REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR'S
ANNUAL REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
IN NEW ENGLAND
NOVEMBER 1978
Environmental
Protection Agency
Region I
F. KENNEDY FEDERA
GOVr
BOSTON, ?•' IS 02203
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REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR'S
ANNUAL REPORT
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
IN NEW ENGLAND •
NOVEMBER 1978
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From the Regional Administrator:
This is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's fourth annual report
on environmental quality in the six New England states — Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
It covers air, surface water, and drinking water quality, and solid
waste management.
Since last year's report, the Congress has passed important amendments
to two of the Agency's most important pieces of legislation — the Clean
Air and Clean Water Acts. The new laws represent mid-course corrections
rather than major overhauls of the two laws. They continue the programs
authorized by the old laws, but with some changes to help us meet our goals.
The most significant of these changes are the incentives for innovative and
alternative wastewater treatment technologies, and the codification of the
"off-set" policy for reducing air pollution that was developed under but not
incorporated into the old legislation.
These new laws will provide exciting and new challenges to us in run-
ning our programs. But we cannot forget that running programs is not our
goal. Our goal is to achieve and maintain a quality of air fit to breathe,
surface water fit for recreation, pure drinking water, and waste management
practices sufficient to protect public health and the environment.
Generally speaking, progress in these areas has been slow but steady
in the last year. EPA is entering a period during which its achievements
will be much harder won, and less dramatic, if no less significant than in
the early days of the Agency's existence.
This is true because the Agency concentrated first on the largest and
most damaging polluters, and control of those sources resulted in dramatic
improvements. The pollution with which we are dealing now is generally
smaller sources and the gains are cumulative rather than sudden.
In addition, the types of controls we need to implement now are often
more expensive to meet higher standards of treatment, or they have more
direct impact on individual citizens, as is the case with mandatory inspec-
tion and maintenance of automobiles. Thus we have an even greater responsi-
bility to seek public involvement.
I am confident, however, that this Agency, along with state and local
governments and the informed participation of the public, can solve the
problems that remain to us to the maximum benefit of the environment with
the minimum of adverse effect on the economy. I hope that all of you will
support us and work with us to achieve this goal.
William R. Adams, Jr.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Foreword from the Regional Administrator
Air Quality Page 1
Surface Water Quality 6
Drinking Water 13
Solid and Hazardous Waste Management 16
Appendices
Air Quality
Table 1: Comparison of PSI values with pollutant
concentrations, descriptor words, generalized health
effects, and cautionary statements
Figure 1: Non-attainment designation for S02
Table 2: Sulfur dioxide — annual average maximum 24 hourly
levels trends 1974 - 1977
Figure 2: Non-attainment designation for TSP
Table 3: Total suspended particulates T- annual geometric
mean trends 1974 - 1977
Figure 3: Non-attainment status for photochemical oxidants
Table 4: Ozone — maximum level, violation frequency — one
hour standard trends 1974 - 1977
Figure 4: Non-attainment designation for CO
Table 5: Carbon monoxide — maximum level, violation
frequency — eight hour standard trends 1974 - 1977
Figure 5: Non-attainment designation for nitrogen dioxide
Surface Water Quality
Table 6: New England summary — Mainstem and major tributary
river mileage meeting fishable/swimmable goals of the
Clean Water Act
Table 7: Summary of water quality conditions
Drinking Water
Graph 1: MDC lead monitoring study
Graph 2: Bennington, Vermont lead monitoring study
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AIR QUALITY
Many scientific studies have shown that air pollution is responsible for a
number of respiratory illnesses such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and
increased incidence of lung cancer. High levels of air pollution also in-
crease the discomfort of individuals suffering from allergies and contribute
to increases in respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchial
asthma. On a national level, air pollution is estimated to result annually
in 15,000 excess deaths, 15 million days of restricted activity, and seven
million sick days.
The federal Clean Air Act requires the Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency to set ambient air quality standards designed to protect
the public health (primary standards) and the public welfare as measured by
effects of pollution on vegetation, materials, and visibility (secondary
standards). Once such standards have been established, the states are
required by law to develop State Implementation Plans (SIP's), consisting
of regulations and other controls to provide for the attainment and main-
tenance of these standards. The EPA has established ambient air quality
standards for five pollutants; sulfur dioxide, total suspended particulates,
carbon monoxide, photochemical oxidants (smog), and nitrogen oxides. The
short term standards establish levels which may not be violated more than
once a year. (It should be noted that it is possible to have a single
exceedance, i.e., one reading above the standard, but if the second highest
value does not exceed the standard, no violation is considered to have
occurred.)
In recent years, it has become apparent that attainment of air quality
standards is a more complex process than originally anticipated. The
attainment dates specified in the 1970 Clean Air Act were not met despite
very intense efforts by the states and EPA to regulate identifiable contrib-
utors to air pollution violations. In August, 1977, the Clean Air Act was
amended which increased requirements to prevent significant deterioration
of air quality in clean areas, and extended the time frame in which states
must develop regulatory programs to attain air quality standards in non-
attainment areas. As required by the amendments, during 1977 each state
reviewed its air quality record and formally designated portions of New
England as attainment, unclassified, or nonattainment for each of the five
pollutants. These were subsequently approved by EPA with only minor changes,
and are presented in Figures 1 through 5. For the areas classified non-
attainment each state is now required to determine the causes of violations
and to adopt the necessary programs, including revisions to the SIP's,
needed to ensure attainment of standards. Necessary plan revisions must be
submitted to EPA by January, 1979 and must demonstrate attainment by
January, 1982 or as expeditiously as possible.
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Pollutant Standards Index — This index was proposed by EPA as a single
measure which could be used to report air quality nationwide. During 1977,
a number of states began to use the Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) to advise
citizens of air quality on a daily basis. The PSI structure includes the
pollutants for which primary National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS)
have been established. For each pollutant, the Index scale ranges from
0 to 500, with 100 corresponding to the primary NAAQS concentrations and 500
corresponding to the significant harm levels. PSI is primarily a health-
related index, using such descriptor words as "good," "moderate," "unhealth-
ful," and "hazardous," (Table 1).
There is a direct relationship between this descriptor index and short term
air quality standards (e.g., daily, 8-hour, 1-hour). However, long term
standards are not reflected in the PSI. Presentations in this report reflect
both actual air quality levels and PSI where appropriate.
Sulfur Dioxide — The principal source of sulfur dioxide (S02) is combustion
of fossil fuels containing sulfur. In New England, sources of S02 emissions
include power generating stations, industrial boilers, pulp mills, and
residential and commercial heating. Figure 1 shows the nonattainment desig-
nation for S02 in New England based on data collected from mid 1975 through
1977. During the latter half of 1977, violations of the 24-hour primary
standard for S02 (365 ug/m3) were recorded in Millinocket, Maine and in
Berlin, New Hampshire at stations established during 1977 to monitor effects
of local industrial activity. Table 2 presents a graphical summary of S02
during this period. The sites in Table 2 were selected based on record
length and are typical of the peak concentrations in each state.
EPA, in conjunction with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection
and the New Hampshire Agency of Environmental Conservation, has initiated
actions to reduce the elevated S02 levels in Millinocket and Berlin. EPA
anticipates that compliance with all S02 standards will be achieved by the
statutory attainment date, December 31, 1982.
Total Suspended Particulates (TSP) — Particulate matter is generated by a
variety of sources. Those which were identified and regulated during the
early 1970's are called traditional sources and include fuel burning, indus-
trial processes, and incineration. Data collected in recent years show that
other activities are also substantial contributors to elevated TSP concen-
trations. Such activities are called non-traditional sources and include
reentrainment of road dust caused by traffic, automotive tailpipe emissions,
rubber tire wear, unpaved parking lots, and construction/demolition
activities. Figure 2 shows that portions of each New England state have
been designated nonattainment due to measured or projected violations of the
primary or secondary standard for total suspended particulates.
