PROCEEDINGS
VOLUMES
THIRD SESSION
September 8-9,1965
OREGON
Conference
In the matter off Pollution of the
Interstate Waters off the
Lower Columbia River and the
Tributaries-Bonneville Dam
to Cathlamet, Washington
U. S DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, EDUCATION, AND WELFARE
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GENERAL INDEX
Opening remarks by Chairman Stein,
Report of Mr. T. C. Ferris ...................... 11
Complete report ........................... 38
Statement of Mr . David Rockwood ................. 133
Statement of Dr. L. Edward Perry ................ 137
Remarks by Mr. Robert Straub .................... 146
Statement of Mr. E. J. Weathersbee .............. 155
Statement of Mr. Hayse Black. ... ................. 174
Statements of Mr. Charles F. McDevitt ............ 177
210
Statement of Mr. John D. Cassidy ................ l8l
Statement of Mr. Frank C. McColloch ......... ..... 136
Statement of Dr. Herman R. Amberg ............... 201
Statement of Mr. James B. Haas ............ . ...... 204
Statement of Fir. John G. Wilson ....... . ......... 213
Statement of Mr. William Westerholm ............. 219
Statement of Mr. William Puustinen .............. 229
Statement of Mr. George R. K. Moorhead ..........
Statement of Lower Columbia River Sportsmen's
Council (Messrs. Chan Schenck and
Howard E. Nelson) ........................ 249
Statement of Mr. Roy M. Harris .................. 256
Statement of Mr . Rex Morris ..................... 269
Statement of Mr. W. W. Clarke ................... 285
Statement of Mr. J. R. Callahan ................. 292
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Index
GENERAL INDEX (Cont'd)
Statement of Mr. Donald J. Benson 295
Statement of Mr. S. H. LeMier 304
U. S. Weather Bureau Report (Anthony J. Polos).. 307
Statement of Dr. David B. Charlton 310
Conferees1 conclusions and recommendations 31^
Reporter's Certificate .319
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Index
INDEX to DHEW complete report on
pollution of interstate waters of
the lower Columbia River
Bonneyilie Dam to Cathlamet, Wash.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Transcript
Page No.
FIGURE I - LOCATION MAP T3
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 44
RECOMMENDATIONS 53
INTRODUCTION 55
AREA 59
BACKGROUND 61
REVIEW OF PAST STUDIES 63
WILLAMETTE RIVER 69
WATER USES 70
WATER SUPPLY 70
RECREATION 71
FISHERY RESOURCES
73
HYDROELECTRIC POWER PRODUCTION 75
IRRIGATION 75
NAVIGATION li
PRESENT WASTE SOURCES 77
MUNICIPAL 77
INDUSTRIAL 77
GRAIN WASHING 77
FOOD PROCESSING , 78
MALTING AND BREWING 78
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Index
TABLE OP CONTENTS (Cont'd)
Transcript
Page No.
PULP AND PAPER 79
FIGURE II - MAP SHOWING WASTE SOURCES... 85
PROGRESS IN POLLUTION ABATEMENT- SINCE 1958-
59 CONFERENCE 89
STATE ACTION 89
MUNICIPAL 91
INDUSTRIAL 92
COMPARISON OF 1959 and 1964 WASTE LOADINGS 9^
EFFECTS OF WASTES ON WATER QUALITY AND USES .... 96
RIVER SURVEY 1964 96
BIOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS 1964 9^
NATURE OF- SLIME DEPOSITS 97
DISTRIBUTION OF SUSPENDED SLIMES 100
FISHERMEN1S REPORTS 103
PICTURE OF FISHERMAN'S NET 106
FIGURE III - MAP OF COMMERCIAL FISHERMEN'S
DRIFTS 108
REDUCTION OF FIBER AND BOD LOADINGS 109
* * * -x- *
APPENDIX A. 1964 SAMPLING EQUIPMENT AND
PROCEDURES 113
APPENDIX B. 1964 SAMPLE ANALYSIS 115
APPENDIX C. EXPLANATION OF RIVER EVALUATION
PROCEDURES 120
APPENDIX D. COLUMBIA RIVER DISCHARGE AT
BONNEVILLE, 19&3-6il
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Index
TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont'd) Transcript
Page No.
APPENDIX E. RIVER TEMPERATURE AT BONNEVILLE,
1963-64 129
APPENDIX F. COLUMBIA RIVER COMMERCIAL PISHING
SEASONS, 1963-64 130
BIBLIOGRAPHY 131
*****
TABLES
TABLE I UNTREATED & RECOMMENDED WASTE LOADINGS 49
TABLE II MUNICIPAL WASTES , 86
TABLE III INDUSTRIAL WASTES 87
TABLE IV REPORTED PULP AND PAPER PRODUCTION,
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER'AND MULTNOMAH
CHANNEL 88
*****
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Index
INDEX OF APPENDICES
APPENDIX A Roster of attendees consisting
of seven pages.
APPENDIX B Photostatic copies of
Illustrations Nos. 1 thru 11
APPENDIX C "Columbia River Study -- A
Progress Report, 1958-1963,"
Crown Zellerbach Corp.
publication, consisting of
47 pages.
*****
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256
(Thursday, September 9, 1965, the
Conference reconvened at 9:40
o'clock, A.M., at which time the
following further proceedings were
had:)
CHAIRMAN STEIN: May we reconvene? At this time,
we will start with the state of Washington's presentation,
and I would like to call on Mr. Roy Harris of Washington.
Mr. Harris.
MR. HARRIS: Mr. Chairman, I think the mike seems to
be a little better.
Chairman Stein, Mr. Poston, Mr. Spies, ladies and
gentlemen:
I seem to sort of get in these situations where the
second day I lose an audience, but that's all right. We
still have the conferees.
The last time I testified before the Muskie Committee,
I remember Mr. Stein was there on the second day. The first
day I walked in, I was supposed to follow Governor Rockefeller.
My goodness, there were TV cameras, reporters, and the
place was crowded. The next day when Murray and I were
there, we were just there as people to testify.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Roy, if we can go off the record for
a moment.
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(Discussion off the record.)
MR. HARRIS: As a preface to our presentation of the
Washington State Pollution Control Commission, I wish to
specifically invite attention to the fact that this third
session of the Lower Columbia River Conference has been
convened by the Secretary of Health, Education, and*Welfare
under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control
Act, and that the state of Washington did not request that
this session be convened. We are participating in this
session as we have in the past two conferences, and we are
hopeful that some new and fruitful actions may be developed
as a result of the presentations today. We wish to make
it clear at this point, however, that regardless of this
conference the stream improvement facilities mentioned
later will basically evolve from Commission-Industry
programs already initiated or under discussion.
The Report on Pollution of Interstate Waters of the
Lower Columbia River, dated August 1965, and released by
the U. S. Public Health Service, supplies the background
information for the presentation made here yesterday by the
Public Health Service conferee. This report, and the
presentation, focused attention on the pulp mills as the
source of waste materials which are producing objectionable
conditions in the Lower Columbia River. It is concluded,
therefore, that the U. S. Public Health Service considers
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that the corrections as outlined in the 1958 Action Program
for other industries and municipalities in Washington have
been accomplished to their satisfaction. While it is true
that the Washington communities have corrected the major
municipal waste deficiencies listed by the 1959 session of
this conference, there will always remain the necessity of
constantly upgrading both treatment and operation.
When the basic law creating the Pollution Control
Commission was passed by the Washington State Legislature
in 1945, it was not envisioned that its mere passage would
automatically end all the water pollution problems of the
state. It was, however, a statement of policy and a specific
charge to the state government to work more intensively
toward alleviating the ill effects of one by-product of an
ever-expanding civilization.
In dealing with the matters under discussion today,
we wish to invite attention to the fact that in the pre-
amble of our 1945 act, and I quote: "It is declared to be
public policy of the State of Washington...to...require the
use of all known available and reasonable methods by indus-
tries and others to prevent and control the pollution of
the waters of the state of Washington..."
Policies of the Pollution Control Commission during
the years since passage of that law have reflected this
basic obligation. It has not been easy in the past, and
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it is not expected to be easy in the future, to keep atten-
tion in focus with the specific language of that stated
legislative policy because there are those who would change
the words "known available and reasonable" to the word
"economical."
While it is incumbent upon a regulatory agency to give
consideration to those methods which would be both econom-
ical and effective in controlling pollution, there inevi-
tably comes a time when effectiveness must be used as the
basic criteria.
Washington State's pollution control law has much in
common with the suggested State Water Pollution Control Act
developed and distributed by the United States Public
Health Service. Specific language differences between the
two do not erase the similarity.
The first Federal Water Pollution Control Act was
passed in Congress three years after the Washington State
law was enacted. In subsequent years we have made a
considerable amount of progress, and it is heartening to
note that when the Public Health Service recommends a model
law to the states that it bears considerable similarity to
our own.
The 1958 conference on the same subject we are
addressing today documented numerous prior studies, and
stressed the need for more definitive answers on actual
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river conditions, and the effects of nutrient materials
on slime growth. This need was translated into an active,
but frequently disappointing search for better scientific
answers to this complex problem.
In cooperation with the Oregon State Sanitary Authority
and the pulp mills along the river, comprehensive field
investigations were started in mid 1959. These studies
spanned 109 miles of river from Bonneville Dam to Skamokawa.
The purpose and objective was to obtain broad based data
from which the water quality characteristics of the river
could be discerned and their interacting relationships
defined.
In contrast to other studies which were limited in
purpose and scope, this joint study established 45 sampling
stations in 11 river cross sections, and included the
measurements of 27 parameters which resulted in the analy-
sis of 20,500 items of data for one year's effort. I bring
this in to indicate that subsequent to the 1958 session,
which had certain directives regarding investigations, that
we as a pollution control agency, together with our
cooperating neighbors from Oregon and the mills, have not
been inactive insofar as trying to ascertain the true con-
ditions, causes and effects of this very baffling problem.
This investigation was maintained at the same level until
September of 1961, at which time the sample collection was
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halted in order to evaluate the data which had been collec-
ted. During this time a contract was let with the Univer-
sity of Washington for the computer analysis of the 1960
data.
In addition to a complete analysis of these data, a
subsequent report made technical recommendations for the
conduct of a. continued study. Sampling station adjustments
were made to more closely coincide with the slime measure-
ment locations, and the 1962 and 1963 surveys were con-
ducted to the limit of available funds. These surveys
coincided with the periods of major interest to the fishery
and data summaries of the results were periodically
reviewed by the survey cooperators.
On evaluation of the 1962 and 1963 data, it became
apparent that the slime growths were still relatively high,
even with corrective measures which had been incorporated
by the pulp mills. It was also noted that slime growth
occurred when nutrient levels were below the amounts which
prior research had indicated as being limiting. The
cooperators then determined that a closer look into the
nutrient regime should be undertaken.
It became apparent that the required precision for the
nutrient analyses would be difficult to obtain through the
coordination of five different laboratories for these
exacting tests, and it was decided to contract the nutrient
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analyses to the U. S. Geological Survey laboratory. The
organic analyses were assigned to the Pollution Control
Commission laboratory, and the sample collection and slime
box observations to the individual pulp mills.
Concurrently with these monitoring programs, a series
of special studies were conducted by the Technical
Coordinating Committee formed as part of the Action Program
developed in connection with the 1959 conference.
Yearly surveys during the fall have been conducted to
monitor the bacteriological quality of the river in the
Portland-Vancouver area. Other studies by this group have
been made to evaluate the effectiveness of the intermittent
discharge prior to the acceptance of a proposal for a
similar operation by a second mill.
Currently in progress by the Technical Coordinating
Committee are-studies designed to document objectively the
locations and severity of the slime problem as it relates
to fishermen's nets; to test the thesis of suspended slime
growth as a dominant mechanism in contrast to the concept
of slime sloughing from areas of attached growth; and to
evaluate the implication of pulped fibers as a factor in
the growth of slimes and problem severity.
There seems to be little disagreement that the carbo-
hydrates discharged in pulp mill effluents are a prime
source of nutrient material which sustain Sphaerotilus
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growth. Also, there seems to be little, if any, disagree-
ment that fibrillous materials in the water contribute
nuclei for development of slime-like clumps. The reduction
to a satisfactory level of both nutrients and fibers has
been the subject of repeated study, research and discussion
between our commission staff and the mills.
Had it not been for the fact that the Commission and
the U. S. Public Health Service could not reach an agree-
ment on conclusions and recommendations in a proposed joint
report due for release early this year, our Washington
program for nutrient removal might be in a more advanced
stage. It was our conclusion then, as now, that fiber
removal without nutrient removal would not solve the slime
problem. As a result of this lack of agreement, the Public
Health Service issued its own report in April of this year
and recommended removal of volatile suspended solids as a
first step, but made no definite recommendations for the
nutrient reductions to be accomplished in sulphite liquor
discharges, nor did it emphasize the importance of this
requirement.
We are most pleased to note that the recommendations
developed in the August report, although developed from the
same basic data as the April report, are directed to the
necessity for reductions in BOD loadings caused by sulphite
liquor discharges, in addition to the recommendation for
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removal of volatile suspended matter.
The prior emphasis placed upon removal of suspended
solids by the Public Health Service report placed the
Commission in a somewhat awkward position in our negotia-
tions with the mills. As mentioned by Mr. McDevitt, the
Commission has recently received from the Boise Cascade
mill at Vancouver an assurance that planning is in progress
to install facilities for elimination of 70 to 75 per cent
of the nutrient materials from the effluent. This signifi-
cant step might have been taken at an earlier date had it
not been for effective recommendations. We think, however,
that this is a significant step forward for industry and
for the pollution control program in Washington. Not only
will this industry remove its settleable solids, but it
will also remove most of the dissolved solids from the
stronger wastes, thereby relieving the river of the source
of damaging nutrients.
A realistic date for completion of construction at
Vancouver is presently under discussion. Also, it is the
expectation of -the Commission that the remaining sulphite
mill on the Columbia River, not employing a recovery
process, will proceed with construction of facilities to
effect a similar reduction in nutrient materials. We have
recently received a commitment from that mill which is now
under study. Also, in meetings with the mill managers last
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June, it was agreed that they would all proceed with plans
for removal of volatile suspended matter, and at that time
we indicated that our acceptance of these proposals would
not compromise our position regarding the importance of
nutrient removal.
We regret that this August report by the Public Health
Service does not include recognition of the commitments made
by the mills to install primary treatment, as this informa-
tion was given to the Public Health Service in June, This
apparently was an oversight.
We may not agree completely with the Public Health
Service on desirable percentages nor on realistic completion
dates, but we are most gratified that there is a reasonable
agreement on the basic technical considerations involved in
this problem. The fact remains, however, that we need to
broaden our scientific horizons in this area.
Our state law requires that the Commission define the
qualities and properties of water which are deleterious.
This concept is also in the "Model Law," and we certainly
agree that such information is necessary for long-range
planning in water quality management. For example, basic
research and investigation is needed of naturally occurring
nutrient levels above Camas, together with a more adequate
description of the deleterious changes in these levels in
the Camas-Vancouver area and the Longview area of the
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Columbia River. We were, and are, hopeful that the U. S.
Public Health Service, with its vast scientific and research
resources, can materially contribute to this area of knowl-
edge so that we can better understand both cause and effect.
We believe that this type of scientific contribution will
serve a more useful purpose in the long-range solution of
this complex problem than actions taken under enforcement
provisions of the Federal law.
We are not in any fashion attempting to divert atten-
tion from the problems on the Washington side of the
Columbia River, but we do believe that regardless of positive
or negative conclusions, the effects of the Willamette
River on the Columbia should have been more completely
studied and documented in the Public Health Service Report.
This conference is concerned with the Lower Columbia River
and its tributaries. In this respect, I am in no way
taking issue with Oregon's comments on this river. I merely
want to call attention to the fact that the conference does
involve the Columbia River and its tributaries.
We are in accord with the recommended time schedule
for the removal of volatile suspended matter, but question
somewhat the date of December 31, 1967 for completion of
facilities to effect a 70 per cent reduction in BOD loadings
derived from sulphite waste liquor discharges. We do have
some question on the meaning and interpretation or
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recommendation 3-a on page 11 of the report insofar as the
ability of the various pulp mills might be to carry this
recommendation into effect.
As conferee for the state of Washington I have invited
each of the four Washington pulp and paper mills to make
a presentation which will bring up-to-date their respective
pollution abatement efforts subsequent to the 1959 session.
At that time some of them may wish to comment on these
recommendations. They will be heard later in this third
session except for the Boise Cascade statement which was
presented yesterday by Mr. McDevitt. However, if Boise
Cascade has additional comments to make today, they are
again invited to present them.
In concluding my remarks, I can say that we recognize
quite completely that the installation of facilities for
i
the adequate treatment of these industrial wastes under dis-
cussion will be costly to the industries. This is unfor-
tunate, but the cost to others of waste discharges has also
been great. Many of the costs involved can be measured quite
precisely, but others are difficult to qualify, such as the
impact of the state's morale and the economy of a stream
which is damaged as a source of economic livelihood for
another segment of the population.
It is obvious to us, however, that in view of the
commitments we have already received, we can now see before
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us the end point of a complex, long-standing pollution
problem in the Columbia River.
It is also my conviction that the necessary corrective
action in our state will be taken regardless of this session
of the conference. However, the session today has afforded
the opportunity for many old friends and acquaintances to
get together again and talk about stream pollution.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Harris. Are there any
comments or questions?
MR. POSTON: I compliment Mr. Harris on a very fine
presentation.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Do you want to proceed to call people,
Mr. Harris?
MR. HARRIS: Yes. Prior to calling representatives
of the industry, I might mention that the State Department
of Health and the State Department of Game and the State
Department of Fisheries were invited to present comments.
