ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCED VI
REPORT ON
INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS
OF THE WASTE DISCHARGES
FROM THE GREAT WESTERN SUGAR MILL
AT OVID, COLORADO
ON WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
IN THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER
DENVER.COLORADO
AND
REGION VII
KANSAS CITY.MISSOURI
REGION
DENVER.COLORADO
JUNE 1972
tLEAl
-------
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
EFFECTS OF WASTE DISCHARGES
FROM THE GREAT WESTERN SUGAR MILL
AT OVID, COLORADO
ON WATER QUALITY CONDITIONS
IN THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
National Field Investigations Center - Denver
Denver, Colorado
and
Region VII Region VIII
Kansas City, Missouri Denver, Colorado
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page
GLOSSARY OF TERMS ii
LIST OF TABLES ill
LIST OF FIGURES ill
I. INTRODUCTION 1
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 2
III. RECOMMENDATIONS 4
IV. APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS 5
A. Water Quality Standards 5
B. Enforcement Conference Requirements 6
First Session 6
Second Session 7
Reconvened Second Session 7
V. WASTE SOURCES 9
A. Great Western Sugar Company Mill at Ovid. . . 9
B. Ovid Wastewater Treatment Plant 12
C. Julesburg Wastewater Treatment Plant 12
VI. STREAM SURVEYS 15
A. September 27-29, 1971 15
B. November 29-December 3, 1971 18
C. Low Flow Conditions 20
REFERENCES 21
APPENDIX A - COLORADO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
APPENDIX B - NEBRASKA WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR
THE PROTECTION OF CLASS "C" WATERS
APPENDIX C - WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES RECOMMENDED TO
THE CONFERENCE AS A RESULT OF STUDIES
CONDUCTED BY THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER
BASIN PROJECT
-------
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
BOD - Biochemical Oxygen Demand, 5-Day
COD - Chemical Oxygen Demand
DO - Dissolved Oxygen
TOC - Total Organic Carbon
SS - Suspended Solids
RM - river mileage
cfs - flow rate given in cubic feet per second
gpm - flow rate given in gallons per minute
mgd - flow rate given in million gallons per day
mg/1 - concentration given in milligrams per liter
ymhos/cm - unit of specific conductance (mho — the inverse
of the standard unit of electrical resistance, the
ohm) measured over a 1-centimeter distance, conven-
ventionally made at 25°C.
ii
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Title Page
1 Results of Bacteriological Analyses - 10
South Platte River (SPR) from Ovid,
(Colorado) Downstream to the 1-30
Highway Bridge (Nebraska)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
2 Summary of Field Measurements and 13
Analytical Results - South Platte
River (SPR) from Ovid (Colorado)
Downstream to the 1-80 Bridge
(Nebraska)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
3 Results of Bacteriological Analyses - 16
South Platte River (SPR) from Ovid
(Colorado) Downstream to the 1-80
Highway Bridge (Nebraska)
(September 27-29, 1971)
4 Seven-Day Flow Periods for Each Year 20
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Title Follows Page
1 Location Map Water Quality Invest!- 15
pations in the South Platte River Ovid,
Colorado
iii
-------
I. INTRODUCTION
The Great Western Sugar Company (subsidiary of the Great Western
United Corporation) operates a sugar-beet processing mill at Ovid,
Colorado, on the South Platte River near the Colorado-Nebraska state line.
Inadequately treated industrial wastes from this mill are discharged to
the River about 11 miles upstream from Nebraska. Small volumes of
municipal wastes from the Colorado communities of Ovid and Julesburg are
also discharged to this reach of the river.
Investigations of the water quality in the reach of the South
Platte River affected by the sugar mill waste discharges were conducted,
by the National Field Investigations Center-Denver of the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) from September to December 1971, in order to
define conditions prior to and during the sugar-beet processing season.
Waste sources were also evaluated.
This report summarizes the results of these investigations. Observed
water quality conditions are compared to applicable water quality regula-
tions. Violations of water quality standards are defined. A comparison
is also made to water quality conditions existing in 1963. Remedial
measures to abate existing interstate pollution that is in violation of
water quality standards are recommended.
-------
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Although there has been a reduction in the waste loads discharged
from the Great Western Sugar Company mill at Ovid, adequate waste treat-
ment is not being provided. The compliance date set at the Enforcement
Conference for meeting the water quality standards has not been achieved.
