WORK ASSIGNMENT 31 A-3
Contract No. 68-0-3319
106-MILE DEEPWATER SLUDGE DUMPSITE
SURVEY-SUMMER 1986
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INITIAL SURVEY REPORT
For
WORK ASSIGNMENT 31 A-3
Contract No. 68-0-3319
106-MILE DEEPWATER SLUDGE DUMPSITE
SURVEY-SUMMER 1986
Prepared By:
Battelle Ocean Sciences
for
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
23 June 1987
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SURVEY OBJECTIVES 1
3.0 ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES 3
3 .1 NORTHERN ARRAY 3
3 . 2 SOUTHERN ARRAY 8
4.0 SURVEY LOG 8
5.0 SUMMARY 10
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1. MAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE 106-MILE
DUMPSITE MOORINGS DEPLOYED FOR 6 MONTHS
BEGINNING MID-SEPTEMBER 1986 . . . 2
FIGURE 2. NORTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DEPLOYED AT
STATION A-9 4
FIGURE 3. NORTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DESIGN SHOWING
LOCATION OF DAMAGE 5
FIGURE 4A. PHOTOGRAPH OF AANDERAA CURRENT METER SPINDLE
SHOWING BREAK (LOWER LEFT END) AT THE BEARING
SUPPORT, RESULTING IN LOSS OF METER 6
FIGURE 4B. PHOTOGRAPH OF AN UNBROKEN AANDERAA SPINDLE.
THE BEARING SUPPORT COLLAR (CENTER) IS WELDED
INTO THE ROD SECTION AT MID-LENGTH 6
FIGURE 5. SOUTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DEPLOYED AT
STATION A-5 9
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
On April 23, 1987, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) conducted a survey aboard the R/V Cape Henlopen (owned by
the university of Delaware) to recover two current meter mooring
arrays. The arrays were recovered from selected locations (one
deployed along the northwestern and the other along the
southeastern border of the 106-Mile Municipal Dumpsite-stations
A-9 and A-5, respectively) along the 2500-m isobath (Figure 1).
The arrays were deployed on September 19, 1986 (under Task 4 of
Work Assignment 31 (WA 31), by EPA representatives aboard the OSV
Peter W. Anderson.
The arrays were deployed to gather surface and deep ocean
current data from the selected locations in the vicinity of the
dumps!te at depths ranging from 50 m to 1000 m. The data
recovered from the instruments will provide information about the
physical processes that affect the dispersion of sludge material
in the vicinity of the dumpsite during a six-month period (current
meters were set for six months). This information will allow EPA
to accurately interpret nearfield (within the site) monitoring
data and aid EPA in properly designing further studies in the
farfield (outside of the site). The final current meter data will
be incorporated into the final report for WA 46. This report will
address the physical oceanographic component of the monitoring
plan for determining the transport and fate of sewage sludge at
the 106-Mile Dumpsite.
2.0 SURVEY OBJECTIVES
The objective of the survey was to locate and recover two
current meter mooring arrays that were deployed in the vicinity of
the 106-Mile Dumpsite.
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NAUTICAL MILES
I— I I I
O 10 ZO JO "0 50 -.-,<'/
OCPTXS IN FATHOMS .'''•'
NEW JERSEY .;
Southern
Site
DELAWARE
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
75"
74
73
72
71
FIGURE 1. NAP SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE 106-MILE DUMPSITE
MOORINGS DEPLOYED FOR 6 MONTHS BEGINNING MID-SEPTEMBER
1986
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3.0 ACHIEVEMENT OF OBJECTIVES
Two current meter mooring arrays were located and recovered
in the vicinity of the 106-Mile Dumpsite at the following
coordinates:
1. NORTHERN ARRAY (STA. A-9) - LATITUDE 38°54.49'N
LONGITUDE 71°51.67'W
2. SOUTHERN ARRAY (STA. A-5) - LATITUDE 38°34.49'N
LONGITUDE 72°36.63'W
3.1 NORTHERN ARRAY
The northern array (Figure 2) was only partially recovered.
The upper section of the array was lost because the spindle rod of
the Aanderaa current meter (Serial Number (SN) 7581), set at a
depth of 97 meters, parted in the middle at the weld (Figure 3).
The design strength of the spindle rod of the current meter is
approximately 12,000 Ibs. and the design tension of the mooring
(due to the buoyancy caused by the array flotation) is less than
2000 Ibs. A photograph of the damaged spindle rod is shown in
Figure 4a. An unbroken spindle rod is shown in Figure 4b. The
following list of equipment and instrumentation on the array was
lost due to the parted spindle rod.
INSTRUMENT DEPLOYMENT
DEPTH
1. 37-INCH FLOAT 48 m
2. AANDERAA CURRENT METER (SN 7587) 50m
3. GENERAL OCEANICS (GO) CURRENT METER 51 m
(SN 306)
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6' Chain.
1571 Wire _
Wire Stop 3* —
Btlow Shackle
D- X777A-
6* Chain
482* Wire
6* Chain
787' Wirt
1640' Kevlar
2273* Ktvlar
2572' Ktvlar.
Swivel.
30' Wire.
Q. JM/A Aanderaa Current Meter
. Rasher
. 37' Root
. Aanderaa Current Meter
. 60 MKII
. Fairing
B* Root
28' Root
Aanderaa Current Meter
-Three Glass Roots
. Six Glass Roots
, Aanderaa Current Meter
. Three Glass Roots
, Four Glass Roots
. Release
48m
U8m
240m
500m
693m
784m
. Anchor
FIGURE 2. NORTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DEPLOYED AT
STATION A-9 /,
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TOP DEPTH
' -tire
k
u
D
MOORING
SEPARATION ft
PERTH - 97n,
B 0 T.T-0 M
DEPTH = £500rn
D
LEGEND
O
Dfcn
G I aee
Float*
G * n & r
Oc*an i
^ ^~ Par a I 1*1
R r I * a w t <5
anchor
FIGURE 3. NORTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DESIGN SHOWING
LOCATION OF DAMAGE
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Broken Inside
FIGURE 4a. PHOTOGRAPH OF AANDERAA CURRENT METER SPINDLE SHOWING
BREAK (LOWER LEFT END) AT THE BEARING SUPPORT,
RESULTING IN LOSS OF METER.
Normal Structure
FIGURE 4b. PHOTOGRAPH OF AN UNBROKEN AANDERAA SPINDLE. THE
BEARING SUPPORT COLLAR (CENTER) IS WELDED ONTO THE
ROD SECTION AT MID-LENGTH.
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4. 48-INCH FLOAT . 95 m
5. AANDERAA CURRENT METER (SN 7581) 97 m
Although it is possible that the lost portion of the array
floated to the surface, it is very unlikely that the floats and
instruments attached to lost portion of the array will be
recovered. The following hypotheses are submitted as possible
explanations for the loss of the upper portion of the northern
mooring. These hypotheses are purely speculative and are not
intended as definitive answers at this time.
1. The mooring may have been snagged by a passing
fishing vessel, putting to much stress on the weld
of the broken spindle.
2. The weld of the broken spindle may have been weak
and parted due to the normal tension exerted by the
floats.
The following list of instrumentation (floats and acoustic
releases not listed) was recovered from the intact portion of the
parted array.
INSTRUMENT DEPLOYMENT
DEPTH
1. AANDERAA CURRENT NETER 250 m
2. AANDERAA CURRENT METER 1000 m
The data tapes of the recovered current meters were almost
completely expended, indicating that the data recording systems
were operational throughout the six-month deployment. Each data
tape for the Aanderaa current meters was approximately 95 percent
expended.
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3.2 SOUTHERN ARRAY
The entire array including all floats, analytical
instrumentation, and acoustic releases was recovered from the
southern site on Friday, April 24, 1987. The design of the array
is shown in Figure 5. The types and approximate depths in meters
of each instrument (floats and acoustic releases are not listed)
recovered from the array at the southern site include the
following:
INSTRUMENT DEPTH
1. AANDERAA CURRENT METER 50 m
2. GO CURRENT METER 75 m
3. AANDERAA CURRENT METER 100 m
4. SEA DATA TEMPERATURE SENSOR 125 m
5. SEA DATA TEMPERATURE SENSOR 150 m
6. SEA DATA TEMPERATURE SENSOR 200 m
7. AANDERAA CURRENT METER 250 m
8. AANDERAA CURRENT METER 1000 m
The data tapes for all instrumentation were almost entirely
expended, indicating that the data recording systems were in
operation throughout the the six-month deployment. The data tapes
from the Aanderaa current meters were approximately 95 percent
expended, and the data tapes from the sea data temperature sensors
and GO current meters were 100 percent expended.
4.0 SURVEY LOG
The following Chief Scientist's Survey Log describes the
sequence of events during the recovery of the two EPA
106-Mile-Site moorings:
8
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6* Chain .
82* Wire and Fairing .
Wire Stop 2' Below Shackle.
59* Wire and Fairing.
6' Chain
89* Wire.
82* Wire
157' Wire
148* Wire
6* Chain.
787' Wire
1640' K»vlar
2273' Kevtar
345',
2210''
Kevlor.
Swivel.
30* Wire.
0- -EZ2-
B
, Flasher
_ 37' Root
- Aanderaa Current Meter
.48* Root
. Aanderaa Current Meter
.Sea Data Temperature Sensor
_ Sea Data Temperature Sensor
-Sea Data Temperature Sensor
. 28* Root
.Aanderaa Current Meter
-Three Glass Roots
25m
18m
27m.
25m
48m
45m
240m
500m
. Six Glass Roots
. Aanderaa Current Meter
Three Glass Roots
693m
784m
__ Four Glass Roots
. Release
.Anchor
FIGURE 5. SOUTHERN CURRENT METER MOORING DEPLOYED AT STATION A-5
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R/V Cape Henlopen Cruise to Site 106
23-25 April 1987
4/23
1610
4/24
0405
0432
0456
0553
0555
0811
1140
1145
1155
1218
1318
4/25
0600
1200
1700
Depart Lewes, DE for southern site
Weather update: good Fri., bad Sat.
Should be able to recover both moors
if steam at 12 kts or better
Arrived at southern site
Both releases reply. Awaiting daylight
Drift 300 deg @ 1 kt
Code 4A did not release function
Released on Code 6C
Sighted top float 600 ft from ship
Mooring on board
Enroute to northern site
Arrived at northern site
Released mooring. Ascend SLOW
Sighted two sets of glass floats
Aanderaa rod broken; SN 7581
Lost: CM SNs 7587, 7581, 306
Lost: float SNs 721, 475
Mooring on board. Return to Lewes
At entrance Delaware Bay. FULL GALE.
USCG asks assistance for S&R
Unable to lock due to wind/sea conditions
Docked at Lewes. Gear will be offloaded
by Univ of Del on Monday.
5.0 SUMMARY
The two current meter moorings were successfully retrieved
although part of one mooring and the associated instrumentation
were lost at sea prior to retrieval. The data will be analyzed
and interpreted and will be reported under a deliverable of Work
Assignment 46.
