REPORT ON THE
WATER QUAUTY OF LOWER LAKE
MICHIGAN, CALUMET RIVER, GRAND
CALUMET RIVER, LITTLE CALUMET RIVER
AND WOLF LAKE
By
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY 1966 THRU JUNE 1966
ILLINOIS - INDIANA
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region, Chicago, Illinois
October, 1966
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STATUS REPORT ON THE
CALUMET AREA POST ACTION SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FOR THE PERIOD
JANUARY THROUGH JUNE 1966
ILLINOIS-INDIANA
U. S. Department of the Interior
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Great Lakes Region, Chicago, Illinois
October 1966
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
TABLE OF CONTENTS I
LIST OF FIGURES II
PROJECT PERSONNEL III
INTRODUCTION 1
BACKGROUND
Authority and Organization 2
Purpose and Scope 3
Description of Area k
Cities and Industries 5
DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS
Stream and Harbor Sampling Program 7
Beach Sampling Program 7
Hydraulic Measurements Program 7
Automatic Monitoring Program 8
Biological Surveying Program 9
CONCLUSIONS 11
PART I - WATER QUALITY
Stream and Harbor Sampling 12
Station 1 - Grand Calumet River at Pennsylvania RR Br. 13
. Station 2 - Indiana Harbor Canal at 151st St. 16
Station 3 - Indiana Harbor Canal at Dickey Rd. 18
Stations k, 5 & 6 - Indiana Harbor 20
Station 7 - Grand Calumet River at Indiana Harbor Belt 23
RR Bridge
Station 8 - Little Calumet River at Wentworth Ave. 24
Station^ 9 & 10 - Wolf Lake and Outlet 26
Stations 11, 12 & 13 - Calumet Harbor 28
PART II- BEACH SAMPLING PROGRAM 30
Procedure 30
Data Analyses 31
PART III- AUTOMATIC MONITORING
Description of Facilities 34
Evaluation of Results 35
Proposed Improvements 36
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LIST OF FIGURES
Following Page
Location Map Calumet Area
Table 1-1 Chemical Quality of Water - Station 1 15
T-2 " " " " " 2 IT
T— 3 " " " " " ^ 19
T-h. " " " " " 4 22
it T_I^ " " " " " *\ 22
1-6 " " " " "6 22
ii T_7 " " " " " 7 2^
ii T-8 " " " " " 8 25
M T-Q " " " " " Q 27
1-10 " " " " " 10 2?
I, ]._!_•,_ „ „ i. „ n 1]L 29
M 1-12 " " " " " 12 29
n T-13 " " " " " 13 29
Figure 1-1 Total Coliform Stream Sampling Stations 29
ti T P J! n !l II !l PQ
" 1-3 Fecal Streptococci Stream Sampling Stations 29
ii T—h. " " " " " ?Q
" 1-5 Fecal Coliform Stream Sampling Stations 29
ti *r ^T n ti ii ti n PQ
Tablo II- 1 32
Figure II-l Total Coliform Beach Sampling 33
II-2 Fecal Streptococci Beach Sampling 33
II-3 Fecal Coliform " " 33
Figure III-l Indiana Harbor Monitor - Temp. vs. time 36
III-2 " " " - pH vs. time 36
III-3 " " " - Conductivity vs. time 36
': " " - Dissolved Oxygen vs. time 36
II
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PERSONNEL
Raymond E. Johnson
Project Director until Sept. 23, 1966
Robert J. Bovden
Sanitary Engineer
Acting Director after Sept. 23, 1966
David E. Vaughn
Sanitary Engineer until Aug. 23, 1966
Harold A. Bond
MicroMologist until Sept. 2, 1966
Diane P. Gavel
Chemist
Anne Byrne
Microbiologist after Sept. 19, 1966
Joseph V. Slovick
Aq.ua.tic Sampler - Hydraulics Technician
William J. Degutis
Aquatic Sampler - Monitor Technician
Daniel ChorowicM
Aquatic Sampler
Lillian Ehlert
Secretary
III
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INTRODUCTION
Part I of this report presents an evaluation of the progress made
toward improved water quality in the Calumet Area as of June 30> 1966.
This evaluation is based on the results, of the sampling program of the
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration's Calumet Area Post Action
Surveillance Project. The waters reported on include the Grand Calumet
River, the Indiana Harbor Canal, Indiana Harbor, the Little Calumet River,
Wolf Lake and its outlet and Calumet Harbor.
Part II is an evaluation of the bacteriological quality of eight
beaches on Lake Michigan and one on Wolf Lake which are located within
the study area. This evaluation covers the entire 1966 bathing season and
ts based on the surveillance project's own sampling program, data provided
by the Chicago Park District and data provided by the Indiana Board of
Health.
Part III is a report on the status of the surveillance project and
its future prospectus.
The cooperation provided by the Indiana Stream Pollution Control
Board, the Illinois Sanitary Water Board, the Metropolitan Sanitary District
of Greater Chicago, the United States Coast Guard and others in supplying
valuable information and facilities is gratefully acknowledged.
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Background
Authority and Organization
A conference on pollution of the interstate waters of the Grand
Calumet River, Little Calumet River, Calumet River, Wolf Lake, Lake Michi-
gan and their tributaries, called by the Secretary of Health, Education and
Welfare under the provisions of Section 8 of the Federal Water Pollution
Control Act (33 USC k66 et. seq.) was held in Chicago, Illinois March 2-9,
1965.
Paragraph No. 1^ of the Conclusions and Recommendations of the
Conferees for this conference provided that "Surveillance will be the primary
responsibility of the Indiana Stream Pollution Control Board, the Illinois
Sanitary Water Board and the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater
Chicago. The Department of Health,Education and Welfare will make available
a resident technical group and visiting groups of experts which will assist
the State agencies and the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago
at such time as requested by them."
The State of Indiana, on April 6, 1965, and the State of Illinois, on
April 16, 1965, requested an extensive sampling program by the Federal
governnent to monitor the water quality in the Calumet Area. The Metropolitan
Sanitary District has not formally requested a sampling program, but-has
requested laboratory assistance in the analysis of samples they have collected ,
and in special studies they have conducted on chlorination of the effluent
from their sewage treatment plant. The Calumet Area .Surveillance Project was
organized in the latter part of June 1965 to fulfill the requirements of
paragraph No. 1^ and the requests- of the states.
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On January 1, 1966 the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
was created within the Department of Health, Education and Welfare and
incorporated the surveillance project.
On May 10, 1966 the Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
was transferred from the Department of Health, Education and Welfare to the
U. S. Department of the Interior.
Purpose and Scope
The purpose of the Calumet Area Surveillance Project is to assess
the progress in the abatement of pollution in the conference area in coopera-
tion with appropriate state and local agencies. This is being accomplished
through a sampling program to monitor the water quality at various locations
within the conference area and a series of electronic water quality monitors
Pbo continuously monitor the water quality at selected key points in the
basin. Stream flow measurements are being made so that laboratory analyses
in milligrams per liter can be converted to pounds per day. The information
obtained through federal, state and local sampling programs and the informa-
tion furnished by the industries to the state or other responsible agencies
on the quality and quantity of their waste flows are evaluated.
Reports are prepared and presented to the Conferees and reconvened
conferences on the current water quality and the progress toward abatement
of the pollution.
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Description of Area
The Calumet area is a flat plain located at the southern end of Lake
Michigan and includes the Calumet-Little Calumet River system, the Grand Calu-
met-Indiana Harbor Canal system, Wolf Late and its outlet. It includes
approxiaately JkQ sq. miles and forms a part of the continental divide between
the Mississippi River Basin and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.
Approximately 60$ of the area drains to Lake Michigan and the remaining hdff>
drains to the Mississippi River by way of the Illinois River. Despite this
fact the area is not well drained. There are large, marshy, low-lying areas
which a:re subject to flooding during and after heavy rainfalls. The streams
are slu^jgish and meandering except where they have been artificially maintained
and/or (supplemented by industrial or municipal waste flows.
r.?he Grand Calumet and the Little Calumet Rivers both traverse the divide.
On the Grand Calumet the divide is normally located at the Hammond, Indiana
Sewage treatment plant outfall. Approximately two thirds of the effluent
flows west into the Calumet River in Illinois and one third flows east to
the Indiana Harbor Canal and Lake Michigan. Rainfall and lake level conditions
can caufie the divide to shift to either the east or the west.
Otoe location of the divide on the Little Calumet River is not definite
and varies over a distance of several miles in the vicinity of Highland,
Indiana. The western portion flows to the Cal-Sag Channel in Illinois which
connects the system to the Illinois River. The eastern portion flows to lake
Michigan by way of Burns Ditch which discharges to the lake near Ogden Dunes,
Indiana.
Flow in the Calumet River is controlled by the O'Brien Lock and is
directed from Lake Michigan to the Cal-Sag Channel except during periods of
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M I C H I G A N
— LAKE-
CALUMET SCWAOC
TREATMENT PLANT
Bin* lilond Lock> \
(10
^^ //////,
CALUMET AREA SURVEILANCE PROJECT
LOCATION MAP
CALUMET AREA
U5.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AOMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
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heavy flooding or unusually low lake levels.
The Indiana Harbor Canal,which was completed in 1903,connects the
Grand Calumet River to Lake Michigan. The Grand Calumet River east of the
Hammond Sewage Treatment Plant outfall is tributary to Lake Michigan through
the canal.
Wolf Lake is located on the Illinois-Indiana state line between
Chicago, Illinois and Hammond, Indiana. The original outlet from Wolf Lake
to I/ike Michigan has been blocked and an outlet to the Calumet River in
Chicago has been constructed. The City of Hammond maintains a park which
occupies most of the Indiana shoreline of the lake. This park and the lake
are extensively used for recreation. The Illinois portion of the lake is
a part of the Wolf Lake Conservation Area.
Cities and Industries
The major population centers in the area are East Chicago, Gary,
Hammond and Whiting, in Indiana; and Calumet City, Chicago Heights and a
part of the south side of Chicago in Illinois. The area is highly industrial-
ized. There are ten major steel mills including the united States Steel
Corporation's Gary Works, Gary Sheet and Tin Mill, Youngstown Sheet and Tube
Company, and Inland Steel Company in Indiana and United States Steel's South
Works, the Wisconsin Steel Company, the Interlake Iron Corporation, the
Republic Steel Corporation and the Acme'Steel Company in Illinois. There
are five petroleum, refineries including the American Oil Company, the Cities
Service Petroleum. Company, the Mobil Oil Company, and the Sinclair Refining
Company, in Indiana and the Clark Oil and Refining Co. in Illinois. Other
industries include Lever Brothers, Union Carbide Chemical, I.E. Du Pont,
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M. & T. Chemicals, American Maize and a large number of smaller concerns.
!Phese industries are located in three major groups. One group is
concentrated along the Calumet River in Illinois. Another is along the In-
diana Harbor Canal and the third is in Gary, Indiana and discharges to the
headwators of the Grand Calumet River. These three groups make the Calumet
Area on<; of the most important industrial centers in the nation.
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DESCRIPTION OF PROGRAMS
Stream and Harbor Sampling Program
During the period January to June 1966 thirteen stream and harbor
stations were sampled on a weekly basis for chemical and microbiological
quality determinations. Nine of these were sampled during the entire period.
