U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION SURVEY
WORKING PAPER SERIES
REPORT
ON
SWAN
SULLIVAN COUNTY
NEW YORK
EPA REGION II
WORKING PAPER No, 171
PACIFIC NORTHWEST ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH LABORATORY
An Associate Laboratory of the
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - CORVALLIS, OREGON
and
NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH CENTER - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
-------
REPORT
ON
SWAN LAKE
SULLIVAN COUNTY
NEW YORK
EPA REGION II
WORKING PAPER No, 171
WITH THE COOPERATION OF THE
NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
AND THE
NEW YORK NATIONAL GUARD
DECEMBER, 3974
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CONTENTS
Page
Foreword ii
List of New York Study Lakes iv
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 13
VI. Appendices 14
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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 eutrophication 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 eutrophication 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)], water
quality criteria/standards review [§303(c)], 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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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. Carcich, 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
Cannonsville
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
Del aware
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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J
\
SWAN LAKE
® Tributary Sampling Site
X Lake Sampling Site
• Sewage Treatment Facility
Direct Drainage Area Boundary
o iMi
White Sulphur Springs
-------
SWAN LAKE
STORE! NO. 3636
CONCLUSIONS
A. Trophic Condition:
Survey data show Swan Lake to be eutrophic. Of the 26
New York lakes sampled in the fall of 1972, 21 had less mean
total phosphorus, 13 had less mean dissolved phosphorus, but
none had less mean inorganic nitrogen. For all New York data,
12 lakes had less mean chlorophyll a_, and 19 had greater Secchi
disc transparency. High nutrient levels and heavy growths of
rooted aquatic vegetation indicate lake deterioration.
B. Rate-Limi ting Nutrient:
The algal assay results indicate that Swan Lake was limited
by nitrogen. The ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in sampled
waters substantiate nitrogen limitation (i.e., the N/P ratio on
all occasions was 13/1 or less).
C. Nutrient Controllability:
1. Point sources—During the sampling year, Swan Lake
received a total phosphorus load at a rate in excess of that
proposed by Vollenweider (in press) as dangerous; i.e., a
eutrophic rate (see page 12). Of that load, it is estimated
that the Loomis Sanitary District contributed about 26%.
The State-wide ban on phosphates in detergents may be ex-
pected to reduce the phosphrous load from the Loomis plant by
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about 50%. That reduction, plus 80% removal of the remaining
phosphorus at the Loomis treatment plant, would reduce the
o
loading rate to 0.79 g/m /yr (a mesotrophic rate) and should
result in improvement of the trophic condition of Swan Lake.
2. Non-point sources (see page 12)—The phosphorus exports
of the Swan Lake tributaries were quite high as compared to New
York streams studied elsewhere (e.g., the mean export of four
tributaries to downstream Swinging Bridge Reservoir* was 59 Ibs/
p
mi /yr). The reason for the high export rates is not apparent
from the Survey data or available information.
In all, it is calculated that non-point sources contributed
nearly 74% of the total phosphorus load to Swan Lake during the
sampling year.
Working Paper No. 172.
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II. LAKE AND DRAINAGE BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
A. Lake Morphemetry :
1. Surface area: 332 acres.
2. Mean depth: unknown.
3. Maximum depth: >5 feet.
4. Volume: unknown.
5. Mean hydraulic retention time: unknown.
B. Tributary and Outlet:
(See Appendix A for flow data)
