Water Quality Study of Ten Marinas in Pugent Sound: Rough Draft


                                               EPA 910/9-89-001
WATER QUALITY STUDY OF TEN  MARINAS IN PUGET SOUND
                        ROUGH DRAFT
                             By
                         John Yearsley
            U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10
                          March 1981

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I. INTRODUCTION

Each year natural resource and regulatory agencies review permits for

the construction of boat moorages or marines. Until recently, it has proven

difficult to perform an adequate review due to a lack of technical information.

In many instances the resulting project has sacrificed other water uses in

favor of commercial and recreational boating. The formulation of guidelines,

specifying siting and design criteria, are necessary if other water uses are

to be protected, as well.

The Washington State Department of Fisheries (1971) have developed

guidelines which provide primarily for the passage of fish, but do address

other water uses. Bowerman and Chen (1971) studied a number of water quality

parameters in a California marina, but did not attempt to relate their field

measurements to the hydraulic characteristics of the marina. Layton (1971),

Lewis (1972) and Nece and Richey (1972) have used hydraulic models to analyze

the flushing characteristics of specific marine configurations, but did not

attempt to generalize their findings. Brandsma et al (1973) have used the
U
(lagrangian numerical model developed by Fischer (1970) to examine the flush-

ing characteristics of Marina del Ray.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the water quality charac-

teristics in marinas of various designs, The results of the study to be
sc,
used to .e-s-fraWristi guidelines for JEBe siting and -design of marinas. The study

was performed during the summer of 1973 with the assistance of the U. S. Army

Corps of Engineers, Seattle District.

II. DESIGN OF STUDY
?W'^ ^V%*v<
The field studies were divided into two groups-. The first -gemtp consisted
t}"4 iivstJi Jv>
of an intensive study usually two days, of five marinas in Puget Sound. These

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 five marinas and, frhe days on which they were studied are given in Table 2.1.

 I la^xv-   ^o(U4\ <-'<^\

 Measurements of currents, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and water



 clarity were made at various stations in each marina during progressive stages



 of  the flood tide.  Surface samples were taken at various locations to deter-



 mine the levels of total coliform bacteria, total grease and oil, and pesti-



 cides.   Locations of the marinas are shown in Figure 2.1.
                                                              "
       The second group consisted of a one day float. -trip^Sept ember 5, 1973)



 during which five marinas were visited.  The five marinas and the~~time during



 which samples were taken are given in Table 2.2.  Surface samples were taken



 at various locations in each marina for the purposes of determining the levels



 of total coliform bacteria and total grease and oil concentrations.  A bio-

                             ,-' , • ,- r > r. '•

 assay, using Pacific oyster larv,ae, was also performed on each sample.  Loca-



 tion of the marinas are shown in Figure 2.1.



 III.  EXPERIMENTAL METHODS



     Temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured with a



 hydrolab multi-parameter probe,  except at Squalicum Boat Basin in Bellingham



 Bay.  An Industrial Instrument RS5-2A was used to measure temperature and



 conductivity at Squalicum and the modified Winkler method was used to measure



 dissolved oxygen.



 £   Presumptive counts of total coliform bacteria were obtained by means of



 Millipore filter method.



^   The total grease and oil levels were measured by the chloroform extrac-



 tion method.



f   Pesticide levels were determined using Jas chromotography.


     Currents within each marina were measured at fixed locations with a



 Gurley - type current meter.  Trajectories of water particles were followed



 at various depths with small drogues.  The drogues were made by attaching


                                                                        *  j*   S*,

                                                                      /•   -

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 NERAL  RECEIVING WATPR  rH A R ACTFRISTIC5 OF  PUGET  SOUND
                   BRIT
                                     S   H
C   O  L   U   M  B   I   A
                                                          <;
          LOCITX* IAf
                          may indicate special shellfish or recreation arfas)
fJOTf  Water Quality problems associate*} witn natural phenomena occur generally during we late summer-early tail oniy.
      Wh,le those associated with municipal or .ndustna! wastes are continuous.

         FIGURE 2.1      Location  of  marinas  sampled during  the period
                          July -  September 1973

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_five marinas and, the days on which they were studied are given in Table 2.1.
 I Ww   U^VitM
 Measurements of currents, temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and water

 clarity were made at various stations in each marina during progressive stages

 of  the flood tide.  Surface samples were taken at various locations to deter-

 mine the levels of total coliform bacteria, total grease and oil,  and pesti-


 cides.  Locations of the marinas are shown in Figure 2.1.       f^~ .  >L~
       The second group consisted of a one day float, trip' (September 5,  1973)

 during which five marinas were visited.  The five marinas and the time~Huring

 which samples were taken are given in Table 2.2.  Surface samples were  taken

 at various locations in each marina for the purposes of determining the levels

 of total coliform bacteria and total grease and oil concentrations.  A  bio-

 assay, using Pacific oyster larvae, was also performed on each sample.   Loca-

 tion of the marinas are shown in Figure 2.1.

 III.  EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

     Temperature, conductivity and dissolved oxygen were measured with a

 hydrolab multi-parameter probe, except at Squalicum Boat Basin in Bellingham

 Bay.  An Industrial Instrument RS5-2A was used to measure temperature and

 conductivity at Squalicum and the modified Winkler method was used to measure


 dissolved oxygen.

 £r   Presumptive counts of total coliform bacteria were obtained by means of


 Millipore filter method.

&-   The total grease and oil levels were measured by the chloroform extrac-


 tion method.

f   Pesticide levels were determined using «as chromotography.

     Currents within each marina were measured at fixed locations with a

 Gurley - type current meter.  Trajectories of water particles were followed

 at various depths with small drogues.  The drogues were made by attaching

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         MARINA                                      DATE OF STUDY


Port of Edmonds                                July 10-11, 1973

Squalicum                                      July 26-28, 1973

Shilshole Bay                                  August 9-10, 1973

Port of Kingston                               August 23-24, 1973

Port of Port Townsend                          September 6-7, 1973
Table 2.1        Location and dates ef marinas studied during
                 the intensive sarvey

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MARINA                         SAMPLING TIME

Port of Port Angeles           0835 - 0940

Skyline                        1015 - 1100

Cornet Bay                     1110 - 1200

Port of Anacortes              1215 - 1300

Point Defiance                 1400 - 1500
Table 2.2    Location and times of marinas studied
             during the;September 5, 1973~-float trip
            /Z  &, Sf7,

            '/'O   •yVe*?/'
                  f

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neutrally buoyant vanes to a fishing float with nylon line.
~£stf&if'*fe?
Pacific oyster iar-v4e— (Woelke tl972J)) were used for bioassays.

The water quality standards for the State of Washington and selected

water quality criteria recommended by the Federal Water Pollution Control

Administration are given in Appendix I.

IV. RESULTS OF INTENSIVE SURVEYS

1. Port of Edmonds Marina

a. General

The Port of Edmonds marina is located on the main basin of Puget Sound

approximately 12 miles north of Seattle. There are actually two separate

marinas adjacent to each other. The water quality survey was restricted to

the southerly most marina of the two. Ph
aro gly^n-"Mi-^i>h1e^.A-rJ-T— 1 — and ATTT . 2 . T-ho water oloasif ieatiom fog the aroa
s Class AA

The water quality of Puget Sound in the area of Edmonds is generally of
^^J A<1*,
high quality. Waste discharges are primarily from small municipalities and

light industries. Within the marina there are a number of discharges-*ef

unknown origin.

During the summer a bait herring operation in the southeast corner of the

southern marina contributes organic matter to the marine waters.

Current^ in the vicinity of the marina are influenced primarily by tidal

action. Along the shore near the marina currents are generally in the same

direction as in the main basin of Puget Sound but are somewhat weaker.

The intensive survey of the Edmonds marina was done July 10-11, 1973.

Approximate station locations are shown in Figure A.I.

b. Dissolved Oxygen

Table A.I summarizes the oxygen data for the Edmonds survey on July 11, 1973.

-------
•J£L  <&>sx^?
            /
   ^.-2 *=j74s5-t-- ^ £

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     In general, the dissolved  oxygen in the surface waters of both the marina

 and Puget Sound were near, or  above, saturation.  Presumably, the supersatu-

 ration in the surface waters was  a result of photosynthesis.