The remaining four are lake stations that require a boat for sampling. These
were not sampled until March 31> 1966 due to ice and inclement weather on
the lake. The results of this program are presented in Part I of this report.
Beach Sampling Program
Sampling on seven beaches in the area was initiated on May 31, 19^6
and continued on a twice weekly basis until September 15, 1966. Six of
;these beaches are located on Lake Michigan and one on Woli1 Lake. Five of the
beaches were sampled at their mid-points in water approximately four feet
deep. Two beaches, Rainbow Beach and Calumet Inner Beach, were sampled at
two points each at the one third points. Samples were collected on Tuesday
and Thursday of each week and analyzed for total coliforms, fecal coliforms
and fecal streptococci. This program was coordinated with the beach sampling
programs of the Chicago Park District and the Indiana State Board of Health
and data was distributed freely among the agencies. The results of the beach
sampling program for the 1966 season are presented in Part II of this report.
Hydraulic Measurements Program
No gaging stations are maintained by the U. S. Geological Survey in
the Grand Calumet-Indiana Harbor Canal drainage system. Therefore, six con-
tinuous water level recorders have been installed on these streams. The
pstreams are being gaged at these stations so that rating curves can be
developed for each station. The stage vs discharge relationship in the lotver
7
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reaches of the Indiana Harbor Canal is seriously distorted by fluctuations
in the i-ake level. For this reason no stage recorders have "been installed
in this area. Special flow area and velocity studies are planned in order
to deteirmine the effect of the numerous industrial outlets in the area.
Enformation provided by the U. S. Geological Survey and the Metropoli-
tan Sanitary District will be used as the basis for flow calculations on
the Little Calumet Rive,r, the Calumet River and Wolf Lake Outlet.
rhe purpose of this program is to develop flow data for all of the
sampling stations in the surveillance area except for those located in Late
Michigan.
Automatic Monitoring Program
i
Many operations of the industries in the basin require discharge of
wastes on a batch basis, and wastes from these tanks may be dumped at any
time of the day, week, or month depending on the needs of the industry. These
discharges and accidental spills of oil or other pollutants could pass into
Lake Michigan or down the Illinois River unobserved by a once-a-week sampling
program.
During November 1965 an automatic water quality monitoring station was
instal]£d in Indiana Harbor at the East Breakwall Inner Light. This installa-
o
tion continuously records the dissolved oxygen, pH; conductivity and tempera-
ture oi* the water flowing past this point into Lake Michigan. A complete
report on this installation was given in the report covering the period June
through November 1965.
A second rnonito^ was installed during August 1966 to measure the same
parameters at the mouth of the Calumet River. This monitor replaces the semi-
portabiLe, temporary monitor that had been located there during 1965. A complete
8
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report on this new installation will "be presented in the report for the
June-December 1966 period. It is planned to mount the semi-portable monitor
in a boat and use it for profile studies of the various streams in the area.
This procedure should be of value in pinpointing specific sources of wastes
in the area.
An automatic sampling device will be installed on each monitor as soon
as it becomes available. This device will automatically collect a sample
when one or more of the parameters being monitored exceed certain limits.
Next year it is planned to install two additional monitors and a cen-
tral control station to which all the data will be continuously telemetered.
One monitor will be located at Wentworth Avenue on the Little Calumet River
and will monitor the quality of the water flowing across the State Line at
this point. The other will be located on the Grand Calumet River below the
industrial complex at Gary, Indiana. This will monitor pollutants discharged
to the headwaters of the stream and may enable warnings to be given to
downstream uses of the approaching pollution. Eventually a network of six
monitors is planned for the area. This network will be coordinated with the
monitoring systems of the states of Indiana and Illinois and of the Metro-
politan Sanitary District.
Biological Surveying Program
The kinds and numbers of aquatic plants and animals inhabiting a
particular body of water and the stream or lake bottom beneath it, reflect
the quality of the water that prevails in the area. Some organisms are
capable of withstanding polluted conditions and will multiply rapidly when
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competition from other less tolerant organisms is eliminated. These
pollution tolerant organisms include sludgeworms, bloodworms, leaches, blue
grean algae and pulmonate snails. In an unpolluted environment the number
of thesu organisms is restricted by competition from other species but when
the othur species are killed off by pollution they multiply rapidly. There-
fore, t'ie continuous or sudden introduction of toxic wastes, settleable
solids or oxygen consuming materials alters the composition of the benthic
popula.ti.on. A balanced population is not restored immediately upon the re-
turn of optimum water quality because of the lengths of the life cycles of
those organisms which vary from weeks to years. This fact makes it possible
to detest slugs of pollution that have passed through a sampling station.
fifteen substrate samples of the Bendy type were made and used in
the waters of the Calumet Area during October through November 1965 on an
experimsntal basis. The results obtained from these samples have been com-
pared with the more standard dredge samples that were taken at the same
time, rhe results of this experiment are presented as an appendix to this
report. Further experimentation with this sampling method is planned next
spring.
10
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Conclusions
1. The water quality in the Little Calumet River at the state line
has "been improved considerably since 1963 but still does not meet the proposed
criteria. There has been no significant change in water quality since 1965.
2. The microbiological quality of the Grand Calumet River-Indiana
Harbor Canal system has been improved considerably since 1965 due to separa-
tion of industrial and sanitary wastes. It is still not at an acceptable
level, however.
3. The industrial pollution problem of this system has not improved
since 1965 and has, if anything, become slightly worse. This is due to the
fact that the industrial waste treatment facilities of most of the industries
have not been completed and production in the area has increased.
k. Wolf Lake is a relatively clean body of water. The only pollution
problem of any significance is occasional spills of MBAS from Lever Brothers
Company and possibly batches of cyanide from an unknown source. Most of the
water quality criteria for this lake are being met.
5. The beaches in 1966 met the criteria for bathing beaches a greater
percentage of the time in 1966 than in 1965, but when they were polluted
the pollution was just as bad in 1966 as it was in 1965*
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PART I -WATER QUALITY
Stream and Harbor Sampling
Thirteen stream and harbor stations were sampled for bacteriological
and chemical quality during the first six months of 1966. Samples were
collected once each week except that stations requiring a boat could not be
sampled during severe weather. All stream stations were sampled at mid-stream
j
except for stations 6 and 11, which were sampled at the water quality monitor
intake. The samples for bacteriological analysis were taken at a depth of
6 inches to 1 foot. The samples for chemical analysis were taken at mid-depth
i
or 10 feet in the case of navigable channels.
All of the samples were immediately preserved and/or iced where required
in accordance with procedures established in "Standard Methods for Examination
of Water and Wastewater, 12th Edition, 1965." Laboratory analysis on samples
subject to deterioration was initiated on the same day they were collected.
Bacteriological analyses were performed in accordance with "Standard
Methods." Total coliform, fecal coliform and fecal streptococci counts were
made on each sample. The results of these analyses are presented in Figures
1-^ through 1-6 . All values in Figures I"1 through 1-6 and
in the following discussion are the number of organisms per 100 ml.
Chemical analyses were performed/in a ccordance with methods agreed upon
at the Calumet Area Enforcement Laboratory Director's Meeting held on April 29,
1965. The six laboratory conferees discussed the methods to be used by all
laboratories concerned with the Calumet Area Surveillance activities.
12
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Grand Calumet River at Pennsylvania R.R. Bridge (Station l)
This station is located upstream of the Gary Sewage Treatment Plant
where tiae bulk of the flow is industrial waste from the United States Steel
Company's complex at Gary, Indiana, which has waste discharges located approx-
imately two miles upstream.
'.Che nearest station for flow data is located four-tenths of a mile
downstream at Industrial Avenue. This station is below the outfall of the
Gary Seirage Treatment Plant, therefore another station, approximately one
mile up»tream at Bridge Street, has been gaged. The Pennsylvania R.R. bridge
is not suitable for a gaging station. Plows at the Pennsylvania R. R. bridge
should be somewhat higher than at Bridge Street because there is one tributary
which dmlns an area north of the river between them. The average of seven
gagings at Bridge Street between October 1965 and June 1966 is 652 cfs.
As shown in Figures 1-2, 1-4 and 1-6 the bacterial counts for January-
June 1966 have dropped considerably from the levels of June-November 1965.
Total Ccliforms varied from 130,000 to 100 with an average of 22,500 and a
median of 6,000. All of these values, while still high, are less than 10$
of their 1965 levels. Fecal Coliforms varied from 40,000 to less than 10
with an average of 5700 and a median of 1900. These values are also about
10$ of their 1965 levels. Fecal streptococci showed a similar but less drama-
tic decrease varying from 4,000 to 10 with an average of 740 and a median of
410 whidi are all less than 50$ of their 1965 levels.
Tioe fact that the 1966 data includes such cold months as January,
February and March while the 1965 data covers June through November, is
responsible for a part of this drop.
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The fact that a large amount of cooling water is discharged to the
stream tends to minimize this effect, however. The minimum temperature during
1966 was 10°C.
The major part of this decrease is due to the separation and diversion
of sanitary wastes from the U. S. Steel complex at Gary to the Gary sewage
treatment plant. Although there has been a considerable improvement in the
bacteriological quality of the stream it still does not meet the recommended
criteria for the Grand Calumet River which calls for a maximum total coliform
count of 5,000 except during periods of high runoff.
Further evidence of the reduction in domestic pollution is the increase
in dissolved oxygen which is shown in Table 1-1. The maximum DO increased
from 6.0 mg/1 in 1965 to 9.0 mg/1 in 1966 and the median increased from 3.7
mg/1 to 5.8 mg/1. Although a part of this difference is due to the colder
season covered by the 1966 data some of it must be attributed to the reduction
in sewage pollution. The effect of the cooling water and the fact that there
was no corresponding rise in BOD support this view.
There is still a serious industrial waste problem at this site. The
median pH of 6.9 remained the same in both 1965 and 1966. On June 3> 1966,
however, the pH was 3-60 and the sulphates concentration was 200 mg/1 compared
with a normal range of 50 ng/1 to TO mg/1. This data indicates that spent
pickling liquor was discharged from one or more of the upstream steel mills.
A deep well injection disposal system for this waste was due to go into opera-
tion during July 1966. It is hoped that this will eliminate discharges of
this nature.
Phenol rose from a mean of 28 ug/1. to a mean of 126 ug/1. Some of
this increase probably is due to the effect of the colder weather which tends
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to reduce their rate of degradation, "but in view of the large amount of cooling
water TAich tends to maintain the temperature, it must be assumed that much
of this increase is due to an increased amount of phenol being discharged to
the stream. One sample in June 1965 contained 11.8 ug/1 phenols and five June
1966 samples averaged k$.k ug/1. Suspended solids also increased appreciably
from an average of ^ mg/1 in 1965 to an average of 2kj mg/1 in 1966. Cyanides
appear to have increased from an average of 0.03 msA to 0.32 mg/1 but the 1965
data for cyanides is undoubtedly too low. During December 1965 the analysis
for cyanide was changed in order to eliminate interference which was caused
by other pollutants.
Oil has been reported on the surface each time the station has been
sampled uince the beginning of the surveillance,in spite of the fact that an
oil skinnier is located a few feet upstream from the sampling point.
The reasons for these increases in industrial waste are not clear but
it is not«d that a new basic oxygen steel shop was opened during December 1965.