1. Tributaries -
Name Drainage area* Mean flow*
Unnamed stream (A-l) 6.6 mi? 12.8 cfs
Unnamed stream (B-l) 0.3 mi2 0.7 cfs
Unnamed stream (C-l) 0.6 mi2 1.1 cfs
Unnamed stream (D-l) 1.2 mi * 2.4 cfs
Minor tributaries & 2
immediate drainage - 5.8 mi 12.4 cfs
Totals 14.5 mi2 29.4 cfs
2. Outlet -
W. Br., Mongaup River 15.0 mi2** 29.4 cfs
C. Precipitation***:
1. Year of sampling: 59.9 inches.
2. Mean annual: 40.0 inches.
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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III. LAKE WATER QUALITY SUMMARY
Swan 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
a number of depths at a single station on the lake (see map, page
v). During each visit, a single depth-integrated (near bottom)
sample was obtained from the one station for phytoplankton identi-
fication and enumeration; and during the last visit, a single five-
gallon depth-integrated sample was collected for algal assays. Also
each time, a depth-integrated sample was collected for chlorophyll
a_ analysis. The maximum depth sampled was 5 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 Seechi
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.) 11.8
Dissolved oxygen (mg/1) 10.0
Conductivity (ymhos) 73
pH (units() 7.2
Alkalinity (mg/1) 14
Total P (mg/1) 0.030
Dissolved P (mg/1) 0.011
N02 + N03 (mg/1) 0.030
Ammonia "(mg/1) 0.040
Secchi disc (inches) 60
FALL VALUES
(10/11/72)
Mean Median
11.8
10.0
76
7.3
17
0.058
0.013
0.030
0.050
ALL VALUES
65
11.8
10.0
76
7.3
17
0.058
0.013
0.030
0.050
64
Maximum
11.8
10.0
78
7.4
20
0.085
0.014
0.030
0.060
72
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B. Biological characteristics:
1. Phytoplankton -
Sampling
Date
05/21/72
Dominant
Genera
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Dinobryon
Fragilaria
Flagellates
Chroococcus
Melosira
Other genera
Number
per ml
1,555
814
723
470
380
1,230
07/22/72
10/11/72
Total
1. Polycystis
2. Raphidiopsis
3. Schroederia
4. Peri dim'urn
5. Fragilaria
Other genera
Total
1. Dinobryon
2. Chroococcus
3. Fragilaria
4. Flagellates
5. Melosira
Other genera
Total
5,172
334
262
208
190
181
941
2,116
1,160
813
678
527
407
1,385
4,970
Chlorophyll a_ -
(Because of instrumentation problems during the 1972 sampling,
the following values may be in error by plus or minus 20 percent.)
Sampling
Date
05/21/72
07/22/72
10/11/72
Station
Number
01
01
01
Chlorophyll a_
10.3
11.0
7.1
-------
0.021
0.031
0.041
0.071
0.071
0.071
0.021
0.134
0.134
0.134
0.134
5.134
10.134
10.134
3.8
4.1
3.6
3.8
27.8
26.6
7.1
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 Swan Lake was moderately high at the time of sampling.
Also, the lack of increase in yield with increasing concentra-
tions of orthophosphorus, until nitrogen was also added, indi-
cates that the lake was limited by nitrogen at that time.
Note that the addition of only nitrogen produced a yield far
greater than the control.
The lake data also indicate nitrogen limitation; i.e., on
all occasions, N/P ratios were 13/1 or less, and nitrogen
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
tributary sites indicated on the map (page v), except for the high
runoff months of April and May when two samples were collected. Samp-
ling was begun in November, 1972, and was completed in October, 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 nutrient loads, in Ibs/mi /year, in the unnamed stream
2
at station B-l and multiplying by the ZZ area in ml .
The community of Loomis did not participate in the Survey, and the
nutrient loads were estimated at 2.5 Ibs P and 7.5 Ibs N/capita/year.
* See Working Paper No. 1.
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A. Waste Sources:
1. Known muncipal* -
Pop. Mean Flow Receiving
Name Served Treatment (mgd) Water
Loomis SD 320 sand filter 0.032** Unnamed stream
to Swan Lake
2. Known industrial - None
1972.
Estimated at 100 gal/capita/day.
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10
B. Annual Total Phosphorus Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs -
Ibs P/ % of
Source £1 total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Unnamed stream (A-l
Unnamed stream (B-l
Unnamed stream (C-l
Unnamed stream (D-l
1,000 32.6
30 1.0
130 4.2
470 15.3
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 580 18.9
c. Known municipal -
Loomis SD 800 26.1
d. Septic tanks* - 10 0.3
e. Known industrial - None
f. Direct precipitation** - 5_2 1.6
Total 3,070 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - W. Br., Mongaup R. 2,000