The coliform bacteria densities in the South Platte River, downstream
from the plant, are similar to those observed in 1963 when the flow con-
ditions were approximately the same. The Colorado and Nebraska Water
Quality Standards for bacteria are being violated as a result of the
discharge from the Great Western mill at Ovid — with the log mean fecal-
and total-coliform bacteria densities both being 60 times greater than
the Nebraska Standards, and the log mean fecal coliform bacteria levels
being about 90 times greater than the present Colorado standards at the
state line.
During the November-December survey, the Great Western Sugar Company
mill at Ovid was discharging into the South Platte River, an average of
10,200 Ib of BOD and 3,800 Ib of suspended solids per day, thus greatly
exceeding the waste loads attainable by the base-level treatment practices
for the sugar beet industry (1400 Ib/day each of 5-day BOD and suspended
solids for present plant operation).
The Great Western mill at Ovid provides marginal primary treatment
in its sedimentation ponds — detention time decreasing as the pond fills
up with solids. Requirements of the State of Colorado that wastewaters
-------
receive a minimum of secondary treatment with 80 percent removal of BOD
plus disinfection were not being met. A higher degree of treatment should
be required if necessary to protect designated uses listed in approved
State-Federal water quality standards.
In view of the observed low flows that have occurred during the past
ten years it is clear that the discharges from the Great Western Sugar
Company mill at Ovid have caused serious recurring water quality problems
in the receiving waters. In the absence of satisfactory treatment un-
acceptable conditions may be expected to recur during each sugar-beet pro-
cessing season. Reduction of discharge waste loads to levels attainable
with base-level treatment (0.5 Ib each of 5-day BOD and suspended solids
per ton of beets processed) could be expected to provide adequate protec-
tion of the receiving waters.
Municipal waste discharges from the Ovid and Julesburg treatment
plants contributed insignificant waste loads and bacterial populations;
however, on October 6, 1971, the latter facility was not operating at the
efficiency required by the Colorado Water Pollution Control Commission.
In addition to violations of established standards, the water quality
objectives recommended by the South Platte River Basin Project were not
being met [Appendix C]. The biological studies indicated that algal and
slime growths occurred in the South Platte River downstream from Ovid as
a result of waste discharged bv the Great Western mill. Violations of
Sections B & D of the Basic Standards Applicable to all Waters of the
State were occurring.
-------
III. RECOMMENDATIONS
In order to achieve early abatement of pollution of the interstate
waters of the South Platte River caused by discharges of inadequately
treated industrial wastes from the Great Western sugar-beet processing
mill at Ovid, Colorado (owned and operated by the Great Western Sugar
Company, subsidiary of the Great Western United Corporation), it is
recommended that:
1. The Great Western Sugar Company develop a schedule for implemen-
tation of necessary waste treatment facilities and practices at its Ovid
mill to provide adequate treatment of all wastes dischareed during the
1972-73 sugar beet processing campaign. This implementation schedule
should be submitted to the Environmental Protection Aeency for approval
within 60 days of the 180-day Notice He.irinn.
2. Condenser and transport waters be separated; transport and gen-
eral plant wastes be completely recycled and re-used.
3. The combined waste discharges from the Great Western mill at
Ovid contain not greater than 0.5 Ib each of BOD and suspended solids/ton of
beets sliced with the total load of each not to exceed 1,400 Ib/day,
whichever is less.
A. The number of fecal coliform orpanisms in the combined dis-
charges not exceed 75 x 10 organisms per ton of beets or a density of
1,000/100 ml, whichever is less.
-------
IV. APPLICABLE WATER QUALITY REQUIREMENTS
A. WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Water quality standards applicable to the South Platte River and
its tributaries in Colorado were established in June 1967 by the
Colorado Water Pollution Control Commission — in accordance with pro-
visions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.—
These standards were subsequently revised and fully approved as Federal
standards. They consist of three components: 1) Stream classifications
that designate water uses to be protected; 2) Water quality criteria
that specify water quality conditions which must be maintained; 3) An
implementation plan that establishes time schedules for providing
adequate treatment or control facilities for all sources of pollution.
Colorado classified the South Platte River from the Denver area
downstream to the Nebraska state line for industrial and agricultural
water uses (Class C and D). In order to achieve compatability with
Nebraska water quality standards, Colorado classified the River at the
Nebraska State Line as a warm-water fishery (Class B-2) and for irrigation
(Class D-l). [Water quality criteria applicable to these classifications
are summarized in Appendix A.] An implementation schedule was established
that required the Ovid sugar-beet processing mill to be in compliance
with the water quality standards by December 31, 1968.
