U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
WORKING PAPER SERIES
REPORT
ON
OTTER LAKE
CAYUGA COUNTY
NEW YORK
EPA REGION II
WORKING PAPER No, 164
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An Associate Laboratory of the
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - CORVAILIS, OREGON
and
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
-------
REPORT
ON
OTTER LAKE
CAYUGA COUNTY
NEW YORK
EPA REGION II
WORKING PAPER No, 164
WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
AND THE
NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD
DECEMBER, 1974
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CONTENTS
Page
Foreword 1i
List of New York Study Lakes 1v
Lake and Drainage Area Map v
Sections
I. Conclusions 1
II. Lake and Drainage Basin Characteristics 3
III. Lake Water Quality Summary 4
IV. Nutrient Loadings 8
V. Literature Reviewed 12
VI. Appendices 13
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11
FOREWORD
The National Eutrophication Survey was initiated in 1972 in
response to an Administration commitment to Investigate the nation-
wide threat of accelerated eutrophlcation to fresh water lakes and
reservoirs.
OBJECTIVES
The Survey was designed to develop, in conjunction with state
environmental agencies, information on nutrient sources, concentrations,
and Impact on selected freshwater lakes as a basis for formulating
comprehensive and coordinated national, regional, and state management
practices relating to point-source discharge reduction and non-point
source pollution abatement in lake watersheds.
ANALYTIC APPROACH
The mathematical and statistical procedures selected for the
Survey's eutrophlcation analysis are based on related concepts that:
a. A generalized representation or model relating
sources, concentrations, and impacts can be constructed.
b. By applying measurements of relevant parameters
associated with lake degradation, the generalized model
can be transformed into an operational representation of
a lake, its drainage basin, and related nutrients.
c. With such a transformation, an assessment of the
potential for eutrophication control can be made.
LAKE ANALYSIS
In this report, the first stage of evaluation of lake and water-
shed data collected from the study lake and its drainage basin is
documented. The report is formatted to provide state environmental
agencies with specific information for basin planning [§303(e)l, water
quality criteria/standards review [§303(c)L clean lakes [§314(a,b)],
and water quality monitoring [§106 and §305(b}] activities mandated
by the Federal Water Pollution Control Act Amendments of 1972.
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ill
Beyond the single lake analysis, broader based correlations
between nutrient concentrations (and loading) and trophic condi-
tion are being made to advance the rationale and data base for
refinement of nutrient water quality criteria for the Nation's
fresh water lakes. Likewise, multivariate evaluations for the
relationships between land use, nutrient export, and trophic
condition, by lake class or use, are being developed to assist
in the formulation of planning guidelines and policies by EPA
and to augment plans implementation by the states.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The staff of the National Eutrophication Survey (Office of
Research & Development, U. S. Environmental Protection Agency)
expresses sincere appreciation to the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation for professional involvement and to
the New York National Guard for conducting the tributary sampling
phase of the Survey.
Henry L. Diamond, Commissioner of the New York Department of
Environmental Conservation, and Leo J. Hetling, Director, and
Italo G. Carclch, Senior Sanitary Engineer, Environmental Quality
Research, Department of Environmental Conservation, provided
invaluable lake documentation and counsel during the Survey.
Major General John C. Baker, the Adjutant General of New York,
and Project Officer Lieutenant Colonel Fred Peters, who directed
the volunteer efforts of the New York National Guardsmen, are also
gratefully acknowledged for their assistance to the Survey.
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IV
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
STUDY LAKES
STATE OF NEW YORK
LAKE NAME
Allegheny Reservoir
Black
Canadaigua
Cannonsvilie
Carry Falls
Cassadaga
Cayuga
Champlain
Chautauqua
Conesus
Cross
Goodyear
Huntington
Keuka
Long
Lower St. Regis
Otter
Owasco
Raquette Pond
Round
Sacandaga Res.