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CHICAGO
TABLE I-I
MICAL QUALITY OF WATER
GRAND CALUMET RIVER
STATION I
PENN. R.R. GC 336.6
(Swnonitor)
Laka Mich!gen
^=^ J
J
Parameter
IH
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
M3-N
MO^-MO, N
Org-N
Total PO^
) . if, ^**^r^*s r-
0 I
U
June 1965~Nov.l965
Max Min Mean Median
1,2.
mg/1 6oO
" 17
" 59
11 186
" 3.7
" 7*5
" 7=3
11 0.93
Total Solo POij. " 0.32
Total Iron
Pheaol -
Cyanide
Sus. Solids
Dis. Solids
Chlorides
MBAS
Conductivity
Temperature
11 23
ug/1 100
mg/1 Ool9
11 70
" 365 :
n
it =
umho/cm -
°c 31
4»l 6c7 6»9
1.1 3»6 3.7
5o7 9»8 8,5
7-9 32 39
29 56 l#
0,87 1.5 1.6
Oo32 1»4 Oo69
0.06 1.3 1.6
0.10 0.28 0.2^
OoOO Oo08 0.06
2,7 7»9 606
0 2d 22
OoOO 0»03 OoOl
26 Wf- 59
170 2^5 235
=
^
-
15 24.6 26
Jan. 1966 -June
Max Min Mean
8.0 3.6
9.00 2.50
16 2.4
43 21
200 37
4.4 1.5
11.3 0.18
1.2 0.0
0.58 o.n
0.41 0.02
48 3.2
320 18
0.63 o.oo
125 30
380 205
40 14
0.28 0.07
765 308
28 10
6.8-
5.&3
8.6
28
66
2.4
0.89
0.40
0.26
0.19
9.7
126:
0.32
67
247
20
0.14
399
16
1966
Median
6.9
5.80
8.6
27
56
2.4
0.55
0.40
0.23
0.17
5-8
129
0.39
68
235
18
0.12
380
16
1.965 data based on 19 samples except for: cyanide(l7); susp.solids(10); dis.
solids(9).
1966 data based on 26 samples except fors chlorides(19); ABS(19);conductivity(19),
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Indiana Harbor Canal at 151st St. (Station 2)
This station was established in order to determine the quality of the
water in the canal where it is formed by the two portions of the Grand Calumet
River. This station is affected by effluent from the Gary, Hammond and East
Chicago sewage treatment plants as well as the effluent from a number of in-
dustries on the Grand Calumet River. The Gary and East Chicago sewage treat-
ment plants are chlorinating their effluent at T?resent.
The total coliform count varied from 6000 to 270,000 with an average
of 55,000 and a median of 46,000. These values are considerably below the
June-November 1965 values which averaged 1,500,000 with a maximum of 4,300,000
and a minimum of 33>000 but are still very high and indicate considerable
sewage pollution.
The Fecal Coliform count varied from 500 to 150,000 with an average
of 16,500 and a median of 6800. The Fecal Streptococci count varied from 50
to 16,000 with an average of 2810 and a median of 1200. Each of these
parameters are lower than they were in 1965 but they still indicate that a
serious pollution problem still exists.
The counts at this station are considerably higher than the counts at the
Pennsylvania RR Bridge(Station l).This could be due to flow from the Hammond
sewage treatment plant or flow from the industries on the Grand Calumet River.
The reduction in the counts between the 196^ data and the 1966 data is
probably due to a combination of colder weather in 1966 and a reduction in
domestic pollution by the industries. This station is also affected by
cooling water discharges which reduce the effect of the colder weather. The
jninimum water temperature during 1966 was 10°C.
16
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'.Phe continuation of the sewer separation programs by the industries
and the completion of chlorinating facilities by the sewage treatment plants
should bring a considerable improvement in the microbiological quality of the
stream at this station.
G!he level of industrial pollution appears to be rising. The average
sulphates concentration rose from 56 mg/1 in 1965 to 88 mg/1 in 1966, the
average iron concentration rose from 2.h mg/1 to 5.5 mg/1, the average cyanide
concentration rose from 0.03 mg/1 to Otl9 mg/1, the average suspended solids
content rose from 30 mg/1 to 6l mg/1 and the average phenol concentration rose
from 19 ug/1 to 107 ug/1.
Tie maximum sulphate concentration of 138 mg/1 occurred on June 3,1966
and can be traced to discharge of spent pickling liquor from the steel complex
at Gary, Indiana. The pH at this station had risen to 6.5 from the 3.6, found
at Station 1, but is still the minimum pH found at Station 2. Much of the
acid was probably neutralized by effluent from the Gary Sewage Treatment plant,
which is located just below Station 1. Evidence of this slug of pickling
liquor WB,S also found at the next domistream station at Dickey Road where the
sulphate concentration was 122 mg/1 which is the maximum, and the pH was 6.6
which is below the average of 6.9«
This increase in the level of.industrial pollution is due
to the increased production in the area. Many of the industries are due to
submit plins for additional waste trentment facilities to the Indiana Stream
Pollution Control Board by December 1, 1966.
IT
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE 1-2
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF V/ATER
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL
STATION 2
151st. STREET IHC 331.9
"I.
^(monitor)
Lake Michigan
'4
Parameter
pH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NH3-N
N02-N03 N
Org-N
Total POij.
Sol. POjj.
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
Temperature
June
Max
7-3
umho/cm --
mg/1 5.0
" 12
11 65
n 71
"
n
" 4.0
" 2.2
" 4.3
11 4.6
11 0.64
11 5-7
ug/1 41
mg/1 0.17
11 59
" 640
oc 27
1955 -Nov.
Min Mean
6.7
--
2.1
4.4
7-7
50
—
—
0.77
0.23
0.30
0.52
0.19
0.78
9
0.00
16
240
13
7.0
—
3.6
7-9
29
56
—
—
1.8
1.2
1.5
1.3
0.49
2.4
19
0.03
30
315
20.6
1965
Median
7.1
—
3,8
7-3
14
56
—
—
2.3
1.1
1.3
0.81
0.48
1.6
15
0.00
27
280
20
Jan.
Max
7-9
530
8.1
22
60
138
70
0.61
4.7
1.5
1.3
2.0
1.32
17
228
0.44
110
375
26
1966-June 1966
Min Mean Median
6.5
430
0.20
4.9
18
7k
29
0.16
2.4
0.21
0.00
0.32
0.19
1.8
23
0.00
23
250
5
7.0
473
5-07
8.9
29
88
36
0.29
3.1*
0.80
0.6
0.82
0.58
5.5
107
0.19
61
295
15
7.0
48o
5.60
7.6
28
87
32
0.29
3-3
0.80
0.7
0.75
0.50
4.4
111
0.16
59
295
15
1965 data based on 9 samples.
1966 data based on 26 samples except for:
(19); ABS(19) and chlorides( 1$).
K04
Org-K(25); conductivity
-------
Indiana Harbor Canal at Dickey Road (Station 3)
This station is located two and a half miles downstream from 151st St.
(Station 2) and is the last highway bridge across the canal "before it discharges
into Indiana Harbor.
The trends evident at the two upstream stations are repeated at this
station. The bacteriological counts are lows in 1966, the dissolved oxygen
highs and the industrial pollution greater.
The total coliform counts varied from 13,000 to 440,000 with an average
of 116,000 and a median of 96,000. As indicated on Figure 1-2 these values
are considerably lower than the June-Nov. 1965 counts but they are still high
and indicate severe pollution.
The Fecal Coliform count varied from 2600 to 370,000 with an average of
)T1,000 and a median of 39,000. The Fecal Streptococci varied from 340 to
52,000 with an average of 16,740 and a median of 5300. Both of these parameters
are high but are considerably lower than in 1965 as shown in Figures 1-4
and 1-6
This improvement is due to the separation programs started by several
industries to separate sanitary wastes and send them to municipal sewage treat-
ment plants. The counts at Dickey Road are only slightly higher than those at
151st St. This indicates that, although the sewage pollution contributed by
the industries between the two stations has been reduced, it is still enough
to make up for the normal die-off between the two stations. The average dis-
solved oxygen rose from 0.5 mg/1 to 3«10 rasA* although two zero readings were
found during June 1966 and all the readings during June 1966 were extremely
low. It is evident that there has been some decrease in sewage pollution.
18
-------
T.lha average sulphates concentration increased from 65 mg/1 in
to 80 m&/l in 1966, the average iron concentration increased from 2.1*0 mg/1
to 3.16 mg/1, the average phenol concentration increased from 20 ug/1 to IDS.
ug/1 ancl the average suspended solids content increased from Ik mg/1 to 25 mg/l«
It is acted that, as at the other stations, the rise in phenols is magnified
by the cold weather, but this effect is minimized by the cooling water dis-
charged to the stream. The minimum water temperature at this station during
1966 was 9°C. The average cyanide appears to have increased from 0.00 mg/1
to 0.13 mg/1, but the 1965 data is too low due to interference with the
chemical analysis.
The concentration of sulphates, iron, phenols, cyanide and suspended
solids decrease toward downstream. It must be pointed out, however, that
the total flow increases considerably as you go down stream. The estimated
average flow at Station 1 is 650 cfs; at Station 2 it is 955 cfs and at
Dickey Road it is approximately 1000 cfs. This additional dilution water,
o
the natural deterioration of phenols and cyanides and the settling to the
bottom o:C suspended solids and iron are responsible for this apparent improve-
ment in iiuality of downstream waters.
19
-------
CHICAGO
I fll (monitor)
•12
TABLE 1-3
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL
STATION 3
DICKEY ROAD IHC 334.6
"I.
nonitor)
Lade Michigan
Parameter
PH
Conductivity umho/cm
DO mg/1
BOD "
COD "
Sulphates "
Chlorides
MBAS
NH3-N "
N02-N03 N "
Org-N "
Total PO^ "
Sol. POj^ "
Iron "
Phenol ug/1
Cyanide mg/1
Susp. Solids "
Dis. Solids
Temperature °C
1965 data based on 19
1966 data based on 26
conduct ivity ( 19 ) .
June 1965-Nov. 1965
Max Min Mean Median
7.3 6.3 7.0 7.0
2.9 o.o 0.3 o.o
n 3.5 6.3 5.5
48 0.0 23 20
77 46 65 66
=_
=-
3.1 1.1 2.3 2.4
3.5 0.31 1.1 lol
3.8 0.08 1.9 2.1
0.91 0.24 0.57 0.53
0.57 0.01 0.26 0.29
3.8 0.88 2.4 2.2
42 1 20 20
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
23 6 14 32
340 240 260 300
29 13 23.0 25
Jan. 1966- June 1966
Max Min Mean Median
8.0 6.4 6.9 7.0
615 4oo 501 505
6.70 o.oo 3.10 4.10
9.0 2.2 5.1 5.3
33 12 22 22
322 59 80 78
44 22 . 29 29
0.35 0.17 0.24 0.24
6.7 2.6 3.7 3.6
2.8 0.15 0.84 0.75
2.4 0.3 0.7 0.6
0.73 0.26 0.47 0.46
0.54 o.n 0.32 0.29
9.0 0.99 3.16 2.3
483 16 102 6l
0.56 O.oo 0.13 0.13
84 6 25 19
385 220 314 310
2? 9 15 14
samples except for: cyanide (l8) and susp. solids(lO).
samples except for chlorides (19); ABS(l9) and
-------
Indiana Harbor (Stations k, 5 and 6)
Indiana Harbor was sampled at three points during January-June 1966.