The State Department of Fisheries representative was here
yesterday. I do not see him in the audience this morning.
Is Mr. LeMier here? If he comes in later, Mr. Chairman,
I should like to call on him.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: That will be perfectly all right.
MR. HARRIS: As lead-off for the pulp and paper
industry, I guess we will take the upriver mill ahd work
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down; and, therefore, we will call on Mr. Rex Morris of
the Crown Zellerbach mill at Camas.
Mr. Morris.
MR. MORRIS: Mr. Chairman, conferees, -ladies and
gentlemen: My name is Rex Morris. I live in Camas,
Washington, where I am resident manager of the Crown
Zellerbach Corporation pulp and paper mill.
The pulp and paper mill at Camas has been in operation
for about 80 years. From a rather modest beginning, the
operation has grown to where its products are shipped all
over the United States and into world markets. We presently
employ approximately 2800 employees who receive an annual
payroll of $20 million. Purchases of raw material, equip-
ment, and supplies for our operation last year totaled about
$37.5 million of which $11.6 million represented expendi-
tures for wood and sawmill residues. The Camas mill pays
over $900,000 annually in state and local taxes for the
support of schools, roads and so forth. In addition, the
mill's Federal taxes during 1964 were approximately $1.8
million.
Mr. Harris, director of the Washington State Pollution
Control Commission, invited me to attend this conference
to report on the progress of the water quality control pro-
gram at our mill since the adjournment of the 1959 Columbia
River Conference. I would like to briefly summarize the
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progress we have made since 1959 and present plans for
additional improvements.
Based upon an extensive research and development
program we constructed an installation for collecting and
impounding our spent sulfite liquor to help control the
growth of Sphaerotilus. This project was outlined at the
1959 conference and undertaken with the agreement of the
Washington State Pollution Control Commission. This instal-
lation, which was completed in 1960 at a cost of $750,000,
permits collection of the cooking liquor and wash waters
from the sulfite pulping process and impoundment of these
for six days followed by discharge on the seventh day. An
alternate method of operation used successfully in the
spring of 1965 involves the collection and impoundment
of the concentrated spent sulfite liquor for extended
periods during critical river conditions.
Since the completion of the installation, comprehen-
sive studies have been conducted to measure the effective-
ness of this program. The results of these studies were
submitted in a progress report to the Washington State
Pollution Control Commission in November 1963. I have here
a copy of that progress report. I believe the conferees
and chairman have that copy. I would like it entered into
the record if I might.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes. Without objection, that will be
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so done. How big is the report?
MR. MORRIS: (Indicating)
CHAIRMAN STEIN: How many pages? I want to see if we
could use some of that taxpayers' money you spent to print
it in the record.
MR. MORRIS: 47 pages.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: All right. That will be included
in the record without objection.
(The document referred to, entitled
"Columbia River Study A Progress
Report, 1958-1963," consisting of 47
pages, is marked as Appendix C, and
is attached hereto and made a part
hereof.)
MR. MORRIS: The studies show that the water quality
below our outfalls has been improved and controlled. Data
collected to date indicates that intermittent discharge or
impounding have been effective in controlling water quality.
Both systems have been successfully used during the past
five years.
Recent research and field studies in the Lower Columbia
have shown that drifting slimes originate on suspended
organic substrates. It appears that these attachment
i
surfaces are essential for the development of slime growths
in the lower river. In a letter to Mr. Harris of the
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Washington State Pollution Control Commission dated June
24, 1965, we outlined a plan to construct a plant to
collect and treat the fiber bearing effluents from the mill
for the removal of wood fibers. The estimated cost of this
treatment plant is about $2.0 million and will be completed
in 1967. We believe this step will result in further
improvements in water quality.
We have also reported to Mr. Harris that the Camas
mill is now equipped to impound and reduce spent sulfite
liquor by 70 per cent during periods when flow is less than
220,000 cubic feet per second at Mayger and water tempera-
ture is 10 to 15° C, In other words, we will be in a
position upon completion of our treatment plant to comply
with the intent of the recommendations presented in the
U. S. Public Health Service report of August 1965.
We have had a positive water quality control program
underway as reflected by our capital expenditures. With
the proposed treatment plant our total capital investment
in equipment designed specifically to improve water quality
will be $3.4 million.
Thank you.
CHAIRMAN STEIN; Thank you. Are there any comments
or questions?
MR. POSTON: I might ask a question: You have stated
that your studies have shown that water quality below your
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outfalls has been improved and controlled.
Would you care to speak to how far downstream this
control has extended?
MR. MORRIS: We have checked the Columbia extensively
down to the Interstate Bridge and beyond that during times
of intermittent discharge. I note in the April report by
the U. S. Public Health Service a comment was made on the
improvement in the river condition in that stretch.
In the August report, however, it was mentioned that
the fishermen stopped fishing during the time we were dis-
charging our intermittent discharge.
We have done a lot of checking in that area. We would
not agree with that statement of net lifting at least
our investigations have not shown that to be the case.
MR. POSTON: Well, I also, as one of the original
conferees, want to compliment Crown Zellerbach, and you have
made mention here of your plans in 1959 to put in treatment.
You were the only mill at that time that came up with plans,
and I want to compliment you today on having plans in the
works to comply with-our recommendations. I compliment you
on that.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: As far as I understand your situation
you would be in a position to comply with the recommendation
of the Federal Report as far as the 70 per cent reduction
of sulfite liquor within the time^ schedules indicated in
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the report. However, you indicate that you would prefer
not to run that all year, just during the time when there
is a certain flow in the river and temperature. Is that a
fair interpretation of what you say?
MR. MORRIS: Yes, sir. Our intent would be to pond
the 70 per cent and discharge under conditions of high
river flow and/or low temperature, at the time when
Sphaerotilus growth did not appear to be a problem.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: You would have the equipment in to
be able to do that when appropriate?
MR. MORRIS: Yes, that's correct.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Within the time specified?
MR. MORRIS: In fact, most of that we have at present.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Thank you.
MR. MORRIS: May I ask a question?
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes.
MR. MORRIS: Mr. Harris mentioned in his presentation
the table in the Public Health Service Report, and also
raised the question on 11, 3(a) and (b), the recommendations
that appear in the report. As I interpret Recommendation
3(a), "Waste loadings, as shown in the last column of
Table I... should not be exceeded." Is that correct? In
Table I, there is a 15 per cent reduction claim for
primary treatment. The information I have from our
technical people this 15 per cent reduction would be
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questionable, and this means, then, if we use the last
column of Table I, we would be including in a figure of 15
per cent BOD reduction with primary treatment that may not
happen.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Is there any comment on that? I think
this is a good point. Let's see if we can get this clari-
fied. Can you comment on that?
MR. POSTON: I would prefer to call on Mr. Ralph Scott,
the industrial waste consultant. Would you grant us time,
Roy, for him to come up?
MR0 HARRIS: Yes.
MR. POSTON: Come and discuss this.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes, I think the best way to get
these things resolved, settle an issue, is to get the
experts up and have a colloquy and see what the point is.
MR. MORRIS: May I ask, raise one more point? It
isn't in my prepared statement.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes.
MR. MORRIS: The (b) section on page 11.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Pardon me. I think the purpose of
this is to try to have a coherent record when we are through,
and if it's appropriate, we try to hit one at a time,
because I find sometimes we get confused when we try to do
too much, particularly when someone reads the written
record.
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Mr. Scott.
MR. SCOTT: Our position in developing the use of a
15 per cent reduction, 15 per cent reduction credited to
primary treatment, was based upon considerable literature
review which indicates that other pulp and paper mills who
have employed primary treatment do obtain the added advan-
tage of a reduction in the BOD load contained in the
effluent discharge facilities.
There is no lack of information of this type in the
literature, in Tappi publication, in Pulp And Paper, in
Purdue Industrial Waste Conference Proceedings, and Sewage
Works Journal. Perhaps the best source of information is
Bulletin No. 178 by the National Council which both gives
efficiencies in solid separation and BOD reductions for
55 mills in the southeast section of the country; and I
think if that information is used, we might conclude that
our 15 per cent is lower than might be expected and, there-
fore, the mills will actually enjoy an advantage in BOD
reduction that will accrue due to primary treatment. I
would look at it the other way rather than that you are not
going to obtain 15 per cent, if we are to believe this
information in the National Council Bulletin.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Do you want to have one of your
technical people respond to this?
MR. MORRIS: I would like to respond.
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CHAIRMAN STEIN: I think, as I look at this, and we
check -- this is a new point for me -- but I think this is
something that we may be able to resolve. I think you are
agreed on the 70 per cent BOD removal, and I think there is
no disagreement on that.
There may be some disagreement whether a properly
operated reduction by primary treatment will reduce the 15
per cent.
Now, if there is a problem on that and there is conflict
in judgment on what may be attained, can we leave that to
see if the primary treatment of the reduction is going to
be accomplished anyway, to see which one proves out?
Now, in looking at these figures, either it does or it
doesn't, and I think what we are talking about is settling
on a 70 per cent reduction in BOD. Once we do that, if
Mr. Scott's contention is correct, we are going to have a
15 per cent reduction. If there is some doubt about it
and this doesn't work, then we will have 15 per cent more.
I don't know that this is going to necessarily, as I look
at it for the conferees and for the mills, that this should
be a sticking point, because from an operation point of
view, you are going to put in certain facilities* hopefully
we will get the lower results, but if you don't, I think
the problem will not be due to the fact that the mills
didn't put in the work but that some of the assumptions or
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calculations may have been a little awry, and I don't know
that the mills have to necessarily be held responsible for
that.
I don't look at this as a sticking point. Do the
conferees see any problem with that?
MR. HARRIS: I, frankly, do not at the moment on this.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: But I think your point is well taken
that there is I think we recognize that there is a dif-
ference in opinion on the reduction in BOD which will be
effectuated by primary treatment, and I think here, again,
only time will tell; but it seems to me in looking again
at these figures, that if we get the 15 per cent reduction,
well and good; and if we don't, I don't think there are
going to be earth-shaking consequences.
Do you want to say anything more, Mr. Scott?
MR. SCOTT: Well, I would emphasize again, I will
stand by the 15 per cent, and I assume we will get 15 per
cent.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Mr. Scott, no one is disputing you.
If what you say is so, and we do get the 15 per cent, the
program that is going to be considered will produce it.
But I certainly hope, for the industry and for the river's
sake, that we do get the optimistic figure on reduction,
because that will give us that much more of a margin to
play with in development for the river and development to
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the industry. I hope we get it. But I don't think, in
view of this controversy and about this, that that last
column or meeting the last column should be a rigid
requirement.
I think the requirement was met with the primary treat-
ment and the 70 per cent BOD removal, and hopefully we
will get the added 15 per cent, both.
Do you have another question, Mr. Morris?
MR. MORRIS: Well, I'm sure Mr. Scott has given this
a great deal of study. I raised the question, because the
tables are shown as a goal, and they assume the 15 per
cent. Certainly, we are very much aware of our responsi-
bility in maintaining water quality as we install a primary
treatment plant which we have committed ourselves to do.
We will operate it to the best of our ability and get
everything we can out of it.
May I ask and comment on one additional item, the
item on page 11, paragraph 3, subtitle (b)? This again
refers to the last column in Table I, as I interpret it:
"Additional wastes due to industrial expansion should be
accompanied by provision for solids reduction, and a com-
pensating degree of biological treatment, or other disposal
means, to prevent exceeding the above recommended waste
loadings." Again, a reference to the last column of the
table.
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One of the things that makes possible a competition
of pulp and paper industry with other parts of the country
is our ability to expand production, our need to maintain
an expanding mill, increase our customers.
As I interpret this, this means, then, that we have
committed ourselves to install primary treatment. After
this is done and we expand mill production 20 per cent,
then it's not enough to install primary treatment capacity
for that addition, because we are pegged to this column in
Table I, and once we have removed the solids in primary
sedimentation not being a technical expert in this field
--it seems to me that further solids reduction is going
to be a rather difficult thing.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Do you want to comment on that?
MR0 POSTON: Well, as I explained yesterday, our
purpose of putting in this recommendation is that we feel
that someplace we have got to start drawing a line beyond
which pollution must stop.
We think that the place to stop it is now, and we do
not feel that we can continue, just because indu&try
expands, to permit them to discharge wastes at the old rate.
Already we see many of our rivers loaded to the point where
they're all going septic, and the purpose in putting in
this was to establish that floor.
Now, we feel and we know that in other parts of the
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country they do go to a higher degree of treatment; and we
would like to recommend that as you increase your produc-
tion you increase the degree of treatment so that your
total load is not increased; otherwise, we are fighting a
losing game here in controlling pollution. This is the
philosophy back of this.
We think that our technical people working with yours
could work out something.
These pounds, as Mr. Stein has indicated, are not
sacred. If we get a 15 per cent reduction -- we hope to
get that; you may get more. So I think that these things
can be worked out, but this is the establishment of a policy
that we are going to reduce pollution and not let it grow.
This is what we are trying to do.
MR. MORRIS: We are certainly in accord with that
philosophy, but we have to be realistic.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: I do think so, but let's see if we
can, and I hope we are not far apart on that. As I look
at the total pounds here of BOD removal -- and I don't know
that this table relates to solids, because I do think you
can remove substantially your settleable solids even with
expansion I really am not sure that with your present
program that your solid discharge is going to really
present a material problem unless the expansion is tremen-
dous, because I think you can, as far as I have ever been
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led to believe, remove substantially all your settleable
solids, but the BOD removal will be 39 per cent below what
it is now with that 70 per cent.
For example, at 778,000 pounds now, it will remove down
to 478,000 pounds that's page 6, the total amount.
Well, I think if we are down around 475,000 pounds or with
that extra 15 per cent, from 406,000, but if, hopefully,
we are down about 475 or 450,000 pounds, we have to think
in terms of what the river will take, because conceivably
if your industry expands and you keep on removing just 70
per cent, we can crawl up, creep up to the 778,000 pounds,
and if that is causing the slime growths, we will be back
where we are.
Now, that's why I say I hope we will get the extra
15 per cent, because we will have more leeway.
I think the intent here is to keep the liquid wastes
out, coming from the paper mills, so reduced, so treated,
that it will not cause the objectionable slime growth.
I do think, too, that you do have a lot of leeway,
as far as I see 'it, for expansion, and given the existing
treatment facilities; and I don't know how industry will
take this, but what you're dealing with here is primary
treatment. And other places I don't want to push this
too hard, and I'm not posing this for the Columbia you
have the industries that have demonstrated that they can go
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way beyond that as the new Kimberly-Clark mill in California
demonstrated with salmon coming right up. You have second-
ary treatment to go into; you have evaporation, burning,
and you have other methods; but I think the Report is sug-
gesting that we strike some balance on BOD loading removal.
We hope that that balance will prevent slimes to come in.
If this works, we will know we have the slime problem
licked. I hope it does work and we don't have to come back.
Once we have this licked, any future expansion of the pulp
and paper industry goodness knows, we are all *f or expan-
sion I think the expansion is inevitable. And I say to
the fishermen in the audience, too, that we have to learn
to live with an expanded pulp and paper industry here, and,
hopefully, good fishing. But any expansion of that indus-
try should not create conditions where we are going to
have slime growths again*
I think the states in issuing permits for the new mills
will certainly have that in mind.
Again, what I'm saying, Mr. Morris, is that I think
we are trying to strike a very, very fair balance, and not
asking you at this time to spend any more money or do any-
thing which will be a futile gesture and something just
for the motion, putting up a monument to treat the facili-
ties. We are not looking for that. We are trying to get
something lined up which will prevent slime growth, and
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this is our sole point.
I would like to just take one second, because this
deals with your Crown Zellerbach problem in your inter-
mittent discharge, and that system developed by Dr. Amberg.
At the time, I remember when Dr. Amberg came up with that
suggestion; a lot of people told us that our job was to
keep it out of the river and not let that waste go out,
and I think the notion that I put forth then, at least the
theory -- I haven't changed my mind keep it out of the
river for what? The only reason we keep something out of
the river is that it causes some damage to a water use,
and if there was a way of discharging it as we thought at
the time, then this wouldn't interfere with the water use.
We don't have any hard and fast rule; that is, our
notion here is to devise some type of program which will
prevent slime growth.
I am completely confident that once we have the slime
growths licked, that we are going to be able to develop a
program and I hope you and the states will, because I
am not sure, once we have this licked, that there is any
need for a Federal role; that you and the states will be
able to develop the program which will permit expansion
of the industry and yet the production of a waste which
will not create the slime problem again.
Are there any further comments or questions? If not,
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thank you very much, Mr. Morris.
MR. MORRIS: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Mr. Harris.
MR0 HARRIS: Proceeding down the river, I would like
to again ask if Boise Cascade would have any further com-
ments other than those yesterday.
MR. McDEVITT: Not at this time.
MR. HARRIS: Next, we would like to call on Mr. Clarke
of Longview Fibre.
MR. CLARKE: Mr. Chairman, conferees, ladies and
gentlemen: My name is W. W. Clarke. I am Vice President-
Production and Mill Manager of the Longview Fibre Company,
Longview, Washington, testifying at the invitation of Mr.
Roy M. Harris, official conferee for the Washington State
Pollution Control Commission.
As noted in the USPHS report of August, 1965, Longview
Fibre Company is operating under a valid waste discharge
permit expiring February 14, 1969, which does not require
sedimentation facilities but which is subject to upgrading
of requirements^ Recently, in cooperation with the
Washington Commission, we have agreed to develop a program
for installing sedimentation equipment and have filed a
timetable and begun the necessary technical work to permit
design and installation. We have done this in spite of
the fact that wood fibre is not the primary cause of slime
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and that the wood fibre which has recently been shown to
make Sphaerotilus more tenacious is in all probability only
in a small part coming out of paper mill outfalls. While
the economic wisdom of installing sedimentation facilities
is doubtful and it is not even clear that we could be law-
fully compelled to do this, we are willing to undertake this
very substantial expenditure so that as far as we are con-
cerned, we can feel that no stone has been left unturned
in the effort to safeguard the quality of the receiving
waters for beneficial multiple use.
