DRAFT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT
IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
CEMENT PLANT
THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK. ALABAMA
LIMESTONE QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
APPENDICES
VOLUME II
APPENDIX B BASELINE
CLIMATOLOGY AND DISPERSION METEOROLOGY
AIR QUALITY
NOISE LEVELS
SOLID WASTE
GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS
WATER RESOURCES
ARCHAEOLOGY
UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY, REGION IV
-------
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
CLIMATOLOGY AND DISPERSION METEOROLOGY
PLANT SITE B-C-1
INTRODUCTION B-C-1
CLIMATOLOGICAL FEATURES B-C-2
Temperature B-C-2
PreclpltaTTon B-C-2
Wind B-C-2
Relative Humidity B-C-4
Severe StormsB-C-4
Dispersion Meteorology B-C-8
QUARRY SITE B-C-14
AIR QUALITY
INTRODUCTION B-A-1
MOBILE COUNTY AND THE PROPOSED PLANT SITE B-A-2
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-A-2
Emission Sources B-A-2
Measured Air Quality B-A-4
Air Quality Trends (Mobile Area) B-A-4
Existing Levels (Mobile Area) B-A-8
Existing Levels (Plant Site Area) B-A-12
Air Baseline B-A-12
Estimated Air Quality B-A-15
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-A-18
QUARRY SITE B-A-22
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-A-22
Emission Sources B-A-22
Measured Air Quality B-A-22
Estimated Air Quality B-A-25
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-A-26
Il-i
-------
NOISE
INTRODUCTION B-N-1
SOUND MEASUREMENT B-N-1
HEALTH AND WELFARE EFFECTS B-N-3
GUIDELINES B-N-3
PLANT SITE B-N-8
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-N-8
Study Area Description B-N-8
Baseline Noise Survey B-N-12
Results of Monitoring Program B-N-12
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-N-21
Introduction B-N-21
Projection Methodology B-N-21
Discussion of Findings B-N-22
QUARRY SITE B-N-25
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-N-25
Baseline Survey B-N-25
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-N-29
SOLID WASTES
INTRODUCTION B-S-W-1
PLANT SITE B-S-W-2
QUARRY SITE B-S-W-6
GEOTECHNICAL
REGIONAL SETTING B-G-1
GEOMORPHOLOGY B-G-1
STRATIGRAPHY B-G-1
TECTONIC ACTIVITY B-G-5
Il-ii
-------
PLANT SITE B-G-6
GEOMORPHOLOGY B-G-6
STRATIGRAPHY B-G-11
STRUCTURE B-G-16
GROUND WATER B-G-16
QUARRY SITE B-G-18
GEOMORPHOLOGY B-G-18
STRATIGRAPHY B-G-22
STRUCTURE B-G-28
GROUND WATER B-G-28
WATER RESOURCES
PLANT SITE B-W-1
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-W-1
General Overview of Mobile Bay B-W-1
PhysiographyB-W-1
Hydrodynamic Processes B-W-1
Water Quality B-W-2
Theodore Barge Canal and North Fork Deer River B-W-3
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-W-18
QUARRY SITE B-W-23
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977) B-W-23
Alabama and Mobile River Basins B-W-23
General Description B-W-23
Precipitation B-W-25
Topography B-W-26
Flow B-W-30
Yields B-W-32
Water Resource Projects on the Alabama River B-W-32
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES PROPERTY B-W-37
Alabama River B-W-37
Velocity Profile and Hydraulics at the Gail lard Tract B-W-37
Sediments and Depositional Processes B-W-41
-------
Water Level Extremes and Flooding B-W-43
Water Quality B-W-45
Thompson Mill Creek (Marshalls Creek) B-W-60
Hollinger Creek B-W-62
Randons Creek B-W-67
McGirts Creek" B-W-68
Alabama Tributaries Nos. 1. 2. 3. and 4 B-W-68
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT B-W-72
Alabama River B-W-72
Thompson Mill Creek (Marshalls Creek) B-W-72
Hollinger Creek B-W-73
Randons Creek B-W-73
Alabama Tributaries No. 1 and 2 B-W-74
Alabama Tributaries No. 3 and 4 B-W-74
ARCHAEOLOGY
PLANT SITE B-A-R-1
QUARRY SITE B-A-R-1
SURFACE SURVEY B-A-R-1
EXCAVATION B-A-R-2
CONCLUSIONS B-A-R-7
Il-iv
-------
LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
CLIMATOLOGY AND DISPERSION METEOROLOGY
B.C.I Climatological Data, National Weather Service Office, B-C-3
Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama; 1941 through 1970
B.C.2 Mean Relative Humidity and Dense Fog Occurrences, B-C-7
Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama
B.C.3 Percent Frequency of Occurrence of Pasquill's Stability B-C-9
Classes, 1971-75, Mobile, Alabama
B.C.4 Average Seasonal and Annual Mixing Heights (Meters) B-C-12
for Burrwood, Louisiana, 1971-75
B.C.5 Monthly Averages of Temperature and Precipitation for B-C-15
the Ideal Basic Industries Quarry Site, 1941-70
AIR QUALITY
B.A.I Summary of Areawide TSP Concentration Levels B-A-6
(ug/m3) in Mobile County, 1972-1976
B.A.2 Summary of Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter B-A-9
Data (ug/m3), in the Vicinity of the Proposed
Ideal Cement Plant, 1972-1977
B.A.3 Summary of Existing Ambient Total Suspended Particulate B-A-14
Matter Levels (ug/m3) in the Vicinity of the
Proposed Ideal Basic Industries Plant Site, 1976 and 1977
B.A.4 Summary of Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter B-A-23
Data (ug/m3) in the Vicinity of the Proposed Quarry
Site, 1972 to 1977
NOISE
B.N.I Federal Highway Administration Design Noise Level/Land B-N-4
Use Relationships
B.N.2 Yearly Average Equivalent Sound Levels Identified as B-N-6
Requisite to Protect the Public Health and Welfare
with an Adequate Margin of Safety
II-v
-------
LIST OF TABLES
(continued)
Table
B.N.3 Locations and Characteristics of Noise Monitoring B-N-14
Stations
B.N.4 LIQ Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the Baseline Study B-N-16
B.N.5 L5Q Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the Baseline Study B-N-17
B.N.6 Leq Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the Baseline Study B-N-18
B.N.7 Ldn and Leq(24) Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the B-N-19
Baseline Study
B.N.8 Ldn and Leq(24) Noise Levels (dBA) at Baseline B-N-23
Monitoring Stations in 1977 and in 1992
B.N.9 Locations and Characteristics of Noise Monitoring B-N-27
Stations
B.N.10 LIQ, LSQ, Leq (10-minute) Noise Levels (dBA) Measured B-N-28
at the Quarry Site
GEOTECHNICAL
B.G.I Geologic Units and their Water-Bearing Properties B-G-13
B.G.2 Important Formations and their Characteristics, B-G-23
Monroe County, Alabama
B.G.3 Partial Well Inventory for Wells Near Gaillard Quarry B-G-31
Site
WATER RESOURCES
B.W.I Historical Water Quality Data, 1976 B-W-4
B.W.2 Water Quality of Theodore Industrial Park Area B-W-7
(Station PI, Lower North Fork Deer River)
B.W.3 Theodore Barge Canal Point Source Daily Flows and Loads B-W-15
(Ibs/day) (PHI: 1977; PH2: 1978 and Beyond)
B.W.4 Theodore Canal Nonpoint Flows and Loads (Wet Season B-W-16
Average Daily Loads and Flows)
n-vi
-------
LIST OF TABLES
(continued)
Table
B.W.5 Monthly and Annual Norms of Temperature (F°) and B-W-27
Precipitation (Inches) in Southwest Alabama
B.W.6 USGS Gaging Stations on the Alabama River B-W-31
B.W.7 Watershed Areas B-W-39
B.W.8 Stage Elevations on the Alabama River B-W-46
B.W.9 Minimum Average Flows and Median 7 -day Low Flows B-W-48
for the Alabama River at Clai borne
B.W.10 Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, B-W-49
Alabama, October, 1971, to September, 1974
B.W.ll Alabama River Water Quality Data, Station M6 (Quarry B-W-57
Site)
B.W.12 Thompson Mill Creek (Marshall s Creek) Water Quality B-W-63
Data: Station M2
B.W.13 Hollinger Creek Baseflow Water Quality Data: B-W-65
Station M5
B.W.14 Randons Creek Baseflow Water Quality Data: Station Ml B-W-69
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
CLIMATOLOGY AND DISPERSION METEOROLOGY
B.C.I Five-year Average Seasonal Wind Roses, Mobile, B-C-5
Alabama, 1971-1975
B.C.2 Five-year Average Annual Wind Rose, Mobile, Alabama, B-C-6
1971-1975
B.C.3 Isopleths of the Total Number of Forecast Days of B-C-11
High Meteorological Potential for Air Pollution in
a Five-Year Period
AIR QUALITY
B.A.I Major Air Pollutant Emission Sources in the Vicinity B-A-3
of Proposed Cement Plant, Theodore, Alabama
B.A.2 Locations of Mobile County Health Department Ambient B-A-5
Monitoring Stations
B.A.3 Areawide Total Suspended Particulate Matter, Mobile B-A-7
County, 1972-1977
B.A.4 Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter B-A-10
Concentrations at Two Stations Near the Proposed
Ideal Cement Plant, Mobile County, 1972-1977
B.A.5 Locations of Ambient Monitoring Stations in the B-A-13
Vicinity of the Proposed Cement Plant, Theodore,
Al abama
B.A.6 Isopleths of Estimated Existing Annual Average B-A-16
Ground-Level Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations (ug/m3),
Theodore, Alabama, 1977
B.A.7 Isopleths of Estimated Existing Annual Average B-A-17
Ground-Level Suspended Particul ate Matter Concen-
trations (ug/m3), Theodore, Alabama, 1977
B.A.8 Isopleths of Projected Annual Average Ground-Level B-A-20
Sulfur Dioxide Concentrations (ug/m3), Theodore,
Alabama, 1992
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
(continued)
Figure Page
B.A.9 Isopleths of Projected Annual Average Ground-Level B-A-21
Suspended Particulate Matter Concentrations (ug/m3),
Theodore, Alabama, 1992
B.A.10 Trends in Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter B-A-24
Concentrations, Rural Alabama in the Region of the
Proposed Ideal Quarry Site, 1972-1977
NOISE
B.N.I Typical A-Weighted Sound Levels B-N-2
B.N.2 Present Land Use in the Vicinity of the Proposed B-N-9
Cement Plant
B.N.3 Traffic Volumes B-N-10
B.N.4 Industrial Noise Sources in the Vicinity of the B-N-11
Proposed Cement Plant
B.N.5 Noise Monitoring Stations (Plant Site) B-N-13
B.N.6 Noise Monitoring Stations (Quarry Site) B-N-26
SOLID WASTE
B.S.W.I Landfill Sites (Mobile Area) B-S-W-3
B.S.W.2 Landfill Site (Monroe County) B-S-W-7
GEOTECHNICAL
B.G.I Surficial Geology of Study Area (Mobile County) B-G-2
B.G.2 Surficial Geology of Study Area (Monroe County) B-G-3
B.G.3 Strati graphic Column of Coastal Alabama B-G-4
B.G.4 Photos of the Theodore Plant Site Along the North B-G-7
Fork Deer River from the Bridge on Dauphin Island
Parkway
Il-ix
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
(continued)
Figure Page
B.G.5 Photos of the Theodore Plant Site Along the Barge B-G-8
Canal
B.G.6 Topographic Survey of the Theodore Plant Site B-G-9
B.G.7 Mobile Bay Bathymetry B-G-10
B.G.8 Mobile Bay Depth Changes Between 1849-1851 and B-G-12
1960-1961
B.G.9 Sedimentation Distribution, Mobile Bay B-G-14
B.G.10 Cross Sections of the Theodore Plant Site B-G-15
B.G.ll Proposed Quarry Site B-G-19
B.G.12 Longitudinal and Cross Sectional Profiles (Thompson B-G-20
Mill Creek and Hoi linger Creek)
B.G.13 Minor Tributary to the Alabama River Approximately B-G-21
200 Feet from the Confluence in the Vicinity of
Marshal Is Bluff
B.G.14 Columnar Section, Proposed Quarry Site B-G-25
B.G.15 Subsurface Profile B-G-27
B.G.16 Spring Discharging at the Upper Contact of the Yazoo B-G-30
Formation Along Marshal Is Bluff
B.G.17 Locations of Wells near the Gaillard Quarry Site B-G-33
WATER RESOURCES
B.W.I Water Sampling Station B-W-6
B.W.2 Dissolved Oxygen Versus Time and Depth at the Theodore B-W-12
Barge Canal, Spring and Summer, 1977
B.W.3 Specific Conductivity Versus Time and Depth at the B-W-13
Theodore Barge Canal, Spring and Summer, 1977
B.W.4 Plan View of Proposed Corps Project—Entire Harbor B-W-19
II-x
-------
LIST OF FIGURES
(continued)
Figure Page
B.W.5 Plan View of Proposed Corps Project B-W-20
B.W.6 Proposed Wastewater Outfall in Mobile Bay B-W-22
B.W.7 Map of the Alabama-Coosa-Etowah River Basin B-W-24
B.W.8 Major Land Resource Areas of the Alabama River Basin B-W-29
B.W.9 Average Monthly Flows, Alabama River at Claiborne, B-W-33
1965-1974
B.W.10 Alabama River Basin B-W-34
B.W.ll Watershed Map: McGirts Creek, Thompson Mill Creek, B-W-38
Hoi linger Creek, Randons Creek, Alabama Tributaries
1, 2, 3, and 4
B.W.12 Velocity Profile Alabama River at Proposed Docking B-W-40
Facility
B.W.13 Alabama River Sediments B-W-42
B.W.14 100-Year Floodplain at Proposed Quarry Site B-W-44
B.W.15 Variation of Flood-Discharge with Drainage Area for B-W-47
Selected Recurrence Intervals, Alabama River
ARCHAEOLOGY
B.A.Q.l Archaeological-Historical Survey of Ideal Basic B.A.R.3
Industries Quarry Site, Perdue Hill, Alabama
Il-xi
-------
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this section Is to present a detailed description of the
1977 baseline conditions and projected 1992 conditions at the plant and
quarry sites. The descriptions of the 1977 baseline environment are
based on the results of extensive data gathering and field work con-
ducted during 1977.