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EPA distinguishes between two categories of monitoring stations for particu-
late matter. Zone A sites are those stations which are located near heavily
traveled roadways and may be heavily influenced by reentrainment. Levels
recorded at such sites are likely representative of localized air quality
only, and not of levels to which the general population may be exposed for
long periods of time. Zone B sites are those stations which do reflect long
term population exposure and are indicative of health effects of TSP on the
residents of the area. Background sites constitute the cleanest Zone B
sites. Table 3 presents annual average levels at background, Zone A and
Zone B sites in New England. The sites in Table 3 were selected to reflect
peak levels for each category in each state. The most extreme TSP viola-
tions of both the annual and 24-hour standard have been recorded at numerous
Zone A sites. On the other hand, during 1977, Worcester, Massachusetts
recorded an exceedance of the primary (24-hour) standard for TSP as re-
flected by Zone B monitoring. Violations of the 24-hour secondary standard
(150 ug/m3) are more prevalent in New England as reflected in Figure 2.
Efforts toward development of control plans in nonattainment areas are pre-
sently underway.
Photochemical Oxidants — Photochemical oxidants, or smog, are formed by a
chemical reaction in the presence of sunlight from volatile organic compounds
and nitrogen oxides. Emissions of these compounds result from combustion,
industrial processes, and gasoline handling. Automotive emissions produce
approximately 50 percent of these volatile compounds in New England air.
The remaining 50 percent are emitted by stationary sources, such as dry
cleaning and degreasing operations, fabric and paper coating, printing and
painting, gasoline storage and distribution, fuel combustion, and incinera-
tion. Figure 3 shows the prevalent nonattainment status for photochemical
oxidants in New England. During 1977, the primary health standard for photo-
chemical oxidants of 160 micrograms per cubic meter (160 ug/m3) was violated
repeatedly throughout New England. Highest levels in each state were
recorded at Derby, Connecticut(657 ug/m3); West Newbury, Massachusetts
(441 ug/m3); Providence, Rhode Island (392 ug/m^); Cape Elizabeth, Maine
(450 ug/m-*) ; Portsmouth, New Hampshire (451 ug/m3); White River Junction,
Vermont (253 ug/m3). Table 4 shows the levels recorded at selected sites in
New England and the frequency of violations for the period 1974-1977. Of
equal concern with the level of violation is the frequency with which they
occur. Table 4 shows that frequency of violation at these sites remains
high. Photochemical oxidants continue to be the major air pollution problem
in New England.
Since oxidant formation and transport mechanisms are extremely complex, it
is frequently not clear from one day to the next what sources are contrib-
uting to ambient oxidant violations. It is known that (depending upon
meteorological conditions) ambient levels will be caused by both emissions
from within a state and emissions from outside a state. In recognition of
this, the 1977 Clean Air Act Amendments require states to develop similar
strategies to reduce volatile organic compound emissions within all oxidant
nonattainment areas. The Act allows an additional 5 years (to 1987) to
meet the standards if states can show standards will not be met by 1982 even
after implementation of all reasonable measures. Because most oxidant forming
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precursor emitters are located around cities, EPA initially will be working
with the states to develop uniform oxidant reducing strategies in the major
metropolitan areas across the country. In New England, particular atten-
tion will be given to the Boston, Worcester, Springfield, Lowell, Lawrence,
Haverhill, Providence, Hartford, New Haven, and Bridgeport metropolitan
areas although most strategies are to be implemented statewide in southern
New England. Strategies dealing with the inspection and maintenance of
motor vehicle exhausts, the control of gasoline vapors from gas stations,
loading facilities and storage tanks, emissions from industrial sources
such as dry cleaning, surface coating and general solvent use, and motor
vehicle use reduction will be studied in detail and applied as necessary.
Controls in northern New England will focus primarily on major stationary
sources.
Carbon Monoxide — Virtually all of the carbon monoxide found in New England
results from motor vehicle emissions. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a localized
problem, occurring primarily in urbanized areas subject to traffic conges-
tion. In such areas, CO peaks coincide with daily traffic peaks and the
highest levels are observed close to major highways and heavily travelled
streets and intersections. Control strategies would focus around reducing
emissions from the motor vehicle itself and reducing traffic congestion.
Figure 4 shows the attainment/nonattainment status for this pollutant in New
England. Table 5 shows the 1974-1977 trend in CO 8-hour standard violations
and maximum levels at selected sites indicative of peak levels which occur
in each state in New England. The 8-hour primary standard continues to be
approached or violated at monitored urban locations throughout New England.
However, many sites in New England have measured lower CO levels and fewer
violations in 1977 than in previous years. Some of this reduction is
attributable to the effects of the Federal Motor Vehicle Emission Control
Program which reduces tailpipe pollutants. Further analyses will be neces-
sary to determine other causative factors.
Strategies to control motor vehicle pollution focus on implementation of
motor vehicle Inspection/Maintenance programs, voluntary Gas Saver's Check
efforts and enforcement of existing tampering regulations. An I & M program
is being implemented in Rhode Island with the mandatory maintenance phase
to commence in January, 1979. Connecticut has adopted enabling legislation
for a program scheduled to start in 1980. Massachusetts is considering
similar programs and has established a Legislative Study Commission to eval-
uate various options. In the northern states, Maine and New Hampshire are
both considering adopting a requirement to inspect pollution control equip-
ment during annual safety inspections.
It is anticipated that these programs will do much to reduce emissions from
motor vehicles. For example the Connecticut I & M program is expected to
reduce hydrocarbon emissions by 20 percent and CO emissions by 38 percent.
Such programs are expected to result in a considerable reduction in motor
vehicle pollution.
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Nitrogen Dioxide — Nitrogen oxides result from fuel combustion and motor
vehicle emissions. All areas in New England have been designated attainment
for nitrogen dioxide (N02). Available monitored data is insufficient to
present historical information.
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SURFACE WATER QUALITY
The federal Clean Water Act, has as its goal the restoration of the nation's
water to a quality which provides for the protection and propagation of
fish, shellfish, and wildlife and provides for recreation in and on the
water by July 1, 1983.
State water quality standards vary according to the category of use for the
surface waters involved. Class "A" waters are suitable for water supply
without further treatment except simple disinfection. Class "B" waters are
suitable for swimming and fishing, and Class "C" waters can be used for
fishing, but not swimming. By these definitions, only Class "A" and Class
"B" waters would meet the national fishable/swimmable goal. Generally the
states standards established for the New England rivers, lakes, and coastal
areas provide for fishable/swimmable water.
In addition to use categories, water quality standards specify criteria which
must be met to ensure that uses are maintained. Numerical or narrative
criteria for Class "B" waters, the minimum classification which will meet
the 1983 goal, include bacteria (coliform) limits to protect the health of
swimmers, dissolved oxygen levels high enough to ensure the protection and
propagation of fish and wildlife, and prohibitions on the presence of toxic
substances. In addition, Class "B" waters must be low in turbidity, and free
from excessive algae.
Although the major thrust of water pollution control efforts nationwide has
been to restore polluted streams to fishable/swimmable status, a crucial
element of an effective water quality management system for New England is
the preservation of those waters which are currently of good quality. New
England has an abundance of priceless clean lakes and streams whose quality
must be protected and preserved to maintain their value. A major part of
our future activities must be directed towards preserving the recreational
and aesthetic potential of these resources.
Current Water Quality Conditions
Fifty-three percent of New England's major streams currently meet the 1983
fishable/swimmable goals of the Clean Water Act. Three thousand six hundred
fourteen of the total 6,798 miles of major river mainstems and tributaries
assessed were suitable for fishing and swimming (see Table 6). This repre-
sents a 5 percent improvement in stream quality during calendar year 1978
and 7 percent improvement since 1976. Because several states have recently
improved their assessment procedures or reported additional stream miles,
the 1978 figures are not directly comparable to statistics contained in the
1977 Annual Report. The figures above and the statistics for 1976 and 1977
included in Tables 6 and 7 have been adjusted to a common basis for compari-
son with 1978 reporting. (See note 1 and 2, Table 6-)
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It should also be noted that only the major river mainstems and tributaries
are assessed in this report. Most of New England's thousands of miles of
smaller upland tributaties are meeting the fishable/swimmable standard.