Water quality standards applicable to the South Platte River were
also established by Nebraska in June 1967. These standards were subse-
quently revised and fully approved as Federal standards. Nebraska classi-
fied the South Platte River downstream from the Colorado state line for
-------
agricultural and industrial uses, partial body contact sports, and for
fish and wildlife (Class C). [Applicable water quality criteria are
summarized in Appendix B.]
B. ENFORCEMENT CONFERENCE REQUIREMENTS
First Session
In 1963, the First Session of the Conference in the Matter of
Pollution of the South Platte River Basin in the State of Colorado was
called, under provisions of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, by
the U. S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare at the request
of Colorado Governor, John Love. The Session reviewed existing water
pollution and pollution-abatement practices in the South Platte River
Basin and formulated objectives calling for studies to develop plans
for the control and abatement of water pollution therein. To carry out
the objectives laid down by the First Session, a South Platte River Basin
Project was established. A study, to be conducted jointly with the
State of Colorado, was undertaken to determine legitimate water uses and
locate the sources of pollution having an adverse effect on those uses;
through field investigations to determine the physical, chemical, and
biological responses of the South Platte River to pollution and to
evaluate the previously located sources of pollution with respect to the
conditions in the River; and to compute the waste»load reductions necessary
to obtain desired water quality and to recommend the water quality control
measures needed to effect the desired-waste load reductions.
-------
Second Session
The Second Session of the Conference, held in April 1966, was
largely devoted to presentation of the results of the Project's studies,
including water quality objectives that were recommended for the South
Platte River and waste treatment requirements for the Ovid sugar beet
mill [Appendix C]. These recommendations called for a high level of
waste-load reduction to be achieved by the Ovid mill by September 30, 1968.
The Conference adjourned without formulating specific pollution
abatement recommendations in order to allow the new Colorado Water
Pollution Control Commission sufficient time to study and evaluate the
Project's report and to develop a program for implementation of remedial
measures as well as a time schedule.
Reconvened Second Session
At the reconvening of the Second Session of the Conference in
the Matter of Pollution of the South Platte River Basin in November 1966,
the Conferees recommended that the final compliance date for providing
adequate treatment of all waste discharges in the Basin be extended from
the Project's recommended date of September 30, 1968, to June 30, 1971.
"All discharges into the South Platte River Basin
shall have adequate remedial or control facilities
in full operation by June 30, 1971, so as to comply
with water quality standards established by the
Colorado Water Pollution Control Commission as approved
21
by the Secretary of the Interior."-
-------
The Conferees did not specifically adopt the water quality objec-
tives or waste treatment requirements recommended by the Project although
a number of these recommendations were subsequently incorporated in the
Colorado Water Quality Standards.
-------
V. WASTE SOURCES
A. GREAT WESTERN SUGAR COMPANY MILL AT OVID
This mill processes approximately 2,800 tons of beets per day. The
wastewaters (after screening) are discharged to two settling ponds (approxi-
mately 750 ft by 75 ft). Only one pond is used at a time; when it has
filled with solids, the other pond is used. The detention time is short —
a matter of several hours depending upon the level of solids buildup
in the ponds. The observed discharge during the 3-day sampling period
(November 30 - December 3, 1971) averaged 4.9 mgd. The average dailv
BOD and suspended-solids loads discharged were 10,200 and 3,800 Ib, res-
pectively. This corresponds to a waste production of 3.6 Ib of BOD and
1.4 Ib of suspended solids per ton of beets processed per dav. (These
values are approximately 700 and 300 percent above the waste loads
attainable by base-level treatment methods for the sugar beet industry.)
Bacteriological analysis indicated there were extremely high counts
[Table 1] of fecal coll forms and fecal streptococci in the effluent (lop
or geometric means > 1.9 x 10 /100 ml and > 5 x 10 /100 ml, respectively).
In 1963 the only wastewater treatment provided at the Great Western
mill was impoundment of lime muds. Studies by the South Platte River
Basin Project revealed that wastewaters discharged to the South Platte
River contained a BOD load of about 35,000 Ib/day. Screening was subse-
quently installed, but the present settling ponds were not constructed
until after the 1970-71 sugar-beet processing season.