3. Net annual P accumulation - 1,070 pounds
* Estimate based on 10 lakeshore dwellings; see Working Paper No. 1
** See Working Paper No. 1.
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11
C. Annual Total Nitrogen Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs -
Ibs N/ % of
Source yr total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Unnamed stream (A-l) 29,500 44.8
Unnamed stream (B-l) 910 1.4
Unnamed stream (C-l) 2,490 3.8
Unnamed stream (D-l) 9,410 14.3
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 17,590 26.8
c. Known municipal -
Loomis SD 2,400 3.7
d. Septic tanks* - 240 0.4
e. Known industrial -None
f. Direct precipitation** - 3,200 4.8
Total 65,740 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - W. Br., Mongaup R. 50,050
3. Net annual N accumulation - 15,690 pounds
* Estimate based on 10 lakeside dwellings; see Working Paper No. 1
** See Working Paper No. 1.
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12
D. Mean Annual Non-point Nutrient Export by Subdrainage Area:
2 2
Tributary Ibs P/mi /yr Ibs N/mi /yr
Unnamed stream (A-l) 152 4,470
Unnamed stream (B-l) 100 3,033
Unnamed stream (C-l) 217 4,150
Unnamed stream (D-l) 392 7,842
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
Ibs/acre/yr
grams/m /yr
Total
9.2
1.04
Accumulated
3.2
0.36
Total
198.0
22.2
Accumulated
47.3
5.3
Vollenweider loading rates for phosphorus
(g/m2/yr) based on surface area and mean
outflow of Swan Lake:
"Dangerous" (eutrophic rate) 0.84
"Permissible" (oligotrophic rate) 0.42
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13
LITERATURE REVIEWED
Anonymous, 1972. Municipal S. T. W. inventory. NY State Dept. of
Env. Cons., Albany.
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. Env. Cons.,
Albany.
Vollenweider, Richard A. (in press). Input-output models. Schweiz,
A. Hydrol.
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VII. APPENDICES
APPENDIX A
TRIBUTARY FLOW DATA
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TRIBUTARY FLOW INFORMATION FOR NEW YORK
12/30/74
LAKE CODE 3636
SWAN LAKE
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS AND DAILY FLOWS
TRIBUTARY MONTH YEAR MEAN FLOW DAY
3636C1
3636D1
3636F1
3636ZZ
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
B
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
a
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TRIBUTARY FLOW INFORMATION FOR MEW YORK
12/30/74
LAKE CODE 3636
StfAN LAKE
TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA OF LAKE
15.00
SUB-DRAINAGE
TRIBUTARY AREA
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
NORMALIZED FLOWS
JUN JUL AU6
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
MEAN
3636A1
3636R1
3636C1
3636D1
3636F1
3636ZZ
6.56
0.36
0.57
1.22
15.00
6.29
11.60
0.63
0.98
2.17
26.60
11.20
11.20
0.61
0.95
2.09
25.60
10.80
24.00
1.30
2.04
4.48
54.90
23.00
29.80
1.62
2.52
5.56
69.20
28.60
14.30
0.78
1.22
2.67
32.80
13.80
7.91
0.43
0.67
1.47
18.10
7.58
5.78
0.31
0.49
1.08
13.20
5.55
6.28
0.34
0.53
1.17
14.40
6.03
6.93
0.38
0.59
1.29
15.90
6.65
8.97
0.49
0.76
1.67
20.50
8.60
13.70
0.74
1.16
2.55
31.30
13.10
13.70
0.74
1.16
2.56
31.40
13.20
12.84
0.70
1.09
2.40
29.40
12.34
TOTAL DRAINAGE AREA OF LAKE * 15.00
SUM OF SUB-DRAINAGE AREAS = 15.00
MEAN MONTHLY FLOWS AND DAILY FLOWS