For example, Connecticut reports that 93 percent of its total stream miles
are now meeting or exceeding the Class B standard, while only 42 percent of
the major streams are meeting those standards. Vermont reports 92 percent
for total miles versus 67 percent for major stream miles.
Violation of coliform bacteria standards occurred in most of the major New
England rivers assessed. Although raw or inadequately treated municipal
and industrial discharges have historically been considered the major cause
of these violations, combined sewer overflows and urban runoff are now
surfacing as the major cause of coliform problems downstream of many urban
areas. Areas adversely affected include Boston Harbor, New Haven Harbor,
the Charles River, the Connecticut River, and Narragansett Bay. Agricultural
and silvicultural practices are responsible for coliform violations in many
rural areas.
The dissolved oxygen conditions in many New England streams are improving
as wastewater treatment systems come on line. Depressed oxygen levels
remain a critical problem in many slow moving streams with large deposits
of sludge. Examples of this type of critical water quality problem occur
in the Charles River, the Blackstone River, the French River, the Nashua
River, the Presumpscot River, and the lower Winooski River.
The 5 percent improvement in overall water quality is generally the result
of controlling point sources of pollution. Hundreds of millions of dollars
worth of municipal wastewater treatment facilities are under construction
or are just now coming on line. All of the major industrial dischargers in
the region have been issued enforceable "clean-up" permits. Many of the
region's streams are starting to demonstrate considerable improvement and
we expect to see an acceleration of water quality improvements as more
municipal and industrial discharges are controlled.
As the point sources of pollution come under control through the construc-
tion grants and NPDES permit programs, non-point sources such as urban and
agricultural runoff will have an increasingly noticeable impact on water
quality. Section 208 of the Clean Water Act authorizes EPA to administer
an areawide wastewater treatment management planning program. The so-called
"208" planning programs are designed to control the complex water quality
problems including urban runoff, agricultural and silvicultural runoff,
septage management, and lake eutrophication, as well as municipal and indus-
trial discharges. To date, more than $15.1 million in 208 grants have been
made to the 17. areawide planning agencies and to the 6 New England states
to prepare these 208 water quality management plans. Although most of the
areawide plans are now going through the final review phase, many of the
interim achievements of these programs have been implemented in the local
communities and are now resulting in improvements to water quality.
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Summaries of the water quality conditions in the six New England states
are shown in Table 7. The information comes from reports filed with EPA
by the individual states.
The following is a brief summary of the major problems and recent progress
in each of the New England states.
Connecticut
The big news in Connecticut's water quality 1978 was the detection of PCB
pollution in the Housatonic River. Discovery of PCB's — a very persistent
chlorinated hydrocarbon used for its insulating qualities — in the fish
and bottom sediments caused the downgrading of 51 miles of the Housatonic
from Class B to Class D. Recognizing that this problem has probably been
in existance for several years and recalculating last year's percentages
accordingly, Connecticut reports for 1978 that 42 percent of the state's
major river miles assessed are meeting fishable/swirranable standards. This
is only a 1 percent improvement over the 41 percent reported in 1977, but
a 7 percent improvement over the 34 percent reported in 1976. If all
streams including smaller upland tributaties were evaluated, approximately
92 to 94 percent of the state's total stream miles would now be meeting the
fishable/swimmable goal.
Although the PCB problem in the Housatonic is currently the hottest water
quality issue in Connecticut, other major problem areas include the French
and Quinebaug Rivers, the Connecticut River, and the Quinnipiac River.
Combined sewer overflows in Massachusetts and Connecticut cause severe
pollution problems in the Connecticut River from the state line to below
Hartford. Combined sewer overflows are also responsible for water quality
standards violations in the Thames River downstream of Norwich and in the
coastal waters around the major urban centers of New Haven and Bridgeport.
The French, Quinebaug, Quinnipiac, Hockanum, and Pequabuck Rivers suffer
dissolved oxygen sags due to large municipal and industrial loadings to
areas with minimum stream flows.
Statistical analysis of the major streams assessed indicates that Connec-
ticut's water quality is improving. Of the 92 tests performed, 77 percent
show signs of improvement. Dissolved oxygen levels and stream turbidities
have been steadily improving, while coliform pollution remains a problem
in most major areas. Significant water quality improvements have been
reported on the Willimantic River, the Yantic River, the Naugatuck River,
and the Farmington River.
It is projected that 98 percent of Connecticut's total stream miles will be
fishable/swimmable by 1983; however, only 68 percent of the major stream
areas are projected to meet these same goals. Major problems that will have
to be addressed in these critical areas are the control of urban runoff and
combined sewer overflows.
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Maine
Maine reports that 62 percent of the state's 1,930 miles of major streams
are meeting the fishable/swiramable goals of the Act. Although the percent-
ages reported this year are the same as last year's, there were improvements
recorded on portions of the Prestile Stream and the Aroostook River. The
Prestile Stream was improved due to the termination of two major discharges
and the operation of a new subsurface disposal system at an industrial
installation. A portion of the Aroostook River was upgraded due to an
existing industrial discharge being treated by flood irrigation.
In addition, major water quality success stories were reported on Haley Pond,
Rangeley Lake, and the Bangor Pool portion of the Penobscot River. The
state's first advanced waste treatment plant is credited with reducing the
nutrient loading and eutrophication of Haley Pond and Rangeley Lake. The
control of nutrients reduced algal blooms and improved dissolved oxygen and
visibility in these two valuable recreational lakes. Industrial and munici-
pal clean-up programs have reduced pollution levels in the Penobscot River
to such an extent that fishing for Atlantic Salmon is once again a popular
pastime in the Bangor Pool area.
Large industrial discharges continue to cause serious dissolved oxygen
problems on the St. John and St. Croix Rivers. Municipal and industrial
discharges and sewer overflows result in severe dissolved oxygen, coliform,
and solids problems in the Little Androscoggin River and the Presumpscot.
All industrial dischargers in the state are now on line with their treatment
or pretreatment requirements and all municipalities are in the process of
providing adequate treatment. With the municipal and industrial clean-up
progressing, the water quality problems in coming years will be the sediment
oxygen demand created by years of untreated discharges, the coliform and
solids contributed by combined sewer overflows, and the dissolved oxygen and
coliform problems associated with non-point sources of pollution. It is
projected that 93 percent of Maine's major stream miles will meet the
fishable/swimmable goals of the Act by 1983.
Massachusetts
There has been a great deal of improvement in the quality of the water
throughout the state over the past year. This year, Massachusetts reports
that 35 percent of the state's major streams meet the fishable/swimmable
goals of the Act. Because the state's 1978 report assessed additional stream
segments not included in 1977 or 1976, it is difficult to directly compare
this year's 35 percent with the 28 percent and 24 percent previously reported.
Although it is evident that Massachusetts still has the lowest percentage of
miles meeting the fishable/swimmable goals, the state's waters are showing
the highest rate of improvement in the region.
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Water areas that have shown substantial improvement over the past year
include the Deerfield River and the Nashua River. Recent surveys have shown
that 30 additional miles of the Deerfield have been improved as a result of
municipal and industrial clean-up efforts. Sixty-eight miles of the basin's
80 total miles are now fishable/swimmable. The Nashua River which was
once considered one of the nation's 10 dirtiest rivers has undergone a re-
markable improvement. This river, which was foul smelling and covered with
junk and sludge banks just 10 years ago, is now a popular canoeing and
recreational area. Dissolved oxygen levels have improved significantly in
areas that once were biologically dead. Although there are still problems
around the cities of Fitchburg, Leominster, and Clinton, the Nashua could
become one of the nation's first true water quality clean-up success
stories.