The baseline conditions at the plant and quarry sites are presented for
nine areas: climatology and meteorology, air, noise, solid waste,
geotechnical, water resources, archaeology, terrestrial and aquatic
ecology, and socioeconomics. For applicable areas (air, noise, water
resources, ecology, and socioeconomics), the projected conditions in
15 years (the 1992 baseline conditions without the proposed action) are
also presented.
The descriptions of baseline conditions presented in these appendix
sections are critical to the EIS process as they serve as the basis for
evaluating the impacts of the proposed action.
B-I-1
-------
CLIMATOLOGY
AND
DISPERSION
METEOROLOGY
-------
PLANT SITE
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
CLIMATOLOGY AND DISPERSION METEOROLOGY
PLANT SITE
INTRODUCTION
Mobile Is located on the western bank and at the head of Mobile Bay,
45 kilometers (28 miles) north from the Gulf of Mexico. These water
bodies greatly moderate the city's temperatures, giving the area a
subtropical coastal climate. Locations further south of Mobile, such as
the Theodore Industrial Park, are closer to the Gulf and have the
potential for slightly more temperature moderation than urban Mobile.
The source of climatological data for the proposed plant site area is
Bates Field, where data have been collected since 1941. Bates Field is
located 19 kilometers (12 miles) west of Mobile, within 24 kilometers
(15 miles) of the Theodore Industrial Park site.
B-C-1
-------
PLANT SITE
CLIMATOLOGICAL FEATURES
Temperature
Monthly average temperatures at Mobile range from 27°C (82°F) in July
and August to 11°C (51°F) in January (Table B.C.I). There is an average
of 19 freezing nights per year. The average date of the first freeze is
December 10, and the average date of the last freeze is February 17.
Temperatures of at least 32°C (90°F) occur an average of 81 days per
year.
Precipitation
The average precipitation per year is 1,701 millimeters (67 inches),
with slightly more rainfall during the summer and slightly less in the
autumn. Summertime rainfall is largely in the form of short-lived,
convective-type showers and thundershowers. These are formed by high
ambient temperatures and copious amounts of moisture in the atmosphere
during these months. The maximum monthly precipitation of recent record
is 490 millimeters (19 inches); the maximum and minimum annual totals
are 2,300 millimeters (91 inches) and 1,076 millimeters (42 inches),
respectively. Almost all precipitation in Mobile is in the form of
rain; however, the recent winters of 1958, 1971, 1973, and 1977 have
experienced at least a trace of snow. Daily rainfall exceeding 2.5
millimeters (0.1 inches) occurs an average of 124 days per year.
Wind
Long-term records in Mobile show semi-annual changes in wind patterns
between the moist, warm months and the dry, cooler months. North winds
prevail in the winter, but in all except the most severe winters there
are moderate stretches of southerly winds when mild weather prevails.
Summer winds are predominantly from the south with both sea breeze
circulations and synoptic scale flow affecting the coastal areas.
The major synoptic flow is the clockwise flow around a large summertime
ridge which generally is centered off the mid-Atlantic coastline. The
B-C-2
-------
Table B.C.I. Climatological Data, National Weather Service Office, Bates Field, Mobile, Alabama; 1941 through 1970
CD
I
o
I
oo
Month Prevail -
ing
Wind
Precipitation
Mean Speedt
Knots (mph)
mm
Mean
(inches)
Maximumtt
mm
(inches)
Minimumtt
mm
(inches)
Average
op f°C\
I/ \ r /
Temperature
Maximumtt
"C
(°F)
Minimumtt
°C
(°F)
Direction*
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
NE
NE
N
N
N
N
9.3
9.6
9.7
9.2
7.8
6.9
6.1
6.0
7.0
7.3
8.2
8.9
8.2
(10.7)
(11.0)
(11.2)
(10.6)
(9.0)
(7.9)
(7.0)
(6.9)
(8.1)
(8.4)
(9.5)
(10.2)
(9.4)
120
121
180
142
115
155
225
176
167
65
86
150
1701
(4.71)
(4.76)
(7.07)
(5.59)
(4.52)
(6.09)
(8.86)
(6.93)
(6.59)
(2.55)
(3.39)
(5.92)
(66.98)
237
229
396
449
284
332
490
306
346
171
347
289
2299
(9.35)
(9.01)
(15.58)
(17.69)
(11.17)
(13.07)
(19.29)
(12.05)
(13.61)
(6.72)
(13.65)
(11.38)
(90.53)
25
33
15
12
11
30
55
60
15
1
6
37
1077
(0.98)
(1.31)
(0.59)
(0.48)
(0.45)
(1.19)
(2.16)
(2.35)
(0.58)
(0.03)
(0.25)
(1.45)
(42.35)**
10.7
12.2
15.2
19.9
23.8
26.8
27.6
27.5
25.3
20.5
14.7
11.6
19.7
(51.2)
(54.0)
(59.4)
(67.9)
(74.8)
(80.3)
(81.6)
(81.5)
(77.5)
(68.9)
(58.5)
(52.9)
(67.4)
29
28
32
33
38
39
40
39
37
34
31
27
40
(84)
(82)
(90)
(92)
(100)
(102)
(104)
(102)
(98)
(93)
(87)
(81)
(104)
-13
-12
-12
2
6
13
16
15
6
0
-5
-12
-13
(8)
(11)***
(11)
(36)
(43)
(56)
(60)
(59)
(42)
(32)
(22)
(10)
(8)
*_-14_year averaged data, 1963-1976.
t—38 years of data analyzed, 1949-1976.
**—37.15 inches was recorded for 1938.
tt—35-year averaged data, 1942-1976.
***__!899 lowest temperature on record (-1°F),
Source: U.S. National Climatic Center, 1976.
-------
PLANT SITE
yearly average wind speed is 8.2 knots, with a maximum of 9.7 knots in
March and a minimum of 6.0 knots in August.
Table B.C.I summarizes the monthly temperature, precipitation, and wind
patterns. Five-year average seasonal and annual hourly wind roses for
Mobile are presented in Figures B.C.I and B.C.2.
Relative Humidity
Annual average relative humidity ranges from 85 percent in early morning
to 57 percent during the afternoon. There is a small seasonal change in
relative humidity values with the maximum occurring in midsummer and the
minimum values occurring in late winter and early spring. Dense fog
occurs on an average of 39 days per year. Because it is directly on the
Bay, the Theodore Industrial Park very likely will experience several
more fogs per year than Bates Field, where the records were taken.
Relative humidity and dense fog data are summarized in Table B.C.2.
Severe Storms
Thunderstorms are the most frequent of severe storms, occurring an
average of 80 days per year. Most storms (55 percent) occur from June
through August, triggered by either moisture and heat convection within
a tropical air mass or by nearby frontal systems (squalls), or
frequently a combination of both.
Tropical cyclones, more specifically hurricanes, have invaded southern
Alabama very infrequently during this century. Most of the recent Gulf
hurricanes have continued westward of this area or have veered north-
eastward into the Florida panhandle. From data compiled by Simpson and
Lawrence (1971), the probability that a tropical cyclone will enter the
area surrounding Mobile Bay is one in five years. The probability that
an invading tropical storm will be of at least hurricane intensity
[wind speeds greater than 117 kilometers (73 miles) per hour] is nearly
70 percent.
B-C-4
-------
6.7
7.2 W
E 7.2
8.7
WINTER
CALM - 4.1%
9.3
8.6
7.2 W
9.1
E 7.7
SE
9.7
9.0
SPRING
CALM - 4.4%
5.9 W
E 6.1
SUMMER
CALM - 9.8%
6.6
5.5W ^
6.7
E 7.1
AUTUMN
CALM - 8.4%
Figure B.C.1
FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE SEASONAL WIND ROSES,
MOBILE ALABAMA, 1971-1975
SCALE: EACH TICK MARK REPRESENTS 4%
AVERAGE SPEEDS GIVEN IN KNOTS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering. Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-C-5
-------
8.0
NW
6.4 W
E 7.0
ANNUAL
CALM - 6.68%
Figure B.C.2
FIVE-YEAR AVERAGE ANNUAL WIND ROSE,
MOBILE, ALABAMA, 1971-1975
SCALE: EACH TICK MARK REPRESENTS 4%
AVERAGE SPEEDS GIVEN IN KNOTS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-C-6
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.C.2.
Mean Relative Humidity and Dense Fog Occurrences, Bates
Field, Mobile, Alabama
Month
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Annual
Humidity (percent)*
0000
80
77
80
83
83
84
86
87
86
82
82
81
83
(local
0600
82
81
84
87
86
86
89
90
88
85
85
84
85
time)
1200
63
55
56
54
53
54
60
61
60
52
55
62
57
1800
71
62
64
64
62
65
71
73
72
67
70
73
68
Fog t
Days of
Occurrence
6
5
5
5
2
1
1
1
2
2
4
5
39
*—14-year record, 1963-1976.
t—35-year record, 1942-1976.
Source: U.S. National Climatic Center, 1976.
B-C-7
-------
PLANT SITE
There were 20 reports of tornadoes in the vicinity of Mobile over the
13-year period from 1955 to 1967 (Pautz, 1969). Tornadoes are most
frequent in March and April.