TRIBUTARY MONTH YEAR MEAN FLOW DAY FLOW DAY
3636A1
3636B1
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
72
72
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
73
41.30
28.40
18.10
14.00
25.90
29.00
26.80
28.40
5.85
4.69
0.38
0.27
2.24
1.54
0.98
0.76
1.40
1.57
1.45
0.47
0.25
0.26
0.12
0.10
4
2
5
3
3
7
5
2
7
4
1
6
4
2
5
3
3
7
5
2
7
4
1
6
22.00
16.00
20.00
99.00
6.80
30.00
6.80
21.00
6.46
12.00
0.36
0.27
1.22
0.90
1.20
54.00
0.42
2.24
0.42
0.35
0.27
0.45
0.11
0.10
6
4
21
19
6
4
21
19
SUMMARY
9.00
2.06
0.48
2.32
TOTAL FLOW IN = 352.48
TOTAL FLOW OUT = 352.90
FLOW DAY
14.80
38.00
6.60
44.00
FLOW
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APPENDIX B
PHYSICAL and CHEMICAL DATA
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STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
363601
41 45 40.0 074 48 10.0
SrfAN LAKE
36 NEW rORK
DATE
FROM
TO
72/05/21
72/07/22
72/10/11
TIME DEPTH
OF
DAY FEET
13 25 0000
13 ?5 0005
12 05 0000
1? 05 0004
15 00 0000
15 40 0004
00010
WATER
TEMP
CENT
18.1
16.6
?7.6
11.8
00300
DO
MG/L
9.5
7.4
6.9
10.0
00077 00094
THftNSP CNDUCTVY
SECCHI FIELD
INCHES MICHOMHO
64
60
72
70
65
80
70
78
73
11EPALES
3
00400
PH
SU
6.70
6.40
7.20
7.20
7.35
7.20
00410
T ALK
CAC03
MG/L
12
10
19
17
20
14
2111202
0008
00630
N02S.N03
N-TOTAL
MG/L
0.050
0.060
0.050
0.050
0.030
0.030
FEET DEPTH
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.070
0.130
0.110
0.080
0.040
0,060
00665
PMOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.054
0.029
0.041
0.044
0.030
0.085
00666
PHOS-OIS
MG/L P
0.011
0.014
0.028
0.023
0.011
0.014
32217
DATE TIME DEPTH CHLRPHYL
FROM OF A
TO DAY FEET UG/L
72/05/21 13 ?5 0000 10.3J
72/07/2? 1? 05 0000 11.OJ
72/10/11 15 00 0000 7.1J
J VALUE KNOWN TO BE IN ERROR
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APPENDIX C
TRIBUTARY DATA
-------
STORE! RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
3636A1 LS3636A1
41 47 30.0 074 49 00.0
UNNAMED O-JEEK
36 7.5 LIHEKTY WEST
I/S*AN LAKE
TOWMSEND «L) HRDG
11EPALES 21H204
4 0000 FEET
DEPTH
DATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
7?/ 12/02
73/01/03
73/01/06
73/03/03
73/04/07
73/04/21
73/05/05
73/05/19
73/06/02
73/07/07
73/08/04
73/09/01
73/10/06
TIME DEPTH
OF
DAY FFET
11 40
10 30
11 10
09 45
10 50
10 00
10 15
09 15
11 00
10 00
11 00
10 20
10 50
11 00
00630
N02&N03
N-TOTAL
MG/L
0.140
0.400
0.410
0.450
0.590
0.400
0.280
0.260
0.200
0.170
0.198
0.150
0.270
0.115
00625
TOT KJEL
Nl
MG/L
0.420
0.250
0.7?0
O.?40
1.3RO
0.330
1.380
0.255
0.340
2.200
3.100
0.600
0.320
0.990
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.052
0.011
0.190
0.016
0.760
0.021
0.046
0.020
0.015
0.063
0.072
0.040
0.040
0.060
00671
PHOS-DIS
ORTHO
MG/L P
0.011
0.009
0.042
0.008
0.025
0.005K
0.007
O.OOP
0.009
0.010
0.017
0.027
0.017
0.022
00665
PHOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.040
0.013
0.100
0.011
0.080
0.030
0.030
0.0 ?5
0.030
0 . 0 30
0.045
.0.055
0.035
0.045
K VALUF KNO*K TO SE LFSS
THAN I.VOICATEO
-------
STOPET RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
363681 LS3636H1
41
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE
3636C1 LS3636C1
41 46 30.0 074 47 30.0
UNNAMED CREEK
36 7.5 LIBERTY
T/SWAN LAKE
LAKE MARIE RD BROG
11EPALFS 3111204
4 0000 FEET
DATE
FROM
TO
7P/11/04
73/12/0?