10
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Final Report of Analytical
Results of
THE 106-MILE
DEEPWATER SLUDGE DUMPSITE
SURVEY - SUMMER 1986
Contract No. 68-03-3319
Work Assignment 1-31
April 25, 1988
Prepared for
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Region II, New York, NY,
and
Office of Marine and Estuarine Protection
Washington, DC
Prepared by
Wayne Trulli, William Steinhauer, Carl ton Hunt,
Paul Boehm, and Christine Werme
BATTELLE
Ocean Sciences Department
397 Washington Street
Duxbury, MA 02332
The registered trademarks and material suppliers are referenced for
reader convenience in replicating experiments and do not represent endorsement
by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1-1
1.1 Background 1-1
1.2 Survey Objectives 1-4
1.3 Scope of the Report 1-6
2.0 STUDY AREA 2-1
2.1 Site Description 2-1
2.2 Station Locations 2-1
3.0 SURVEY ACTIVITIES FIELD METHODS FOR SAMPLE AND DATA
COLLECTION, AND LABORATORY METHODS FOR SAMPLE
PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS 3-1
3.1 Survey Sampling Activities 3-1
3.2 Methods for Field Sample Collection, Sample
Processing, and Data Acquisition 3-3
3.2.1 Field Sampling and Data Acquisition During
Leg I of the Survey 3-4
3.2.1.1 XBT Deployment and Recording Procedures... 3-4
3.2.1.2 Satellite Imagery Data Acquisition 3-4
3.2.1.3 Drogue and Plume-Tracking Procedures 3-5
3.2.1.4 Water Sampling at DBR Stations for
SIudge Tracers 3-7
3.2.1.5 Water Sampling at Selected Reference
Stations 3-9
3.2.1.6 Cetacean, Marine Turtle, and Seabird
Observations 3-13
3.2.2 Field Sampling and Data Acquisition During
Leg II of the 106-Mile Site Survey 3-14
3.3 Methods for Laboratory Sample Preparation and Analysis.... 3-14
3.3.1 Analysis of Selected Organic Compounds 3-15
3.3.1.1 Preparation of Samples 3-15
3.3.1.2 Analysis of Samples 3-15
3.3.2 Analysis of Water Quality and Biochemical
Parameters . 3-16
3.3.2.1 Water Quality Parameters 3-16
3.3.2.2 Biochemical Parameters 3-18
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
3.3.3 Analysis of Clostridium perfringens 3-18
3.3.4 Analysis of Trace Metals 3-19
3.3.4.1 Silver 3-19
3.3.4.2 Cadmium, Silver, Copper, Iron, Lead,
and Zinc 3-20
3.3.4.3 Chromium 3-20
3.3.5 Analysis of Cetaceans, Marine Turtles, and
Seabi rds 3-20
4.0 QUALITY CONTROL 4-1
4.1 Data Quality Requirements and Quality Assurance
Objectives 4-1
4.2 Quality Control Results 4-3
4.2.1 Water Quality 4-3
4.2.1.1 Total Suspended Solids (TSS) 4-3
4.2.1.2 Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) 4-3
4.2.2 Trace Metals 4-3
4.2.3 Organic Compounds 4-9
5.0 RESULTS 5-1
5.1 Satellite Imagery 5-1
5.2 DBR Study 5-1
5.2.1 Drogues and Plume Tracking within the Dumpsite 5-1
5.2.2 Sewage Sludge Tracers (TSS and C. perfringens) 5-2
5.3 Reference Stations 5-4
5.3.1 Drogue Tracking at the Reference Stations 5-4
5.3.2 Organic Constitutents 5-10
5.3.2.1 Seawater 5-10
5.3.2.2 Filter Wipes 5-10
^^
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
Page
5.3.3 Water Column Profiling - Expendable Bathythermo-
graph (XBT) 5-10
5.3.4 Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters, and
C. perfrlngens 5-16
5.3.5 Trace Metal 5-16
5.4 Cetacean, Marine Turtle, and Seablrd Observations
(Legs I and II) 5-16
6.0 DISCUSSION 6-1
6.1 DBR Study 6-1
6.2 Reference Station Study 6-2
6.2.1 Drogue Tracking 6-2
6.2.2 XBT Traces 6-2
6.2.3 Organic Constituents 6-3
6.2.3.1 Filtrate Analysis 6-3
6.2.3.2 Particulate Analysis 6-4
6.2.3.3 Filter Wipe Analysis 6-4
6.2.4 Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters 6-5
6.2.5 Trace Metals 6-6
6.3 Cetacean, Marine Turtle, and Seabird Observations 6-7
7.0 REFERENCES , 7-1
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Parameters Analyzed in Baseline Samples for the 106-Mile
Site Monitoring Program 1-3
Table 2. Coordinates for Stations Sampled During the 106-Mile
Site 1986 Summer Survey 2-3
Table 3. Summary of All Samples and Data Collected During the
Plume Tracking and DBR Phases of the 106-Mile Site 1986
Summer Survey 3-8
Table 4. Summary of All Samples and Data Collected During the
Reference Sampling and Mooring Deployment Phases of
the 106-Mile Site Survey—Summer 1986 3-11
Table 5. Objectives for Analytical Measurements of Seawater
Sampl es 4-2
Table 6. Analysis of Procedural Blanks for ATP 4-4
Table 7. Determination of Precision, Duplicate Weighings of TSS
Filters 4-5
Table 8. Determination of Precision, Duplicate Analysis of
Selected ATP Sample Extracts From Seawater Samples 4-6
Table 9. Determination of Precision, Duplicate Analysis of
Trace Metals From Seawater Samples 4-7
Table 10. Determination of Accuracy, Trace Metal Matrix Spike
Recovery, Seawater Analysis 4-8
Table 11. Determination of Accuracy From Recoveries of Surrogate
Organic Compounds in Seawater Filtrate and Particulate
Extracts 4-10
Table 12. Summary of Sludge Tracer Data for TSS Concentrations
From Seawater Samples Collected as Part of the DBR
Acti vi ties 5-5
^
Table 13. Summary of Sludge Tracer Data for C_. perfringens Samples
Collected as Part of the DBR Activities 5-6
Table 14. Summary of GC/MS Scan Analysis of Water Sample
Particulates for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons
(ng/L) 5-11
^v
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
LIST OF TABLES
(Continued)
Table 15. Summary of GC/MS Scan Analysis of Water Sample
Filtrates for Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons in
ng/L (Includes Water Quality Criteria) 5-12
Table 16. Summary of the Analysis of Water Sample Filtrates for
Pesticides, PCBs, and Coprostanol in ng/L (Includes
Water Quality Criteria) 5-13
Table 17. Summary of the Analysis of Water Sample Particulates
for Pesticides, PCBs, and Coprostanol in ng/L 5-14
Table 18. Summary of Water Quality Data From Seawater Samples
Collected From Reference Stations in the Vicinity
of the 106-Mile Site 5-17
Table 19. Summary of C. perfringens (Colonies/100 mL) Data for
All Reference Stations...., 5-18
Table 20. Concentration in yg/L of Trace Metals in Whole Seawater
(Includes Water Quality Criteria) 5-19
Table 21. Densities ( + S.D.) of Seabirds by Species Groups
Observed While in Slope Waters or Within the 106-Mile
Site From the OSV Peter W. Anderson, August 22 through 27
and September 15 through 20, 1986 5-21
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
LIST OF FIGURES
Page
Figure 1. Location of the 106-Mile Site Deepwater Sewage
Sludge Site 1-2
Figure 2. Stations Occupied at the 106-Mile Site During the
1986 Summer Survey 2-2
Figure 3. Survey Track Followed During the 106-Mile Site
1986 Summer Survey 3-2
Figure 4. Schematic Diagram of the Drogue 3-6
Figure 5. Drogue Deployment and Tracking Before and During the
Sewage Sludge Dump 5-3
Figure 6. Expanded Drogue Track at Station A-3 5-7
Figure 7. Expanded Drogue Track at Station A-7 5-8
Figure 8. Dumpsite and Reference Stations Showing Drogue Tracks 5-9
Figure 9. XBT Traces for Reference Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 for
the 1986 Summer Survey 5-15
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
(Continued)
LIST OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
Cruise Report, OSV Peter W. Anderson, August 22 through 27
and September 15 through 20, 1986 A-l
y^^
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), under the Marine
Protection, Research, and Sanctuaries Act of 1972 (MPRSA, PL 92-532), is
responsible for regulating the disposal of sewage sludges in the oceans. Part
of the strategy for regulating sludge disposal includes the preparation and
implementation of an effective monitoring program for the 106-Mile Deepwater
Municipal Sewage Sludge Site (Battelle, 1987a).
Data collected under the monitoring program will be used in making
decisions about continued designation of the site, status of ocean dumping
permits, and continuation or alteration of the monitoring program. The sludge
site is located approximately 120 nautical miles (nmi) southeast of Ambrose
Light, New York, and beyond the edge of the continental shelf in water depths
ranging from 2250 to 2750 meters (Figure 1). The site lies within the
boundaries of a larger site designated for interim disposal of aqueous
industrial wastes and municipal sludge.
The 106-Mile Site monitoring program is being implemented according
to a tiered approach (Zeller and Wastler, 1987). The conceptual basis of the
approach is that data collected in each of a hierarchy of tiers are required as
the foundation for the design and extent of monitoring activities in the next
tier. Such an approach also ensures that only information needed for making
decisions will be collected. The 106-Mile Site monitoring program includes
four tiers:
Tier l--Sludge Characteristics and Disposal Operations
Tier 2--Nearfield Fate and Short-Term Effects
Tier 3—Farfield Fate
Tier 4--Long-Term Effects
Using this approach, a series of parameters (Table 1) may be monitored in the
water column in Tiers 2 and 4. Monitoring results will be compare to baseline
1-1
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106—Mile Deepwcrter
Municipal Sludge Site ^
73°
72°
FIGURE 1. LOCATIONS OF THE 106-MILE DEEPWATER SEWAGE SLUDGE SITE
(INDICATED) ABOVE AND BY SHADED AREA IN INSERT
1-2
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TABLE 1. PARAMETERS ANALYZED IN BASELINE WATER SAMPLES FOR THE 106-
MILE SITE MONITORING PROGRAM
Water Samples
1. Trace metals: Silver (Ag), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu),
Iron (Fe), Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn)
2. Priority pollutant Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH):
acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, anthracene, benzo(a)anthracene,
benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, benzo(k)-
fluoranthene, chrysene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene,
fluorene, indeno(l,2,3-cd)pyrene, naphthalene, phenanthrene, pyrene
3. Priority pollutant organochlorine compounds: aldrin, a-benzene
hexachloride (BHC), B-BHC, Y-BHC, 6-BHC, chlordane, 4,4' dichloro-
diphenyltrichloroethane (4,4'-DDT), 4,4' dichlorodiphenylethane (4,4'-
DDE), 4,4' dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (4,4'-ODD), dieldrin, endo-
sulfan I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, endrin aldehyde,
heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, toxaphene, polychlorinated biphenyls
(PCB) (total)
4. Other organics: Bis (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEPH), coprostanol
5. Clostridium perfringens
6. Water quality parameters: Total suspended solids (TSS), chlorophyll jj,
adenosine triphosphate (ATP), dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity,
turbidity, and temperature
1-3
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conditions to determine whether ocean dumping of sludge is adversely impacting
the marine environment.
To initiate preliminary studies on sludge transport in the nearfield
and to collect baseline data at selected stations, EPA conducted a survey at
the 106-Mile Site during the summer of 1986. The survey was conducted aboard
the EPA Ocean Survey Vessel (OSV) Peter VJ. Anderson. At that time, disposal
rates for sewage sludge were approximately 30 percent of the anticipated
annual disposal rate (Battelle, 1986a). Although the dumping rate during the
survey was low relative to the projected 1988 rate (100 percent), sludge
components could be distributed over a wide area. As a result, the station
locations were selected in areas thought to be free of contamination from
sludge disposal. Sludge dumping activities at the site and the strategic
location of the reference stations permitted the collection of plume transport
data and baseline data from the water mass at and near the site (Battelle,
1986b,c).
The survey was divided into two legs. Leg I was conducted from 21
to 28 August 1986, and Leg II was conducted from 14 to 20 September 1986.
Activities during Leg I of the survey were designed to track an actual sewage
sludge plume and to provide water column data for specific sludge tracers to
determine if sewage sludge was transported in detectable concentrations to the
dumpsite boundary. In addition, Leg I activities were designed to provide
baseline water column data for a variety of parameters at selected stations
within the vicinity of the site. The activities conducted during Leg II were
designed to deploy current meters which would provide six-month data on
oceanographic currents in the vicinity of the 106-Mile Site. These data will
be presented in a separate report.
1.2 SURVEY OBJECTIVES
The August/September 1986 survey at the 106-Mile Site focused on
preliminary implementation of the overall 106-Mile Site monitoring plan
(Battelle, 1987a). Although the plan was still under development during the
survey, studies during the survey were designed for two purposes: 1) to
collect baseline data, and 2) to make preliminary observations on the
transport of sludge plumes, which could be used as guidance for developing a
1-4
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nearfield monitoring strategy for tracking plumes. All major objectives,
summarized below, were completed during the two legs of the survey.
1. To conduct a preliminary study of a sludge plume from
the point of disposal to the site boundary.
2. To assess water quality conditions during the summer at
selected reference stations.
3. To collect hydrographic and current data in the
vicinity of the site.
4. To document the occurrence and abundance of endangered
species (birds, turtles, and marine mammals) in the
vicinity of the site.
Objectives 1 and 2 were concerned with examining the movement of the
sludge to and beyond the dumpsite boundary. Information on short-term surface
water movement was obtained by tracking surface drogues. This information
permitted the field party to designate stations along the upcurrent boundary
of the site for the collection of specific sludge tracer samples from an
actual sludge plume. The plume-tracking study and the collection of sludge
tracer samples at the site boundary are referred to as Dumpsite Boundary
Reconnaissance (DBR). Water quality data for specific tracers (total
suspended solids (TSS), Clostridium perfringens, and trace metals) were
obtained at the site boundary and at selected reference stations. Trace
metals samples collected as part of the DBR study were not analyzed. The
results obtained at the site boundary are compared with data from reference
stations and historical baseline data to determine the potential transport of
detectable quantities of sludge beyond the site boundary.
Objective 3 was concerned with characterizing the structure of the
water column and determining current measurements over a six-month period.
The moored current meters provide data on the long-term movement (speed and
direction) of surface (from 50 to 150 m) and subpycnoline (from 500 to 2450
m) water. These data have been lacking at the site, although models
describing sludge movement have assumed a net southwesterly flow. Data on the
movement of water masses at the site were needed to understand the transport
of disposed sludge and to address issues related to a) the design of
1-5
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monitoring program activities, b) the potential direction of movement of the
sludge (i.e., towards the shoreline), and c) the flow of water through the
site. The results of the current meter measurements are presented and
discussed in a separate report (Battelle, 1987b).
Data collected to meet the requirements of Objective 4 will be used
to assess seasonal distributions and abundances of marine mammals, turtles,
and birds at the site, to assess seasonal distributions. Data on summer
abundances were sparse.
1.3 SCOPE OF THE REPORT
This report discusses all survey activities completed during Legs I
and II of the 1986 summer survey at the 106-Mile Site. In addition, this
document presents the results and interpretation of the laboratory analysis
and survey data within the framework of the monitoring program for the 106-
Mile Site. Chapter 2 describes the dumpsite and the location of all DBR,
reference water quality, and current meter mooring stations. Chapter 3
describes the field and laboratory methods used to collect and analyze all
survey data. All survey results are presented in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5,
the results are discussed, conclusions are drawn, and appropriate
recommendations are made.
1-6
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2.0 STUDY AREA
2.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
The area designated by EPA for disposal of sewage sludge is the
eastern portion of the Interim 106-Mile Site, located near the 2500-m isobath
approximately 120 nmi southeast of Ambrose Light, New York, and 115 nmi east
of Atlantic City, New Jersey. The area of the site is approximately 100 nmi2;
the site is bounded by latitudes 38°40'N to 39°00'N and longitudes 72°00'W to
72°05'W. The location of the site is shown in Figure 1.
The 106-Mile Site is a designated U.S. deepwater dumpsite for the
ocean disposal of sewage sludge. EPA designated this site because it meets
all specified requirements of the MPRSA of 1972 for site designation. The
site is not located in an area of significant commercial or recreational fish
or shellfish harvesting. The currents near the site, the deep permanent
pycnocline, and the great distance from shore ensure that impacts associated
with ocean dumping at the site will be minimal.
2.2 STATION LOCATIONS
The locations of all stations occupied at the 106-Mile Site during
both legs of the 1986 summer survey are shown in Figure 2. The coordinates
for each station are presented in Table 2. During Leg I of the survey,
sampling activities were completed at Stations D10-1, DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3
(DBR stations) and A-3, A-5, and A-7 (reference water quality stations).
During Leg II, current meter moorings were deployed at Stations A-5 and A-9.
Sampling activities for the DBR study were originally planned
(Battelle, 1986b) at 10 DBR stations spaced at 0.5-nmi intervals along the
dumpsite boundary. The specific locations at these DBR stations were
determined by tracking drogues (at 10, 30, and 75 m) to determine the speed
and direction of the water mass.
2-1
-------
74°
40°-
39°-
38°-
73°'
I
72'
I
...••"" ••%i2"'
.' . .-•' A.-8
A-3
v
71°
I
73°
72°
• DBR Station Locations
• Detailed Water Column Sampling
Mooring
Water Column Sampling and Mooring
71°
FIGURE 2. STATIONS OCCUPIED AT THE 106-MILE SITE DURING THE 1986 SUMMER
SURVEY (SHADED AREA INDICATES THE 106-MILE SEWAGE SLUDGE
DISPOSAL SITE)
2-2
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TABLE 2. COORDINATES FOR STATIONS SAMPLED DURING THE 106-MILE
SITE 1986 SUMMER SURVEY
Station
DIO-ll
OBR-11
DBR-21
DBR-31
A-3l
A-5*
A-52
A-7l
A-92
Latitude/
Longitude
-
-
-
-
39°01'N
71039'W
38°36 'N
72°35'W
38°34.49'N
72°36.63'W
38022 'N
72055'W
38°54.39'N
71051. 67'W
LORAN C
Time Delays
26080.8
42811.7
26078.4
42834.1
26080.0
42832.8
26079.5
42830.7
25927.0
42845.0
26260.4
42605.2
26273.4
42586.0
26374.4
42501.1
26005.4
42783.1
- indicates that latitude/longitude is not available
for the designated stations.
Iwater column station coordinates.