Dispersion Meteorology
The pollutant dispersion potential of a region is often an inherent
characteristic of the local climatology, as temperature and precipita-
tion are characteristics which vary from region to region. The ability
of the atmosphere to disperse emitted material horizontally from a given
release point is dependent on the wind direction variability and mean
wind speed. In order to know how emitted material disperses vertically
(by rising or sinking), information concerning the atmospheric
temperature stratification (atmospheric stability) must be known.
The stability classes of Pasquill and their percentage occurrence in
Mobile during a 5-year period are described in Table B.C.3. Classes D
and E are represented over 80 percent of the time, whereas Class A
stability occurs less than 1 percent of the time.
The dispersion capabilities of a region are affected by the frequency
and kinds of inversions. An inversion is an increase in air temperature
with height in the atmosphere. This stratification, with the cooler,
denser air lower in the atmosphere, is thermodynamically stable, and
there is no vertical mixing of layers. There are several types of
inversions, but only one type is common at Mobile.
Nocturnal or radiation inversions are frequent in Mobile. They are the
least serious type of inversion because they last only during the night-
time hours and because they normally reach only 100 to 200 meters (300
to 650 feet) above the ground. Effluents released above the shallow
inversion cannot descend through it. If the inversion does extend above
a stack, the effluent plume will neither rise nor descend but will fan
out horizontally within one of the stable strata forming the inversion.
B-C-8
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.C.3. Percent Frequency of Occurrence of Pasqulll's Stability
Classes, 1971-75, Mobile, Alabama
Stability Class
A
B
C
D
E
1
0.03
2.04
7.16
61.82
28.94
2
0.61
5.09
11.16
53.20
29.93
Season
3
2.30
10.31
18.34
24.97
44.08
4
0.31
5.96
13.00
36.87
43.86
5
0.82
5.87
12.44
44.15
36.72
Seasons Legend:
1 - December, January, February
2 - March, April, May
3 - June, July, August
4 - September, October, November
5 - Annual
Stability Class Definitions (Pasquill, 1961):
A - Extremely unstable conditions with strong super adiabatic lapse
rate, greater turbulence, mixing.
B - Unstable, moderate mixing.
C - Slightly unstable, usually moderate wind speeds, minimal
turbulence.
D - Neutral, approximately dry adiabatic lapse rate.
E - A combination of Pasquill's classes "E" through "G," from
conditionally unstable through inversion conditions.
B-C-9
-------
PLANT SITE
A noctural inversion is formed on a clear, calm night. Air is a poor
heat conductor, and heat radiated from the ground will pass directly out
into space without heating the air. Cooler, denser air, initially only
a few meters thick, forms at the surface, and the inversion gradually
builds to include higher air levels. At Mobile, these shallow nocturnal
emissions occur during nearly 40 percent of all hours in spring and
summer (Hosier, 1961).
A more serious type of inversion, subsidence inversion, occurs quite
infrequently at Mobile. Unlike nocturnal inversions, subsidence inver-
sions form in the upper air and act as a thermodynamic lid on the upward
mixing of effluents. Also, they are not broken up by sunshine and may
persist for days. In the eastern United States, they are most commonly
formed by the heating of descending cool air. The air reaches a stable
level, and an inversion is formed. Up to the mixing height, the
distance from the ground to the inversion, air can freely mix, but it is
confined within the area so that car and industrial emissions build up.
This general type of inversion is responsible for occasional serious air
pollution buildups in California.
According to Holzworth's (1972) forecasts of air pollution potential
(Figure B.C.3), Mobile would experience fewer than 20 days of subsidence
inversion in any 5-year period. The nearest station for which mixing
height data are available is Burrwood, Louisiana. These data are
presented in Table B.C.4.
Other inversions occur either to a lesser degree or for very brief
periods of time. A frontal system may cause a build-up of effluent
concentrations for a few hours. This is called trapping and is usually
experienced only during the late fall or winter when cooler air masses
invade the state. Trapping can produce high pollutant concentrations
for very brief periods.
A fumigation (downwash) condition can be created by the break-up of an
inversion layer from below by sunshine hitting the surface; however,
B-C-10
-------
Figure B.C.3
ISOPLETHS OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF FORECAST DAYS OF HIGH METEOROLOGICAL
POTENTIAL FOR AIR POLLUTION IN A FIVE-YEAR PERIOD
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
AND PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.C.4. Average Seasonal and Annual Mixing Heights (Meters) for
Burrwood, Louisiana, 1971-75
Season
Winter
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Annual
Morm" ng
229
351
438
244
335
Afternoon
678
1083
1474
1038
1073
Source: U.S. National Climatic Center, 1971-1975.
B-C-12
-------
PLANT SITE
these conditions are usually very brief, lasting no more than 45 min-
utes. Longer fumigations are sometimes induced by afternoon sea breezes
when the stable, cooler air from over the sea surface moves ashore where
the surface is hot. The surface heats the cool layer from below, caus-
ing low-level mixing to occur while the upper level air remains stable
and prevents upwards mixing. Mobile will experience this phenomenon
mostly during the summer months.
Both sea breeze and land breeze circulations contribute to the
ventilation and dispersion of emitted material. Sea and land breezes
can be brought about by synoptic-scale weather patterns such as highs,
lows, or frontal systems, but it is more appropriate to discuss the
smaller scale phenomena which take the form of true vertical
circulations over most coastal areas.
Mesoscale influences affecting Mobile increase greatly in the summer
season. Sea breezes created by very localized temperature and density
gradients are established along the coastline because of the much
greater heat capacity of the sea as opposed to the land. The cooler
sea air is denser and sinks, while the hotter land air rises. From
continuity of mass considerations only, surface air will flow from the
sea onto land. A return flow at some upper level will complete the
vertical circulation.
While mesoscale breezes help cleanse the air through dilution of emitted
material, several situations have been observed where emitted material,
once caught in a sea breeze, has been recirculated toward its point of
release.
B-C-13
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
Located approximately 108 kilometers (67 miles) northeast of Bates
Field, the Ideal Basic Industries quarry site is in an area for which
tew meteorological data are presently available.
Being further from the Gulf of Mexico, the quarry site experiences fewer
sea breezes, lower dew points, and substantially less summertime rain-
fall than the plant site. Monthly averages of temperature and precipi-
tation data available from nearby sources are presented in Table B.C.5.
Bates Field is the nearest source of other climatological records (see
Tables B.C.I and B.C.2).
For the quarry site, the mean monthly temperature varies from 8.9°C
(48.8°F) in January, to 26.9°C (80.5°F) in July. The mean annual
temperature is 18.3°C (65°F). As at the plant site, precipitation is
fairly evenly distributed throughout the year with a small October
minimum. The annual rainfall total of 1,519 millimeters (59.81 inches)
is over 178 millimeters below the Bates Field total, due almost entirely
to reduced summertime showers from June through September.
B-C-14
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.C.5.
Monthly Averages of Temperature and Precipitation for the
Ideal Basic Industries Quarry Site, 1941-70
Month
Temperature*
Precipitation!
Millimeters
Inches
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
ANNUAL
8.9
10.6
13.9
18.6
22.6
25.9
26.9
26.8
24.2
18.7
12.8
9.7
18.3
48.8
51.1
57.0
65.5
72.7
78.7
80.5
80.2
75.6
65.6
55.0
49.5
65.0
124
121
169
134
103
129
173
121
123
70
113
139
1,519
4.88
4.76
6.65
5.27
4.06
5.06
6.81
4.75
4.86
2.76
4.46
5.49
59.81
* Temperature data taken from U.S. National Climatic Center, 1970,
(ALABAMA) for Evergreen, Alabama, 1941-70.
t Precipitation data taken from U.S. National Climatic Center, 1970,
(ALABAMA) for Frisco City, 1941-70.
B-C-15
-------
AIR QUALITY
-------
PLANT AND QUARRY SITES
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
AIR QUALITY
INTRODUCTION
This section describes the existing air quality at the plant and quarry
sites. Sources of atmospheric emissions and long-term measured trends
in air quality levels are presented. In addition, the spatial distribu-
tion of pollutants of concern in the vicinity of the sites is estimated.
The applicable ambient air quality standards for Mobile and Monroe
counties and the pollutants and regulations of concern for the Ideal
Basic Industries plant and quarry sites are described in Appendix A.
B-A-1
-------
PLANT SITE
MOBILE COUNTY AND THE PROPOSED PLANT SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
Emission Sources
Mobile County is a highly Industrialized, highly populated area located
on Mobile Bay. Several major sources of air pollution are located In
Mobile County. During 1976, over 180 point sources were permitted
either to operate or to construct. These sources emitted approximately
79,800 metric tons (88,000 tons) of sulfur dioxide and 6,800 metric tons
(7,500 tons) of particulate matter (U.S. National Emissions Data
Systems, 1976).
Major stationary sources of air pollution Include electric power plants,
several paper mills, petroleum refineries, a cement plant, and various
chemical factories. Major Industrial areas In the county Include the
City of Mobile along the Mobile River; Theodore, to the south; Plateau,
just north of Mobile along the Mobile River; and Salco, several miles
north of Mobile.
The population of Mobile County Is concentrated In Mobile and
surrounding suburbs. Activities associated with this population add
4,500 metric tons per year (5,000 tons per year) to suspended
particulate matter emissions.
The only major air pollution sources near the proposed plant site are
located In the Theodore Industrial Park (Figure B.A.I). Emissions
Include particulate matter from a metallurgical processing plant (Alrco)
and both parti cul ate matter and sulfur dioxide from a petroleum refinery
(Marlon Refinery) and two chemical plants (Degussa and Kerr-McGee).
Some of these plants also emit pollutants for which Ambient A1r Quality
Standards (AAQS) have not been set.
Currently, all except three air pollution sources In Mobile County are
in full compliance with applicable emission regulations (Herrin, 1977).
B-A-2
-------
ROAD
MARION"
ERR-McG
DEGUSSA
DEER RIVER POINT
si
MOBILE BAY
LAURENDINE
ROAD
®1
Figure B.A.1
MAJOR AIR POLLUTANT EMISSION SOURCES IN THE
VICINITY OF PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT.
THEODORE, ALABAMA
0 O.S t
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: U.S. National Emissions Data Systems, 1976.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-A-3
-------
PLANT SITE
The three exceptions are the State Docks bulk handling facility, a bark
boiler at Scott Paper Company, and a sulfuric acid plant at Stauffer
Chemical Company. These sources are currently under compliance
schedules requiring them to reduce emissions to or below the allowable
emission limit by December 31, 1978.
Measured Air Quality
Air Quality Trends (Mobile Area)
The Mobile County Board of Health, Division of Air Pollution Control,
has maintained an extensive ambient monitoring program in the Mobile
County area since 1972. The network was designed primarily to monitor
total suspended particulate matter (TSP) and sulfur dioxide levels
throughout the county, since these pollutants are of primary concern in
attainment and maintenance of Federal AAQS. A limited number of
stations have also monitored carbon monoxide and ozone. Most stations
are operated every sixth day, but a few are operated every third day.
Statistical summaries of these data for 1972 through 1977 were provided
by Mobile County. Only the TSP data were sufficient to quantify trends
in ambient pollution levels in the county.
Since 1972, Mobile County has operated 24-hour ambient TSP monitors at
11 to 14 locations (Figure B.A.2). Areawide concentrations for urban
and suburban sampling locations were determined by averaging the annual
geometric means for all stations in each category (Table B.A.I). Sta-
tions located in the Mobile area were considered urban, and all other
stations in Mobile County were designated as suburban.
Ambient TSP levels in Mobile County have displayed marked declines since
1972 (Figure B.A.3). All stations display this trend, although urban
TSP levels have declined more rapidly. The average geometric mean of
all stations in Mobile County has decreased to below the Primary AAQS
(75 ug/m3, annual geometric mean), but the average of the urban
-------
1 CHICKASAW
2 CENTRAL FIRE STATION
3 BOARD OF HEALTH
4 STATE DOCKS
5 AIRPORT BOULEVARD
6 WKRG
7 BROOKLEY
8 PRICHARDA
9 SARALAND
10 AXIS (NOT SHOWN)
11 THEODORE
12 SALCO (NOT SHOWN)
13 PRICHARDB
14 BIG SNIFFER
15 LITTLE SNIFFER
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
Figure B.A.2
LOCATIONS OF MOBILE COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
AMBIENT MONITORING STATIONS
o i z
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Mobile County Board of Health, 1977.