There are still major problems associated with the waters in the large urban
areas. The Charles and Mystic Rivers and Boston Harbor suffer from coliform
violations due to major combined sewer overflow problems and urban runoff
from the Boston Metropolitan area. Combined sewer overflows are also the
cause of the critical problems in lower Connecticut River, the Blackstone
River, the Nashua and Merrimack Rivers. Large municipal loadings and small
stream flows present critical problems in the Concord River and the French
River. The PCB's which are found in the bottom sediments of portions of the
Housatonic River and New Bedford Harbor are also of major environmental
concern.
Massachusetts projects that 88 percent of the major stream miles will meet
the fishable/swiramable standards by 1983.
New Hampshire
The percentage of New Hampshire's major streams that are meeting fishable/
swimmable standards increased 6 percent over the past year. Fifty-two per-
cent of the state's 1,280 miles of major waterways now meet the goals of the
Clean Water Act. Approximately 96 percent of all the state's waterways,
including upland streams are now meeting or exceeding Class B standards.
Improvements have been documented along the following reaches: 8 miles of
the Warner River, 4 miles of the Merrimack River, 3 miles of the Upper
Ammonoosuc River, and 42 miles of the Connecticut River. Although not doc-
umented this year, about 8 miles of the Ammonoosuc River below Lisbon and
about 10 miles of the Suncook River below Pittsfield have improved signifi-
cantly as a result of municipal pollution clean-up programs. The diversion
of several discharges to the Laconia wastewater treatment plant, and the
upgrading of this facility to allow for phosphorous removal has reduced
nutrient loading and improved the water quality of Lake Winnisquam. For the
first time since 1961, the application of copper sulfate to control algae
blooms was not necessary on Winnisquam.
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Although conditions are improving on the Androscoggin, there are dissolved
oxygen and coliform problems as a result of municipal and industrial dis-
charges. Combined sewer overflows and urban runoff in Manchester and Nashua
add significant coliform and solids loadings to the Merrimack River.
It is projected that 96 percent of New Hampshire's major stream miles will
meet the fishable/swimmable goals by 1983.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island reports that 64 percent of the state's major stream miles and
92 percent of estuarine areas are now meeting the fishable/swimmable goals
of the Act. Although this report indicates no improvement over last year's
report, the effects of major treatment plant construction in Woonsocket
(Blackstone River) and East Providence (Providence River) should signifi-
cantly improve water quality in these areas over the next year.
Rhode Island's biological monitoring program has indicated various degrees
of water quality improvement at stations located on the Branch River, Black-
stone River, Pawcatuck River, and Fry Brook. These improvements are assoc-
iated with improved treatment at upstream pollution sources. Major combined
sewer overflows and urban runoff problems in Providence and Newport cause
coliform and solids violations in the Providence River, Woonasquatucket
River, and Narragansett Bay. Large municipal and industrial discharges
coupled with minimal assimilitive capacities result in dissolved oxygen
problems in the Pawtuxet River and Mashapaug Brook. The Blackstone River
and Mount Hope Bay have dissolved oxygen and coliform problems as a result
of combined sewer overflows and municipal and industrial discharges.
Rhode Island projects that 73 percent of the state's major stream miles will
meet the Clean Water Act goals by 1983.
Vermont
Vermont's 1978 report indicates that 67 percent of the state's 1,196 miles
of major streams were meeting the fishable/swimmable goals of the Act.
Vermont now has the highest percentage of fishable/swimmable waters in New
England. If all of the state's smaller upland streams were included in the
assessment, 93 percent of Vermont's waters would be suitable for fishing
and swimming.
Coliform bacteria violations exist in many of Vermont's streams due to
non-point source pollution originating from agricultural, silvicultural,
and urban activities. Combined sewer overflows cause localized coliform and
solids problems in water courses near 19 Vermont communities. Otter Creek
and the lower Winooski River suffer major dissolved oxygen and coliform
problems because of combined sewer overflows and municipal point source
loadings.
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As more municipal and industrial pollution control facilities are completed,
Vermont's waters should continue to improve. By 1983, 94 percent of the
major stream miles are projected to meet fishable/swimmable goals.
Lakes
Lakes are one of New England's most valuable aesthetic, recreational, and
economic assets. Eutrophication, or accelerated aging, threatens the use-
fulness of many of New England's lakes and impoundments. Pollutants —
particularly phosphorus and nitrogen from municipal wastewater treatment
plants and non-point sources — and sediments can contribute to excessive
growth of aquatic weeds, or eutrophication. Eutrophication reduces a lake's
ability to support a balanced population of aquatic life and limits the
recreational potential of the lake.
Eutrophication is an inevitable natural process, although it can be speeded
up by human activities, so all lakes and impoundments, whether or not they
currently exhibit eutrophic signs should receive special protection and
management.
Many of the significant lakes in New England are showing signs of eutro-
phication. For example, Maine lists 20 areas that are considered culturally
stressed problem lakes including the large areas of Sabattus Lake,
Sebasticook Lake, and Cobbosseecontee Lake. New Hampshire has classified
22 lakes as eutrophic; previous studies carried out several years ago in-
dicated 20 percent of the significant lakes in Massachusetts and 24 percent
of the Connecticut lakes were suffering from the same problem.
In 1975 a Clean Lakes Program was initiated under Section 314 of the Clean
Water Act. This section provides for federal participation in lake rehab-
ilitation and preservation programs. This program provides the first
opportunity for EPA to emphasize the need to place priority on restoring
one of our region's most vital resources — our lakes. EPA has supported
lake restoration projects at Morses Pond, Wellesley, Massachusetts; Lake
Cochituate, Natick, Massachusetts; Ellis Brett Pond, Brockton, Massachusetts;
Annabessacook Lake, Winthrop, Maine; and Lake Bomoseen, Castleton, Vermont.
Significant improvement in water quality has resulted from the elimination
of municipal and individual sewage disposal discharges into Annabessacook
Lake (New Hampshire), Rangely Lake (Maine), Haley Pond (Maine), and Lake
Winnisquam (New Hampshire).
-------
-13-
DRINKING WATER
On June 24, 1977, the Interim Primary Drinking Water Regulations promulgated
under the Safe Drinking Water Act became law. These regulations apply
to all public water supplies with more than 15 service connections or which
regularly serve more than 25 individuals.
The 2,961 water supplies in New England covered by these regulations are
located as follows: Connecticut, 763; Massachusetts, 641; Maine, 397; New
Hampshire, 707; Rhode Island, 128; and Vermont, 329.
The regulations set maximum contaminant levels (MCL) for inorganic chemicals,
including lead; fluoride; organic chemicals; turbidity; and bacteria. The
regulations also require periodic testing of public water supplies, and
public notice if any of the MCL spelled out in the regulations are exceeded.
The following chart summarizes violations of the MCL specified by the
regulations.
Maximum Contaminant Level Exceeded Public
Bacteria Turbidity Fluoride Lead Sampling Notice Totals
NH 881 4 70 25
CT 95 14 000 48
ME 21 1 000
RI 40 0 1 14 5
MA 69 47 0 0 60 13
VT 68_ _7 £ <) 464
TOTALS 1,138 73 7 1 563 66 1,848
The intent of the law is for states to have primary enforcement authority as
soon as they can demonstrate their ability to enforce standards at least as
stringent as the federal standards.
Connecticut was the second state in the United States to be awarded primacy
under the Safe Drinking Water Act, and Massachusetts and Maine have also
obtained this authority. Rhode Island and New Hampshire applications have
been approved but requests for public hearings have delayed granting primacy.
Vermont, which received the first EPA program support grant in the country,
has not been able to obtain this authority and must wait until the legisla-
ture reconvenes in 1979 for another attempt to pass the necessary legislation.
Some progress has been made in dealing with water supply problems discussed
in previous annual reports.
-------
-14-
Bacteria — In June 1978 an outbreak of campylobacter enteritis occurred
in Bennington, Vermont and an estimated 2,000 people may have been affected
by the illness. Epidemiological investigations implicated the town's drink-
ing water. A boil water order was issued and the town has begun construc-
tion of a water treatment plant.