^Current meter mooring stations
2-3
-------
The results of this short-term DBR study, discussed in detail in
Chapter 4, indicated that the water mass at the site was traveling to the
north at a speed of approximately 1 nautical mile per hour, or 1 knot. Before
initiating the DBR study, the EPA chief scientist and the Battelle second
scientist decided that because of time constraints and the flow speed of the
plume, it would be difficult to collect samples from 10 stations at the
dumpsite boundary. As a result, the number of DBR stations (DBR-1, DBR-2, and
DBR-3) along the northern boundary of the dumpsite was reduced from 10 to 3
(Figure 2). A fourth station (D10-1) marked the location of the start of the
sludge plume tracking activity and was included as part of the DBR study.
Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 were selected as reference stations for
acquiring additional background data on water quality near the site. These
stations were established 'by EPA and were sampled during previous baseline
studies. All three stations lie on the 2500-m isobath. Station A-3 is
located approximately 10 nmi upcurrent (northeast) of the actual dumpsite.
Station A-5 (a reference and current meter mooring station) is approximately
20 nmi downcurrent (southwest) of the dumpsite. Station A-7 is located
approximately 40 nmi downcurrent (southwest) of the dumpsite.
2-4
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3.0 SURVEY ACTIVITIES FIELD METHODS FOR SAMPLE AND DATA COLLECTION,
AND LABORATORY METHODS FOR SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS
This chapter has been divided into three sections. Section 3.1
discusses all sampling and data collection activities conducted during the
survey. Section 3.2 discusses the methods used to acquire and collect samples
during the survey at the 106-Mile Site. Section 3.3 briefly describes all
laboratory preparation and analytical procedures used to analyze samples
collected during the survey. Many of the sampling and analytical procedures
discussed below are detailed in EPA Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
(Battelle, 1987b,c).
3.1 SURVEY SAMPLING ACTIVITIES
During Leg 1 of the survey at the 106-Mile Site, activities were
conducted to collect nearfield sludge tracer data (from actual sewage sludge
plume) at the dumpsite and to collect reference (baseline) water quality data
at selected stations outside the dumpsite boundary. During Leg 2 of the
survey, two current meter mooring arrays were deployed at selected stations
outside the dumpsite. The arrays were positioned to acquire long-term (over a
six-month period) current meter data in the vicinity of the sludge disposal
site. The tracks for each leg of the survey are shown in Figure 3. With
minor exceptions, all survey activities were completed. The activities are
briefly summarized below, with respect to each objective (Section 1.2).
To accomplish Objective 1 (Preliminary Study of the Movement of the
Sludge Plume: Dumpsite Boundary Reconnaissance (DBR)), activities were
designed to track an actual sewage sludge plume from the point of disposal
(Station D10-1) to the dumpsite boundary (Stations DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3).
In addition, activities were designed to collect samples for analysis of
specific sludge tracers (total suspended solids (TSS), Clostridium
perfringens, and trace metals) from each of the DBR stations (D10-1, DBR-1,
DBR-2, and DBR-3). The following activities were completed as part of the DBR
study:
Before sludge was dumped by a preselected barge, drogues
set at depths of 10, 30, and 75 m were tracked to
3-1
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NAUTICAL MILES
I 1
0 10 20 30 40 50 4j
NEW JERSEY !?
4!
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
40
39
38
37"
1
75°
74 73
© CURRENT METER MOORING STATION
® CURRENT METER MOORING AND
REFERENCE STATION
72
7f
•-»... TRACK FOR LEG1
—•—' TRACK FOR LEG 2
• REFERENCE STATIONS
FIGURE 3.
• OBR STATIONS
SURVEY TRACK FOLLOWED DURING THE 106-MILE SITE 1986 SUMMER
SURVEY
3-2
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determine the direction and speed of the surface water mass at
the site, in order to establish the locations of the DBR
stations (D10-1, DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3). After the sludge
was dumped, seawater samples were collected from each. DBR
station as the sludge plume proceeded from the point of
disposal (D10-1) and crossed the dumpsite boundary. Samples
were collected at three depths, 10, 30, and 75 m, for analysis
of sludge tracers.
To accomplish Objective 2 (Assessment of Water Quality at Selected
Reference Stations), activities were designed to assess baseline water quality
data from selected reference stations. High-volume surface (10 m) and
subpycnocline (250 m) water samples were collected at three reference stations
(A-3, A-5, and A-7) for analysis of a suite of organic constituents (see
Table 1). In addition, surface (10 m) and subpycnocline (250 m) water samples
were collected for the analysis of the water quality, £. perfringens, and
trace metals also listed in Table 1.
To accomplish Objective 3 (Water Column Structure and Currents),
expendable bathythermograph (XBT) and conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD)
profiles were taken to determine water column structure. Current meter
moorings were deployed to determine current direction and speed over a six-
month period and to determine long-term water mass movement around the site.
In addition, large-scale water mass movement was observed at the site using
satellite imagery prior to and during the survey.
To accomplish Objective 4 (Endangered Species Observations), a
certified observer for endangered species of whales, marine turtles, and
seabirds noted the occurrences of such species at the site and along the
survey track.
3.2 METHODS FOR FIELD SAMPLE COLLECTION. SAMPLE
PROCESSING, AND DATA AQUISITION
This section briefly discusses the methods used for the shipboard
collection and processing of data and water samples obtained during both legs
3-3
-------
of the survey. The first part of this section describes the collection of
data and samples during Leg I. The second part briefly describes procedures
used to deploy the current meter moorings during Leg II.
For Leg 1 activities, methods for collecting XBT data are described
first, followed by a discussion of drogue and plume tracking methods. In
addition, this section presents methods used for collecting and processing
sludge tracer (DBR) and reference station water samples (for analysis of
organic compounds, trace metals, water quality parameters, and C_.
perfringens). This section also describes the techniques used to monitor the
presence and determine the abundance of cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds in
the 106-Mile Site and vicinity. For Leg II activities, methods for locating
the 2500-m isobath are initially discussed, followed by a discussion of the
methods for assembling and deploying the current meter mooring at selected
stations.
3.2.1 Field Sampling and Data Acquisition
During Leg I of the Survey
3.2.1.1 XBT DEPLOYMENT AND RECORDING PROCEDURES
At the location of initial dumping of sewage sludge (start of the
DBR study), and upon arrival at each reference station, an expendable
bathythermograph (XBT) was released to record temperature vs. depth profiles.
Profiles were recorded from the surface to a depth of 2000 m. This activity
was done to determine the location of the thermocline and to obtain
information on the vertical structure of the water column in the dumpsite and
vicinity. The XBT equipment, including probe release gun, the recording
instrument, and software, was provided by the OSV Peter W. Anderson.
3.2.1.2 SATELLITE IMAGERY DATA ACQUISITION
Before and during the survey, satellite imagery data showing surface
water temperatures were obtained from National Oceanic and Atmospheric
3-4
-------
Administration (NOAA) to help determine the characteristics of the surface
water at the site.
3.2.1.3 DROGUE AND PLUME TRACKING PROCEDURES
Drogues set at depths of 10, 30, and 75 m were deployed and tracked
within the boundaries of the 106-Mile Site to determine the direction and
speed of the currents at the site. The drogues were deployed near the center
of the site and tracked until rendezvous with the sludge barge. The drogues
were retrieved and a 10-m drogue was redeployed and tracked until it crossed
the northern site boundary. Based on the results of the preliminary drogue
tracking study, appropriate locations for the DBR stations (for collecting
sludge tracer samples) were selected. In addition, surface (10-m) drogues
were tracked at reference Stations A-3 and A-7 to confirm the results obtained
during the DBR study (discussed in Section 4.0).
The drogues consisted of four canvas panels stretched between 4'x 4'
perpendicular frames (connected in the center by cross pieces) constructed
from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubing. A schematic of the drogue is shown in
Figure 4. Piano wire cut to the desired length (10, 30, oY 75 m) was used to
attach the drogue to a surface float. A weight was attached to the bottom of
the drogue frame to submerge the drogue to the desired depth.
The drogues were tracked using radio direction finding (RDF)
transmitting and receiving equipment supplied by the OSV Peter W. Anderson. A
battery operated transmitter of a specific frequency was attached to the
surface float of each drogue. The RDF receiving equipment was capable of
independently detecting and locating the bearing of each specific transmitter
frequency.
Each drogue was deployed float first to prevent possible breakage of
the piano wire and subsequent loss of the drogues. After the entire length of
piano wire for each drogue was deployed, the drogue and weight were dropped
from the fantail of the ship. The drogues were tracked by sight and RDF.
Drogue coordinates (for DBR and reference stations) were marked at specific
time intervals, generally every 15 minutes from the time of deployment (T=0).
3-5
-------
BOUY
WATER LINE
RDF TRANSMITTER
PVC PIPE
WEIGHT
PIANO WIRE
CANVAS
FIGURE 4 SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF THE DROGUE
3-6
-------
The series of drogue coordinates acquired from each station (DBR + reference
station) were complied to produce drogue or plume tracks for those stations.
3.2.1.4 WATER SAMPLING AT DBR STATIONS FOR SLUDGE TRACERS
At each of the DBR stations (D10-1, DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3) water
samples were collected from a sewage sludge plume at depths of 10, 30, and 75
m. The samples were processed for analysis of selected sludge tracers (TSS
and £. perfringens). In addition, trace metals samples were collected at each
DBR station. Table 3 indicates the type and number of samples collected at
each DBR station. The following discusses the methods for collecting and
processing TSS, C. perfringens, and trace metals samples.
• Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Samples for total suspended solids were collected using
30-L GO-FLO bottles at depths of 10, 30, and 75 m. At
Station DBR-1, TSS samples were processed and analyzed
in triplicate. At Stations D10-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3,
only one sample from each depth was processed and
analyzed. A 4-L subsample was taken from each GO-FLO
bottle designated for TSS analysis. Each 4-L subsample
was filtered through a preweighed 0.45-um membrane
filter (or until the pores clogged).
• Clostrldium perfringens
Samples for C. perfringens analysis were collected
using a 30-L GO-FLO bottle sterilized with ethanol.
Subsamples of 1.0, 0.5 and 0.1 L were filtered through
presterilized, 0.45-um filters. Filters were placed
onto petri dishes containing sterile mCP media and
incubated anaerobically at 44.5°C for 18-24 hours.
• Trace Metals
Surface water samples were collected in the visible
sludge plume at each DBR station (D10-1, DBR-1, DBR-2,
and DBR-3) and analyzed for trace metals. Two samples
were collected at D10-1 using an acid-cleaned bucket to
prevent possible high-level contamination of the
specially treated (acid-cleaned and Teflon-lined) GO-
3-7
-------
TABLE 3. SUMMARY OF ALL SAMPLES AND DATA COLLECTED DURING THE PLUME TRACKING AND DBR
PHASES OF THE 106-MILE SITE 1986 SUMMER SURVEY
CO
1
CO
Parameters
TSS
Micro
Metals
XBT
CTD
10 ID
3
3
2
1
1
D10-1* DBR-l^
30 ra 75 m 10 m 30 m
1133
1133
1
1
Stations
75 m 10 ra
3 1
3 1
1
1
DBR-2 DBR- 3
30 ra 75 m 10 m 30 m
-c.l 1 1
1 1 1
1
1
Total DBR
Sarapl es
75 m Collected
1 19
1 19
5
1
4
aD10-l = Plume/drogue tracking station.
bDBR = Dumpsite boundary reconnaissance stations.
c- Indicates that sample collections were attempted, but
no samples were obtained.
-------
FLO bottles by the concentrated sludge plume. A
specially treated GO-FLO bottle was used to collect
trace metal samples from stations (DBR-1, DBR-2, and
DBR-3) in the more dilute sludge plume at the dumpsite
boundary. The bottle was attached to a clean nylon
line and deployed from the fantail of the ship. When
the bottle was lowered to 15 meters, it was opened by a
pressure sensing trigger. The bottle was triggered to
the closed position using a brass messanger. A single
surface water sample was collected at each of the three
DBR stations (DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3) using the GO-FLO
bottle.
The samples were transported into a specially
constructed clean room for processing. The sludge
water samples were drained from the GO-FLO bottle into
acid-cleaned 2-L polyethylene bottles for subsequent
analysis of selected trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Fe, Pb,
and Zn), and into acid-cleaned 1-L glass bottles for Hg
analysis. Teflon fitting and tubing were used to
connect the vent at the top of the GO-FLO to a cylinder
of purified nitrogen. The nitrogen was filtered
through a 0.4-ym in-line membrane filter. The nitrogen
applied a slight positive pressure (2-3 psi) to the GO-
FLO bottle during subsample transfer to prevent
possible contaminants from entering the bottle. All
subsamples were acidified with double-distilled nitric
acid immediately after collection. Trace metal samples
collected during the DBR study were not analyzed.
3.2.1.5 WATER SAMPLING AT SELECTED REFERENCE STATIONS
At each of three reference stations (A-3, A-5, and A-7,) in the
vicinity of the 106-Mile Site, seawater samples were collected from the
surface (10 m) and below the pycnocline (250 m) using two techniques: 1) high-
volume water sampling using a stainless steel pumping system and 2) hydrocasts
using GO-FLO sample bottles. A high-volume water sampler (Battelle, 1987b)
was used to sample surface and subpycnocline water for selected organic
compounds. The high-volume water sampler was used in conjunction with a
water-solvent extraction system on board the vessel. This system processed,
at sea, large volumes of water for the analysis of selected organic
constituents. Using 30-L GO-FLO sample bottles, hydrocasts were conducted to
collect surface and subpycnocline water samples for a variety of parameters.
3-9
-------
These parameters included water quality and biochemical parameters, trace
metals, and C_. perfringens. A summary of samples collected at each reference
station is listed in Table 4.
•
t Sampling and Processing for Organic Compounds
Seawater analyzed for organic constituents was sampled
from depths of 10 m (surface) and 250 m (subpycnocline)
using a high-volume water sampling system. The system
consists of an intake line composed of 1 inch O.D.
stainless steel (SS) tubing (enough to sample below the
pycnocline), a stainless steel centrifugal pump, a
0.3-um in-line filter held in place with a 293-mm
filter holder, and a 1000-L extraction container. The
stainless steel tubing for sample intake was composed
of alternating sections of 20' straight tubing and 4'
flex tubing.
At each selected reference station, the tubing was
assembled and deployed to a depth of 250 m for
subpycnocline sampling. The tubing was secured with
clamps to the ship's trawl cable.
Sample water was pumped with a centrifugal pump into
the extraction container. As the sample water traveled
to the container, it was filtered through a 0.3-ym pre-
combusted (400°C) glass-fiber filter. Sampling
operations were continued until the container was
filled with 900 to 950 L of filtered seawater at a rate
of 16 to 20 L/min. After sampling operations for
subpycnocline seawater were completed, the intake
tubing was disassembled and retreived until the nozzle
extended 10 m below the seasurface (for surface
sampling). The 10-m high-volume sample was collected
in the same manner as the subpycnocline sample.
Each sample was processed in a high-volume extraction
container as briefly described below:
a. A spike solution was added to the filtered water of
selected samples immediately after the extraction
container was filled. Spiked water was agitated
with two mixers for 30 minutes.
b. Twelve liters of methylene chloride (DCM) were added
to the seawater samples (spiked or unspiked) to the
saturation point.
