ENTFK0WME11TAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
Biostimulation Characteristics
of
Wastes and Receiving Waters
of the
Snake River Basin
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER
DENVER,COLORADO
AND
REGION X, SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
SEPTEMBER 1974
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
BIOSTIMULATION CHARACTERISTICS
OF WASTES AND RECEIVING
WATERS OF THE SNAKE RIVER BASIN
National Field Investigations Center-Denver
Denver, Colorado
and
Region X, Seattle, Washington
September 1974
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CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION ....... . 1
BACKGROUND 1
1973 INVESTIGATION 2
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA 3
APPLICABLE STANDARDS 5
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 7
III. RECOMMENDATIONS 9
IV. METHODS . . . , 11
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 15
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION (MARCH-MAY 1973) 15
MONITORING PROGRAM (MAY 1973) 24
FIELD INVESTIGATIONS (AUGUST 1973) 27
Nutrients 27
Algal Growth Potential Tests 33
Primary Production 38
Algal Populations 45
Dissolved Oxygen 46
Field Measurements 46
REFERENCES 49
APPENDICES:
A NUTRIENT POINT SOURCE DATA
B EXTRACTS FROM IDAHO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND WASTEWATER
TREATMENT REQUIREMENTS
ill
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TABLES
Page
1 RECEIVING WATER SAMPLING STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 16
2 NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF RECEIVING WATERS
MARCH 1973 17
3 SIMULATED RESERVOIR WATER
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY, MARCH 1973 18
4 ALGAL GROWTH LIMITING' NUTRIENT DATA
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 20
5 MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL SAMPLING STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
MARCH AND AUGUST 1973 . 21
6 NUTRIENT REMOVAL TESTS
MARCH AND AUGUST 1973 23
7 RECEIVING WATER SAMPLING STATIONS
MAY 1973-JANUARY 1974
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 25
8 TOTAL PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS (MG/L)
OF RECEIVING WATERS
MAY 1973-JANUARY 1974 26
9 NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF RECEIVING WATERS
AUGUST 1972 ; 28
10 ALGAL POPULATION, AUGUST 1973 30
11 SIMULATED RESERVOIR WATER, AUGUST 1973
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 34
12 PRIMARY PRODUCTION SAMPLING STATIONS
AUGUST 1973 39
13 INCUBATION PERIODS, LIGHT ENERGY RECEIVED AND
DEPTH OF EUPHOTIC ZONE
SNAKE RIVER IMPOUNDMENTS - AUGUST 1973 40
14 PRIMARY PRODUCTION, AUGUST 1973 42
15 OXYGEN DEPLETION BY ALGAL RESPIRATION
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 43
16 FIELD MEASUREMENTS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY, AUGUST 1973 47
iv
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FIGURES
Page
1 SCHEMATIC MAP OF SNAKE RIVER RESERVOIRS 4
2 A COMPARISON OF ALGAL GROWTH STIMULATION
BY 10% EFFLUENT ADDITIONS TO RECEIVING
WATERS, MARCH 1973 22
3 RELATIONSHIP OF ALGAL STANDING CROP AND
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY 36
4 A COMPARISON OF ALGAL STIMULATION BY 10%
EFFLUENT ADDITIONS TO RECEIVING WATERS
AUGUST 1973
5 SAMPLING STATIONS - AMERICAN FALLS
RESERVOIR, IDAHO, AUGUST 1973 44
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GLOSSARY
AGP - Algal Growth Potential
BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand
2
cm - Square centimeter = 0.1549 square inch
DO - Dissolved Oxygen
FWPCA - Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
g/kg - Dry weight measured in grams per kilogram of sediment
gm cal - Gram calorie
kg - Kilogram = 2.205 pounds
km - Kilometer = 0.62137 mile
2
km - Square kilometer = 100 hectares = 0.3861 square mile
2
lu/m - Lumens per square meter = 0.09 foot-candles
m - Meter = 3.281 feet = 1.094 yards
3
m - Cubic meter = 0.0008 acre-feet
3
m /sec - Cubic meters per second = 35.3 cubic feet per second
ym - Micrometer
mg/1 - Milligrams per liter
2
mg/m - Milligrams per square meter
2
mg C/m - Milligrams of Carbon per square meter
N - Nitrogen
P - Phosphorus
vi
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I. INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND
Between 1964 and 1968 the Northwest Regional Office of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration conducted water
quality and pollution sources studies in the Snake River Basin.
Objectives of the study were to determine the magnitude and sources
of pollution to develop water quality management programs for the
Basin. Supplementary data were obtained from local, State, and
Federal agencies.
The FWPCA office compiled data from previous studies and pre-
pared a report— that outlined the problems associated with fish
kills, algal blooms, bacterial contamination, thermal discharges,
radioactive wastes, and pesticide contamination. Detailed conclu-
sions were drawn, and specific recommendations were made for needed
State and Federal actions. Waters of the study area were found to be
impaired for beneficial uses by increased pollution from industrial,
municipal, and agricultural sources. Poor management of various
impoundments drastically modified natural flow patterns and impaired
assimilation of wastes. Maintenance of minimum stream flow was found
to be essential to prooer water quality management.
Further studies in 1971 and 1972 by the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), Region X and the National Field Investigations Center -
Denver (NFIC-D) have updated water quality and waste source infor-
2 3 4/
mation.—'—'— Specific nutrient point source data are presented in
Appendix A. Substantial uncrading of municipal and industrial waste
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treatment has been accomplished in recent years and additional treatment
facilities are under construction or planned. Higher levels of treat-
ment may be needed for waste sources if applicable effluent guidelines
and water quality standards are to be met. Many problems exist because
few advances have been made toward the maintenance of essential minimum
stream flows.
1973 INVESTIGATION
At the request of the EPA Region X Administrator, NFIC-D and Region
X conducted a four phase study concentrating on nutrient caused algal
growth problems in the Snake River Basin. The study area included the
Snake River and principal tributaries between Heise, Idaho (River Mile
[RM] 857.8) and Brownlee Dam (RM 284.9). The laboratory phase included
nutrient analyses, algal growth potential studies, and nutrient removal
tests during the period March through May 1973. The monitoring program
which began in May 1973 is ongoing and features twice monthly sampling of
chlorophyll £ concentrations, nutrient concentrations, DO, total and
fecal coliform bacteria, pH, temperature, and conductivity. An inten-
sive field study was conducted in August 1973 which included nutrient
sampling, in situ algal assays, primary production measurements, sedi-
ment analyses, algal population identification, aerial photography, and
field measurements.
Study objectives were:
1. Demonstrate the biostimulatory characteristics of major types
of wastewaters being discharged into the Snake River Basin.
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2. Assess algal populations, primary production, and nutrient
levels in four impoundments' of the Snake River.
3. Provide technical information to determine the necessity for
nutrient removal from municipal or industrial waste sources in the
Basin.
4. Furnish information for the development of municipal and
industrial wastewater discharge permits.
DESCRIPTION OF THE AREA
The Snake River originates in the northwest corner of Wyoming, flows
through southern Idaho, travels northward becoming the state boundary
between Idaho and Oregon, and finally joins the Columbia River in the
State of Washington. The river is more than 1,600 km (1,000 mi) long
2 2
and drains an area of nearly 280,000 km (108,000 mi ). The study area
comprised a 922-km (573-mi) reach from near the Wyoming-Idaho border to
the Idaho-Oregon border at Brownlee Dam [Figure 1].
Most of the population inhabits the lowlands of the Snake River and
other valleys such as those of the Boise, Portneuf, and Henry's Fork
Rivers. Of the Snake River Basin's total area, 42 percent is rangeland;
24 percent is forest; 26 percent is agricultural land; and the remaining
8 percent is divided among other uses.
Agricultural production and processing is the primary economic activity
in the basin. There is a phosphate industry in Pocatello and limited
manufacturing in the Boise area.
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F arewe II Bend
(RM 334.2)
DAM (RM 640.0)
DAM (RM 714.4)
POCATELIO
M i I n er Poo I
IUILEY
Fifire 1. Schematic Map if Siake liver Reserveirs
(Nit ti Scale)
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At Heise, Idaho upstream from irrigation diversions, the average
annual Snake River flow is about 180 m /sec (6,360 cfs). Downstream
3
400 km (250 mi) at Milner Dam the flow averages 42.6 m /sec (1,505 cfs)
after irrigation diversions. Downstream from Milner at King Hill sub-
stantial inflow, principally from large springs, increases the average
flow of the Snake River to about 240 m /sec (8,480 cfs). Downstream
from King Hill, tributaries increase the flow to about 465 m /sec
(16,431 cfs) at Brownlee Dam.
Critical low-flow conditions and maximum industrial waste produc-
tion occur mainly from late summer through winter. Low flows are often
"man-made" because storage regulation outweighs natural influence in
determining flow patterns. Winter flows diminish as reservoirs are
filled for the irrigation diversions. Downstream from significant di-
versions, the entire flow of the Snake River may cease.
More than 60 Snake River Basin impoundments have individual storage
capacities exceeding 6.2 million m (5,000 acre-ft). Algal blooms occur
annually in many of the storage areas; they are stimulated by excessive
nutrients, nitrogen and phosphorus, that enter the Basin streams or
reservoirs from various sources.
APPLICABLE STANDARDS
The Idaho State Water Quality Standards (Appendix B) prohibit intro-
duction of excess nutrients of other than natural origin that cause visible
slime or other nuisance aquatic growths. This standard would apply to
nutrients causing the algal growths in the reservoirs. Furthermore,
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the Standards require minimum dissolved oxygen concentrations of
6 mg/1 or 90 percent saturation, whichever is greater, exempting
only the bottom 20 percent or 6 m (20 ft) of depth, whichever is
less, for natural lakes and reservoirs. Both of these standards
establish a water quality limiting situation if algal problems are
not solved by implementation of the best practicable control
technology currently available (BPCTCA).
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II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
In each of the reservoirs evaluated (American Falls, Brownlee,
Milner and Minidoka), algal bloom conditions (20 mg/1 dry weight of
algae) were reached with concenrations of 0.1 mg/1 total P and 1.0 mg/1
inorganic N. Maximum algal growth (71 mg/1 dry weight of algae)
was stimulated by 1.0 mg/1 total P and 10.0 mg/1 inorganic N; nutrient
additions in excess of these concentrations did not stimulate addi-
tional algal growth, and lesser nutrient concentrations stimulated
less growth.