     At depth, the dissolved oxygen in the marina was for the most part,

 similar to that of water at the same depth in Puget Sound.  Exceptions occur-

 red at sample stations in  the  southeast corner of the marina Station No. 6,

 as well as at a point just inside the entrance under the boat launching equip-

 ment.  These low values were obtained in the morning at locations where the

 water movement appeared to be  most restricted.  The dissolved oxygen measured

 at these three stations was lower than the water quality criterion of 7.0

 mg/1 for Class AA marine waters.   The dissolved oxygen measured at these

 stations was also lower than any  measurements from the control station.  Most

 likely cause of the low dissolved oxygen was the ^respiration of algae.^ The
/* '-"  s" /**" s*'&''£?' S'*' t^T* ^"""X'i,£""~  •'"'''•^-fe^'I-!*"/'*""  ' ffsf£-'^rf<~rf ^T^^Z'zZz^x^'Z, <^7^  ^^'O-^* ^f^^-f^? \^^'*^—''r ^      s'r^—'P ^•"^ ™-^ ^/^
-—- *—•—   '       ,'                     f         -—y   ' ^^"^   »—*^-'      ^
 organic loading associated with the bait herring operation and the discharge
               outfalls within the marina, .may have had an impact, as well.     ' ,
                                                                      'fe/J gs^r^f
     Temperature data  for  the  Port of Edmonds marina is summarized in Table

 4.2.  The surface temperature in the marina was generally higher than the

 surface temperature at  the  control station in Puget Sound.  This disparity

 was greater at the innermost  stations (Station No. 6, for example) than at

 the entrance to the marina.

     The depth of the  thermocline was approximately two meters.  At depth,

 the water temperature of  the  marina was more nearly that of water at similar

 depth in Puget Sound.

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STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN

AVERAGE DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

MINIMUM DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
    8.6
    0.0
   0900
7/11/73
    7.2
    6.1
     #2

    9.3


    0.0
   0900
7/11/73

    8.2
    7.1
    4.6
     #3

    9.1


    0.0
   1500
7/11/73

    8.4
    7.8
    6.1
     #4

    9.9


    0.0
   1430
7/11/73

    8.6
    7.7
    3.0
     #5

    9.6


    1.5
                                           8.5
    7.7
    4.3
 #6

9.0


0.0
   1550      1300
7/11/73   7/11/73
              7.9
6.5
2.7
   1120      0900      1600       1030      1330      0830
7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73
               TABLE     SUMMARY OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR THE EDMONDS MARINA
                                                JULY 11, 1973

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STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
 TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
 TEMPERATURE

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°C)

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
 TEMPERATURE  (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
 TEMPERATURE
#1
13.0
0.0
1410
7/11/73
- -
11.2
12.2
#2
14.0
0.0
1300
7/11/73
12.8
11.8
4.5
#3
14.0
0.0
1345
7/11/73
13.0
12.0
5.2
#4
i
14.7
0.0
1430
7/11/73
13.2
12.1
5.5
#5
15.1
0.0
1550
7/11/73
13.3
12.1
4.3
#6
15.5
0.0
1310
7/11/73
13.3
12.1
3.7
   1120      0945      1345      1430       1330      1130
7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73   7/11/73
               TABLE     SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE DATA FOR EDMONDS MARINA
                                            JULY 11, 1973

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                        <^^^                           X/
                                              "
                                  2-erc .J&i
        d.  Total" Coliform Bacteria
    c
  I  Total coliform concentrations  in  the Edmorf

except for the area around the  gas dock.   The  Washington  State Water  Quality

Standards require that the median  value for  total  coliforms  be less than 70

MPN/100 ml when associated with a  fecal source.  The median  value  at  the gas

dock exceed^70 MPN/100 ml but  there  were  no measurements of fecal coliforms

made.  It is therefore not clear that a standards  violation  occurred.   It

does indicate, however, a potential problem  area and should  receive further

attention.

        e.  Total Grease and  Oil

    Total grease and oil were less than 1.0  mg/1 in the Edmonds Marina,  with

the exception of the area just  inside the  entrance.  A maximum value  of  3.0

mg/1 of total grease and oil  was measured  at Station No.  5.

       .f.  Pesticides)
    Measurabla levels  o  Litwane   DD    DDEand  Daeldrinw.ere  detected within
theiEsmonds mar±na.

        g.  Aesthetics and  Land Use

    Aesthetic, qualities,  in terms  of  water  quality were fair  to  good.   A

certain amount of debris, including empty soft  drink cans,  small pieces of

styrofoam and some food stuffs were observed  during the period of the  survey.

Oil slicks were seen at various locations in  the  marina,  but  were most common

in the area of the gas dock.  Mats of algae were  observed during a later visit

to the marina.

    The area around the marina is  primarily used  for light  industry, marine-

related sales, and parking  space for  automobiles  and boats.   Walking dogs in

the parking area is specifically prohibited,  as is trespassing or fishing on

piers where boats are docked.
^ \s^      \-**\-J-     "»- •F^fc-z-<     ) - ***.*-*•"  - - •   • \ s_^<-  I

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    The piers are-not enclosed,  however,  and children were observed fishing



from them during  the survey,  despite the  signs.   People were also fishing



from the breakwater and  from  the public pier which has been constructed at



the entrance to the marine.   The only access to  the water for boats not



moored in the marina was by means of a sling operated by the Port of Edmonds.


The launrMnp f**^ or-o.. cly^m  jn  TflM p 4.1,             /     /"-•'-'-'•'"'
                      27
        Table 4.3  Schedule  of  Launching  fees  for  the Port  of

                   Edmonds marina
         h.  Aquatic Life


     A qualitative examination of  the marine  life  at  Edmonds was  performed
on October 1, 1973,
organisms
                                                        se1 community of marine
                                          ------             ,          . .  .
                         inr1iif1'1'r'C  sea  anemones,  sea  cucumbers,  starfish,
 •sea squirt?, mussels, kelp crabs,  sponges  and various  polychaetes or marine
 worms.

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    2.  Squalicum Boat Basin


        a.  General


    The Squalicum Small Boat Basin is located in Bellingham Harbor near the


City of Bellingham, Washington  (Figure 4.2).  The marina is operated by the


Port of Bellingham.  Physical and tidal characteristics of the marina are


given in Tables A-TT T nnd A-lI-T4n^f ^£C.°"^jY— TT   The water quality classi-
fication, for the portion of Bellingham Bay in which the marina is located,
                                                            7
is Class A (excellent) marine.


    The water quality of Bellingham Bay is poor .^Discharge of large amounts


of toxic, high-organic wastes from the Georgia-Pacific Company Pulp Mill,
                                      •

municipal discharges from the City of Bellingham and untreated wastes from


food processors within the marina all contribute to the degradation of water


quality .f/^ £*<&(£&- ) «


    Currents within Bellingham Bay are influenced by tidal action and the


discharge of the Nooksack River, which empties into the northwest corner.


Studies by Collias et al (1966) show a counterclockwise current in the bay


during flood tide.  Flushing time of Bellingham Bay, as estimated from 1960-


1961 data by -Collias et al (1966) varied from 1 day to 11 days to depending


upon the season of the year.  The minimum time occurred during December when


the freshwater discharge of the Nooksack River was high.  The maximum time


occurred during August when the discharge was low.


    Current measurements by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers showed water
                                       v

entering through both entrances to the marina on flood tide and leaving


through both entrances on the ebb tide.  Typical current speeds were of the


order of 0.1 to 0.2 meters per second.

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STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN

AVERAGE DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

MINIMUM DISSOLVED
 OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
 DISSOLVED OXYGEN
#1
5.4
0.0
1115
7/28/73
3.6
0.7
0.0
1235
7/27/73
#2
5.2
0.0
1230
7/28/73
3.2
0.6
0.0
1230
7/27/73
#3
5.8
4.6
1210
7/27/73
2.7
0.2
0.0
0950
7/27/73
#4
7.8
4.3
1145
7/27/73
3.0
0.1
0.0
1600
7/27/73
#5
4.7
3.0
1220
7/28/73
2.4
0.3
0.0
1000
7/27/73
#6
6.3
0.0
1200
7/28/73
4.1
0.0
0.0
1300
7/27/73
          TABLE     SUMMARY OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR SQUALICUM SMALL  BOAT  BASIN
                                             JULY 27 & 28,  1973

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STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (*C)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
 TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
 TEMPERATURE

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (^C)