Saratoga
Schroon
Seneca
Swan
Swinging Bridge Res
COUNTY
Cattaraugas, NY; McLean,
Warren, PA
St. Lawrence
Ontario
Delaware
St. Lawrence
Chautauqua
Seneca, Tompkins
Clinton, Essex, NY; Addison,
Chittenden, Franklin, VT
Chautauqua
Livingston
Cayuga, Onondaga
Otsego
Sullivan
Ontario
Kami 1 ton
Franklin
Cayuga
Cayuga
Franklin
Saratoga
Fulton, Saratoga
Saratoga
Essex, Warren
Seneca, Schyler, Yates
Sullivan
Sullivan
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OTTER LAKE
® Tributary Sampling Site
x Lake Sampling Site
f Direct Drainage Area Boundary
V2Mi.
Scale
"X/
43-07 —
76-33'
76'31
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OTTER LAKE
STORET NO. 3625
I. CONCLUSIONS
A. Trophic Condition:
Survey data show that Otter Lake 1s eutrophic. Of the 26
New York lakes sampled in the fall of 1972, when essentially
all were well-mixed, 18 had less mean total phosphorus, 11
had less mean dissolved phosphorus, and 10 had less mean In-
organic nitrogen. For all New York data, 20 lakes had less
mean chlorophyll a_, and 24 had greater mean SeccM disc trans-
parency.
Survey limnologists noted turbid water on all sampling dates
with moderate algae blooms 1n progress during the July and October
sampling periods.
B. Rate-Limiting Nutrient:
The results of the algal assay Indicate phosphorus limitation
at the time the sample was collected. The lake data also Indicate
phosphorus limitation at all sampling times; I.e., N/P ratios were
greater than 20/1, and phosphorus limitation would be expected.
C. Nutrient Controllability:
During the sampling year, there was an apparent loss of phos-
phorus from Otter Lake; I.e., more phosphorus was measured leaving
the lake than can be accounted for by all measured and estimated
-------
Inputs. The cause of the Imbalance 1s not known, but It Is
unlikely that phosphorus "wash-out" occurred or that a direct-
discharge point source was overlooked. Considering the rather
small phosphorus loads involved (see page 9), the imbalance
could have been due to the accuracy of the flow estimates
provided by the U.S. Geological Survey (see page 3).
Considering the phosphorus load leaving the lake to be at
least equivalent to the input loads, it is calculated that Otter
Lake received a total phosphorus load at a rate approximately
that proposed by Vollenweider (in press) as "permissible";
i.e., an oligotrophic rate (see page 11). However, in view of
the eutrophic condition of the lake, the calculated loading rate
is likely in error.
There are no known point sources impacting the lake, and the
entire phosphorus load was contributed by non-point sources.
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II. LAKE AND DRAINAGE BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
A. Lake Morphometry:
t
1. Surface area: 282 acres :
2. Mean depth: unknown
3. Maximum depth: unknown
4. Volume: unknown
B. Tributary and Outlet:
(See Appendix A for flow data)
1. Tributaries -
Name
Unnamed Creek (B-l)
Minor tributaries &
immediate drainage -
Totals
2. Outlet -
Unnamed Creek (A-l)
C. Precipitation:
1. Year of sampling***: 52.8 inches.
2. Mean annual: 37.6 inches.
Drainage area* Mean flow*
,2
0.4 mi'
2.1 mi'
2.5 mi'
0.5 cfs
3.3 cfs
3.8 cfs
2.9 mic** 3.8 cfs
t Greeson and Robison, 1970.
* Drainage areas are accurate within ±5%, except for small basins (±10%);
mean daily flows are accurate within ±5 to 25%; and normalized mean
monthly flows are accurate within ±15%.
** Includes area of lake.
*** See Working Paper No. 1, "Survey Methods".
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4
III. LAKE WATER QUALITY SUMMARY
Otter Lake was sampled three times during the open-water season
of 1972 by means of a pontoon-equipped Huey helicopter. Each time,
samples for physical and chemical parameters were collected from two
depths at a single station on the lake (see map, page v). During
each visit, a depth-Integrated (near bottom to surface) sample was col-
lected for phytoplankton Identification and enumeration; and during
the last visit, a five-gallon depth-integrated sample was collected
for algal assays. Also each time, a depth-integrated sample was col-
lected for chlorophyll a_ analysis. The maximum depth sampled was 6
feet.
The results obtained are presented in full in Appendix B, and the
data for the fall sampling period, when the lake essentially was well-
mixed, are summarized below. Note, however, the Secchi disc summary
is based on all values.