73/01/06
73/08/03
73/03/03
73/04/07
73/04/21
73/05/05
73/05/19
73/06/03
73/07/07
73/08/04
73/09/01
73/10/06
00*30 00625
TIME DEPTH N02MY03 TOT KJEL
OF N-TOTAL N
D4V FFET MG/L MG/L
11
10
11
11
10
10
09
11
10
11
11
11
11
55
40
?0
00
20
35
25
30
00
?0
?0
10
20
0.034
0.096
0.147
0.210
0.110
0.120
0.027
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
.015
.050
.013
.013
.019
.025
.063
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
2
0
3
0
0
1
.500
.380
.940
.4*0
.165
.320
.150
.900
.800
.930
.950
.580
.770
.210
00610 00671 00665
NH3-N PHOS-DIS PHOS-TOT
TOTAL ORTHO
MG/L MG/L P MG/L P
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
c
0
0
0
.052
.027
.077
.105
.126
.020
.044
.031
.092
.021
.154
.027
.07R
.400
0.005K
0.005K
0.005K
0.014
0.007
0.005K
0.005K
0
0
0
0
0
o
0
.005K
.015
.019
.056
.005K
.006
.005K
O.OP6
0.028
0.008
0.055
0.030
0.020
0.020
0.015
0.0 BO
0.070
0.350
0.040
0.060
• U \J VJ
0.040
DEPTH
V4LU*-: KNCHN TO rif LESS
THAN IMOICATFO
-------
STORE! RETRIEVAL DATE 74/11/26
363601 LS3636D1
41 45 00.0 074 47 00.0
UNWAMEO CREEK
36 7.5 LIBERTY WEST
T/StfAN LAKE
BANK OFF «D OUT OF TOWN OF SWAN LAKE
11EPALFS 2111204
4 0000 FF.ET OFPTH
DATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
72/12/0?
73/01/06
73/02/03
73/03/03
73/04/07
73/04/21
73/05/05
73/05/19
73/06/02
73/07/07
73/OB/O*
73/09/01
73/10/06
00630 00625
TIME DEPTH NO?*,N03 TOT KJEL
OF N-TOTAL N
BAY FEET
12 35
11 20
11 ?0
11 20
11 ?5
11 30
09 50
1? 10
11 00
12 30
11 45
12 15
1? 35
MG/L
O.R20
?.100
1.300
2.100
1.260
1.000
0.990
0.790
0.450
0.250
0.390
C.010K
0.140
MG/l
0.720
0.270
0.130
0.650
0.340
0.400
1.050
1.000
1.800
2.600
l.BOO
0.615
1.680
1.760
00610 00671 00665
NH3-N PHOS-OIS PHOS-TOT
TOTAL OPTHO
MG/L
0.074
0.028
0.026
0.105
0.138
0.042
0.032
0.03ft
0.098
0.038
0.072
0.029
0.023
0.115
MG/L P
0.010
0.015
0.019
0.046
0.029
0.020
0.015
0.013
0.025
G.024
0.031
C.026
0.026
0.015
MG/L P
0.066
0.03?
0.031
0.130
0.070
0.050
0.080
0.095
0.095
0.1 '0
0.085
0.290
0.180
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL OATE 74/ll/?6
3636E1 LS3636E1
41 47 00.0 074 47 30.0
UNNAMED STREAM
36 7.5 LIRERTY WEST
T/SWAN LAKE
ALONG SANK BELO STP
11FPALES 3111204
* 0000 FEET DEPTH
OATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
72/12/0?
73/02/03
73/03/03
73/04/07
73/04/21
73/05/05
73/05/19
73/05/02
73/07/07
73/08/04
73/09/01
73/10/06
00630 00625
TIME DEPTH N02S.N03 TOT KJEL
OF N-TOTAL N
DAY FF.ET
1?
10
13
1?
11
11
09
12
11
12
11
11
11
10
55
30
10
00
00
40
00
00
00
20
40
55
MG/L
i
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
3
.200
.540
.730
.420
.470
.540
.340
.400
.294
.930
.810
.800
MG/L
0.
0.
0.
1.
0.
1.
0.
?.
2.
0.
1.
1.
1.
650
330
840
600
460
200
600
940
900
250
000
400
700
00610 00671 00665
NH3-N PdOS-DIS PHOS-TOT
TOTAL ORTHO
MG/L
0.
0.
0.
1.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
357
140
300
100
132
140
138
310
540
019
0.490
0.
0.