We believe that with the exception of a sedimentation
system to reduce Total Suspended Matter that we have done
everything that is expected or necessary to minimize the
deleterious effects of our effluent including, of course,
the recovery of kraft mill spent cooking liquor. Since the
details have been covered on pages 33 and 34 of the USPHS
report, it would not be useful to repeat them. However, I
would like to point out that since 1959 we have spent over
$300,000 on approximately 25 separate projects to remove
various materials from the mill effluent streams before
discharging into the river. Of this amount, over half was
expended to improve existing conditions and was not part
of any new production system. Among these projects were
several for the purpose of removing fibres and small wood
particles from various streams throughout the mill and
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dewaterlng for land disposal or burning. Other projects
were for changes in process to increase reuse of water and
thus reduce the amount of material discharged to the river.
In most cases, the disposal of the material removed was
done at a cost for which there was no offsetting return.
We have been conscientious in using means and methods
available to us to make reductions in fibre losses to the
river from a mill which in 1959 already had relatively low
losses.
We keep a full-time technical man working on our
overall in-plant improvement program. His job is to
determine whether existing equipment is being operated
properly and to search for ways and means of improvement.
There is one more point that I wish to stress. Our
mill, which has grown since 1959 and which is continuing to
grow, operates almost 100 per cent on waste materials from
sawmills, plywood plants and woods operations. These wastes,
including wood logs, chips, sawdust and shavings, would be
burned with an attendant air pollution problem if not
utilized for pulp and paper. We and others in the industry
have made recent dramatic progress in the utilization of
sawdust and shavings for pulping. Extensive use of these
smaller sized particles was not considered possible a few
years ago. This development will make a major contribution
to the elimination of the beehive waste burners, which
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presently often create smog and will also make a major
contribution towards conserving our forest resources.
Now, I have a few things I'd like to say that were not
on my formal presentation, if you don't mind.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes. Do you want to entertain ques-
tions first or do you want to say these first?
MR. CLARKE: Well, the comments that I had that are not
on the record, Mr. Stein, relate to the subject that was
brought up by Boise Cascade on the Recommendation No. 3
yesterday afternoon.
I have had a chance to do some thinking about this, and
I have had like feelings, as Rex Morris expressed, that as
far as we are concerned and the experience we have in our
mill, we question very seriously the fairness and the
validity of Table I when taken together with the Recommenda-
tion No. 3.
This puts a premium and a very severe penalty, let's
say, on those of us who have tried to be good performers
in the past and who already have done a good job short of
sedimentation, and gives us a percentage reduction to live
up to which can be very difficult.
And I think, from that standpoint, I know that this
Table I some numbers had to go down I mean, there are
things that have to be set forth, some goals, but it seems
that it has put a terrible penalty on us, as'we feel in our
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mill we have been fairly well closed up and have done,
with the available equipment, a good job.
Now, the case in point on this is the reduction of
BOD. We have in our mill and I believe it shows in the
August report that we are using contaminating conden-
sates back in our process, and we have done this in an
effort to reduce BOD loadings, because this is one of the
streams that we could do something about.
Now, here, again, to get a 15 per cent reduction of
our total BOD, we could be in trouble.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: You are talking in terms of the last
table, and I thought -- I would agree with you there,
Mr. Clarke, at least looking at your problem back in
Washington and discussing it with the people here and
reading the report -- I always thought the opposite and
thought you fellows were practically home free because of
your kraft mill process rather than an undue reduction,
because if we talk in terms of the BOD reduction of 70
per cent removal, your reported discharge is 80,000 pounds
and you would still.have 80,000 pounds. In other words
because of your process and what you have done you have
done this -- you are just faced with your sedimentation
problem.
As I understand the problem -- and perhaps I don't
what the main thrust of this recommendation is, to put the
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sulphite mills on an equal basis with the kraft mill and
the mill such as yours, and a good deal of the requirements
here that are faced by some of the sulphite mills, you are
already accomplishing because of your process.
MR. CLARKE: Isn't there an implication that we are
to reduce our BOD loadings by 15 per cent?
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Here's the point: Let me make this
clear again. I think you have indicated that you are going
to put in sedimentation.
MR. CLARKE: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: The point is, I think we can all make
a judgment your company, the state people and us and
I don't think there is going to be any disagreement on this
judgment, whether you have an adequately constructive and
operative sedimentation facility.
There is a notion at least Mr. Scott puts forward
as his opinion and his firm opinion that this will reduce
your BOD loading 15 per cent. There are some doubts raised
by some people whether this will actually happen.
I think the requirement is that, and I think you have
agreed with this, as I read the statement, that you are
going to put in the sedimentation facility.
MR. CLARKE: We are.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Once that is in and is operating, I
think we will look at that on the evaluation, and to my mind
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-- and, of course, the conferees will have to see this in
view of the doubt -- I would not think that that issue is
going to be a critical one. The last the poundage on
the last column of the table, now, hopefully, you will have
a 15 per cent reduction. If you don't and you put that in,
the fibres will be removed, and I think we will have
accomplished the push.
While we are on this, I'd like to ask you a question.
MR. CLARKE: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Would you care to indicate .the kind
of timetable you have filed -- you said you filed -- what
the timetable is?
MR. CLARKE: I believe that the timetable that we had
called for completion in mid-1958.
MR. HARRIS: '68.
MR. CLARKE: '68. I'm sorry.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: '68.
MR. CLARKE: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Well, fine. Does that answer the
question?
MR. CLARKE: Yes, sir. I'm glad to hear you say that.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: I think this will obtain. We will
have to ask the conferees. I didn't hear anything from
the other conferees. I assume we are in agreement on this,
that this seems to be a crucial point, that I can understand
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the views of the pulp and paper industry on this; and I
think your point is very well taken, sir.
MR. CLARKE: If you read this literally, this is what
you come up with.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: I think that's a very good point, and
I think this is one of the advantages of the conference
technique and the way we do business.
Mr. Harris.
MR. HARRIS: Mr. Chairman, I would like to make a com-
ment with regard to the date of 1968 mentioned by Mr.
Clarke, the completion of primary sedimentation, that this
was their proposal and the Washington State Pollution
Control Commission has asked them to restudy this proposal
to see if this could be accomplished in 1967. I believe
this is under study at the moment.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Right. Thank you.
Are there any further comments or questions? If not,
thank you very much.
MR. CLARKE: All right.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Mr. Harris.
MR. HARRIS: Next, we would like to call on Mr.
Callahan, representing Weyerhaeuser Timber Company at
Longview.
MR. CALLAHAN: Mr. Chairman, conferees, and ladies
and gentlemen: My name is J. R. Callahan. I am a branch
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manager of Weyerhaeuser Company's pulp and paperboard mill
located in Longview.
I want first to express our appreciation to the
Washington Pollution Control Commission for the invitation
to appear here and enter a statement into the record of
these proceedings.
Weyerhaeuser Company shares with all interested persons
a concern about the quality of our streams and rivers. Our
employees share this concern as is shown by their interest
in helping us to maintain a consistently progressive pro-
gram of water quality improvement.
Our Company's support of corrective programs is evi-
denced by our extensive and productive efforts in both
research and practical operational procedures. The most
outstanding example is the long and costly research work
which resulted in perfection of the magnesium base pulping
and recovery system for sulphite pulping. The installation
of this system at Longview was the world's first practical
solution to the problem of effective recovery of spent
sulphite liquors. In the Longview plant alone, we have
expended over $5,000,000 in new facilities which include
water quality improvement as one of the resultant benefits.
In this mill we have installed facilities for the recovery
of chemicals which are (1) used in pulp cooking, and (2)
contained in spent liquor.
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A prime example of the effects of our in-plant control
program is shown in the reduction of suspended combustible
solids discharged per ton of pulp produced. From 1962 to
date, such reduction was 36 per cent, even though pulp pro-
duction increased by 26 per cent during this period, indi-
cating more efficient in-plant controls.
The staff of the Washington Pollution Control Commis-
sion has followed a program of regular and periodic review
with us of our mill discharges. On June 25, 1965, we
advised the Commission that Weyerhaeuser Company would
proceed with the design and construction of sedimentation
facilities. The installation of these facilities will be
completed by mid-1967, at a cost of $1,500,000. Thereafter,
the Company will incur substantial costs annually to operate
the facilities.
Expenditures of substantial sums for these items
inevitably have an adverse effect on profits and return on
investment. To alleviate this economic burden, we strongly
urge a special investment tax credit for such facilities.
Weyerhaeuser Company will continue its research program
in order to add to its knowledge about the waters of the
Columbia River. We expect to make use of all available
and economically feasible means of preventing material
impairment of the Columbia River for other uses normally
made of its waters.
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CHAIRMAN STEIN: Thank you, sir. Are there any
comments or questions? Thank you very much, sir. Your
proposal of tax credits, as you know, has been taken up in
the Congress from time to time, but it doesn't seem to get
very far.
MR. CALLAHAN: Yes, sir.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Mr. Harris.
MR. HARRIS: Mr. Chairman, I have also issued an
invitation to Mr. Don Benson, representing the Northwest
Pulp & Paper Association.
. Mr. Benson, would you like to make a statement?
MR. BENSON: Chairman Stein, conferees, and ladies
and gentlemen: I am Donald J. Benson, Executive Secretary
of the Northwest Pulp & Paper Association.
The Association is one of the technical and research
arms of the pulp and paper industry in the states of Oregon
and Washington. This statement was prepared in cooperation
with the pulp mills involved in this Columbia River
Conference and with the National Council for Stream Improve -I
ment, the pulp and paper industry's national technical and
research organization, through their regional engineer, Mr.
Russell Blosser.
As demonstrated by previous statements, the Columbia
River presents a complex and unique problem to those charged
with its management. This is true, not only for pollution
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abatement but for power production, navigation, recreation,
irrigation, fisheries and flood control.
All of these functions relate in some degree to the
perplexing problem under discussion here today.
Before demonstrating this, let me briefly note that
the water quality of the Columbia River -- even in its
industrialized section here in the lower reaches, is of high
quality by many standards. The dissolved oxygen content
is excellent, in fact, super saturated much of the year,
the dissolved solid content is low, the coliform content
has been reduced substantially by the efforts of municipal-
ities and trace elements such as phosphates and nitrate and
its cool temperature compares favorably to other large rivers
across the nation. Indeed this lower section is used for
the high quality needs of both industrial and domestic
water supply and anadromous fish passage. Let me emphasize
here that the pulp mill wastes do not contain the bacteria
or virus injurious to health.
May I also note that there is no question of fish
passage on the Lower Columbia. Our problem may. involve
the fisherman, but not the fish.
We may ask then if the water quality is so good why
is there a problem? The answer in part may be because of
this high water quality. The culprit in this dilemma,
Sphaerptilus natans the slime organism, sometimes forms in
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reported nuisance proportions at certain combinations of
flow, temperature, trace elements and nutrient carbohydrates
from effluent discharges. Note that none of these water
quality constituents alone are at high enough levels to
normally be the subject of pollution abatement. Nor does
the problem always occur when expected. For instance, this
spring a usual time for severe conditions, there was no dis-
cernible problem of organism growths.
Now to relate how the many services to which the Columbia
is put bear on our problem of today. Again, no single or
simple combination of these constituent uses can be identi-
fied as paramount, but each of these legitimate water
services adds a confounding element to an already complex
picture.
The nearly complete impoundment of the river on its
main stem and main tributaries for power production and
flood control add to the temperature and cut down the
beneficial flushing action of freshets which could remove
both man-caused and natural detritus from the lower tidal
reaches.
The return irrigation waters east of the Cascades add
to any natural levels of phosphate and nitrate which are
suspect trace elements necessary in the production of
Sphaerotilus. They also can periodically trigger algal
blooms on upper river tributaries which may eventually add
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to the background carbohydrate content of the lower river.
The great river is also used to cool the nuclear reactors
at Hanford, again with a tax on its temperature resource.
These upstream uses each contribute in a small but
discernible degree to the combination of ingredients thought
necessary for slime growth and add to the difficulty of
solution.
Attesting to this difficulty are the many years of field
study and more than fourteen public reports submitted by
both industry and agencies since 1943 in an effort to
untangle the technical web.
Less than six months ago the first of two reports
compiled by the U. S. Public Health Service from recent
Federal and state data, developed a completely new theory
on the mechanism and manifestation of the nuisance bacteria.
The new theory, the third hypothesis since 1943, which has
necessarily been subjected to only minimal field confirma-
tion because of its recent origin and lack of discernible
nuisance conditions in the river this spring, relates to
the slime-fiber relationship adequately described earlier
in this meeting.
This concept has been accepted as a possible contribu-
tory cause.
This is witnessed by the fact that the pulp manufactur-
ers have responded with positive plans for removal of
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settleable solids to the official state agencies. This
is another in a series of positive steps taken by the
industry whenever new and reasonable information regarding
this problem has been developed.
These steps do not imply that the previous hypotheses
have been invalidated, but perhaps the character of the
problem has been changed due in point either to the steps
taken by the mills heretofore, or perhaps yet unrecognized
changes occurring on the river. It would appear that we
have some aspects of a totally different problem than
witnessed 20 years ago or perhaps even in 1958.
The earlier reports referred to the problem almost
entirely in the upper river near the Camas-Vancouver area,
and described the nuisance in terms of Sphaerotilus natans
only. Now, the complaints center largely on the lower
tidal reaches, and the composition of the material causing
the complaints has changed significantly.
The August 1965 report emphasizes that substances
collected on fishermen's nets include many materials other
than fiber or Sphaerotilus natans.
Particular reference is made to the section in the
August 1965 report entitled "Effects of Wastes on Water
Quality Uses and Appendix B." Here it can be noted that
much of the material caught on nets is not of pulp mill
origin and consists of plant debris, algae, diatoms and
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slimes, principally other than S. natans.
The sedimentation facilities proposed will add an
estimated 6 million dollars to the 2 million spent to date
by the pulp industry in solving this problem. These capi-
tal costs are for liquid waste control facilities only.
They add no new production nor do they increase the effi-
ciency of operations. In addition operation and maintenance
costs will run an estimated half million dollars annually.
No firm cost estimates are available for the 70 per
cent BOD control of spent sulfite liquor solids, but this
item alone will easily surpass the amounts spent and com-
mitted thus far.
The mills of the Columbia River who are here today
employ over 7,000 people and pay annual wages of 52 million
dollars. In addition they pay to state and local govern-
ments $5.3 million each year in taxes; seventy per cent of
their raw wood source is in the form of chips which adds
25.7 million dollars annually to our related wood products
industry revenues and efficiently utilizes a resource once
wasted. The total dollar value purchased in the. form of
labor, wood and other goods and services in Northwest
communities exceeded $187 million in 1964.
We commend the states of Oregon and Washington and the
U. S. Public Health Service for their persistent efforts --
along with those of the pulp industry to 'untangle this
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highly involved and complex technical problem.
Through the cooperation of the pulp industry and the
agencies involved solutions are being approached, both to
the knowledge of the nuisance mechanism along with the
installation of such effluent treatment facilities and con-
trols as are feasible and are found necessary by sound data
and scientific interpretation.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Benson. Are there
any comments or questions?
MR. POSTON: A good statement, Don.
MR. BENSON: Thank you.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Mr. Benson is one of the best sales-
men you have, and we deal with a lot of trade association
executives in our business. I think he does very well for
you people. As far as I can see, he is one of the most
effective, certainly, in dealing with the Federal Government.
MR. BENSON: I assume this was on the record.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Yes, it is on the record.
MR. BENSON: Thank you. (Laughter)
CHAIRMAN STEIN:- I am not trying to don't run on. I
am not trying to set you up here.
MR. SPIES: Still on the record, I'd like to point
out that Don was well trained.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: One thing you dealt with I guess
it's fair -- dealing with Hanford as a heat source.
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Sometimes I think although we are charged, and I
specifically am charged with abating pollution from Federal
installations that those poor guys don't have a lobby
speaking for them, and everyone clobbers them by fair shoot-
ing; but we did look into the Hanford heat situation. As
far as we can see, the heat put in by Hanford dissipates
within a few miles below at least from what I get from
our scientists and that has no effect on the heat
problem or contributes to the heat problem down in this
area of the river.
Now, if we are incorrect on that, we will look at that,
but with the new steam reactors and so forth, I think the
Hanford heat problem is being reduced, and I do 1 really
do think it's minimal.
I, again and the reason 1 say this is I think we
are -- possibly you heard some question of thermal pollu-
tion on the Lower Columbia River, and it may be you are
going to hear a lot of talk; you have your own industry.
Anyone who puts the stuff in, including the pulp and paper
industry, is going to be implicated in this.
I think we have to be very, very careful if we are
dealing with a thermal pollution problem, because this
very well may be the next issue in the river, and being
careful to delineate where the heat comes from, and I would
be the last to say that as far as I see it, I see no evidence
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303
yet that the pulp and paper industry is contributing sub-
stantially to this problem, but I am not sure that Hanford
is either.
MR. BENSON: I didn't intend to bring this up as another
pollution problem but just as a complexity.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Right.
Now, I have one point, and it may be you may not want
to answer this question. I am not asking this as a question,
but in your statement on the Sphaerotilus problem you say,
"Nor does the problem always occur when expected.". And if
we go back to a statement given just a little bit ago by
Mr. Morris of Crown Zellerbach, he talks about operating
the plant to remove, reduce the BOD by 70 per cent during
periods when flow is less than 220,000 cfs at Mayger, and
water temperature is 10 to 15 degrees centigrade. Now, the
question that occurs to me is the reconciliation of those
points of view. If the problem doesn't always occur when
it's expected, how can we, with particularity, talk about
just operating the reduction of BOD when certain conditions
occur at a particular point on the river?