-------
TABLE 1
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) DOWNSTREAM TO 1-80 HIGHWAY BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
Total Coliform
Count/100 ml
Station
Number
Station
Description
Fecal Coliform
Count/100 ml
Maximum
Log
Mean
Minimum Maximum
Log
Mean
Minimum
Fecal Streptococci
Count/100 ml
Log
Maximum Mean Minimum
SP-1 SPR at 1-80
bridge down-
stream Colo-Nebr.
state line
(Rm 81.1)
SP-2 SPR at Jules-
burg USGS gage
d owns t earn f rom
US 385 flow
(RM 86.9)
JULES-1 Effluent from
Julesburg
VJastewater
Treatment Plant
(RM 86.6)
SP-3 SPR downstream
Western dis-
charge at Ovid,
Colo. (RM 94.0)
1.6 x 10 610,000 370,000 1 x 10
1.8 x 106 790,000 400,000 210,000
2.5 x 106>1.4 x 106
120,000 40,000 >800,000 >150,000 36,000
93,000 45,000 >800,000 M50.000 15,000
310,000 160,000 53,000
580,000 910,000 290,000 160,000 >1 x 10 >680,000 110,000
-------
TABLE 1 (Cont.)
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) DOWNSTREAM TO 1-80 HIGHWAY BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
Total Coliform Fecal Coliform Fecal Streptococci
Count/100 ml Count/100 ml Count/100 ml
Station
Number
Station
Description
Log
Maximum Mean
Log
Minimum Maximum Mean Minimum Maximum
LOR
Mean
Minimum
OVID-1 Effluent from
Treat Western
mill settling
pond (RM 94.8)
LD-1 Liddle Ditch at
overflow struc-
ture downstream
of Lodgepole
Creek (RM 95.1)
SP-4 SPR at Colo. 23
bridge south of
Ovid (RM 95.A)
4.3 x 106 >1.9 x 106 >600,000
>10 x 106 >5 x 106 >1 x 106
39,000 20,000 27,000 1,400
980
760
5,900
51,000 2,100
190
240
180
70
6,000
5,900 3,900
2,100
920
-------
B. OVID WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
This facility, an aerated lagoon followed by a polishing pond,
should afford good secondary treatment. No evaluation of the Ovid plant
was made. Owing to the small volume and location of the effluent, the
discharge from the plant is not considered a significant source of
pollution in the study reach. The effluent flows to Lodgepole Creek and
subsequently to Liddle Ditch. Bacteriological samples and field measure-
ments were made, during the stream surveys, at the overflow structure
on Liddle Ditch immediately downstream of the Lodgepole Creek confluence
[see Station LD-1, Tables 1 and 2]. The flow at the Liddle Ditch over-
flow structure was estimated to be 25 cfs.
C. JULESBURG WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT
The plant was evaluated during the period October 3-6, 1971. The
facility here includes primary sedimentation, a trickling filter, separ-
ate sludge digestion, and a polishing lagoon. BOD removal varied from
about 40 to 80 percent at an average daily flow of 0.2 mgd. The BOD
and suspended-solids loads discharged were approximately 80 to 100 lb/
day. During the November 29 - December 3 stream survey, samples of the
plant effluent were collected for bacterial analyses and field measure-
ments only [Tables 1 and 2]. During this time the waste flow was esti-
mated at 0.3 mgd. (BOD and suspended-solids loads and bacteria contribu-
tions by the Julesburg waste treatment plant are insignificant.)
12
-------
JULES-1
SP-3
TABLE 2
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) DOWNSTREAM TO THE 1-80 BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
Station
Number
SP-1
SP-2
Description
SPR at 1-80
(RM 81.1)
SPR at Jules-
Avg
Flow
(cfs)
*/
330
pH
Range
8.1
8.0-8.2
Cond.
Range
pmhos/cm
1500-1650
1500-1650
Temp.
Range
°F
33-36
33-37
DO
Range
10.5-11.6
10.4-11.0
BOD mg/1
Range
3-5.4
3-5.4
Solids
Total
Avg
3.5
3.9
Range
1560-1690
1300-1600
Avg
1610
1500
, mg/1
Suspended
Range Avg
120-185 150
95-150 120
burg USGS gage
(RM 36.9)
Effluent from 0.31 7.5-7.7 1650-1700
Julesburg waste- (est)
water treatment
plant (RM 86.6)
SPR downstream
Great Western
discharge at
Ovid (RM 94.0)
36-39
7.6-8.1 1550-1600 36-39
9.5-10.0 10-23
13 1570-3910
130-200 155
OVID-1 Effluent from
Great Western
at Ovid (RM 94.8)
7.6 6.3-7.1 1500-1750 81-86
180-290 250 1600-1690 1650 85-98 93
-------
LD-1
SP-4
TABLE 2 (Cont.)
SUMMARY OF FIELD MEASUREMENTS AND ANALYTICAL RESULTS
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) DOWNSTREAM TO THE 1-80 BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(November 29-December 3, 1971)
Station
Number
Description
Avg
Flow
(cfs)
PH
Range
Cond.