B-A-5
-------
Table B.A.I. Summary of Area wide* TSP Concentration Levels (ug/m3) In Mobile County, 1972-1977
03
CTl
Total Suspended Partlculates (Geometric Means)
Urban Stations
Suburban Stations
All Reporting Stations
Percentage of Stations Above Primary Standard
* Area wide concentrations determined by averaging
category.
Source: Mobile County Board of Health, Division of
1972 1973
124 109
73 59
95 82
73% 69%
annual geometric means
Air Pollution Control
Year
1974
106
64
80
57%
of all
, 1977,
1975 1976 1977
93 80 80
55 52 48
73 65 63
31% 29% 31%
stations In each
1978.
-a
-------
7*
3
o
cc
UJ
o
o
o
z
UJ
s
o
UJ
o
UJ
o
UJ
o
UJ
130.
120-
110-
100-
90-
80-
70-
60-
50-
40-
30-
20-
10-
URBAN STATIONS
ALL STATIONS
PRIMARY STANDARD
SUBURBAN STATIONS
SECONDARY STANDARD
1972 1973 1974 1975
YEAR
1976
1977
Figure B.A.3
AREAWIDE TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER,
MOBILE COUNTY, 1972-1977
SOURCE: Mobile County Board of Health. 1978.
REGION IV
U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-A-7
-------
PLANT SITE
stations was still above the Primary AAQS In 1977. A significant
decline In the number of stations exceeding the Primary AAQS has also
occurred since 1972 (Table B.A.I). In 1977, about 30 percent of the
stations displayed levels above the Primary Standard, compared to more
than 70 percent in 1972.
Because of the high TSP levels in the 1970's, Mobile County implemented
an Air Quality Maintenance Plan in 1972. All sources of particulate
matter in Mobile County were re.qu-i-red-to comply with emission regula-
tions, generally by July 1, 1975. As of August, 1977, all except two
stationary sources of particulate matter in Mobile County were in
compliance with emission regulations.
Big Sniffer and Theodore monitoring stations are in the vicinity, of the
proposed plant. At the Theodore Station, 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) west
of the plant site, mean TSP levels have declined by about 33 percent
since 1972 (Table B.A.2 and Figure B.A.4). Present air quality is below
the Secondary AAQS. The Big Sniffer Station, located about 1 kilometer
(.0-.6-miTes) west of the plant site, has measured annual TSP levels well
below Secondary AAQS since monitoring began there in 1975,.
Existing Levels (Mobile Area)
A total of 993 TSP measurements were taken during 1977 in Mobile County.
Annual geometric means ranged from 35 to 106 ug/m3, with the highest
levels measured at the State Docks (Station 4). Four stations recorded
levels in excess of the annual primary TSP standard (75 ug/m3), and
a total of six stations exceeded the annual secondary TSP standard
(60 ug/m3).
Maximum 24-hour average TSP levels ranged from 108 ug/m3 to 350 ug/m3.
The highest measurement was again recorded at the State Docks. The
24-hour primary TSP standard (two or more values above 260 ug/m3),
B-A-8
-------
Table B.A.2. Summary of Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter Data (ug/m3), in the
Vicinity of the Proposed Ideal Cement Plant, 1972-1977
00
<£>
Station 1972 1973
Theodore
Geometric Mean 84 70
24-Hour Maximum 379 206
24-Hour Second Max.
Big Sniffer
Geometric Mean
24-Hour Maximum
24-Hour -Second Max.
Year
1974 1975
60 56
167 193
139 127
44
127
125
1976
58
148
126
48
156
148
1977
56
146
141
43
161
90
Note: Primary Standards: Annual Geometric Mean, 75 ug/m3
24-Hour Maximum (not to be exceeded more than once per year), 260 ug/m3
Secondary Standards: Annual Geometric Mean, 60 ug/m3
24-Hour Maximum (not to be exceeded more than once per year), 150 ug/m3
Source: Mobile County Board of Health, Division of Air Pollution Control, 1977.
-------
O)
3
<
cc
UJ
O
O
O
z
<
UJ
2
O
oc
UJ
O
UJ
O
UJ
O
<
oc.
UJ
130-
120-
110-
O 100-
90-
80-
70-
60-
50-
40-
30
20-
10
PRIMARY STANDARD
HEODORE
SECONDARY STANDARD
BIG SNIFFER
1972 1973 1974 1975
YEAR
1976
1977
Figure B.A.4
AMBIENT TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER
CONCENTRATIONS AT TWO STATIONS NEAR THE
PROPOSED IDEAL CEMENT PLANT, MOBILE COUNTY,
1972-1977
SOURCE: Mobile County Board of Health, 1978.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-A-10
-------
PLANT SITE
was not exceeded at any Mobile County station, but the 24-hour secondary
standard (two or more values above 150 ug/m3) was exceeded at three
stations.
In summary, the TSP data Indicate that not all of Mobile County Is In
compliance with the AAQS. Violations were confined generally to the
downtown Mobile area. Neither station near the proposed plant site
measured levels in excess of any AAQS for TSP during 1977.
Continuous ambient sulfur dioxide data are available from stations WKRG
and Big Sniffer for 1977. WKRG In downtown Mobile recorded annual
average sulfur dioxide levels which were about 25 percent of the primary
standard (80 ug/m3). The maximum recorded 24-hour concentration
(107 ug/m3) represented about 30 percent of the primary standard,
and the 3-hour maximum (249 ug/m3) was approximately 20 percent of
the 3-hour standard. In 1977, maximum concentrations at Big Sniffer
were 18 ug/m3, annual arithmetic mean; 102 ug/m3, 24-hour
maximum; and 241 ug/m3, 3-hour maximum. These levels are well below
AAQS for sulfur dioxide. These data indicate that sulfur dioxide levels
near the proposed plant site and in Mobile County are currently below
the AAQS.
Continuous carbon monoxide measurements are available only from the
Little Sniffer Station in downtown Mobile, and only during May and
June, 1975. The maximum 1-hour concentration was 5.1 mg/m3 which
represents about 15 percent of the ambient standard. The maximum 8-hour
concentration was 3.0 mg/m3, or about 30 percent of the standard.
During 1977, limited oxidant measurements were conducted at two sites in
the Mobile area. At the WKRG station, continuous data were obtained for
only January through April. During this period, the one-hour oxidant
standard was exceeded approximately 55 percent of the time, indicating
that Mobile County had an oxidant problem in 1977. Oxidant data were
also available from the Big Sniffer site for December, 1977. In this
month, the oxidant standard was exceeded during only one hourly period.
B-A-11
-------
PLANT SITE
Existing Levels (Plant Site Area)
Near the proposed plant site, TSP and sulfur dioxide data are being
collected by Mobile County's Big Sniffer Station. In addition, TSP
samples have been collected by Environmental Science and Engineering,
Inc., at three stations (see Figure B.A.5) since May 28, 1977.
For all stations, the mean TSP levels (Table B.A.3) are well below the
AAQS. The highest 24-hour concentration (179 ug/m3), which was
recorded at Station 1, may have been due to a very local disturbance
since the field technician who serviced the sampler reported that the
weeds surrounding the station had been cut. This cutting may have
generated dust emissions from the almost barren ground, thus biasing the
sampling results. The second highest measurement at Station 1
(136 ug/m3) represents 91 percent of the secondary standard.
Hourly average sulfur dioxide concentrations at the Big Sniffer station
were available for all of 1977. Data recovery was 74 percent. The
maximum 3-hour reading was 241 ug/m3, and the maximum 24-hour
average was 102 ug/m3. The mean concentration level was 18 ug/m3. These
concentrations are well below, the AAQS for sulfur dioxide.
Air Baseline
As required by the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1977, the State of Ala-
bama has reviewed its geographical areas for attainment status with the
National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). Based on data obtained
by the Mobile County Board of Health (summarized in the preceding
sections), two areas of the county have been determined to be in non-
attainment of the suspended particulate standards. The larger of the
two areas, which is located in downtown Mobile, was found to be in non-
attainment of the national primary ambient air quality standard for TSP.
The other area, located north of Mobile, was found to be in nonattain-
ment of the national secondary ambient air quality standards for TSP.
B-A-12
-------
ISLAND
ROAD
DEER
RIVER
PLANT'
SITE
DEER RIVER POINT
MOBILE BAY
LAURENDINE
ROAD
A
IDEAL SITES
MOBILE COUNTY SITE
BELLE.
Figure B.A.5
LOCATIONS OF AMBIENT MONITORING STATIONS IN
THE VICINITY OF THE PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT,
THEODORE, ALABAMA
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-A-13
-------
Table B.A.3. Summary of Existing Ambient Total Suspended Particulate Matter Levels (ug/m3)
in the Vicinity of the Proposed Ideal Basic Industries Plant Site, 1976 and 1977
I
I—•
*»
Station Description
Mobile Big Sniffer
County #11
Ideal #1 Nursery
Ideal #2 Weaver's
Residence
Ideal #3 Lift Station
Number
of
Time Period Observations
1976 56
1977 50
5/28/77 to 12/31/77 47*
5/28/77 to 12/31/77 47*
5/28/77 to 12/31/77 47*
Primary Standard
Secondary Standard
24-Hour
Geometric Second
Mean Max Hi ghest
48
43
42
35
31
75
60
156 148
161 90
179 134
93 89
94 90
260
150
Standard
Geometric
Deviation
N/A
1.63
1.62
1.55
1.62
NA = Not Available.
*Sampling and analysis by Federal Reference Method (Code of Federal Regulations, Part 50,
Appendix B). Continuous 24-hour sampling was conducted every third day from May 28 to August 31,
and every sixth day thereafter.
Sources: Mobile County Board of Health, Division of Air Pollution Control, 1977.
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
in
-------
PLANT SITE
The area surrounding the Theodore Industrial Park was determined to be
in attainment for TSP, due to the low levels measured at the Big Sniffer
station.
The entire Mobile County area was declared in non-attainment for
oxidants due to the high levels mentioned earlier. In regard to other
pollutants (sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide), the
county was found to be in attainment of their specific NAAQS.
Estimated Air Quality
Existing TSP and sulfur dioxide concentrations in the 100-square-kilo-
meter (40-square-mile) area surrounding the proposed plant site were
estimated from atmospheric dispersion models, using emissions data
furnished by the Mobile County Division of Air Pollution Control and the
Alabama Air Pollution Control Conmission (1976; 1977). The isopleths
(Figures B.A.6 and B.A.7) are largely a result of emissions from sources
in Mobile and in the Theodore Industrial Park. Estimated annual average
TSP levels include a background concentration of 35 ug/m3.
B-A-15
-------
8
8
10
ISLANC
ROAD«
6
MARION*0
FINING
Dfffl
JSSA
AIRCC
'PLANT
R '•
6
DAD
!/# POINT OF MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION (12 ug/m')
BELLE.
Figure B.A.6
ISOPLETHS OF ESTIMATED EXISTING ANNUAL
AVERAGE GROUND-LEVEL SULFUR DIOXIDE
CONCENTRATIONS (ug/m3). THEODORE,
ALABAMA, 1977
DEER RIVER POINT
MOBILE BAY
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-A-16
-------
43
ISLAND
ROAD
M kRION u
Rl FINING
KERR-t
43
A
DEGUSSA
SEE
RIVER
A!RCO|
PLAN!