Station k- is located at the mouth of the Indiana Harbor Canal, upstream of
the Inland Steel and Youngstown Sheet and Tube turning basins. Station 5
is located immediately downstream of the turning basins and downstream from
all industrial outfalls to the harbor. The average dry weather flow to Lake
Michigan past this station is 2700 cfs, but under certain wind and lake level
conditions lake water is backed up into the harbor for short periods of time.
Station 6 is located at the east breakwall inner light which is about 150
feet from Station 5 an(^ contains a water quality monitoring Station. Station
6 was established during January 1966 to correlate the monitoring program-
with the sampling program.
Stations k and 5 are boat stations and cannot be sampled in rough
weather. During 1966 they were not sampled until March 31, 1966, therefore
the data at these stations is affected less by the colder months.
The trends established at the upstream stations are evident at these
stations. At Station k the total Coliform count varied from 5100 to 77,000
with an average of 28,000 and a median at 15,000. These values are approxi-
mately one tenth of their level in June-November 1965* This indicates that
progress has been made by the industries in separating the industrial and
domestic wastes. The remaining high levels of these counts indicate that a
problem still exists. Figures 1-^ and 1-6 show that the Fecal Coliform and
Fecal Streptococci are at the same level as in 1965. The fact that total
Coliforms decreased while Fecal Coliforms and Fecal Streptococci remained
the same indicates that the remaining pollution is fresh and may be caused
by passing or moored vessels.
20
-------
A1; Station 5 the total Coliform count varied from 13,000 to 1^0,000
with an average of 66,000 and a median of 66,000. As indicated in Figure 1-2
these values are at the same level as they were in June-November 1965. The
Fecal Coliform counts varied from 19,000 to 1600 with an average of 8900
and a mec.ian of 8700. Figure 1-6 indicates that these values are considerably
higher ttan in 1965. The Fecal Streptococci counts varied from 1100 to 32 with
an average of 279 and a median of 220. Figure 1-4 indicates that these values
are in the same range as in 1965 but that the average is somewhat lower.
At Station 6, near the monitor, the total Coliform count varied from
330,000 to 1000 with an average of 3^,000 and a median of 15,000. The Fecal
Coliform varied from 5800 to less than 10 with an average of 1929 and a mean of
1700. Ths Fecal Streptococci varied from l600to 15 with an average of 355 and
a median of 190. As shown in Figures 1-2 and 1-6 the average median and minimum
counts for total and fecal coliform are significantly lower than the counts at
Station 5 which is only 150 feet away. Station 6 was sampled during the
entire pe:riod from January to June whereas Station 5 was only sampled from April
to June because it is a boat station. Thus a comparison of the data from these
two stations gives some indication of the effect of the colder months on the
bacteriological data. It is interesting to note that the Fecal Streptococci
counts wej-e not affected nearly as much by the colder weather. This phenomenon
has been r;oted throughout all of the data collected by the Project.
The counts in the harbor are all lower than those at Dickey Road (Station
3). This is partially due to the fact that there is a much greater dilution
factor in the harbor. The estimated flow at Station 5 is 2700 cfs versus 1000
cfs at Dickey Rd. There is still a considerable amount of bacteriological
21
-------
pollution "being discharged to Lake Michigan in close proximity to several
water supply intakes and bathing beaches. The improvement in the sanitary
condition of the canal is not as dramatic at Stations k and 5 as it is at the
upstream stations. At Station k the average dissolved oxygen increased
slightly from 3»k mg/1 in 1965 to 3.7^ mg/1 in 1966 and total Coliform is the
only bacterial count that showed a significant decrease. At Station 5 the
dissolved oxygen rose slightly but the bacterial counts were higher in 1966
than in 1965. The sanitary conditions at these stations are undoubtedly
affected by vessel pollution.
At Station k the average sulphate concentration rose from 51 fflg/1 in
1965 to 65 mg/1 in 1966, and the phenols rose from an average of 12 ug/1 in
1965 to ifl ug/1 in 1966. Cyanide appears to have risen from an average of
0.00 mg/1 to 0.07 ng/1 but interference with the analysis affected the 1965
data. The average concentration of iron at Station k remained the same but
is considerably higher at Station k than at Station 3 which indicates that
a considerable amount of iron is being discharged to the canal between these
two stations.
Station 6, which was not sampled in 1965, is located about 300 feet
from Station 5. A comparison of tables 1-5 and 1-6 indicates that there is
no significant difference in the data between these two stations except that
the dissolved oxygen is higher at Station 6. This is probably due to the
turbulence around the structure and the large growths of algae on the structure,
Station 6 was sampled during January, February and March, while Station 5 was
not. This, of course, increased the average DO, but the average DO at Station
6 from March 31, 1966 thru June 29, 1966 was 5.89 mg/1 which is still higher
than the 4.63 mg/1 found at Station 5.
22
-------
CHICAGO
if!I (monitor)
:I2
TABLE 1-4
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL
STATION 4
INNER LIGHTS IHC 335.7
r
h
.J
Parameter
pH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphate) s
Chloride s
MBAS
NH3-N
K02-N03 N
Org-N
Total PO^
Sol. POj^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. So, Lias
Dis. Solids
Temperature
June
Max
7-3
umtto/cm
mg/1 5.9
" 9.1
" 67
62
11
n __
" 1.4
0.74
n IT
1.7
0.23
" 0.10
5.0
ug/l 21
mg/1 0.01
105
255
°c 25
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
6.9
—
2.4
2.8
0.0
34
—
—
0.75
0.29
0.30
0.08
0.03
2.1
6
0.00
10
215
17
7.1
-=
3.4
4.8
20
51
—
_=
l.l
0.42
1.1
0.16
0.06
3.1
12
0.00
36
240
21.8
7.1
„_
2.4
3.7
9.3
54
--
—
1.1
—
1.3
0.15
0.06
2.6
9
0.00
13
250
22
Jan
Max
8.0
460
5-2
5.0
18
84
30
0.25
5.6
0.55
0.9
0.27
0.19
W9
26
0.25
81
305
24
. 1966 -June
Min Mean
608
385
2o05
2.4
11
23
21
0.07
2.2
0.11
0.0
0.09
0.06
1.5
11
0.00
11
230
12
7.1
419
3-74
3-8
13
65
25
0.17
3.2
0.31
0.4
0.18
0.14
3.0
18
0.07
21
263
18
1966
Median
7.0
420
3.60
4.1
15
70
25
0.17
3-0
0.30
0.4
0.20
0.15
3-0
18
0.07
16
265
19
1965 data "based on 6 samples except for:
1966 data based on 12 samples except for
susp. solidsC4) and dis^solids(3)«
Mo, NO?, and Org-N (ll).
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE 1-5
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
INDIANA HARBOR
STATION 5
OUTER LIGHTS IHC 336.2
SCmonitor)
Lake Michigan
L.
^
Parameter
PH
Conductivity umho/cm
DO mg/1
BOD "
COD
Sulphates "
Chlorides "
MBAS
NH3-N
NOgfN03 N "
Org.-N "
Total POjj. "
Sol. PO^ "
Iron "
Phenol ug/1
Cyanide mg/1
Susp. Solids "
Dis. Solids "
Turbidity units
Temperature °C
V "^
jjrf
-Is
June
Max
7.3
*» •»
6.1
13
67
54
--
—
1.4
0.59
1.4
0.21
0.12
3.0
7
0.01
13
255
—
26
/?.
^•^
—/ TV/ j —
Y...
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
6.9
—
1.9
2.3
8.4
32
—
—
0.26
0.10
0.1D
0.06
0.03
1.3
0
0.00
3.0
230
—
17
1965 data based on 6 samples except
1966 data based on 12
samples
o
7.1
—
4.2
4.5
20
45
—
--
0.89
0.42
0.73
0.14
0.07
1.9
4
0.00
5.0
175
--
22.2
for:
7.1
—
4.2
3.0
8.6
50
—
--
0.73
0.44
0.71
0.15
0.07
1.7
3
0.00
5-0
235
—
21
Jan
Max
7-9
teo
6.65
5.5
27
81
26
0.21
4.4
0.45
0.8
0.19
0.11
5.6
19
0.19
3-7
280
11.2
23
susp. solids (4)
. 1966-June 1966
Min Mean Median
6.8
350
3.05
2.0
8
45
16
0.10
1.5
0.12
0.00
0.08
0.00
1.3
5.4
0.01
9.0
205
1.8
12
and dis
7.0
384
4.63
3-3
13.3
62
22
0.14
2.4
0.29
0.2
0.12
0.07
3-0
10.4
0.05
14.8
240
6.3
17
. solids
7.0
385
4.80
3-5
13
62
23
0.14
2.4
0.32
0.2
0.14
0.08
3.1
10.0
0.02
13
235
6.2
17
(3).
-------
CHICAGO
"T.
TABLE i-e
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
INDIANA HARBOR
STATION 6
EAST BREAKWALL INNER LIGHT IHC 336.25
^(monitor) WATER QUALITY MONITORING STA.
Lake Michigan
Parameter
June 1965-Nov. 1965
Max Min Mean Median
Jan. 1966-June 1966
Max Min Mean Median
pH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NH3-N
N0g-N03 N
Org.-N
Total PO^
Sol. PO^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solic.s
Temperatuie
uznho/cm
fflg/1
"
"
"
"
11
11
n
n
it
it
n
ug/1
fflg/1
II
II
°C
8.0
460
8.0
5.6
37
77
32
• 35
2.8
0.70
2.1
0.34
0.30
8.1
45
0.20
46
265
19
6.6
320
2.80
1.7
4.0
34
10
.08
0.19
0.12
0.2
0.08
0.03
1-3
1.4
0.00
8
200
6
7-07
372
6.50
3.4
32.0
59
21
.15
1.9
0.42
0.6
0.14
0.09
3.1
15.6
0.08
17
239
32
7-0
385
7.1
3-6
11.0
66
22
.15
1.9
o.4o
0.5
0.13
0.08
3.0
14
0.07
15
240
32
Station net sampled during 1965.
1966 data based on 26 samples except for: chlorides(19); ABS(l9).
-------
Grand Calumet River at Indiana Harbor Belt R.R. Bridge (Station 7)
This station is located in Illinois just across the Illinois-Indiana
state line and is designed to measure the amount of pollution crossing the
state JJ.ine. This station is one of the control points established by the
Calumet Area Technical Committee.
The bulk of the dry weather flow in this stream is made up of effluent
from the Hammond Sewage Treatment Plant and industrial effluent from one steel
company and several smaller companies.
The stream at this point is grossly polluted. The twenty-six samples
collected by the Surveillance Project during the period of this report had a
maximum total coliform count of 5*300,000, a minimum of 28,000, a mean of
970,000 and a median of 590,000. As can be seen in Figure 1-1 these values
compare closely to the values for June-November 1965. Figures 1-3 and 1-5
indicate that Fecal Coliform and Fecal Streptococci are considerably higher
in 1966. The maximum Fecal Streptococci rose to 530,000 with a minimum of 500,
a mean of 35,000 and a median of 12,000. The Fecal Coliform ranged from 1000
to 620,000 with .a mean of 106,000 and a median of 63,000. The mean and median
for both Fecal Streptococci and Fecal Coliform rose considerably from their
June-Nov. 1965 levels. This increase is significant because the colder months
of January, February and March would normally cause a decrease.