During the summer, in situ bottle tests showed nitrogen was the growth
limiting nutrient in all of the reservoirs except American Falls. The
water of American Falls Reservoir contained sufficient nutrients to sus-
tain algal blooms without nutrient additions. The dominant bloom organism
was Aphanizomenon, a blue-green alga capable of fixing atmospheric nitro-
gen as a growth limiting nutrient. Phosphorus was the growth limiting
nutrient in the spring and is more important than nitrogen as long as
blue-green algal blooms occur. To eliminate the possibility of algal
blooms in the reservoirs, total phosphorus concentrations would have to
9 /
be reduced to less than 0.1 mg/1. Federal Water Quality Criteria-
suggest 0.05 mg/1 total phosphorus to be the maximum "safe" level for
reservoirs. Lowering concentrations of inorganic nitrogen would have
long-term benefits also.
Primary productivity was measured on an areal basis, considering
the entire water column within the euphotic zone. Because of turbidity,
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the euphotic zone of American Falls was restricted to 0.9 m (3.0 ft) or
less, while in Brownlee this zone extended from 1.2 to 6.1 m, averaging
3.7 m (4.0 to 20.0 ft, averaging 12.0 ft). If turbidity were decreased
in American Falls Reservoir without concurrent nutrient reductions, the
algal blomass could increase and there could be a concomitant Increase
in oxygen demand from algal respiration and decomposition. Therefore,
even though Brownlee Reservoir was more productive, American Falls
Reservoir appears to have a higher potential for algal problems.
The aerial infrared photographs documented .that algal blooms
covered much of the surface area of American Falls Reservoir during
late August 1973. The algal densities were the heaviest in the western
two-thirds of the reservoir.
Algal assays demonstrated that effluent additions to receiving waters
stimulate algal growth. However, during the critical summer bloom season
up to 44 percent of the nutrient load comes from agricultural sources,
and algal blooms would not be eliminated even with a 90-percent reduction
of nutrients from all major municipal and Industrial sources in the Snake
River Basin. Nutrient loadings from agricultural sources are not as well
defined as municipal and industrial point sources. Evaluation of possible
nutrient load reductions from agricultural sources by treatment or alter-
ation of irrigation practices is needed.
Idaho State Water Quality Standards are being violated for DO and
nuisance aquatic growths in the four reservoirs studied. Proposed BPCTCA
will not solve existing algal problems. Therefore, the situation is
water quality limited and treatment beyond BPCTCA may be required to
reduce the nutrient level and subsequently eliminate algal problems.
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III. RECOMMENDATIONS
To control algal growth and enhance the quality of the Snake River
Reservoirs, the following are recommended:
1. An integrated approach should be used to solve the algal problems
in Snake River Reservoirs. Applying strict nutrient controls at any one
point would not eliminate algal blooms. The overall plan should incorpo-
rate total P reductions from municipal, industrial, and agricultural point
sources throughout the system; ultimately, stream levels should not exceed
0.05 mg/1 total P.
2. Agricultural sources of nutrients must be controlled. Nutrient
loads in cattle feedlot runoff should be reduced by disposing of the
runoff on land or treating it in waste stabilization lagoons or by
compositing or dehydrating cattle wastes.
3. Soil erosion as a result of irrigation as well as natural run-
off must be minimized.
4. Irrigation practices must minimize demands on the Snake River;
supplemental irrigation water sources such as ground water and municipal
and industrial effluent must be used.
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11
TV. METHODS
Nutrient analyses (TKN, organic N, NO^+NO.-N, NH.-N, ortho and
total P) were performed on a Technicon Autoanalyzer using procedures
described in EPA Chemical Ifethods.-^' Nutrient analyses were conducted
on all receiving water and effluent samples collected during the survey.
Effluent samples were composited over a twenty-four hour period while
receiving water samples were collected by grab sampling. Nutrient
samples were preserved with mercuric chloride (40 mg/1). All samples for
nutrient analyses were labeled, placed in an ice chest, chilled, and
transported to NFIC-D or Region X-Seattle for analysis.
Algal growth potential (AGP) tests were performed as outlined in
"Algal Assay Procedure-Bottle Test," August 1971.—^ Samples were auto-
claved to kill indigenous algae. An inoculum of algae, Selenastrum
capricornutum (standard test organisms), was added to each mixture of
effluent and receiving water. Standard test conditions (100 ml in 250-ml
2
Erlenmeyer Flasks, 4,306 lu/m (400 ft-candles) of constant light at mid-
flask, 24°C waterbath, 88 oscillations per minute shaking, 7-day incubation)
remained constant for all tests. Chlorophyll a^ concentrations were measured
initially and daily thereafter by in vivo fluorescence. Tn situ tests were
conducted with the following variations. Receiving water was filtered to
remove indigenous algae where facilities for autoclaving were not available.
One-liter sample mixtures in cubitainers were incubated in each reservoir
for six days under ambient light and temperature conditions. Nutrient
additions to receiving waters were tested as described above. Combined
serial decimal concentrations of N and P ranging from 0.01 to 10 mg/1 were
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12
made using a four-by-four matrix of N (0, 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 mg/1) versus
P (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 mg/1) providing 15 different combinations of nutrient
additions plus a control.
Removal of N and P was attempted on each effluent. Phosphorus was
precipitated by adding hydrated lime (AOO mg/1 CafOH] ). Next the efflu-
ent was heated, stirred, and aerated for two hours to remove nitrogen.
After settling, the supernatant was drawn off.
Algae were collected from surface grab filtered samples and artificial
substrates (microscope slide, 14-day incubation) and preserved by freezing.
In the laboratory, the frozen samples were extracted with 90 percent
acetone, and chlorophyll a_ content, corrected for pheophytin, was determined
using a spectrophotometer.
Primary production was measured as outlined in the 13th edition of
Standard Methods for Examination of Water and Wastewaters (1971).— The
depth of the euphotic zone (1 percent light) was determined with a sub-
marine photometer. Light energy received during incubation periods and
daily photoperiods were determined with a pyrheliograph. Samples were
collected with a Van Dorn sampler. Five 300-ral bottles were filled with
water collected from each depth of the subdivided euphotic zone. Three
of these bottles were unaltered and considered light bottles. One of the
light bottles was fixed immediately and used to measure initial DO. All
light penetration was eliminated from the remaining two bottles. The two
light and two dark bottles were suspended in the water at the depth from
which the sample was obtained, and after incubation the bottles were fixed
immediately and iced in a dark container until titration. This holding
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13
period did not exceed 2-1/2 hours. Samples were analyzed according to
01
the azide modification of the Winkler Method.—
To assess algal populations, surface grab water samples were collected
and preserved with 5-percent formalin. A Sedgwick-Rafter chamber was used
for algal counts.
Field measurements included temperature, pH, conductivity, alkalinity,
IX), total and fecal coliform bacteria and flow.
An aerial framing camera mounted in a high performance reconnaissance
aircraft was used to record infrared Imagery of American Falls Reservoir.
The camera was equipped with a Wratten 25 (red) gelatin optical filter
and was loaded with Kodak's 2443 Aerochrome Infrared Film.
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15
V. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
LABORATORY INVESTIGATION (MARCH-MAY 1973)
Nutrient levels in the receiving waters varied extensively [Tables
1,2]. Nutrient concentrations were least in the Snake River at Heise and
Henry's Fork upstream of St. Anthony, and they were greatest in tributaries
such as the Portneuf River, Rock Creek, the Malheur and Weiser Rivers. In
general, nutrient levels increased moving downstream. For example,
there was a substantial increase in the nutrient content of the Upper
Snake River from Heise, Idaho to the dam at American Falls Reservoir.
Industries, municipalities, and polluted tributaries in this reach were
major nutrient sources. The nutrient-rich waters from these sources
caused total P to triple from 0.02 to 0.06 mg/1 and inorganic N to almost
double from 0.18 to 0.30 mg/1 between Heise and American Falls.
Laboratory assays demonstrated the potential of receiving waters to
stimulate algal growth. None of the stream water tested demonstrated an
algal bloom.* To experimentally simulate and test unpolluted reservoir
water for algal growth potential, reservoir water was prepared artifically
by proportionally mixing unpolluted waters from appropriate tributaries
[Table 3]. Simulated reservoir water without waste additions did not
contain sufficient nutrients to stimulate algal blooms, but Brownlee
Reservoir demonstrated a greater potential for algal growth than American
Falls Reservoir.
* A concentrated growth or aggregation of algae sufficiently dense as to
be readily visible is a bloom.
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TABLE 1
RECEIVING WATER SAMPLING STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
Streams
Description
River Mile
Henry's Fork River
North Fork,Teton
River
Blackfoot River
Portneuf River
Rock Creek
Boise River
Malheur River
Weiser River
Snake River
Route 20 Bridge East of St. Anthony,
Idaho. 837.4/34.9
Route 20 Bridge North of Sugar City,
Idaho.
At Eastern Boundary of Indian
Reservation, beginning of paved
road.
At Roadside Turnout upstream of
Inkom, Idaho.
At First Paved Public Road East
of Amalgamated Sugar then South
to end of Road and downhill to
House.
Barber Road.
First Bridge West of Vale, Oregon.
Route 30N Bridge at Weiser, Idaho.
At Bridge, Heise, Idaho.
837.4/20.4/11.8
751.2/47.0
736.0/30.0
606.8/13.0
391.3/58.2
368.5/19.5
351.8/1.0
857.8
Reservoirs
Lake Mihidoka
Milner Pool
American Falls
Brownlee
At Power Station near Dam. 675.3
Right Bank (looking upstream)
at Dam. 640.01
At Boat Ramp, left bank, near Dam. 714.4
At Ranger Station, Farewell Bend,
Oregon. 334.2
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TABLE 2
NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF RECEIVING WATERS
MARCH 1973
Stream
Snake River
Henry's Fork, Snake River
N. F.,Teton River
Blackfoot River
Portneuf River
Am. Falls Resv.
Simulated Am. Falls Resv.
Minidoka Reservoir
Milner Pool
Rock Creek
Clear Lake Discharge
Boise River
Malheur River
Weiser River
Brown lee Resv.
Simulated Brown lee Resv.