MR. BENSON: Unfortunately, we have a positive aspect
of this. The reference I mentioned was when the slime did
not occur when we expected it, and I don't think it's ever
occurred from the opposite
CHAIRMAN STEIN: In other words, you mean sometimes it
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304
doesn't happen?
MR. BENSON: Sometimes it doesn't happen when we think
it might, and this is -- this did not happen.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Right. Well, thanks.
(Discussion off the record.)
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions? Mr. Harris, do you want to continue?
MR. HARRIS: I have no further questions from Mr.
Benson.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Do you have anyone else to call?
MR. HARRIS: We have one other member of the Washington
State Department of Fisheries I see is here at the moment,
I called on previously probably had a flat tire on the
way down. Mr. LeMier, would you like to present a state-
ment on behalf of Director Tollefson of the Washington
Department of Fisheries?
MRo LeMIER: Thank you, Mr. Harris, and I apologize
for being late.
Mr. Chairman, conferees, ladies and gentlemen: First
of all I would like to extend some greetings from Director
Tollefson who could not attend because of some other
matters, and want to thank the Chairman and the other
Conferees, and especially Mr. Harris, for the invitation
to participate in this third session.
The statement is fairly brief. We feel that a good
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305
deal of this material has been reviewed in the earlier
sessions; and some of it, to avoid being completely redun-
dant, we have cut our statement quite short.
The magnitude of bacterial contamination from untreated
or inadequately treated sewage and slime-forming industrial
discharges in the Lower Columbia River was spelled out at
joing state-Federal conferences held in September of 1958
and 1959. Following the first session, an action program
was inaugurated by the states of Washington and Oregon
through their respective pollution control agencies. The
second session established specific dates for compliance to
curb pollution and to ascertain progress of the program.
Despite the efforts of the action program the filamen-
tous slime growth, Sphaerotilus species, has continued to
plague commercial and sport fishing operations in the
Columbia River. In almost all years subsequent to the
second session of the Conference on Pollution, commercial
and sport fishermen have complained of the effect of slime
(Sphaerotilus) on their operations. During test fishing
operations conducted by the Oregon Fish Commission to
determine the timing and size of the spring chinook salmon
run in 1964, the fouling of the test fishing gear by slime
was so great as to make analysis of the data useless.
Washington test fishing for spring chinook salmon occurred
upstream from the major industrial discharge sites and was
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306
not affected by this problem.
The obligation of the' Washington Department of Fisheries
to maintain an orderly fishery requires that the overall
action program, instituted in 1958-1959, be expedited in
order to eliminate slime-producing and toxic discharges
into the lower Columbia or its tributaries at an early date.
That's all I have, Mr. Harris and Mr. Chairman.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Thank you, Mr. LeMier. Are there any
comments or questions? If not, thank you very much.
Mr. Harris.
MR. HARRIS: Mr. Chairman, an invitation was sent to
the president of the Washington State Sportmen's Council
to designate a representative to present a statement at
this meeting.
At the time I left my office, I had not received a
response, and I would like to ask if such a representative
is present this morning.
(Discussion off the record.)
MR. HARRIS: To go back on the record, apparently there
is no representative from the Washington State Sportmen's
Council. And the Pollution Control Commission of Washington
has now concluded its presentation.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions? If not
MR. POSTON: Mr. Chairman, yesterday the Weather
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307
Bureau had indicated that they wished to make a presenta-
tion. They appeared in the afternoon. There was no time
to put them on. I wonder if they are here this morning.
They told me that if they were not, they would have a state-
ment which they wish to include in the record, and I would
like to request that when the statement is received that it
be placed in the record.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Well, I hope we will get the statement
within the next day or so. We will keep the record open
to the end of this week.
MR. BOSTON: It was supposed to have been here this
morning.
CHAIRMAN STEIN: But we do have to proceed with an
orderly closing of the record, and the reporter has to get
his payment. We can't keep it open. We have to go toward
printing; so the record will be open if they get it in by
the end of the week.
MR. BOSTON: Will you hold it open until 4:00 o'clock?
After that, it's a dead issue.
(The U. S. Weather Bureau Report referred
to, is as follows:)
"Statement of the U. S. Weather Bureau River Forecast Center
Presented to
The Third Session of the Conference on Pollution of Inter-
state Waters of the Lower Columbia River - Bonneville Dam to
Cathlamet, Washington. September 8, 1965, Portland, Oregon.
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308
"The purpose of this statemant is to insure that all
people concerned with the level of flow in the lower
Columbia River are aware that forecasts are being routinely
prepared and issued by the River Forecast Center.
"Two types of forecasts are available. The first is
a short range, operational forecast issued each day, Monday
through Friday, for 3 days in advance. It incorporates the
anticipated effect of rainfall and scheduled regulation
by the several power reservoirs in the basin. Flows are
predicted at principal reservoirs including Bonneville.
"The second type of forecast is a longer range outlook
or planning forecast issued twice weekly (Tuesday and
Friday) for 30 days in advance. This is a cooperative
effort with the Corps of Engineers, North Pacific Division,
utilizing their computer facility. It might be termed a
probability forecast since it is built up from the most
probable flows in each of the major tributaries to the
Columbia. These have been determined for all periods of
the year by computer analysis of long period flow records.
Until accurate long range weather forecasts become available,
this method of extending flows is probably the most useful.
Also incorporated are long range reservoir regulation
schedules. Forecasts are available for most points in the
Columbia Basin, down to the Willamette confluence,
"If you desire this forecast service, please contact
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309
the River Forecast Center, 320 Custom House, phone 223-5273.
Anthony J. Polos, Hydrologist in Charge."
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Are there any further comments or
questions?
MR. SPIES: Yesterday afternoon before adjournment,
I didn't get an opportunity to thank all those from the
state of Oregon who made statements, and I may have set it
off a little too quickly.
I wonder if Dr. Charlton wanted to make any statement
on behalf of the Izaak Walton League.
DR. CHARLTON: I haven't prepared a statement, Ken,
so I don't think I will attempt to make one. I have testi-
fied at previous hearings. The position of the Izaak
Walton League is well known. If Mr. Stein thinks that a
statement should be submitted, I can prepare one, but we
are on record on previous conferences. I have been listen-
ing to the proceedings with a good deal of interest today.
MR, SPIES: Thank you, Dr. Charlton. Thanks again to
all those who participated.
CHAIRMAN'STEIN: Thank you, Mr. Charlton, too, because
we do know that the Izaak Walton League through the country
has been one of the most vigorous supporters of pollution
control, one of the most vigorous supporters of our program
and our legislation, and also, I might say, one of the most
vigorous watchdogs to see that we are on the job and doing
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310
It.
(At the conclusion of the hearing, a state-
ment was submitted by Mr. Charlton in
behalf of the Izaak Walton League of
America, which appears as follows:)
"A Statement submitted by David B. Charlton, Member, Clean
Waters Committee - Izaak Walton League of America
CONFERENCE IN THE MATTER OF POLLUTION OF THE INTERSTATE
WATERS OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
FROM BONNEVILLE DAM TO CATHLAMET, WASHINGTON,
SEPT. 8 AND 9, 1965.
"The abatement of water pollution in the Willamette
River has been a concern of mine over the past 30 years. I
have served continuously since 1935 on chapter, division
and/or national committees of the Izaak Walton League having
clean waters as our objective.
"The policies and action programs of the League are
well known. Our members were active in supporting legisla-
tion that established the Oregon State Sanitary Authority
in 1939 and Federal Waters Pollution Control law in 1948.
The League is already on record at previous sessions of this
Conference in support of the action program that has been
initiated.
"The pollution problems in the lower Columbia and the
Willamette Rivers are similar in that sewage contamination
threatens recreational use of important sections of the
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311
rivers and both have a serious bacterial slime problem due
to Sphaerotilus. However, the low dissolved oxygen condi-
tion during the summer and early fall months exists in the
Willamette River only. It has been destructive to summer
and fall runs of salmon and steelhead (perhaps also to
downstream migrants of other runs), at least since 1926.
Improvement in this situation has been slight, - in the
August-September period of 1934, the dissolved oxygen con-
tent ranged from 0 to 2.0 parts per million in the Portland
harbor section of the River, while in recent years the
range is roughly 1.8 to 3.5. This is still well below the
desired minimum of 4 to 5.
"Why does the river continue to be in a critically
polluted condition? The answer is simply that steps taken
to reduce the industrial wasteload have been inadequate.
A recent report states that the untreated organic wasteload
amounts to 6 million population equivalents with over 90
per cent being contributed by industrial activity. It
should be noted that there has been only one major pollution
abatement measure affecting the wastes of the pulp and paper
industry on the Willamette River. This came about only
after much prodding by the Sanitary Authority. That was
back in 1952 and it consisted of lagooning the strong sul-
fite digester liquors during the low water period for
release to the stream during high water flows,. One mill
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312
found it more feasible to collect the liquors, barge them
to the Columbia River and release them there.
"At last action is being taken by the Sanitary Authority
that should result in a significant reduction of this huge
industrial wasteload. The pulp mills on the Willamette
River have received orders to achieve an overall reduction
of not less than 85% in the biochemical oxygen demand load-
ing of the effluents from the entire mill and to install
primary treatment for the removal of settleable solids. It
is hoped that the slime problem will be greatly reduced or
eliminated through a reduction in the substances that stim-
ulate the growth of the bacteria and in the wood fibers
which provide attachment surfaces with resulting 'mass
growths' which are so objectionable.
"Percentage goals may be inadequate. If pulp production
continues to increase then the untreated 15% of the total
waste becomes more significant. The quantity of water in
the river and the dissolved oxygen content of it are limited
and are known. Perhaps allocations should be made on a
pounds of oxygen basis so that any increase in production
would require increased efficiency in waste treatment.
Utilization of the wood sugars present in sulfite waste
liquors, with resulting reduction of the organic load going
to the river, in the production of yeast and alcohol is made
at some pulp mills on this continent and in Europe. There
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313
is one such plant at Bellingham, Washington, in operation
since about 1945. We wish there were more of them. The
comment heard is that it is not yet economical to make such
installations and if all the sulfite mills made these prod-
ucts the market would be glutted. However, as costs of
waste treatment go up, utilization of wastes for the produc-
tion of by-products may become more feasible.
"Progress in the abatement of sewage pollution in
Oregon has been slow but significant. Recently orders have
been issued by the Authority requiring cities situated on
the Willamette River to install secondary sewage treatment
facilities. This is an important step in getting a clean
river and it will receive public approval and support.
"Water requirements of our expanding industry, of our
increased population with greater per capita use and of
agriculture along with a tremendous increase in water-based
recreation, have made everyone aware of the water supply
and water quality problem. Cooperative efforts in pollution
abatement by State and Federal agencies such as are taking
place in this Conference are most desirable. There is an
evident determination to stop further pollution of the
Columbia and Willamette Rivers and to enforce measures that
will reduce existing pollution. Interstate action promotes
uniformity and fairness with respect to waste treatment
costs to be met by the many plants within a particular
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314
industry. Cost of waste treatment is an essential cost of
production. The dumping of untreated waste into streams
must come to an end. It now appears that we are really on
our way to that objective, not only in this area but
throughout the country."
CHAIRMAN STEIN: Are there any other comments from
the conferees at this time?
If not, I think that the conferees would like to have
an executive session at this point, and we hope to have an
announcement in about an hour, which will make it 12:15
to 12:30, and we will reconvene in this room to make the
announcement.
With that, we will stand recessed until about 12:30*
Thank you.
(Whereupon at 11:20 o'clock, A.M., of this
day, Thursday, September 9, 1965, a
recess was taken until 1:45 o'clock,
P.M., of this day, at which time the
following further proceedings were
had:)
CHAIRMAN STEIN: May we reconvene?
I am happy to report that the conclusions and recommen-
dations of the conferees are unanimous.
The conclusions and recommendations of the conferees
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315
of the Third Session of the Lower Columbia River Conference
are as follows:
1. Cognizance is taken of the successful programs
of the Oregon and Washington State Water Pollution Control
Agencies and municipalities and industries covered in the
first two sessions of this conference to abate pollution
and improve the quality of the waters of the Lower Columbia
River. The conferees believe that as a result of this
action, waste discharges no longer endanger health so as
to be subject to abatement under the Federal Water, Pollu-
tion Control Act.
2. Despite conscientious efforts by the Federal and
State Water Pollution Control Agencies and the industries
concerned, slime growths still remain a pollution problem
in the Lower Columbia River. Wastes from the pulp and
paper industry are in large measure responsible for this
problem.
3. The delays in dealing with the slime growth problem
in the Lower Columbia River have been due to the technical
complexities of evaluating the causes of the slime growth
and of the appropriate measures to be taken for its correc-
tion.
4. All pulp and paper mills discharging wastes to the
Lower Columbia River shall design and construct primary
treatment facilities for removal of settleable solids. Such
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316
facilities shall accomplish at least a 70 per cent reduc-
tion in volatile suspended matter discharged to receiving
waters. Adequate facilities for the disposal of recovered
solids or sludge shall also be provided. These facilities
shall be placed in operation no later than December 31,
1967.
5. The Crown Zellerbach Corporation mill at Camas
and the Boise Cascade Corporation mill a,t Vancouver shall
accomplish a 70 per cent reduction in BOD loadings derived
from sulphite liquor discharged into receiving waters.
These facilities shall be placed in operation no later than
December 31, 1969. The Publishers1 Paper Company mill at
Oregon City shall by December 31, 1969, discontinue barging
and discharging liquor solids in the Columbia River.
6. Following the installation of the above -recommended!
facilities, an evaluation of their effectiveness in control1
ling objectionable slime growths in the Lower Columbia
River will be made. If this waste reduction program is not
successful, further recommendations will be necessary.
7. All discharges into the Lower Columbia" River
resulting from new or expanded pulp and paper mill opera-
tions shall conform to the foregoing requirements. Addi-
tional measures may be required for existing as well as new
or expanded installations as may be necessary to prevent
the recurrence or intensification of the slime growth
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317
problem.
8. The technical coordinating committee established
by the second session of this conference shall advise the
conferees on matters concerning compliance with these con-
clusions and recommendations*
This concludes the conclusions and recommendations,
but the conferees could not resist the following, and that
is, recognition by the conferees is given to the willingness
expressed by the several mills at this conference substan-
tially to comply with the above recommendations.
Are there any comments or qualifications by the
conferees? If not, I really do think that we have achieved
a substantial breakthrough in the program to control pollu-
tion of the Lower Columbia River.
I think the attitude expressed by the mills, the state
agencies, and the Federal Government represent a consensus
and represents years of wrestling with a very difficult
problem indeed.
I do think that we are going to be able to look for-
ward to a cleaner Columbia River.
I do think, too, that we have experienced the equitable
handling of one of the most complicated problems we have
had on a major river.
I think that all parties are to be commended, and I
am sure if we will work forward with this program, we can
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318
restore the Columbia River to a water quality which will
be suitable for the maximum number of water uses, and we
can preserve that quality.
I want to thank all of you for the opportunity of
working with you, and I want to assure you that the Federal
Government will continue to cooperate with the state agen-
cies in seeing that the Columbia River is kept clean and
can be used for the growth and development of this area.
I would like to thank all of you for participating in
the conference and staying with us through the technical
reports to the bitter end.
Thank you very much, indeed; and with that, if the
conferees do not have anything more, the Conference is
adj ourned.
(Whereupon at 1:50 o'clock, P.M., of this
day, Thursday, September 9, 1965,
the Conference on Pollution of Inter-
State Waters of the Lower Columbia
River was adjourned.)
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Reporter's Certificate 319
This is to certify that the attached proceedings in
the matter of Conference on Pollution of Interstate Waters
of the Lower Columbia River held at the auditorium of the
Interior Building, Portland, Oregon, on September 8-9,
1965, was held as therein appears, and that this is the
original transcript thereof.
DOUGLA&/G. ALEX
Official Reporter.
-------
APPENDIX
-------
ROSTER
James L. AGEE
Supv. San. Engr., DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
H. Maurice AHLQUIST
Director, Dept. of Conservation
State of Washington
335 General Administration Bldg,
Olympia, Washington 98501
M. 0. ALLUM
Biologist, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
Herman R. AMBERG
Manager, Chemical & Biological
Research
Crown Zellerbach Corporation
Camas, Washington
Eric 0. ANDERSON
State Representative
State of Washington
627 Grand Avenue
Hoquiam, Washington
James P. BEHLKE
Chief, Division of Engineering
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 Public Health Bldg.
Olympia, Washington 9850'i
Donald J. BENSON
Executive Secretary
Northwest Pulp & Paper Assoc.
2633 East lake Avenue E.
Seattle, Washington 98102
John A. BIGGS
Director
Washington S<«lte Game Dept.
600 N. Capital Way
Olympia, Vkahington 98502
Hayse H. BLACK
Industrial Wastes Consultant, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
R. A, Taft Sanitary Engineering
Center
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
R. 0. BLOSSER
Regional Engineer
National Council for Stream
Improvement
Engineering Experiment Station
Oregon State University
Corvallis, Oregon 97330
Russell BRISTOW
President
Columbia River Fishermen's Union
Rt. 2, Box 89
Clatskanie, Oregon
Jack R. BROWN
N.W. Public Relations Manager
Crown Zellerbach Corporation
1100 Public Service Building
Portland, Oregon
Frank BRAVAIER
Representing the Speaker of the
House - dragon State Legislature
2131 N.E. I17th
Portland, Oregon
Hans BRUNE
Resident Manager
Boise-Cascade Corporation
P.O. Box 690
Vancouver, Washington
Theodore T. BUGAS
Executive Secretary
Columbia River Salmon & Tuna
Packers Assn.