Range
U mhos /cm
Temp.
Range
°F
Solids, mg/1
DO
Range
BOD mg/1
Range Avg
Total
Range Avg
Suspended
Range Avg
25 7.7-10.8
(est)
Liddle Ditch
at overflow
structure down-
stream Lodgepole
Creek (RM 95.1)
SPR at Colo. 23 c/ 8.0-8.2 1500-1650
bridge (RM 95.4)
1500-1550 35-38 10.8-11.2
33-37 10.8-11.6
2-3
2.7 1570-1670 1620 110-150 106
a./ Flow would be expected to increase between SP-2 and SP-1 at this time of year due to groundwater accretions.
b/ BOD and solids are results of three 24-hr composite samples. All other stations, grab sampled once daily for
five days.
c/ Flow is expected to be less than at Julesburg by the amount of groundwater accretion between SP-4 and SP-2 and the
Liddle Ditch overflow and Great Western discharge. Studies by the USGS have shown an increase of 1-2 cfs/mile
between Sedgwick (upstream at RM 103.0) and Julesburg.
-------
VI. STREAM SURVEYS
A. SEPTEMBER 27-29. 1971
A limited stream survey was conducted during this period in the
South Flatte River from Ovid (Colorado) to 1-80 (in Nebraska) [Figure 1]
in order to determine bacterial conditions prior to the Fall 1971 sugar-
beet campaign. Flow in the study reach was above normal during the survey
owing to heavy precipitation about 10 days prior to the investigation.
The flow at the Julesburg USGS gage was as follows:
September 27 - 725 cfs
September 28 - 650 cfs
September 29 - 540 cfs
Irrigation diversions and groundwater accretions cause variations
upstream and downstream from Julesburg. For example, the Western Canal
(in Nebraska, about one-third the distance between the state line and the
intersection of 1-80 and the South Platte River) diverted an average of
90 cfs during this September period of investigation. No diversions
occurred between Ovid and Julesburg. Thus, it is assumed that the flow
was increasing downstream from Ovid — to near the state line because of
the accretions.
'The DO levels at all stream stations were 80 to 110 percent saturation
(7.4 - 10.4 mg/1) during the sampling carried out in this period. [Results
of the bacterial analyses for this period are in Table 3.] Bacterial
densities well below the limits specified by the Nebraska and Colorado
Water Quality Standards were observed at all stream stations.
15
-------
JULESBURG JULES 1
SM
SP 4
STP
OVERFLOW
STRUCTURE
COLO.23
SP-3
RIVER
*^
\
U.S.385
SP-2
STATION LOCATIONS
Figure 1 Location Map Water Quality Investigations in the South Platte River Ovid, Colorado.
-------
TABLE 3
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) TO THE 1-80 BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(September 27-29, 1971)
Station
Number
SP-1
SP-2
JULES-1
Station
Description
SPR at 1-30
bridge just be-
low Colo-Nebr.
state line
(RM 31.1)
SPR at USGS
gage downstream
of US 385 bridge-
Julesburg, Colo.
(RM 86.9)
Julesburg Waste-
water Treatment
Plant effluent
(RM 86.6)
Total Coliform
Count/100 ml
Log
Maximum Mean T'inimum
2,2005-/ 1,500 1,100
a/ a/ a/
1 , 300— 800— 400-1
>800,000 >280,000 >80,000 •
Fecal Coliform
Count/300 ml
Log
Maximum Mean ?finimum
530 220 100
520 <80 <10
260,000 33,000 20,000
Fecal Streptococci
Count/100 ml
Log
Maximum Mean Minimum
3,400 1,500 490
4,200 1,800 520
LC-1 Lodgepole Creek
at U.P.R.R.,
bridge in Ovid
(RM 95.2/0.8)
3,400^ 1,600^ 600^ 500 240
50
4,600 1,800
620
-------
TABLE 3 (Cont.)
RESULTS OF BACTERIOLOGICAL ANALYSES
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER (SPR) FROM OVID (COLORADO) TO THE 1-80 BRIDGE (NEBRASKA)
(September 27-29, 1971)
Total Coliform
Count/100 ml
Fecal Coliform
Count/100 ml
Fecal Streptococci
Count/100 ml
Station
Number
Station
Description
Maximum
Log
Mean
Minimum Maximum
Lop
Mean
Minimum
Maximum
Log
Mean
Minimum
LD-1 Liddle Ditch at
diversion struc-
ture below mouth
of Lodgepole
Creek (RM 95.1)
(4 samples only)
SP-4 SPR at high-
way bridge
south of Ovid
(RM 95.4)
1,800^
1,300
600*'
370
200
110
4,100 1,500
120
3,000^
1,800^
1.2002-'
290
220
170
4,100 1,500
300
a/ Total coliform results estimated because of high background colonies,
-------
B. NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 3. 1971
The study reach was sampled for five consecutive days. Significant
inflows were sampled at the same time [Tables 1 and 2]. During this
period of the investigation no diversions occurred between Ovid and the
1-80 bridge.