Monitoring for giardia cysts has continued in Berlin, New Hampshire and
cysts were found during one sampling period. However, no outbreak
giardiasis has recurred.
Lead — The problem of lead in drinking water in New England derives from
a combination of two basic factors. First, the water supplies in New
England are quite acidic and are very low in naturally occurring substances
such as calcium and magnesium. Many of our supplies are so low in these
constituents that they approach distilled water in purity. This type of
water tends to be very corrosive.
The second basic factor is the widespread use of lead pipe for conveying
water to homes. The corrosive water dissolves lead from lead pipes as the
water passes through the pipe, producing in many instances lead levels in
drinking water which are several times in excess of EPA's standard of 0.05
milligrams per liter.
The Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) which supplies water to the
Boston Metropolitan area has been attempting to correct its lead contamina-
tion problem for several years. In June of 1976, the MDC instituted a
program of adding zinc orthophosphate, a commercial corrosion inhibitor.
Continued monitoring by EPA showed that after six months of treatment, high
lead levels persisted in drinking water. In December 1976, EPA advised the
MDC that additional treatment was necessary and that caustic should be used.
The MDC is now adding caustic to the water to raise the pH and reduce the
acidity of the water. Results shown in Graph 1 indicate that pH adjustment
is reducing lead levels.
Another area of interest is the Bennington, Vermont lead problem. After a
Vermont state survey had revealed excessive water lead levels, an individual
in the town petitioned EPA to take action under the emergency powers section
of the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA conducted extensive sampling .in the
town, and confirmed the very high lead levels. Because the town and the
state have both acted expeditiously to alert citizens to the problem and to
institute treatment to reduce the corrosivity of the water, EPA recognized
that an imminent health hazard existed but declined to take action at that
time.
Bennington began adding caustic and sodium bicarbonate in June, 1977 to its
water. The effectiveness of this treatment is shown in Graph 2.
-------
-15-
Chlorides and Sodium — Chlorides in drinking water pose a significant
problem for residents of New England. During the late 1950's and early
1960's, the average concentration of chlorides in drinking water began to
rise. Although the levels were generally well below the 250 parts per
million guideline used by most states, the trend was not encouraging.
However, in recent years the rise has begun to level off. This leveling
off may be attributed in part to much more judicious use and storage of
road salt, which is the main source of chlorides to New England water
supplies. EPA is currently investigating alternative technologies for
roadway snow and ice control.
Sodium is the other major component of road salt. Even when chloride
levels fall below the public health standard, the levels of sodium assoc-
iated with the chlorides may be hazardous to the increasing number of people
on sodium-restricted diets. Also, many physicians believe that the restric-
tion of sodium intake may be of general physiological benefit, so sodium
levels in drinking water may be of concern to the general public and not
just to those people on sodium-restricted diets.
EPA does not have data on sodium in New England water supplies, but hopes
the reduction in road salting will have the effect of reducin.g sodium levels.
Work has continued at several New England sites on the removal of selected
organic substances such as chloroform with activated carbon and a synthetic
resin.
Manchester, New Hampshire has received an EPA grant that will enable the
water utility to construct a carbon reactivation plant. This will enable
EPA to determine the costs involved in reactivation of carbon and if the
effectiveness of organic removal is diminished after the reactivation
process.
Contamination of ground water with organic chemicals continues to be a
problem in parts of New England. A study of surface impoundments and their
potential for ground water contamination has been undertaken in New England
with grants awarded to each of the six states.
-------
-16-
SOLID AND HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT
The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 (RCRA) mandates national
action against waste management practices which may result in public health
and environmental hazards. It also seeks to promote conservation, source
reduction, resource recovery, and sound disposal practices — cradle to
grave management of solid wastes.
During the past year, all of the New England states' hazardous waste
surveys were completed. These surveys will be essential in the development
of comprehensive hazardous waste management programs. The New England
states are moving forward with legislation which will provide them with
authority to control hazardous waste generation, transportation, storage,
treatment, and disposal. The Rhode Island state legislature recently passed
the "Rhode Island Hazardous Waste Management Act" which establishes a hazard-
ous waste management program within the Department of Environmental Manage-
ment.
Incidents of improper disposal of hazardous wastes continue to occur in
the New England region. State agencies have been successful in clearing up
and properly disposing of hazardous wastes at hazardous waste dump sites in
Plainfield, Connecticut and Rehoboth, Massachusetts. EPA also provided
technical assistance to the Maine Department of Environmental Protection
to analyze a water contamination incident in the town of Gray caused by the
improper disposal of hazardous wastes. The community and state governments
are currently taking steps to provide an alternate water supply to members
of the community affected by the incident.
The Massachusetts Division of Water Pollution Control, also with EPA tech-
nical assistance, has inspected, analyzed, and formed a strategy for the
clean-up and proper disposal of a diverse assortment of chemicals which have
been accumulated at the now defunct Silresim Corporation facility at Lowell,
Massachusetts.
The Technical Assistance Panel Program was formally initiated this fiscal
year in the Regional Office. The Panels are authorized by RCRA, which
requires EPA to "provide teams of personnel, including federal, state, and
local employees or contractors to provide states and local governments upon
request with technical assistance on solid waste management, resource
recovery, and resource conservation. Such teams shall include technical,
marketing, financial, and institutional specialists, and the resources of
such teams shall be provided without charge to states or local governments."
Assignments initiated to date include assistance to Auburn, Maine, in pro-
curing a small scale steam generator, analysis of energy markets for Rhode
Island Solid Waste Management Corporation, and a study of rural resource
recovery facilities in southern New Hampshire.
-------
-17-
Coiranunity recycling programs in New England are rapidly increasing in
numbers, with over 260 known prog-rams in existence. There also are 43
programs of separate curbside collection of recyclable materials according
to an October, 1977 survey.
Region I now has 14 rural resource recovery facilities in operation. This
number is double that of last year. Many more facilities are in planning
and construction phases, especially in northern New England where many
open burning dumps are being closed down.
The city of Auburn, Maine will shortly be negotiating with a systems vendor
for a full service contract to design, construct, and operate a steam
generating plant using modular incineration. Pittsfield and Northampton,
Massachusetts and Windham, Connecticut also have facilities in various
stages of planning.
The planning and implementation activities for large scale resource recovery
facilities are increasing dramatically in the three southern New England
states. In Connecticut, construction of the Greater Bridgeport facility is
nearing completion with two more facilities being planned for the Hartford
metropolitan area and a regional facility at New Haven. The Rhode Island
Solid Waste Management Corporation is completing review of three proposals
for a co-disposal facility to satisfy the municipal solid waste needs of
the entire state. Massachusetts is soliciting towns to contract with
Universal Oil Products, Inc. for a 3,000 ton-per-day facility in North
Andover. The state is also in various stages of implementation for
facilities to serve the needs of west suburban Boston, the greater Worcester
area, and the greater Springfield area.
Three New England states now have container legislation, with the recent
passage of the Connecticut Bills on Bottles and Litter following the example
of Vermont and Maine. The Massachusetts bill was narrowly defeated, but is
expected to be raised for consideration again in this new legislative year.
The John F. Kennedy Federal Building high-grade office paper recycling
program has been in operation for one year. During the past year about 811
tons of high grade paper have been recycled returning approximately $4,200
to the government and saving nearly $2,000 in annual waste disposal costs.
Two additional federal buildings located in Boston will begin office paper
recycling programs this year.
-------
TABLE 1 COMPARISON OF PSI VALUES WITH POLLUTANT CONCENTRATIONS. DESCRIPTOR WORDS
GENERALIZED HEALTH EFFECTS. AND CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
INDEX
VALUE
AIR QUALITY
LEVEL
SIGNIFICANT
HARM
i
1
0
POLLUTANT LEVELS j
TSP
(24-hour).
Ajg/m3
75°
0
S02
(24-hour).
pg/m3
gQD .
I 0
CO
(8-hOur).
m(j/m3
170
S 0
0
03
(1-hour),
jjg/m3
N02
(1-hour).
pg/m3
HEALTH
EFFECT
DESCRIPTOR
; i
1
!