P.O. Box 60
Astoria, Oregon
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- 2 -
J. R. CALLAHAN
Branch Manager
Weyerhaeuser Co.
Longview, Washington
C. J. CAMPBELL
Chief of Fisheries
Oregon Game Commission
Box 3503
Portland, Oregon
R. 0. CARLSON
Weyerhaeuser Co.
1000 S.W. Vista Avenue
Portland, Oregon
John D. CASSIDY
Plant Manager
Kaiser Gypsum Co.
St. Helens, Oregon
David B. CHA<OH
Charlton Laboratories
P.O. Box 1048
Portland, Oregon
Kent E. CIARK
Public Relations
Crown Zeflerbach Corporation
1100 Public Service Building
Portland, Oregon
William W. CLARKE
Vice President - Production &
Mill Manager
Longview ?jbre Co
P.O. Box 637
Longview, Washington
Robert COUGHLUN
Economist, DhSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittcck Block
Portland, Or=gorv 97205
Patrick D. CURRAN
Assoc. Sanitary Engineer
Oregon St-ite Sanitary Authority
140C S.W. 5th
Portland, Oregon
John H. DAVIDSON
Chief Planning Engineer, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
Thomas C. DONACA
Counsel
Associated Oregon Industries
2.188 S.W. Park Place
Portland, Oregon 97205
Norman R, DRULARD
City Engineer
City of Portland
City Hall
Portland, Oregon
W. R. BURLAND
S uperintendent
Shell Chemical Co.
P.O. Box 427
St. Helens, Oregon
George J. EICHER
Chief Aquatic Biologist
Portland General Electric Co.
621 S.W, Alder '
?orelattd, 0regon
Warren E. ELDRIDGE
Chief, Construction Agency Studies,
DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
Eckiey S. ELLISON
Meteorologist in Charge
Dept. of Commerce
5420 N.E. Marine Drive
Portland, Oregon
T.C. FERRIS
Chief, Enforcement Activities, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
John D. FINDLAY
Associate Regional Director
Bureau of Sport Fisheries ft Wildlife
U.S. Department of Interior
Interior Building
Portland, Oregon
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- 3 -
Keith GRIM
Attorney
Puget Sound Division - Georgia-Pacific Corp,
1700 Washington Building
Seattle, Washington
James B. HAAS
Water Resources Analyst
Fish Commission of Oregon
307 State Office Building
Portland, Oregon
J. A. R. HAMILTON
Fishery Biologist
Pacific Power & Light Co.
Public Service Building
Portland, Oregon
Beulah HAND
State Legislator
Clackamas County
2515 - 10th Avenue
Milwaukiej Oregon
George H. HANSEN
Chief, Survey & Research Division
Washington State Pollution
Control Ctorwiission
409 Publi; Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Jerry L. HARPER
District Engineer
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 Public Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Roy M. HARRIS (conferee)
Director
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 PublXC tfe«ith Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Dwi fcht S. HAWLEY
Washington State Representative
Fisheries Interim Committee
33W N.W Sflth
Seattle, Washington
Lew HOLCOMB
Administrative Assistant
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 Public Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Emil C. JENSEN
Chief Sanitary Engineer
Washington State Department of Health
Public Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Bryan JOHNSON
Assoc. Sanitary Engineer
Oregon State Sanitary Authority
1400 S.W. 5t£\
Portland, Oregon
J. 0. JULSON
Production Manager
Weyerhaeuser Co-
Tacoma, Washington
Earl
KARI
Director, Washington State Enforcement
Project, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pitiock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
David T. KIRKLAND
Administrative Assistant
Washington Legislative Irterim
Committee on Water Resources
Legislative Building
Olympia, Washington
R. C. KOLMER
4734 N.E. 30th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
Al LAAKSU
Administrative Assistant
Willamette Tug fi Barge
Foot of N. Portsmouth
Portland, Oregon
E. H. LE MIER
Senior Biologist
Washington Department of Fisheries
Room 115 general Administration Bldg.
Olympiaj Washington
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- 4 -
W. W. LOCKE
Attorney
Crown ZeLlerbach Corporation
Portland, Oregon
Kenneth M. MACKENTHUN
Aquatic Biologist, DWSPC, USPHS
R. A. Taft Sanitary Engineering Center
4676 Columbia Parkway
Cincinnati, Ohio 45226
Oliver MALM
Attorney
Weyerhaeuser Co.
P.O. Box 1645
Tacoma, Washington
Frank C. MC CDLLOCH
Counsel
Publishers P^per Co.
8th Floor, P^.^fic Building
Portland, Oregon
Charles F. MC DEVITT
General Counsel
Boise-Cascade Corporation
Box 200 .
Boise, laahc
Robert MC Rl3K
Aquatic Ifolrgist
Oregon Str,-t8 Board of Health
P.O. Box 251
Portland, Oregon 92707
C. E. MOHLER
Bonneville r'->vv»r Administration
Interior Bui ..ding
Portland, Oregon
Mrs. George R. K. MOORHEAD
Education Chairman of Oregon
Wildlife Federation
589 Locust St. N.E.
SaliW, Oregon
George R. 1C. MOORHEAD
Oregon Wildlife Federation
5S3 Locusc St. N.E.
Salem, Oregon
Donald J. MOREY
Economist
Bonneville Power Administration
Interior Building
Portland^ Oregon
Rex R. MORRIS
Resident Manager
Crown Zellerbach Corp.
Camas, Washington
Alfred T. NEALE
Assistant Director
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 Public Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Robert W. O'DELL
Representative, 17th District
Washington Legislature
605 N.E. 5th Avenue
Camas, Washington
Kenneth 0. OLSEN
Agent
Alaska Fishermen's Unior*
1418 Commercial St.
Astoria, Oregon
Erling J. ORDAL
Professor jf Microbiology
University of Washington 3&o3
3883 - 44th Avenue N.E.
Seattle, Washington
Phil PARKER
Pacific Coast Oyster Growers Assn.
512 Custer Way
Olympia, Washington
L. Edward PERRY
Director, Columbia River Program
U.S. Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
Box 4332
Portland, Oregon
Mark J. PIKE
Recreation Planner
Bureau of Outdoor Recreation
U.S. Courthouse
Seattle, Washington
-------
- 5 -
Roland E. PINE
Biologist II
Washington State Pollution
Control Commission
409 Public Health Building
Olympia, Washington 98501
Lehi PITCHFORTH
Chemist
Dow Chemical
Kalama, Washington
A. J. POLOS
Hydro legist
River Forecas-t Canter
Custom House
Portland, Oregon
R. F. POSTON (conferee)
Officer-in-Charge
Water Supply & Pollution Control, PNW
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland Oregon 97205
Richard T. ?RESSEY
Biologist
Bureau of Commercial Fisheries
U.S. Department of che Interior
811 N.E. Oregon St.
Portland, Oregon
W. W. PUUSTINEN
Chairman^ Legislative &
Conservation Committee
Columbia River Fishermen's Protective
Union
Rt. 1, BCJC 68
Springfield, Oregon
D. H,
Reg. Supervisor, Division of Fisheries
Services
Bureau of Sport Fisheries & Wildlife
P.O. Box 3737
Portland, Oregon
Carl M. RICE
Range Conservationist
Bureau of Land Management
910 N.E. Union
Portland, Oregon
David M. ROCKWOOD
Hydraulic Engineer
U.S. Corps of Engineers
210 Custom House
Portland, Oregon
Charles B. ROE
Assistant Attorney General
State of Washingcon
Temple of Justice
Olympia, Washington
C. C. SCHENCK
Secretary
Interstate Pollution Abatement Comm.
700 N.E. Broadway
Portland, Oregon 97232
Vail SCHERMERHORN
Hydrologist
River Forecast Center
U.S. Weather Bureau
320 Custom House
Portland, Oregon 97209
P. W. SCHNEIDER
Director
Oregon Game Commission
P.O. Box 3503
Portland, Oregon
Peter SCKNELL
Director, Public Relac ions
Publishers Paper Co.
Box 551
Oregon Ci-ty, Oregon
Ralph H. SCOTT
Industrial Wastes Engineer, 3WSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
Rodger 0. SMITH
Assistant Mill Manager
Publishers Paper Co.
Box 551
Oregon City, Oregon
Kenneth H. SPIES (conferee)
Secretary & Chief Engineer
Oregon State Sanitary Authority
P.O. Box 231
Portland, Oregon 97207
-------
- 6 -
Frank STANTON
Wildlife Biologist
Bureau of Land Management
910 N.E. Union
Portland, Oregon
J. E. STEIN
Research Supervisor
Rayonier, Inc.
Shelton, Washington
Murray STEIN (conferee)
Chief
Enforcement Branch
Division of Water Suppiy & Pollution
Control, PHS
HEW Building South, Room 4219
Washington, D.C. 20201
Clint STOCKLEY
Manag. Biologist
Washington Department of Fisheries
1408 Franklin
Vancouver, Washington
Robert W. STRAtJB
State Treasurer
State Capitol
Salem, Oregon
Cecil TAYLOR
7965 S.W. Fairway Drive
Portland, Oregon
Chet THOMAS
Administrative Assistant
Boise-Cascade Corporation
P.O. Box 51
Yakima, Washington
Donald H. TILSON
Industrial Consultant
Port of Vancouver
804 Columbia St.
Vancouver, Washington
Roger TOLLEFSON
Box 548
Toledo, Oregon
W. W. TOWNE
Project Director, DWSPC
U.S. Public Health Service
570 Pittock Block
Portland, Oregon 97205
Sherman A. WASHBURN
Information Representative
Oregon State Board of Health
Portland, Oregon
E. J. WEATHERSBEE
Deputy State Sanitary Engineer
Oregon State Sanitary Authority
State Office Building
1400 S.W. 5th Ave.
Portland, Oregon
Stanley WEBER
Information Officer
Department of the Interior
1002 N.E. Holladay
Portland, Oregon
Harold F. WENDEL
Oregon State Sanitary Authority
c/o Lipman Wolfe & Co.
Portland, Oregon
Adah WERKEMA
Vancouver Wildlife League
101 E. 38th St.
Vancouver, Washington
William WESTERHOLM
Secretary
Columbia River Fishermen's Protective
Union
322 - 10th
Astoria, Oregon
Warren C. WESTGARTH
Director, Sanitation & Engineering
Laboratories
Oregon State Sanitary Authority
1400 S.W. 5th Avenue
Portland, Oregon
Gale B. WHITE
Sanitary Engineer
U.S. Navy, N.W. Division, Bureau
of Yards and Docks
W. Lawton Way
Seattle, Washington
-------
- 7 -
James A. WILSON
Vice President & Mill Manager
Publishers Paper Co.
Oregon City, Oregon
John G. WILSON
Secretary
Columbia River Sportsman's Council
2346 N.W. Glisan, Apt. 52
Portland, Oregon 97210
John J. WINN, Jr.
Consultant
The Port of Portland
1949 S.W. Edgewood Road
Portland, Oregon
-------
APPENDIX
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER- Bonneville Dam to Cathlamet Wash
ESTIMATED POUNDS BOD PER DAY
MUNICIPAL
52,925 POUNDS
OTHER
INDUSTRIAL
SOURCES
27,140
POUNDS
PULP a PAPER
INDUSTRY
613,000 POUNDS
88%
1959
TOTAL:693,065 POUNDS
Population Equivalent 4,077,000
MUNICIPAL
50,985 POUNDS
OTHER
INDUSTRIAL
SOURCES
POUNDS
PULP a PAPER
INDUSTRY >.
778,275 POUNDS
90%
1964
TOTAL 864,460 POUNDS
Population Equivalent 5,085,000
Illustration I
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER* Bonneville Dam to Cathlamet Wash.
ESTIMATED POUNDS VS M PER DAY
1964
MUNICIPAL
42,585 POUNDS
OTHER
INDUSTRIAL
SOURCES
3,800 POUNDS
PULP a PAPER
INDUSTRY
252,375 POUNDS
84%
TOTAL.. 7298,7,60 POUNDS
I//usfrafion
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER
PULP MILL PRODUCTION
1959 and 1964
\ TONS/DAY
Total PULP Production
ST. HELENS
LONGVIEW
OREGON C VANCOUVER CAMAS
Illustrations
-------
2000-
1800-
1600-
1400-
Q 1200-
o:
CL 1000-
§ 800-
h-
600-
400-
200-
0
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER
PAPER MILL PRODUCTION
1959 and 1964
Total PAPER Production:
LONGVIEW
1959=2,675
1964= 3,302
i
kj
Q
s
o^
3
TONS/DAY
ELENS VANCOUVER CAMAS
I//usfrafion4
-------
(JOi-,UJVlHIA K1VKR-PUL.P & PAPER INPTJSTRV
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN DEMAND LOADINGS
160-
140-
^ 120-
Q
§ 100-
o
Q.
o 80"
CO
"o
8 60
1
Q 40
20
0
i j j j aiiu I^UT
V
d
>.
>^0
Total B.O.D, Loadings: '959-61 3,0001 LBS/DAY
me /i -r TTR nnnl
WFYFRHAEUSER TIMBER CO,
:O^*1
i&sdil
LONGVIEW FIBRE CO.
LONGV
i!iiii!!i!;i
Q:
§
i §
5 § £
^ ^ i
^ 1 5 !
0> ?- Or i
i t^ to ii iii:
^ kj ^11 111 i
CO to Jv! ^ «; :
^ -^ QD m myv ;
Q foifessft i;;;!;;;;;;;; ^ ^ M ;liS ;
EW SI HELENS OREG(
E PAPER CORP.
BO/SE-CASCADi
i IIP i
260-
!!!!!!=!;=!
iiiiiiiiiiiii
)NC, VANCOUVEF
CROWN ZELLERBACH CORP.
tf 'iMilili' MiMk'ili
:y>>>;X;XvX;X:
:X;': :-::;':-:
''''$'£'£''''''
1 -T
;:;:::::::::;
!:!!::!:;:
\ CAMAS
Illustration 5
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY
VOLATILE SUSPENDED MATTER LOADINGS
1959 and 1964
80-
>70
Q
g 60
o 50
Q_
H-
O
cn 40
"o
o
- 30i
0-
0-
TO TA L
V.S.M, Loadings;
1
5
Uj
Q
5
5
959
964
8
I
LONGVIEW
ST, HELENS
COUVER CAMAS
f//n c /rsr f is* n
-------
500 LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER- Bonneville Dam to Cathlamet Wash.
1963
450 THOUSANDS
OF
4QQ CUBIC
FEET
PER
350 SECOND
COLUMBIA
RIVER
DISCHARGE
TEMPERATURE °
SLIME
15 25
MAY
15 25
APR
15 25
JAN
COMMERCIAL FISHING SEASONS
'5 25
DEC
Illustration 7
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER- Bonncville Dam toCathlamet Wash
THOUSANDS OF
CUBIC FEET .
PER :
SECOND
COLUMBIA
RIVER
DISCHARGE
TEMPERATURE
* ,'52'5 4 ^ i i
APR MAY JUN JUL AU6 SEP OCT
JAN FEB MAR
NOV DEC
COMMERCIAL
FISHING
SEA SON S
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER- Bonneville Dam toCathlamet Wash
1965
500-
450-
400-
350-
300-
250-
COLUMBIA RIVER
DISCHARGE
200-
150-
100-
0-
°C
-50
-45
-40
-35
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
-0
15 25
JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG
COMMERCIAL FISHING SEASONS
Illustration 9
-------
LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER* PULP & PAPER INDUSTRY
VOLATILE SUSPENDED MATTER LOADINGS
Reported & Recommended
80-
>70-
Q
\
22 60-
Q
^
^_
Z)
o 50-
f\
LL
M-
o
J t \ VJ
«^ ^^1 f *
^n
Q
Co
Q:
5
^
s
kj
vy>ooo fi ^
8 §
8 ^
m
>&x$&
£ $
Z $ x
i
ki
1
^
!s
i
tr\
>O
^
iB ^
H
^^o*
VO ~^-
^ kj
> Q
«sj ^^
i 2
Co ^
£ i
^ 5
^^
m
^^^ 580083
\ LONGVIEW ST.HELENS V/
s
\\
^&?
y$$£
COUV
:R
D*
1
Co
CO
QQ
Ijj
H
hv
|
^
i i
^^^
'%&
'j&X
yjjk
////$
' XvXX
' ^:'^
CAMAS
I//us/raf/or)
-------
Reported & Recommended 325-^
, ... Reported 778,0001 LBS/DAY I
TotalB.O.D. Loadings: Recommended 407,000j
OREGON C.I VANCOUVER CAMAS
0
Illustration II
-------
APPENDIX
-------
WASHINGTON
LONGVIEW
ST. HELENS
VANCOI
CAMA!
OREGON
COLUMBIA RIVER STUDY
A progress report
1958 - 1963
-------
COLUMBIA RIVER STUDY
1958 - 1963
A Progress Report
Published by
Crown Zellerbach Corporation, Catnas Mill Division, November, 1963
-------
SKAMOKAWA
WASHINGTON
IQNG^lEW
ST. HELENS:!
^VANCOUVER
CAMAS
PORTLAND
SCALE
0 10 20
I I I I I I I I I LJ L
30
J
OREGON
FIGURE 1. Map of Lower Columbia River shows area of study.