Inorganic
N (mg/1)
Initial Autoclaved
0.18
0.16
0.39
0.69
1.04
0.30
0.62
0.68
1.08
0.91
0.21
0.17
0.59
0.77
0.15
0.12
0.39
0.63
0.67
0.38
0.84
0.97
0.24
0.17
0.67
0.48
. Total
Initial
0.02
0.03
0.03
0.14
0.12
0.06
0.10
0.12
0.09
0.06
0.04
0.16
0.28
0.09
P (mg/1)
Autoclaved
0.01
0.01
<0.01
0.19
0.15
<0.01
0.08
<0.01
0.02
0.15
0.30
0.03
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TABLE 3
SIMULATED RESERVOIR WATER
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
MARCH 1973
AMERICAN FALLS RESERVOIR (SIMULATED TEST WATER)
Source % Contribution
Snake River 35
Henry's Fork, Snake River 25
N. Fork.Teton River 20 .
Blackfoot River 10
Portneuf River 10
100
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR (SIMULATED TEST WATER)
Source % Contribution
Simulated American Falls
Reservoir 40
Rock Creek 10
Clear Lake Discharge 15
Boise River 15
Malheur River 10
Weiser River 10
100
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19
Nutrient additions were made to determine if N or P was in short
enough supply so as to prevent or restrict algal growth. These additions
showed that nitrogen was the limiting nutrient in three tributaries in
the Snake River Basin, the Weiser, >falheur, and Boise Rivers. The
studies showed that in all other receiving waters tested, including simu-
lated American Falls and Brownlee Reservoirs, phosphorus was the growth
limiting factor [Table A]; therefore, any reduction in phosphorus would
reduce algal growth in the reservoirs.
Representative plants of six different waste sources [Table 5] known
to contribute heavy nutrient loads (Appendix A) were selected for algal
assays. Assay results indicated that river waters mixed with 10 percent
or more of meat packing wastes, treated sewage, or phosphate reduction
wastes stimulated algal blooms. On the basis of total load, sewage and
potato processing wastes are the greatest nutrient contributors, followed
by phosphate reduction wastes, with fish hatchery and sugar beet wastes
contributing the least load* [Figure 2], Irrigation sources are signifi-
21
cant and may contribute up to 44 percent of the nutrient load.—
Laboratory experiments were successful in stripping at least 84 per-
cent of the nutrients from industrial effluents [Table 6]. Algal growth
potential tests were performed to demonstrate the effect of nutrient
stripping on the growth of algae. Wastewater from the six industries
were proportionally mixed with simulated reservoir water and AGP tests
were conducted. Results showed that the combination of effluents mixed
with American Falls and Brownlee Reservoir water stimulated bloom condi-
tions by producing 19.2 and 27.6 mg/1 (dry weight) algae within 7 days
* Unpublished data— for upstream of Idaho Falls to Milner Dam.
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TABLE 4
ALGAL GROWTH LIMITING NUTRIENT DATA
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
Date
March 1973
August 1973
Station
American Falls (simulated)
Brownlee (simulated)
American Falls
Minidoka
Milner
Brownlee
Limiting
Nutrient
P
P
None
N
N
N
Bloom
Concentrations
(mg/1)
N.
1.38
1.48
0.26
1.16
1.15
1.03
P
0.11
0.13
1.2
0.09
0.13
0.12
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TABLE 5
MUNICIPAL AND INDUSTRIAL SAMPLING STATIONS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
MARCH AND AUGUST 1973
Nutrient Concentrations
Type of Waste
Sugar-beet processing
Potato processing
Meat packing
Phosphate reduction
Fish hatchery
Treated sewage
Potato processing
Irrigation
Irrigation
Industry
Amalgamated Sugar—'
Paul , Idaho
J. R. Simplot, Caldwell ,
Idaho
Golden Valley Packers
Roberts, Idaho
J. R. Simplot (001)
Pocatello, Idaho
Thousand Springs Trout
Farm, Buhl , Idaho
Pocatello Sewage Treatment
Plant, Pocatello, Idaho
Simplot Potato
Burley, Idaho
Waste Stream near Spring
Creek at Bronco Road
South Parks - Lewisville
Canal
Receiving Water
(River Mile)
Canal to Snake River
(646.9/8.7)
Boise River
(391.3/17.6)
Snake River
(812.6)
Portneuf River
(736.0/13.6)
Clear Lake
(588.8/1.0)
Portneuf River
(736.0/11.6)
Snake River
(653.8)
Canal to Portneuf
River(736. 0/13. 3/0.1)
Canal to Snake River
(815.0/1.2)
Treatment at Time of
Sampling
In plant controls
Sewage lagoon
Closed flume system
Primary treatment,
holding ponds
Lagoon
Settling pond
None
Primary treatment
Month
March
March
March
August
March
August
March
August
March
August
Screening, settling, August
grease removal , extended
aeration, activated
sludge, secondary clarifier
None
None
August
August
Inorganic
mg/1
3.8
40
49
61
22.5
40.5
1.3
1.5
16
23
4.6
0.24
0.12
N Total 1
mg/1
1.4
7.9
8.3
6.7
5.9
51
0.19
0.04
7.6
13
9.4
0.05
0.05
3 Nutrient Reductions
Achievable by BPTl/
Unknown (typical
characteristic values
of beet sugar wastes
prior to treatment:
Total Phosphorus
mg/1 = 0.06.)
Unknown.
N and P 30-60 percent
N and P 100 percent
N 0-50 percent
P 20-80 percent
N and P 20-40 percent
Unknown (Simplot at
Burley capable of 30-
day average final
effluent concentra-
tionsc/ of 8.5 mg/1
NH3 & 1.2 mg/1 PO/j.
Not available.
Not available.
a/Information obtained
^/Collected in January
c/1972-73 Campaign.
from respective Development
1973.
Documents for Proposed
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no-
ioo«
90-
_ 80-
• 70-
» 60-
i so-
so-
20 •
10 •
0 .
ALGAL BLOOM
VISIBLE GREEN
I I
NO ALGAL BLOOM
1500-
1200-
900-
600 -
300-
MEAT PACKING
TREATED PHOSPHATE POTATO FISH
SEWAGE REDUCTION PROCESSING HATCHERY
SUGAR BEET
PROCESSING
Figure 2. A Comparison of Algal Stimulation by 1O% Effluent Addittions
to Receiving Waters
March 1973
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TABLE 6
NUTRIENT REMOVAL TESTS
MARCH AND AUGUST^' 1973
Type of Waste
Potato Processing
Meat Packing
Treated Sewage
Phosphate Reduction
Potato Processing
Meat Packing
Treated Sewage
Phosphate Reduction
Irrigation
Initial
40.0
49.0
(61.0)
16.4
(23.0)
22.5
(40.5)
7.9
(9.4)
8.3
(6.7)
7.6
(13.0)
5.6
(51)
(.05)
Inorganic
Autoclaved
16.4
36.0
11.7
(8.0)
14.8
(22.6)
Total -
8.2
(8.1)
8.5
7.8
(8.5)
6.0
(37)
(.06)
- N
Stripped
2.2 .
4.18
(2.3)
2.23
(2.2)
3.38
(0.7)
P
0.86
(0.9)
1.26
(1.1)
0.32
(0.8)
0.08
(0.01)
(.01)
% Removal
94
91
(96)
86
(90)
85
(98)
89
(90)
85
(84)
96
(94)
99
(99)
(80)
August values in parentheses.
-------
24
under laboratory test conditions. When a similar combination of nutrient-
stripped effluents were tested in the reservoir waters, the maximum
amount of growth was reduced by approximately two-thirds. This reduction
would preclude an algal bloom if the only source of nutrients was munici-
pal and industrial. These tests demonstrate the difference between
present untreated (for nutrient removal) discharges and levels of treat-
ment that would help solve algal problems.
MONITORING PROGRAM (MAY 1973)
To detect changes during the algal bloom season, 21 stations [Table 7]
were monitored beginning mid-May and are continuing. Chlorophyll si
analyses of stream and reservoir algae, collected by surface grab sampling
and from artificial substrates, revealed great fluctuations from May until
October. Aerial photography showed that algae were not uniformly distributed.
The fluctuations could be caused by the sampling location not always coincid-
ing with a patch of heavy algal concentration. The lowest periphyton
chlorophyll £ concentrations were found on the Snake River at Ileise (0.2 to
2 2
0.8 mg/m ) while higher concentrations (up to 10.8 mg/m in Lake Milner)
were found on the reservoirs. Nutrient concentration followed a similar
pattern, lowest at Heise and higher on the reservoirs. Plankton samples
had chlorophyll £ concentrations as high as 106.5 mg/m for the Snake River
at Marsing and 77.5 mg/m for Brownlee Reservoir at the Dam.
Nutrient levels [Table 8] in water released from the reservoirs
decreased during the summer, corresponding to increased algal concentrations.