SITE
DEER RIVER POINT
45
41
.41'
MOR'L
LAURENDINE
ROAD
••POINT OF MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION (45 ug/m')
NOTE: CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDE A 35 ug/m* BACKQfOJJND
BELLE
Figure B.A.7
ISOPLETHSOF ESTIMATED EXISTING ANNUAL
AVERAGE GROUND-LEVEL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE
MATTER CONCENTRATIONS (ug/m3), THEODORE,
ALABAMA, 1977
0 O.S 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-A-17
-------
PLANT SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
Currently, no new industrial facilities (except the Ideal Basic
Industries plant) have been announced for the Theodore area. Expansions
at the existing Degussa and Union Carbide plants have been announced,
but it is not known if these facilities will emit significant amounts of
air pollutants.
Natural gas is presently used by a large percentage of industries in
Mobile; however, there is a shortage of gas and curtailment proceedings
are underway. Burning natural gas produces only nitrogen oxides in
significant quantities. If gas supplies become curtailed, industries
could be forced into burning fuel oil, which would greatly increase
sulfur dioxide emissions in Mobile. However, it is beyond the scope of
this study to investigate the effects such emissions might have on
Mobile air quality. For present purposes, it will be assumed that
industries will continue to use natural gas through the year 1992.
The following additional assumptions, which affect estimations of sulfur
dioxide and particulate matter emission levels, were used to project the
1992 baseline conditions:
1. Industrial source emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate
matter will increase directly with economic growth in Mobile
County.
2. Atmospheric emissions from electric utility power generating
stations will increase in proportion to economic projections
for the industry in Mobile County.
3. Area source emissions of particulate matter will vary propor-
tionally to population increases within various areas of Mobile
County.
Industrial growth projections developed by the Bureau of Economic
Research and SARPC population projections were utilized in developing
the projections of emissions.
B-A-18
-------
PLANT SITE
Figures B.A.8 and B.A.9 show the projected 1992 isoplet-hs for sulfur
dioxide and TSP concentrations in the Theodore area, assuming that the
proposed cement plant is not constructed.
'B-A-19
-------
•ft-POINT OF MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION (19 ug/m')
Figure B.A.8
ISOPLETHS OF PROJECTED ANNUAL AVERAGE
GROUND-LEVEL SULFUR DIOXIDE CONCENTRATIONS
(ug/m3). THEODORE, ALABAMA, 1992
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-A-20
-------
t
45
ISLAND
43
:<<*,
ROAD
KERR-H
DEER
45
DEGUSSA
FINN
43
DEER RIVER POINT
RIVER A
SITE
MOS/LE
LAURENDINE
ROAD
§ I •*• POINT OF MAXIMUM CONCENTRATION (47 ug/m*)
| / NOTE: CONCENTRATIONS INCLUDE A 35 ug/m' BACr$£OUND
'*'!
BELIEF
Figure B.A.9
ISOPLETHS OF PROJECTED ANNUAL AVERAGE
GROUND-LEVEL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER
CONCENTRATIONS (ug/m3), THEODORE, ALABAMA. A
1992 — ^^^
0 O.S 1
SCALE IN KILOMETEMS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-A-21
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
Emission Sources
The quarry site is located in a remote area of western Monroe County,
bordering the Alabama River and Clarke County. These two counties have
a small industrial base at the present time, but they are currently
experiencing rapid industrial growth. In Monroe County, the stationary
sources of air pollution include a lime plant in Claiborne and a
boxboard plant, asphalt plant, and two concrete batching plants in or
near Monroeville, about 25 kilometers (15 miles) east- northeast of the
quarry site. These operations all emit small quantities of particulate
matter.
Within Clarke County, several small sources of both sulfur dioxide and
particulate matter include a lumbering operation in Jackson, about
25 kilometers (15 miles) west of the quarry site, and asphalt and con-
crete batching plants in Thomasville, about 65 kilometers (40 miles)
west-northwest.
Construction of a kraft pulp mill is now underway approximately
12 kilometers (7 miles) north of the quarry site. When this mill
begins operation, levels of sulfur dioxide and TSP at the quarry site
will probably increase.
Measured Air Quality
Ambient air quality data available for the vicinity of the quarry site
are sparse, largely because monitoring is not needed in a rural,
non-industrialized area. The State of Alabama has maintained and
operated ambient TSP monitors since 1972 in Grove Hill, Clarke County,
about 32 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the quarry site, and in
Evergreen, Conecuh County, about 56 kilometers (35 miles) east of the
quarry site. TSP levels at both locations have remained fairly
constant, reflecting little growth in these areas (see Table B.A.4 and
Figure B.A.10). The levels are typical for rural areas and are well
B-A-22
-------
Table B.A.4. Summary of Ambient Total Suspended Participate Matter Data (ug/m^) in the
Vicinity of the Proposed Quarry Site, 1972 to 1977
CD
1
1
r\s
co
Year
Station 1972 1973 1974 1975
Grove Hill, Clarke County
Geometric Mean 38 39 38 31
24-Hour Maximum 69 114 86 50
Evergreen, Conecuh County
Geometric Mean 28 31 28 25
24-Hour Maximum 67 114 60 50
Source: Alabama Air Pollution Control Commission, 1976 and 1977.
1976 1977
32 44
87 NA
32 35
63 NA
0
35
TO
-------
O)
3
<
cc
LU
O
O
O
z
LU
s
O
UJ
O
UJ
O
LU
LU
130-
120-J
110-
O 100-
90-
80-
70-
60-
50-
40-
30-
20-
10-
PRIMARY STANDARD
SECONDARY STANDARD
••••••••••••••••I
GROVE HILL
EVERGREEN
1972
1973 1974 1975
YEAR
1976
1977
Figure B.A.10
TRENDS IN AMBIENT TOTAL SUSPENDED PARTICULATE
MATTER CONCENTRATIONS, RURAL ALABAMA IN THE
REGION OF THE PROPOSED IDEAL QUARRY SITE,
1972-1977
SOURCE. Alabama Air Pollution Control Commission. 1978.
REGION IV
U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY. ALABAMA
B-A-24
-------
QUARRY SITE
below the Secondary AAQS. Because the monitors are In population cen-
ters, TSP levels at the proposed quarry site are expected to be somewhat
lower.
Estimated Air Quality
Existing levels of pollutants at the site are expected to be at or near
background levels. Background levels of pollutants are a function of
geographical location, meteorology, and topography, but are generally
considered to fall within the following ranges (McCormick and Holzworth,
1976; Robinson and Robbins, 1968):
Sulfur dioxide—2 to 25 ug/m3
Suspended particulate matter—20 to 30 ug/m3
Nitrogen oxides—2 to 25 ug/m3
Total hydrocarbons~<650 ug/m3
Non-methane hydrocarbons~
-------
QUARRY SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
If no industrial sources locate near the quarry site, the levels of
atmospheric pollution would remain at essentially background levels.
However, a large paper mill currently under construction approximately
11 kilometers (7 miles) north of the quarry site will affect air quality
at the quarry site.
Analysis of the air quality aspects of the mill's emissions (Associated
Water and Air Resources Engineers, Inc., 1975), showed that maximum
concentration levels within 2 kilometers (1 mile) of the proposed mill
would be:
Sulfur Dioxide: Annual Average: 1 ug/m3
24-Hour: 8 ug/m3
3-Hour: 71 ug/m3
Suspended Particulate Matter:
Annual Average: 4 ug/m3
24-Hour: 33 ug/m3
Since the quarry site is 11 kilometers (7 miles) from the mill, sulfur
dioxide and TSP levels at the quarry site will be much less than those
listed above, and 1992 levels should be only slightly elevated over
existing baseline levels.
B-A-26
-------
NOISE LEVELS
-------
PLANT SITE
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
NOISE
INTRODUCTION
The term "noise", as used in this document, is defined as perceivable
sound levels, and is rated relative to levels suggested in the EPA
Report 550/9-74-004, "Information on Levels of Environmental Noise
Requisite to Protect Public Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin
of Safety" (U.S. EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, 1974). The
sound levels do not generally correspond to instantaneous levels, but
are equivalent or energy-average sound levels.
SOUND MEASUREMENT
A system of sound measurement based upon the response of the human ear
has been developed. The quantity measured is the sound level (L) and
the units are decibels (dB). The sound level follows a power law such
that a 10 dB increase is perceived as a doubling of loudness. The addi-
tion of two equal but random noise sources results in a 3 dB increase in
the total sound level. Figure B.N.I presents various sources and their
sound levels on the A scale, which most nearly approximates the response
of the human ear. Sound level decreases as a result of obstructions
such as trees and natural buffer zones that attenuate the pressure
waves. Sound levels may, however, be increased by obstructions that
tend to reflect sound pressure.
Environmental noise can be measured with a sound level meter and
expressed in terms of its frequency distribution, or by a scale which
electronically attenuates certain frequencies to match the characteris-
tics of the human ear (A-scale) or some other receptor. Most guidelines
for environmental noise are defined in terms of the A-scale and are
expressed as one of the following statistical measures (U.S. Federal
Highway Administration, 1973; U.S. EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and
Control, 1974):
B-N-1
-------
AT A GIVEN DISTANCE
FROM NOISE SOURCE DECIBELS
RE 20/jN/m2
140
50 HP SIREN (100')
JET TAKEOFF (200 ')
ENVIRONMENTAL
RIVETING MACHINE
CUT OFF SAW
PNEUMATIC PEEN HAMMER
TEXTILE WEAVING PLANT
SUBWAY TRAIN (20')
PNEUMATIC DRILL(SO')
FREIGHT TRAIN (100')
VACUUM CLEANER (10')
SPEECH (11)
LARGE TRANSFORMER 200
SOFT WHISPER
130
110
I
100
I
90
I
80
I
70
I
60
I
50
I
40
I
30
I
20
I
10
THRESHOLD OF HEARING
YOUTHS 1000-4000 Hi
CASTING SHAKEOUT AREA
ELECTRIC FURNACE AREA
BOILER ROOM
PRINTING PRESS PLANT
TABULATING ROOM
INSIDE SPORT CAR (50 MPH)
NEAR FREEWAY (AUTO TRAFFIC)
LARGE STORE
ACCOUNTING OFFICE
PRIVATE BUSINESS OFFICE
LIGHT TRAFFIC (100 )
AVERAGE RESIDENCE
MIN LEVELS — RESIDENTIAL AREAS
IN CHICAGO AT NIGHT
STUDIO (SPEECH)
STUDIO FOR SOUND PICTURES
Figure B.N.I
TYPICAL A-WEIGHTED SOUND LEVELS
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE. Peterson and Gross, 1974.
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-N-2
-------
PLANT SITE
1. LIQ - the sound level which Is exceeded 10 percent of the
time during a measurement period.
2. 150 - the sound level which is exceeded 50 percent of the
time during a measurement period.
3. Leq(t) - the sound level equal in cumulative energy to all
time-varying noise produced during a specific time period.
4. Leq(24) - the sound level equal in cumulative energy to all
time-varying noise produced during a 24-hour period.
5- L(dn) ~ the equivalent sound level for day and night (10:00
pm to 7:00 am) in which the equivalent 24-hour level has been
weighted for nighttime exposure by the addition of ten deci-
bels. This level can be used to relate noise in residential
environments to speech, sleep, and activity interference.
HEALTH AND WELFARE EFFECTS
High levels of noise have been shown (U.S. EPA, Office of Noise Abate-
ment and Control, 1974) to cause the following three types of effects on
people and their activities:
1. Effects on hearing;
2. Effects on general mental state as evidenced by annoyance; and
3. Interference with specific activities such as speech or sleep.
Some sound levels are believed to cause stress and its related dis-
orders. It was previously assumed that protection against hearing loss
provided sufficient protection against stress-related disorders. It is
now known that levels below those believed to affect hearing are suffi-
cient to produce physiological symptoms related to stress (U.S. EPA,
Office of Noise Abatement and Control, 1974).