3-10
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TABLE 4. SUMMARY OF ALL SAMPLES AND DATA COLLECTED DURING THE REFERENCE SAMPLING AND
MOORING DEPLOYMENT PHASES OF THE 106-MILE SITE SURVEY—SUMMER 1986.
CO
I
Station
A- 3
Parameter
TSS
Microbiology
ATP
Chlorophyll a^
Turbidity
PH
Salinity
Dissolved
Oxygen
Organics
Dissolved
Organics
Particulate
Metals
CTD
XBT
Moorings
Deployed
10 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
-
1
1
250 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
-
A-7
10 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
-
1
250 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
1
1
3
10 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
_a
1
1
-
1
1
A- 5
250 m
3
3
3
3
3
3
3
.
1
1
2
Total
Reference
A- 9 Samples
2500 m 2500 m Collected
18
18
18
18
18
18
18
4
6
6
8
2
1 1 5
1 1 2
Total DBR
Samples Total
Collected Samples
(From Table 3) Collected
19 37
19 37
18
18
18
18
18
4
6
6
5 13
4 6
1 6
2
a- Indicates that sample collections were attempted, but no samples were obtained.
-------
c. An additional 4L of DCM was added and the water was
agitated for 25 minutes with both mixers. The
phases were allowed to separate for 45 minutes. The
solvent was decanted through the T-valve at the
bottom of the container into a 4-L amber-glass
bottle.
d. Step C was repeated two times.
Each extract volume (three per sample) was decanted
into separate bottles for storage. The cap of each
bottle was wrapped with Teflon tape followed by
electrical tape.
One sample blank (collected as the fourth extract) was
taken to determine potential sample contaminants
contributed during the extraction process. In
addition, one solvent trip blank was collected to
determine possible contaminants contributed during
addition of the extraction solvents to the samples.
However, neither sample was analyzed.
Three filter wipe samples for analysis of organic
constituents were collected from different locations on
the research vessel. The samples were taken to
identify possible ship-produced organic contaminants
that may be present in the sample.
Wipe samples were taken with a muffled 293-mm filter
for filtering particulates from water samples for
organic constituents. A 6" x 6" area was wiped from
each sampled surface. These surfaces included 1) the
deck in the vicinity of the extraction tank (W-l), 2)
the top of the extraction container (W-2) and 3) the
processing laboratory (W-3). The samples were placed
in solvent-rinsed and muffled glass jars, and stored in
the freezer until analysis.
^
• Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters, and
C. perfrlngens
To acquire additional baseline data, water quality and
biochemical parameters were sampled at each of the
reference stations. Samples were analyzed on the ship
for the following water quality parameters:
temperature, salinity dissolved oxygen, pH, and
turbidity. In addition, the biochemical parameter
chlorophyll "a" was analyzed aboard the survey vessel.
The water quality parameter, TSS, and the biochemical
3-12
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parameter, ATP, were processed aboard ship and stored
frozen for analysis at a shore-based laboratory.
Hydrocasts were conducted to collect surface (10 m) and
subpycnocline (250 m) seawater for water quality and
biochemical parameters. The hydrocasts were conducted
during the high-volume sampling operations. Two 30-L
GO-FLO sample bottles were sterilized with ethanol
(required for C. perfringens and ATP samples) and
lowered, using the rosette sampler, to the desired
depths (10 and 250 m). The bottles were triggered
electronically from the survey center aboard the ship.
Samples were collected in triplicate from each depth.
Conductivity-temperature-depth (CTD) profiles were
obtained during this activity but the data will not be
reported.
• Trace Metals
Surface and subpynocline water samples for trace metal
analysis were collected at each reference station
during the hydrocasts for water quality samples. Two
GO-FLO sample bottles for collecting trace metal
samples were acid cleaned for a period of 24 hours in a
10 percent HC1 solution. The acid-cleaned GO-FLO
bottles were attached to a Kevlar hydrowire (supporting
the rosette samples), 15 meters above the rosette
sampler. The trace metal bottles were lowered to the
appropriate depth and mechanically triggered using a
brass messenger. The sample bottles were retrieved and
transported to the clean room for final at-sea
processing (see Section 3.2.1.4.) These samples were
processed and analyzed for the appropriate metals at a
shore-based laboratory.
3.2.1.6 CETACEAN. MARINE TURTLE, AND SEABIRD OBSERVATIONS
The daytime presence of species of cetaceans, turtles, and seabirds
along the survey track was noted by a qualified observer from the Manomet
Bird Observatory, Manomet, Massachusetts. The observer was present during
both legs of the survey. The program was designed to allow one observer to
collect all information on cetaceans and turtles (Power et al., 1980).
Seabird, cetacean, and turtle observations were recorded along predetermined
survey paths in 15-min periods, where each period represented a transect
(Payne et al., 1984).
3-13
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Data were recorded into two major categories: location/ environment
and species/behavior. Each category was recorded for each 15-min period, and
both categories were identified by a unique survey and observation number.
Location/environmental data included latitude-longitude (deg-min); start time
(yr-mo-day-h-min); elapsed time (min); vessel speed (kn) and course (deg N);
water depth (m) and temperature (° C); barometric pressure trend; visibility;
and wind direction (deg N) and speed (kn). Species/behavior data included
species group (mammal, turtle, or bird), species identification, numbers seen,
age color phase (bird only), oil (bird only), distance and angle to sightings
(mammals and turtles only), heading, animal association, debris association,
and behavior (Miller et al., 1980).
3.2.2 Field Sampling and Data Aquisition During Leg II
of the 106-Mile Site Survey
During Leg II of the survey, two mooring arrays for current meters
were deployed at Stations A-5 and A-9 (south and north, respectively).
Because the current meter data will not be presented in this report, the
methods for deploying the moorings will not be discussed in this report. All
data and methods for deploying the mooring are detailed in Battelle, 1987b.
3.3 METHODS FOR LABORATORY SAMPLE PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS
Methods for the preparation and analysis of water samples collected
during the survey are briefly summarized below. All DBR seawater samples were
analyzed for TSS and £. perfringens. The analyses performed on all seawater
samples from the three reference stations (A-3, A-5, and A-7) included 1)
determination of total (unfiltered) trace metals, 2) determination of organic
constituents (particulate and filtrate), 3) determination of water quality
constituents (salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, TSS, and
temperature), 4) determination of biochemical parameters (chlorophyll a_ and
ATP), and 5) enumeration of £. perfringens. Samples were analyzed for the
following parameters at a shore-based laboratory: organic compounds, trace
3-14
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metals, TSS, and ATP . Sample analysis for the rest of the water quality
parameters (salinity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, pH, and temperature),
chlorophyll a, and C. perfringens were conducted at sea aboard the CSV Peter
W. Anderson.
3.3.1 Analysis of Selected Organic Compounds
Samples of surface and subpycnocline seawater were collected using
the high-volume water sampler. Samples were collected from three reference
stations for analysis of particulate and dissolved organic constituents. To
initiate sample processing, a preliminary high-volume extraction was performed
on each dissolved fraction in a 1000-L extraction container.
3.3.1.1 PREPARATION OF SAMPLES
Filtrate Extracts. Seawater sample extracts were partially
processed aboard ship. The extracts were returned to the laboratory for
further processing and analysis of trace organic constituents. The DCM
extracts were combined using Kuderna-Danish evaporative techniques. The
concentrated extracts were processed through silica-alumina column
chromatography and separate fractions were collected for PAH/pesticides/PCB
and coprostanol analyses.
Filters. Filters were extracted in the laboratory with DCM. The
DCM extracts of the filters and the large volumes of seawater filtrates were
concentrated using Kuderna-Danish apparatus. The concentrated extracts were
then processed through silica-alumina column chromatography to remove
interfering substances and to separate fractions for PAH/pesticide/PCB and
coprostanol analysis.
3.3.1.2 ANALYSIS OF SAMPLES
The following section briefly describes the methods used for
analysis of coprostanol, PCBs and pesticides, PAHs and BEPH.
3-15
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• Coprostanol
The polar fraction (f3) from the column chromatography
procedure was analyzed for coprostanol by gas
chromatography using flame ionization detection
(GC/FID). A calibration curve was determined by
analyzing standards over a range of concentrations.
During analysis, the routine calibration was performed
every eight hours by analyzing one of the calibration
standards.
• Pesticides and PCBs
A subsample of the neutral (non-polar) fraction
including the combined fj and f2 fractions from the
column chromatography procedure was analyzed for
pesticides and PCB chlorination by gas chromatography
using capillary column electron capture detection
(GC/ECD) with a DB-5 capillary column (J&W Scientific,
Inc.). Confirmation analysis for pesticides was
performed using GC/ECD with a DB-17 capillary column
(J&W Scientific, Inc.) Quantification was performed by
adding an internal standard (dibromooctafluorobiphenyl)
to each sample. Response factors for each compound
relative to the internal standard were determined
before the start of analysis.
t PAHs and Phthalate
A subsample of the neutral fraction was analyzed for
pblycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and bis(2-
ethylhexyl) phthalate (BEPH) by capillary WCOT column
gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). PAHs and
phthalate were identified by comparing retention times
and mass spectra of unknown compounds to those
compounds. A calibration curve was established by
analyzing calibration standards of known compounds and
calculating response factors relative to an internal
standard (di2-chrysene). The internal standard was
added to each sample before sample preparation and
carried through all phases of sample work up.
3.3.2 Analysis of Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters
3.3.2.1 WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS
Samples collected by the hydrocasts at each reference station were
processed and analyzed aboard the OSV Peter W. Anderson for the water quality
and biochemical parameters (salinity, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity,
temperature, chlorophyll a^, and phaeophytin). ATP and TSS were the only
3-16
-------
parameters for which samples were processed aboard ship and later analyzed in
an onshore laboratory. Samples collected for TSS analysis at each DBR station
were processed aboard the survey vessel and analyzed at an on-shore
laboratory.
All water quality samples were processed and analyzed in triplicate.
The instruments and most of the supplies used to analyze these water quality
and biochemical parameters aboard ship are part of the equipment and supply
inventory of the OSV Peter W. Anderson. The following methods for the
shipboard processing and analysis of water samples for salinity, dissolved
oxygen, pH, turbidity, and TSS are briefly described.
• Salinity
Salinity was determined in discrete water samples with
the Beckman Model RS-7C Induction Salinometer.
Copenhagen water was used to calibrate the instrument
at the start of the survey and as a control sample with
each set of samples analyzed.
• Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen (DO) in seawater was measured with the
YSI Model 57 Dissolved Oxygen Meter. DO aliquots were
taken from the GO-FLO sample bottles before other
samples. Analysis was conducted within 15 minutes of
sample collection. Deionized water and seawater were
used as controls; air calibrations were also made.
• pH
Seawater pH was determined with the Beckman Model 4500
pH Meter. Subsamples for pH were taken from the GO-FLO
bottles for each depth (10 and 250 m). Performance
check and calibration of the pH meter were conducted at
the start of the survey and before each set of samples.
• Turbidity
The seawater turidity was determined with the Hach
Model 2100 Turbidometer. The instrument was calibrated
before each set of samples using a commercial turbidity
standard.
3-17
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• Total Suspended Solids (TSS)
Total suspended solids (TSS) samples were collected by
filtering 4L of seawater through 0.45-ym membrane
filters. The filters were stored at -20°C until
analysis. In the laboratory, the filters were air
dried for 24 hours and weighed on a Mettler analytical
balance.
3.3.2.2 BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS
The procedures for processing and analyzing ATP and chlorophyll £
samples are briefly discussed below.
• ATP
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) samples were collected by
filtering 4L of seawater through sterile glass fiber
filters. The filters were then extracted with boiling
Tris-Buffer and the extracts were frozen (20°C) until
analysis. After thawing, luciferin was added to the
extracts. ATP was quantified by liquid scintillation
counting of the light emission from the preparation
complex of the ATP-enzyme.
ATP filter blanks or procedural blanks (no deionized
water was processed through the filters) were processed
and treated as sample filters. A volume of 4L was
assumed for the sample blanks.
• Chlorophyll a and Phaeophytin
Sample preparation, extraction, and the analysis of
chlorophyll a and phaeophytin, using the Turner Model
1000 Fluorometer, were conducted at sea. Water samples
were filtered on a 47-mm GF/C glass-fiber filter. The
cells were disintegrated by freezing the filters in
acetone. After thawing, the slurry was centrifuged,
and the supernatant decanted into a clean culture tube
for analysis. By obtaining fluorometer readings before
and after acidification of the samples, both
chlorophyll £ and phaeophytin were determined.
Analytical standards were prepared from a commercial
chlorophyll a_ stock solution. The linearity curve and
r calibration factor of the working standards were
analyzed with each set of samples.
3.3.3 Analysis of Clostridium perfringens
The number of £. perfringens spores in seawater was determined for
samples collected from reference and DBR stations. Spores were collected by
3-18
-------
filtering aliquots of seawater (0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 L) through 0.45-ym membrane
filters. The filters were placed in petri dishes containing modified £.
perfringens (m-CP) media and incubated at 44.5°C (+ 0.2) for 18-24 hours.
Confirmation was performed by exposing the incubated plates to ammonium
hydroxide vapors, causing C.perfingens colonies to turn a magenta color. The
bacterial colonies were enumerated under a dissection microscope and the
numbers were recorded for each sample aliquot. The colony counts for each
aliquot are reported as counts/100 ml and calculated by the following formula;
.,„„ Number of Plate Colonies ......
Colomes/100 m = x 100
Volume of Seawater Filtered
3.3.4 Analysis of Trace Metals
Seawater samples for analysis of trace metals were collected in
triplicate from the surface and below the pycnocline at reference Station A-7.
Two subpycnocline samples were collected at reference Station A-5. Five
samples were collected for trace metals analysis during the DBR phase of the
survey, but the analysis of those samples was not funded. The reference
station samples analyzed for trace metals were collected using an acid-
cleaned, Teflon-lined GO-FLO bottle.
3.3.4.1 SILVER
Silver (Ag) was analyzed by direct injection of the unfiltered
seawater sample into a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry
(GFAAS). The standard additions method was used to quantify the silver in
each sample. This method compares the reading obtained from a sample with no
addition, to readings obtained when known amounts of silver are added to the
sample.
3-19
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3.3.4.2 CADMIUM, SILVER. COPPER, IRON, LEAD, AND ZINC
Unfiltered seawater samples were extracted at pH 4 using a 1 percent
solution of purified ammonium-1-pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate-diethyl ammonium
diethyldithiocarbamate (APDC-DDDC) and 20 ml of freon. The metals were back
extracted into hot nitric acid. The nitric acid solutions were then analyzed
for cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) by 6FAAS.
3.3.4.3 CHROMIUM
The procedure for the determination of total dissolved chromium (Cr)
is a modification of the methods described by Cranston and Murray (1977). Cr
was coprecipitated with 0.01N Fe(OH)2 in aliquots of unfiltered seawater at pH
8. The precipitate was filtered, then digested with 6N hydrochloric acid.
After dilution with deionized water, the acid digests were analyzed by GFAAS.