•
VERY
UNHEALTHFUL
I
400P I 1130
icn
80
0
UNHEALTHFUL
MODERATE
GOOD
a 1
i
GENERAL HEALTH EFFECTS
Premature de.:ih ol ill and elderly.
Healthy people will experience ad-
verse symptoms that affect their
normal activity.
Premature on net of certain oispjses
m addition to significant aggrava-
tion of symptoms and decreased
exercise tolerance in healthy persons.
Significant aggravation of symptoms
and decreased exercise tolerance in
persons with heart or tung disease.
with widespread symptom* m the
healthy population.
Mild aggravation of symptoms m
susceptible persons, with irritation
symptoms in the healthy popula-
tion.
CAUTIONARY SI A FOMENTS
All per ion i should rt.rn.nn mUuor*
keeping windows ,mtl douo COIRI).
All persons thoulri minimi/e phyii-
cal exertion and avoid tr.ithc.
Eldflriy and persons with existing
diseases should stay mdonr i ^ncl
avo.d ^jhysicil exertion. General
population shuulct ; voki ouidcioc
activity.
Elderly and persons with existing
heart or tung disease should *MY
indoors and reduce physical
activity.
Person-, with existing hf.iM 01
respirdiory ailmpnti shuuiJ iL-dur.p
phync.ti tixeriton and ouiooor
activity.
dNo index vjluui ccporteri ji cuncenlr.itmn Ipveh hclow iho» specilied by "Alert Level" criteria.
^Annudl pnniaiv NAAQS.
C400 ;,9/m3 *«» u^e^J mtledil «l Ihd 0;| AluH Le»»l ot ZOO ^n/m3
-------
FIGURE 1
NEW ENGLAND
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
REGIONS
SULFUR DIOXIDE
CHAMPIAIN VALLEY
INTERSTATE
(159)
AROOSTOOK
INTRASTATE
NORTHWEST MAINE
INTRASTATE
(111)
DOWN EAST
NTRASTATE
(109)
CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTRASTATE
VERMONT
INTRASTATE
ANOROSCOCCIN VALLEY
•-r-i . ' INTERSTATE
(107)
METROPOLITAN PORTLAND
INTRASTATE
(no)
MERRIMACK VALLEY-SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTERSTATE
120
METROPOLITAN BOSTON
INTRASTATE
(119)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
INTRASTATE
(US)
NORTH WES TERM
CONNUTICUT
NEW HAVEN
SPRINOTlfLO INTERSTATE (4?)
I 1 ATTAINMENT
NON-ATTAINMENT
PRIMARY
€^ UNCLASSIFIABLE
METROPOLITAN PROVIDENCE
INTERSTATE
(120)
NEW JERSEY - NEW YOXK - CONNECTICUT
INTERSTATE (43)
EASTERN CONNECTICUT
INT HA SI ATE
(41)
-------
TABLE 2.
SULFUR DIOXIDE-ANNUAL AVERAGE MAXIMUM 24
HOURLY LEVELS
TRENDS
1974-1977
NEW ENGLAND SITES
~ 80
"6
"X
a>
g 70
0
cc
<
i 60 .
< A
* eo A
< 50 rf-\
z » T — 1
i _J Yl
-6 4° r/ \
1 / NW
~ /
§ 3° /
(E 4
UJ
5
20
_i
z
< 10
o
\
'74 '75 '76 '77 '74
• MAX. 24
1 1 ANNUAL
J 1
v
\
\ /
V
¥
1 1 1
1 1— 1
•-— T
*
/
'75 '76 '77 '74 '75 '76 '77 '74
•L
r*
r
'75
^j —
\
'76 '77
BRIDGEPORT, PORTLAND, BOSTON, SPRINGFIELD,
>
/
'74
A
\
f \
'75
HOUR LEVEL
AVERAGE
\>1
y
V
76 '77
WORCESTER ,
1
r~
•
^ /
/SY
/
•
'74 '75 '76
/
r
\
N
'77 '74
400
7 365
• 350 ^
T •
1 1
1
1 / 300 o
/ c
/-, '
, 1
\ I
\—i
250 <
r
c*
200 3U
^ _^
K
150 5
2
2
100 >
"*
^
50 2
o
-M
O
0 w
m
80
0
o
o
o
M
—
I
m
CJ
z
m
11
m
o
0
m
M
o
3)
•o
5
7)
'75 '76 '77 c
*n
MANCHESTER, PROVIDENCE, ^
CONNECTICUT MAINE MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS MASSACHUSETTS NEW HAMPSHIRE RHODE ISLAND — "
SITE 001 SITE 002 SITE 002 SITE 005
SITE 012
SITE 009
SITE
007
-------
FIGURE 2
r
NEW ENGLAND
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
REGIONS
TOTAL SUSPENDED
PARTICULATES
CMAMPLAIN VALLEY
INTERSTATE
(159)
AROOSTOOK
INTRASTATE
NORTHWEST MAINE
INTRASTATE
(HI)
DOWN EAST
INTRASTATE
CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTRASTATE
VERMONT
INTRASTATE
Z2I)
ANDROSCOGGIN VALLfV
INTERSTATE
(107)
METROPOLITAN PORTLAND
INTRASTATE
(110)
MERRIMACK VALLEY - SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTERSTATE
121)
METROPOLITAN BOSTON
INTRASTATE
(lit)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
INTRASTATE
(IIS)
NLW HAVLN
IPHiNGflLLD INTERSTATE (42)
CONNECTICUT
INTMASTATE
NON-ATTAINMENT
PRIMARY
NON-ATTAINMENT
SECONDARY
UNCLASSIFIABLE
| | ATTAINMENT
METROPOLITAN PROVIDENCE
INTERSTATE
(120)
NEW JEHSCY- NtW YORK • CONNECTICUT
INTERSTATE (431
-------
120
TABLE 3.
TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATES-ANNUAL GEOMETRIC MEAN - TRENDS 1974-1977
NEW ENGLAND STATES
« 100
o
o:
LJ 60
o
LJ
O
< 40
20
80 WATERBURY • 3
123 ANNUAL PRIMARY STANDARD 73ug/m°
MERIDEN
3
HAOOAM
2
'74'75 '76 '77
CONNECTICUT
BANGOR
2
BANGOR
I
ACADIA
i
'74 '75 '76 '77
MAINE
WORCESTER
12
WORCESTER
4
WARREN
'74 '75 '76 '77
MASSACHUSETTS
BERLIN
i
COOS COUNTY
I
'74 '75 '76 '77
NEW HAMPSHIRE
PROVIDENCE
7
PROVIDENCE
6
WASHINGTON
COUNTY
2
'74 '75 '76 '77
RHODE ISLAND
BURLINGTON
3
RUTLAND
3
RANDOLPH
CENTER
I
ZONE A
(NO SUCH
SITE IN N.H.)
ZONE B
BACK-
GROUND
'74 '75 '76 '77
VERMONT
-------
FIGURE 3
NEW ENGLAND
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
REGIONS
PHOTOCHEMICAL OXIDANTS
AROOSTOOK
INTRASTATE
(108)
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY
INTERSTATE
(159)
i. - - -
NORTHWEST MAINE
INTRASTATE
(1.1)
DOWN EAST
INTRASTATE
(109)
CENTRAL NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTRASTATE
149)
VERMONT
INTRASTATE
ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEY
INTERSTATE
(107)
METROPOLITAN PORTLAND
INTRASTATE
(110)
MERRIMACK VALLEV- SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE
INTERSTATE
IZO
METROPOLITAN BOSTON
INTRASTATE
(IIS)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
INTRASTATE
(tie)
HAVEN
SPRINGFIELD" INTERSTATE (42)
EASTERM CONNECTICUT
INTRASTATE
NON-ATTAINMENT
PRIMARY
UNCLASSIFIABLE
ATTAINMENT
METROPOLITAN PROVIDENCE
INTERSTATE
U20)
NEW JERSEY • NEW YORK • CONNECTICUT
INTERSTATE (4}|
-------
TABLE 4.