For example, downstream from American Falls Reservoir in mid-May nutrient
-------
TABLE 7
RECEIVING WATER SAMPLING STATIONS
May 1973-January 1974
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
Station Description River Mile
Henry's Fork downstream from Ashton Reservoir 837.A/44.0
Henrys Fork upstream of St. Anthony 837.4/34.9
Falls River near Mouth 837.4/40.0/0.6
Teton River upstream of Teton 837.4/20.4/22.5
Henrys Fork south of Parker 837.4/29.0
Henrys Fork at Rexburg 837.4/11.0
Snake River near Heise 857.8
Snake River at Roberts 819.9
Blackfoot River near Mouth 751.2/0.1
Snake River at Tilden Bridge 751.0
Portneuf River at Siphon Road Bridge 736.0/11.7
Spring Creek at Rowlands Dairy 736.0/13.3
Spring Creek at Bronco Road 735.5/11.25
Snake River downstream from American Falls Reservoir 714.0
Snake River downstream from Minidoka Dam 671.2
Main Drain near Mouth
(Receives sugar refinery wastes, October - March.) 646.9/0.1
Snake River at Milner Dam 640.0
Snake River at Marsing 424.0
Boise River at Parma 391.3/5.0
Snake River at Weiser 350.3
Snake River at Brownlee Dam 284.9
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TABLE 8
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS CONCENTRATIONS (MG/L)OF RECEIVING WATERS
MAY 1973-JANUARY 1974
River May June July August September October November December January
Mile Station Description Mid* Early* Mid Late Early Mid Late Early Late** Mid Late Mid Late Early Mid Early Mid Early Late
837.4/44.0Henry's Fork Downstream
from Ashton Resv 0.050 0.030 0.030 -- 0.020 0.030 -- 0.030 0.040 0.020 -- 0.020 0.030 -- 0.020 0.020 0.010 -- 0.020
837.4/34.9 Henry's Fork Upstream-
of St. Anthony 0.060 0.030 0.030 -- 0.020 0.020 -- 0.030 0.047 0.020 0.040 0.020 0.020 -- 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.030 0.020
837.4/29.0 Henry's Fork South
of Parker 0.080 0.040 0.030 -- 0.040 0.040 -- 0.050 0.050 0.030 0.040 0.030 0.020 -- 0.030 0.020 0.020 0.030
837.4/11.0 Henry's Fork at
Rexburg 0.110 0.060 0.050 -- 0.060 0.050 -- 0.070 0.073 0.030 0.050 0.030 0.040 -- 0.040 0.030 0.040 0.040 0.040
837.4/11.1/23.5 Teton River North of
Newdale 0.210 0.050 0.040 -- 0.030 0.010 -- 0.020 0.290 0.020 -- 0.010 0.010 -- 0.040 0.020 0.020 0.040 0.040
857.8 Snake at Heise 0.170 0.030 0.030 -- 0.020 0.020 -- 0.030 0.026 0.020 -- 0.010 0.010 -- 0.010 0.010 0.010 -- 0.010
816.2 Snake at Roberts 0.120 0.040 0.050 -- 0.030 0.030 -- 0.020 0.030 0.020 — 0.030 0.060 — 0.030 0.020 0.040 — 0.030
751.2/0.1 Blackfoot River at
Mouth 0.270 0.070 0.150 -- 0.090 0.160 -- 0.050 — 0.050 -- 0.120 — 0.150 0.080 0.060 0.060 0.020 0.240
751.0 Snake at Tilden
Bridge 0.120 0.050 0.080 -- 0.040 0.050 -- 0.040 -- 0.050 -- 0.040 -- 0.040 0.070 0.040 0.050 0.040 0.050
736.0/13.3 Spring Rowlands — 0.410 0.850 -- 0.270 0.340 -- 0.200 -- 0.370 -- 0.540 -- 0.560 0.560 0.800 0.610 0.340 0.870
736.0/11.7 Portneuf River at
Siphon Road 0.3000.3600.570 -- 0.7000.610 -- 0.480 -- 0.4201.5000.500 -- 0.5700.4300.3801.3700.360 0.940
735.5/11.25 Spring Creek Bronco
Road — 0.020 0.020 -- 0.020 0.020 — 0.020 -- 0.030 -- 0.020 — 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.020 0.030 0.020
714.0 Snake River Downstream
from American Falls 0.120 0.070 0.080 -- 0.070 0.120 0.100 -- -- 0.160 0.260 0.120 0.100 -- 0.100 0.100 0.100 -- 0.100
671.2 Snake Downstream
from Minidoka 0.060 0.040 0.070 -- 0.050 0.090 0.090 -- — 0.130 0.150 0.080 0.110 -- 0.110 0.090 0.100 -- 0.110
646.9/1.8 Main Drain ' -- 0.130 0.170 -- 0.290 0.220 0.500 -- -- 0.250 0.150 0.880 0.640 -- 0.460 0.810 1.280 --
640.0 Milner at Dam 0.090 0.060 0.080 -- 0.080 0.100 0.120 — -- 0.150 0.140 0.110 0.140 — 0.140 0.150 -- 0.130 0.150
424.0 Snake at Marsing 0.110 0.060 -- 0.070 0.060 0.060 0.070 -- -- 0.060 0.070 0.070 0.060 -- 0.060 0.060 0.040 0.070 0.080
391.3/5.0 Boise at Parma 0.7000.340 — 0.3400.5500.4800.340 -- -- 0.2500.2800.3600.270 — 0.3900.3000.3200.340 0.420
351.8 Snake at Weiser 0.170 0.140 -- 0.160 0.140 0.150 0.140 -- — 0.090 0.170 0.100 0.100 -- 0.260 0.150 0.120 0.080 0.160
283.0 Snake Downstream
from Brownlee 0.060 0.040 — 0.040 0.030 0.030 0.060 -- — 0.090 0.090 0.100 0.070 — 0.130 0.070 -- 0.090 0.130
*Early includes the first ten days of the month, mid the second ten days, and late the 21st to the end of the month.
**Average of three days' analysis.
-------
27
concentrations were 1.04 and 0.03 mg/1 for Inorganic N and total P, res-
pectively. From June through July the levels ranged from 0.09 to 0.18 mg/1
for inorganic N and 0.03 to 0*05 mg/1 for total P. By mid-September the
concentrations had increased to 0.85 and 0.16 mg/1 for inorganic N and
total P, respectively.
FIELD INVESTIGATIONS (AUGUST 1973)
Nutrients
Background Concentrations—Receiving waters were sampled upstream of
major population areas and industries. These sites were chosen to reflect
background or natural nutrient concentrations, but water quality in each
reach may have been influenced by runoff from irrigation systems and grazing
land. Nutrient levels varied greatly [Table 9]. Maximum stream values
for total P and inorganic N were 0.31 and 1.31 mg/1, respectively. Minimum
stream values were 0.02 mg/1 for both total P and inorganic N. In some
stream reaches, background nutrient concentrations were high enough to cause
algal blooms. Laboratory results have shown that 0.1 mg/1 total P and
1.0 mg/1 inorganic N were sufficient nutrient concentrations to cause an
algal bloom [Table 4]; these nutrient levels stimulated 20 mg/1 (dry
weight) algae [Figure 3].
Sediments from 25 locations in American Falls Reservoir contained
from 0.63 to 1.42 g/kg (dry weight) total P. Under laboratory conditions,
available phosphorus from these samples ranged from 0.51 to 1.06 mg/1
(dry weight). The available P was 82+7 percent of the total P values.
Nutrients from this source would increase background concentrations.
-------
TABLE 9
NUTRIENT ANALYSIS OF RECEIVING WATERS
AUGUST 1972
Station Description
Snake River
Henry's Fork, Snake River
North Fork, Teton River
Blackfoot River
Portneuf River
American Falls Reservoir
Simulated American Falls Reservoir
Minidoka Reservoir
Milner Pool
Rock Creek
Clear Lake Discharge
Boise River
Malheur River
Weiser River
Brownlee Reservoir
Simulated Brownlee Reservoir
Inorganic N
Initial Autoclaved Filtered
.04, .09
.01, .04
.04, 1.5
.06, .16
.16, .39
.05 .26
.14 .10
.16 .08
.15 .12
1.31
1.15
.11
.79
.48
.03
.74
Total P
Initial Autoclaved Filtered
.02, .03
.05, .03
.10, .04
.02, .06
.04, .12
.18 1.2
.35 .03
.09 .05
.13 .06
.08
.06
.03
.31
.29
.07
-------
29
Limiting Nutrients—Nutrient levels directly affected the amount of
algae present. The nutrient in shortest supply to the algae limited
their growth. The limiting nutrient changed with varying stream conditions
and waste sources. This was evidenced by the fact that in March 1973
phosphorus was the limiting nutrient for reservoirs of the Snake River,
while in August 1973 nitrogen was found to be limiting except in American
Falls Reservoir. American Falls Reservoir contained nutrient concen-
trations high enough to cause algal blooms without nutrient additions.
This change corresponded to changing effluent sources and the amount of
phosphorus available compared to the amount of nitrogen.
A filamentous blue-green alga, Aphanizomenon, was present in all
plankton samples [Table 10], The presence of Aphanizomenon negated the
effect of nitrogen limitation because this alga is capable of fixing
atmospheric nitrogen. Reduction of phosphorus concentrations would
reduce algal growths. To eliminate the possibility of algal blooms, con-
centrations of less than 0.1 mg/1 total P would have to be achieved.
q /
Federal Water Quality Criteria— recommend 0.05 mg/1 total P as a desir-
able guideline for streams that enter reservoirs, and this should be the
goal for the Snake River Basin. Reservoir recovery time would depend
on many factors, including the amount of nutrients available from sediments.
Nutrient Removal—Nutrient removal tests were conducted on effluents
collected in both March and August 1973 [Table 6]. Results indicate
nutrient loadings, described in the "Methods" section of this report,
would be reduced through this type of treatment.
-------
TABLE 10
ALGAL POPULATION, AUGUST. 1973
Minidoka
American Falls Reservoir Reservoir
Near Little Near Seagull At Dam At Dam
Genera or Genus-Group Hole (724.8) Bay (718.5) (714.4) (675.3)
Blue-Green
Anacystis 308
Chroococcus
Total 308
Filamentous Blue-Green
Aphanizomenon 1,309 1,105 952 54,560
Schizothrix
Spiriflina
Total 1,309 1,105 952 54,560
Coccold Green
Anklstrodesmus
Micractlnium
Pediastrum
Scenedesmus
Total
Filamentous Green
Spirogyra 68
Total 68
Green Flagellates
Eudorina 34 17
Euglena 88
Total 34 17 88
Dinof lagellates
Ceratium 17 68 34
Peridinium
Total 17 68 34
Centric Diatoms
Cyclotella 188 34
Meloslra
Other Centric Diatoms 51 34 176
Total 239 68 176
Pennate Diatoms
Fragilarla 34
Navicula 170
Nitzchia 34
Other Pennate Diatoms 102 68 220
Total 306 68 34 220
Total (No. /ml) 1,938 1,343 1,037 55,352
Total (No. of Kinds) 8 645
Primary Production
(m8C/m2/day) 724 259 670 5,159
Milner Pool Brownlee Reservoir
At Dam Farewell Near RR Bridge Near Morgan Brownlee Creek Boat Ramp
(640.0) Bend(334.2) (328.3) Crk (318.0) Cove (288.1) Near Dam(285. 1)
308 528 629
308 529 629
4,224 391 440 68 13,728 1,054
Q
17 44 17
4,224 408 440 68 13,773 1,071
221 88
136
17
136 176
510 264
153
153
132 68 132 396
264
396 68 132 396
51
51
1,598 1,188
Q
88 2,227 IjlOO 6,443
88 3,826 2,288 6,443
34 132
132 527 484
44 136 352
289 440 17
176 986 1,408 17
5,192 6,002 4,532 6,511 14,698 1,717
7 16 11 26 4
3,046 — 3,830 1,742 1,480
a/ Q
-------
31
From the data collected in October 1971, and March and August 1972,
applying nutrient removal to all municipal and industrial waste sources
without controlling agricultural sources would not eliminate algal blooms.
Published information—'—' indicates that the Upper Snake River received
0.7 million kg (1.5 million Ib) total P per year divided about evenly
between agriculture and municipal and industrial sources. With an
average Snake River flow of 184 m /sec (6,501 cfs), 0.12 mg/1 total P
are contributed by point sources. The Snake River at Heise contains
0.02 mg/1 total P, and most of the tributaries contain greater concen-
trations, even upstream of major municipalities and industries. Reducing
municipal and industrial sources by 90 percent results in net reductions
of 29 and 64 percent, based on October 1971 and August 1972 studies.