The chemical data presented in Table No. I -7 indicates an average
chloride content of 87 mg/1, an average sulphate content of 187 mg/1, an average
ammonia content of 14.7 mg/1, an average total phosphate content of 7«67 mg/1
and an average dissolved solids content of 688 mg/1. All of these parameters are
considerably above the recommended criteria and are normally found in raw or
23
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE 1-7
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
GRAND CALUMET RIVER
STATION 7
INDIANA HARBOR BELT R.R. BRJDGE GC 328.5
fifmonitor)
Lake Michigan
Parameter
pH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NH3-N
NCglK^ N
Org-N
Total PO^
Sol. PO^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
Turbidity
Temperature
uraho/cm.
mg/1
"
it
"
n
it
n
"
11
11
"
"
ug/1
ag/1
"
"
units
OG
June
Max
7-2
~
5.4
20
108
282
..
—
7.8
13
3-7
32
9.2
17
46
0.12
155
705
—
21
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
6.5
—
0.0
4.6
16
52
._
—
1.2
1.2
0.05
5.4
1.3
0.27
4
0.00
7
58
--
6
7.0
—
2.7
n
47
179
—
—
2.9
5.3
0.90
7.7
5-2
2.8
IB
0.02
38
480
—
15.9
7.0
--
2.7
7-3
26
179
—
—
2.4
4.6
1.8
6.9
5-5
0.82
16
0.00
20
540
—
17
Jan
Max
8.2
1150
6.4
004
224
280
180
1.8
32
15
6.6
16.0
10.1
7.9
90
0.05
110
770
19.5
23
. 1966-June
Min Mean
6.8
410
0.00
3.2
25
76
22
.15
0.55
1.1
0.6
0.90
0.3
0.6
3.1
0.00
5
270
1.8
3
7.24
922
4.00
26.4
67
187
87
.70
4.72
6.3
2.4
7.67
2.9
2.13
24.4
.0096
38
668
6.2
n
1966
Median
7.2
1020
4.2
21
56
192
85
.63
3-9
6.4
1.9
7.0
2.0
1.3
19
.01
28
700
5.1
9
1965 data based on 9 samples.
data tused on 26 saraplee
ABS(19).
except for: turbidity(19); chlorides(l9);
-------
partially treated sewage.
The industries above this station probably contribute a considerable
quantity of the sulphates found at the station but the other parameters such
as iron, phenol and cyanide which are normally associated with the steel in-
dustry are not high. The primary source of the pollution at this point appears
to be the sewage treatment plant at Hammond.
Little Calumet River at Wentworth Avenue (Station 8)
The Wentworth Avenue station was established to monitor the wastes in the
Little Calumet River flowing from Indiana to Illinois. The station is located
approximately one half mile downstream from the state line and is one of the
control points established by the Calumet Area Technical Committee. The closest
paging station for flow data is a United States Geological Survey station
located about one mile upstream at Hohman Avenue. There are no significant
sources of flow between the two stations.
As reported in the report covering the period June-November 1965 con-
siderable progress has been made on this stream since the Great Lakes Illinois
River Basin Project sampled it in 1963. The twenty samples taken by the GLIRB
Project during August and September of 1963 indicated severe pollution from
domestic sewage with an average total coliform count of 1,600,000 and a mini-
mum of 130,000. The average value for fecal streptococci during this period
was 80,000 with a minimum of 19,000. In 1965 the average total Coliform count
was 800,000 with a maximum of 3,500,000 and a minimum of 20,000. The average
Fecal Streptococci had been reduced to 6300 with a maximum of 150,000 and a
minimum of 13,000.
The data for the first six months of 1966 is somewhat lower. As in-
dicated in Figure 1-1 the total Coliform ranged from 13,000 to 2,200,000 with
2k
-------
an averse of 330,000 and a median of 110,000. This reduction is probably-
due to the lower counts during the colder months of January, February and
March, and it does not appear that the quality of the water has changed
substantially since 1965.
Table 1-8 indicates the average dissolved oxygen in January-June 1966
was 6.k ng/1 compared with 1.8 mg/1 for June-November 1965. The DO for June
1966, however, was below 2.0 mg/1 and is comparable to the DO for June 1965.
Therefore, this apparent improvement in DO is probably the result of the cold
weather [samples. Table 1-8 further shows that BOD and COD decreased somewhat
but sulphates increased. Ammonia and organic nitrogen both decreased while
nitrates increased. Total phosphates and soluble phosphates decreased slight-
ly while phenols increased. The increase in phenols is also due to the colder
months since it is not degraded as rapidly at lower temperatures. The suspend1
ed solids decreased while the dissolved solids increased.
The stream at this point is not as grossly polluted as it was in 1963
but it still does not meet the criteria recommended by the technical committee.
The improvement is due to the diversion of sewage from Griffith
and Highland to the Hammond Sewage Treatment Plant. The remaining problems
are due to some industrial pollution, combined sewer overflows and storm sewer
outfalls. The combined sewer overflows are probably the cause of the high
bacteria counts still found at this station on several occasions.
-------
CHICAGO
MW»I
Jll (monitor)
TABLE i- s
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
LITTLE CALUMET RIVER
STATION 8
WENTWORTH AVE LC 332.2
"1.
£{monitor)
Lake Michigan
Parameter
pH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NH3-N
N02-N03 N
Org-N
Total POjj.
Sol. PO^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Die. Solids
Turbidity
Temperature
June 1965-Nov. 1965
Max Min Mean Median
umho/cm
mg/1
"
11
u
"
"
"
11
"
"
"
"
ug/1
mg/1
11
"
units
°C
1965 data based on 19
dissolved solids(lO).
1966 data based on 25
8.8
—
5.0
35
79
31X)
—
«
3-7
4.4
8.6
14
9.7
3.8
38
.12
705
640
—
24
samples
samples
7.1
—
0.0
3.9
5-9
57
..
—
0.42
0.04
0.13
1-5
0.51
0.45
0
0.00
17
no
—
4
except
except
7.4
..
1.8
13
45
172
—
—
2.1
1.3
3.2
5-3
3.4
1.5
8
7.3
—
1.5
10
51
170
--
—
2.1
0.72
2.8
4.5
3.6
1.2
6
0.01 0.00
175
470
—
4l
505
—
l£.2 18
for
for
Jan. 1966-June 19
Max Min Mean
8.0
1220
11,0
16
89
300
55
•76
3-1
4.3
2.95
6.9
3-1
3-1
39
.02
980
860
103
23
cyanide(rr); susp.
7.0
425
0.2
3.9
20
101
17
.15
• 35
.12
0.8
.22
0.0
.44
.24
.00
13
255
1.2
0
7.5
808
6.4
8.2
45
1B7
41
.28
1.4
1.7
1.7
3-5
1.4
1.0
12.4
.005
89
595
15.6
8
66
Median
7-5
765
7-3
7.8
39
180
44
.25
1.4
1.8
1.4
3.0
1.1
.91
9-3
.00
32
570
9.0
7
solids(UO);
turbidity(l9); conductivity(lB)
chlorides(19), ABS(l9).
-------
Wolf Lake and Outlet (Stations 9 and 10)
Wolf Lake, -which is located on the Indiana-Illinois state line, has
"been sampled at two points. Station 9 is directly on the state line which
runs along a causeway that bisects the lake. This station monitors the
quality of the water crossing the state line and has been established as a
control point by the Calumet Area Technical Committee. Station 10 is located
on the Wolf Lake outlet at Carondolet Avenue about 3000 feet downstream from
Wolf Lake and monitors the quality of the water leaving the lake.
The quality of the water at Station 9 is good and meets the recommended
criteria in most respects. During the first six months of 1966 the total
Coliform count ranged from 4 to 1300 with an average of 116 and a median of
50. The Fecal Coliform counts ranged from less than 1 to 660 with an average
of 38 and a median of 6. The Fecal Streptococci varied from less than 1 to
50 with an average of 12 and a median of less than 10. Figures 1-2 and I-k
show that the total Coliform and Fecal Streptococci are lower than in June-
November 1965 while the Fecal Coliform remained the same. The 1966 data is
biased by the cold months, the temperature being zero degrees centigrade for
over a month. The data indicates no significant change in quality since 1965.
The criteria for ammonia are not met but the maximum value was 0.56
mg/1 which does not indicate a serious problem. The ammonia content appears
to have increased slightly since 1965 but the 1965 data is based on only two
samples and is not effected by the colder temperatures which inhibit the
microbiological action that breaks down ammonia. The nitrates and organic
nitrogen which are products of that microbiological action decreased slightly
in the 1966 data.
26
-------
'.Che only pollution problem which is evident at this station is MBAS.
MBASconcentrations vary from a maximum of 0.19 mg/1 to 0.10 mg/1 with an
average of 0.12 mg/1 and a median of 0.11 mg/1. These values are considerably
above the recommended criteria and foam has been noted on the lake on several
occasions. On two occasions during August of.1966 our beach sampler reported
that the lake was covered with foam and all recreational uses were suspended.
The detergents originate at the Lever Brothers Company. In general,
these wastes do not inhibit the use of the lake which is widely used for
swimming, boating, fishing and water skiing, but on occasion an acute problem
is caused by spills or accidental discharges which prevent all use of the
lake and could possibly effect the fish population of the lake if the foam
persisted for an extended period.
On January 26, 1966, 0.35 Hg/1 of cyanide was found at Station 9. The
source of this cyanide is not known. It is possible that this is an erroneous
finding since no cyanide was detected in the other 25 samples taken at this
point and none was found in the outlet at Station 10 on that date. Cyanides
were detected at Station 10 on four occasions but never more than 0.02 mg/1.
It is possible that occasional discharges are coming from one of the industries
on the lsi.se.
The water quality at Station 10 is generally the same as at Station 9.
The sulphates and phenols are somewhat higher and the solids content is slightly
increased but all of the other parameters are almost equal,, The solids content
would normally be higher in a small stream running through an area of dense
vegetation than in an open lake, but the reasons for the increased phenols and
sulphates are not clear.
27
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE 1-9
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
WOLF LAKE
STATION 9
CULVERT ON INDIAN A-ILLINOIS STATE LINE
PCmonitor) IRS 330.2
Lake Michigan
•"L
* , 4Xfr<
GARY r--C^P
o*
_J
Parameter
pH
Conductivity-
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NHg-N
NCg-NOo N
Org-N
Total POj,.
Sol. POj^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
Turbidity
Temperature
•1 .