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
 TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
 TEMPERATURE
#1
23.5
0.0
1645
7/27/73
14.4
10.7
6.1
#2
22.9
0.0
1530
7/27/73
14.5
10.7
7.6
#3
21.9
0.0
1610
7/28/73
14.7
10.8
4.6
#4
21.4
0.0
1445
7/27/73
14.8
11.1
4.6
#5
21.5
0.0
1520
7/28/73
14.9
11.2
6.1
#6
22.2
0.0
1610
7/27/73
14.4
10.5
7.3
   1650      1530      1210       1250      1520      1615
7/27/73   7/27/73   7/27/73    7/27/73   7/27/73   7/27/73
          TABLE     SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE DATA FOR SQUALICUM SMALL  BOAT BASIN
                                        JULY 27 & 28, 1973

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Measurable levels of DDT were detected in one of the samples obtained
du-
.
from the Saualicum Boat Basin. CUlovU^ U^"*^*- e
-------
illlpn i >

iiullii II

lllllP'M

linilli il I

i HUM II i

HfH-
^iiiiiiMrrPi
""",.-"••*-.
«

-------
Exchange Ratio

Flushing Time
0.49

2.05 Tidal Cycles
Time to i/e
for High Range

Time to i/e
for Mid Range

Time to i/e
for Low Range
0.33 Days

0.75 Days

1.29 Days
Characteristic
Diffusion Time
0.7 Days
TABLE A II.8 EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OF
THE KINGSTON COVE MARINA
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STATION NUMBER
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)
DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE (METERS)
TIME OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE
AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°C)
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)
DEPTH OF MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE (METERS)
TIME OF MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE
#1
15.1
0.0
1615
8/10/73
13.0
12.0
6.1
0930
8/9/73
#2
15.5
0.0
1445
8/10/73
13.7
12.4
• 5.5
0920
8/9/73
#3
15.5
0.0
1435
8/10/73
13.6
12.4
4.6
0910
8/9/73
#4
15.1
0.0
1545
8/10/73
13.4
12.3
4.6 •
0900
8/9/73
#5
15.5
0.0.
1455
8/9/73
13.4
12.2
6.1
1000
8/9/73
#6
15.0
0.0
1445
8/9/73
13.2
12.3
6.1
1140
8/9/73
#7
15.5
0.0
1550
8/9/73
13.3
12.4
4.3
0830
8/9/73
#8
15.0
0.0
1550
8/10/73
12.9
12:0
—
Numerous
TABLE SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE DATA FOR THE SHILSHOLE BAY MARINA
AUGUST 9 & 10, 1973
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STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN

AGERAGE DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

MINIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
#1

8.3

0.0
0925
8/9/73

5.6
5.0
6.1
#2

8.2

0.0
0915
8/9/73

5.8
4.8
5.5
#3

8.3

0.0
0905
8/9/73

5.6
4.3
4.8
#4

7.7

0.0
1030
8/9/73

5.7
4.9
3.0
#5

8.3

0.0
1015
8/9/73

5.9
4.8
4.5
#6

7.7

0.0
5.9
5.5
6.1
#7

7.9

0.0
6.0
5.1
3.5
7.7
0.0
0830 0820 0935
8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73
6.4
5.4
4.9
1400 0915 1045 1330 0845 1135 0820 0810
8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73 8/9/73
TABLE SUMMARY OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR SHILSHOLE BAY MARINA
AUGUST 9, 1973 ONLY
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the heating system for the marina offices and restaurant. There are also a

number of storm drains which discharge into the marina.

The marina has been constructed with two openings, one at the north end

and one at the south end. The prevailing tidal currents are essentially

north and south (Brown and Caldwell (1958)). Current measurements made by

the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers indicate that the current pattern within

the marina is complex, and that currents do not flow in the same direction

at all depths and all locations within the marina. The maximum flushing

efficiency of the marina is, therefore, not realized.

The water quality survey and current measurement programs were conducted
August 9-10, 1973. Station locations are shown in Figure 4.3.

b. Dissolved Oxygen 0

The dissolved oxygen probe in the Hydrolab behaved erratically after

1400 on August 9, 1973. An examination of the instrument afterwards dis-

closed a short in one of the circuits. Only that data obtained prior to

1400 on August 9, 1973 has been used in the summary given in Table 4.7.

c. Temperature

Temperature data for the Shilshole Bay marina study is summarized in

Table 4.8. In general, the surface temperature was greater than 13.5°C

(56.2°F) throughout the marina. The exception to this occurred at the north

entrance to the marina, where the temperature was 12.58C for at least two

hours on August 9, 1973 and 13.0°C for at least two hours on August 10, 1973.

These low temperatures did not propagate into the marina to any extent^lmlr*

"nting that va^?*" w^inan^o KPfT.T0or> t-^p, garina ,,andin the_main basin of t^he, gjQun^

wa|^^gfej^hS(^^JJ'i&'j?tfiieftit. Water temperatures at depths greater than

meters (5 feet) did not change substantially during the study.
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d. Total, coliform bacteria . .„, "/" "
L' " ' '
Total coliform bacteria counts in the surface waters of the Shilshole

Bay were at background levels in the outer edges but high in the middle and

in the southeast corner. The highest counts, median value of 223 MPN/100 ml,

were observed near the marina office complex and restaurant. The highest

values at all stations occurred during low tide. The total coliform counts

were significantly lower at high tide, presumably as a result of dilution

from the incoming water. This implies that the source of the high coliform

counts was somewhere inside the marina. A'-'"7 ^'"'-"" ^'^'l'---"~ ^
e. Total Grease and Oil

Total grease and oil was less than 1.0 mg/1 at all locations except in
^fiiiow if^\
the area of the marina office1 complexvwhere a maximum value of 1.6 mg/1 was

observed.
£
f. Pesticides

Detectable levels of DDT and DDE were measured in one out of the twelve

, f „„,.,„,,„.
samples from the Shilshole Bay Marina.
^ \U«VL ^-^- J^d4
g. Aesthetics and Land Use

Aesthetic qualities were generally good in the Shilshole Bay Marina.

In two areas, however, one just north of the marina office complex and the
other in the southeast corner of the marina, debris was collecting _and
LY**', fje.es. H)) 0
\S ^—
not appear to be removed on the outgoing tide. These areas were unsightly,

as was the open pipe discharge under. the marina office. Oil slicks were

seen in the area of the gas pumps and, in one instance, a boat owner pumping

his own gas at the gas dockaccidently discharged gasoline to the marina for

several seconds.
-------
The area in the vicinity of the marina is devoted primarily to parking

space for automobiles. A restaurant and marina office are also part of the

marina complex.

Trespass and fishing are prohibited on most of the piers where boats

were berthed. Two piers are open to the public and a large number of people

took advantage of this to examine boats and enjoy the water. A historical

ship exhibit at the open

At the north end of the marina there are a public boat ramp and fishing

pier. Both of these facilities were well used. At the south end of the

marina there is space for working on boats, as well as hydraulic cranes for

use in launching and retrieving boats.
equipment .

4. Kingston Cove

a. General

The Kingston Cove marina is located on the west side of the main basin

of Puget Sound directly west of Edmonds.

Physical and tidal characteristics for the Kingston Cove Marina are

given in Tables A. II. 7 and A. II. 8 of Appendix II. Water classification for

the marina is Class AA (extraordinary) marine.

A float study by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers during June of 1972
\

shows' that mixing is generally good in the marina, with the exception of

the northeast corner near the gas dock. Currents measured in the northeast
\

corner were approximately one-tenth as large as those in the rest of the marina.

The water quality survey of the Kingston Cove marina was done August 23 ~

24, 1973. Problems with the outboard motor on August 23, 1973 made it diffi-

cult to obtain a complete set of dissolved oxygen and temperature data on
-------
>oo
-------
that day. Station locations are shown in Figure 4.4.

b. Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen measurements for Kingston Cove are summarized in Table

4.11. Dissolved oxygen in the marina was equal to or greater than 7.0 mg/1,

the Washington State criterion for Class AA during the morning of August 24,

1973. During the afternoon the dissolved oxygen was lower than 7.0 mg/1 at

number of stations, particularly at depth. The dissolved oxygen in the

marina did not appear to be significantly less than at the control station

uidUJi 1ft I'L'eH Soiukl was ixiult-
c. Temperature

The temperature data for Kingston Cove is summarized in Table 4.12.

Surface temperatures were generally higher in the marina than at the control.