For differences in the various parameters at the other sampling
times, refer to Appendix B.
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A. Physical and chemical characteristics:
Parameter Minimum
Temperature (Cent.) 11.2
Dissolved oxygen (mg/1) 10.4
Conductivity (vimhos) 265
pH (units) 8.2
Alkalinity (mg/1) 129
Total P (mg/1) 0.027
Dissolved P (mg/1) 0.009
N0« + NO- (mg/1) 0.100
Ammonia fmg/1) 0-130
FALL VALUES
(10/13/72)
Mean Median
Maximum
11.2
10.4
268
8.2
130
0.044
0.010
0.105
0.130
11.2
10.4
268
8.2
130
0.044
0.010
0.105
0.130
11.2
10.4
270
8.2
131
0.061
0.012
0.110
0.130
ALL VALUES
Secchi disc (inches) 24
45
41
70
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B. Biological characteristics:
1. Phytoplankton -
Sampling
Date
05/17/72
07/24/72
10/13/72
Domi nant
Genera
1. Fragilarla
2 . Di nobryon
3 . Lyngbya
4. Cyclotella
5. Flagellates
Other genera
Total
1 . Lyngbya
2. Polycystis
3. Fragilaria
4 . Chroococcus
5. Melosira
Other genera
Total
1 . Lyngbya
2 . Synedra
3. Chroococcus
4. Flagellates
5. Oscillatoria
Other genera
Total
2. Chlorophyll a -
(Because of Instrumentation problems during
the following values may be in error by plus
Sampl 1 ng
Date
05/17/72
07/24/72
10/13/72
Station
Number
01
01
01
Number
per ml
904
754
497
482
113
468
3,218
14,130
6,812
3,333
978
580
1,377
27,210
16,616
2,632
2,481
1,278
1,278
2,783
27,068
the 1972 sampling,
or minus 20 percent.)
Chlorophyll a
(ug/1 )
4.6
15.6
19.8
-------
0.007
0.017
0.027
0.057
0.057
0.057
0.007
0.125
0.125
0.125
0.125
5.125
10.125
10.125
1.1
3.1
3.8
4.2
18.5
18.4
0.3
C. Limiting Nutrient Study:
1. Autoclaved, filtered, and nutrient spiked -
Ortho P Inorganic N Maximum yield
Spike (mg/1) Cone, (mg/1) Cone, (mg/1) (mg/1-dry wt.)
Control
0.010 P
0.020 P
0.050 P
0.050 P + 5.0 N
0.050 P + 10.0 N
10.0 N
2. Discussion -
The control yield of the assay alga, Selenastrum capri-
cornutum, indicates that the potential primary productivity
of Otter Lake was moderate at the time the algal assay sam-
ple was collected.
The addition of orthophosphorus (to about 20 yg/1) pro-
duced significant Increases in the assay yield. However,
the addition of only nitrogen did not produce a significant
response in yield as compared to the control yield, thus
Indicating phosphorus limitation at the time the sample
was collected.
The lake data also Indicate phosphorus limitation
at all sampling times; N/P ratios were greater than 20/1,
and phosphorus limitation would be expected.
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8
IV. NUTRIENT LOADINGS
(See Appendix C for data)
For the determination of nutrient loadings, the New York National
Guard collected monthly near-surface grab samples from each of the tribu-
tary sites Indicated on the map (page v), except for the high runoff
months of March and April when two samples were collected. Sampling was
begun in November, 1972, and was completed In June, 1973.
Through an Interagency agreement, stream flow estimates for the year
of sampling and a "normalized" or average year were provided by the New
York District Office of the U.S. Geological Survey for the tributary
sites nearest the lake.
In this report, nutrient loads for sampled tributaries were deter-
mined by using a modification of a U.S. Geological Survey computer
program for calculating stream loadings*. Nutrient loadings for unsam-
pled "minor tributaries and immediate drainage" ("ZZ" of U.S.G.S.) were
2
estimated using the means of the nutrient loads, in Ibs/mi /year, at
2
station B-l and multiplying the means by the ZZ area in mi .
There are no known point sources affecting Otter Lake.
A. Waste Sources:
1. Known municipal - None
2. Known Industrial - None
* See Working Paper No. 1.