Assuming an initial concentration of 0.14 mg/1 total P (0.12 mg/1 from
point sources and 0.02 mg/1 from background sources), a 29- to 64-percent
reduction would leave 0.10 to 0.05 mg/1 total P. Total P concentrations
of 0.1 mg/1 stimulate algal blooms. Also, as applies to the Portneuf
River entering American Falls Reservoir, concentrations of total P are
much higher than 0.1 mg/1.
Agricultural sources of nutrients need to be evaluated. The irrigation
return water tested contained only 0.05 mg/1 total P and grew only 1.57
to 7.35 mg/1 (dry weight) algae, about the same as simulated reservoir
water (1.44 to 7.62 mg/1). However, the nutrient monitoring data [Table 8]
reveal that other irrigation returns contain as much as 0.50 mg/1 total P.
Irrigation returns are large volume flows, sometimes comprising the entire
river. On a load basis, irrigation return water is a signifiant source.
-------
32
The laboratory and field tests have shown 1.0 mp/1 inorganic N and
0.1 mg/1 total P will stimulate an algal bloom (20 mg/1 dry weight
of algae). Reducing nutrient levels in municipal and industrial
sources by 90 percent will not always result in reservoir concen-
trations that would prevent algal blooms. Further reductions may
be achieved by controlling agricultural sources.
Comparison of absolute inputs of total phosphorus generally does
not provide a satisfactory means of accurate analysis regarding algal
problems in American Falls Reservoir. Total loading data offer little
hope for the usefulness of nutrient control. There are high relative
loadings from non-point sources from which nutrient removal would be
difficult. However, the relative concentrations and flows must be
examined; that is, high concentration, low volume inputs can be more
12/
important than low concentration, high volume non-point sources.—
This is true because low concentration, high volume flows displace a
large volume of low concentration water and do not greatly change the
nutrient concentration. A high concentration, low volume flow displaces
only a small volume of water and raises local concentrations to levels
that cause increased algal growth. Thus, concentration is more important
than load for algal growth. For example, the Snake River entering American
Falls has a lower concentration of total phosphorus than the Snake River
downstream from American Falls Reservoir. The Portneuf River is a low
volume, high concentration flow .compared to the Snake River. The net
input then is negative for the Snake River and 100 percent for the
Portneuf River. The first step in solving algal problems of American
-------
33
Falls Reservoir would be control of point sources on the Portneuf River.
Major point sources on the Snake River should also be controlled.
Algal Growth Potential Tests
To verify laboratory predictions, algal growth potential tests were
conducted in situ. Receiving water sampling sites were identical to those
used in March [Table 1]. Wastes used [Table 5] included potato processing,
fish hatchery, phosphate reduction, treated sewage, meat packing and
irrigation return. Receiving waters [Table 11] simulating Minldoka,
Milner, and Brownlee Reservoirs were filtered, while receiving water
simulating American Falls Reservoir was autoclaved. Filtering or
autoclaving removed or destroyed indigenous algae. The six wastes were
combined with simulated reservoir [Table 11] water in duplicate serial
dilutions to test varied nutrient loads. Dilutions were based upon
reported river flow and industrial effluent data so that the laboratory
conditions were similar to actual river conditions. The same test algae,
Selenastrum capricornutum, was added to each mixture.
The mixtures were made in one-liter cubitainers and incubated iri
situ in each reservoir. Initial and daily in vivo fluorescence readings
to measure relative algal growth were made with a Turner fluorometer for
six days.
The in situ algal assays demonstrated the potential of six different
wastes to stimulate algal growth in major Snake River Reservoirs. Results
from the laboratory and ill situ assays were similar. Potato-processing,
treated sewage, phosphate reduction, and meat packing wastes all contained
sufficient nutrients to stimulate algal blooms. A 10-percent addition of
-------
TABLE 11
SIMULATED RESERVOIR WATER, AUGUST 1973
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
AMERICAN FALLS RESERVOIR (SIMULATED TEST WATER)
Source % Contribution
Snake River 30
Henry's Fork, Snake River 30
North Fork, Teton River 20
Blackfoot River 10
Portneuf River 10
100
BROWNLEE RESERVOIR (SIMULATED TEST WATER)
Simulated American Falls
Reservoir 10
Rock Creek 10
Clear Lake Discharge 40
Boise River 20
Malheur River 10
Weiser River 10
100
-------
35
these wastes, corresponding to adding more than 0.8 mg/1 inorganic N and
0.6 mg/1 total P, caused algal blooms in simulated reservoir mixtures.
With 1-percent additions (0.08 mg/1 inorganic N and 0.06 mg/1 total P)
blooms were not stimulated. Stream concentrations of total P [Table 8]
ranged from 0.01 to 1.5 mg/1. Treated sewage and meat packing wastes
stimulated the most dense algal growths, on the basis of maximum standing
crop [Figure 3], followed by phosphate reduction, potato processing, fish
hatchery, and irrigation return wastes. Treated sewage, potato processing
and irrigation return contribute the greatest load, on the basis of total
loadings of nutrients, followed by phosphate reduction, with meat packing
and fish hatchery wastes contributing least [Figure 4],
Maximum yields under ideal laboratory conditions correlated closely
with actual yields in natural situations. For each yg/1 total P about
0.2 mg dry weight of test algae was produced. Consequently, each yg/1
total P that can be removed from the system will reduce the algal load
by 0.2 mg dry weight.
The algal growth potential tests have shown that Idaho State Water
Quality Standards are being violated, in that the amount of algae is
directly related to nutrient concentrations and also that nutrients
provided by the waste sources tested do stimulate algal growth. Loading
data define nutrient point sources and demonstrate that "excess nutrients
of other than natural origin" are present. The nuisance aquatic growths
(algal blooms) in the reservoirs are caused by nutrients in excess of
"natural origin."
-------
20-4
18-
16-
14-
12
10-
8 •
r = .88
6 -
4 -
2 .
I I I I I
.02 .04 .06 .08 .10
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS («|/l)
.12 .14
Figure 3. Relationship of Algal Standing Crop and Total Phosphorus
-------
UO
130
120
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
M
•I
i
1500'
ALGAL BLOOM
VISIBLE GREEN
1200"
NO ALGAL
BLOOM
TOTAL P
900
600
300
MEAT PACKING
TREATED PHOSPHATE POTATO FISH
SEWAGE REDUCTION PROCESSING HATCHERY
IRRIGATION
Figure 4. A Comparison of Algal Stimulation by 1O% Effluent Addittions
to Receiving Waters
August 1973
-------
38
Primary Production
Estimates of primary production by phytoplankton were made in duplicate
at two or three depths at each of eight stations [Table 12]. The oxygen
method presented in Standard Methods— was used for all stations. The
interval between the depths was determined by subdividing the euphotic zone
(the zone between the surface and the depth at which one percent of the
incident light remains). The depth of the euphotic zone was determined
with a submarine photometer. For all stations, samples were taken at the
surface and the bottom of the euphotic zone depth. If the euphotic zone
depth exceeded 2 m (6.6 ft), a mid-zone sample was also taken. Light
energy received during incubation periods and daily photoperiods was
determined with a pyrhellograph. The light energy values were reported
2
in gram calories per cm per day [Table 13].
The results obtained from the duplicate light and dark bottles were
averaged. The increase in oxygen concentration in the light bottle
during incubation is a measure of net production which, because of the
concurrent use of oxygen in respiration, is somewhat less than the
total or gross production. The loss of oxygen in the dark bottles is
used as an estimate of respiration. Thus:
Net Photosynthesis = light bottle - initial^
Respiration = initial - dark bottle
Gross Photosynthesis = light bottle... - dark bottle_n
Carbon assimilation was calculated according to the following:
3
mg Carbon fixed/m » mg oxygen released/liter x 12/32 x 1,000
mg Carbon fixed/m3/day = mgC/m3 x dail7
gm cal during incubation
-------
TABLE 12
PRIMARY PRODUCTION SAMPLING STATIONS
August 1973
Station Descripiton River Mile
American Falls Reservoir Near Little Hole 724.8
American Falls Reservoir Near Seagull Bay . 718.5
American Falls Reservoir at Dam . 714.4
Minidoka Reservoir at Power Station Near Dam 675.3
Milner Pool at Dam 640.0
Brownlee Reservoir at Railroad Bridge 328.3
Brownlee Reservoir near Morgan Creek 318.0
Brownlee Reservoir at Brownlee Creek Cove 288.1
-------
TABLE 13
INCUBATION PERIODS
LIGHT ENERGY RECEIVED AND DEPTH OF EUPHOTIC ZONE
SNAKE RIVER IMPOUNDMENTS - AUGUST 1973
Station Description
American Falls Reservoir
near Little Hole
American Falls Reservoir
near Seagull Bay
American Falls Reservoir
at Dam
Minidoka Reservoir at
Power Station near Dam
Milner Pool at Dam
Brownlee Reservoir at
Railroad Bridge
Brownlee Reservoir at
Brownlee Creek Cove
Brownlee Reservoir near
Morgan Creek
Date
8/24/73
8/28/73
8/27/73
8/17/73
8/16/73
8/17/73
8/20/73
8/18/73
Light Energy
gm cal/cm /day
463
561
549
486
608
590
619
700
Incubation
Period
1100-1530
1000-1345
0945-1345
0900-1400
1100-1700
1030-1430
1115-1515
1000-1400
Light Energy
for
Incubation
234
277
285
281
431
299
305
327
Depth of
Eu photic
Zone in Meters
.30
.67
.91
3.7
2.1
1.2
6.1
3.7
-------
41
For a vertical column of water one meter square:
2 3
mgC/m /day « mgC/m /day x euphotic zone depth (m).
Commonly, primary production is expressed as the amount of carbon
incorporated into algal cells in a volume of water per unit time
3
(mgC/m /day). Primary production can also be expressed as the quantity
2
of carbon fixed by algae for an entire water column (mgC/m /day). This
expression provides for the comparison of primary production of different
bodies of water on an areal basis.
In order to compare primary production from different locations and
different days, primary production estimates are presented [Table 14]
corrected for light variation. This was accomplished by multiplying
the observed primary produ'ctivity by the following factor:
maximum intensity measured during survey
intensity on sample day
Net respiration (respiration minus production) indicates the DO
depletion caused by algae growing in the euphotic zone. Depletion of DO
[Table 15] from this source varied considerably (0 to 100 percent) but
was significant. In the hypolimnion, the algae exert additional demand
for oxygen when they die, settle to the bottom, and decompose.