This difference was not so noticeable in the water at 1 1/2 meters (5.0 feet)

and below.

d. Total coliform bacteria

One measurement within the marina showed a total coliform count greater

than 70 MPN/100 ml. The highest count was observed outside the marina near

the ferry doclu ^ '."' • !**^ A *

e. Total grease and oil

Total grease and oil did not exceed 1.0 mg/1 at any of the locations

sampled.
. i""1
:' • *
f. Pesticides / ,. . - ' . -
/( ; •" '-•'•'""
Pesticides were below the level of detection at all locations sampled.

g. Aesthetics and land use

Aesthetic qualities were generally good in the water of the Kingston

Cove marina. Some small debris and a few oil slicks were seen, but these

problems did not persist for long periods.
-------
STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
'DISSOLVED OXYGEN

AVERAGE DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

MINIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
8.2
0.0
6.8
3.0
ji o jn
we ffJ

8.3^ 10.1
4.9
0.0
1200 1020 1035
8/24/73 8/24/73 8/24/73
6.8
5.5
6.1
v/
6.7
5.7
6.1
#4 / #5 #6

8.7 9.7 9.4
0.0
1100
8/24/73

6.4
5.9
3.0
0.0
1045
8/24/73

7.2
5.8
6.1
0.0
1055
8/24/73

6.9
5.7
6.1
1325 1340 1400 1430 1240 1255
8/24/73 8/24/73 8/24/73 8/24/73 8/24/73 8/24/73
TABLE SUMMARY OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR KINGSTON COVE MARINA
AUGUST 24, 1973
-------
STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°C)

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MINUMUM
TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE
#1
13.7
0.0
1445
8/24/73
12.9
12.5
6.1
1325
8/24/73
#2
14.2
*• o.o
1020
8/24/73
13.0
12.5
6.1
1210
8/24/73
#3
14.3
0.0
1400
8/24/73
13.2
12.7
4.6
1035
.8/24/73
#4
14.0
0.0
11000
8/24/73
13.0
12.7
4.6-6.1
1305
8/24/73
#5
14.4
0.0
1415
8/24/73
13.3
12.6
6.1
1510
8/24/73
#6
14.0
0.0
1515
8/24/73
13.2
12.7
6.1
1515
8/24/73
TABLE SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE DATA FOR KINGSTON COVE MARINA
AUGUST 24, 1973
-------
-------
The water quality survey and the current study of Bellingham Bay was

done July 26-28, 1973. Station locations are shown in Figure 4.2.
SUu>6, -T^dX &*L Lujt&VLu^ Co^t 'ov,-> cUv^ 4^
)to Dissolved Oxygen "

Oxygen data for the Squalicum marina are summarized in Table 4.4. The

dissolved oxygen in the marina was generally below the criterion of 6.0 mg/1

for Class A marine waters. The dissolved oxygen was much lower at the surface

than at depth. The dissolved oxygen also showed a noticeable increase from

Friday, July 27 to Saturday, July 28, 1973.
*
c. Temperature

Temperature data from the Squalicum marina are summarized in Table 4.5.

Temperatures in the surface waters of the marina were higher, without excep-

tion, than the water quality criterion proposed by the State of Washington.

Since no measurements were made outside the marina, it is difficult to deter-

mine how much of the increase in temperature is due to marina construction.

Temperature measurements from earlier studies (Collias and Barnes (1962)) in-

dicate that temperatures in excess of the proposed criterion (12.8°C or 55 °F)

are common in the surface waters of Bellingham Bay during the summer months.

d. Total coliform bacteria
<>yu
Total coliform xounts exceeded 70 MPN/100 ml at all locations within

the Squalicum boat basin. Fecal coliforms were not measured during the
.4 H-
survey. Therefore, it is not known that standards violations occurred. Much
of the problem wa G , ,
-------
Land use in the vicinity of the marina included parking for automobiles

and trailers, marine-related industry such as boat repair and sales. Tres-

pass upon the piers where boats were berthed was specifically prohibited

although access to these areas was not restricted by gates or fences. "^A —

sling for Ifmnr.hing a^ ^o^jLga^nj^boats J-J3 available at Kings ton l,Cpvei,Wiriryhe
^
No public boat launching facilities, nor provision for any other form of

marine - oriented recreation besides boating, are available at the Kingston

Cove marina.
Fee
rf ••-•,'•,• .. t
' I '" '"'"^~'~^--^ ^wo***"
Table 4.12 Schedule of launchin5r^ees«sf3cnr-'Tfn;e**Tingston Cove

^w"^'"
-------
5. Port Townsend

a. General

The Port Townsend marina is located in Port Townsend near the northern

entrance to Puget Sound. The marina is operated by the Port of Port Town-

send. Physical and tidal characteristics for this marina are given in

Tables A. II. 9 and A. II. 10 in Appendix II. Water classification for the

marina is Class A (Excellent) marina.

The water quality survey was done during the period September 6-7, 1973.

Station locations are shown in Figure 4.5. The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

current study was done September 10-11, 1973.

Port Townsend receives the waste from the City of Port Townsend, Fort

Flagler State Park and the Crown-Zellerbach pulp mill. There are no signi-

ficant discharges within the marina. Water quality of Port Townsend is

generally high due to its proximity to the entrance of Puget Sound. During

certain times of the year, particularly late summer and early fall, ocean

water with low dissolved oxygen enters Puget Sound.
in^

Circulation patterns within Port Townsend are influenced primarily by

the tides. During the early stage of each tide the current in Port Townsend

runs in the same direction as the current in Admiralty Inlet. During the

late stages of the tide the current in Port Townsend runs in the opposite

direction from that in Admiralty Inlet.

Within the marina, the float study by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers

indicated that the current was generally clockwise throughout the marina

during both flood and ebb. Typical speeds were 0.03-0.06 meters/second

(0.1-0.2 feet per second).
-------
-------
b. Dissolved Oxygen

Dissolved oxygen data for September 7, 1973 for Port Townsend are

summarized in Table 4.13. Depth, time - averages of the September 7, 1973

dissolved oxygen data were similar at all locations within the marinas.

Time averages of the bottom two observations at each location indicate

that dissolved oxygen at depth was about 0.9 mg/1 less at the inner stations

than at the control station.

c. Temperature

Temperature data for Port Townsend are summarized in Table 4.14. Depth

time-averaged of the September 7, 1973 temperatures were approximately 9.4°C

higher at the inner stations than at the control. The water temperature

both inside and outside was decreasing relatively rapidly on September 6,

1973. The higher average temperatures inside the marina imply either that

solar heating had a greater effect on the marine than on the control, or

that the mixing processes within the marina were such as to prevent complete

mixing within one tidal cycle. The fact that the average temperature within

the marina increases with distance from the entrance supports the latter hy-

pothesis. -•

d. Total coliform organisms / >' ••"'"'
f ~ ••>
/

With the exception of one count of 86 MPN/100 ml, total coliform bacteria

were less than 70 MPN/100 ml, the Washington State water quality standard for

Class AA marine waters.

e. Total grease and oil

Total grease and oil were equal to or less than 1.0 mg/1 at all locations

within the Port Townsend marina.

f. Pesticide
-------
STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN

AVERAGE DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

MINIMUM DISSOLVED
OXYGEN (MG/L)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN (METERS)

TIME OF MINIMUM
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
#1

8.9

0.0
1435
9/7/73

7.0
6.0
6.1
#2

8.4

0.0
0740
9/7/73

6.9
5.7
5.2
#3

7.8

0.0
0855
9/7/73

6.8
6.0
4.6
#4

8.3

0.0
0905
9/7/73

7.0
4.9
4.3
#5

8.5

0.0
0805
9/7/73

6.9
5.4
5.8
#6

8.4

0.0
0815
9/7/73

6.9
3.7
4.6
#7

8.2

0.0
1110
9/7/73

6.9
4.5
4.9
1220 1040 0900 0910 1300 0920 0925
9/7/73 9/7/73 9/7/73 9/7/73 9/7/73 9/7/73 9/7/73
TABLE SUMMARY OF DISSOLVED OXYGEN DATA FOR THE PORT TOWNSEND MARINA
SEPTEMBER 7, 1973
-------
STATION NUMBER

MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE (METERS)

TIME OF MAXIMUM
TEMPERATURE

AVERAGE TEMPERATURE (°C)

MINIMUM TEMPERATURE (°C)

DEPTH OF MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE (°C)

TIME OF MINIMUM
TEMPERATURE
#1
MS
its
0.0
1435
9/7/73
10.9
10.6
6.1
1220
9/7/73
#2
11.8
0.0
1230
9/7/73
11.2
10.8
5.2
1040
9/7/73
#3
12.0
0.0
1450
9/7/73
11.2
10.8
6.1
1450
9/7/73
#4
12.5
0.0
1 t!
1250
9/7/73
11.3
10.0
5.2
1050
9/7/73
#5
12.7
0.0
1515
9/7/73
11.3
10.8
6.1
1410
9/7/73
#6
12.5
0.0
1520
9/7/73
11.4
10.9
6.1
1520
9/7/73
#7
13.0
0.0
1525
9/7/73
11.4
10,9
4.6
1110
9/7/73
TABLE SUMMARY OF TEMPERATURE DATA FOR THE PORT TOWNSEND MARINA
SEPTEMBER 7, 1973
-------
Pesticide concentrations were below the level of detection at all loca-

tions in the marina.