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
INTRODUCTION .................. i
NATURE OF SPHAEROTILUS ............ 4
RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL PHASE. ...... 6
Stream Survey 6
Laboratory Studies ...... 8
ABATEMENT MEASURES STUDIED ....... 14
Evaporation and Burning Processes. ........ 14
Heat Hydrolysis .............. 14
Biological Treatment Methods ................ 14
Conclusions on Abatement Measures . 15
INTERMITTENT DISCHARGE SYSTEM ............. 16
Laboratory Evaluation .......... 16
Pilot Plant Evaluation ........ 17
Large-Scale Installation ........ 19
Liquor Collection System ...... ... 20
Storage Pond. , ........... 23
Underwater Outfall ........ .... 24
RESULTS OF INTERMITTENT DISCHARGE SYSTEM ....... 27
Slime Growth ...............<> 27
Time of Passage of Discharges. ........ 28
Waste Concentration. ........... 32
Dissolved Oxygen ............... 35
Conclusions ........«..««««» 37
PRESENT TESTING PROCEDURES .......». 40
RESEARCH OUTLOOK ..........«« 44
-------
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Figure Page
1 General map of Columbia River Study area Forward
2 Lady Island storage pond . 3
3 Sphaerotilus floe. . . 5
4 Photomicrograph of Sphaerotilus. . 5
4-A Columbia River hydrograph for a 15-year period .... 7
4-B Columbia River temperature data, 1956-1963 7
5 Effect of phosphate upon slime growth . . 9
6 Rate of Sphaerotilus growth at low sulfite
solids concentration ....... . 12
7 Effect of velocity upon slime growth ". 13
8 Theoretical multiplication of bacteria under
continuous and intermittent feeding IS
9 Effect of intermittent discharge upon
Sphaerotilus during test period. .... 18
10 Log rafts used as natural pilot plant
installations. ..*..<>...... 21
11 Columbia River in the vicinity of Camas* ....... 21
12 Schematic drawing of spent sulfite liquor
disposal system at Camas .,.«..... . 22
13 Distribution of dye marker after discharge
from new outfall .................... 26
14 Comparison of slime growth at sampling stations
above and below mill outfall after start of
intermittent discharge system. » . . . 31
15 Sampling profile during passage of an intermittent
discharge at St. Helens, Sept. 14-16, 1961 , 31
16 Map of sampling locations. . 34
(Continued)
-------
Figure page
17 Profile of Skamokawa biochemical oxygen
demand study, August, 1963 .......... 36
18 Dissolved oxygen profiles in lower Columbia River
before and during passage of an intermittent
discharge, Sept. 13-18, 1961 . . '» 39
19 Present river testing. ...... 39
20 Present river testing. ................. 42
21 Testing of Columbia River water samples at Crown
ZeHerbach's Central Research division laboratory
in Camas > « 42
22 Chemical products derived from wood-pulping
process by Crown .Zellerbach scientists 45
-------
1.
INTRODUCTION
In 1955 the Washington State Pollution Control Commission asked
Crown Zellerbach Corporation to propose possible solutions to the long-
standing problem of growth of a slime bacterium called Sphaerotilus in
the lower Columbia River,
Sphaerotilus is one of a group of water bacteria common to most
streams and which are responsible for the destruction of foreign organic
materials in the watercourses. They are not harmful to health and do not
cause diseases.
However, the Sphaerotilus growth sometimes presented a problem by
becoming enmeshed in the gill nets commercial fishermen set for salmon
and steelhead.
The late J. D, Zellerbach, then president of the Corporation, noting
company officials were "ever mindful of their responsibilities to the
public interest," suggested on behalf of the Board of Directors that the
Pollution Commission retain an outstanding biologist of its own choosing
to conduct studies to determine the precise causes of the slime. The
Corporation volunteered to pay the costs of the survey which would be
under the cole and complete direction of the Commission.
"We are of the opinion," Mr. Zellerbach stated in his letter, "that
there is urgent need for more intensive research, to guarantee that the
substantial expenditures called for will achieve the desired results. It
would be a mistake to proceed with a project only to discover that elements
not now known or understood continue to generate slime growth downriver,"
-------
2,
The Commission accepted the Crown Zellevbach proposal Later that
year it named Dr, E = J, Urdal, tricrobiologist on the faculty of the. Uni-
versity of Washington School of l-icdicino, to seirve as senior ijcientific
advisor for the study. The company assigned two men to the project and
made the facilities of its Central Research Laboratory at Camas available,
A biologist and other personnel from the State Pollution Control Commission
were assigned to the project.
The cooperative study began early in 1956 with the commencement of
limnological and laboratory studies. In the succeeding two years the pro-
ject team gathered and analyzed large amounts of data on the 14-mile section
of the Columbia River between Washougal and Vancouver, The team's work pro-
duced information on the characteristics of the river which will continue
to be of value to all other agencies concerned with the river.
This study also produced valuable data on the characteristics and
growth patterns of Sphaerotilus, information vital to any program for con-
trolling the slime. During this period laboratory experiments were made on
various methods which might produce a satisfactory solution to the problem.
Results of this work were reported in the COLUMBIA RIVER STUDY, 1956-
1958, Progress Report, which was published in May of 1958. This second
progress report covers the period from 1958 to the present, with emphasis
on development of the intermittent discharge system at the Camas mill (see
Figure 2) and the outlook for use of waste sulfite liquor by converting it
to saleable by-products.
-------
FIGURE 2. Key to Crown Zellerbach's Camas mill disposal system is 46-acre pond for spent sulfite liquor storage.
-------
4.
NATURE OF SPHAEROTILUS
Scientists determined that the organism primarily responsible for
slime growth in the Columbia River is Sphaerotilus natans. It is a fila-
mentous bacterium which consists of chains of single cells encased in a
sheath, and it is believed that the organism may exist in either the single
cell form or the filamentous form (Figures 3 and 4). It is generally agreed
that reproduction may occur by fragmentation of the filaments or by forma-
f
tion of motile conidiao
Sphaerotilus is widespread, with growths having been reported
throughout Europe and the United States in streams receiving pulping wastes,
food processing wastes, distillery and brewery wastes, beet sugar wastes,
milk wastes, domestic sewage, packing plant wastes, and other organic wastes.
Complicating the problem is the fact that growths often occur in
streams and rivers, such as the Columbia, which receive low concentrations
of organic matter and are considered in excellent condition with respect
to ordinary sanitary standards. Sphaerotilus growth also may occur during
periods of low water temperature.
In its natural environment, the organism usually grows attached to
stones, logs, branches, gravel and even sand in the flowing stream. The
slime floes periodically "slough" and flow downstream. While not consti-
tuting a public health problem, the slime poses an occasional difficulty
when a freshet occurs during the spring fishing season and the flushing
velocity of the water tears the slime loose, permitting it to drift free
downstream.
-------
5.
FIGURE 3. Typical SLIME FLOCK obtained from the Columbia River.
FIGURE 4. Photo micrograph of SPHAEROTILUS NATANS
sausage-like individual cells.
-------
6.
RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTAL PHASE
The cooperative study begun in 1956 was divided into two major cate-
gories: (1) a limnological study of the Columbia River from Washougal to
Vancouver; (2) laboratory studies for evaluation and abatement measures.
Briefly, the major findings of these studies were:
STREAM SURVEY
The flow of the Columbia River varies considerably during the year
with the volume increasing gradually during March.and April, increasing
abruptly during May and June, and decreasing again in July (see Figure 4-A).
: ' i
The flow normally remains low during the fall and winter months, although
high water can occur in the lower river during the winter months,
Velocity, closely related to flow, also varies seasonally and there
may be variations in any traverse across the river or in traverses between
surface and bottom velocities.
Before 1960, when the Camas mill was discharging wastes continuously,
"'' " ;'
flow was one of the major factors which had a decided effect upon slime
', *
conditions in the lower river. In general, excessive velocities encountered
during flood stage caused "sloughing" of attached growth and prevented new
growth from becoming established until the velocity again dropped below
the critical value.
The Columbia River studies showed the temperature of the river in-
creases gradually in March and reaches a maximum in July and August before
beginning to drop off again in September (see Figure 4-B). Optimum slime
growth occurs at a temperature range of about 10° to 15° C, However,
Sphaerotilus growth may occur at temperatures below 10° C., providing that
the growing period is sufficiently long. When the temperature drops below
4° C«, growth ceases but does not die, and growth again occurs as the
-------
THOUSANDS OF CUBIC FEET PER SECOND
410.0
442.01
'From U. S. Geological Survey Data.
FIGURE 4-A Columbia River average flow at The Dalles for a 15-year period.
30
25
' TEMPERATURE ° C.
FIGURE 4-B Columbia River water temperature average in vicinity of Camas, 1956-
1963, showing temperature range conducive to Sphaerotilus growth.
-------
8.
temperature increases above 4° C.
Heavy slime growth normally was not found during the maximum tempera-
ture period,
Tests on dissolved oxygen (D.O.) and biochemical oxygen demand (B<0
-------
i > 2000
10 PPM
10 PPM SSS 10 PPM SSS
+1PPMP04 +0.3% SEWAGE
FIGURE 5. Effect of phosphate upon slime growth.
-------
10.
phosphate, slime growth was more than doubled.
The oxidation of domestic sewage leaves an excess of nitrogen and
phosphorus on which Sphaerotilus feeds. In the Columbia Basin, both
phosphorus and nitrogen, in ever-increasing quantities, are supplied by
agricultural runoff and irrigation return water.
Minimum Waste Concentration. In 1941 and 1942 the states of Wash-
ington and Oregon conducted a limnological research study of the Columbia
River between Bonneville Dam and Longview. Under the direction of two
highly qualified scientists, J. H. Lincoln and R. F. Foster, the study
developed much data about the river. This was contained in the "Report
on Investigation of Pollution in the Lower Columbia River," Washington
State Pollution Control Commission and the Oregon Sanitary Authority,
1943.
The study indicated that Sphaerotilus growth could be minimized by
reducing the concentration of S.S.S. below 5 ppm.
Based in part on this early study, Crown Zellerbach installed a
deep water diffuser line at the Camas mill in 1950. It discharged the
sulfite pulp mill effluents in the main channel of the Columbia at a depth
of about 45 feet. The initial cost of the installation was $270,000, with
maintenance costs since then totaling more than $350,000.
Although this was the most accurate information available up to that
time, subsequent experience showed that the deep water diffuser line had
not solved the Sphaerotilus problem. While the underwater diffuser was
effective in reducing waste concentrations, slime growth was not suffi-
ciently reduced to eliminate the problem entirely. Surveys conducted
after the diffuser outfall was installed showed slime growth in areas
-------
11.
where the S.S.S. concentration was well below 5 ppm.
Stream studies started in 1956 showed growth at concentrations as
low as 1 to 2 ppm. Growth curves for Sphaerotilus at S.S.S. concentrations
of 2 and 5 ppm are shown in Figure 6. For all practical purposes, it appears
to be extremely difficult to reduce the waste concentration to levels which
will not support some slime growth.
To insure an adequate and a continuously replenished food supply for
the Sphaerotilus, the food must be brought past the growth by means of
stream velocity. Figure 7 shows that at a feed concentration of 10 ppm,
slime growth was increased from 1,000 mg. to 5,500 mg. by increasing the
velocity from 0.001 to 0.58 feet per second (fps). These tests showed
there, is a minimum velocity below which Sphaerotilus will not grow and,
of course, there must also be a maximum velocity at which Sphaerotilus
cannot remain attached.
-------
12
6
1 5
CD
S 4
3
2
0
2
6 8 10 12
TIME IN DAYS
FIGURE 6. Rate of slime growth at low sulfite solids concentration.
-------
13.
O VELOCITY O.58 FPS
VELOCITY O.OO1 FPS
2
0
20 30 40 50
SPENT SULFITE SOLIDS - PPM
70
FIGURE 7. Effect of waste concentration upon slime growth at two different water velocities
as shown by laboratory studies.
-------
14.
ABATEMENT MEASURES STUDIED
In Crown Zellerbach's Central Research division laboratory, evalua-
tion was made of possible abatement measures which might be utilized.
Evaporation and Burning Processes. There are a number of pulping
processes which permit the evaporation and burning of the waste liquor.
Heat is recovered from the burning of the organic material, and chemicals
are also recovered. Although the B.O.D. reductions accomplished by the
recovery processes are relatively high, a substantial B.O.D. load is still
discharged, and this load in conjunction with the other pulping effluents
is of sufficient magnitude to support heavy slime growth.
Hea.t Hydrolysis. In this process the digester strength liquor is
heated at temperatures of 250° C. and at high pressures. During the high
temperature treatment the lignin is precipitated as a ligno-carbon and
the sugars are converted to volatile acids or completely broken down to
carbon dioxide and water. However, the results of bioassays showed that
the slime reduction which might be expected by this method would only be
about 50 per cent.
Biological Treatment Methods. The first process of this type
studied was the Torula yeast fermentation, a process in which the steam
stripped waste is aerated in the fermentor in the presence of yeast which
utilize both the six and five carbon sugars. The yeast cells are separated
by means of a centrifuge, and the desugared lignin solution is discharged
to the stream. Conclusions on this method were that the maximum slime
reduction which might be expected would be about 70 per cent.
Alcohol fermentation also was tried but was found to be not completely
effective in controlling slime. B.O.D. reduction after fermentation was a
-------
15.
maximum of SO per cent and slime reductions were about the same.
Conclusions on Abatement Measures. There would still be two sources
of slime-supporting effluents from evaporation and burning of spent sulfite
liquors, these being weak wash waters and the evaporator condensate.
The various conventional fermentation processes studied for the
reduction of wood sugars were found to be effective in reducing slime
growth but none of the methods tried would eliminate the problem entirely.
-------
16,
INTERMITTENT DISCHARGE SYSTEM
Among the solutions considered was intermittent or regulated dis-
charge of the waste. In this system the waste would be stored a specified
length of time and then discharged over another specified, but much shorter,
span of time. It was based on the facts bacteria feed continuously and
require a continuous source of food; consequently, elimination of food
during the growth phase should substantially reduce the bacterial numbers.
This theory is best explained by the table presented in Figure 8.
This table presents the theoretical multiplication of Sphaerotilus under
continuous and intermittent feeding based upon the assumption that one
Sphaerotilus divides every 12 hours. The intermittent schedule is based
upon 24 hours discharge every five days. The tremendous difference between
numbers can readily be seen at the end of 21 days under both feeding
schedules, the reduction in numbers being in excess of 99 per cent.
LABORATORY EVALUATION
In the initial phase of the study of an intermittent discharge system,
the investigators repeated a study by the National Council for Stream Im-
provement, but using different equipment. Their results coincided with
those of the earlier study, namely that a two-hour discharge followed by
a waste storage period ot 22 hours was effective in eliminating slime
growth. As the feeding interval was increased, the effectiveness of the
method decreased, and at a discharge interval of 12 hours per day, very
little benefit was accomplished by intermittent feeding. For optimum
results, a feeding schedule of two hours followed by the 22-hour storage
period was recommended.
However, there were two major objections to this method of slime
control: (1) a discharge interval of 2 hours followed by 22 hours of
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17,
storage would result in a twelve-fold increase in waste concentration, and
(2) the short interval between discharges (22 hours) would decrease upon
downstream movement and ultimate merging of discharges would occur.
To overcome the two objections, both the discharge period and the
storage period were increased. For example, a waste discharge period of
one day followed by a six-day storage period would only increase waste
concentration sevenfold, and the six-day storage period would prevent
merging of discharges. The effectiveness of this modified program is
shown in Figure 9.
The simulated stream receiving the continuous feed was harvested
after 19 days because of excessive growth, whereas the intermittent
streams were fed for a period of 40 days before being harvested. (It
should also be noted that the growths obtained under the intermittent
programs shown in Figure 9 were not corrected for pre-growth developed
under continuous feeding prior to the start of intermittent discharge.
It was found that slime growth could not be established unless the simu-
lated streams had a visible pre-growth, which was established by feeding
5.0 ppm of spent sulfite solids continuously for four days before the
start of the intermittent discharge program.)
A 24-hour discharge followed by 24 hours of storage was ineffective
in controlling slime growth. A discharge period of 24 hours followed by
a storage period of two to six days was very effective in controlling
growth.
PILOT PLANT EVALUATION
With intermittent discharge having proved successful in the labora-
tory, a pilot plant study was undertaken. The experiment was started in
December, 1958, and was terminated at the end of April, 1959.
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18
Bacterial
Numbers Under
Intermittent
ONE BACTERIUM DIVIDES EVERY 12 HOURS
Bacterial Numbers Under
v-on nuoub i eaing
16
64
296
1024
4096
16.384
65.536
262,144
1.048.576
4.194.304
16.777.216
67,108.664
268,435.456
,073,741,824
4,294,967.296
17.179. 869,184
68.719,476.736
274.877.906.944
1,099,511.627.776
4.398. 046.511, 104
FIGURE 8. How different feedings affect bacterial growth.
- 40 DAY GROWTH PERIOD AT 20° C
10
0
CONTINUOUS
FEEDING 19
DAYS
1 Day Storage
2 Day Storage 4 Day Storage
Followed by 24-Hours Discharge
Intermittent Discharge
6 Day Storage
FIGURE 9. Effect of intermittent discharge upon Sphaerotilus growth at 20° C. and 40-day
test period.
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19.
To simulate natural conditions, the experiment was conducted in the
Columbia River, using five groups of four 10-foot»long logs as attachment
surfaces as shown in Figure 10. The rafts were secured about 200 feet
from shore where the stream velocity during the run was about 0.5 fps.
To simulate downstream conditions, all the log rafts received low
background concentrations of spent sulfite liquor continuously in addition
to the intermittent load. Spent sulfite liquor was fed through diffusers
to the logs, and slime growth was estimated by observation of the logs and
measurement of growth on ceramic tile surfaces.
The log surfaces were subjected to the following feeding schedules:
(1) control, with no spent sulfite solids; (2) intermittent feeding sched-
ule started without the development of a primary slime film; (3) inter-
mittent feeding started after slime growth was under way; (4) continuous
feeding of spent sulfite solids, and (5) continuous feeding of extremely
low concentrations of spent sulfite solids.