Primary production on an areal basis was highest in Minidoka (5,159
2 ">
mgC/m /day), and Milner was the third highest (3,046 mgC/nT/day) behind
Minidoka and a Brownlee station. Primary production on an areal basis
2
for Brownlee Reservoir decreased from 3,830 mgC/m /day at mile 328.3, to
2 ")
1,742 mgC/m /day at mile 318.0 and 1,480 mgC/m /day at mile 288.1. Turbid-
ity affected primary production in American Falls Reservoir by reducing
the euphotic zone depth. Near Little Hole [Figure 5] the euphotic zone
-------
TABLE 14
PRIMARY PRODUCTION
AUGUST 1973
Location
American Falls Reservoir Near Little Hole
American Falls Reservoir near Seagull Bay
American Falls Reservoir at Dam
Minidoka Reservoir at Power Station
near Dam
Milner Pool at Dam
Brownlee Reservoir at RR Bridge
Brownlee Reservoir near Morgan Creek
Brownlee Reservoir at Brownlee Creek Cove
River Depth
Mile (Meters) Net
724.8 0 4.4
0.30 0.2
718.5 0 0.4
0.67 -0.05
714.4 0 0.8
0.91 0.3
675.3 0 1.9
1.8 0.6
3.7 -.3
640.0 0 5.6
1.2 0.7
2.1 -.8
328.3 0 4.6
1.2 -.6
318.0 0 -.1
1.8 -.1
3.7 -1.0
288.1 0 0.2
3.0 -.1
6,1 -.5
Resp
0
-.2
0.4
0.1
0.4
0.1
0
0.4
0.5
-0.8
1.1
1.2
1.8
1.4
1.2
0.7
1.2
0.2
0.4
-0.1
Gross
4.4
0
0.8
0.05
1.2
0.4
1.9
2.0
0.2
4.8
1.8
0.4
6.4
0.8
1.1
0.6
0.2
0.4
0.3
-0.6
Measured
mgC/m^/day mgC/mz/day
3,265 1,595 479
0
608 320 209
38
867 586 526
289
1,231 994 3,582
1,297
130
2,539 1,260 2,645
952
212
4,736 2,690 3,228
592
882 484 1,742
482
161
304 217 1,309
280
0
Corrected
mgC/m^/day mgC/mz/day
2,412 724
399 259
747 670
1,432 5,159
1,450 3,046
3,191 3,830
484 1,742
246 1,480
-------
TABLE 15
OXYGEN DEPLETION BY ALGAL RESPIRATION
Snake River Basin Study
Station
American Falls Reservoir
near Little Hole
American Falls Reservoir
near Seagull Bay
American Falls Reservoir
at the Dam
Minidoka Reservoir at
Power Station near Dam
Milner Pool at Dam
Brownlee Reservoir at the
River Mile
724.8
718.5
714.4
675.3
640.0
328.3
Net-AmgOo/day
0
1.2
0.4
0.3
0.5
5.0
Percent
Depletion
0
17
6
4
5
52
Railroad Bridge
Brownlee Reservoir near 318.0 5.6 110
Morgan Creek
Brownlee Reservoir at 288.1 1.5 25
Brownlee Creek Cove
-------
-N-
Little Hole
.Snake River
L I 6 I N D
X= SAMPLING STATIONS
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 5. Sampling Stations- American Falls Reservoir, Idaho
August 1973
-------
45
depth was only 0.3 ra (1.0 ft). At Seagull Bay, the euphotic zone increased
to 0.66 m (2.1 ft), and at the dam it was 0.9 m (3.0 ft) deep. On a volume
basis, American Falls produced from 320 to 1,595 mgC/m /day and compared
well with the other reservoirs (217 to 2,690 mgC/m /day). But on an areal
2
basis, American Falls was the least productive (259 to 724 mgC/m /day) of
all reservoirs because of the limited depth of the euphotic zone.
Algal Populations
Algal populations [Table 10] were similar in that Aphanizomenon ac-
counted for from 61 to 98 percent of the algae in each sample. American
Falls Reservoir had the lowest numbers of algae. The turbidity of the
water may have limited algal number, and strong winds caused algae to mat
the shoreline and may have reduced algal densities. Aerial photography
also showed algal distribution was not uniform. Corresponding to lower
numbers of algae was the fact that primary production was also lower for
American Falls than in the other reservoirs tested.
Minidoka Reservoir had the highest numbers of algae and the highest
primary production. It receives a heavy nutrient load from American Falls
Reservoir and was much less turbid. Milner Reservoir was similar in
appearance to Minidoka, but lower numbers of algae were found.
An intense algal bloom existed in all the reservoirs. Brownlee
Reservoir is much deeper and longer than the other reservoirs, and the water
became much clearer near the dam. The algal population also changed
markedly. At Farewell Bend, the phytoplankton community was complex
[16 kinds, Table 10] and the water was yellow-green and murky. Downstream
about 10 km at RM 328.3, the water appeared about the same (euphotic
-------
46
zone depth 1.2 m, 4.0 ft) but only 11 kinds of algae were found. Another
16 km downstream at RM 318.0, only Aphanizomenon and centric diatoms
were found; the water looked green and was much clearer (euphotic depth
3.7 m, 12.0 ft). At two stations near the dam (RM 288.1 and 285.1) the
reservoir water was clearest (euphotic zone depth 6.1 m, 20.0 ft) and
6 and 4 kinds of algae, respectively, were found.
Dissolved Oxygen
Dissolved oxygen measurements [Table 16] were made on each reservoir.
None of the samples were obtained from the bottom 6.1 m (20.ft) or bottom
20 percent of the reservoir, as excluded by state standards. The Idaho
State DO Standard of 6.0 mg/1 or 90 percent saturation applies to all
samples in the Table. The DO for 21 of the 26 samples was either less
than 6.0 mg/1 or 90 percent saturation and in violation of state standards.
These samples were all collected between 0845 and 1855 hours. Measure-
ments of 24-hour DO changes were made with Hydro-Lab monitoring equip-
ment utilizing a DO probe at stations in American Falls Reservoir. At
7.6 m (25 ft), the DO decreased to 2.0 mg/1 and at the surface the DO
decreased to 6.0 mg/1. The DO decreased at night and increased in the
daytime, reflecting algal respiration and production. Application of
BPCTCA will reduce BOD loading but will have little effect on nutrient
loads and corresponding algal caused DO violations.
Field Measurements
Field measurements [Table 16] and observations showed that the
reservoirs act as settling basins. Near the dams, suspended solids
decreased and euphotic zone depths [Table 14] increased. Also, nutrient
-------
TABLE 16
FIELD MEASUREMENTS
SNAKE RIVER BASIN STUDY
AUGUST 1973
Station Description River Mile
American Falls Reservoir 724.8
near Little Hole
American Falls Reservoir 724.8
near Bannock Creek
American Falls Reservoir 718.5
near Low Line Canal
American Falls Reservoir 718.5
near Seagull Bay
American Falls Reservoir 714.4
near Boat Ramp at Dam
American Falls Reservoir 714.4
in middle near Dam
Minidoka Reservoir near Dam 675.3
Milner Reservoir near Dam 640.0
Brounlee Reservoir at RR 328.3
Bridge
Brownlee Reservoir near 318.0
Morgan Creek
Brownlee Reservoir at 288.1
Brownlee Creek Cove
Date
(AUR) Time
23 1820
24 0950
1000
23 1830
23 1805
23 1745
28 0935
0950
23 1855
27 0930
0935
23 1845
17 0845
16 1000
17 0920
1000
18 0940
0955
1005
20 1040
1050
1105
Depth
(Meters)
0
0
0.30
0
0
0
0
0.67
0
a
0.91
0
0
1.8
3.7
0
1.2
2.1
0
1.2
0
1.8
3.7
0
3.0
6.1
Water
Temp(°C)
20.0
17.5
17.5
20.0
20.5
21.5
17.5
18.0
20.5
18.5
18.5
20.5
21.0
21.0
20.5
22.0
22.0
21.8
22.5
22.0
22.5
22.5
23.0
23.0
23.0
23.5
DO
(mg/1)
6.9
7.4
7.2
6.9
7.5
7.6
7.2
7.1
7.0
6.8
7.0
7.2
7.7
7.8
8.0
9.4
9.9
9.8
10.0
9.4
5.2
5.1
5.1
5.8
6.2
6.0
Percent
Saturation
75
77
75
75
82
85
75
75
77
72
74
79
86
87
88
107
112
110
114
107
59
58
59
67
71
70
Chlorophyll a Sus. Solids
pH (ug/1) (mg/1)
8.0 9.16 394
8.4
8.4
8.5 11.6 530
8.6 2.64 133
8.4 3.71 73
8.4
8.4
8.7 2.09 52
-8.4
-8.4
8.7 6.68 56
8.6
7.0
8.8
8.4
8.5
8.5
8.7
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.5
8.4
8.5
Alkalinity
(mg/1 CaCO-,)
170
155
153
149
152
144
131
100
132
137
137
135
139
134
139
139
138
127
126
127
-------
48
concentrations are decreased by the algae during the summer. Thus, all
the reservoirs acted as biological treatment systems, but they are grossly
overloaded. This is evidenced by the fact that most of the nutrient load
for Milner and Minidoka Reservoirs comes from American Falls Reservoir.
American Falls Reservoir was undergoing a severe drawdown that may
have affected turbidity, suspended solids, and^ indirectly, algal densities,
chlorophyll £ concentrations, and primary production. Normal active
3
storage is 2.1 billion m (1.7 million acre-ft) but during August 1973
3
the water steadily dropped from 493.4 million m (0.4 million acre-ft) to
3
246.7 million m (0.2 million acre-ft). The upper half of the reservoir
looked more like a river than a reservoir.
The laboratory, monitoring, and field investigations provided data
concerning algal problems in reservoirs of the Snake River Basin.
Nutrient levels fluctuated extensively with changing seasons, wastes, and
stream conditions [Tables 2, 8 and 9], Nutrient levels appeared to
decrease in the reservoirs in the summer, but this is misleading because
the algal bloom ties up much of the nutrient supply. Algal growth poten-
tial tests were similar in that meat packing waste, treated sewage, and
phosphate reduction waste all stimulated algal blooms [Figures 2 and 3].