6. Composite Water Quality Score

For the purposes of comparing the total water quality of the five marinas,

a composite water quality score was devised. Water quality parameters con-

tained in the composite included total coliform bacteria, dissolved oxygen,

temperature, total oil and grease, pesticides and aesthetics. For each con-

stituent a perfect score would be ten (10). Deviations from perfection were

measured in the following way:

Total coliform bacteria - The ratio of the number of
measurements less than the pertinent water quality
standard to the total number of measurements was mul-
plied by ten (10)

•^ Dissolved oxygen - The ratio of the number of stations
for which the minimum dissolved oxygen was equal to or
greater than the control to the total number of stations
was multiplied by ten (10).

•' Temperature - The ratio of the number of stations for
which the maximum temperature was less than or equal
to the control to the total number of stations was
multiplied by ten (10).

^ Total oil and grease - The ratio of the number of
stations for which total oil and grease was less
than 1.0 mg/1 to the total number of stations was
multiplied by ten (10).

"-'. ',--.." Pesticides - The ratio of the number of stations for
.-^ ^/,. ', which pesticide levels were not detectable to the
total number of stations was multiplied by ten (10).
s
- Aesthetics - A subjective evaluation with ten the highest
.' '' '•"" ' '•"" possible score and zero (0) the lowest possible score.
//, s - ,'•''.-? ' '
The results of the scoring system are shown in Table 4.15.
-------

Bacteria
Dissolved Oxygen
Temperature
Total oil and grease
Pesticides
Aesthetics
TOTAL
Edmonds
8
7
1
7
5
1
35
Squalicum
1
0
3
2
8
3
17
Shilshole
7
5
5
9
9
*
C42
Kingston
9
9
1
10
10
8
(i47~!
Port
Town send
9
1
2
10
10
*
39
Table 4.15 Composite water quality scores for marinas
studied in the intensive surveys
W Vs-
-------
V. RESULTS OF ONE-DAY SURVEY

The one-day survey was conducted on September 12, 1973. Five marinas

were visited by float plane. Samples were taken at several locations in

each marina for the purpose of determining the levels of total coliform

bacteria, total grease and oil and for determining the effect of the water

{?nihrf'f?,

upon the development of Pacific oyster Jtarvae. The schedule was planned

!\"'
such that each marina could be visited at low slack. "However, the sampling

took longer than anticipated and the marinas at the end of the schedule were

not sampled until well into the flood stage of the tide.

1. Port Angeles

a. General

The Port Angeles marina is located in Port Angeles Harbor. Port Angeles

Harbor is at the north shore of the Olympia Penninsula on the Straits of Juan

de Fuca.

/ !*/
The Straits, of Juan de Fuca are a source of high quality water. However,

water quality within Port Angeles is poor, due primarily to the discharge of

large amounts of waste by the ITT Rayonier Company Pulp Mill. The Marina is

at the west end of Port Angeles Harbor where exchange with the Strait^ of

Juan de Fuca is a minimum.

Samples were taken at six locations within and in the vicinity of the

marina. Samples were taken during the period between 0840 and 0940 on

September 12, 1973. The water quality data is given in Table A.III.6.

The watercourse classification for Port Angeles Harbor is Class A with

the special condition that total coliform organisms "... shall not exceed a

median value of 240 with less than 20% of samples exceeding 1000 when asso-

ciated with any fecal source".
-------
>. :.-.r.
i ''V ••!•"''• ,',;'',''• V'" ' i| r " '; ; '•;'• 'i '•'•• '.'''
''''''''' " '';
.
^ :' •, •;'''V''VI !:
(-. ;
-------
b. Total-Coliform Organisms , ..''-', . :- , ,.' • / ? '
.. / /"L , , " s'.l >t»^."'~

Total coliforms organisms were greater than 240 MPN/100 ml at two loca-

tions within the marina. Background levels prevailed at the two control

stations, one in Port Angeles Harbor, the other in the Strait^/ of Juan de

Fuca.

c. Total Grease and Oil

Total grease and oil were less than 1.0 mg/1 at all locations within the

marina. The sample taken from the control station outside Port Angeles Harbor

had a concentration of 3,0 mg/1 total grease and oil. 1

f. ' " f •

d, Bioassay _•-••'
-s

Mean percent abnormal larvae exceeded 20 percent at two stations within

the -marina. The control inside Port Angeles Harbor also exceeded 20 percent.

2. Skyline Marina

a. General

The Skyline Marina is located at Burrows Bay just south of Anacortes,

ft&VXUQ
Water Quality in Burrows Bay and Racine Straits is very good. There are no

major sources of industrial or municipal waste discharge within the vicinity

of the Skyline Marina. Samples were taken from 1015 to 1050 on September

12, 1973.

The water course classification for Burrows Bay is Class AA. CExtra-

ordinary).

b. Total Coliform Organisms f sl, .•,"**' ,

Total coliform organisms were low at all stations sampled within and in

the. vicinity of the marina.
-------
' li
500
-------
c. Total" Crease and Oil

Total grease and oil concentrations were less than 1.0 mg/1 at all

stations sampled.

d. Bioassay

Mean percent abnormal larvae did not exceed 20 percent at any of the

stations sampled.

3. Cornet Bay

a. General

The Cornet Bay Marina is located near Deception Pass, between Fidalgo

and Whidbey Island. There are no major sources of municipal or industrial

waste discharge in the vicinity of the marina.

The watercourse classification for Cornet Bay is Class AA (Extraordinary)

b. Total Coliform Organisms

Total coliform organisms were less than 70 MPN/100 at all of the stations

sampled within and in the vicinity of the Cornet Bay Marina.

c. Total Grease and Oil

Total grease and oil concentrations were less than 1.0 mg/1 at all sample

locations.

d. Bioassay

Mean percent abnormal Pacific oyster larvae were less than 20 percent at

all sample locations.

4. Anacortes Marina

a. General

The Anacortes marina is located near adjacent to the City of Anacortes,

Washington at the north end of Fidalgo Island. There are a number of indus-

trial and municipal discharges in the vicinity of the marina. These include

the Scott Paper Company Sulfite Mill, the City of Anacortes sewage treatment
-------
ITTTT-l
O ' SOD
-------
plant, the Sebastian Stuart Fish Company and the Fisherman's Packing Corp.

The watercourse classification for the Anacortes Marina is Class A

(Excellent).

The samples were collected in the Anacortes Marina between 1225 and 1300

on September 12, 1973. Water quality data for Anacortes is presented in

-7
! organisms.,

b. Total coliform

Total coliform organisms were greater than 240 MPN/100 ml at one loca-

tion in the interior of the marina.

c. Total grease and oil

Total grease and oil concentration was 2.6 mg/1 at the sample station

near the U. S. Coast Guard Station. This was also the sample station with

the high count for total coliform organisms. Total grease and oil concen-

tration was less than 1.0 mg/1 at all other sample stations within and ub

the vicinity of the marinas.

d. Bioassay

i * f
, '• -_ Mean percent abnormal Pacific oyster larvae exceeded 20 percent at only

one station in the Anacortes marina. Relative survival, compared to the

control group from Clam Bay was also very low at this sample station.

5., Point Defiance Marina

a. General

The Point Defiance Marina is located on Dalco Passage in Puget Sound

near the City of Tacoma, Washington. The marina is adjacent to the ASARCO

smelter. Be^c^aJLesNjE^m^'s^Bg-^nd'^or^a^rNxunof^ the

smelter operation provides a source of highly toxic waste.