Water quality data at the background station (SP-4) indicate both
low fecal-coliform bacteria levels and BOD [Figure 1, Tables 1 and 2].
(A survey, conducted by the South Platte River Basin Project during
December 1963, also showed low densities of fecal coliform bacteriaa
(<300/100 ml) and low levels of BOD (<3 mg/1) at SP-4 during similar flow
conditions.) The river was clear and the sand bottom free from sludge
deposits. The benthos was limited to eight kinds of organisms because
the shifting sand bottom was a poor habitat. However, the benthos commun-
ity included pollution-sensitive forms, such as caddisflies and mayflies,
indicating this reach was free from serious pollution.
Log mean concentrations of fecal conforms, from samples taken down-
stream from the discharge of the Great Western mill (SP-3), were more
than 1,600 times the log mean values found at SP-4. The instream BOD and
suspended-solids levels were increased by the Great Western mill (Ovid)
discharge — with average BOD and suspended solids values at 13 mg/1 and
155 mg/1, respectively. (When compared with the BOD values — consistently
above 20 mg/1, observed during the December 1963 survey downstream from
Ovid, a slight improvement is evident.) The Great Western mill discharge
stimulated algal and slime growth. Blanketing portions of the sandy
18
-------
stream bed were sludge deposits composed of organic materials. These
deposits provide habitat and feed for the sludgeworm-dominated benthic
community. Therefore, in this reach violations of Sections B & D of
the Basic Standards Applicable to all Waters of the State were occurring.
There was, during this investigation, no significant decrease in
the bacterial levels measured at the Julesburg gage (SP-2) from the
values found at SP-3. The SP-2 station is upstream of the discharge
from the Julesburg wastewater treatment plant and approximately three
miles upstream of the Colorado-Nebraska state line. The BOD at SP-2
had decreased to background levels. (Compared with the 1963 survey data,
there was an improvement in water quality.) At this station algal
and slime growths were reduced.
Data obtained at the 1-80 highway bridge (SP-1) indicated the geo-
metric mean fecal collform densities were 120,000 per 100 ml, or 60 times
greater than the Nebraska standards (2,000/100 ml), i.e., a violation of
the Nebraska Water Quality Standards for bacteria. Log mean total coli-
form values were 610,000 per 100 ml, more than 60 times greater than the
allowable limit of 10,000/100 ml (log mean). Dense algal growth bordered
2
the stream bed. Benthos numbered more than 5,900/ft of which more than
4,900 were pollution-tolerant sludgeworms.
Observed log or geometric mean fecal-coliform bacteria densities
both upstream and downstream from the Colorado-Nebraska state line (SP-1
and SP-2) were more than 90 times greater than the Colorado Standards for
bacteria applicable to the South Platte River at the state line. Viola-
tions of the Colorado Water Quality Standards were thus also occurring.
19
-------
C. LOW FLOW CONDITIONS
[Flow data are shown in Table 2 for selected stations during the
survey.] The annual processing of sugar beets (often termed a campaign)
is normally conducted during the period October 1 through February 1.
Because low flows are experienced during at least part of this period
and are significant in water quality, NFIC-Denver made an examination
of the records in order to compare data and obtain a profile over a 10-
*
year period. Review of the flow records for the USGS station at Julesburg
indicates that the average flow during the month of December — for the
years 1961-70 — was about 360 cfs. The 7-day low flow (during the
October-February period) for each year during this 10-year period occurred
in the month of October 70 percent of the time.
TABLE 4
SEVEN-DAY FLOW PERIODS FOR EACH YEAR
Water Year
1961
1962
1963
1964
1965
1966
1967
1968
1969
1970
Dates
10/1-10/7
10/1-10/7
10/25-10/31
11/1-11/7
10/1-10/7
1/21-1/27
1/24-1/30
10/1-10/7
10/1-10/7
10/1-10/7
7-Day Low Flow
Oct. 1 - Feb. 1 (cfs)
26.7
889
219
126
20.5
447
114
66
113
107
(10-year,
7-day low
flow)
20
-------
REFERENCES
1. Water Quality Standards for Colorado, State of Colorado,
Department of Health, Water Pollution Control Commission,
Denver, Colorado, 1970.