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B. Annual Total Phosphorus Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs -
IDS P/ % of
Source y_r total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 20 11.1
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 110 66.7
c. Known municipal - None
d. Septic tanks - Unknown
e. Known industrial - None
f. Direct precipitation* - 40 22.2
Total 170 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - Unnamed Creek (A-l) 390
3. Net annual P loss - 210 pounds
See Working Paper No. 1.
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10
C. Annual Total Nitrogen Loading - Average Year:
1 . Inputs -
Ibs N/ % of
Source r total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 2,180 12.6
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 11,440 71.7
c. Known municipal - None
d. Septic tanks - Unknown
e. Known industrial - None
f. Direct precipitation* - 2,720 15.7
Total 16,340 100,0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - Unnamed Creek {A-l ) 14,110
3. Net annual N accumulation - 2,230 pounds
See Working Paper No. 1,
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11
D. Mean Annual Non-point Nutrient Export by Subdrainage Area:
Tributary Ibs P/mi2/yr Ibs N/mi2/yr
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 50 5,450
E. Yearly Loading Rates:
In the following table, the existing phosphorus loading
rates are compared to those proposed by Vollenweider (in press).
Essentially, his "dangerous" rate is the rate at which the
receiving water would become eutrophic or remain eutrophic;
his "permissible" rate is that which would result in the
receiving water remaining oligotrophic or becoming oligotrophic
if morphometry permitted. A mesotrophic rate would be consid-
ered one between "dangerous" and "permissible".
Total Phosphorus Total Nitrogen
Units
1 bs/acre/yr
grams/m2/yr
Total
1.4
0.16
Accumulated
loss
Total
57.9
6.5
Accumulated
7.9
0.9
Vollenweider loading rates for phosphorus
(g/m2/yr) based on the surface area and
mean outflow of Otter Lake:
"Dangerous" (eutrophic rate) 0.34
"Permissible" (oligotrophic rate) 0.17
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12
V. LITERATURE REVIEWED
Greeson, Phillip E., and F. Luman Robison, 1970. Characteristics
of New York lakes. Part 1 - Gazateer of lakes, ponds, and
reservoirs. Bull. 68, U.S. Dept. Int. and NY Dept. of Env.
Cons., Albany.
Vollenweider, Richard A. (1n press). Input-output models. Schweiz,
A. Hydrol.
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13
VII. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
TRIBUTARY FLOW DATA
-------
TRIBUTARY FLOW INFORMATION FOR NEW YORK
11/26/74
LAKE CODE 3625
OTTER LAKE
TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA OF LAKE
2.91
SUB-DRAINAGE
TRIBUTARY AREA
3625A1
3625B1
3625ZZ
2.91
0.37
2.54
JAN
4.00
0.50
3.50
FEB
5.90
0.70
5.20
MAR
12.00
1.40
11.00
APR
9.20
1.10
a.10
TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA OF LAKE
SUM OF SUB-DRAINAGE AREAS
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS AND DAILY FLOWS
TRIBUTARY MONTH YEAR MEAN FLOW DAY
3625A1
3625B1
3625ZZ
11
1?
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
12
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
11
1?
1
?