Examination of the logs at the end of the experiment showed some
growth to be present on the control raft, slightly more on the intermittently
fed logs, slightly more again on the low continuously fed logs, and very much
more on the logs which were fed continuously at a higher rate. Intermittent
discharge eliminated most of the growth and little effect due to pre-growth
was observed. The field studies were in agreement with previous laboratory
experiments.
LARGE-SCALE INSTALLATION
With the comprehensive and successful laboratory and pilot plant
studies completed, Crown Zellerbach proceeded with designing an intermittent
discharge program for the Camas mill.(see Figure 11). The installation was
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20.
constructed at a cost of $750S000. In addition, some $600,000 has ue_
spent in construction and upkeep on the original deepwater diffuser outfall
constructed in 1950, making a total expenditure of $1.35 million for slime
control at the Camas mill.
The stream improvement system developed was designed to handle either
dilute or concentrated wastes from the Camas sulfite mill. During normal
flow periods dilute waste has been collected for six days and discharged
upon the seventh day- This schedule can be changed to give any sequence
up to a storage period of seven days followed by one day of discharge. The
strong digester liquor can be stored for 60 days and then released during
high water. Calculations showed that a pond capacity of 150 million
gallons would allow collection of at least eight days of total effluent
or 60 days of concentrated waste. The only feasible location for a pond
of this size was on the company-owned Lady Island in the Columbia River,
offshore from the Camas mill.
The abatement system can be divided into three parts: (1) liquor
collection, (2) ponding, and (3) deep water outfall. A schematic drawing
of the combined system is shown in Figure 12.
Liquor Collection System. Although nearly 20,000 gallons of efflu-
ent are produced from each ton of sulfite pulp, the first 4,000 gallons
contain about 80 per cent of the solids, and extensive studies have shown
that the temperature of the draining liquor can be correlated to the solids
content. The collection system is designed to collect the total wastes
(20,000 gallons per ton) or the more concentrated liquor of about 4,000
gallons per ton.
For collection of the strong wastes with minimum dilution, care must
be taken in the pulp washing cycle. At Camas, the bottom of the blow pit
is "padded" (covered with about 3 feet of spent liquor) before the pulp is
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21.
CONTINUOUS
5 P.P.M.
CONTROL
NO SPENT
SULFITE SOLIDS
NT If INTERMITTENT
^PRE-GROWTHf NO PRE-GROWTH
CONTINUOUS
LOW CONCENTRATION
FIGURE 10. Log rafts were used as natural pilot plant installations.
TOP OF DIKE EL 32'
r
NEW OUTFALL
OLD OUTFALL
I
2,000,000 SQ. FT. OP. DEPTH-10'
COLUMBIA RIVER
FIGURE 11. Columbia River in the vicinity of Gc bowing the Crown Zellerbach mill,
outfalls and storage pond/
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22,
PADDING & LEVELING SYSTEM
60,000 GAL. STORAGE
TANK
DIGESTERS
TEMP. CONTROL VALVES
COLUMBIA RIVER:
'.^«-~~_^-^_HK^_^~'~-'fc~-~*-^^^-^-H^-^~^-^^
'^.^-^^ "~-- K^---^^^^^-^^^^^-^^^^^^^
FIGURE 12. Schematic diagram of spent sulfite liquor disposal system, Camas division of Crown
Zellerbach.
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23.
blown into It. As the pulp is blowing into the pit, spent liquor is injected
at a high velocity across the stream of pulp to level the pile and allow even
drainage. Padding and leveling is accomplished by automatic, time-controlled
valves. At the completion of the blow the operator activates the drainage
and wash water controls. The hot padding liquor plus the new hot spent
liquor drains through a temperature-controlled valve to a 10,000-galIon,
fiberglass-lined storage tank. Another pump takes the liquor from the tank
and pumps it either to the pits for padding and leveling, or to the pond
one mile away. All of the piping, pumps, and valves are of stainless steel,
including the mile of 10-inch pipe to the pond. The drainage at the pit
continues until the liquor temperature drops to about 120° F., indicating
that 80 per cent of the solids have been collected.
The temperature-controlled valve to the sump then closes and a similar
valve to the old system opens, sending the remaining 20 per cent of the
solids through a 30-inch line under the Camas slough to the ditch across
Lady Island, and from the ditch through a 30-inch outfall into the main
channel of the river. When it is desired to collect the total effluent
for six days, the "old system" ditch is diverted to the pond. The pond
was constructed close to the ditch, thus permitting a valve-controlled,
short diversion ditch.
.
Storage Pond. Land clearing was necessary before investigations
were initiated for construction of the 46-acre pond on Lady Island. Follow-
ing this, a complete topographic study of the island was made, followed by
a complete soils study by soil consultants.
The pond was then designed and constructed, using a naturally occurr-
ing clay layer as the bottom membrane. The periphery of the pond is a dike
with an 8 to 12 foot wide clay core keyed into the clay membrane. The core
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24.
extends from the membrane to the top of the dike completely around the pond.
In certain locations the dike is 120 feet thick at the base and 18 feet
high. The pond has an average working depth of 12 feet. Approximately
110,000 cubic yards of material were moved in construction of the dike and
its core.
Grass was planted on the dike to prevent erosion and trees were planted
outside the dike.
Underwater Outfall. Dye studies, including aerial photographs, and
velocity studies were made to pinpoint the location of the single point
discharge in the main flow of the Columbia River for maximum downriver
dilution and optimum distribution for pond discharges (see Figure 13),
Test piling was driven along the south shore of Lady Island to find
the best bottom for locating the outfall. River elevations for the past
10 years were plotted. Outfall pipe size was calculated using river and
pond elevation data and anticipated flow' from the pond.
After extensive testing, the line selected was a 54-inch diameter,
12-gauge corrugated pipe, asphalt-dipped, with the internal corrugations
filled with asphalt to give smooth bore-flow characteristics. The 24-foot
lengths are joined with two-foot-wide bands.
A 10-foot ditch was dug in the bottom of the river from the pond
1100 feet to the point of optimum dispersion. The pipe was joined in
96-foot lengths and lowered into the ditch and joined by divers. After
joining, the line was covered with six feet of sand and topped with a
blanket of 200 to 800-pound rocks to keep it from washing or being moved
by the currents.
The line under the dike is a 1/2-inch wall fiberglass line contain-
ing a 48-inch Venturi section for metering, and terminates outside the
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25.
dike with « 54-inch stainless steel gate* valve. The valve is housed in
a 10-foot diameter, 24-foot high fiberglass-lined combination valve pit,
vent, and junction box where the corrugated steel outfall starts. The
valve pit is topped with a house for the valve operator and flow instruments.
-------
FIGURE 13. Distribution of dye marker discharge from outfall approximates the present pattern ofcspent sulfite discharged from
the Camas mill.
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27.
RESULTS Of INTERMITTENT DISCHARGE SYSTEM
The intermittent discharge system at the Camas mill went into opera-
tion on a regular basis on February 1, 1961. On that date impounding of
the total sulfite mill effluent (strong waste plus weak wash water) began.
It was decided to use a 24-hour discharge period following a six-day
storage period. The first intermittent discharge was conducted on
February 8, 1961.
Tests begun with the start of the system showed the following results:
SLIME GROWTH
Following the start of the intermittent discharge system, a tile box
sampler was placed in the main channel of the Columbia River 2.3 miles
below the outfall and at a distance of 2,000 feet from the Washington
shore. This tile box was located to receive maximum concentrations of
spent sulfite liquor during discharge of the pond. A control station was
located at Washougal, about 3 miles above the Camas mill outfall.
The test location below the outfall (at Hassale Rock) had always
shown slime growth during continuous discharge. The slime growth obtained
at the Washougal control station and the Hassalo Rock station during inter-
mittent discharge is shown in Figure 14. It can be seen that growth at
the Hassalo Rock station was equivalent to the background growth obtained
at Washougal. It is also of interest to note that the Hassalo Rock sampler
was located about 2,000 feet from the Oregon shore and received the highest
concentration of spent sulfite liquor during intermittent discharge.
This slime growth data showed that areas receiving only the inter-
mittent discharges did not support slime growth. It also indicated that
if an interval of five to six days is maintained between discharges in
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28.
downstream movement, slime will not become established at locations in the
lower river.
Observations made on the commercial fishing drifts above the Inter-
state Bridge near Vancouver during the 1961 spring and fall fishing seasons
showed the midchannel and Oregon shores to be free of slime growths. This
, *
area previously contained heavy growth during continuous discharge of spent
sulfite liquor through the underwater outfall.
Previous laboratory experiments showed that kraft mill effluents also
supported slime growth. Growth was obtained on evaporator condensate and
the weak wash waters from the kraft mill. Although only a very narrow band
of growth had been noted along the Washington shore, it was believed that
removal of some of the kraft mill effluents from the Camas slough and inclu-
sion of these effluents into the intermittent discharge program would
accomplish an additional reduction of growth along the Washington shore.
Changes were made in the mill collection system to direct the follow-
*
ing effluents to the main channel of the Columbia River: (1) blow gas con-
densates from the kraft mill, and (2) evaporator condensates from the kraft
mill. This diversion involves a flow of 2.1 million gallons per day which
were previously discharged into the Camas slough. These changes were
completed in July of 1961.
TIME OF PASSAGE OF DISCHARGES
Time of passage data for the lower Columbia River were not available
until installation of the intermittent discharge system, which, for the
first time, made possible the accurate determination of time of passage
over a wide range of river flows. A continuous automatic sampler was used
for these studies which permitted the collection of a Sample every half hour.
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29.
The time of passage of discharges at selected downstream testing
stations varied with the amount of flow and the velocity of the river. At
a low flow at Camas of about 90,000 to 100,000 cu. ft. per sec., the time
of passage to the Interstate Bridge, 12.8 miles below the outfall, was 10
hours and approximately 29 hours were required to reach St. Helens, 32
miles below the mill outfall. Time of passage to Longview and Skamokawa
during the low critical flow period was 49 and 100 hours respectively.
The average velocity of the major flow from the Camas outfall to Skamokawa,
a distance of 84 statute miles, was 1.23 fps during the low flow fall period.
Data collected during a spring flow of about 184,000 cu. ft. per sec.
indicated that the time of passage to Longview was 29 hours. Extrapolation
of this time of passage data showed that approximately 55 hours were required
for the Camas discharge to reach Skamokawa. During this flow regime, the
average velocity of the major flow throughout the lower 84 miles was 2.24
fps.
There was concern there could be some merging of discharges based
on the theory that instead of maintaining a starvation interval of six
days, the interval could decrease to five or even four days upon downstream
movement. Continuous sampling during the spring of 1961 showed conclusively
that no significant merging of discharges occurred. At a Camas flow of
about 190,000 cu. ft. per sec.s very little difficulty was encountered in
merging of discharges and a starvation interval of six days was maintained
between the discharges over the 52 miles between Camas and the Longview
Bridge.
Behavior of intermittent discharges during the fall low flow period
was found to be somewhat different than during the spring median flow in
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30.
a comprehensive survey conducted September 13-18, 1961. Dilute spent
sulfite liquor was discharged during a 23-3/4-hour period beginning on
September 13.
The discharge required 12.8 hours to reach the automatic sampler at
the Interstate Bridge and arrived with very little "tailing" occurring.
The discharge took 25 hours to traverse the section. The maximum concen-
tration of 27.4 ppm was considered quite satisfactory since it represented
the spent sulfite solids concentration resulting from a rate of liquor
discharge close to 90 per cent of the maximum possible from the pond.
The situation at St. Helens, 32 miles below the outfall, was somewhat
different (see Figure 15). As at the Interstate Bridge, the initial rise
in spent sulfite liquor concentration was abrupt, but the initial values
did not reflect the high initial rate of pond discharge observed at the
Interstate Bridge. After 24 hours, a gradual decrease in spent sulfite
liquor was observed and the time for the discharge to pass the sampling
point completely was about 35 hours. However, Figure 15 shows that about
90 per cent of the total discharge passed this station in 24 hours. The
maximum concentration of spent sulfite solids at this station was 8.2 ppm
and the average concentration over the 35-hour period was about 5.2 ppm.
At the third sampling point, 52 miles below the outfall at the Long-
view Bridge, the general picture was similar to that observed at St. Helens.
The initial rise in concentration was less steep and the tailing was greater.
At this station some 43 hours were required for complete passage of the
discharge, but again the major portion passed this station in about 28 hours.
The background concentration of spent sulfite solids at this station before
the arrival of the discharge was 1.5 ppm, and it was 2.0 ppm afterward.
-------
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-------
32.
This slight increase was not thought to be due to tailing, since once the
2,0 ppm level was reached, it remained at that value and did not fluctuate.
The maximum concentration during the discharge was 6.2 ppm and the calcu-
lated average level of spent sulfite solids during the discharge was 4.6
Laboratory studies have shown conclusively that even with the slight
tailing which occurred at downstream points an interval of at least five
days was maintained betwee.n the intermittent discharges.
WASTE CONCENTRATIONS DURING STORAGE AND DISCHARGE
Waste concentrations under an intermittent discharge program are
extremely important since the stream utilized must have sufficient flow to
/
handle the loadings. In planning the system for the Camas mill, close
attention was paid to a report by the Washington State Department of Fish-
eries on the effects of spent sulfite liquor on salmon under experimental
conditions. Long-term experiments on Chinook, pink, and silver salmon of
varying ages showed that the most susceptible species of those concerned,
Chinook salmon, has a threshold index of 56 ppm of spent sulfite solids *
This was considered the maximum concentration that could be tolerated
in planning the intermittent discharge program. Intensive research work
prior to the installation of the program indicated that these concentra-
tions would not be reached.
Tests showed that during periods of storage the spent sulfite solids
and B.O.D. concentrations in the major flow of the river are essentially
the same as those found above the mill outfall. The normal background
spent sulfite solids -concentrations will range from 0.2 to 1.0 ppm, and
B»0?D, values range from 0,2 to 1.0 ppm,
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33.
A number of cross-sectional samplings have been conducted below the
mill during periods of intermittent discharge to determine the spent sulfite
solids and B.O.D. concentrations. Average spent sulfite solids concentra-
tion at the Interstate Bridge was about 10.0 ppm during median flow condi-
tions experienced during the winter and spring fishing season. During low
flow encountered in September and October, the spent sulfite solids concen-
tration at the Interstate Bridge will be about 14,0 to 16.0 ppm.
The maximum spent sulfite solids concentration at the Longview Bridge
(see Figure 16) was 6,7 ppm at a Longview flow of about 200,000 cu. ft. per
sec. At the St. Helens station, 32 miles below the outfall, the maximum
spent sulfite solids concentration was 8.2 ppm during low flow.
f
From August 12 to 19, 1963, an extensive survey was made at Steamboat
Slough near Skamokawa on spent sulfite wastes and B.O.D. in relation to the
intermittent discharge system at the Camas mill. The location is 84 miles
below the mill outfall and 36 miles from the jetties at the mouth of the
Columbia. Average flow of the river during the testing period was 142,000
cu. ft. per sec. with the temperature varying from 20.8 to 21.8° C.
Samples were collected by Crown Zellerbach personnel using an automatic
sampling device constructed at Crown Zellerbach's Central Research division,
and, in addition, traverses were run twice daily in order to determine the
distribution of spent sulfite wastes throughout the river cross section.
The Lady Island lagoon was emptied beginning at 10 a.m. on August 12,
The first increase in liquor concentration at the Skamokawa testing point
was detected 77.5 hours later on August 15.
Examination of Figure 17 shows there was no increase in B.O.D. as
the liquor passed Skamokawa, showing the B.O.D,. of the liquor had been
-------
RIVER
LONGVtiW
LQNGVIEW
ST. HftENS
Sf. HELENS
RIVtR
INTERSTATE BRIDGE f^ 13)
VANCOUVER GAMAS (MP-0)
SCALE-MILfS
HSAIO
WILLAMETTE RIVER
FIGURE 16. Lower Columbia River survey area showing sampling locations.
BON&EVItlE
-------
satisfied during the passage from Camas. The most likely explanation is
that free floating bacteria in the water had utilized the sugars. B.O.D,
tests in which test water is incubated at 20° C. in special bottles for a
period of five days have shown that while there is no agitation such as
occurs in a river, the free floating organisms are able to assimilate the
food source quite completely. Additional evidence that the B.O.D. reduc-
tion was not due to the growth of Sphaerotilus was the absence of floes
of this organism in the river at the testing location.
For the most part the liquor was spread quite evenly throughout the
entire cross-section tested and values were similar to those obtained at
the sampler.
Although it took about 40 hours for the discharge to pass the
Skamokawa testing point, this could not have produced Sphaerotilus growth
as the B.O.D. tests showed all organic matter had been destroyed. Conse-
quently, there were no wood sugars left which could be utilized as food
by Sphaerotilus.
DISSOLVED OXYGEN
The dissolved oxygen (D.O.) concentrations in the lower Columbia
River usually vary from 8 to 12 ppm depending upon the season. During the
first spring trial of intermittent discharge, no significant drop in D.O.
could be detected in the lower river. This was expected, since the flow
was fairly high (about 180,000 cu. ft. per sec,) and water temperature
was low.
The D.O. profiles for the lower river during the low flow period of
September 13 through September 18, 1961, when the flow at Camas was about
-------
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§ 5
in
o
3 3
M
a.
M
u- 7
O
z
o
SPENT SULFITE SOLIDS
BIOCHEMICAL OXYGEN
DEMAND
1963
AUG. IS
AUG. 16
AUG. 17
FIGURE 17. Continuous sampling profile showing biochemical oxygen demand during passage of an intermittent discharge
near Skamokawa, August 1963.
