he usually comes to terms.
And of these 104--these don't all relate, of
course, to Lake Superior — of these 104 only 6 of these
were determined to be necessary to go to the Attorney
General for prosecution. Some of the later ones are
still in the early stages, but about 20 of them have been
completely satisfied.
Of the six that I referred to, one of them has
-------
T. G. Frangos
since complied, his plans are in. About three of them
i
have been referred to the Attorney General and the balance
now are in process of going to the Attorney General.
i
In relation to the meetings that are coming up !
!
within the next month, eight municipalities and three !
i
industries in the Lake Superior Basin are being called inj
i
i
to pre-enforcement conferences on the 1st of May. These
I
will be followed by regular formal public hearings late i
i
in May. !
I
As I recall, Tom, that is the 21st of May, is
that right?
MR. FRANGOS: Yes, May. I think I said April.
It should have been May.
MR. MACKIE: That is when the formal hearings
will be held, but they will be preceded by pre-enforcemen[t
conferences with the Attorney General.
I thought it might be of interest, Mr. Chairman
for the conferees and the audience to know how we are
proceeding along these lines.
MR. STEIN: That is a very helpful contribution
We all recognize that Wisconsin is in the forefront of
pollution control as are the other States here, and in a
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433
T. G. Frangos
sense it is interesting to see how much the Federal pro-
cedures and this procedure you have developed have paral-
leled each other, because we find that to be very
effective too. We are doing about the same thing. So
I think this is very encouraging.
Are there any comments or questions on the
report? And I would like comments particularly on that
proposal of the TNT plant.
Mr. Purdy.
MR. PURDY: Yes, Mr. Chairman.
Mr. Frangos, on the city of Hurley, you said it
was ordered to construct adequate sewage treatment
facilities and to develop a clear-water-exclusion program
I am not clear, down in the lower part on the submission
of preliminary engineering report by August 1970 and then
to have the required construction done by 1971. Is that
referring only to the clear-water part or to the--
MR. FRANGOS: No, this refers to the total pro-
gram. I might add that they are now disinfecting year-
round, so that that has been-- But this applies to the
c
total program.
MR. PURDY: I also might make a comment with
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434
T. G. Frangos
respect to the Du Pont problem and the way that I would
look at it. Since the company has proposed an interim
measure that has resulted in a 60 percent reduction in
the concentration of the wastes, there have "been some
| immediate improvements and the alternate treatment proces
now proposes a closed system, that is it will offer much
more than the initial dilution project, it would seem to
me that the new proposal now represents something that I
feel would be desirable and the time schedule proposed
would appear initially to be reasonable.
I also have a question with respect to the Red
Clay recommendations, Mr. Prangos. Have they been imple-
mented? What has happened since the report was submitted1
MR. FRANGOS: Well, I would say that the
implementation really hasn't progressed very far. I
think the situation summarized would be we know the
nature of the problem and the question is to marshal
the resources, to do something about it. I think we
touched on that a little bit yesterday with the discus-
sion with the USDA people.
I would point out a section. We have done some
further studies and some of the local districts are
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. 433
T. G. Frangos
getting down to more specific projects on the cost, but
this is a very expensive proposition.
For example, in one area we have got an esti-
mate on a project that would cost about $1/2 million
to control the erosion of 1-1/2 miles of shoreline,
and when you project that to the total shoreline that
we are talking about, if that is a valid projection,
you can see at least the nature of the expenditures
that have to be made unless we come out with some other
kinds of preventive measures to stop this.
MR. PURDY: Well, I agree with you that it is
a very difficult problem and I was hoping that you could
offer some advice and we could gain from your experience
here .
MR. FRANGOS: I think the key, really, is
whether the U. S. Department of Agriculture is develop-
ing programs that more directly address themselves to
water quality problems.
MR. MACKIE: I might add that the work that
has been done in the Whittlesey watershed by way of a
demonstration project indicates that while much of this
Sii
work is very, very expensive, there is an awful lot that
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436
T. G. Frangos
can "be done without this large expense.
MR. PURDY: That is all I have, Mr. Chairman.
MR. STEIN: Are there any other comments or
questions?
MR. MAYO: I have a question to ask Mr.
Frangos.
On page 3 of your report you talked about
extending some dates to May of 1972.
MR. FRANGOS: Yes, sir.
MR. MAYO: Would these dates be beyond the
dates established in the water quality standards for
compliance?
MR. FRANGOS: Well, I will answer the ques-
tion this way. The reason we have gone to this proce-
dure, there are indications to us that these dates will
not be met, but we anticipate that we will know precisely
what the status is out of these proceedings that we
describe to you in this report. In this connection,
particularly in the public hearings that we are going
to be holding, we would invite your participation in
these hearings.
MR. MAYO: As I understand the situation, take
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437
T. G- Frangos
Ashland for example, under the water quality standards
! at the present time the abatement schedule date for
| Ashland would be October 1, 1970?
i
| MR. FRANGOS: That is correct.
j
i MR. MAYO: Now, apparently, it is your impres-
i sion that Ashland likely will not meet that date?
i i
i MR. FRANGOS: That is also correct, right. j
i j
i MR. MAYO: And you are suggesting here that j
i i
i
j it may be desirable to extend that compliance date to I
! |
; May of 1972? I
j
| MR. FRANGOS: No, I don't know that. I would
i
I say that that would be the outside of any kind of exten-
i
i sion if it were to be given, but the purpose of these
j
j hearings really are prompted by our anticipatory con-
i
j siderations that makes this look very doubtful at this
i
i
i
| time.
| MR. STEIN: Well, I think this rates as a key
| question, which is going to be of interest to all the
States, and here is the problem. I think we, in a sense,
have met this issue when we set dates at conferences
and then there isia proposed extension of a default.
What we do is have another session of the conference
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T. G- Frangos
and we consider that. As Mr. Purdy has known, we have
taken up these questions time and time again at the con-
ferences .
However, I think we have a new element added
here and that is the element of water quality standards
where you have a lot of dates.
Maybe the way they state this question in
Washington is a more colorful statement, but I will use
the expression they use, and that is "unilateral exten-
sion by the States when both the State and Federal
Government signed off on these as reasonable dates."
Now, what do you do? I hate to pick
Ashland except it starts with A. What do you do
if you find that you are going to recommend an
extension of: that date in Wisconsin? Are you then going
to consult with the Federal people and attempt to
get a modification of this in the standards program?
Or are you going to go ahead and then present us with--
I find the embarrassing thing of at least a technical
violation of the standards and people asking me to
file a 180-day notice to take them to court?
U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : 1970 O - 401-869 (Vol.1)
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