The algal growth limiting nutrient changed from phosphorus in March to
nitrogen in August for three of the reservoirs tested [Table 4]. Nutrient
removal tests were successful in removing more than 84 percent of the
inorganic N and total P from each effluent tested, but in order to elimin-
ate algal blooms all major sources of nutrients must be controlled.
-------
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Department of the Interior, "Water Quality Control and
Management, Snake River Basin," Federal Water Pollution
Control Administration, Portland, Oreg., 1968, 489 pp.
2. Environmental Protection Agency, "Water Quality Surveys,
Snake River Basin, Idaho," conducted by EPA Region X,
Seattle, Wash. (Oct. 1971, Mar. 1972, Aug. 1972.), 1973,
70 pp.
3. Environmental Protection Agency, "Water Quality Investi
gations of Snake River and Principal Tributaries from .Walters
Ferry to Weiser, Idaho," National Field Investigations Center,
Denver, Colo., 1972, 37 pp.
4. Environmental Protection Agency, "Effects of Waste Discharges
on Water Quality of the Snake River and Rock Creek, Twin Falls
Area, Idaho," National Field Investigations Center, Denver, Colo.,
1972, 26 pp.
5. Environmental Protection Agency, "Methods of Chemical Analysis
of Water and Wastes," Analytical Quality Control Laboratory,
Cincinnati, Ohio, 1971, 312 pp.
6. Environmental Protection Agency, "Algal Assay Procedure-Bottle
Test," Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory, Corvallis, Oreg., 1971,
82 pp.
7. Tarus, M.J., et^ ait Standard Methods for the Examination of Water
and Wastewater, 13th ed., American Public Health Association, New
York, 1971, pp. 738-739.
8. Ibid., pp. 477-481.
9. U.S. Department of the Interior, "Water Quality Criteria," Report
of the National Technical Advisory Committee to the Secretary of
the Interior, Federal Water Pollution Control Administration,
Washington, D.C., April, 1968, p. 53.
10. Sawyer, Clair N., "Fertilization of Lakes by Agricultural and Urban
Drainage," New England Water Works Association, Vol. 61, No. 2,
1947, pp. 109-127.
11. "Chemical Fertilizer on Lake Waters," Von Heinz Ambuhl Gas-Und
Wasserfach, Vol. 107, No. 14, 1966, pp. 357-363.
12. Johnson, M.G. and G.C. Owen, "Nutrients and Nutrient Budgets in
the Bay of Quinte, Lake Ontario," Journal of Water Pollution
Control Federation, Vol. 43, No. 5, 1971, pp. 836-853.
-------
APPENDIX A
NUTRIENT POINT SOURCE DATA
-------
TABLE A-l
TOTAL PHOSPHORUS POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS
October 1971
Discharger
Municipal
Idaho Falls STP
Blackfood STP
Pocatello STP
Rupert STP
Heyburn STP
Burley STP
Industrial
Golden Valley Packers
Idaho Potato Foods
Western Farmers
U & I Outfall (IF Storm Sewer)
Rogers Bros. 001
Rogers Bros. 002
Idaho Potato Starch
R.T. French Outfall (Shelley Storm Sewer)
Idaho Potato Starch
American Potato Co. Eff
Papoose Springs Trout Farm
J.R. Simplot 001 - Poc
J.R. Simplot 002 - Poc
FMC
J.R. Simplot 001 - Bur
J.R. Simplot 002 - Bur
Ore-Ida 004
Ore-Ida 003
Ore-Ida 002
Ore-Ida 001
A&P
Amalgamated Sugar Eff
River Mile
797.2
762.0
736.0/13.2
665.1
653.4
652.9
812.6
804.0
799.6
799.4
799.3
799.2/0.1
797.9
787.6
764.1
763.4
736.0/11.6
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
653.8
653.7
648.9
648.7
648.7
648.4
648.4
646.9/8.7
Average
cfs
8.2
1.1
8.05
2.3
0.15
1.2
0.46
1.1
1.6
8.2
1.7
0.62
0.77
1.55
0.46
3.1
74.3
2.3
0.46
4.3
7.7
3.6
0.93
0.93
1.9
6.0
1.2
13.8
mg/1
6.40
9.30
8.90
12.50
10.40
4.30
6.30
5.77
10.00
0.27
4.80
1.58
33.20
, 3.04
18.90
6.21
0.11
32.40
29.20
4.70
10.70
0.85
0.83
0.02
1.40
17.10
0.52
0.55
Ibs/day
286
52
383
158
11
28
16
30
60
12
43
5
149
29
42
105
36
355
50
108
442
16
5
1
14
560
3
40
-------
TABLE A-2
SUMMARY TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS - PERCENT CONTRIBUTIONS
October 1971
Source
Above Idaho Falls to American Falls Dam
Industrial *
Municipal
Tributaries **
Snake River above IF Power House
American Falls Dam to Milner Dam
Industrial
Municipal
Snake River below American Falls
Above Idaho Falls to Milner Dam
Industrial *
Municipal
Tributaries **
Snake River above IF Power House
Pounds /Day
1020
730
340
880
2970
1070
230
3960
5260
2100
960
340
880
4280
Percent Contribution
34
25
11
30
100%
21
4
75
100%
49
22
8
21
100%
*Not including Golden Valley Packers
**Blackfoot River, Aberdeen Drain
-------
TABLE A-3
MARCH 1972 SURVEY DATA
Location
Snake River
Plant
Snake River
Snake River
Falls Dam
Snake River
Snake River
River
Mile
above IF Power
804
at Tilden Bridge 751
below American
714
below Minidoka Dam 674
below Milner Dam 639
.7
.0
.0
.9
.7
Flow
(cfs)
9,550
10,000
4,500
3,980
5,520
N03-N
mg/1 Ib/day
0.22
0.26
0.39
0.35
0.47
11,300
14,000
9,450
7,500
14,000
Kj eldahl-N
mg/1 Ib/day
0.9
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.80
46,300
26,900
14,500
15,000
23,800
Total-P
mg/1 Ib/day
0.04
0.10
0.11
0.11
0.15
2,060
5,390
2,670
2,360
4,460
Ortho-P
mg/1 Ib/day
0.01
0.02
0.04
0.05
0.07
510
1,080
970
1,070
2,080
-------
TABLE A-4
TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS
August 1972
Source
River Mile
Flow
Avg cfs
mg/1
Ibs/day
Percent
Contributions
Irrigation & Tributaries
South Fork Teton
North Fork Teton
Henry's Fork
Spring Creek W. of Menan
Dry Bed Canal W. of Lewisville
Southparks-Lewisville Canal
Market Lake Canal
North Fork Willow Creek
South Fork Willow Creek
Crow Creek
Waste Ditch
Blackfoot River near Mouth
Diggie Creek
Jeff Cabin Creek
MeTucker Springs
Spring - 3 1/2 miles SE of
Springfield
Spring 12C
Danielson Creek
Drain near Sterling
Spring Creek near Blackfoot
Clear Creek
Gibson Drain
Ross Fork Creek
Portneuf River at Syphon Road
Portneuf River at Rowlands
Spring at Rowlands Dairy
Portneuf River above Zwiegerts
Bannock Creek
Aberdeen Drain
Rock Creek
837.4/11.1/8.5
837.4/20.4/11.8
837.4/34.9
820.1
815.7
815.0/1.2
813.2
801.4/.1
800.7/.1
799.O/.2
786.1
751.2
747.8/.75
744.4/1.6
739.7
738.6/.9
738.4/.3
738.5/.1
738.3/.1
735.5/5.4
738.4/5.05
738.4/4.25/1.3
738.4/.01/9.8
736/11.7
736/13.0
736/13.3
736/17
727/2.5
726.1/3.6
704.1/0.9
580
500
2170
89
1060
239
65
30
9.5
11.4 .
150
198
100
50
26
5
36
80
27
459
120
20
37
180
180
30
180
41
30
15
0.06
0.04
0.03
0.02
0.03
0.04
0.02
0.08
0.05
0.08
0.05
0.12
0.02
0.09
0.33
0.08
0.26
0.10
0.11
0.09
0.03
0.07
0.20
0.81
0.68
0.36
0.14
0.15
0.09
0.08
190
110
350
10
170
51
7
13
3
5
40
130
43
24
46
2
50
43
16
220
19
7
40
786
660
58
135
33
14
6
*
*
< 0.5
1.0
< 0,
0,
< 0,
< 0,
1,
3
1.0
0.5
1.0
< 0.5
0.5
5.5
1.0
1.5
*
1.0
0.5
0.5
-------
TABLE A-4 (Cont)
TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS
August 1972
Source . River Mile
Crystal Waste
Artesidan Springs
Colburn Waste
Tartar Waste
Schlitz Waste
Cedar Waste
Triple Creek
Fort Hall Michaud Canal
Unmeasured Inflow
Into Snake River Above American Falls Res.
Parsons Ditch
Weary Rick Ditch
Wattson Ditch
Trego Ditch
Flow
Avg cfs
16
3
2
12
4
22
20
77
1300
48
55
102
56
mg/1
0.08
0.10
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.05:
0.03
0.05
0.08
0.08
0.08
0.08
Ibs/day
7
2
1
5
2
9
5
12
350
21
24
44
24
Percent
Contributions
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
8.5 •
0.5
0.5
1.0
0.5
44%
*Not included in point source total
phosphorous percent contributions.
NOTE: Inconsistencies may be due to rounding.
-------
TABLE A-4 (Cont)
TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS
August 1972
Source
Fall Creek
Raft River
D3
D4
D5
DSC
Marsh Creek
Spring Creek Drain
Rasmussen Drain
Goose (Snipe) Creek
D16
D7
B-Canal
D12A
D13
Morgan Gulch Drain
D17
Main Drain
J Wasteway
Estimated Load ing-Unsarap led Sources
Into American Falls Reservoir
Big Jimmy Creek
Ford Creek
Kinney Creek
Wide Creek
Pyle Springs
Hull Springs
Tanner Springs
Crystal Ditch
River Mile
699. 75/. 06
692.0/1.4
668.05/0.6
664.8/0.95
663.7/0.3
662.55
660.42
659.3
658.82/1.3
653.99
653.7
653.4/0.3
652.7
652.35/0.5
652.0/0.5
649.61/0.9
648.30/3.5
646.9/1.8
645.30/1.4
'••
Flow
Avg cfs
21
3
4.7
4.3
16
0.5
25
12
.1.8
19.4
19
.83
26
17
1.5
3
10.6
18
23
26
6
28
47
7
8
1
2
mg/1
0.02
0.08
0.11
0.16
0.09
0.16
0.21
0.18
. 0.18
0.15
0.16
0.14
0.08
0.13
0.14
0.3
0.13
0.22
0.10
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.05
0.10
0.10
0.10
0.08
Ibs/day
2
1
3
3
8
< 1
28
12
2
16
16
< 1
11
12
1
5
7
21
12
7
2
8
13
4
4
< 1
1
Percent
Contributions
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
0.5
0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
-------
TABLE A-4 (Cont)
TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS POINT SOURCE CONTRIBUTIONS
August 1972
Source
Municipal
Idaho Falls Storm Sewer (U&I Out-
fall)
Idaho Falls STP
Shelley Outfall (R.T. French)
Shelley STP
Blackfoot STP
Pocatello STP
American Falls STP
Rupert STP
Heyburn STP
Burley STP
Industrial
Golden Valley Packers
J.R. Simplot 001 - Poc
J.R. Simplot 002 - Poc
FMC
Union Poc. R.R.