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37.
80,000 cu. ft. per sec. are shown in Figure 18. The D.O. concentrations
during periods of spent liquor storage dropped slightly in moving down-
stream, from 8,9 to 8.5 ppm. The average D.O. drop in the 84 miles of
river under consideration was 0.4 ppm prior to intermittent discharge and
0.9 ppm during the passage of the intermittent discharge. The minimum D.O.
recorded during this sampling period was 7.3 ppm some 84 miles below the
outfall, which corresponds to a saturation value of 77.6 per cent.
The conditions during the fall survey represent the extremes of flow
and water temperature under which intermittent discharge will.be used. The
water temperature during this period was 18° C« and the river flow at Camas
was about 80,000 cu. ft. per sec. Figure 18 shows that the oxygen re-
sources of the lower Columbia River will not be seriously affected by
intermittent discharge of the Camas spent sulfite liquor during periods
of low flow and relatively high water temperatures.
CONCLUSIONS
Full-scale operation of the intermittent discharge system at the
Camas mill has produced the following conclusions:
1. A seven-day schedule consisting of six days' storage followed
by a 24-hour discharge period has been effective in controlling Sphaerotilus
growth.
2. Sphaerotilus growth has been virtually eliminated in the area
between the Camas mill and the Interstate Bridge receiving spent sulfite
liquor on an intermittent basis.
3. Spent sulfite solids concentrations during periods of discharge
have been substantially below the concentration inimical to aquatic life
and the dissolved oxygen assets of the lower river have not been adversely
affected.
-------
38.
4, Merging of spent sulfite liquor discharge in the lower river has
not been a problem and the interval between discharges has been sufficiently
long to prevent Sphaerotilus growth development as the discharge moves
downstream.
-------
39.
10
CL
Q.
z
LU
O
o
Q
O
en
O
8
WATER TEMP. 18°C
SAMPLING PERIOD- SEPT. 13-18, 1961
AVERAGE D.O. PRIOR TO DISCHARGE
X AVERAGE D.O. DURING DISCHARGE
MINIMUM D.O. DURING DISCHARGE
MILES
BELOW
OUTFALL
FIGURE 18. Dissolved oxygen profiles in the lower Columbia River prior to and during
passage of an intermittent discharge for September 13 through 18, 1961.
'
:** &-£P ; -'
*BBT\#^;S < VA
f- a
Mte;
FIGURE 19. Tile sampler boxes are checked for slime growth every two weeks.
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40.
PRESENT TESTING PROCEDURES
Crown Zellerbach sclent1st* carry on a continual testing program in
the Columbia River between Washougal and the Interstate Bridge at Vancouver
to maintain a close check on possible slime growth and water conditions in
the river. Special studies are made as far down river as Skamokawa, 84
miles below the mill outfalls.
The company's Central Research division maintains a regularly sched-
uled testing program which provides data for its own research projects, the
Washington State Pollution Control Commission, and the Camas mill division.
Some of this work is part of the program of the Lower Columbia River Coopera-
tors, an organisation of firms and public agencies concerned with water
quality control from Bonneville Dam to the mouth of the Columbia.
To keep a constant check on possible slime growth, the company main-
tains five tile sampler boxes in the river between Washougal and the Inter-
state Bridge at Vancouver. The tile plates in the sampling boxes are
checked every two weeks for slime growth (see Figure 19). Reports are
filed with the Washington State Pollution Control Commission.
In conjunction with the sampling boxes, water tests also are made
every two weeks. This phase of water testing is carried out at four loca-
tions: Washougal, west end of Sand Island, Ellsworth, and the Interstate
Bridge.
A total of 24 samples are taken. Three are taken in a traverse at
the Washougal station. At the Sand Island site three samples are taken
from the main channel of the river between Sand and Government Islands,
and seven in a traverse between Sand Island and the Washington shore.
Five samples are obtained between Ellsworth on the Washington shore and
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41.
Government Island. At the fourth testing, location, the Interstate Bridge,
six samples are taken between the Washington shore and Hayden Island, again
spanning the main channel.
All samples are taken at a uniform depth of three feet, with the water
being tested for D.O., B.O.D., S.S.S., phosphate, nitrate, ammonia, pH,
temperature, alkalinity and turbidity (see Figures 20 and 21). Results of
these tests are sent to the Washington State Pollution Control Commission.
Water tests required by the Washington State Pollution Control
Commission for the Camas mill are obtained from six locations starting
with a control location at the east end of Lady Island above the outfalls.
The remaining test locations for the mill are (2) south side of Lady Island
below the outfalls; (3) Hassalo Rock; (4) Fisher; (5) one-half mile west of
Ellsworth, and (6) Leiser Point, just east of Vancouver. At each of the
last five locations three samples are taken at various distances from shore.
The water obtained in these samples is checked for temperature, pH,
spent sulfite liquor concentration and, at some locations, dissolved oxygen.
The results are submitted to the Washington State Pollution Control Commission
in a bi-weekly report.
The Central Research division laboratory also regularly runs tests
for the U. S. Public Health Service on water samples taken at Bonneville
Dam. Along with tests on dissolved oxygen, B.O.D., turbidity, S.S.S.,
phosphate, ammonia, pH, and nitrate, the samples are tested for chloride
and sulfate content, bacteria count, chemical oxygen demand, chlorine
demand, hardness, total dissolved solids, alkalinity and color.
Supplementing the regular testing program are periodic projects which
extend down river as far as Cathlamet and Skamokawa. These are studies
-------
FIGURE 20.
Some tests are made in the boat as soon as the water samples are taken
from the river.
FIGURE 21.
Water samples are < efully measured for each test at Crown Zellerbach's
Central Research division atCamas.
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43,
similar to the one carried out over an eight-day period at Skamokawa in
August of 1963, which was described in an earlier section of this report.
The company also maintains contact with commercial fishermen in the
lower Columbia River area. During the commercial fishing season Crown
Zellerbach scientists periodically accompany fishermen in order to inspect
their nets for possible slime growth picked up in the river. The company
also performs its own tests with a 400-foot-long commercial fishing net
during the closed season or when it is not possible to accompany a. commer-
cial fisherman during the season. Special permits from the states of
Washington and Oregon allow the company to use the net on a year-around
basis for scientific purposes. (The net is of too small a mesh to catch
salmon and steelhead. Any other species caught are returned to the river.)
Following the same drifts used by commercial fishermen, it is possible
to keep a check throughout the year for slime or other foreign substances
which might become enmeshed in the netting.
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44,
RESEARCH OUTLOOK
Research holds the key to the ultimate answer of the water quality
control question. The final goal of such research is not only devising
waste control and treatment systems, but eventual development of programs
and techniques for economic utilization of waste materials.
Cellulose fibres from which paper is made, constitute about half of
the tree. The remainder is principally lignin, which binds the cellulose
fibres together, plus wood sugars. Historically, in papermaking, this
"other half of the tree" has been discarded as waste, or burned.
Crown ZeHerbach is committed to a program of recovering this other
half of the tree. To date, the company has spent millions of dollars on
research aimed at the development of saleable chemical products from the
lignin and wood sugars in spent sulfite liquor alone. It is currently
spending large sums each year in this area of research.
Already, laboratory and pilot-study work carried on in Camas at the
company's Central Research and Chemical Products divisions has led to the
development of an impressive list of chemicals which have been put into
commercial production for industry and agriculture (see Figure 22).
Five chemical plants have been established at four Crown Zellerbach
locations in the United States. These include a lignin sulfonate plant
at Lebanon, Ore.; a turpentine production facility and a plant for making
levulinic acid at Port Townsend, Wash.; a specialty organic chemical plant
at Camas, and facilities for producing dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl sul-
foxide, tall oil and turpentine at Bogalusa, La.
Today, Crown Zellerbach's line of chemicals is widely sold through-
out the United States and the world.
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^natatua if fnauiiita
45.
i
( T
FIGURE 22. Chemical products derived from wood-pulping process at Crown Zellerbach's
Camas research lab are displayed by Chemical Products division general
manager E. H. Nunn and assistant general manager R. B. Bailey.
-------
46.
At the specialty organic chemicals plant at Caaas, research and
development, plus pilot plant tests of new chemicals, are carried out by
the Chemical Products division.
As a result of the varied research work under way in the Central
Research and Chemical Products divisions' laboratories in Camas, as many
as ten products may be ready for test runs on pilot plant scale at any
one timeonly one or two of them may prove to be profitable. Scientists
in the laboratories come up with one or two developments monthly that
qualify for patents.
Current projects include study on a process for the hydrogenation
of lignin from woodpulp spent liquors. The company obtained an option on
the process from the Noguchi Institute of Tokyo-, which developed it. A
specially designed building for such research under high pressures, with
walls one foot thick has been built at Camas for study of the process. In
the process, lignin can be converted into a number of compounds which have
a considerable potential utility as raw materials for the synthetic organic
chemical industry.
The process can utilize lignin from either the sulfite or kraft pulp-
ing processes as well as lignin left after the hydrolysis of wood to pro-
duce sugars.
Economics are a determining factor in the development of products
from lignin. At present, the. market is not adequate to absorb all of the
chemical products which could be produced by Crown Zellerbach's mills.
Realization of the hope of total utilization of "the other half of the
tree" and a corresponding final answer to water quality control problems
at pulp and paper mills depend on a variety of factors. Among these are
-------
47.
continued research for new products; development of markets for these
chemical products; new methods for obtaining pure chemicals from lignin
and other wastes so they can compete economically with other processes,
and economic growth, particularly in the use of chemical products.
-------
APPENDIX D
ADDENDUM TO
POLLUTION REPORT ON LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER
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BACTERIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF THE LOWER COLUMBIA RIVER
Annual bacteriological surveys have been conducted on a sixteen-mile
reach of the Lower Columbia River from the Port land-Vancouver area to just
upstream of St. Helens (See Figure 1) during the fall, or critical season,
of the years 1960, 1962, 1963 and 1964. Results obtained as a result of
these cooperative surveys by the Oregon State Sanitary Authority, the
Washington Pollution Control Commission and the Public Health Service are
summarized in this report (See Table 1). The purpose of the study is to
assess progress in bacterial pollution abatement by the cities of Portland
and Vancouver.
Results indicate the cities have generally made steady progress in
improving the bacteriological quality of the Columbia River over the past
four years. If conditions continue to improve at the same pace, the 1965
survey should indicate some portions of the Lower Columbia to be safe for
recreational purposes including water contact sports. Past improvement
is considered to be the result of the concern of both the cities and the
two State regulatory agencies which resulted in increased efficiency in
waste interception and treatment plant operation.
The City of Portland has continuously operated effluent chlorination
facilities at the Columbia Boulevard treatment plant since June 1962.
The Columbia Boulevard treatment plant discharges directly to the
Columbia River above the mouth of the Willamette River. A major step in
the cleanup of wastes discharged from Portland into the Willamette River
was achieved with the dedication of the Tryon Creek treatment facility
on July 12, 1965. The plant provides secondary treatment, including
effluent chlorination of wastes from the southwest section of Portland,
-------
Lewis & Clark College, and the City of Lake Oswego. An additional inter-
ceptor to the plant will collect waste from the Dunthorpe-Riverdale area
to further reduce the bacterial load on the Willamette River.
Additional waste interception and treatment is planned by the City
of Portland for the northwest part of the city, the industrial areas, and
the harbor area. These projects will all reduce bacterial pollution of
the Columbia as well as the Willamette River. The last Oregon Legislature
passed a law to provide the necessary legal backing for control of
marine pollution from house boats and pleasure crafts. It is the stated
policy of the Oregon State Sanitary Authority to eliminate the discharge
of all untreated wastes in the area at an early date.
The City of Vancouver likewise has made considerable progress in
the abatement of pollution in the Lower Columbia River. In 1959 there
were five major outfalls discharging raw sewage directly to the river.
An interceptor program was initiated and is now completed so that all
wastes receive primary treatment and effluent chlorination. These pro-
jects and completion dates are listed as follows:
1. 18th Street interceptor completed 1961;
2. Jantzen interceptor completed 1962;
3. Portco interceptor completed 1963;
4. Fruit Valley interceptor completed 1964;
5. Port Industrial interceptor completed 1964.
Additional planning is under way by the city to minimize the in-
fluence of storm water overflows, modify and improve the existing treat-
ment plant, and construct an additional plant to serve the residential
and industrial areas west of the city.
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3
Survey Methods
During each of the surveys samples were collected from each station
at six-hour intervals by two sampling crews using outboard motor boats.
Each of the surveys covered a period of three days except for the 1962
survey which was terminated after two days because of the Columbus Day
storm, At each station the samples were taken at one foot depth from
three to five cross-sectional points. The samples representative of
shore conditions were collected within 100 feet from shore. Additional
intermediate samples were collected at all stations to represent mid-
stream conditions as follows:
Station 1 - one point
Stations 2 and 3 - three points
Stations 4 and 5 - two points
All samples were iced immediately after collection and delivered
after each run to the Public Health Service Portland Laboratory for
analysis. Bacteriological determinations were conducted in accordance
with procedures described in Standard Methods for the Examination of
Water and Sewage. In the 1960 survey the most probable number (MPN)
technique was employed. The 1962 and 1963 studies were run using the
MPN technique for all samples with duplicate tests being performed on
selected samples using the membrane filter (MF) technique for comparative
purposes. As a result of these comparative tests, it was concluded that
the MF technique gave valid results for these waters. The 1964 survey
was conducted using only the MF technique. It is planned to again
employ the MF procedure in the 1965 survey.
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4
Survey Results
A summary of the results obtained during the four surveys is pre-
sented in Table 1. Coliform densities at all stations below the
Portland-Vancouver area have shown a general decline since 1960 at mid-
stream locations and near the Oregon shore. Counts near the Washington
shore at the lower stations reached a peak during the 1963 survey re-
flecting the influence of sewage by-passing during interceptor
constructions at Vancouver. Although counts near the Washington shore
were consistently lower during the 1964 survey, they were still gener-
ally higher than counts found at the same time at midstream locations or
near the Oregon shore* This was apparently due to storm runoff and some
sewage by-passing still taking place at Vancouver.
Although significant reduction in coliform bacteria has occurred
during the period 1960-1964 at all downstream stations, average concen-
trations along the shores are still above that recommended by the State
Health Departments for water contact recreation (240 per 100 ml). Aver-
age concentrations in the midstream sector of Stations 2 and 3 were,
however, found to be within this limit for the first time in 1964. If
comparable improvement is demonstrated by the results of the 1965 survey
to be conducted later this month, some portions of the Columbia shore
downstream from Portland and Vancouver may be satisfactory for water
contact recreation.
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TABLE 1
SUMMARY OF RESULTS LOWER COLUMBIA BACTERIOLOGICAL SURVEY
Coliform Bacteria per 100 ml
Year Dates
1960 9/19. 20 & 21
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
1962 10/9 & 11
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Interstate Br.
Station 1
460
15
150
225
240
23
43
93
1,100
93
240
756
24,000
91
5,025
5,387
9,300
430
2,300
3,591
4,300
390
4,300
3,273
Mathews Point Hewlett Point
Station 2 Station 3
Oregon Shore
46,000 110,000
930 9,300
11,000 46,000
16,975 46,275
Midstream
> 110, 000 >110,000
{"30 150
11,000 4,600
37,641 19,026
Washington Shore
>11,000 110,000
430 2,300
>ll,00p 9,300
8,335 20,700
Oregon Shore
46,000 23,000
< 30 930
9,300 2,300
657 5,278
Midstream
46,000 46,000
150 230
4,300 4,300
7,873 12,605
Washington Shore
110,000 46,000
9,300 4,300
24,000 17,000
32,362 18,737
Reeders Beach
Station 4
>110,000
24,000
110,000
77,677
>110,000
230
11,000
22,773
>110,000
910
9,300
18 , 634
8,000
390
4,300
8,415
43,000
930
5,150
9,268
93,000
4,300
15 , 150
23,400
Henrici Landing
Station 5
110,000
9,300
46,000
34,358
46,000
2,400
15,500
17,225
> 11, 000
930
11,000
9,085
9,300
2,300
5,150
5,912
43,000
150
5,150
9,134
15,000
4,300
9,300
7,975
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TABLE 1
(Continued)
Year Dates
1363 9/16. 18 & 20
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Avera ge
1964 9/14, 16 & 18
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Maximum
Minimum
Median
Average
Interstate Br.
Station 1
4,300
150
680
1,016
4,300
150
430
1,125
4,300
150
1,615
1,930
160
70
80
92
100
46
75
76
1,800
300
570
856
Mathews Point Hewlitt Point
Station 2
23,000
430
1,615
4,015
43,000
91
930
3,752
93,000
9,300
33,000
43,787
7,600
60
390
1,363
290
60
90
122
15,000
2,300
4,200
5,344
Station 3
Oregon Shore
23,000
430
5,150
10,953
Midstream
150,000
230
2,300
14,744
Washington Shore
240,000
21,000
68,000
102,000
Oregon Shore
2,000"
200
710
892
Midstream
520
120
160
233
Washington Shore
43,000
430
4,900
10,192
Reeders Beach
Station 4
23,000
210
3,300
5,776
93,000
200
5,900
16,997
240,000
21,000
84,000
78,875
2,700
170
510
902
1,400
100
220
390
31,000
310
6,200
9,214
Henrici Landing
Station 5
43,000
930
23,000
22,790
43,000
2,300
9,300
16,071
93,000
4,300
43,000
35,800
2,000
160
475
767
2,100
140
820
888
7,100
1,500
3,050
>
3,462
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<< Beaver Army
Terminal
5-Henrici Landing
4-Reeders Beach
3-Hewlett Point
2-Mathews Point
1-Interstate Bridge
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