3.3.5 Analysis of Cetaceans, Marine Turtles, and Seablrds
From the observation data collected on the 106-Mile Site 1986 summer
survey, the following determinations were made:
0 Behavior and directional movements of cetaceans.
• Distribution and abundance of cetaceans and turtles.
• Correlation of physical oceanographic parameters,
principally salinity, temperature, and depth, with
cetacean and turtle distributions and abundance.
0 Comparison of seasonal distribution and abundance
(sightings per unit-effort and individuals per unit-
effort), and densities (individuals per unit-area) of
marine mammals and turtles in the site area.
Estimates of cetacean and turtle abundance were derived from the
number of individuals/linear km. During the survey, the initial point of each
animal sighting, a radial distance to the sighting, and an angle measurement
3-20
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were determined relative to the transect line. Distance measurements up to 1
km were determined with a hand-held rangefinder (Heinemann, 1981). Sighting
distances beyond 1 km were estimated. The ship's radar was used in
determining distances to objects near the sighting (e.g., ships, buoys).
Angles were estimated from the compass on the bridge of the ship. Right-
angle distances were calculated for each sighting from the sighting data.
Because sightings of marine mammals and turtles decrease significantly when
wind speeds are greater than 17 mph, only data collected when wind speeds were
less than 17 mph were examined for this survey.
Estimates of seabird density (birds/km?) were derived from shipboard
data using a strip transect procedure (Powers, 1982; 1983). The sample strip
width is determined with a hand-held fixed-interval rangefinder and is defined
as 300 m from the designated observation side of the ship and from midship
forward to the end of the transect (Heinemann, 1981). Birds passing through
the strip for the first time are counted; all transect passes thereafter are
considered recounts. Recounts are tallied separately and are not included in
the density estimates; however, this method does minimize the inflationary
effect on these estimates (Powers, 1982).'
Estimates of seabird density were calculated by dividing bird counts
from the sampling strip by the area sampled for.each transect. Area sampled
(A) per transect was calculated as follows:
A = sPeed x 15 min x 1852 m x 300 m x
60 min/h 1 nm 1 x 106m2
3-21
-------
4.0 QUALITY CONTROL
4.1 DATA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE OBJECTIVES
Summaries of the data requirements for the targeted analytes in
water samples are presented in Table 5. To verify the accuracy and precision
of analytical measurements, method and field blanks were collected and
processed. The field blanks were used to determine any background
contamination present during field processing and shipping. In addition to
blanks, samples spiked with external and internal standards were used to
identify any systematic method or operator error. Whenever possible, standard
reference materials (SRMs) were included with each set of samples analyzed to
confirm the validity of the method used.
Analytical results of spiked samples were used to assess the
accuracy of the measurements for the following analytes: PAHs, PCBs,
pesticides, coprostanol, and trace metals (Table 5). The accuracy and
precision of some measurements (TSS, ATP, chlorophyll a, water quality
» ~~"
parameters, and C. perfringens) could not be estimated using SRMs or spiked
samples. Surrogate materials added to water samples during sample preparation
were used to evaluate the accuracy of sample preparation procedures. The
spikes added immediately before analysis were used to determine the accuracy
of the analytical method.
Precision of the analytical measurements was estimated from
variation of the results of duplicate, triplicate, or quadruplicate sample
analyses. The precision (or standard deviation) was calculated using the
following equation:
Standard deviation (absolute units) =
1/2
n
z
1=1
n-1
where xi is the experimentally determined value for the ith measurement, n is
the number of measurements performed, and x is the mean of the experimentally
determined values. As with the accuracy determinations, spikes added during
sample preparation provide an estimate of sample preparation error, and spikes
added immediately before analysis determine the analytical precision.
4-1
-------
TABLE 5. OBJECTIVES FOR ANALYTICAL MEASUREMENTS OF SEAWATER SAMPLES.
Parameter
Seawater Filtrate or Particulate,
Organic Compounds
Aromatic hydrocarbons, BEHP
PCB isomers, pesticides
Coprostanol
Seawater Metals
Ag
Cd, Zn
Cr, Pb, Cu
Fe
Seawater TSS
Seawater ATP
C. perfringens
Units
M9/I-
P9/L
|ig/L
ng/L
M9/L
M9/L
P9/L
mg/L
M9/L
Spores/100 ml
Detection
Limit
.001
.0001-. 005
.001
.015
.015
.030
.050
.01
.01
NA
Accuracy
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
30
30
50
Precision
100
100
100
30
30
30
30
30
30
30
Method
Solvent extraction, GC/MS
Solvent extraction, GC-ECD
Solvent extraction, GC-FID
Direct injection
Chelation-extraction, GFAA
Chelation-extraction, GFAA
Chelation-extraction, GFAA
Filtration, gravimetric determination
Filtration, extraction, LSC
Filtration, direct enumeration
-------
4.2 QUALITY CONTROL RESULTS
4.2.1 Water Quality
4.2.1.1 TOTAL SUSPENDED SOLIDS (TSS)
The results of the analysis of five blank filters and the reweighing
of selected filters are presented in Tables 6 and 7. The standard deviation
(S.D.) demonstrates that the precision of the duplicate weighings is within
the limits indicated in Table 5. The blank values are well above the
recommended detection limit of 0.01 ng/L, but, in general, below the amounts
found in the samples.
4.2.1.2 Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)
The results of the analysis of procedural blanks and the duplicate
analysis, (precision) of individual samples are presented in Table 6 and 8.
The highest blank value of 0.052 ng/L was well below the recommended detection
limit of 10.0 ng/L (0.010 yg/L), indicating that the field and analytical
processing did not contribute to ATP levels found in the field. The procedure
was very precise, well below the 30 percent precision.
4.2.2 Trace Metals
The results of the analysis of duplicate aliquots (precision) of
seawater samples are given in Table 9. The precision of the duplicates was
very good for all metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn), and the results
were well within the precision limits given in Table 5. The accuracy of the
methods is shown in Table 10 with matrix spike solutions. Spiked
concentrations varied from 82 to 115 percent, depending on the metal. These
recoveries were well above the 50 percent requirement.
The detection limit objectives for Ag and Pb were not met. Detection
limit for Pb was 50 percent higher than the objective. However, the detection
limits achieved for all of the elements are several orders of magnitude less
than the water quality criteria concentrations.
4-3
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TABLE 6. ANALYSIS OF PROCEDURAL BLANKS FOR TSS AND ATPa
Sample TSS ATP
Number (mg/L) (ng/L)
1 0.37 0.024
2 0.34 0.042
3 0.10 0.052
4 0.17 0.048
xb 0.24 0.042
S.D.c 0.13 0.012
aAssumed volume of 4 L for ATP.
bx = Mean.
CS.D. = Standard Deviation.
4-4
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TABLE 7. DETERMINATION OF PRECISION, DUPLICATE WEIGHINGS OF TSS FILTERS
TSS Concentration (mg/L)
Station
DBR-1
DBR-1
DBR-1
A- 3
A-5
A-5
A-7
Depth
(meters)
75
75
10
10
10
250
10
Replicate
1
2
3
2
3
1
2
1
0.86
0.96
0.78
0.30
0.92
0.70
0.16
2
0.79
0.92
0.85
0.32
0.92
0.69
0.20
x»
0.82
0.94
0.82
0.31
0.92
0.70
0.18
S.D.b
0.05
0.03
0.05
0.01
0.00
0.01
0.03
ax = Mean.
bS.D. = Standard Deviation.
4-5
-------
TABLE 8. DETERMINATION OF PRECISION, DUPLICATE ANALYSIS OF
SELECTED ATP SAMPLE EXTRACTS FROM SEAWATER SAMPLES
Station
A- 3
A-3
A-3
A-3
A-5
A-5
BLK
ATP std.c
ATP std.
Replicate
3
2
1
3
3
3
2
1
4
Depth
(meters)
10
250
250
250
10
250
-
-
-
x«
nMol/L
99.07
129.6
12.89
12.27
25.22
0.47
0.08
195.5
204.2
S.E.b
nMol/L
1.52
0.41
0.06
0.35
0.24
0.02
0.01
5.45
3.25
ax = Mean.
bS.E. = Standard Error.
CATP std. = ATP standard solution.
4-6
-------
TABLE 9. DETERMINATION OF PRECISION, DUPLICATE ANALYSIS OF
TRACE METALS FROM SEAWATER SAMPLES3
Aliquot
1
2
xc
RPDd
Silver
(yg/L)
0.056 ub
0.056 u
0.056 u
0.000
Cadmium
(yg/L)
0.023
0.020
0.022
13.6
Chromium
(yg/L)
0.30
0.25
0.28
17.9
Copper
(yg/L)
0.15
0.20
0.18
27.8
Iron
(yg/L)
0.57
0.34
0.46
50.0
Lead
(yg/L)
0.029 u
0.029 u
0.029 u
0.000
Zinc
(yg/L)
0.40
0.49
0.44
20.5
aSeawater samples from Station A-7, Replicate 3, depth 10 m
bu = Detection limit.
cx = Mean.
dRPD = Relative Percent Difference..
4-7
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TABLE 10. DETERMINATION OF ACCURACY, TRACE METAL MATRIX SPIKE RECOVERY,
SEAWATER ANALYSIS3
Spiking
Solution
Amount
Expected
Amount
Recovered
Spike No. 1
Amount
Recovered
Spike No. 2
x Recovery^
Percent
Recovery
Silver
(yg/L)
20
19
20
19.5
97.5
Cadmium
(yg/L)
0.6
0.7
0.7
0.7
116.7
Chromium
(yg/L)
1.8
1.6
1.6
1.6
88.9
Copper
(yg/L)
1.0
1.0
1.1
1.05
105.0
Iron
(yg/L)
5.0
5.1
5.3
5.2
104.0
Lead
(yg/L)
1.0
0.87
1.0
0.94
93.5
Zinc
(yg/L)
5.0
5.5
5.0
5.25
105.0
aSeawater from Station A-7, Replicate 3, depth 10 m.
bx = Mean.
4-8
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4.2.3 Organic Compounds
The effects of sample handling and preparation on the accuracy of
trace organic analysis of filtrate and participate samples was assessed by
spiking representative samples with surrogate PAH and PCB, and native
androstanol. Table 11 presents the recoveries of the spike compounds from
both filtrate and particulate samples.
Filtrate samples were spiked in the field and in the laboratory with
trichloromethyl-xylene (TCMX) which is used to accurately quantify
dibromuoctofluorobiphenyl (DBOFB), the Quantitative Internal Standard (QIS).
Because the TCMX must be added to the samples just before analysis only, this
procedure is a deviation from standard protocol. As a result, no percent
recoveries of DBOFB were calculated for the filtrate fraction (Table 11) of
the samples. Percent recoveries of DBOFB for the filters (Table 11), however,
were accurate because all appropriate protocols were followed.
Recovery of all spike analytes from filtrate samples were
acceptable, with the exception of perylene-di2. Recovery of the PCB
decachlorobiphenyl averaged 41 percent, whereas the PAH compound recoveries
ranged from 13 percent (perylene-di2 recovery was sytematically low, likely a
result of the analyte precipitating from solution prior to analysis) to 50
percent (Phenanthrene). Androstanol recovery was good, with an average of 65
percent over six analyses.
Recovery of spike analytes from particulate samples was consistently
better for all analytes with the exception of androstanol. The PCB
dibromooctafluorobiphenyl was recovered with an average 73 percent efficiency,
whereas the four PAH surrogate compounds were recovered with a 53 percent
average. Androstanol recoveries were poor and variable, ranging from 2 to
118 percent. This was caused by severe interferences in the gas
chromatographic determination of androstanol, where coeluting peaks in the
region of the quantisation internal standard resulted in artificially low
recoveries.
Analysis of procedural blanks of filtrate and particulate samples
showed no presence of compounds that would interfere in the determination of
any analytes of interest, thus demonstrating that sample integrity was
maintained during handling and preparation.
4-9
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TABLE 11. DETERMINATION OF ACCURACY FROM RECOVERIES
SEAWATER FILTRATE AND PARTICULATE EXTRACTS*
OF SURROGATE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS IN
I
I—»
o
Station
A-3
Analytes
Uecachlorobiphenyl
Naphthalene-ds
Phenanthrene-diQ
Anthracene-dig
Perylene-di2
Androstanol
300 m
40
26
51
23
9
40.9
10 m
73
32
50
26
5
51.8
A- 7
250 m
18
26
43
21
4
26.9
10 m
39
21
56
26
22
105.9
250
Fil
33
26
51
32
18
65
A- 5
m 10 m F043» Wic W2d W3e
tratesf
45
30
51
5
18
.4 98.8
Filters
Di bromooctaf 1 uorobi phenyl
Naphthalene- d8
Phenanthrene-djQ
Anthracene-dig
Androstanol
61
45
47
48
2.1
95
75
100
87
2.2
95
48
48
37
118
61
51
67
51
7.5
65
49
59
51
13
51 78
51 35
60 36
44 31
.6 5.2 4.7 7.5 17.5 1.4
aPercent recovery.
^Procedural blank.
CW1 = Wipe sample from deck of ship.
dw2 = Wipe sample from top of extraction sample.
eW3 = Wipe sample from laboratory.
fDibromooctaf1uorobiphenyl (DBOFB) was added to both fractions appropriately. However, trichloromethylxylene (used to
quantify DBOFB) was added to the filtrate fraction both in the field and just before analysis. This procedure made it
impossible to quantify DBOFB in the filtrate fraction.
-------
5.0 RESULTS
This chapter discusses results from the analysis of samples
collected for the acquisition of preliminary data on the physical behavior of
a sewage sludge plume at the 106-Mile Site. In addition, the results of
samples collected as background data from selected reference stations are
discussed. The chapter is divided into the following four sections:
Satellite Imagery; DBR Study; Reference Stations; and Cetacean, Marine Turtle,
and Seabird Observations (Legs I and II). The DBR study section includes the
results of drogue tracking, plume tracking, and sludge tracer. The reference
station section includes drogue tracking, and organic constituents, XBT, water
quality/biochemical, and trace metal results.
5.1 SATELLITE IMAGERY
According to the preliminary evaluation of satellite imagery data, a
large warm-core eddy (approximately 150 km in diameter) was observed in the
area of the dumpsite during the surveys of 21-28 August and 14-20 September.
The eddy was centered at coordinates 39°00'N and 71°30'W east of the northern
boundary of the site and remained stationary until 29 August 1986. Surface
water currents were expected to flow north. According to the track followed
by the drogues, the northward movement of the surface current supported the
satellite data. At the beginning of September, the eddy began to move to the
southwest along the slope. By 10 September, the northeast quadrant of the
eddy was within the site boundaries. At that time, surface current velocities
were anticipated to be vigorous and to flow toward the southeast. By 22
September, the eddy was completely clear of the site and continued to move
south.