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
A.OO
12.00
8.80
13.00
12.00
4.80
2.20
0.60
0.30
0.20
1.00
1.60
1.00
1.50
1.40
0.50
0.30
0.10
0.10
0.0
6.90
11.00
9.20
7.70
12.00
11*00
4.30
1.90
0.50
0.20
0.20
4
2
3
3
13
31
9
23
25
15
4
2
3
3
13
31
9
23
25
15
MAY
3.60
0.40
3.20
NORMALIZED FLOWS
JUN JUL AUG
1.60
0.20
1.40
0.70
0.10
0.60
0.30
0.10
0.20
SEP
0.50
0.10
0.40
OCT
1.00
0.10
0.90
NOV
3.10
0.40
2.70
DEC
3.90
0.50
3.40
MEAN
3.60
0.46
3.37
SUMMARY
2.91
2.91
FLOW DAY ,
TOTAL FLOW IN
TOTAL FLOW OUT
46.20
45.80
5.10
8.60
32.00
4.00
6.50
3.20
2.10
0.30
0.30
0.10
0.60
1.10
3.90
.50
.80
.40
.30
.0
0.0
0.0
31
29
31
29
FLOW DAY
3.60
9.20
FLOW
0.40
1.00
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APPENDIX B
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL DATA
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STORE! RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
362501
43 08 24.0 076 32 02.0
OTTER LAKE
36 NEW YORK
00010 00300 00077 00094
DATE TIME DEPTH WATER DO TRANSP CNDUCTVY
FROM OF TEMP SECCHI FIELD
TO DAY FEET CENT MG/L INCHES MICROMHO
72/05/17 18 25 0000 17.7 9.3 70 340
18 25 0006 17.7 7.8 260
72/07/24 17 50 0000 41 280
72/10/13 15 35 0000 24 270
15 35 0004 11.2 10.4 265
HEPALES
3
00400
PH
SU
8.00
8.10
8.60
8.20
8.20
00410
T ALK
CAC03
MG/L
118
122
115
131
129
2111202
0010
00630
N02&N03
N-TOTAL
MG/L
0.340
0.340
0.100
0.110
0.100
FEET DEPTH
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.310
0.350
0.090
0.130
0.130
00665
PHOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.025
0.233
0.043
0.027
0.061
00666
PHOS-DIS
MG/L P
0.011
0.012
0.008
0.009
0.012
32217
DATE TIME DEPTH CHLRPHYL
FROM OF A
TO DAY FEET UG/L
72/05/17 18 25 0000 4.6J
72/07/24 17 50 0000 15.6J
72/10/13 15 35 0000 19.8J
J VALUE KNOWN TO BE IN ERROR
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APPENDIX C
TRIBUTARY DATA
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STORE! RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
3625A1 LS3625A1
43 09 30.0 076 33 00,0
UNNAMED CREEK
36 7.5 CATO
0/OTTER LAKE
SHORT CUT ROAD 1 Ml SW OF MERIDIAN
11EPALES 2111204
4 0000 FEET DEPTH
DATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
72/12/02
73/02/03
73/03/03
73/03/31
73/04/13
73/04/29
73/05/31
73/06/09
TIME DEPTH
OF
DAY FEET
09 45
14 15
12 28
14 00
15 50
15 35
12 15
19 30
12 10
00630
NO?&N03
N-TOTAL
MG/L
0.195
0.490
0.420
0.870
0.154
0.100
0.034
0.060
0.013
00625
TOT KJF.L
N
MG/L
0.660
0.520
0.820
3.360
1.890
0.840
0.810
1.980
3.200
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.094
0.032
0.069
0.220
0.066
0.042
0.138
0.074
0.115
00671
PHOS-DIS
OPT HO
MG/L P
0.066
0.010
0.008
0.008
0.009
0.005K
0.022
0.033
0.080
00665
PHOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.090
0.030
0.025
0.030
0.055
0.025
0.045
0.050
0.095
LESS TH3N INDICATE.)
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STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/36
3IS25B1 LS3625B1
43 08 30.0 076 31 30.0
UNNAMED CREEK
36 7.5 CATO
T/OTTER LAKE
AT BONTA BRIDGE ROAD BRIDGE
11EPALES 2111204
4 0000 FEET
DEPTH
DATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
72/12/0?
73/02/03
73/03/03
73/03/31
73/04/13
73/05/31
73/06/09
TIME DEPTH
OF
DAY FEET
09 20
14 30
12 20
10 50
14 00
15 45
15 23
19 40
12 00
00630
N02&N03
N-TOTAL
MG/L
2.400
1.660
1.960
2.300
2.040
1.000
1.140
1.000
1.720
00625
TOT KJEL
N
MG/L
1.000
0.260
0.400
0.390
0.580
0.440
0.790
1.260
0.380
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.058
0.010
0.039
0.031
0.036
0.027
0.033
0.030
0.033
00671
PHOS-DIS
ORTHO
MG/L P
0.008
0.005K
0.011
0.008
0.017
0.005K
0.006
0.005K
0.020
00665
PHOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.018
0.014
0.050
0.050
0.017
0.015
0.010
0.010
0.020
K VALUE KNOW TO dŁ
LE5S THflN INDICATED
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