-JJQ
-¥
June
Max
8.2
umho/cm
mg/1 11.0
5.5
23
60
ii __
n __
0.26
" 0.1*0
" 0.91*
" 0.15
" 0.00
0.38
ug/1 20
mg/1 0.00
" 51
" 265
units
°C -
/?. ^-^_/~*-r^
i
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
8.1
—
10.0
3.7
22
1*6
—
--
0.07
0.38
0.82
0.11
0.00
0.28
1
0.00
2.1*
255
—
—
r
i
Jan
Max
9.8
1*60
15
7.8
26
69
38
.19
.56
1.2
1.19
.3^
.07
.56
19
.35
1*8
320
1*.2
21*
. 1966-June
Min Mean
7.5
350
7-70
1.9
IX)
^5
27
.10
.02
.03
• 51
.01*
.00
QJl
ll*
.00
1*
180
0.5
0
8.1
1*11*
11.01*
3.9
18
55
31
.12
.28
• 38
.76
.11
.02
.21*
3.05
.01
13
268
2.3
8
1966
Median
8.0
1*00
11.2
3-7
18
55
30
.n
.30
.30
.71
.08
.02
.22
2
.00
9
265
2.1
5
1965 data based on 2 samples.
1966 data based on 26 samples except for
turbidity(l9); ABS(l9); chlorides(l9).
sol.phosphate(25); conductivity(19)
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE I- 10
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
WOLF LAKE CHANNEL
STATION 10
CARONDOLET AVE IRS 328.9
""L.
fifrnonitor)
Lake Michigan
Parameter
PH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
MTET
^ JW
HOg-NOo N
Org-N
Total P(\
Sol. PO^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
Temperature
uzoho/cm
mg/1
tt
n
"
"
"
"
it
"
"
"
n
ug/1
mg/1
"
"
°c
June
Max
8.4
—
9-9
2.4
20
55
—
—
0.21
0.25
0.83
0.11
0.06
0.37
7
0.00
20
280
«
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
8.2
—
8.0
1.9
12
45
--
—
0.12
0.23
0.61
0.09
0.01
0.22
0
0.00
17
270
—
Jan
Max
8.8
545
lJ^.0
5-0
26
92
37
.24
0.67
0.67
1.11
0.27
0.24
0.77
15
0.02
65
315
25
. 1966 -June
Min Mean
7-9
370
5-9
1.9
12
69
30
.09
0.10
0.10
0.35
0.03
0.00
0.05
1.4
0.00
2
220
0
8.47
463
10.6
3.1
18
77
34
.13
0.27
0.37
0.70
0.07
0.03
0.23
6.8
0.002
25
289
8
1966
Median
8.5
46o
11.4
3-3
18
77
35
.]2
0.28
0.34
0.62
0.06
0.02
0.23
8.0
0.00
24
295
5
1965 data based on 2 samples.
1966 data based on 26 samples except for:
ABS(19).
conductivity(l9); chlorides(19);
GPO 801-482—7
-------
Calumet Harbor (Stations 11, 12 and 13)
There are three sampling stations located at Calumet Harbor. Station
11 is located at the mouth of the Grand Calumet River immediately adjacent
to the north pierhead light. This station was established during January
1966 in order to correlate the sampling program with a water quality monitor
which is located in the pierhead light structure.
Station 12 is located at the mouth of the Grand Calumet River at mid-
stream. The purpose of this station is to monitor the quality of the water
entering the river from the harbor.
Station 13 is located in mid harbor approximately 3500 feet from the
mouth of the river. This station monitors the quality of the water flowing
in from Lake Michigan to the river. Stations 12 and 13 require a boat for
Pfeampling and therefore can be sampled only when the weather permits.
The operation of the O'Brien Lock tends to isolate the area by reversing
the predominate flow of the river so that water flows from the lake to the
river most of the time. For this reason the bulk of the pollution in the
harbor and at the river mouth originates in the Immediate area.
As shown in Figure 1-1 the average and median total Coliform counts
for both the river mouth and the harbor were somewhat lower during the first
six months of 1966 than during June-November 1965. The 1966 data is biased
by the low values found during the cold months. The values for April, May
and June of 1966 compare with the values of August and September of 1965 to
indicate that there has been no significant change in the amount of microbio-
logical pollution in the area.
One of the twenty-five samples taken at Station 11 showed considerably
28
-------
higher counts total and fecal coliforms than the remaining samples. These
values (|30,000 total coliforms and 18,000 fecal coliforms on April 29, 1966)
were not, included in the six month average values and are shown separately on
Figures 1-1 and 1-5 • The high fecal coliform count indicates that the
pollution was animal or human in origin. The field notes indicate that a
boat passed while the sample was "being taken. A sample taken 10 minutes earlier"
at Station 12, which is approximately 150 feet from Station 11, gave normal
counts. These facts indicate that the pollution probably was a result of the
passing vessel. This, along with a similar incident discussed in the previous
report, emphasizes the need for control of vessel pollution.
Since the primary flow at Calumet Harbor is from Lake Michigan to the
river, tie level of microbiological pollution is much lower than at Indiana Harbor.
The pollution that does exist is local in origin and is probably due primarily
to vessels using the harbor and the river. Tables I-11 and 1-12 show
that the chemical quality of the water at Station 11 and Station 12 is very
similar. The dissolved oxygen and the suspended solids are somewhat higher
near the monitor. This phenomena, which also occurred at the Indiana Harbor
Monitor, is explained by the turbulence caused by the structure. In addition,
the phenol content is considerably higher near the monitor. This may be due
to outfa.'JLs from the U. S. Steel Corporation which are located near by and
often caiuse the water to be discolored along the bank of the stream.
Since the primary flow is from the lake the general quality of the water
at each of these stations is good. Tables I -12 and I -13 show that there
has been no significant change in the quality of the water since June-November
1965. Station 13 is in mid-harbor and represents the quality of the water
coming from the lake. The increases in iron, phenol and suspended solids con-
tent bet-ween stations 11 and 12 and Station 13 indicate the effect of the
U.S. Steel outfalls on the harbor.
29
-------
CHICAGO
N
TABLE I - II
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
CALUMET RIVER
STATION II
NORTH PIERHEAD LIGHT CR 333.45
WATER QUALITY MONITORING STA.
6(monitpr)
Lake Michigan
parameter
PH
Conductivity
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
MH3-N
NCvj-NOg-N
Org-N
Total PO^
Sol. PO^
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
pDemperature
June 1965-Nov. 1965
Max Min Mean Median
utnhG/cm
mg/1
ii
„
it
"
ii
"
ii
it
"
ug/1
mg/1
11
11
°C
Jan. 1966-June 1966
Max Min Mean Median
8.3 7.4 7.8
330 203 298
OA.1 4.2 10.1
4.9 0.9 2.5
36 0.7 9-5
35 21 2T
16 10 02
.22 .03 .07
0.72 0.21 0.49
0.32 0.09 0.20
0.70 0.05 0.34
0.90 0.04 0.17
0.78 o.oo o.n
8.6 0.09 2.1
15 0.6 2.9
0.13 0.00 0.02
85 8 29
21X) 150 182
19 0 7
7.8
300
10.4
2.2
8.8
27
12
.05
0.46
0.22
0.31
0.09
0.04
1.1
2.7
0.01
23
185
6
Station not sampled during 1965.
1966 data based on 25 samptes except for: KHo,
Chlorides(l9), ABS(l9).
NOo and Org-N(24)
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE I-12
CHEMICAL QUALITY OF Y/ATER
CALUMET RIVER
STATION 12
NORTH PIERHEAD LIGHTS CR333.4
.6(monifor)
Loko Michigan
'4
1 j Co/.
HAMMOND !
L.
Parameter
June 1965-Nov. 1965
Max Min Mean Median
Jan. 1966-June 1966
Max Min
pH
8.0
7.8
7-9
7-9
Conductivity umho/cm
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
MBAS
NEU-N
N02"N03 W
Org N
Total P04
Sol. POjj.
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. So3J.ds
Dis. Soli.ds
Alkalinity mg/1
Temperatire
1965 data based
1966 data based
mg/1
n
n
"
n
"
"
"
"
"
it
"
ug/1
mg/1
"
"
CaCoo
oc
on 11
on 13
9.4
3-7
74
26
--
_-
0.39
o.4i
0.6o
0.25
0.23
2.3
8
0.01
76
"280
"
22
samples
samples
7.1
1.0
0.9
19
—
—
0.16
0.17
o.o4
0.02
0.02
0.23
0
0.00
2
160
--
n
except
except
8.1
1.8
17
24
--
—
0.24
0.28
0.27
0.12
0.08
0.98
2
0.00
22
195
—
16.6
for:
for:
8.1
1.5
8.9
24
—
—
0.22
0.28
0.29
0.80
0.05
0.72
1
0.00
IB
1B5
—
U3
8.1
330
11.1
5-5
IB
30
16
.10
0.68
0.35
3-23
0.13
0.09
1.8
12
0.12
53
235
117
19
7-5
285
5.40
1.0
1.6
18
9
.03
0.35
0.09
0.07
0.05
0.01
0.55
0.0
0.00
k
175
110
4
7.86
300
8.46
2.8
10.4
25
12
.06
0.50
0.20
0.56
0.08
O.o4
1.10
1-9
0.01
20
192
113
n
1
7-9
295
7.85
2.2
10
25
12
.05
0.50
0.21
0.33
0.08
o.o4
1.10
0.6
0.01
17
1B5
113
n
susp. solids(8) and dis. solids(7).
chlorides(l2) and ABS(l2).
-------
CHICAGO
TABLE I-13
„.„. CHEMICAL QUALITY OF WATER
CALUMET HARBOR
STATION 13
MID CHANNEL CR 334.0
L
^(monitor)
Lake Michigan
Parameter
Alkalinity
pH
June
Max
—
8.0
1965-Nov. 1965
Min Mean Median
—
7.7
—
7-9
—
7.9
Conductivity umho/cm
DO
BOD
COD
Sulphates
Chlorides
NBAS
NH3-N
N02-N03 N
Org N
Total POi,.
Sol. POjj.
Iron
Phenol
Cyanide
Susp. Solids
Dis. Solids
PPurbidity
Temperature
1965 data based
1966 data based
mg/1
II
"
11
"
n
"
11
"
1,1
11
"
ug/1
mg/1
"
"
units
oc
10
2.1
26
37
__
--
0.27
0.53
0.51
0.78
0.29
1.8
3
0.01
17
195
—
22
on 10 samples
on 12 samples
7.0
1.0
0.0
19
--
—
0.10
0.-17
0.03
0.02
0.02
0.09
0
0.00
1
155
—
10
except
except
8.5
1.5
9.0
25
—
..
0.19
0.27
0.26
0.15
0.08
0.52
1
0.00
8
175
—
16.2
for:
for:
8.3
1.6
5-9
24
--
—
0.20
0.23
0.26
0.06
0.04
0.18
0
0.00
6
170
—
3JB
Jan.
Max
121
8.1
310
12.2
4.8
l£
26
14
.09
0.48
0.35
0.56
0.10
0.05
2.1
5-3
0.01
46
210
8;8
18
susp. solids (7)
turbidity (10).
1966-June 1966
Min Mean Median
107
7.4
270
7-3
1.3
3.0
IB
8
.03
0.24
0.08
0.10
0.04
0.00
0.29
0.0
0.00
3
170
1.3
5
and dis
113
7.8
293
9.2
2.6
9L.2
24
11
•05
0.33
0.18
0.37
0.06
0.02
0.66
1-3
.002
12
190
2.6
12
Ill
7.8
300
9.3
2.3
10
25
U.
.04
0.33
0.16
0.39
0.06
0.02
0.48
0.0
0.00
9
185
3.4
14
. solids(6).