5.2 DBR STUDY
5.2.1 Drogue and Plume Tracking within the Dumpsite
Before sludge was dumped by the preselected barge, the locations of
sampling stations for monitoring the sludge plume as it crossed the dumpsite
5-1
-------
boundary (DBR) were determined by studying the movements of drogues deployed
within the site. Because the current speed and direction were unknown at the
time of deployment, the drogues were deployed as close as possible to the
center of the dumpsite. The drogues, set to depths of 10, 30, and 75 m, were
tracked for a period of approximately four hours to determine the speed and
direction of the currents at various depths in the mixed layer. The tracks
that the drogues followed are presented in Figure 5. The northern boundaries
of the site are delineated by diamond-shaped marks at the corners of the site.
The drogue track is composed of a series of coordinates (indicated by the "X"s
in Figure 5) plotted within specific time intervals (generally every 15
minutes). Time zero (T=0 in Figure 5) indicates the point of deployment for
all drogues during the DBR activities.
Because all three drogues remained in close proximity to one another
(within a quarter of a mile), the LORAN plotter could not resolve the distance
between them. The positions marking the track of the 10-m drogue represent
the drift direction for all three drogues. The drogues were carried initially
to the north-northwest, at a rate of approximately 1 nmi/h. The track then
shifted toward the north and continued in that direction until EPA requested
that the sludge barge dump its contents at the location of the 10-m drogue
(five miles from the northern boundary on the western edge of the dumpsite,
Station D10-1). Throughout the DBR study, the plume (or drogue track after
the sludge dump), indicated by the "Y"s in Figure 5, continued to drift to the
north.
5.2.2 Sewage Sludge Tracers
(TSS and C. Perfringens)
The initiation of the dump marked the beginning of a limited plume
sampling activity to determine basic dispersion characteristics of sewage
sludge as the plume spread from the point of disposal (Station D10-1) to the
dumpsite boundary. The plume boundaries at the surface were clearly visible
throughout the DBR activities. Samples were collected for sludge tracers,
including collections for total suspended solids (TSS) and
5-2
-------
39° oo\
38° so-.
72° 20'
Deepwater sludgt sitt
North boundaries marked
by diamonds.
72° 10-
?
?
X
X
X
X
X
X
T=0
72° oo'
71° 50'
Y = DROGUE (PLUME) TRACK AFTER CONTACT WITH PLUME
X = DROGUE TRACK BEFORE CONTACT WITH PLUME
TIME OF DROGUE DEPLOYMENT IS T=0.
FIGURE 5. DROGUE DEPLOYMENT AND TRACKING BEFORE AND DURING THE SEWAGE
SLUDGE DUMP
5-3
-------
C. perfringens at Station D10-1 (the site of the dump). The results of the
TSS analysis are presented in Table 12. Microbiology samples were analyzed
for the presence and abundance of C. perfringens. These data are presented in
Table 13, along with the sludge tracer data from the three DBR stations
(discussed below). After sampling activities at the point of disposal were
completed, DBR sampling was initiated. Results of TSS and C. perfringens
analyses for Stations DBR-1, DBR-2, and DBR-3 are given in Tables 12 and 13,
respectively.
5.3 REFERENCE STATIONS
5.3.1 Drogue Tracking at the Reference Stations
At Stations A-3 and A-7, a drogue, set to a depth of 10 m, was
deployed and tracked for a short time. This activity was done to determine
the direction of the surface currents at these stations and the extent of the
influence of the ring (discussed in Section 5.1.1). The drogue tracks (marked
by the "X"s) at Stations A-3 and A-7, presented in Figures 6 and 7, depict a
northerly movement for each drogue relative to its respective point of release
(T=0). Drift rates of the drogues were not determined during these
activities. These data, coupled with the data from the DBR drogue tracking
within the site, indicate the northerly flow of surface water in the vicinity
of the dumpsite. This assessment is further supported by satellite imagery
data that indicated the presence of the warm-core ring on the current
movements at the site. Figure 8 presents a composite of all drogue tracking
activities. The scale of the drogue-tracking composite (Figure 8) for
Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 covered a large area (in excess of 3600 nmi2). The
scale of Figure 7 for the drogue tracking activity at Station A-7 covered a
considerably smaller area (approximately 4 nmi'2). As a result, the drogue
track for Station A-7 was small with respect to those at Stations A-3 and A-5,
and was not resolved in Figure 8.
5-4
-------
TABLE 12. SUMMARY OF SLUDGE TRACER DATA FOR TSS CONCENTRATIONS FROM SEAWATER SAMPLES
COLLECTED AS PART OF THE DBR ACTIVITIES
in
i
en
TSS Concentrations (mg/L) at Stations
D10-ia
Replicate 10 m 30 n 75 m 10 me
1 32.5 0.588
0.888
0.775
x 0.750
SD 0.152
29 0 0.627 0.120
3h 2.46
DBR-lb
30 me
2.40
1.10
0.45
1.32
0.99
DBR-2C DBR-3<*
75 me 10 n 30 n 75 m 10 m 30 m 75 m
0.857 2.62 -f 0.592 0.343 0.184 0.236
0.964
0.928
0.916
0.054
aE1apsed time (ET) = 0.
bE1apsed time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 1 h, 35 min.
cElapsed time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 1 h, 52 min.
dElapsed time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 2 h, 14 min.
eSamples collected in triplicate.
f- = Sample lost.
9Sample collected 10 min after Rep 1, 10-m data point probably not accurate.
"Sample collected 30 min after Rep 1.
-------
TABLE 13. SUMMARY OF SLUDGE TRACER DATA FOR C. perfrlngens SAMPLES COLLECTED AS PART OF
THE DBR ACTIVITIES. COLONY COUNTS/100 mL OF SAMPLE FOR EACH DILUTION
I
en
Replicate
1
2
3
Sample
Volume
Filtered3
(L)
0.01
0.1
0.25
0.5
0.9
1.0
0.1
0.175
0.25
0.5
1.0
0.1
0.5
1.0
Station
DlO-lb DBR-1C DBR-2d DBR-36
10 m 30 m 75 m IQ m 30 m 75 m 10 m 30 m 75 m 10 m 30 m 75 m
*f --g - -- - - -
* * • * * * -- 19 * 5 22
**h
* * * * — 26 15 0.2 *
*
* * * *i __ * * o.2
* * * * * *
*
*
* ** * xj * *
***** *
* * * . *
* * * *
* * * *
aThese volumes represent the dilutions for each replicate.
bElapsed Time (ET) = 0.
cE1apsed Time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 1 h, 35 min.
dElapsed Time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 1 h, 52 min.
eElapsed Time (ET) after collection of D10-1 = 2 h, 14 min.
f* = Too numerous to count ( greater than 300 (colonies/plate).
g-- Samples not collected for that aliquot volume.
n** = 20-30 isolated colonies, smeared growth.
iCounts made from two plates (750 mL filtered for 1 plate, 250 mL for the other) to equal 1 L.
NOTE: 10- and 30-m samples not taken directly in visible plume at DBR-3.
Jx = Positive magneta color not visible on colonies after exposure to ammonium hydroxide.
-------
39° 10'.
39° oo-
71° so-
71° 40'
x
T=0
REFERENCE
STATION
71° 30
X = DROGUE TRACK
TIME OF DROGUE DEPLOYMENT IS T=0.
FIGURE 6. EXPANDED DROGUE TRACK AT STATION A-3
5-7
-------
38° 27.
*
x
REFERENCE
STATION
T=0
72° 59' 72° 58'
X = DROGUE TRACK
TIME OF DROGUE DEPLOYMENT IS T=0.
72° 57
FIGURE 7. EXPANDED DROGUE TRACK AT STATION A-7
5-8
-------
39*30'.
39°oo-.
38°30\
38*00-.
REFEREN
STATIOI
D1
REFERENCE
ST<
73°
ITION
oo- 72°
I
V
T=(
CE A
„ ${
so- 72°
*
X
Tsf
I
, Deepwat*
boundarie
•
oo- 71°
• sludge sit*
s. marked by
30' 71°
1
diamonds.
00'
Y = PLUME (DROGUE) TRACK AFTER DUMPING
X = DROGUE TRACK
TIME OF DROGUE DEPLOYMENT IS T=0.
1 SCALE NOT EXPANDED ENOUGH TO SHOW DROGUE TRACK
IN THE VICINITY OF STATION A-7
FIGURE 8. DUMPSITE AND REFERENCE STATIONS SHOWING DROGUE TRACKS
5-9
-------
5.3.2 Organic Constituents
5.3.2.1 SEAWATER
The participate and dissolved fractions of three surface (10m) water
samples and three subpycnocline (250 m) water samples collected from reference
Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 were analyzed for PAH, pesticide compounds, and
coprostanol. The results of the PAH analysis for the dissolved sample
fraction (filtrate) and the particulate fraction are shown in Tables 14 and
15, respectively. Results of PCB, pesticide, and coprostanol analysis for
filtrate samples are shown in Table 16; the results of the particulate samples
are presented in Table 17.
5.3.2.2 FILTER WIPES
Three wipe samples were taken from the deck of the ship in the
vicinity of the extraction container (sample W-l), the top of the extraction
container (sample W-2), and in the laboratory of the ship (sample W-3). These
wipe samples were analyzed for PCB, PAH, pesticide compounds, and coprostanol.
The data are reported in Tables 14 (PAH particulates), and 17 (PCB, pesticide,
and coprostanol particulates).
5.3.3 Water Column Profiling - Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT)
Expendable bathythermograph (XBT) data (Figure 9) were collected at
each station to determine the depth of the pycnocline. Based on XBT data,
subpycnocline water sampling depths were determined for each station. At
Station A-3, XBT data (Figure 9A) indicated the existence of three separate
gradients at approximate depths of 50, 200, and 500 m, possibly confirming the
presence a warm-core ring in the vicinity. Based on historical physical
oceanographic data indicating the presence of a permanent pycnocline in the
area, at approximately 200 m, provisions were made for pumping seawater for
organic analyses from no deeper than 300 m. Consequently, all water column
5-10
-------
TABLE 14. SUMMARY OF GC/MS SCAN ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLE FILTERS FOR POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC
HYDOCARBONS AND PHTHALATES IN ng/L
LTI
I
Station
A- 3
Analyte
Naphthalene
Cj-N
C2-N
C.3-N
C4-N
Acenaphthylene
Biphenyl
Acenaphthene
Fluorene
Cj-F
C2-F
C4-F
Phenanthrene
Anthracene
Cj-P
Ci-Anthracene
C2-P
C2-Anthracene
C3-P
Dibenzothiophene
Cj-DBT
C2-DBT
C3-DBT
C4-DBT
Fluoranthene
Pyrene
Benz(a)anthracene
Chrysene
Triphenylene
Benzof 1 uoranthene
Benzo(e)pyrene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Perylene
Bis(2-ethylhexyl Jphthalate
Indeno(l,2,3-C0)pyrene
Benzo(g,h,i)perylene
300 m»
0.21
0.25
0.17
0.21
0.21
0.16
0.22
0.24
0.14
0.18
0.17
0.14
0.14
0.16
0.29
0.29
0.25
0.18
0.94
0.16
0.16
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.21
0.18
0.13
0.10
0.10
0.18
0.22
0.22
0.19
0.19
0.40
0.40
ud
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
10 roc
0.20
0.24
0.16
0.20
0.20
0.16
0.21
0.23
0.13
0.17
0.16
0.13
0.13
0.16
0.24
0.27
0.24
0.17
0.89
0.16
0.16
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.23
0.20
0.18
0.13
0.09
0.09
0.17
0.20
0.21
0.18
0.18
0.38
0.38
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
A- 7
250 mb
0.21 u
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
10 mb
0.21 u
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
A- 5
250 m">
0.21 u
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 U
0.25 U
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 U
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
10 m"
0.21
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
Wipe Samples*
W-l
1.0
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
1.0
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
1.0
1.0
0.10 u
0.18 u
1.0
0.22 u
0.19 u
1.0
0.40 u
0.40 u
W-2
0.21 u
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
W-3
0.21 u
0.25 u
0.17 u
0.21 u
0.21 u
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
0.29 u
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 U
aAssumed volume = 950L.
hSample volume = 900 L.
C5ainple volume = 950 I..
du = Method detection limit.
-------
TABLE 15. SUMMARY OF GC/MS SCAN ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLE FILTRATES FOR
POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND PHTHALATES IN ng/L
(INCLUDES WATER QUALITY CRITERIA)
Station
A-3
Analyte
Naphthalene
CI-N
C2-N
C3-N
C4-N
Acenaphthylene
Biphenyl
Acenaphthene
Fluorene
CI-F
C2-F
C3-F
C4-F
Phenanthrene
Anthracene
C^-P
Ci-Anthracene
C2-P
C2-Anthracene
C3-P
C4-P
Dibenzothiophene
Ci-OBT
C2-DBT
C3-DBT
C4-DBT
Fluoranthene
Pyrene
Benz(a)anthr3cene
Chrysene
Triphenylene
Benzofluoranthene
Benzo(e)pyrene
Benzo(a)pyrene
Perylene
Bis(2-ethylhexyl)-
phthalate
Indeno(l,2,3-cd)-
pyrene
Benzo(g,h,i)-
perylene
300 aft
1.0
3.0
4.0
2.0
0.21 uc
0.16 u
0.22 u
0.24 u
0.14 u
0.18 u
0.17 u
0.14 u
0.14 u
0.16 u
0.29 u
1.0
0.25 u
0.18 u
0.94 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.25 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.10 u
0.10 u
0.18 u
0.22 u
0.22 u
0.19 u
0.19 u
0.40 u
0.40 u
10 m°
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.0
0.20 u
0.16 u
0.21 u
0.23 u
0.13 u
0.17 u
0.16 u
0.13 u
0.13 u
0.16 u
0.24 u
0.27 u
0.24 u
0.17 u
0.89 u
0.16 u
0.16 u
0.23 u
0.23 u
0.23 u
0.23 u
0.23 u
0.20 u
0.18 u
0.13 u
0.09 u
0.09 u
0.17 u
0.20 u
0.21 u
0.18 u
0.18 u
0.38 u
0.38 u
A-7
250 aft
1.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
0.42 u
0.33 u
0.45 u
0.48 u
0.27 u
0.36 u
0.35 u
0.27 u
0.27 u
0.33 u
0.57 u
0.57 u
0.50 u
0.35 u
1.87 u
0.33 u
0.33 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.42 u
0.37 u
0.27 u
0.20 u
0.20 u
0.36 u
0.43 u
0.44 u
0.39 u
0.39 u
0.80 u
0.80 u
10 aft
1.0
3.0
3.0
1.0
0.42 u
0.33 u
0.45 u
0.48 u
0.27 u
0.36 u
0.35 u
0.27 u
0.27 u
0.33 u
0.57 u
1.0
0.50 u
0.35 u
1.87 u
0.33 u
0.33 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.42 u
0.37 u
0.27 u
0.20 u
0.20 u
0.36 u
0.43 u
0.44 u
0.39 u
0.39 u
0.80 u
0.80 u
Water*
Quality
A-5 Criteria
250 m*
4.0
8.0
9.0
5.0
1.0
0.33 u
1.0
0.48 u
0.27 u
1.0
0.35 u
0.27 u
0.27 u
1.0
0.57 u
2.0
0.50 u
0.35 u
1.87 u
0.33 u
0.33 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.42 u
0.37 u
0.27 u
0.20 u
0.20 u
0.36 u
0.43 u
0.44 u
0.39 u
0.39 u
0.80 u
0.80 u
10 m* (pg/L)
2.0 7.5
5.0
5.0
2.0
0.42 u
0.33 u
0.45 u
0.48 u
0.27 u
0.36 u
0.35 u
0.27 u
0.27 u
0.33 u
0.57 u
1.0
0.50 u
0.35 u
1.87 u
0.33 u
0.33 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.50 u
0.42 u 16
0.37 u
0.27 u
0.20 u
0.20 u
0.36 u
0.43 u
0.44 u
0.39 u
0.39 u
0.80 u
0.80 u
''Sample volume = 900 L.
bSample volume = 950 L.
cu = Method detection limit.