380
070
MG/L
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
0.
p
294
105
198
520
132
?60
200
126
410
160
500
590
900
MG/L P
0.336
0.132
0.270
0.630
0.165
0.315
0.220
0.1 80
0.500
0.190
0.570
0.790
1.100
-------
STORET RETRIEVAL DATE 7<»/ll/?6
3636F1 LS3636F1
41 45 00.0 074 47 00.0
UNNAMED STREAM
36 7.5 LIBERTY wEST
T/SWAN LAKE
CO HWY 1^2 MROG
11EPALES 2111204
4 0000 FEET DEPTH
DATE
FROM
TO
72/11/04
73/01/06
73/0?/03
73/03/03
73/04/07
73/04/21
73/05/05
73/05/19
73/06/02
73/07/07
73/08/04
73/09/01
73/10/06
TIME DEPTH
OF
DAY FFET
1? 00
10 15
11 45
11 30
12 00
12 00
10 00
12 40
1? 00
1? 45
12 10
13 45
13 00
00630
NO 2*. NO 3
N-TOTAL
MG/L
0.053
0.399
0.380
0.340
0.176
0.071
0.020
0.022
0.015
O.OIOK
0.010K
0.011
0.014
00625
TOT KJEL
N
MG/L
0.520
0.370
0.580
O.?10
0.420
O.flflO
0.350
1.500
1.180
1.470
0.7«0
0.500
0.660
00610
NH3-N
TOTAL
MG/L
0.044
0.025
0.051
0.035
C.013
0.023
0.006
0.054
0.04M
0.027
0.021
0.044
0.033
00671
PHOS-niS
ORTHO
MG/L P
0.005K
0.007
0.007
0.007
0.005K
0.005K
0.005K
0.009
0.010
0.014
0.005K
0.007
0.005K
00665
PHOS-TOT
MG/L P
0.044
0.017
0.035
0.037
0.025
0.025
0.030
0.035
0.030
0.040
0.055
0.035
0.035
-------
ADDENDA
"Report on Swan Lake"
Working Paper No. 129
National Eutrophication Survey
April, 1975
Because the mining company discharge detailed below was not made
known to personnel of the National Eutrophication Survey prior to the
conductance of the study, the staff of the Section of Surface and
Groundwater, Division of Water Quality, Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency, have determined it necessary to make certain revisions in the
Swan Lake report.
Hanna Mining Company (Butler Taconite Plant) discharges to Pickerel
Creek located in the northern portion of the Swan Lake watershed. The
discharge consists of treated domestic wastewater as well as mine-pit
dewatering. This point source was added, but the Village of Cooley
was deleted as a point source in the report since the village no longer
exists due to mining activity.
Also, the Hanna Mining Company mean discharge flow is 9.3 cfs. The
Pickerel Creek flow, the total tributary flow, and the Swan River outlet
flow were adjusted accordingly.
These changes do not affect the conclusions in the Swan Lake report,
and the assessment of nutrient controllability still applies.
Appended are the revised pages 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, and 13, These
should be substituted for the corresponding pages in the orginal report.
-------
SWAN LAKE
STORE! NO. 2788
I. CONCLUSIONS
A. Trophic Condition:
Survey data indicate that Swan Lake is mesotrophic. Of the
60 Minnesota lakes sampled in the fall of 1972, when essentially
all were well-mixed, two had less mean total phosphorus, three
had less mean dissolved phosphorus, and three had less mean inor-
ganic nitrogen. Of the 80 Minnesota lakes sampled, one had
greater Secchi disc transparency, and one had less mean chlorophyll
a_. Depression of oxygen with depth occurred during the summer
sampling.
Survey limnologists did not observe any aquatic nuisances
during the three sampling visits.
B. Rate-Limiting Nutrient:
The results of the algal assay indicate nitrogen limitation
at the time the sample was collected.
The lake data indicate phosphorus limitation in July and nitro-
gen limitation in September and October.
C. Nutrient Controllability:
1. Point sources—During the sampling year, Swan Lake received
a total phosphorus load at a rate in excess of the rate proposed by
Vollenweider (1n press) as "dangerous"; i.e., a eutrophic rate (see
-------
page 13). It is calculated that three point sources--Nashwauk,
Keewaten, and Hanna Mining Company (Butler Taconite)--collactively
contributed about 63% of the load.
A reduction of 80% in the point-source phosphorus loads would
p
reduce the loading rate to about 2 Ibs/acre/yr or 0.23 g/m /yr.
This is an oligotrophic rate and, if achieved, should result in
a significant improvement in the trophic condition of Swan Lake.
2. Non-point sources (see page 13)—The phosphorus exports
of the Swan Lake tributaries were comparatively low during the
sampling year.