OZONE-MAXIMUM LEVEL, VIOLATION FREQUENCY-ONE HR. STANDARD TRENDS 1974-1977
NEW ENGLAND SITES
an
o
UJ
Q
.
u.
Ul
V)
a.
X
4
bJ
X
z
8
8
800
800
700
• VIOLATION FREQUENCY
(" | MAXIMUM LEVEL
400
160
80
'74 '75 '76 '77
GROTON
CONNECTICUT
SITE 2 (1974)
SITE 123(1975-77}
'74 '75 '76 '77
PORTLAND
MAINE
SITE 2(1976)
SITE I (1977)
NO 0, MONITORING
IN MAINE UNTIL '76
'74 '75 '76 '77
WORCESTER
MASSACHUSETTS
SITE 12
'74 '75 '76 '77
NASHUA
NEW HAMPSHIRE
SITE 5
'74 '75 '76 '77
PROVIDENCE
RHODE ISLAND
SITE II (1975) START
UP 5/75.
600
550
500
450
400
350
o
300 3
m
o
m
250 o
200
ISO
100
50
'74 '75 '76 '77
BURLINGTON
VERMONT
SITE 3
-------
FIGURE 4
NEW ENGLAND
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
REGIONS
CARBON MONOXIDE
AROOSTOOK
INTRASTATE
(108)
CHAMPLAIN VALLEY
INTERSTATE
(159)
NORTHWEST MAINE
INTftASTATE
("0
DOWN CAST
INTRASTATE
(109)
ANOftOSCOCGlN VALLEY
l__ •' —r-4 - ' INTERSTATE
METROPOLITAN BOSTON
INTRASTATE
(110)
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
INTRASTATE
(US)
n HAVEN
SPRiNOflLLO INTERSTATE (42)
BERKSHIRE
INTRASTATE
(117)
NON-ATTAINMENT
PRIMARY
UNCLASSIFIABLE
ATTAINMENT
METROPOLITAN PROVIDENCE
.*-, . INTERSTATE
* (120)
NEW
JERSEY • NEW YORK- CONNECTICUT
INTERSTATE (431
EASTERN CONNECTICUT
INTRASTATE
(41)
-------
TABLE 5.
CARBON MONOXIDE-MAXIMUM LEVEL, VIOLATION FREQUENCY-
EIGHT HOUR STANDARD TRENDS 1974-1977
NEW ENGLAND SITES
(VILOATION FREQUENCY NOT CALCULATED IN 1974)
K.
O
O.
tr.
u
(O
O
Ul
<
Ul
CO
0.
K
u
<
Ul
4
(C
u
O
O
O
O
O
O
10
• VIOLATION FREQUENCY
| | MAXIMUM LEVEL
120
100
8 HOUR PRIMARY STANDARD lOmg/m
'74 '75 '76 '77
MEW BRITAIN,
CONNECTICUT
(CITY HALL)
'74 '75 '76 '77 '74 '75 '76 '77
BANGOR,
MAINE
(CENTRAL ST.)
BOSTON,
MASSACHUSETTS
(KENMORE SO.)
'74 '75 '76 '77
SPRINGFIELD,
MASSACHUSETTS
(E.COLUMBUS AVE.)
'74 '75 '76 '77
MANCHESTER,
NEW HAMPSHIRE
(MERRIMACK ST.)
'74 '75 '76 '77
PROVIDENCE,
RHODE ISLAND
(OORRENCE ST.)
'74 '75 '76'77
BURLINGTON,
VERMONT
(S.WINOOSKI AVE.)
-------
FIGURE 5
NEW ENGLAND
AIR QUALITY CONTROL
REGIONS
NITROGEN DIOXIDE
AROOSTOOK
INTRASTATE
(1061
DOWN EAST
INTRASTATE
,(109)
CHAMPLAIN VALLEV
INTERSTATE
(.59)
NORTHWEST MAINE
INTRASTATE
(III)
ANDROSCOGGIN VALLEV
INTERSTATE
(107)
ri2^S3fe^
BERKSHIRE |3»- ^
INTRASTATE' ~ • rc-
(117)
NORTHWE5TERN
CONNECTICUT
INTRASTATt
(44
] ATTAINMENT
METROPOLITAN PROVIDENCE
V INTERSTATE
* (120)
NEW JERSEY- NEW VORK -CONNECTICUT
INTERSTATE (431
I O" EASTIRlTcOHMECTICUT
INTRASTATE
(«0
-------
TABLE_6
NEW ENGLAND SUMMARY - Main Stem and Major Tributary River Mileage
Meeting Fishable/Swimmable Goals of the Clean Water Act
State
(1)
Connecticut
Maine
(2)
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
TOTALS
Miles
Assessed
448
1930
1684
1298
329
1109
6798
Miles Meeting Class "B" Fishable/Swimmable Goals
1978
Miles %
189
1204
594
669
211
747
3614
42
62
35
52
64
67
53%
1977
Miles %
185
1204
410
591
211
686
3287
41
62
28
46
64
62
48%
1976
Miles %
151
1151
356
562
211
686
3117
34
60
24
43
64
62
46%
I Change
76-78
+ 8
+ 3
+11
+ 9
0
+ 5
+ 7%
76-77
-I- 7
+ 3
-1- 4
+ 3
0
0
+ 2%
77-78
+ 1
0
i
+ 7 ;
+ 6 j
0
+ 5
+ 5%
i
Notes:
(1)
(2)
Connecticut 1977 and 1976 values modified to include Willimantic and Park Rivers not previously
reported; downgrading of Housatonic River was due to discovery of PCB's in fish and sediments.
Massachusetts 1978 values not directly comparable to 1977 and 1976 due to increased number of
miles assessed in 1978.