*U.S.EPA 1986.
5-12
-------
TABLE 16. SUMMARY OF THE ANALYSIS OF HATER SAMPLE FILTRATES FOR PESTICIDES, PCBs, AND
COPROSTANOL IN ng/L (INCLUDES WATER QUALITY CRITERIA)
ui
i
Station
A-3
Analyte
Pesticides
a-BHCC
B-BHC
Y-BIICf
,S-BHC
Heptachlor
Aldrin9
Heptachlorepoxide
a-Endosulfan
Dieldrin
4,4'-DDE
Endrin
B-Endosul fan
4,4'-DDD
Endrin aldehyde
Endosul fan sulfate
4,4'-DDT
Mi rex
Methoxychlor
Chlordane
Toxaphene
Polychlorinated
Biphenyls (PCBs)
Aroclor 1242
Aroclor 1254
Aroclor 1260
Coprostanol k
300 ma
0.170d
0.021
0.030d
0.00148
0.019
0.00106
0.00083
0.00105
0.017
0.013
0.021
0.00104
0.008
0.00217
0.00199
0.022
0.00118
0.00160
0.222
0.444
0.178
0.178
0.178
0.000
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
10 m"
0.228d
0.00092
0.031d
0.00140
0.00095
0.00100
0.008dh
0.00099
0.0231
0.00114
0.031J
0.00098
0.00172
0.00205
0.00188
0.00097
0.00111
0.00152
0.211
0.421
0.168
0.168
0.168
0.000
1
ue
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
250 ma
0.017
-------
TABLE 17. SUMMARY OF THE ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLE FILTERS FOR PESTICIDES, PCBs, AND COPROSTANOL IN ng/L
en
i
Station
Analyte
Pesticides
a-BHC
B-BIIC
Y-BIIC
6-BIIC
Heptachlor
AldrinQ
Heptachlorepoxide
a-Endosul fan
Dieldrin
4,4'-ODE
Endrin
B-Endosul fan
4,4'-DDD
Endrin aldehyde
Endosulfan sulfate
4,4'-DDT
Mi rex
Methoxychlor
Chlordane
Toxaphene
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs)
Aroclor 1242
Aroclor 1254
Aroclor 1260
Coprostano1h
A-:
300 mb
0.00022 ud
0.00024 u
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.00025 u
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 U
0.05556 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
ja A- 7
10 me
0.00021
0.00023
0.00030
0.00035
0.005^
0.00025
0.00020
0.00025
0.00024
0.00028
0.00066
0.00025
0.00043
0.00051
0.00047
0.00024
0.00028
0.00039
0.05263
0.10526
0.04211
0.04211
0.04211
0.000
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
250 mD
0.00022 u
0.00024 u
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.00025 u
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 u
0.05556 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
10 rob
O.OOie
0.002
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.00025 u
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 u
0.00056 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
A- 5
250 mb
O.OOie
0.00024 u
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.00025 u
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 u
0.00056 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
10 mb
O.OOie
0.002
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.004
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 U
0.00054 u
0.00050 U
0.00025 u
0.00029 U
0.00040 U
0.00056 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
W10
0.00022 u
0.00024 u
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.002
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 u
0.00056 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
'0.04444 u
0.000
Wipe Samples
W2
0.00022 u
0.00024 u
0.00031 u
0.00037 u
0.001
0.00026 u
0.00021 u
0.00026 u
0.00025 u
0.00030 u
0.00070 u
0.00026 u
0.00045 u
0.00054 u
0.00050 u
0.00025 u
0.00029 u
0.00040 u
0.00056 u
0.11111 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.04444 u
0.000
W3
0.00022
0.00024
0.00031
0.00037
0.003
0.00026
0.00021
0.00026
0.00025
0.00030
0.00070
0.00026
0.00045
0.00054
0.00050
0.00025
0.00029
0.00040
0.00056
0.11111
0.04444
0.04444
0.04444
0.000
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
aAssumed volume - 950L
bSample volume = 900 L.
cSample volume = 950 L.
^u = Method Detection Limit.
econfinned by second column.
^Detection limit for 950-L sample--Station A-3 (10 m) = 6.00095.
9Not confirmed by confirmatory analysis due to presence of contamination peak.
^Concentrations given in ug/L. Detection limit not determined.
-------
• XBT 'STATION A-3 A
c
0 -
200-
400-
600 •
(ml
1000-
1200 -
UOO •
1600-
1800-
2000-
c
0 -
200-
400-
600 -
Ufplt) ono _
ouu
(ml
1000 -
1200 -
1400-
1600-
1800-
2000-
e
0 -
200-
400 •
600 -
800 -
.(ml
1000 -
1200 •
UOO-
1600-
1800-
2000-
Ttmptroturt *C
5 10 IS 20 25 30
i i i i i i
,..../'"
J
/*"*'
t
XBT STATION A-5 n
T«mp«ratur» *C
1 5 10 IS 20 25 30
t 1 t 1 I i
• • • H
.••"''
i
1
.
\
XBT STATION A-7 Q
T«mp*raturt *C
1 5 10 15 20 25 30
X
/
I
FIGURE 9. XBT TRACES FOR REFERENCE STATIONS A-3, A-5, AND A-7 FOR
THE 1986 SUMMER SURVEY
5-15
-------
samples were collected from a depth of 250 m. The XBT profiles for
Stations A-5 and A-7 (Figures 9B and 9C) were typical of the 106-Mile Site and
vicinity indicating a strong seasonal thermocline overlying a more gradual
permanent pycnocline. At these stations, subpycnocline samples were pumped
from a depth of 250 m.
5.3.4 Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters, and C. perfringens
Results of the water quality and biochemical measurements on surface
(10m) and subpycnocline (250m) samples collected from reference Stations A-3,
A-5, and A-7 are presented in Table 18. In addition, results from the
shipboard analysis of C. perfringens are shown in Table 19.
5.3.5 Trace Metal
Trace metal samples, analyzed for Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn,
were collected in duplicate from subpycnocline water at Station A-5. Surface
trace metal samples at Station A-5 were not collected because of unfavorable
weather. Surface and subpycnocline samples were also collected in triplicate
at Station A- 7. The results for each analyte are presented in Table 20.
5.4 CETACEAN, MARINE TURTLE, AND SEABIRD OBSERVATIONS (LEGS I AND II)
During each leg of the survey, the Manomet Bird Observatory provided
an observer to collect data on the distribution and abundance of whaleSjbirds,
and marine turtles. These observations are discussed below. The full report
is included as Appendix A.
During both legs of the survey, 13 species of seabirds were recorded
along the shelf-break or in slope water within and near the 106-Mile Site.
These species were combined into four species groups: petrels, shearwaters,
skuas/Jaegers, and gulls. The mean density for the combined species groups is
presented in Table 21. Shearwaters were the most abundant species group
observed in the vicinity of the dumpsite with 1.346 birds/kn^, although
5-16
-------
TABLE 18. SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY DATA FROM SEAWATER SAMPLES COLLECTED FROM REFERENCE STATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF THE
106-MILE SITE
en
i
Station Replicate
A3 1
2
3
xb
S.O.c
1
2
3
X
S.D.
A5 1
2
3
X
S.D.
1
2
3
X
S.D.
A7 1
2
3
X
S.D.
1
2
3
X
S.D.
Depth
(m)
10
10
10
250
250
250
10
10
10
250
250
250
10
10
10
250
250
250
Temperature
(°C)
16.4
16.8
17.5
16.9
0.6
16.1
16.8
17.5
16.8
0.7
25.3
24.8
24.5
24.9
0.4
22.8
22.8
22.8
22.8
0.0
20.6
18.3
23.7
20.9
2.7
15.4
14.7
15.4
15.2
0.4
Salinity
(ppt)
36.40
36.49
,36.48
36.46
0.05
36.41
36.47
36.37
36.42
0.05
36.15
36.07
36.07
36.10
0.05
36.03
36.02
36.03
36.03
0.01
35.47
35.74
35.62
35.61
0.14
35.83
35.76
35.91
35.83
0.08
Dissolved
Oxygen
(mg/L)
6.75
7.35
7.25
7.12
0.32
6.65
6.55
6.60
6.60
0.05
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
NA
6.80
7.13
6.65
6.86
0.25
4.65
5.30
4.88
4.94
0.33
pH
7.95
8.13
8.19
8.09
0.12
7.95
7.83
8.08
7.95
0.13
8.31
8.31
8.31
8.31
0.00
8.14
8.12
8.12
8.13
0.01
8.04
8.18
7.98
8.07
0.10
7.86
7.79
7.77
7.81
0.05
Turbidity
(NTU)
2.9
4.5
2.5
3.3
1.1
5.2
2.8
1.9
3.3
1.7
4.0
4.0
4.4
4.1
0.2
2.2
2.0
2.1
2.1
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.2
0.2
0.1
0.3
0.4
0.2
0.3
0.1
Chlorophyll a
(ug/L)
0.003
0.065
0.004
0.024
0.036
0.002
0.070
0.187
0.086
0.094
0.093
0.093
0.087
0.091
0.003
0.006
0.000
0.000
0.002
0.003
0.063
0.096
0.082
0.080
0.017
0.003
0.003
Nfld
0.003
0.000
Phaeophytin
(pg/L)
0.006
0.043
o.ooe
0.019
0.021
0.008
0.061
0.064
0.044
0.032
0.027
0.027
0.032
0.029
0.003
0.025
0.020
0.020
0.022
0.003
0.024
0.043
0.032
0.033
0.010
0.017
0.021
NA
0.019
0.003
C/P
Ratio
0.50
1.51
0.50
0.84
0.58
0.25
1.15
2.92
1.44
1.36
3.44
3.44
2.72
3.20
0.42
0.24
0.00
0.00
0.08
0.14
2.62
2.23
2.56
2.47
0.21
0.18
0.14
NA
0.16
0.03
TSS
(mg/L)
0.516
0.300
1.180
0.665
0.459
0.212
0.187
0.100
0.166
0.059
0.320
1.23
0.92
0.823
0.463
0.700
0.488
0.638
0.609
0.109
0.244
0.164
0.392
0.267
0.116
0.362
0.190
0.688
0.413
0.253
ATP
(ng/L)
110.013
93.590
72.74ia
92.115
18.680
7.062
71.381
6.720
28.388
37.234
30.864
11.317
13.857
18.679
10.628
2.709
0.977
0.219
1.302
1.276
31.658
83.009
54.903
56.523
25.714
12.320 ,
-0.034
0.648
4.311
6.944
aSample volume filtered = 3
bj< = Mean.
CS.D. = Standard Deviation.
dNA = Not analyzed.
-------
TABLE 19. SUMMARY OF C. perfrlngens (COLONIES/100 mL) DATA FOR ALL
REFERENCE STATIONS
Vol times
Filtered
Replicate (liters)
0.1
0.15*
1
0.5
1.0
0.1
0.35a
2
0.5
1.0
0.1
3 0.5
1.0
Stations
A- 3
10 m
0
0
0.4
N
0
_
0
0.1
0
0
0
250 m
0
_b
0
0
0
0
0
N
0
0
0
A-7
10 m
0
_
0
0
0
.
0
0
0
0
0
250 m
0
—
0
0
0
_
0
0
0
0
0
A-5
10 m
0
—
0
0
0
„.
0
0
0
0
0
250 m
0
_
0
0
0
_
0
0
0
0
0
aAliquot volume not originally planned, decided upon while on station.
b- Indicates sample collection not planned for that volume.
CN = Sample planned, but not collected.
5-18
-------
TABLE 20. CONCENTRATION OF TRACE METALS IN pg/L IN WHOLE SEAWATER3 (INCLUDES WATER QUALITY CRITERIA)
en
i—»
10
Trace Metals
Station
A- 5
A- 5
A-7
A-7
A-7
A-7
A-7
A-7
A-7
Water Quality Criteria*
GO-FLO Blank (FMB)
Procedural Method Blank
Sample Detection Limit
for Each Analyte
Replicate
Rl
R2
Rl
R2
R3A
R3B
Rl
R2
R3
Depth
(m)
250
250
10
10
10
10
250
250
250
Ag
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
0.056
NA
0.072
0.002
0.03
ub
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
Cd
0.036
0.046
0.026
0.023
0.023
0.020
0.057
0.053
0.051
9300
0.003 u
0.003 u
0.006 u
Cr
0.25
0.29
0.24
0.24
0.30
0.25
0.23
0.28
0.25
5QC
0.10
0.16
0.024 u
Cu
0.29
0.34
0.21
0.25
0.15
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.30
2.9
0.14
0.12
0.026 u
Fe
0.79
1.0
0.49
0.60
0.57
0.34
1.7
1.5
2.0
NA
2.1
0.47
0.09 u
Pb
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
0.029
5.6
0.38
0.015
0.029
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
u
Zn
0.65
0.44
0.44
0.44
0.40
0.49
0.56
0.51
0.55
86
1.3
0.67
0.044 u
aUncorrected Data (blank values not subtracted),
bu = Sample Detection Limit.
CHexavalent Cr.
*U.S.EPA 1986/.
-------
densities were generally very low for all seabird species. Audubon's
shearwater, Puffinus Iherminieri, was the most abundant shearwater species,
with individual patch densities (within a 15 minute count) as high as 32.28
birds/km2 (at 38°38'N latitude, 72°31'W longitude). Greater shearwaters (£.
gravis), manx shearwater (£. puffinus), and Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris
diomedea) were also observed.
Petrels and storm-petrels were the second most frequently observed
species group (0.625 birds/km2). Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceam'tes oceanicus),
Leach's storm-petrel (Oceanodroma leucorhoa), and band-rumped storm-petrels
(0. castro) were observed in flock densities ranging from 0.79 to 22.49
birds/kn2. No cetaceans or marine turtles were observed at or in the vicinity
of the 106-Mile Site on either of the two legs.