-------
^0,000,0007
1,000,000-
100,000-
-• 10,000-
i
>.
t
S 1,000 •
Q
100
10
(12) ^
1
1
1
*;
1
J.
Columet
Mouth
f
;
R
^
30000
4/29/66
(25)
Calumet Hbr.
Monitor
131
t
i
y
_L
Calumet
1)
^
Hbr.
(221
^ «8)
1
^ 1
>N I
V' T
T
1
T
i 1
Wentworth Ave.
/
T ^
6
j 1
j •
c:> i
j T
i i
!
"""
X
INDIANA Hbr.
Belt R.R
/
LEGEND
Max.
Mean
Median
Min.
1966 Data
(16) Na ol Timei Sampled
0
J.
1968 Data
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
TOTAL COLIFORM
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 8 MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AQMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
_____
-------
1,000,000'-
100,000-;
10,000-
o
o
> i.OOO-
UJ
a
lOOT
10-
Wolf Lake
(6)
.%
0
Wolf Lake
(5)
Indiano Hbr
()
V1
! (12)
ndiana Hbr Indiana Hbr.
>,7o,ooo
Channel State Line Outer Lt. Monitor Inner Lt.
Dickey Rd
4300,000
151st" St.
Penn. R.R.
T
i
i
i
f**
Median \ )
Mm.
1
1966 Data 1965 Data
(16) NO. of Times (16)
Sampled
GPO SO I-482—6
SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
TOTAL COL I FORM
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN & MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AOMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
FIGURE 1-2
-------
^o.ooopoo-
1,000,000-
100,000-
-• 10,000
o
o
to
Q
100-
10
140,000
8/18/65
*
(13)
T
(13)
JL
Calumet R Calumet Hbr.
Mouth Monitor
Calumet Hbr. Wentworth Ave. INDIANA Hbr.
Belt R.R.
H
LEGEND
Max.
Mean
Median
Win.
T
1966 Data 1965 Data
(16) Na ol Time* Sampled (16)
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
FECAL STREPTOCOCCI
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 8 MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AOMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
~" FIGURE 1-1
-------
1,000,000-
100,000-:
10,000 -:
8
IjOOO-
100-
10
(26)
(6J
i
*
!
J
Wolf Lake
i
V
*
Wo
6
*d.
Chonnel
Wolf Lake
State Line
Indiana Hbr
Indiana Hbr
Outer Lt. Monitor
Indiano Hbr.
fe
Dickey Rd.
I5lsl St.
Penn. R.R.
Median
Min.
1966 Data 1965 Data
(16) NO. of Times (16)
Sampled
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
FECAL STREPTOCOCCI
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 8 MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.-
Great Lakes Region Chicago.lllinois
FIGURE 1-4
-------
fclO.OOOjOOO-
1,000,000-
-
100,000 •:
•
_. 10,000-
E :
i :
•v.
fc
g 1,000 -
o
100 -
ID "
(14)
(10)
T <
j
I
( )
i
_
Columet
Mouth
>
^
'
-
*
18,000
4/29/66
y
5)
'
,
»
"
(9)
T <
! ,
?
0
1
1
1
i
R Calumet Hbr. Columet
Monitor /
^
|
L
^
(13) (25)
1 T
A
! 1
!
-L.
Hbr. Wentworth
/
^
?T
r
I
'' t
Y
_
L_
Ave. INDIANA Hbr.
Belt R.R.
LEGEND
Max.
Mean
Median
1966 Doto
(16) No. of Times Sampled
A
V
I960 Data
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
FECAL COLIFORM
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 5 MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago.lllinois
F)GURE I_5
-------
1,000,000 -
100,000-
10,000 -
o
1,000 -
en
z
UJ
o
100
10-
126)
Wolf Lake
(6)
Wolf Lake
6
Indiana Hbr
Indiana Hbr
(3)
9 02)
I
t
I
I
y
Indiana Hbr.
Dickey Rd.
Channel State Line Outer Lt.
02(26)
151st St.
H
Penn. R.R.
LEGEND
Max.
Mean
9
Medion ( '
Min. ~i~
1966 Data 1965 Data
06) NO. of Times (16)
Sampled
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
FECAL COLIFORM
STREAM SAMPLING STATIONS
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 8 MEDIAN
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL AOMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
FIGURE 1-6
-------
PARC II - BEACH SAMPLING PROGRAM
Microbiological information is based on sampling of Lake Michigan
beaches in the Calumet Area between May 31 and September 15, 1966. Samples
collected by the Surveillance Project were processed in the GLIRBP Laboratories
by means of the membrane filter (MF) method to determine total coliform, fecal
coliform and fecal streptococci,
Seven Lake Michigan beaches in the Calumet Area were sampled during the
1966 bathing season. The beaches sampled were Rainbow, Calumet- Park Inner
and Calumet Park Outer, in Illinois. Rainbow beach was sampled at 75th Place
and 77th Place and Calumet Park Inner beach at 99th and 100th Streets. Hammond,
Whiting, E. Chicago and Wolf Lake at 121st Street were the Indiana beaches
sampled. Wolf Lake was not included in the beach sampling program during the
1965 season.
Procedure
Samples were obtained in four feet of water at elbow depth, approximately
18" below the surface. The samples were immediately stored in an ice chest
until processed at the laboratory. The sampler recorded the following informa-
tion at the time of collecting the sample; number of bathers within a one-
hundred foot radius; air temperature, water temperature, wind speed and
direction; cloud cover and weather conditions; and surf conditions. All samples
were processed on the same day that they were taken.
The laboratory methods followed are in accordance with the procedure
established in "Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater"
(l2th ed). Fecal coliform determinations were made by the MF method, using
M-FC broth base (Difco) with Rosolic acid as an indicator. This method was
developed by Geldreich et al at the Robert A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center
(Goldreich et al. '65, J.A.W.W.A., 57: 2: 208-214, Feb).
30
-------
Data. Analyses
Comparisons of the 1965 and 1966 data for total coliform, fecal
streptococci and fecal coliform densities are shown graphically for each beach
in Figures II-1, II-2 and II-3. It should be noted that a greater number of
samples were collected and analyzed in 1966 than in 1965.
'.Che maximum, minimum, arithmetic mean and median densities for total
coliform at Rainbow and E. Chicago beaches are approximately the same as in
1965 (F:Lgure II-l). Calumet Park Inner and Outer beaches show slightly lower
counts 1'or total coliform in 1966 while Hammond and Whiting beaches are
markedly higher. The maximum values as shown in Figure 1 indicate that Hammond
and Whiting beaches are subject to periods of extremely heavy pollution.
Fecal streptococci are an indication of possible contamination of the
water fzom domestic sewage. Fecal streptococci densities for 1965 and 1966
compared, graphically in Figure II-2. The maximum and mean counts for the
beaches at Calumet Park Outer, Hammond, Whiting and E. Chicago are consider-
ably higher than in 1965 indicating that the beaches are subject to contamin-
ation from domestic wastes.
Tie beaches were sampled 27-29 times during the 1966 season for fecal
coliform counts. Figure II-3 shows a graphic comparison of the 1965 and 1966
findings, It should be noted that there were only four samples in 1965 and
that thene were at the end of the season when temperatures were lower and
beach usage less. The maximum and mean fecal coliform counts are higher in
1966 at every sampling point. Thirty-three percent of the samples collected
at Hammond and 22$ of the Whiting beach samples had counts of more than 10,000
fecal coliform per 100 ml.
31
-------
Wolf Lake at 121st was not sampled in the 1965 season but was
sampled 32 times in 1966. The total coliform counts ranged from a maximum
of 4,400 to a minimum of 6 with the median 230 and the mean 525. Fecal
streptococci counts ranged from less than 1 to 380 with the mean 32 and the
median 10. Twenty-seven samples for fecal coliform determinations ranged
from 2 to 1,100 with the mean 79 and the median 10. These values indicate
that the lake is relatively free of pollution and most of the bacteria
probably originate with the bathers using the beach. x
The criteria for determining satisfactory water quality for bathing
at the beaches in the Calumet Area are:
a. The water quality is satisfactory if MP collforms are less than
1,000 and MP fecal streptococci are less than 100.
b. The water quality is satisfactory,if MF collforms are between
1,000 and 5,000 and MP fecal streptococci are less than 20.
These standards have been applied to the data collected at the beaches
in the Calumet Area for the 1966 swimming season. Table II-l gives the
number and percent of times water quality at beaches did not meet the criteria.
Table II-l
Beach
Rainbow 75th
77th
Calumet Outer
1965
No. of times
criteria not
met
-UD
9
Calumet Inner 99th -\c
100th
Hammond
Whiting
E. Chicago
Wolf Lake
16
10
11
-
$ of time
criteria not
met
74
57
91
100
60
61
•y\
1966
No. of times
criteria not
met
10
13
l£
14
12
24
24
16
3
$ of time
criteria not
met
32$
42$
51$
43$
37$
75$
77$
50$
9$
-------
From this table it is clear that the beaches were somewhat cleaner
in 1966 than they were in 1965 "but that significant pollution still exists
especially at the Hammond and Whiting "beaches which met the criteria less
than one quarter of the time.
.Figures II-l, II-2 and II-3 indicate that fecal coliform and fecal
streptococci did not decline as much as the total coliform counts and that
on certain days there were extremely high counts at several beaches. This in-
dicates that much of the pollution is animal in origin and fairly fresh. It
may haw originated from bathers using the beaches or from boats and offshore
shipping.
Ko correlation was found between the coliform counts and rainfall
which would cause local drainage and possible outflows from combined sewers.
It must be noted however, that the 1966 bathing season was unusually dry
and theiefore, this study is not conclusive.
It was noted that 75$ of the high counts occurred when the wind had an
easterly component. This is probably due to the higher wave action which is
associated with easterly winds. The waves tend to stir up the bottom.
33
GPO 601—«B2-5
-------
1,000,
-
10,000 -
I
8'PO°-
•v '
DENSITY
100-
•
JO-
tf
(_
0
\.
f
4
r-
>
•
M
>
Middle
E. CHICAGO
^*
LEGEND
(16) No. Times Sompled
T Max.
Mean
Median
* Win.
1965 Date
Max.
Mean
Median
1966 Data
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
BEACH SAMPLING -TOTAL COLIFORM
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN & MEDIAN
JUNE - SEPT. 1966
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago.lllinois
FIGURE IE-1
-------
10,000-
•
1,000-
]E IQO —
8
X
>-
t-
z
LJ
O
10-
I
04)
T
O
0
M
I
0)
1
75th
f
(2
i
,
1)
i
,
77th
| RAINBOW
_ •
\
€
Q6)
^
%
i
f
I)
t
=1
Middle
vs.
rt'M
$I6P
'.»
A
•r
M
OUTER | ,NNE
CALUMET .,
i
^
£*
1
k
M
T
i
99th
f
(32)
i
•
1
•
lOOth
IR - PARK
^-
fa<»\
-------
10,000-
•
•
•
1,000-
:
~ 100-
X
t J
v>
z
Ui .
o
(o-
•
0
l
i
I
1
1
i
9
i
M
(29)
|
1
75th
14,000
»
(£7)
1
1
77th
RAINBOW
<
(4)
T
6
i
i
1 1
i
Middle
OUTER
(4]
i
l
i
9
_i_
M
ft-\f^\
1
yi
1 1
\
•4—
99th
130,000
i
(27)
i
I
0
t
iOOth
INNER - RARK
*
73,000
, 100,000
T I
! 1
i
i
i
i
i
i
A
i
(27)
Middle
HAMMOND
(
(4)
V
1
1
J_
<27)
Middle
WHITING
(2?)