GUIDELINES
Highway traffic has long been recognized as a major contributor to envi-
ronmental noise. The U.S. Department of Transportation has published
Design Noise Level criteria based upon land use (U.S. Federal Highway
B-N-3
-------
PLANT SITE
Administration, 1973). The suggested criteria are LIQ'S for various
land use categories and are reproduced in Table B.N.I.
The U.S. EPA has published noise level limitations requisite to protect
the public against hearing loss or activity interference for various
land use categories (U.S. EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and Control,
1974). Sound levels'which are given as Leq(24) and Leq(dn), are
averages on an energy basis (see Table B.N.2). These values are for
long-term exposures and take into consideration the cumulative effects
of noise. Noise level limitations chosen to protect the public against
hearing loss have been set such that 96 percent of the population will
not experience a hearing threshold shift of more than 5 dBA at
4000 Hertz (cycles per second) in 40 years of continual exposure. These
levels are not intended to be used as standards, nor should they be
thought of as discrete numbers, as they are described in terms of energy
equivalents.
B-N-4
-------
Table B.N.I. Federal Highway Administration Design Noise Level/Land Use Relationships
Land Use
Category
Design Noise
Level -
Description of Land Use Category
60 dBA
(Exterior)
Tracts of lands in which serenity and quiet are of extraordinary
significance and serve an important public need, and where the
preservation of those qualities is essential if the area is to serve its
intended purpose. Such areas could include amphitheaters, particular
parks or portions of parks, or open spaces which are dedicated or
recognized by appropriate local officials for activities requiring special
qualities of serenity and quiet.
B 70 dBA
(Exterior)
C 75 dBA
(Exterior)
D Variable
E 55 dBA
Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches,
libraries, hospitals, picnic areas, recreation areas, playgrounds, active
sports areas, and parks.
Developed lands, properties, or activities not included in categories A
and B above.
For requirements on undeveloped lands, see paragraphs 5a(5) and (6),
Federal Highway Administration policy and procedure manual.
Residences, motels, hotels, public meeting rooms, schools, churches,
libraries, hospitals, and auditoriums.
* LIQ represents the level which can be exceeded not more than 10 percent of the time.
Source: U.S. Federal Highway Administration, 1973.
-------
Table B.N.2. Yearly Average* Equivalent Sound Levels Identified as Requisite to Protect the Public
Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety
Activity
Inter-
ference
Land Use
1 Residential with
outdoor space and
farm residences
2 Residential with
no outside space
3 Commercial
4 Inside Transpor-
tation
5 Industrial
6 Hospitals
7 Educational
8 Recreational
Areas
Measure
L-dn
Leq(24)
Ldn
Leq(24)
Leq(24)
Leq (24)
Leq(24)(d)
Ldn
Leq(24)
Leq(24)
Le
-------
Table B.N.2.
Yearly Average* Equivalent Sound Levels Identified as Requisite to Protect the Public
Health and Welfare with an Adequate Margin of Safety (Continued, page 2 of 2)
Activity
Inter-
ference
Land Use Measure
Indoor
Hearing Loss
Considera-
tion
To Protect
Against
Both
Effects (b)
Activity
Inter-
ference
Outdoor
Hearing Loss
Considera-
tion
To Protect
Against
Both
Effects (b)
9 Farm Land and
General Unpopu-
lated Land
70(c)
Leq(24)
(a)
70
CO
I
Code:
a. Since different types of activities appear to be associated with different levels, identification of
a maximum level for activity interference may be difficult except in those circumstances where speech
communication is a critical activity.
b. Based on lowest level.
c. Based only on hearing loss.
d. An Leq(8) of 75 dB may be identified in these situations as long as the exposure over the
remaining 16 hours per day is low enough to result in a negligible contribution to the 24-hour
average, i.e., no greater than an Leq of 60 dB.
Note: Explanation of identified level for hearing loss: the exposure period which results in hearing
loss at the identified level is a period of 40 years.
*Refers to energy rather than arithmetic averages.
Source: U.S. EPA, Office of Noise Abatement and Control, 1974.
-------
PLANT SITE
PLANT SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
Study Area Description
The study area, which lies within south Mobile County is a sparsely pop-
ulated and relatively undeveloped environment. The major sources of
noise are small industries, a few large plants, and highways.
A full characterization of local land use is included in the socio-
economic section of this study. The land use in the area is shown in
Figure B.N.2.
The area near the plant site is characterized mainly as industrial,
residential, or vacant. In the immediate vicinity of the plant, there
are small residential areas to the north, east, and south. Within
1.7 kilometers (1 mile) of the proposed site, there are 115 dwellings
and an estimated 361 residents. Some other land uses include nurseries
and small amounts of commercial, institutional, and agricultural
properties.
Traffic is one of the major noise sources in the vicinity of the plant
site. Levels of traffic flows are presented in Figure B.N.3. for the
road segments closest to the proposed site. Rangeline Road is a north-
south detour from Dauphin Island Parkway via Island Road (also known as
Hamilton Blvd.). Thus traffic is fairly light on the Parkway immedi-
ately north and south of the barge canal.
Barge and ship traffic along the Theodore Barge Canal is extremely
light. Approximately two round trips per week are made in association
with the ferroalloy plant (Airco, Inc.).
Industrial noise sources consist of four relatively large plants which
are shown in Figure B.N.4.
B-N-8
-------
RESIDENTIAL
SgSI COMMERCIAL
!a-S] INSTITUTIONAL
2*] AGRICULTURAL
NURSERY
INDUSTRIAL
Figure B.N.2
PRESENT LAND USE IN THE VICINITY OF THE
PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT
0 05 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-N-9
-------
IPLANT
SITE
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
Figure B.N.3
TRAFFIC VOLUMES
(1977 AVERAGE DAILY TRAFFIC IN VEHICLES PER DAY)
0 OS 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-10
-------
KERR-MtG -E
DEGUSSA
Figure B.N.4
INDUSTRIAL NOISE SOURCES IN THE VICINITY OF
THE PROPOSED CEMENT PLANT
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-11
-------
PLANT SITE
Baseline Noise Survey
Noise measurements were taken during June and October, 1977, at
monitoring stations located at noise-sensitive sites such as schools,
residences, and churches, as well as at strategic points near noise
sources. The location of each monitoring station Is shown In Figure
B.N.5. Characteristics of these locations are listed In Table B.N.3.
Results of the Monitoring Program
The noise monitoring program at the proposed plant site was conducted
during June and October, 1977. The calculated values of LIQ, LSQ
and Leq for each monitoring station at various times In the vicinity
of the proposed plant site are presented In Tables B.N.4, B.N.5 and
B.N.6, respectively. Sufficient measurements were made to allow
calculation of Ldn and Leq(24), which are presented in Table B.N.7.
Comparison of the data In Tables B.N.4 and B.N.7 with the noise stan-
dards presented In Tables B.N.I and B.N.2 Indicates that the existing
noise levels In the vicinity of the plant site are generally low. The
Federal Highway Administration Design Noise Levels (LIQ) are 70 dBA
for most residential and institutional land uses and 75 dBA for most
commercial and industrial land. EPA recommends yearly outdoor average
sound levels of 55 dBA (Ldn) and 70 dBA (L24) for these same
land uses to protect the public health and welfare. As shown in
Table B.N.4, the observed values of LIQ were below the Federal
Highway Administration Design Noise Levels in all cases, since the only
values above 70 dBA were observed at Station 4 in an industrial area.
The EPA-suggested levels which are listed for each station alongside the
observed values in Table B.N.7 were exceeded at Stations 6 and 12. Both
of these stations were located along roads with relatively heavy
traffic.
B-N-12
-------
Figure B.N.5
NOISE MONITORING STATIONS
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-N-13
-------
Table B.N.3. Locations and Characteristics of Noise Monitoring Stations
Station
No.
Location and Description
Noise Sources
Land Use*
Southeast corner of the Ideal Basic
Industries property and along the road.
Bounded by pine trees on the east and
by trees and shrubs on the west. Exist-
ing water canal south of the station.
South property line facing the canal.
Area covered by shrubs and uneven ter-
rain.
Northeast corner of Ideal property.
Many tall pine trees present in the
area; few residences across the street.
West of the Ideal property and just
east of the road between Airco and
and Kerr McGee.
Within the residential area north of
Ideal plant site and the Louisville and
Nashville Railroad.
The intersection of Island Road
(Hamilton Blvd.) and Dauphin Island
Parkway at Hoi lingers Island Churchyard.
Minor traffic on the roadway
and in canal and by distant
industries.
Boat traffic and industry
across the canal.
Traffic and distant industries,
Kerr McGee plant and traffic
along the road. (There was some
construction in the area, but
noise measurements were not
taken while it was occurring.)
Traffic to the subdivision.
Distant industries.
Traffic.
-------
Table B.N.3. Locations and Characteristics of Noise Monitoring Stations
(Continued, page 2 of 2)
Station
No.
Location and Description
Noise Sources
Land Use*
CD
8
10
11
12
Hammock Road at elementary school
parking lot. Garden nursery across
the road.
Along the barge canal south bank.
Brush and trees 1n surrounding area;
a few residences in the vicinity.
Residential area nearest to alloy
plant. Located south of the
barge canal.
Residential area south of the barge
canal and adjacent to drydock.
Concrete batch plant south of barge
canal and directly across from
from alloy plant.
Off of Island Road (Hamilton Blvd.)
Traffic and machinery asso-
ciated with nursery.
Canal traffic and distant
industries.
Alloy plant across canal.
Drydock and alloy plant.
Alloy plant across canal.
Traffic.
1
5
* For explanation of land use numbers, refer to Table B.N.2.
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
CO
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.N.4. LIQ Noise Levels (dBA) Measured In the Baseline Study
Test Number
Daytime Measurements
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
51
47
51
69
49
67
51
55
49
53
55
69
2
45
61
45
73
51
63
55
43
55
59
63
75
3
49
57
45
67
49
65
51
55
55
55
65
61
456789
49 47 55 49 47 51
41
45 49 47 47 49
71 71 69
47 49 49 55 47
69 63 63
61 55 49
51 47 45 49 49
Nighttime
Measurements
1 2 3
43 51
51
41
69
43
55
45
51
47
65
67
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-16
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.N.5. LSQ Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the Baseline Study
Test Number
Nighttime
Daytime Measurements Measurements
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
47
45
47
63
45
59
47
51
47
49
51
53
2
43
51
45
59
47
55
53
43
51
53
59
55
3
45
53
39
57
45
59
43
53
53
53
61
55
4
45
39
41
65
43
61
45
49
5
45
47
65
45
57
41
45
6789
51 45 39 49
43 43 39
65
45 45 43
51
47
43 45 45
1234
43 51
45
41
65
39
45
45
49
45
57
51
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-17
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.N.6. Leq Noise Levels (dBA) Measured in the Baseline Study
Test Number
Daytime Measurements
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
1
48
45
48
66
46
64
49
51
47
50
52
60
2
44
54
45
63
48
60
53
43
52
55
60
69
3
46
54
41
61
46
62
47
53
54
53
62
69
456789
46 45 54 47 41 49
39
43 47 45 44 44
68 67 66
44 45 46 46 44
64 60 56
53 46 48
49 45 43 46 46
Nighttime
Measurements
1 2 3
43 51
48
41
66
40
49
45
49
45
61
5
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-18
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.N.7. Ldn and l-eq(24) Noise Levels (dBA) Measured 1n the
Baseline Study
Station L(jn*
1 55
2 54
3 48
4 72
5 48/55
6 65
7 55
8 55/55
9 53/55
10 54/55
11 67
12 67/55
Leq(24)*
48/70
49/70
45/70
66/70
45
61/55
53/55
48
51
52
59/70
66
* The second numbers In the columns refer to the sound levels requisite
to protect public health and welfare according to the land use. See
Table B.N.2.
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-19
-------
PLANT SITE
Aside from the traffic, most noise appeared to come from the drydocks in
the channel, the ferroalloy plant, and the chemical plant in the area.