5-20
-------
TABLE 21. DENSITIES (+ S.D.) OF SEABIRDS BY SPECIES GROUPS OBSERVED
WHILE IN SLOPE WATERS OR WITHIN THE 106-MILE SITE FROM THE
OSV Peter W. Anderson, AUGUST 22 THROUGH 27 AND SEPTEMBER 15
THROUGH 20, 1986
Species Group Density
Storin-Petrels 0.625 (2.433)
Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanltes oceanicus
Leach's storm-petrel, Oceanodroma leucorhoa
Band-rumped storm-petrel, 0. castro
Shearwaters 1.346 (5.054)
Greater shearwater, Puffinus gravis
Manx shearwater, _P. puffinus
Audubon's shearwater, P. Iherminieri
Cory's shearwater, Calonectris dlomedea
Skuas/Jaegers 0.043 (0.227)
Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
Long-tailed jaeger, ^. longicaudus
Skua, Skua sp.
Gulls 0.025 (0.194)
Hering gull, Larus argentatus
Great black-backed gull, L_. marinus
5-21
-------
6.0 DISCUSSION
This chapter is divided into three sections similar to the results
chapter. The DBR section discusses the drogue/plume tracking and sludge
tracer analyses. The reference station section discusses the results of the
drogue tracking XBT organic constituents, water quality (including XBT), and
trace metals. The last section discusses the endangered species data.
6.1 DBR STUDY
The DBR study provided preliminary nearfield data on the transport
of sludge material to the dumpsite boundary. Some observations about the
site include the following:
1. Based on drogue tracking data and satellite imagery during
Leg I of the survey, currents in the mixed layer of the
disposal site flowed north because of the presence of a
warm-core eddy in the vicinity of the 106-Mile Site.-
2. Visual observations of the plume boundaries and data from
the analysis of sludge tracers, collected at all DBR
stations, confirm that sludge was carried in detectable •
concentrations to and beyond the boundary of the dumpsite.
3. Sludge tracer data (Tables 12 and 13 for TSS and £.
perfringens spores) appear to indicate temporal dispersion
of the plume. As the elapsed time (ET) increased, the
concentration of particulates (mg/L) from TSS samples
appears to decrease with time. These data however are
considerably variable and cannot be used to estimate
dispersion and dilution rates.
Microbiological data indicate a similar trend. With time, £. perfringens
colony counts dropped at all depths from values "too numerous to count" (TNTC)
at D10-1 to countable numbers at Stations DBR-2 and DBR-3. A strong summer
thermocline influenced by a warm-core eddy at 20 m was present at the DBR
study area. It is probable that the thermocline was a barrier to settling
sludge particles and that the sludge dumped from the preselected barge did not
6-1
-------
penetrate below 20 m. Because of these conditions, it is possible that TNTC
values from depths of 30 and 75 m were caused by contamination of the sample
bottle. All bottles were in the open configuration when they passed through
the sludge plume.
This information is being used to design and implement an effective
monitoring study for determining the dynamics of nearfield plume transport and
for accurately quantifying the dispersion and dilution characteristics of
sludge particles over time. An extensive plume tracking exercise was
conducted in September 1987 and additional work is planned for Tier 2
(Nearfield Fate and Short-Term effects) of the monitoring plan.
6.2 REFERENCE STATION STUDY
6.2.1 Drogue Tracking
The results of the drogue tracking studies at reference stations A-3
and A-7 are presented in Figures 6 and 7. As indicated by the tracks at each
stations the water mass traveled north and confirmed the presence of an eddy
in the vicinity of the site.
This eddy information may be useful in developing a strategy for
conducting monitoring surveys. Because the 106-Mile Site is a dynamic area
with regard to influences by three different water masses (shelf water, Gulf
Stream water, and slope water), it may be important to develop a monitoring
strategy that will address influences from all major water masses. Continued
monitoring will add considerably to our limited knowledge of surface currents
near the 106-Mile Site and their impact on the transport of sludge in the
nearfield and farfield.
6.2.2 XBT Traces
At Station A-3, the XBT traces (Figure 9) indicate that perhaps two
water masses were strongly influencing the temperature profiles. It appears
that the warm-core ring was disrupting the strong seasonal pycnocline normally
6-2
-------
apparent in the deep ocean during the late summer. The data presented in
Figure 9 confirm satellite imagery information (Section 5.1), indicating that
a warm-core eddy present at the 106-Mile Site. Stations A-5 (Figures 9B and
9C) and A-7 also appeared to be affected by the ring. The influences by the
eddy at these stations were considerably less than at Station A-3.
6.2.3 Organic Constituents
The particulate and dissolved fractions from three surface waters
(10 m) and three subpycnocline waters (>250 m) were collected from reference
Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 and analyzed for selected PAH, PCB, and pesticide
compounds. The results of these analyses are strictly baseline data.
Monitoring results obtained from future studies at the site may be compared to
the data in this report to determine trends in the loading and dispersion of
the reported compounds.
6.2.3.1 FILTRATE ANALYSIS
The results of the filtrate sample analyses for PAH are reported in
Table 15. Almost all compounds were below the detection limit at all
stations. However, naphthalene and alkylated (Cj-C3) naphthalenes were found
at all stations at both depths, at levels ranging from 1 to 9 ng/L.
Station A-5 (250 m) showed the highest levels of total naphthalenes. At
Stations A-3 and A-7, no trend between depth and/or station versus total
naphthalenes was evident.
The only other PAH detected, Cj-phenanthrene, was found above the
detection limit (1-2 ng/L) at the 300-m level of Station A-3, at the 10-m
level of Station A-7, and at both the 10- and 300-m levels of Station A-5.
The results of pesticide and PCB analysis of the filtrate samples
are presented in Table 16. No PCB (reported as aroclors) were found in any
samples. In addition, no PCB isomers peaks were detected. Most pesticides
(analyzed on a DB-5 capillary column and confirmed on a DB-17 capillary
column) were below detection limits at all stations. Notable pesticides found
6-3
-------
above the detection limits at trace levels were a-BHC, 3-BHC, y -BHC, 6 -BHC,
4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, and heptachlor. No coprostanol was detected in any water
samples.
6.2.3.2 PARTICULATE ANALYSIS
The results from particulate material analysis for PAH are presented
in Table 17. All PAH were below the detection limits in samples from all
stations from surface and subpycnocline depths. The detection limits for
particulate organic samples were lower than those for the dissolved fraction
because the particulate fraction was more concentrated.
The results of the PCB, pesticides, and coprostanol analysis of
particulate material samples are presented in Table 18. No PCBs (reported as
aroclors) were found in any particulate or wipe samples. No coprostanol was
determined in any particulate or wipe samples.
Only six occurrences of pesticides can be reported for any of the
particulate material samples. Two occurrences of trace levels of a-BHC in the
surface particulate (10 m) at Stations A-7 and A-5, and one of a-BHC in a
subpycnocline particulate sample at Station A-5 were found. 3-BHC was found
in surface particulate samples from Stations A-5 and A-7. Finally, heptachlor
was detected in surface particulate material from Station A-5.
6.2.3.3 FILTER WIPE ANALYSIS
Wipe samples from the surface of the ship were very clean, with only
an occasional compound detected. The results of the analyses are based on an
assumed filtration volume of 950L. Naphthalene, phenanthrene, chrysene,
triphenylene, benzo(e)pyrene, and bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate were found in
Sample W-l at the 1 ng/L level. Samples W-2 and W-3 were free from any PAH
contaminants.
Wipe samples from the surface of the sampling ship were free of
pesticide and PCB contaminants, with the exception of trace levels of
heptachlor. Heptachlor was found in all three wipe samples at an average
level of 0.002 ng/L.
6-4
-------
6.2.4 Water Quality and Biochemical Parameters
Examination of the water quality (Table 18) data for reference
Stations A-3, A-5, and A-7 indicates that Stations A-3 and A-5 were possibly
influenced by the warm-core ring. Discrete temperature values for surface and
subpycnocline samples were not consistent with XBT data, possibly due to
mishandling of the samples before analysis. Temperature profiles from the
XBTs suggest that a warm-core ring was present at the site. Surface (XBT)
temperatures did not indicate the presence of a ring. However, subpycnocline
(XBT) temperatures from Stations A-3 and A-5 were considerably higher than the
subpycnocline temperature at Station A-7. (9°C). These findings reinforce
evidence that a ring was influencing the water mass near the site.
Surface salinity values at Stations A-3 and A-5 ranged from 36.10
parts per thousand (ppt) to 36.50 ppt. These values are indicative of the
salinities found in the Gulf Stream. At Station A-7 surface salinities range
from 35.47 to 35.74 which is indicative of open-ocean water. Many water
quality values appear to be consistent with the data from the area (Battelle,
1987d,e). Surface pH values range from 7.98 at Station A-7 to 8.31 at Station
A-5 and subpycnocline values range from 7.77 at Station A-7 to 8.14 at Station
A-5. Dissolved oxygen values from surface and subpycnocline samples were
consistent throughout the area. Surface TSS values ranged from 0.267 mg/L at
Station A-7 to 0.82 mg/L at Station A-5. Subpycnocline values ranged from
0.166 mg/L at Station A-3 to 0.609 mg/L at Station A-5. These values are
consistent with other TSS data from the 106-Mile Site (Battelle, 1987e).
The results of chlorophyll a^ (Table 18) analyses show considerable
variation from station to station and from surface to subpycnocline depths.
At Station A-3, chlorophyll values show the greatest inconsistency between
surface and subpycnocline measurements. Surface values of 0.003 and 0.004 are
more representative of subpycnocline values found at Stations A-5 and A-7
(Table 18) and Station A-5T (thermocline depth) (Battelle, 1987e).
Conversely, subpycnocline values of 0.070 and 0.187 at Station A-3 are
indicative of the surface measurements at Stations A-5 and A-7. It is
possible that samples were mislabeled during shipboard processing and
analysis.
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Surface and subpycnocline data at Stations A-5 and A-7 are more
consistent with baseline data from the area. However, surface values appear
to be somewhat lower (up to an order of magnitude in some cases) than reported
values (Battelle, 1987d,e) for the site and vicinity. Conversely,
chlorophyll/phaeophytin (C/P) ratios from surface samples indicate chlorophyll
concentrations above normal (normal C/P ratios = 1.4 to 1.7). Possible
interference from another biological source (bacteria) that fluoresces in the
frequency range of chlorophyll ^ could explain the discrepancy. These values
may also be influenced by the ring activity in the area.
Surface ATP concentrations are considerably higher at Station A-3
(86.653 mg/L) than at Stations A-5 (18.68 mg/L) and A-7 (56.52 mg/L).
Subpycnocline values range from 1.30 mg/L at Station A-5 to 28.37 mg/L at
Station A-3. Higher ATP values at Station A-3 may be partially influenced by
the presence of a warm-core ring.
Microbiological data (Table 19), from surface waters collected at
the reference stations, indicate the presence of £. perfringens in background
levels at Station A-3. This occurrence may have resulted from bottle
contamination or ring activity in the area. Subpycnocline samples show no
bacterial growth.
6.2.5 Trace Metals
Metal results from the August 1986 106-Mile Site survey vary.
Silver and lead were not detected in any of the samples (detection limit
0.056 yg/L and 0.029 yg/L, respectively). All other metals measured were at
detectable concentrations. Quality control samples indicate probable
contamination of samples for chromium, copper and lead, iron, and zinc during
processing. Procedural blanks contributed at least 50 percent of the reported
values in Table 20, with the procedural blank for zinc being at least equal to
the reported concentrations in the field samples. Furthermore, the blanks for
the GO-FLO bottles also indicate potential significant contribution to the
reported results. In spite of these difficulties, the replicability between
field and procedural replicates is good. Recovery of field spikes appears to
be low, probably reflecting the contamination during sampling or processing.
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The reported concentrations for cadmium are higher than
oceanographically accepted values for this area of the northwest, but they do
indicate an increase with depth as is commonly found for this element. The
concentrations of the other metals also are higher than accepted oceanographic
concentrations for this region. The reported results for copper are
consistent with previously reported values.
Even with potential contamination artifacts in the samples, all
metal concentrations are less than EPA marine water quality criteria
(Table 20). Because of the inability to accurately quantify the degree of
sample contamination, it is impossible to compare this data with data from the
literature or from the 106-Mile Site monitoring program to determine if there
is a long-term change in the trace metal concentrations.
6.3 CETACEAN, MARINE TURTLE. AND SEABIRD OBSERVATIONS
No sightings of cetaceans and marine turtles were made during the
survey. These data will be added to existing data to assess seasonal
distributions and densities of marine mammals and turtles in areas of the
106-Mile Site.
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7.0 REFERENCES
Battelle. 1986a. Draft Summary Proposal for 106-Mile Deepwater Dumpsite
Survey - Summer 1986. A report submitted to the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) under Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work
Assignment 31. 14 pp.
Battelle. 1986b. Survey Plan for the 106-Mile Deepwater Dumpsite Survey -
Summer 1986. A Final Survey Plan submitted to the U.S. EPA under
Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work Assignment 31. 42 pp.
Battelle. 1986c. Site Condition Report on Deepwater Sludge Dumpsite Survey -
Summer 1986. A report submitted to the U.S. EPA under Contract No.
68-03-3319. Work Assignment 31. 29 pp.
Battelle. 1987a. Draft 106-Mile Site Monitoring Plan. A report submitted to
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Contract No. 68-03-
3319. Work Assignment 22. 78 pp.
Battelle. 1987b. Physical Oceanographic Component of the 106-Mile Site
Monitoring Program. A report submitted to the U.S. EPA under
Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work Assignment 45.
Battelle. 1987c. Analytical Procedures in Support of the 106-Mile Dumpwater
Municipal Sludge Site Monitoring Program. A quality assurance plan
submitted to the U.S. EPA under Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work
Assignment 21. 19 pp.
Battelle. 1987d. Final Report on Analytical Results of Samples Collected
During the 1985 North Atlantic Incineration Site (NAIS) Survey. A
report submitted to EPA under Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work
Assignment 5. 184 pp.
Battelle. 1987e. Final Report on Analysis of Baseline Seawater and Sediment
Samples From the 106-Mile Deepwater Municipal Sludge Site. A report
submitted to EPA under Contract No. 68-03-3319. Work Assignment 21.
80 pp.
Heinemann, D. 1981. A rangefinder for pelagic bird censusing. J.Wildl.
Manage. 45:489-493.
Powers, K.D. 1982. A comparison of two methods of counting birds at sea.
J. Field Ornith. 53:209-222.
Powers; K.D. 1983. Pelagic Distribution of Marine Birds off the
Northeastern United States. NOAA Tech. Mem. NMFS-F/NEC-27. 199 pp.
Zeller, R.W. and T.A. Wastler. 1986. Tiered Ocean Disposal Monitoring Will
Minimize Data Requirements. Oceans '86, Vol. 3, Monitoring
Strategies Symposium. 6 pp.
U.S. EPA 1986. Quality Criteria for Water 1986. U.S. EPA Office of Water
Regulations and Standards. EPA 440/5-86-001.
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