T 1
,
u
j
"
.
L
Middle
E.
CHICAGO
t
(IS) No. Times Sompled
T Mm.
mm
C Median
•*• Min.
1965 Oo»o
Max.
Mean
Median
Min.
1966 Data
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
BEACH SAMPLING - FECAL COLIFORM
MAXIMUM, MINIMUM, MEAN 8 MEDIAiNI
JUNE- SEPT. 1966
U.S.DEPARTMENJ OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMiN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago,Illinois
FIGURE I-13
-------
PART III - AUTOMATIC MONITORING
Description of Facilities
At present there are two automatic water quality monitoring stations
in operation, one at Calumet Harbor and one at Indiana Harbor. These
instruments, manufactured by the Schneider Instrument Company of Cincinnati,
Ohio, consist of three main elements; the flow cells, the electronic cir-
cuitry and the data recorder.
A flow cell consists of a tapered cylindrical chamber through which
water from the river is continuously pumped. Electrochemical probes which
are capable of detecting changes in the chemical properties of the water can
be inserted into the cell. These probes send an electric signal to the
electronic circuitry portion of the monitor where it is amplified, modified,
•displayed on a galvanometer and sent to the data recording section of the
monitor.
Each monitor has eight flow cells so that it is capable of handling
a minimum of eight parameters. Some parameters such as temperature can be
put in the same flow cell with another parameter so that the flow cells can
handle more than eight parameters.
The electronics section of the monitor consists of separate circuits
for each parameter. Each of these circuits includes several potentiometers
and a galvanometer which can be calibrated to show the value of the parameter
at all times. Compensation circuits are included so that parameters that are
dependent upon other parameters can be measured on a uniform basis. For example,
the conductivity parameter has a temperature compensation circuit so that the
conductivity is always recorded as 25°C conductivity. The electronics section
has eight cubicles so that it is limited to eight parameters. An additional
-------
section would "be required to accommodate more than eight parameters.
The recorder section takes signals from the electronic circuits,
converts them into mechanical energy and prints the data on a chart which
is moving at the rate of one inch per hour. The value of each parameter
is recorded once every 6 minutes. The recorder has twelve channels and
therefore has the capacity to handle twelve parameters.
At present four parameters are being measured at each monitor. These
include temperature, specific conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen. These
are being measured primarily because they are the ones for which reliable
probes have been developed. Probes are being developed for sulphates and
chlorides. These will be added to each monitor as soon as they become available.
Evaluation of Results
At its present stage of development the automatic monitoring program
is not producing up to its full potential. There are two basic reasons for
this, one is that the parameters being measured are not the critical pollu-
tion parameters in the area and the second is that,at present, the data is
not presented in a form that permits immediate investigation of significant
variations in the parameters being measured.
Except for some initial problems the monitors have demonstrated their
ability to operate reliably and continuously over a considerable period of
time with a minimum of maintenance. As indicated in Figures III-l through Ill-k
the data has a reasonable range and is in reasonable agreement with the
result.'j of our weekly sampling program. Much of the variation from the weekly
sampling results can be explained by the fact that the samples were not taken
at exactly the same point or depth as the monitor intake. In the future,
35
-------
weekly samples for full laboratory analysis will "be taken directly from
the flow cells in the monitor.
The purpose of continuous monitoring is not to establish water quality.
A weekly sampling program is more suitable for this purpose because of the
great number of analyses that can be run in the laboratory. The primary
purpose of the monitor is to give immediate indication and warning of changes
in the water quality so that action can be taken to determine the cause of
the change and so that downstream users can be warned if necessary. Due to
the fact that the data is stored on a chart and is not immediately available
unless the monitor is attended at all times, this utilization has not been
realized.
Proposed Improvements
The addition of the ferric iron and sulphates parameters should, provide
a more direct measurement of the industrial pollution that is predominant in
the area.
A central station to which all monitors will telemeter their data is
planned. The data will be continuously displayed so that any deviations in
water quality could be instantly detected and investigated. In addition,
each monitor will be equipped with an automatic sampler which will take a
sample if any parameter exceeds certain limits and will flash a. warning in
the central station.
Eventually there will be a network of six monitors in the area. The
central station will receive the data from each of these stations, display
it and store it in a computer for analysis. This will give the project the
ability to detect and immediately react to changes in water quality in the
area.
36
QPO 801—482—4
-------
SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
Great Lakes Region GMeogo.lllinois
I I J I 111 I LI I
1.1 i i .1 i i n i i 1.1 \ hi.! i n t i
.i i i i i i i, i i i .i i i n i i i, i i i .i i i
1.1 i i .1 r i <
9 12 15
TIME (WEEKS OF 1966)
-------
10
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
pH vs. TIME
WEEKLY AVERAGES
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL MONITOR DATA
U.S.DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago.)Hindis
l l .1 I I I I I I. I I I .1 I I I I ll I, I I I ,1 I I 1 I I I, I I I
18 21 24
TIMF
12
(WFFk.q OF
-------
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
CONDUCTIVITY vs. TIME
WEEKLY AVERAGES
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL MONITOR DATA
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ADMIN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago.lllinois
JUN* I
9 12 15
TIME (WEEKS OF 1966)
-------
CALUMET AREA SURVEILLANCE PROJECT
DISSOLVED OXYGEN v«. TJME
WEEKLY AVERAGES
INDIANA HARBOR CANAL MONITOR *DATA
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
FEDERAL WATER POL LUTiON CONTROL ADMiN.
Great Lakes Region Chicago.lllinois
24
27
TIMC" '"'
-------
ADDENDUM
COMPARISON ON USE OF DENDY SAMPLERS AND OTHER BOTTOM SAMPLERS
Toy
H. J. Fisher
Chief Biologist
During November 1965* samples "were collected at the same stations with
the Dendy sampler and the Petersen dredge or the Eckman dredge by personnel of
the Calumet Area Surveillance Project» The Dendy sampler used plates
representing sand, sawdust, or shell substrate. All samples were presented
to the biological laboratory of Great Lakes-Illinois River Basins Project for
analysis.
Identification of organisms found in each sample was completed during
jie summer of 1965* Results are shown in the table at the end of this report.
Discussion
The purpose of this brief study was to determine the correlation, if
any, between the effectiveness of sampling macroorganisms by the Dendy sampler
with that of regular bottom samplers, that is, the Eckman dredge and the
Peterson dredge.
Reference to the table indicates that there was little correlation
between the number of individuals and species collected by the Dendy sampler,
set at sites above the bottom, with those collected by the Eckman or Petersen
dredge from the bottom. In most samples, the numbers of individuals and
species collected by either of the latter two samplers exceeded those collected
by the Dendy sampler.
Only those samples collected on the bottom by Dendy compare somewhat
bottom samples collected by the other bottom samplers at the same station.
-------
RESULTS OF BENBY SAMPLES COMPARED TO BOTTOM SAMPLES
Location
Calumet Rivdr
2X)6th St.
Little Calumet River
Ashland Avenue
Little Calumet
Wentworth Avenue
Calumet River
Torrence Avenue
Grand Calumet and
Indianapolis Blvd.
Grand Calumet and
Indiana Harbor Belt
Grand Calumet and
Industrial Hwy.
Type of
Bendy
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3.
R.R.
1.
2.
Sawdust
Sand
Sawdust
Sawdust
Sand
Sand
Sawdust
Sand
Sawdust-shells
Sawdust
Shell
Sawdust-shell
Sand
Depth of
Bendy
Sampler
27' above
bottom
1^' above
bottom
I1 above
bottom
17 ' above
bottom,
on bottom
8" above
bottom
on bottom
Type of No. of Organisms in
Organisms Organisms Bottom Samples
No
organisms found
^ygaptera
No
1.
2.
1.
2.
1.
2.
3-
1.
2.
organisms found
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
Zendipedidae
Tubificidae
No organisms found
Physa
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Lyanea
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Physa
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
^
1
-
38
1
28
1*8
-
10
16
18
27
36
9
183
368
1
1
266
2
310
Hirudinea
Oligochaeta
Tubificidae
Tubificidae
Tubificidae
Neraatoda
Tendipedidae
Oligochaeta
Physa
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
No. of
Organisms
2
3
364
6976
275
1
35
602
k
323
2
1094
55
5
968
-------
The numbers of the tubiflcidae, pollution tolerant worms, collected by the
Eckman or Petersen dredge far exceeded those collected by the Dendy sampler
on the bottom at the following stations: Grand Calumet and Indianapolis
Boulevard and Grand Calumet and Industrial Highway. Only at the Calumet
River Bridge Street Station did the number of tubificidae collected by the
Dendy sampler on the bottom exceed the numbers of these sludge worms taken
by the regular bottom samplers.
It is the writer's opinion that the numbers of individuals and the
numbers of species of aquatic organisms collected above the bottom by the
Dendy sampler did not compare closely with those taken by either the Eckman
or Petersen dredge hauls from the bottom in the present study. Although a
closer correlation between the results of the methods was noted on samples
^aken from the bottom, more comparing tests should be made between the
Dendy sampler on the bottom with the Eckman or Petersen dredge >"*n\s in order
to obtain more reliable comparable results.
It is the writer's opinion that accurate conclusions cannot be made
from the one sampling conducted in this study.
Comment by Peggy Harris, Biologist
"Dendy samples leave organisms, such as blood worms, in their natural state
of color; however, oligochaetes have the tendency to become clear and jelly-
like in consistency and to cling to the plates."
-------
RESULTS OF BENDY SAMPLES COMPARED TO BOTTOM SAMPLES
Type of
Location Dendy
Wolf Lake Channel and 1.
Corondolet Avee 2»
Indiana Harbor Canal 1.
151st Street 2.
Grand Calumet River 1.
Bridge Street 2.
Little Calumet River 1.
Nev York Central Bridge 2 .
Calumet River at !<,
Indiana Avenue 2.
Calumet River
Sand
Sawdust
Sawdust
Sand
Sand
Sawdust
Sand
Sawdust
Sand
Sawdust
Sawdust
Depth of
Dendy Type of No. of Organisms in No. of
Sampler Organisms Organisms Bottom Samples Organisms
1' above lo
bottom 2 .
I1 above 1.
bottom 2 .
on bottom 1.
2.
IV above 1.
bottom
2.
IV above 1.
bottom 2 o
No
SjLmulidae 125
Np organisms
Tubificidae 31
Tubificidae 6
Tubificidae 179
No organisms
Tendipedidae 13
Odonata 1
Tubificidae 3
No organisms found
Tubificidae 6
Tendipedidae 2
organisms found
Pontaporeia
Isopoda
Physa
Gyraulus
Hirudinea
Glossiphonia
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Simulidae
Emphemeroptera
Trichoptera
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Hirudinea
Tubificidae
Tendipedidae
Tubificidae
12
1
1
2
5
2
1*2
67
101
2
1
232
2
13
654
2
If
1161
17
24
130th Street
GPO 8O1—482—3
------- |