2. Summary of Reconvened Second Session, Conference in the
Matter of Pollution of the South Platte River Basin,
Colorado, U. S. Department of the Interior, Federal
Water Pollution Control Administration, November 10, 1966.
21
-------
APPENDIX A
COLORADO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
-------
COLORADO WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
Waters of the State, the quality of which exceeds the limits set in these
standards, will be maintained at existing quality unless and until it can
be demonstrated to the State that a change in quality is justified to
provide necessary economic or social development. In that case, the best
practicable degree of waste treatment to protect the current classification
of such waters will be required. The appropriate Federal authority will
be provided with information, from time to time, required to discharge his
responsibilities under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended.
(Adopted October 13, 1970.)
I. BASIC STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO ALL WATERS OF THE STATE:
A. All wastes capable of treatment or control prior to discharge
into any waters of the State, shall receive secondary treatment
with disinfection or its industrial waste equivalent, as deter-
mined by the State Water Pollution Control Commission. Lesser
decrees of treatment or control may be permitted only where it
can be demonstrated that the standards applicable to the classi-
fied use of the water can be attained. Greater degrees of
treatment or control will be required where it can be demonstrated
that it is necessarv to comply with the standards applicable to
the classified use of the water.
B. Free from substances attributable to municipal, domestic, or
industrial wastes, or other controllable sources that will
either settle to form unsightly, putrescent, or odorous bottom
deposits, or will interfere with the classified use of the water.
C. Free from unsightly floating debris, oil, grease, scum, and
other floating material attributable to municipal, domestic, or
industrial wastes, or other controllable sources.
D. Free fron materials attributable to municipal, domestic or
industrial wastes, or other controllable sources that will produce
objectionable odor, color, taste, or turbidity in the water, or
objectionable aquatic life which may result in eutrophication or
other conditions that interfere with the classified use of the
water.
E. Free from high temperatures, biocides, toxic, or other deleterious
substances attributable to municioal, domestic, or industrial
wastes, or other controllable sources in levels, concentrations,
or combinations sufficient to be harmful to human or animal life.
A-l
-------
F. Radioactive materials attributable to municipal, industrial or
other controllable sources will be minimum concentrations that
are physically and economically feasible to achieve. In no
case shall such materials in the stream exceed the limits estab-
lished in the current edition of the U. S. Public Health Service
Drinking Water Standards or the limits approved by the Federal
Radiation Council, or, in the absence of any limits specified
by the U. S. Public Health Service or the Federal Radiation
Council, 1/30 of the 168-hour-week values for other radioactive
substances specified in the National Bureau of Standards
Handbook 69.
II. SPECIFIC STANDARDS ESTABLISHED BY THE STATE OF COLORADO;
CLASS B-2 - The following standards shall apply to waters classified for
fish and wildlife (Warm Water Fishery):
a. Bacteria: Wastes or substances from controllable sources
shall not be discharged into these waters in amounts which
will cause the number of organisms of the fecal coliform
group, as determined by either multiple tube fermentation
or membrane filter techniques, to exceed a log mean of
1000 per 100 milliliters or exceed 2000 per 100 milliliters
in more than 10 percent of the samples collected in any
30-day period.
b. Dissolved Oxygen; In warm water fisheries, dissolved
oxygen content shall in mo case go below 5 milligrams per
liter.
c. pH; pH shall be maintained between 6.5 and 8.5. No control-
lable pH change will be permitted which will interfere with
fish and aquatic life.
d. Turbidity; No turbidity shall exist in concentrations that
will impair natural and developed fisheries.
e. Temperature; In warm water fisheries the temperatures shall
not exceed 90°F. No controllable temperature change will
be permitted which will interfere with spawning and other
aspects of fish life.
Limits on temperature change have not been established due
to lack of historical temperature data and lack of conclusive
temperature change criteria for the aquatic biota of waters
of the state.
An abrupt change in temperature must be avoided and the normal
pattern of diurnal and seasonal changes must be preserved.
The maximum allowable temperature increase due to waste dis-
charges in streams will be 5°F.
A-2
-------
f. Toxic Material; Free from biocides, toxic, or other dele-
terious substances attributable to municipal, domestic, or
industrial wastes, or other controllable sources in levels,
concentrations, or combinations sufficient to be harmful to
aquatic life.
g. Other Material; Free from materials attributable to munici-
pal, domestic, or industrial wastes, or other controllable
sources that will produce off-flavor in the flesh of fish.