The water course classification for the Point Defiance Marina is Class

AA (Extraordinary).
-------

•MB^MV
••••••
I
"T\
1
1

mw«
I , ,, ' ^
• . . . •. • ' > !..,
, ' l ,; j'f.. ?'• -'r. ; ' '
1 1 1 1 III II ' '
MM 1 1 1 II . i ,i l / i,
.II.IM i i-'vir^ij'^!'!'.'"
"1 I '' "M " ' "I"!' A' i I l
n~ H 1 1 Plm '•'^•'-•) •''•''•''• '/-':-^-
e .- ii^fS^'^:
J-.LLn J H | | 1 1 1 1 LU .^.^j ^.;j^,JrK 1;-,
3 . ;'.'•'•.. : i'S-'-l/^yii-''!-^'1
1 1 1 1 1 -!-i-^- II |l|'!lrl?1 X^
,500
-------
Samples were taken at the Point Defiance Marina during the period

between 1410 and 1505 on September 12, 1972. The data is contained in

Table A.III.l) of Appendix III and in Appendix IV.

b. Total Coliforms Organisms

Total coliform organisms were low at all sample locations within and in

the vicinity of the Point Defiance Marina. It is likely that the low counts

are caused by the high toxicity of the tailing leachates, associated smelter

operations and the marina itself, rather than by the absence of bacterial

sources. — --- ,--^.v/- - --•/', / ,,'*-'* -'- > -'-'-/Y' ' "' '"''' ''"-V;'•'•''* '
A' /"'' " •••••--- ,': .'-' .'. '., '"•' .•'-.- .^, ',-',,' ••''•'I - •"-_.. , - I'"----'"
c. Total grease and oil ' ' /" '"'" ''"'" * ' ' ' " /-'-.-,

A maximum value of 3.1 mg/1 total grease and oil was found at one station

in the interior of the marina. Total grease and oil was less than 1.0 mg/1

at all other stations.

d. Bioassay

Mean percent abnormality of Pacific oyster larvae development in samples

taken from Point Defiance Marina exceeded 20% at every sample station, in-

cluding the control. Percent mortality was also high at three of the four

stations within the marina.

e. Aesthetics

The Point Defiance marina was the only marina visited during the summer

surveys where water pollution was specifically encouraged. A well constructed

and neatly painted sign, located on the bank, instructed marina users to

"DUMP OLD OIL HERE" where it could run down the rocks into the waters of

Puget Sound, .
*7" '"'/•-/"
DISCUSSION
^ ^ The quality of water within a marina is determined by marina siting,
£<''
design and operation, as well as by adjacent water and land use. Even under
$0 /sS
, /',v/,^x/ideal circumstances, it is difficult to completely eliminate the discharge

,-'_. ,'/,•/,'/ .:.";"<•' - ' •'"'"•• *' ~ ^,,
-------

-------
of pollutants to & marina. Furthermore, the specific purpose of the marina

as a ,shelter inhibits mixing and exchange. The net result of marina construc-

tion can only be, at best, the maintenance of existing water quality. Under

less than ideal conditions, the construction of a marina can result in the

deterioration of water quality.

The siting, design and operation of future marinas should be carefully

planned. From the point of view of water quality the elements described in

the following section should be included in the construction of any marina.

1. Siting

Mixing and exchange

From the standpoint of water quality, the best site locations for marinas

are in areas where mixing and exhcange characteristics are good. Small, un-

restricted embayments along open shorelines, or in estuary where there is an

adequate high quality fresh-water flow are examples of good locations. Sites

at the landward end of long or restricted embayments are examples of poor

locations.

In general, the time required to renew the water in a tidally influenced

embayment is a function of at least the following valuables: f

Q The average discharge into the embayment due to tidal influences

•*>itl

cubic meters/second,

V The volume of the embayment of MLLW cubic meters
'

The coefficient of eddy diffusivity, square meters/second,

the cross-sectional area of the opening between the enbayment

and open water, square meters,

I the distance from the opening to the marina site, meters,
*-
-------
Q£ , The rate of discharge to the embayment from sources other

than the tide, cubic meters/second

The renewal time,
-------
The rate of decay of some conservative constituent, ^- , is then given

approximately by:
C = C0 e ^

where,

Co = the initial concentrations

The steady-state concentration of the constituent, C , for the case of

a constant discharge,
d -
where,
C = the concentration of the discharge
waste
For the marinas which were examined intensively, typical values of the

^
various times, \^ f\ ££ G-^\£ *— L AA( are §iven in Table

' <„*/*' V"^'1*'
.^ ----- . __ $if?-'
^-^ ^ *^>lr

Similarly, the composite water quality score,-- Z^ //^*?» is plotted in
Figure 6.1 as a function of the total flushing time,

Adjacent water use

Due to the fact that marinas are designed to inhibit mixing, marinas

should be located in areas where adjacent water use is not adversely affecting

water quality. The construction of a marina tends to accentuate any water
-------
quality problems which are already in existence.

Of the marinas studied during the summer of 1973, adjacent water use was

good at the Edmonds, Kingston, Shilshole Bay, Cornet Bay and Skyline marinas;

fair at Port Townsend; and poor at Port Angeles, Squalicum and Point Defiance.

Adjacent Land Use

The use of land adjacent to the marina can also have an impact upon water

quality. Marinas should, therefore, not be located where point and non-point

discharges will contribute significantly to the marina waste load.

The only marina which was located well, with respect to adjacent land

use was the Cornet Bay marina. Adjacent land use at Skyline marina is good

at present, but this will not be the case if development proceeds as planned.

Adjacent land use was fair at Edmonds, Shilshole, Port Townsend, Kingston,

Port Angeles, Anacortes and Squalicum; and poor at Point Defiance.

2. Marina Design

Number and orientation of openings

The rate of exchange between a marina and the water outside the

marina is a function of the number and orientation of the marina openings.

If the marina has more than one opening, or has an exceptionally large open-

ing, there may be some of the source water which flows completely through

the marina during a tidal cycle. The amount of flow through will depend upon

the opening sizes, the range of the tide compared to the depth of the marina

and the orientation of the openings with respect to the direction the tidal

current is moving.

If the inflowing water to the marina on the flooding stage of the tide

is, Qin, and the outflow, Qout, then the volume rate of change within the

Marina, V , is
-------
Qin - Qout
Assuming that the flow through ratio, o^ » where:
Qout
" Qin

is relatively constant over the tidal cycle, the effect of flow-through can

be determined. The mass balance method, for a well mixed system (see Appendix

Ili. )> has been used to analyze this effect for a typical marina and tidal

conditions in Puget Sound. The results for values of o^ ranging from 0.0

to 0.95 are given in Figure (o.\

The two marinas with multiple openings which were part of the field study

program were Shilshole and Squalicum. In both cases the orientation of the

openings is such that maximum flushing efficiency is not attained. Current

studies by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers showed that there was almost no

flow-through at Squalicum during the period of study, flow-through

at Shilshole was better, although half the current measurements showed no

flow-through. • ~

The water quality studies in Shilshole showed that the dissolved oxygen

decreased and the temperature increased with distance from the openings. This
-(tt r//?-^
implies thaf'flow-through^was not completely effective in renewing the marina

waters. The data from Squalicum is not conclusive in this regard because no

measurements were made at stations outside the marina.

Opening size and aspect ratio
/V
It was shown in an earlier section that the diffusion time^ L ^ ti could

be written approximately as
-------
Characteristic Mixing Times
Edmonds

Squalicum

Shilshole

Kingston

Port Townsend
Diffusion, '-^.ff
(Days)
19.9
7.6
23.7
0.7
13.9
Tidal^
(Days)
0.6
1.6
0.8
0.8
1.6
*I ' 1
Table 6.1 Characteristic mixing times, t, diff and u tide for

each of the marinas studied by an intensive survey
-------
o
o
M
c
E.
N
T
R
A
T
I
O
N
P
P
n
- O.O
o
4.1.
Tine. - HOURS

o
V
-t l«x> -
X
-------
'/ •'/ XI / /
'Although/Half tbje current measurements

/The1 water quality s^d/Les i/ Shils>iole

decreased and the temperature i/ncr/easfed wi
ill I i / /•' ' * ' I

I / / / \ll /
This implies that fIqw-thro

marina waters. T
sh
rough/was n
The flatayfrom Sfluali
cause no measurements /were made at
jenir g
j was shown in
be written [approxijj
oxygen
:um is
sizfe and fefspect rdtio
an earliat section th
ately as
stati
could
L
where, in this, instance,
Ax
The cross-sectional area of the opening between the

embayment and open water, square meters,

the volume of the marina at MLLW, cubic meters,

the maximum distance from any point in the marina to the

opening, meters,

The eddy diffusivity, square meters/second
-------
The coefficient of eddy diffusivity, ^ , can be written as a function
of some length scale. From an examination of a large number of field measure-
ments Pearson (1956) obtained the relationsh:
*/*>
where,
L
the characteristic size of some eddy, meters.
Typically, Lc could be taken as the minimum dimension of the embayment,
The diffusion/ (^ \ Gf , can then be written:
, V
VlAv-V-oO X/\
v *&S*-« L£
where,
/
x=
L
From Equation (
) , it is evident that the diffusion time,
rP is directly proportional to the aspect ratio, f\ , and
inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area, Ax. Diffusion times can
be minimized by decreasing the aspect ratio, \ , and increasing the entrance
opening, AX.
Kingston Cove, the marina with the highest composite water quality score,
has an aspect ratio of approximately one and the width of the opening is very
nearly equal to the maximum dimension of the marina.
-------
It is also worth pointing out that a limited opening can restrict the

flow and, therefore, the tidal exchange between the marina and open water.