Stations 8, 9, and 10 were equal to or relatively close to the suggested
sound levels (L^n) of 55 dBA. Precisely how much of the noise can
be apportioned to the ferroalloy plant and how much to the drydocks is
unclear since both plants operated intermittently and irregularly. It
was noted that the ferroalloy plant was operating at a reduced process
load in anticipation of a temporary shut-down.
B-N-20
-------
PLANT SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
Noise levels in the vicinity of the Ideal Basic Industries property are
expected to increase in the future due to new industrial development,
construction of the Theodore Ship Channel and Barge Canal Extension,
increased waterway usage, and increased highway traffic. Future land
use in this area, which relates to both noise generation and the
seriousness of noise impacts, is described in the socioeconomic section
of this appendix. The most important characteristics are the expected
conversion of large amounts of land to industrial use by 1992, and the
taking of land for construction of the ship channel. Both of these
circumstances will reduce the amount of residential land (the land use
most vulnerable to noise impacts) near the Ideal Basic Industries
property.
Projection Methodology
The baseline noise forecasts for 1992 include the effects of:
1. Existing noise sources,
2. The greatly increased volume of waterway traffic, and
3. The expected increases in vehicular traffic on major highways.
It has not been possible to consider future industrial development since
the types of facilities locating in the area by 1992 are currently
unknown. The assumption has been made that changes in traffic flows on
secondary roads will not contribute significantly to noise levels.
The noise effects of highway traffic have been estimated using a mathe-
matical model developed by the Highway Research Board (Gordon, et al_.,
1971). Noise is derived as a function of traffic volume, vehicle speed,
mix of vehicle types, and other factors. The forecasts of 1992
conditions have assumed the following average daily traffic volumes:
B-N-21
-------
PLANT SITE
Dauphin Island Parkway north of Island Road 15,200
Island Road between Rangellne and the Parkway 18,000
Rangellne Expressway north of Island Road 25,300
Rangellne Road near Deer River 19,300
Noise effects due to waterway traffic on the ship channel have been
estimated using research conducted by U.S.C., Incorporated, Consulting
Engineers (1974) as part of the environmental Impact assessment of the
ship channel project. Relationships were established between the
effects of tug/barge traffic on Leq(24), and the maximum noise
levels produced at close range during short periods. The conceptual
framework and baseline data developed In this study have been utilized
to model the 1992 noise levels at the 12 stations considered in the
present Investigation. Along with the highway traffic volumes listed
above, the forecasts have assumed that waterborne traffic on the ship
channel will amount to 10 round trips of tug and tow per day. The
resulting 1992 estimates are listed In Table B.N.8. (The locations of
noise sampling stations are shown In Figure B.N.5.)
Discussion of Findings
The second number of each pair of numbers 1n Table B.N.8 refers to the
sound level requisite to protect public health and welfare, according to
EPA criteria. As noted earlier, these critical values are related to
the land use at a given station. The two relevant land uses 1n the
vicinity of the Ideal Basic Industries property are Industrial land
(critical level: 70 dBA) and residential land (critical level: 55 dBA).
In the absence of the proposed Ideal Basic Industries project, noise
levels at most of the baseline monitoring stations will Increase signi-
ficantly between 1977 and 1992. The largest Increases would occur at
Stations 4, 8, 9, and 10. The very high noise levels at Station 4 are
Influenced by traffic on Rangellne Road. The 1992 noise levels are
projected to exceed the EPA-recommended equivalent sound levels at only
three stations. (The critical level Is already exceeded 1n one of these
B-N-22
-------
PLANT SITE
Table B.N.8. Ldn and Leq(24) Noise Levels (dBA) at Baseline
Monitoring Stations in 1977 and in 1992*
Station
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Ldn**
55
54
48
72
48/55
65
55
55/55
53/55
54/55
67
67/55
1977
Leq(24)**
48/70
49/70
45/70
66/70
45
61/55
53/55
48
51
52
59/70
66
Ldn**
60
60
48
81
48/55
71
55
64
63
63
t
72/55
1992
Leq(24)**
55/70
54/70
45/70
75/70
45
68/55
53/55
57/70
56/70
56/70
t
61
* Exclusive of any new industries
t No estimate since site is in future turning basin
** Second numbers in the columns refer to the sound levels requisite to
protect public health and welfare according to land use. See Table
B.N.2.
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-23
-------
PLANT SITE
cases.) However, there are three other stations (Stations 8, 9 and 10)
at which the levels would be exceeded except that the land Is expected
to convert from residential to Industrial use between now and 1992. The
overall Impression created by the forecasts Is that sound levels near
the Ideal Basic Industries property would be greater 1n 1992 than In
1977, even In the absence of significant Industrial development.
B-N-24
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
Baseline Survey
The proposed quarry site is an uninhabited tract of land located In a
remote section of Monroe County that is progressively being converted
from forest to improved pasture. The only sources of noise present are
wildlife, other natural phenomena such as wind and water, and a single
light-duty public road that traverses the extreme eastern section of the
tract. Noise was monitored at three stations, located in the southern,
central, and northeastern portions of the site (see Figure B.N.6 and
Table B.N.9). The results of the survey are presented in Table B.N.10.
At Stations 2 and 3, daytime values of LIQ, LSQ, and Leq (10 minutes)
were all between 35 dBA and 45 dBA, indicating very low noise levels.
At Station 1, the measured values were substantially higher: LSQ was
49 dBA, LIQ was 51 dBA, and Leq (10 minutes) was 52 dBA. However,
the apparent explanation was that Station 1 was located adjacent to a
stream and thus was affected by the sound of flowing water. It is
unlikely that noise levels would increase substantially in the future
without the proposed Ideal Basic Industries quarrying operation.
.B-N-25
-------
*
Figure B.N.6
NOISE MONITORING STATIONS
0 0.1 1
•CALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE. Environmental Some* and Engineering. Inc., 1977.
QUARRY SITE
NORTH OF QUARRY SITE
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED QAILLARO QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-N-26
-------
Table B.N.9. Locations and Characteristics of Noise Monitoring Stations
Station
No.
1
2
3
Location and Description Noise Sources
Along Randons Creek on the north side Wildlife sounds.
of bridge.
Area characterized by wildlife sounds,
Including water flow.
The center of the quarry site property. Wildlife sounds.
The north end of the quarry site prop- Wildlife sounds.
erty and along Clay Road.
Land Use*
9
9
9
I
z
ro * For explanation of land use numbers, refer to Table B.N.2.
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
JO
•ya
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.N.10. L10, L50, Leq (10 minute) Noise Levels (dBA)
Measured at the Quarry Site
Station
1
2
3
LIO
Levels (Daytime)
51
43
37
L50
Levels (Daytime)
49
37
35
Leq
(10 minutes)
52
38
35
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-N-28
-------
QUARRY SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
Present sound levels at the quarry site are affected only by wildlife,
natural phenomena, and very light traffic on the Alabama River and
Monroe County Road No. 1. No significant changes from present condi-
tions are expected in the absence of the quarrying operation, except
very localized increased noise levels due to livestock grazing and
agricultural land management.
B-N-29
-------
SOLID WASTE
-------
PLANT AND QUARRY SITE
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
SOLID WASTE
INTRODUCTION
The applicable solid waste regulations concerning this project are
described In Appendix A.
This section describes the existing disposal methods 1n Mobile and
Monroe counties. In October of 1977, a field investigation of both
counties was performed to survey present conditions and estimate 1980
availability for disposal of construction wastes (land clearing and
building) and operating wastes (lunchroom, office, production, and
maintenance).
B-S-W-1
-------
PLANT SITE
PLANT SITE
In Mobile County, three main landfills which operate under the
requirements of the state and local agencies are the Irvington,
Kushla, and Mobile sites (see Figure B.S.W.I).
The closest site to the Theodore Industrial Park is the Irvington
Landfill, which is owned by Mobile County and operated under contract
to Mobile Waste Company. The active site 1s approximately 0.6 kilo-
meter by 0.6 kilometer (3/8 mile by 3/8 mile) and utilizes a trench
method of land disposal. A dragline digs a trench in the existing
clay soil and the wastes are disposed on a 3 to 1 slope. These wastes
are compacted and covered each day with a layer of clay. Each trench
Is about 15 meters wide and 23 meters long (50 feet by 75 feet) on its
active or exposed face. The wastes accepted at the site are
restricted to garbage, non-bulk refuse, Industrial containers, etc.
Bulky Items are not acceptable unless they are cut to a size that
allows for easy compaction by a dozer.
The remaining life of the landfill 1s estimated as greater than
15 years, based on the available land surrounding the site and on the
estimated handling of about 1,100 cubic meters (1,440 cubic yards) of
waste per day.
The Kushla landfill Is also owned by Mobile County and operated by
Mobile Waste Company. This site was not visited but was described by
personnel at the Irvington site as being approximately one-third the
size of their landfill. The expected life of this landfill is approx-
imately 1.5 years.
The City of Mobile operates a landfill at the end of Hickory Street.
The site Is approximately 0.8 kilometer by 0.8 kilometer (1/2 mile by
1/2 mile) and handles only non-putresclble (not containing decompos-
able organlcs) wastes. The wastes are burled by being deposited over
the side of the existing 11ft, compacted by a dozer, and covered.
This lift method, utilizing a working face a few hundred meters long,
raises the existing level of the land approximately 4 meters (12 feet).
B-S-W-2
-------
O IRVINGTON
KUSHLA
MOBILE
O 24-MILE BEND QUARRY
Figure B.S.W.I
LANDFILL SITES
(MOBILE AREA)
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-S-W-3
-------
PLANT SITE
The life of the Mobile landfill was estimated to be 5 years, based on
the assumption that only several more lifts were practical for the
site.
Based on information received from Ideal Basic Industries, there are
two other private disposal sites available. The Alabama State Docks
property in downtown Mobile contains an area where general construc-
tion rubble is being deposited. No other information was obtained,
but it would appear that this site is not a sanitary landfill but
rather a low area being filled in with solid waste material.
The other site, which is owned by Ideal Basic Industries, is an old
clay quarry approximately 32 kilometers (20 miles) north of the city
of Mobile. A pit approximately 180 meters long by 120 meters wide
(600 feet by 400 feet) is being filled with waste alkali kiln dust
from their existing wet process cement plant. Since it was a clay
quarry, the bottom of the pit is sealed by the clay and leachate is
not a problem. There is sufficient land [400 hectares (1,000 acres)]
to continue such operations for at least 15 years.
Mobile County does not have a municipal incinerator, resource recovery
facility, or hazardous waste handling facility. The Mobile County
Board of Health does issue permits for burning of land clearing
wastes. Such burning would be permissible in the Theodore Industrial
Park area, with some restrictions for air pollution and fire hazard
prevention.
The present conditions of solid waste disposal are expected to con-
tinue through 1980. Although the present sites are limited and
additional landfill sites have not been announced, it is not
anticipated that a significant municipal incineration or resource
recovery operation would be economical.
With the recent state and federal solid waste legislation, the aspect
of providing adequate control of hazardous or toxic substances is
B-S-W-4
-------
PLANT SITE
anticipated. Industrial or municipal waste so classified will
probably be disposed of In special sealed and leachate-treated
landfills or high temperature Incinerators.
B-S-W-5
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
In Monroe County, there 1s only one approved sanitary landfill. It 1s
located near Monroevllle (see Figure B.S.W.2) and handles putrescible,
non-putrescible, and bulky wastes. The site Is approximately 10 hec-
tares (25 acres) and operates a multi-lift system of disposal. The
wastes are dropped over the side of an existing 11ft, compacted by
dozer, and covered dally. The working face 1s approximately
30 meters long and 15 meters wide (100 feet by 50 feet). The site has
been operating since 1972 and is estimated to have another 2 to
3 years of capacity remaining.