CLASS C - The following standards shall apply to waters classified for
industrial uses:
a. Dissolved Oxygen; Dissolved oxygen content shall not go
below 3 milligrams per liter.
b. pH: pH shall be maintained between 5.0 and 9.0.
c. Turbidity; No turbidity shall exist in concentrations
that will interfere with established levels of treatment.
d. Temperature; The temperature shall not exceed 90°F.
CLASS D-l - The following standards shall apply to waters classified for
irrigation:
a. Total Dissolved S_olids_(^S^t)__Con_c_e_ntr_at_ion; A time-weighted
monthly mean at a monitoring station which exceeds the
time-weighted monthly mean for a base period established by
the Commission by more than two standard deviations shall be
subject to review by the Commission.
b. Sodium Adsorption Ratio; A time-weighted monthly mean at a
monitoring station which exceeds the time-weighted monthly
mean for a base period established by the Commission by
more than two standard deviations shall be subject to
review by the Commission.
c. Toxic Material; Free from biocides, toxic, or other dele-
terious substances attributable to municipal, domestic,
industrial wastes, or other controllable sources in concen-
trations or combinations which are harmful to crop life.
A-3
-------
APPENDIX B
NEBRASKA WATER QUALITY STANDARDS
FOR PROTECTION OF CLASS "C" WATERS
-------
NEBRASKA WATER QUALITY STANDARDS FOR PROTECTION OF CLASS "C" WATERS.
Temperature -
Trout Waters - Allowable change 5°F (maximum limit 65°F).
Warm Waters - Allowable change 5°F, May-October; 10°F, November-
April; maximum limit 90°F; maximum rate of change limited
to 2° per hour.
PH -
The hydrogen ion concentration expressed as pH shall be maintained
between 6.5 and 9.0, with a maximum total change of 1.0 pH unit from
the value in the receiving stream.
Dissolved Oxygen -
Shall not be lower than 5 mg/1 in warm waters and 6 mg/1 in trout
waters.
Bacteria -
Colifonn group and fecal coliform organisms shall not exceed a
geometric mean of 10,000 total coliform organisms or 2,000 fecal
coliform organisms per 100 ml. No more than 20 percent of the
samples shall exceed 20,000 total or 4,000 fecal coliform
bacteria.
B-l
-------
APPENDIX C
WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES RECOMMENDED TO THE CONFERENCE
AS A RESULT OF STUDIES CONDUCTED BY THE
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN PROJECT
-------
WATER QUALITY OBJECTIVES RECOMMENDED TO THE CONFERENCE AS A RESULT OF
STUDIES CONDUCTED BY THE SOUTH PLATTE RIVER BASIN PROJECT.
1. In the main stem of the South Platte River from -just below the discharge
from the Great Western Sugar Company mill in the City of Brighton to the
Colorado-Nebraska State Line:
a. Dissolved Oxyeen (DO) content be maintained at not less than 4 mg/1.
b. The 5-day 20°C BOD level not be allowed to exceed 15 mg/1.
c. The total and fecal coliform levels not be allowed to exceed 5,000
and 1,000 bacteria per 100 ml, respectively.
2. The Sugar Beet Industry provide treatment of wastes so that the total
5-day BOD load discharged any given day in the total effluents entering
basin streams or waterways shall not exceed the given value. Residual
wastes could be discharged over an extended period of the year if
necessary. The limit set for the Ovid plant was 2,300 pounds of BOD
per day.
3. There be no settleable solids contained in the total effluents and that
suspended solids loads in these effluents not exceed the numerical level
prescribed above for the 5-day BOD.
A. Disinfection be provided for each waste discharge so that the receiving
stream or waterway directly below each mill shall not show an increase
of more than 5,000 total coliform bacteria per 100 ml and 1,000 fecal
coliform bacteria per 11° ml over the corresponding densities upstream
of the mill discharge.
5. Dissolved oxypen in the treated waste effluent shall not be less than
2 mg/1 at any time to insure minimum dissolved oxveen concentrations
of 4 mg/1 in the receiving streams or waterways.
6. There be absence of grease, oil, floating solids, slime or sludee banks
in the receiving streams or waterways as the result of waste discharges
from the sugar beet mill.
7. There be no disagreeable odors or other nuisances in the areas outside
of and immediately adjacent to the plant sites.
8. The waste abatement measures given above for the sugar beet industry in
the South Platte River Basin shall be completed by September 30, 1968,
to provide full capacity for total plant wastes in the 1968-69 campaign
and all subsequent campaigns.
C-l
------- |