In all, it is estimated that non-point sources contributed
about 34% of the total phosphorus load to Swan Lake during the
sampling year.
-------
II. LAKE AND DRAINAGE BASIN CHARACTERISTICS
A. Lake Morphometry :
1. Surface area: 2,615 acres.
2. Mean depth: 39.8 feet.
3. Maximum depth: 60 feet.
4. Volume: 104,077 acre-feet.
5. Mean hydraulic retention time: 2.1 years.
B. Tributary and Outlet:
(See Appendix A for flow data)
1. Tributaries -
Name
Hay Creek
O'Brien Creek
Pickerel Creek
Oxhide Creek
Snowball Creek
Unnamed Creek (B-l)
Minor tributaries &
immediate drainage -
Totals
2. Outlet -
Swan River,
C. Precipitation****:
1. Year of sampling: 22.6 inches
2. Mean annual: 25.7 inches.
Drainage area* Mean flow*
25.1 mi;
42.9 mi.
11 «.! ^
.e. mip
7.7 mi 2
6.6 mi9
12.5 mr
13.2 mi2
13.9 cfs
23.5 cfs
9.9 cfs**
3.5 cfs
3.3 cfs
7.0 cfs
8.6 cfs
109.2 mi
,2
69.7 cfs
113.3 mi2*** 69.7 cfs
1973; mean depth by random-dot method.
* Drainage areas are accurate within ±5%; mean daily flows are accurate
within ±10%; and ungaged flows are accurate within ±10 to 25% for
drainage areas greater than 10 mi2.
** Includes Hanna Mining Co. discharge of 9.3 cfs.
*** Includes area of lake; adjusted to equal sum of subdrainage areas.
**** See Working Paper No. 1, "Survey Methods".
-------
III. LAKE WATER QUALITY SUMMARY
Swan 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 at least two
stations on the lake and from a number of depths at each station (see
map, page vi); a total of eight stations were sampled during the September
period. During each visit, a single depth-integrated (15 feet or near
bottom to surface) sample was composited from the two stations (eight
stations in September) for phytoplankton identification and enumeration;
and during the last visit, a single five-gallon depth-integrated sample
was composited for algal assays. Also each time, a depth-integrated
sample was collected from each of the stations for chlorophyll a^ analysis.
The maximum depths sampled were 45 feet at station 1, 54 feet at station 2,
49 feet at station 3, 10 feet at station 4, 12 feet at station 5, 34 feet
at station 6, 50 feet at station 7, and 25 feet at station 8.
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.
-------
IV. NUTRIENT LOADINGS
(See Appendix C for data)
For the determination of nutrient loadings, the Minnesota National
Guard collected monthly near-surface grab samples from each of the tribu-
tary sites indicated on the map (page vi), except for the high runoff
months of April and May when two samples were collected. Sampling was
begun in October, 1972, and was completed in October, 1973.
Through an interagency agreement, stream flow estimates for the year
of sampling and a "normalized" or average year were provided by the Minne-
sota 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-
: PI
pled "minor tributaries and immediate drainage" ("ZZ" of U.S.G.S.) were
2
estimated by using the means of the nutrient loads, in Ibs/mi /year, at
stations B-l, C-l, and J-l and multiplying the means by the ZZ area in
mi .
Note that Snowball Creek was sampled during the Survey; but this stream
joins the Swan River at or below the physical outlet of the lake, and the
nutrient loads do not affect the lake and are not shown in the loading
tables. However, since the "outlet" sampling station (A-l) was down-
t
stream from the confluence of Snowball Creek the nutrient loads attributed
* See Working Paper No. 1.
-------
10
to the Swan Lake outlet are those measured at station A-l minus the
Snowball Creek loads.
The calculated nutrient loadings at station D-l on O'Brien Creek
were about equal to the measured loadings from the Nashwauk wastewater
treatment plant. Therefore, background loadings for O'Brien Creek were
based on the mean loadings obtained at stations C-l and B-l. All of
the nutrients for the Nashwauk wastewater treatment plant were assumed
to have reached the lake during the sampling year.
The operator of the Nashwauk wastewater treatment plant provided
monthly effluent samples and corresponding flow data. However, the
village of Keewatin did not participate in the Survey, and nutrient
loads were estimated at 2.5 Ibs P and 7.5 Ibs N/capita/year.