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Connecticut
Major Water Areas
(Including mains tern
& major tributaries)
Connecticut River
Park River
Farmington River
Pequabuck River
French River
Hockanum River
Housatonic River
Naugatuck River
Pawcatuck River
Quinebaug River
Quinnipiac River
Shetucket River
Thames River
Yant.ic River
Willimantic River
Total Miles
Percent of Miles Asses
Total
Miles
Assessed
69
12
54
15
6
17
80
35-
11
42
34
18
17
11
27
448
>ed
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
23"
2
54
3
0
2
29
20
0
0
7
15
0
7
27
189
42%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
23
7
54
15
1
17
33
20
11
26
30
18
10
11
2]_
303
68%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
23
2
54
3
0
2
29
20
0
0
7
15
0
7
1Z
189
42%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
46
10
0
12
6
15
51
15
11
42
27
3
17
4
_0
259
58%
*Water
quality
problems
3,6
2,5,6
-
2,5,6
2,5,6
2,3,5,6
1,3,6
1,2,4,5,6
2,5,6
2,5,6
2,3,5
2,6
2,3,5
5,6
-
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS = Nonpoint Source
M, I, CS, NPS
CS, NPS
M
M,I,NPS
M, I
M.I.NPS
M.I.NPS, CS
M,I,CS,NPS
M I
.1 , i ,
M,I,NPS
M.NPS
M.CS.NPS
M,I,CS,NPS
I,CS
M.NPS
*Water quality 1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
problems 3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(colifonn)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Maine
Major Water Areas
(including ma ins tern
& major tributaries)
Ahdroscoggin River
Mousara River
Kennebec River
Penobscot River
Presumpscot River
Saco
Salmon Falls
(Piscataqua)
St. Croix River
St. John River
Total Miles
Percent of Miles
Assessed
Total
Miles
Assessed
320
23
325
379
58
230
157
87
351
1930
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
150 '
5
200
180
21
212
120
47
269
1204
62%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
314
11
271
362
51
227
157
77
323
1793
93%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
314
11
271
362
51
227
157
77
323
1793
93%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
6
12
54
17
7
3
0
10
28
137
* Water
quality
problems
1,2,5,6
3,5,6
1,2,5
2,5
2,5,6
1,5,6
5,6
2,5,6
2,5,6
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NPS = Nonpoint Source
M.I.CS
M,CS
M,I,CS
M,I
M.I, CS
M,I
M
M.I.CS
M,I, NPS
*Water quality 1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
problems 3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(coliform)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Massachusetts
Major Water Areas
(including mainstem
& major tributaries)
Blackstone River
Boston Harbor
Mystic River )
Neponset River )
Buzzards Bay
Charles River
Chicopee River
Connecticut River
Deerfield River
Farmington River
French-Quinebaug
Hoosic
Housatonic
Ipswich & Parker
Merrimack
Millers
Nashua
Total
Miles
Assessed
201
20
22
45
90
111
82
-80
18
57
39
96
71
115
57
108
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
101
0
0
17
1
45
32
68
18
20
17
56
0
4
17
10
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
185
18
22
41
51
102
66
80
18
53
39
40
71
86
57
88
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
111
1
7
37
1
72
32
68
18
29
20
56
0
0
17
10
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
90
19
15
8
88
39
50
12
0
28
19
40
71
115
40
98
*Water
quality
problems
1,2,3,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
1,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
2,3,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
2,6
-
2,3,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
1,3,5,6
6
2,3,5,6
2,5,6
2,3,5,6
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS - Nonpoint Source
M.I.CS
M,I,CS,NPS
M.I.CS
M,I,CS,NPS
M,I,CS
M.I.CS
M
NFS
M.I.NPS
M,I,NPS
M.I.NPS
M,NPS
M,I,CS
M.I
M,I,CS,NPS
*Water quality 1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
probleas 3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards- (coliform)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Massachusetts (Continued)
Major Water Areas
(including mains tern
& major tributaries)
North River
SuAsCo (Sudbury,
Assabet, Concord
Taunton River
Ten Mile River
Westfield River
Total Miles
Percent of Miles
Assessed
Total
Miles
Assessed
22
88
203
38
12-1
1684
Miles now
meeting
Class B :
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
-13
1
100
4
69
594
35%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
22
78
203
38
121
1479
88%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
13
1
100
4
73
671
40%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
9
87
103
34
48
1013
60%
*Water
quality
problems
1,2,5,6
3,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
1,2,3,5,6
2,3,5,6
-
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Indus tiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS ° Nonpolnt Source
M.NPS
M.NPS
M,I,CS,NPS
M.I.NPS
M.I.NPS
*Water quality 1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
problems 3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(coliform)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of New Hampshire
Major Water Areas
(including mains tern
& major tributaries)
Androscoggin River
Connecticut River
Ashuelot River
Merrimack River
Piscataqua River &
Coastal Basins
Saco
Total Miles
Percentage of
Miles Assessed
Total
Miles
Assessed
65
394
76
488
181
94
1298
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swlmmable)
standards
or better
42
123
36
284
90
94
669
52%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
50
386
66
463
181
94
1240
96%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
42
123
36
281
90
94
666
51%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
23
271
40
207
91
0
632
49%
* Water
quality
problems
2,6
2,5,6
2,6
2,5,6
2,5,6
—
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS = Nonpoint Source
M,I,CS
M.I.CS
M,I,CS,NPS
M.I.CS
M.I.CS
—
*Water quality
problems
1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(coliform)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Rhode Island
Major Water Areas
(including mainstera
S major tributaries)
Blackstone River
Moosup River
Moshassuck River
Pawcatuck River
Pawtuxet River
Woonasquatucket R.
Estuarine Areas &
Salt Ponds (Acres!
Total Miles
Percent of
Miles Assessed
'
Total
Miles
Assessed
89
25
17
115
60
23
117,764
Acres
329
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
48
25
8
94
28
8
108,555
Acres
211
64%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
55
25
10
103
30
16
112,270
Acres
239
73%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
82
25
14
111
. 56
20
107,653
Acres
308
•
94%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
7
0
3
4
3
3
10,111
Acres
20
6%
*Water
quality.
problems
5,6
-
5,6
5,6
5,6
.5,6
6
•Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
I9 Indus tiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NPS = Nonpoint Source
M,I,CS
M.CS.NPS
M.,1
M.I
M,CS,NPS
M,I,NPS,CS
•Water quality
• problems
\
1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp,
3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(coliform)
etc.);
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Vermont
Major Water Areas
(including mainstem
& major tributaries)
Battenkill, Walloom-
sac, Hoosic Riv-
ers
Poultney, Mettawee
Rivers
Otter Creek
Lake Champlain
Tributaries
Missiquoi River
Laraoille River
Winooski River
White River
Ottaquechee, Black
Rivers
West, Williams,
Saxtons Rivers
Deerfield River
Connecticut River
Stevens, Wells,
Waits Rivers
Total
Miles
Assessed
44
44
86
25
93
90
115
69
65
76
34
238
16
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swimmable)
standards
or better
29
28
70
19
70
64
60
57
35
71
24
153
5
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
43
44
76
23
92
88
95
68
56
74
34
230
12
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
29
41
80
23
76
73
101
59
42
,
74
24
172
5
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
15
3
6
2
17
17
14
10
23
2
10
66
11
* Water
quality
problems
2,6
6
5,6
2,3,5,
6
5,6
2,6
235
£ » J » -* »
6
6
6
6
6
5,6
1,5,6
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M= Municipal
1= Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS = Nonpoint Source
M, I, CS
M, NFS
M, CS
M, CS
M, I, CS
M, CS, NFS
M, I, CS
M, I
M, I, CS
M
M
M, .1, NFS
M, NFS
*Water quality
. r^blems
1. Harmful Substances;
3. Rutrophication potential;
5. Oxygen depletion;
2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
6. Health Hazards-(coliform)
-------
TABLE 7
SUMMARY OF WATER QUALITY
State of Vermont frnnMnued')
Major Water Areas
(Including mainstera
& major tributaries)
Passumpslc River
Lake Memphremagog,
Black, Barton,
Clyde Rivers
Total Miles
Percent of
Miles Assessed
Total
Miles
Assessed
47
6,7
1109
Miles now
meeting
Class B
(fishable/
swlmmable)
standards
or better
15
.47
747
67%
Miles
expected to
be Class B
or better
by 1983
45
65
1045
94%
Miles now
meeting
State
water quality
standards
25
41
872
79%
Miles not
meeting
State
water quality
standards
22
ii
237
21%
*Water
quality
problems
5,6
2,3,6
Source of Water
Quality Problems
M» Municipal
!• Industiral
CS= Combined Sewers
NFS • Nonpoint Source
M, I, CS
M, NPS, CS
*Water quality
problems
1. Harmful Substances; 2. Physical Modification (Suspended Solids, Temp., etc.);
3. Eutrophication potential; 4. Salinity, acidity, alkalinity;
5. Oxygen depletion; 6. Health Hazards-(colifora)
-------
GRAPH 1
MDC LEAD MONITERING STUDY-AVERAGE LEAD CON-
CENTRATION IN 18-23 HOMES IN BOSTON,MASS.AND
SOMERVILLE.MASS.
START No OH
.11 .
.10 .
.09.
.08.
.07 ,
tr
UJ
t .06.
.04.
.03 .
.02.
.01 .
MCL
I
F MAM
1976
JJASONDJFMAMJJ
1977
A SON
DJ FMAM
1978
J J ASON
DJ
1979
-------
GRAPH 2
.26-
.25.
.24.
.23.
.22.
.21.
.201
.19.
.18.
.17.
.16.
.15.
.14.
.13.
.12.
.11 .
.10.
.09J
.08.
.07.
.06.
.05.
.04.
.03.
.02.
.01.
.00.
M
'I
/ 1
I 1
/ 1
/ I
/ I
BENNINGTON, VT. LEAD MONITORING STUDY
AVERAGE LEAD VALUES FOR ALL SAMPLES
MCL
/\
i /
i /
r
I/
APR.
1977
MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT. OCT. NOV.
DEC. JAN.
1978
FEB. MAR. APR. MAY JUNE JULY AUG. SEPT.
------- |