This problem is somewhat more difficult to analyze. Physical models such as

those used by Lewis (1972) or numerical models (Callaway, Byram and Ditsworth

(1969)] should be used to analyze this problem.

Pier length, spacing and design

. Piers within the marina can also restrict mixing and have a particularly

important effect upon floatable material, In the marinas for which the pier

length was of the same order as the dimensions of the marina, floatable

material remained for several tidal cycles.

At Shilshole Bay Marina, the existence of backwaters and stagnant eddies,

resulted in the accumulation of unsightly debris. These backwaters were

apparently a result of improper pier and bulkhead design.

3. Marina Operation

In most of the marinas studied during the survey, the operators seemed

to have a genuine interest in making their marina compatible with environ-

mental quality. The one notable exception to this was the marina at Point

Defiance.

Three matters which deserve special attention in the operation of

marinas!are:

i The handling of fuel and other petroleum products

ii Control of litter

iii Control of discharge from ship-board toilets

Recommendations

Review of proposed marina projects should consider the following

recommendations as minimum criteria for maintaining water quality:
-------
1. Marinas sKould be sited in areas where exchange and mixing charac-

/T**"
teristics are adequate. The mixing time, L , should be less than one day.

2. Land and water use adjacent to the proposed marina site should be

of high quality.

3. Marinas should contain multiple openings. These openings should be

oriented in such a way so as to obtain maximum flow through efficiency. Phy-

sical and/or numerical models should be used to determine the best opening

orientation.

A. Cross-sectional area of openings between the marina and open water

should be as large as practicable. The aspect ratio, or ratio of maximum

length dimension to minimum length dimension should be near one.

5. The diffusion time, V. \ ft, should be less than one day.

6. Pier lengths should be less than one-half the minimum length dimen-

sion of the marina and pier spacing should be greater than the pier length.

VII. BEYOND WATER QUALITY

Most of the remarks contained within this report have been directed

towards preserving the quality of a water body. The guidelines developed by

the State of Washington's Department of Fisheries address the problem of fish

passage. These are only two aspects of a very complex problem, that of land

and water use. There has been an attempt in this report to describe other

aspects of the land and water use of marinas, but much work remains to be done.

As competition for use of the shorelines increases, it is important that

planning, developing and regulatory agencies attempt to maximize use options.

The result may be less development in some instances. Coming to terms with

this concept is an essential ingredient for planning future boat storage and

launching facilities.
-------
Appendix II

Calculations of various physical and tidal characteristics were made

for each of the marinas studied with an intensive survey. These characteris-

tics included:

1. Average depth at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW)

2. Average Depth at Mean Tide Level (MTL)

3. Average Depth at Mean Higher High Water (MHHW)

4. Mean Tidal Range

5. Surface Area

6. Volume at Mean Lower Low Water (MLLW).

7. Volume at Mean Higher High Water (MHHW)

8. Tidal Prism

The tidal prism, Vp, is the difference between the volume at Mean

Higher High Water and Mean Lower Low Water.

9. Approximate number of moorages

The approximate number of moorages was obtained from the

10. Exchange Ratio

The exchange ratio, Re, is the ratio of the tidal prism, Vp, to
the volume at MHHW, Vmhhw:
The flushing time, Te, is the number of tidal cycles required to completely

exchange the water within ?.n embayinent. It is given by the reciprocal of the

exchange ratio:
-------
12. Time to J JQ, for High Range
The time required for a conservative constituent, C , in a marina to
reach »/£. (0.368) of its original value was determined from the mass balance:
(?
out
at
where
V = the total volume of the marina,
Q^ = the instantaneous rate of flow into the marina,
C = the concentration of constituent, C .flowing into the marina
0. . = the instantaneous rate of flow out of the marina
Equation (A. II. 3) was solved for a high tidal range.
13. Time to \/Q for Mid Range
Similar to paragraph 12. above except that a medium tidal range was used.
14. Time to '/^ for Low Range
Similar to paragraph 12. above, except that a low tidal range was used.
15. Characteristic Diffusion Time
The characteristic diffusion time, IA/» is given by:
= VMTL L
HA*
Ax.
where:
»K\TL = the. volume at Mean Tide Level
L = the maximum distance from any point in the marina to
the entrance,
-------
Average Depth at MLLW 2.9 Meters (9.5 Feet)

Average Depth at MIL 4.9 Meters (16.0 Feet)

Average Depth at MHHW 6.3 Meters ( 20.6 Feet)

Mean Tidal Range 2.3 Meters (7.5 Feet)

Surface Area 48496 Sq Meters ( 522,000 Square Feet)

Volume at MLLW 140995 CuMeters(4,979,000 Cubic Feet)

Volume at MHHW305069 CuMetersfl0,773,000 Cubic Feet)

Tidal Prism 164074 Cu Meters,.( S',794,000 Cubic Feet)
Approximate Number
of Moorages
TABLE A II.I PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
FOR THE EDMONDS MARINA
-------
Exchange Ratio

Flushing Time
0.54

1.86 Tidal Cycles
Time to i/e
for High Range

Time to i/e
for Mid Range

Time to i/e
for Low Range
0.25 Days

0.67 Days

1.21 Days
Characteristic
Diffusion Time
19.9 Days
TABLE A II.2
EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS
FOR THE EDMONDS MARINA
-------
Average Depth at MLLW

Average Depth at MIL

Average Depth at MHHW
3.5 Meters (H.6 Feet)

5.1 Meters (16.8 Feet)
^ i

6.2 Meters (20.2 Feet>
Mean Tidal Range
2.6 Meters ( 8.6 Feet)
Surface Areal85848 Sq Meters (2^000,400 Square Feet)
Volume at MLLW 658221 Cu ;"(23,244,000
Meters
Volume at MHHW 487152 Cu.. . (40,447,000

Tidal Prism 487152 Cu Meters_ (17,203,000
Cubic Feet)

Cubic Feet)

Cubic Feet)
Approximate Number
of Moorages
TABLE A II.3 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
SQUALICUM SMALL BOAT BASIN
-------
Exchange Ratio

Flushing Time
0.43

2.34 Tidal Cycles
Time to i/e
for High Range

Time to i/e
for Mid Range

Time to i/e
for Low Range
1.08 Days

1.63 Days

2.21 Days
Characteristic
Diffusion Time
7.6 Days
TABLE A II.4
EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE
SQUALICUM SMALL BOAT BASIN
-------
Average Depth at MLLW 5.5 Meters (18.0 Feet)
\

Average Depth at MIL 7.5 Meters (24.6 Feet)
s s
Average Depth at MHHW 8.9 Meters (29.3 Feet)

Mean Tidal Range 2.3 Meters (7.6 Feet)

*» x
Surface Area 341892'Sq Meters (3,680,000 Square Feet)
Volume at MLLW 1875776 Cu i (66,240,000 Cubic Feet)
Meters

Volume at MHHW 3053347 C£eter|l 07*824,000 Cubic Feet)
•^

Tidal Prism 1177344 Cu Meters (41,576,000 Cubic Feet)
Approximate Number 1 H" ^1 f
of Moorages
TABLE A II.5 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF THE SHILSHOLE MARINA
-------
Exchange Ratio

Flushing Time
0.39

2.59 Tidal Cycles
Time to i/e
for High Range

Time to i/e
for Mid Range

Time to i/e
for Low Range
0.55 Days

0.79 Days

1.21 Days
Characteristic
Diffusion Time
23.7 Days
TABLE A II.6
EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS
FOR THE SHILSHOLE MARINA
-------
Average Depth at MLLW
Average Depth at MIL
Average Depth at MHHW
3.5 Meters (11.6 Feet)
5.5 Meters (18.1 Feet)
6.9 Meters (22.7 Feet)
Mean Tidal Range
2.3 Meters (7.5 Feet)
Surface Area 46453-Sq Meters (500,000 Square Feet)
Volume at MLLW 164244 Cu Meter(5,8.00,000
V r
Volume at MHHW 321408 Cu Meterll.350,000"
Tidal Prism 157164 Cu Meters ( 5,550,000
Cubic Feet)
Cubic Feet)
Cubic Feet")
Approximate Number \\L?
of Moorages
TABLE A II.7 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF KINGSTON COVE MARINA
-------
Average Depth at MLLW