The village of Pengilly has no municipal system and was assumed
to be served by septic tanks.
The Hanna Mining Company (Butler Taconite plant) was not included
in the Survey, and nutrient loads were estimated at 0.25 Ibs P and 9.4
Ibs N/capita/year.
A. Waste Sources:
1. Known municipal -
Name
Nashwauk
Keewatin
Pop.
Served
1,341
1,382
Treatment
act. sludge
trickling
filter
Mean
Flow (mgd)
0.252
0.138*
Receiving
Water
O'Brien Creek
Welcome Creek
2. Known industrial -
Pop. Mean Receiving
Name Served Treatment Flow (mqd) Water
Hanna Mining 600 septic tanks to 0.85 Pickerel Creek
Co. (Butler waste stabili-
Taconite) zation pond
t McGuire, \W3.
* Estimated at 100 gal/capita/day.
-------
11
Annual Total Phosphorus Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs -
Ibs P/ I of
Source y_r total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Hay Creek 1,210 10.7
O'Brien Creek 1,310 11.7
Pickerel Creek 245 2.2
Oxhide Creek 120 1.1
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 240 2.1
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 400 3.6
c. Known municipal STP's -
Nashwauk 3,460 30.9
Keewatin 3,460 30.9
d. Septic tanks* - 210 1.9
e. Known industrial -
Hanna Mining (Butler Taconite) 150 1.2
f. Direct precipitation** - 410 3.7
Total 11,215 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - Swan River 2,320
3. Net annual P accumulation - 8,895 pounds
* Estimate based on 308 shoreline dwellings plus 1970 Pengilly population
of 80; see Working Paper No. 1.
** See Working Paper No. 1.
-------
12
C. Annual Total Nitrogen Loading - Average Year:
1. Inputs -
Ibs N/ % of
Source y_r total
a. Tributaries (non-point load) -
Hay Creek 40,550 20.9
O'Brien Creek 45,930 23.6
Pickerel Creek 11,678 6.0
Oxhide Creek 11,960 6.2
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 10,110 5.2
b. Minor tributaries & immediate
drainage (non-point load) - 14,130 7.3
c. Known municipal STP's -
Nashwauk 10,810 5.6
Keewatin 10,360 5.3
d. Septic tanks* - 7,990 4.1
e. Known industrial -
Hanna Mining (Butler Taconite) 5,640 2.9
f. Direct precipitation** - 25,190 12.9
Total 194,348 100.0
2. Outputs -
Lake outlet - Swan River 74,010
3. Net annual N accumulation - 120,338 pounds
* Estimate based on 308 shoreline dwellings plus 1970 Pengilly population
of 80; see Working Paper No. 1.
** See Working Paper No. 1.
-------
13
D. Mean Annual Non-point Nutrient Export by Subdrainge Area:
Tributary Ibs P/mi2/yr Tbs N/mi2/yr
Hay Creek 47 1,628
Pickerel Creek 25 1,192
Oxhide Creek 25 1,516
Snowball Creek 26 744
Unnamed Creek (B-l) 18 794
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 oligtrophic if mor-
phometry permitted. A mesotrophic rate would be considered one
between "dangerous" and "permissible".
Total Phosphorus Total Nitrogen
Units
Ibs/acre/yr
grams/m2/yr
Total
4.3
0.48
Accumulated
3.3
0.37
Total
74.3
8,4
Accumulated
40.1
4.5
Vollenweider loading rates for phosphorus
(g/m2/yr) based on mean depth and mean
hydraulic retention time of Swan Lake:
"Dangerous" (eutrophic rate) 0.44
"Permissible" (oligotrophic rate) 0.22
-------
14
V. LITERATURE REVIEWED
Anonymous, 1974. Wastewater disposal facilities inventory. MPCA,
Minneapolis.
McGuire, John F., 1973. Personal communication (point sources;
physical and biological characteristics of Swan Lake). MPCA,
Minneapolis.
Miller, Richard D., 1962. Report on investigation of pollution of
Swan Lake, Itasca County. Dept. of Health, Minneapolis.
Schilling, Joel, 1974. Personal communication (lake map). MPCA,
Minneapolis.
Vollenweider, Richard A., (in press). Input-output models. Schweiz
A. Hydrol.
------- |