Rueger Springs - Hatchery Eff.
J.R. Simplot 001 - Bur
Ore-Ida Process
Summary
Irrigation & Tributaries
Municipal
Industrial
River Mile
799.2
797.2
787.6
787.0
762.0
736.0/13.2
713.5
665.1
653.4
652.9
816.2
736.0/13.6
736.0/13.7
736.0/13.7
736.0/16.8
712.3
653.8
648.7
Flow
Avg cf s
4.7
14.7
1.1
0.26
1.6
7.0
1.0
3.6
0.28
1.6
0.99
1.75
0.57
5.15
0.36
19
7.5
6.6
mg/1
0.94
7.7
0.08
3.5
5.9
9.3
6.7
5.2
7.2
4.9
4.5
14.3
43.6
6.8
1.7
0.11
4.7
10.5
Ibs/day
24
610
I
5
51
350
36
101
11
42
24
135
134
189
3
11
190
373
1760
1230
1060
4050
Percent
Contributions
0.5
15.0
< 0.5
< 0.5
1.5
8.5
1.0
2.5
< 0.5
1.0
30%
0.5
3.5
3.5
4.5
< 0.5
< 0.5
4.5
9.0
26%
44
30
26
100%
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TABLE A-5
SUMMARY TOTAL PHOSPHOROUS - PERCENT CONTRIBUTIONS
August 1972
Source Pounds/Day Percent Contribution
Lorenzo to American Falls Dam
Industrial 490 10
Municipal 1040 22
Irrigation and Tributaries 1590 . 33
NF & SF Teton, Henry's Fork 650 14
Snake River at Lorenzo 980 21
4750 . 100%
American Falls Dam to Milner Dam
Industrial 570 11
Municipal 190 4
Irrigation and Tributaries 170 ' 3
Snake River below American Falls 4260 82
5190 100%
Lorenzo to Milner Dam
Industrial 1060 19
Municipal 1230 22
Irrigation and Tributaries 1760 31
NF & SF Teton, Henry's Fork 650 11
Snake River at Lorenzo . 980 17
5680 100%
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APPENDIX B
IDAHO STATE WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
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EXTRACTS FROM "WATER QUALITY STANDARDS AND WASTEWATER TREATMENT
REQUIREMENTS," IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL
AND COMMUNITY SERVICES (Pages 8-11)
"Natural tributaries to the stream reaches are classified as
primary recreational waters, Class A2, unless otherwise specified.
Waterways defined as a point source in Section 502(14), Public Law
92-500, are a means of conveyance for waters with no use classifica-
tion. Canals and other man-made waterways excluded as a point source
are protected for agricultural uses and aesthetic qualities and may
be protected for other uses when specified.
In the instance where a flowing stream is classified and subse-
quently becomes an impoundment, that impoundment shall carry the same
classification as the flowing stream. The criteria established for
the various use-classifications may be modified by the Administrator for
limited periods when receiving waters fall below their assigned water
quality standards due to natural causes or if, in the opinion of the
Administrator, the protection of the overall interest and welfare of
the public requires such a modification.
VII. GENERAL WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR WATERS OF THE STATE
The following general' water quality standards will apply to waters
of the State, both surface and underground, in addition to the water
quality standards set forth for specifically classified waters. Waters
of the State shall not contain:
A. Toxic chemicals of other than natural origin in concentrations
found to be of public health significance or to adversely affect
the use for which the waters have been classified.*
B. Deleterious substances of other than natural origin in concentra-
tions that cause tainting of edible species of fish or tastes
and odors to be imparted to drinking water supplies.
C. Radioactive materials or radioactivity other than of natural origin
which
1. Exceed 1/3 of the values listed in Column 2, Table II,
Appendix A, Idaho Radiation Control Regulations as adopted
by the Board on May 9, 1973.
* Guides such as the Water Quality Criteria published by the State of
California Water Quality Control Board (Second Edition, 1963) and more
recent research papers will be used in evaluating the tolerances of the
various toxic chemicals for the use indicated.
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B-2
2. Exceed the concentrations specified in the 1962 U.S. Public
Health Service Drinking Water Standards for waters used for
domestic supplies.
3. Have a demonstrable effect on aquatic life.
The concentration of radioactive materials in these waters
shall be less than those required to meet the Radiation
Protection Guides for maximum exposure of critical human
organs recommended by the former Federal Radiation Council in
the case of foodstuffs harvested from these waters for human
consumption.
D. Floating or submerged matter not attributable to natural causes.
E. Excess nutrients of other than natural origin that cause visible
slime growths or other nuisance aquatic growths.
F. Visible concentrations of oil, sludge deposits, scum, foam or
other material that may adversely affect the use indicated.
G. Objectionable turbidity which can be traced to a man-made source.
VIII. SPECIFIC WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
No wastewaters shall be discharged and/or no activity shall
be conducted in waters of the State which either alone or in combina-
tion with other wastewaters or activities will cause in waters of
any specified reach, lake or impoundment, or in general surface waters
of the State
A. The organism concentrations of the' celiform group
1. The waters of lakes and impounds (Al), except the following,
which are classified as A£ waters:
American Falls
Lake Walcott
Milner Lake
Murtaugh Lake
Crane Falls Reservoir
C. J. Strike Reservoir
Lake Lowell
Brownlee Reservoir
Oxbow Reservoir
Hells Canyon Reservoir
R.M. 738.0 to R.M. 714.0
R.M. 675.0 to R.M. 640.0
R.M. 690.0 to R.M. 675.0
R.M. 514.0 to R.M. 492.0
R.M. 338.0 to R.M. 285.0
R.M. 285.0 to R.M. 273.0
R.M. 273.0 to R.M; 247.0
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B-3
a. Total coliform concentrations where associated with a
fecal source(s) to exceed a geometric mean of 50/100 ml.,
nor shall more than 20 percent of total samples during
any 30-day period exceed 200/100 ml. (as determined by
multiple-tube fermentation or membrane filter procedures
and based on not less than 5 samples for any 30-day
period).
b. Fecal coliform concentrations to exceed a geometric mean
of 10/100 ml. , nor shall more than 10 percent of total
samples during any 30-day period exceed 20/100 ml. ; or
greater than 50/100 ml. for any single sample.
Coliform criteria for shoreline waters shall conform with
that of Class A£ waters. Shoreline water waters shall be
defined as the 100 feet of water surface as measured from
the shoreline.
2. In waters protected for primary contact recreation (A£)
a. Total coliform concentrations where associated with a
fecal source(s) to exceed a geometric mean of 240/100
ml., nor shall more than 20 percent of total samples during
any 30-day period exceed 1000/100 ml. (as determined by
multiple-tube fermentation or membrane filter procedures
and based on not less than 5 samples for any 30-day
period).
b. Fecal coliform concentrations to exceed a geometric mean
of 50/100 ml., nor shall more than 10 percent of total
samples during any 30-day period exceed 200/100 ml.; or
greater than 500/100 ml. for any single sample.
3. In waters protected for secondary contact recreation (B)
a. Total coliform concentrations where associated with a
fecal source(s) to exceed a geometric mean of 1000/100
ml., nor shall more than 20 percent of total samples
during any 30-day period exceed 2400/100 ml. (as determined
by multiple-tube fermentation or membrane filter procedures
and based on not less than 5 samples for any 30-day
period).
b. Fecal coliform concentrations to exceed a geometric mean
of 200/100 ml., nor shall more than 10 percent of total
samples during any 30-day period exceed 400/100 ml. ; or
greater than 800/100 ml. for any single sample.
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B-4
B. Dissolved Oxygen
The DO concentration to be less than 6 mg/1 or 90 percent
of saturation, whichever is greater.
1. The DO standard shall apply to all flowing waterways.
2. The DO standard shall apply to the waters of all natural
lakes and reservoirs except as excluded below:
a. In depths of water less than 100 feet in natural lakes
or reservoirs, the bottom 20 percent of water depth shall
be excluded from application of the DO standard. In
water depths greater than 100 feet, the bottom 20 feet
of water depth shall be excluded for application of the
DO standard.
b. Waters below a thermocline in stratified lakes or impound-
ments shall be excluded from application of the DO standard.
c. No wastewaters shall be discharged and/or no activity shall
be conducted in waters excluded by a. and b. above, which
either alone or in combination with other wastewaters or
activities will cause the DO concentration in these waters
to be less than 4 mg/1.
3. Notwithstanding exclusion of a. and b. above, the DO standard
shall always apply to the top two feet of any lake or reservoir.
C. Hydrogen Ion Concentration (pH)
The pH values to be outside the range of 6.5 to 9.0. The
induced variations shall not be more than 0.5 pH units.
D. Temperature
1. Any measurable increase when water temperatures are 66°F or
above, or more than 2°F increase other than from natural
causes when water temperatures are 64°F or less (unless
otherwise specified).
2. Any increase exceeding 0.5°F due to any single source, or 2°F
due to all sources combined.
For purposes of determining compliance, a "measurable increase"
means no more than 0.5°F rise in temperature of the receiving
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B-5
water as measured immediately outside of an established mixing
zone. Where mixing zone boundaries have not been, defined
cognizance will be given to the opportunity for admixture
of wastewater with the receiving water.
3. Any measurable increase when water temperatures are 68°F
or above, or more than 2°F increase other than from natural
causes when the water temperatures are 66°F or less in the
following waters:
a. The main stem of the Snake River from the Oregon-Idaho
border (R.M. 407) to the interstate line at Lewiston,
Idaho (R.M. 139).
b. The Spokane River from Coeur d'Alene Lake outlet to the
Idaho-Washington border.
GPO 835- 660
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