Average Depth at MIL

Average Depth at MHHW
3.4 Meters (1,1.2 Feet)

4.9 Meters (16.2 Feet)

5.9 Meters 09.5 Feet)
Mean Tidal Range
1.6 Meters ( 5.3 Feet)
Surface Area 63815 Sq Meters ( 686,880 Square Feet)
Volume at MLLW 217481 Cu Meter(7,680,000 Cubic Feet)

Volume at MHHW 320558 Cu (11,32(^000. Cubic Feet)
Meters ..'.. t ' ">
Tidal Prism 103077 Cu Meters (3,640,000 Cubic Feet)
Approximate Number
of Moorages
TABLE A II.9 PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
THE PORT TOWNSEND MARINA
-------
Exchange Ratio 0.32

Flushing Time 3.1 Tidal Cycles
Time to i/e
for High Range 1.17 Days

Time to i/e
for Mid Range 1.61 Days

Time to i/e
for Low Range 2.21 Days
Characteristic ril\
Diffusion Time 13,9 Days
TABLE A 11.10 EXCHANGE CHARACTERISTICS FOR
THE PORT TOWNSEND MARINA
-------
f'J /s* '
#?«& *?
APPENDIX IV
MARINiA WATER QUALITY -
BASED ON PACIFIC OYSTER EMBRYO RESPONSE
General Approach
The quality of marina waters collected from selected
sites in and around Puget Sound was determined by ths oyster
embryo bioassay. The development and survival of embryos
of the Pacific oyster, rCra_ss_qst_rea gjlgas. served as tho
criteria for measuring the quality of these waters.
(Samole Collection)
Surface water samples were collected September 12, 1973
from sampling stations established within or near marinas
located in Port Angeles, Burrows Bay, Cornet Bay, Anacortes,
end at Point Defiance. The samples were transported by
aircraft to the laboratory in 1-gallon polyethylene containers.

(Bioassay Procedure)
Duplicate 1-liter portions of each marina water sample
were bioassayed immediately upon receipt according to the
general biosssgy procedure described by Woolko (1972).
Seawater pumped from Clam Bay (belcw EPA pier, Manchester,
Washington) was used as the "bioassay control."
Spawnino was induced in oysters harvested from Cedrick*s
Beach and conditioned by personnel of the Washington State
Department of Fisheries Shellfish Laboratory, Brinnon, Wash.
Each liter of seawater was inoculated with approximately
2.99 X 10* developing oyster embryos. The cultures were
covered with brown paper and incubated fcr 48 hours at
about 18-20 C. Termination of the assay was achieved by
-------
-2
filtering the cultures through a 35 ;um Nitex screen.
Materials retained by the screen were quantitatively
transferred to glass vials and preserved with 5^ formalin.
Normal and abnormal oyster larvae were enumerated under
a "microscope at 100X.
Per cent ahnorm?} larvae. v a 1u e s were based on the
proportion of abnormal larvae to the total number of larvae
(normal and abnormal larvae) in each sample. Relative p°r
cent survival values were based on the total number of larvae
(normal and abnormal larvae) in each sample compared with
the total number of larvae in the "bioassay control" sample.

Results
The response of Pacific oyster embryos to the various
marina waters assayed is presented in Table 1.
Embryo responses to marina waters were generally
characterized by higher rates of larval abnormality and
embryo survival than were displayed by embryo populations
exposed to Clam Bay water (bioassay control). These
differences may indeed have reflected basic differences,
other than pH, temperature, or salinity, in the ability of
marina waters and Clam Bay water to support developing
embryos. It is also possible, however, that differences in
the collection and transport procedures used contributed
to some of the differences observed.
Although these differences in response make
interpretation of the assay results more difficult, they
do not preclude the application of Uloelke's (1972) proposed
quality criterion for marine waters used for fish or
shellfish reproduction, rearing, or harvesting. Accordingly,
those marina waters yielding more than 20°? abnormal larvae
exceeded Woelke's sinole sample quality criterion. The
proportion of water samples collected from each marina
-------
Tnblo 1. Continued
Sample
Number
Culture
Number
Time Sampling
Collected Location
pH
Salinity
o/oo
Oyrstr?^ Fmbryo R(=r:oonr.o
Mean % Abnormal
Larvae
Relative 5?
Survival
CORNET BAY MARINA
37151
37154
37152
37150

37155
37156
37158
37157
39-40
35-36
37-38
41-42

43-44
•45-46
49-50
47-48
1155
1115
1120
1140

1300
1225
1240
1230
Station 5
Station 1
Station 2
Gas Dock
Station 4
ANACORTES

Station 6
Station 1
"E" & "F",
Station 3
Station 5
- Control

- Pier "A"

MARINA
i
- Control
- Between
Near shore
- Gas dock

7
7
7
7

7
7
7
7
.7
.8
c9
.4

.5
.8
.7
.4
29
30
30
30

29
29
29
27
.1
.2
.3
.1

,7
.4
.1
.2
14.1
8.96
6.92
11 .8

7.74
11.2
28.0
10.8
139
106
122
121

120
106
3
87

.23
.1
POINT DEFIANCE MARINA
37125
37126
37127
37124
37129
53-54
51-52
57-58
55-56
59-60
1505
1435
1415
1440
1410
Station 6
Station 1
Station 2
Station 3
Station 4
- Control

- Gas dock
7
7
7
7
7
.6
.9
.9
.5
.7
30
28
29
28
29
.1
.5
.7
.2
.6
61 .8
100
100
b
MB m» tm •» •*
100
130
18
21
0
100

.3
.1

b 100# mortality
-------
that were In this catngory Is shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Proportion of marina water samples exceeding
Woelke's (1972) proposed marine water quality
criterion.

o
Per Cent of Samples
Marina Locations Yielding >20$ Abnormal
Larvae
Burrows Bay 0
Cornet Bay 0
Anacortes 25
Port Angeles 50
Point Defiance 100
a
Including marina controls
Water quality in the Burrows Bay and Cornet Bay marinas
appeared to be relatively good. The Anacortes and Port
Angeles marinas had water of only fair quality, while the
quality of water in the vicinity of the Point Defiance marina
appeared to be relatively poor.
More intensive sampling of these marinas on a seasonal
basis would provide needed year-round information on marina
water quality. Such an effort would also help determine if
marina-associated activities were actually responsible for
the deterioration in marina water quality observed during
this survey.
-------
Referrnres
Woelko, C.E. 1972. Dovelopment of a receiving water
quality criterion based on the 48-hour Pacific oyster
(C_rasso3trea gioas) embryo. Washington State Department
of Fisheries, Technical Report No. 9, 93p.
Submitted byt
Joseph M. Cummins, Biologist
EPA, Manchester Laboratory
Manchester, Washington
-------
ijable 1 . Response of Pacific oyster embryos to waters collected from selected marinas in and
around Puget Sounde
Sample
Number

38103

38102

38100
38101

38104
38105

38106
^38107
,38109
;38111
36110
38108
r
Culture
Number
1_
-------
Bibliography

Bowerman, F. R., and Chen, K. Y.

1971. Marina del Ray: A study of environmental variables in
a semi-enclosed coastal water. University of Southern
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Brandsma, M. G., Lee, J. J. and Bowerman, F. R.

1973. Marina del Ray: Computer simulation of Pollutant transport
in semi-enclosed water body, University of Southern
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Brown and Caldwell

1958. Metropolitan Seattle sewerage and drainage survey. Report
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Callaway, R. J., Byram, K. V. and Ditsworth, G. R.

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Fischer, H. B.

1970. A method of predicting pollutant transport in tidal waters.
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Lay ton, J. A.

1971. Hydraulic and flushing characteristics of a small craft
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thesis.
-------
Lewis, L. L.
1972.
A hydraulic model study of the tidal flushing characteristics
of two alternative small boat basin designs. University
of Washington. M. S. thesis.
Nece, R. E. and Richey, E. P.
1972.
Woelke, C. F.
Flushing characteristics of small boat marinas. Proceedings
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engineering. Vancouver, Canada.
1972. Development of a receiving water quality criterion leased
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for protection of fish and shellfish resources. Olympia,
Washington
-------