Upon completion of this area, the county plans to use surrounding
property for future operations. Since the area is rural, there
appears to be adequate land for well over 15 years of use.
As in Mobile County, it 1s anticipated that hazardous wastes will be
treated separately by special sealed landfills or by Incineration.
However, due to the rural nature of the area, such facilities will
probably not be located in Monroe County.
The burning of land clearing wastes, which 1s permitted by the Alabama
Air Pollution Control Commission, is presently the only practical
method available for handling large quantities of trees and brush.
B-S-W-6
-------
MONROE COUNTY
LANDFILL
Figure B.S.W.2
LANDFILL SITE
(MONROE COUNTY)
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering. Inc., 1977.
0 5 10
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAl BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED QAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
-------
GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS
-------
PLANT AND QUARRY SITES
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
GEOTECHNICAL
REGIONAL SETTING
GEOMORPHOLOGY
In southern and western Alabama outside of the influence of the area of
the Appalachian Mountains, the coastal plain area has been designated as
the East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic province. This physiographic
province is divided into eight subprovinces on the basis of geomorphol-
ogy; the proposed plant and quarry sites are in the Southern Pine Hills
subprovince (see Figures B.G.I and B.G.2).
STRATIGRAPHY
The geology of southern Alabama is characterized by a series of sedimen-
tary rocks which range in geologic age from Lower Cretaceous to Holocene
and overlie a basement complex of crystalline rocks. The sediments con-
sist mainly of limestone, sandstone, shale, sand, clay, and gravel with
some salt and anhydrite at depth. The geologic column according to
Chermock (1974) is given in Figure B.G.3.
Generally the formations dip and thicken toward the Gulf of Mexico
(southwest) with the older formations having a greater dip than the
younger ones. Because of this dip toward the Gulf, the older formations
tend to crop out at the surface at a greater distance from the coast
than do the younger ones. In Mobile County, sediments and rocks of
Holocene through Miocene age are exposed, whereas farther north in
Monroe County, sediments and rocks as old as lower Eocene crop out. This
general pattern is disrupted by the deposition of Pleistocene and
Holocene river channel and terrace deposits over older sediments
throughout southern Alabama.
B-G-1
-------
1
O
s
O
JE
5
BAV
OD
5
z
0
O
i
/ALLUVIAL,
LOW TERRACE,
kND COASTAL DEPOSITS
CITRONELLE
FORMATION
oc
P
oc
Ul
Figure B.C. 1
SURFICIAL GEOLOGY OF STUDY AREA
0 5
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: RMd, Philip C., 1971.
MIOCENE SERIES
UNDIFFERENTIATED
GEOLOGIC CONTACT
DASHED WHERE
INFERRED
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-2
-------
CONTACT; DASHED WHERE INFERRED;
DOTTED WHERE CONCEALED
O _
FAULT
DASHED WHERE INFERRED;
U. UPTHROWN SIDE;
D. DOWNTHROWN SIDE
GOSPOHT SAND AND
LISBON FORMATION
UNDIFFERENTIATED
Figure B.G.2
SURFICIAL GEOLOGY OF STUDY AREA
(MONROE COUNTY)
0 5
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY. ALABAMA
SOURCE: Scott, John C., 1971.
B-G-3
-------
Era them
Cenozoic
Mesozoic
System
Quaternary
Tertiary
Triassic
_ ? _ 7 _
Series
Holocene
Pleistocene
Pliocene
Miocene
Eocene
Paleocene
Upper
Lower
Upper
Middle
Rock units
Undifferentiated alluvial, deltaic,
estuarme and coastal sediments.
Alluvial terrace deposits
Citronelle Formation
Miocene undifferentiated
Chickasawhay Limestone
Vicksburg Group
Jackson Group
Claiborne Grpup
Wilcox Group
Midway Group
Selma Group
Eutaw Formation
Tuscaloosa Group
Lower Cretaceous undifferentiated
Cotton Valley Group
Haynesville Formation
Smackover Formation
Norphlet Formation
Louann Salt
Wemer Formation
Eagle Mills Formation
Undifferentiated sediments
Basement
Figure B.G.3
STRATIGRAPHIC COLUMN OF COASTAL ALABAMA
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: Chermock, R.L.. 1974.
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-G-4
-------
PLANT AND QUARRY SITES
The rocks of greatest economic value are the limestones and some of the
sands and gravels. The Oligocene limestones are a source of agricul-
tural lime, and Oligocene and Eocene limestones are suitable for the
manufacture of cement and other products. Sand and gravel are potential
sources of road building material (Scott, 1972).
TECTONIC ACTIVITY
The proposed plant site is relatively inactive tectonically. Since
records have been maintained, only 12 earthquakes have been recorded in
the state. None of these has been classified by NOAA as a major occur-
rence (U.S. Environmental Data Center, 1973). NOAA places the plant and
quarry sites within the lowest seismic risk classification.
B-G-5
-------
PLANT SITE
PLANT SITE
GEOMORPHOLOGY
The proposed plant site Is situated In the Lime Hills subprovince of the
East Gulf Coastal Plain physiographic province. This subprovince
consists generally of a southward sloping dissected plain which gives
way within a few miles to coastal lowlands along the margins of Mobile
Bay.
More specifically, the plant site is in the Pine Meadows Subdivision of
the Southern Pine Hills. This area is characterized by low, smooth
hills developed on floodplain, terrace, and beach deposits (Copeland,
1968). Elevations on the site range from 6 meters (20 feet) above mean
low water at a dune-shaped feature paralleling the channel to sea level
along the channel and marsh (see Figures B.G.4 and B.G.5). The
topography is illustrated in Figure B.G.6.
Most of the drainage for the property is through the North Fork Deer
River; the remainder is directly into the bay along the barge canal.
The water table ranges from at the surface to nearly 6 meters (20 feet)
below land surface.
Mobile Bay in the vicinity of the proposed plant site exhibits little
bathymetric relief except for the Mobile ship channel. The bottom
gently slopes for 8 kilometers (5 miles) eastward into the bay and then
becomes relatively flat (see Figure B.G.7). Submerged sandbars extend
from the shore into the estuary; one of the larger bars is south of the
plant site near Fowl River (Chermock, 1974).
The main ship channel is currently 120 meters (400 feet) wide with a
control depth of 11 meters (37 feet). Spoil banks with a relief of
2 meters (6 feet) or more extend along both sides of the channel from
Great Point to Mobile.
B-G-6
-------
EAST VIEW
WEST VIEW
Figure B.G.4
PHOTOS OF THE THEODORE PLANT SITE ALONG THE
NORTH FORK DEER RIVER FROM THE BRIDGE ON
DAUPHIN ISLAND PARKWAY
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-G-7
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
-------
Figure B.G.5
PHOTOS OF THE THEODORE PLANT SITE ALONG THE
BARGE CANAL
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-8
-------
Figure B.G.6
TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY OF THE THEODORE PLANT
SITE
•TOPOGRAPHIC MAP KEYED TO CROSS SECTIONS
PRESENTED IN FIGURE B.G.10
SOURCE: H. K. Ferguson Associates, 1975.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-9
-------
O 1 2 3 4 5
NAUTKA1 MIIIS
CONTOUtS IN FIIT
Figure B.G.7
MOBILE BAY BATHYMETRY
(AFTER RYAN. 1969)
SOURCE: Chermock, R.L.. 1974.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-10
-------
PLANT SITE
The bathymetry of the bay is undergoing constant change (see Figure B.G.8).
In the 110-year period ending in 1961, the depth changes within an
8-kilometer (5-mile) radius of the proposed site range from 0.3 to 2.1
meters (1 to 7 feet) (Chermock, 1974).
STRATIGRAPHY
Sediments and rocks exposed at the surface in Mobile County range in age
from Miocene to Holocene (recent). The older units are exposed in a
dendritic pattern along creeks where the overlying Citronelle Formation
has been eroded. Miocene sediments are exposed as far south as the
southern border of the Brooklyn Air Force Base. Quaternary alluvium
occurs adjacent to the bay and along major creeks.
The plant site is on Quaternary alluvium. The Citronelle Formation
occurs at the surface approximately 7 kilometers (4 miles) west of the
plant site. The formations and their lithologies are summarized in
Table B.G.I.
Present sedimentation in the bay area includes alluvial, coastal, estua-
rine, and deltaic deposits. The general distribution of these deposits,
which range in size from gravels to clays, is presented in Figure B.G.9.
Test holes at the site reveal at least 41 meters (135 feet) of unconso-
lidated sands, silts, and clays. Wells close to the site indicate that at
least 210 meters (700 feet) of unconsolidated sediments lie below the
area. Figure B.G.10 shows two cross sections of the site.
Because of a thick section of clayey material, problems with settling
resulting from compaction can be expected. Preliminary computations by
Palmer and Baker (1975) indicate that settling in the limestone stock-
pile area will be in excess of 2.5 meters (8 feet) for compressible
strata approximately 20 meters (65 feet) thick.
B-G-11
-------
012545
NAUTICAL MILES
ISOMCMS IN HIT
Figure B.G.8
MOBILE BAY DEPTH CHANGES BETWEEN
1849-1851 AND 1960-1961
(AFTER RYAN, 1969)
SOURCE: Chermock, R.L., 1974.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
B-G-12
-------
Table B.G.I. Geologic Units and their Mater-Bearing Properties
QUARRY SITE
00
Series
Holocene
and
Pleistocene
Pliocene
Miocene
Geologic
Alluvium, low-
terrace, and
coastal
deposits
High-terrace
deposits
Citronelle
Formation
Miocene Series
undifferen-
tiated
hickness
(feet)
0-150
(MO
0-200
400-
3,400
Lithology
Sand, white, gray,
orange, and red, very
fine to coarse-grained,
contains gravel in
places; gray and orange
sandy clay.
Sand, brown, red, and
orange, fine- to coarse-
grained, gravelly in
places, contains clay
balls and partings:
gray, orange, and brown
lenticular sandy clay,
ferruginous cemented
sandstone.
Sand, gray, orange,
and red, very fine to
coarse-grained, con-
tains gravel in places;
gray win-bedded to mas-
sive sandy silty clay;
gray thin-bedded lime-
stone in subsurface.
Yield
Will yield 10 gpm where
saturated sands are of
sufficient thickness.
Potential source of 0.5
to 1 mgd per well in the
Mobile River basin.
Will yield 10 gpm or
more where saturated
sands are of sufficient
thickness.
t.
4
f
&(
Q
£
f^
5
y
s
Will yield 1 mgd
or more per weTl
Quality of Water
Water generally suitable
for most uses, but ccnmonly
contains iron in excess of
0.3 mg/1 and may be suffi-
ciently acidic to be
corrosive. Locally, in
areas close to Mobile Bay
and Mississippi Sound, water
is very hard, has high
chloride and dissolved-
solids contents, and
contains iron in excess of
0.3 mg/1.
Probably soft and low in
dissolved solids. Mw con-
tain iron in excess of
Water generally is soft and
low in dissolved solids but
may contain iron in excess
of 0.3 mg/1 and may be
sufficiently acidic to be
corrosive. In areas adja-
cent to Mobile River, Mobile
Bay, and Mississippi Sound,
water may have a crissolved-
solids content that exceeds
1.000 mg/1, a sulfurous
odor, and and chloride con-
tent that exceeds 500 mg/1 .
Source: Reed, P.C., andJ.F. Mtfain, 1972.
73
-<
to
I-H
—I
m
-------
EXPLANATION
Estuarine clay and silt-intercalated silt, clayey
silt and clay characterized by an abundance of
mottles (bioturbation) and general lack of strati-
fication.
Bay-margin sand—fine- to medium-grained quartz-
ose sand with local concentrations of shell ma-
terial, clay clasts or heavy minerals.
Delta-front and prodelta sand, silt and clay-in-
terstratified fine grained sand and silt and mter-
stratified silt and clay.
10 MILES
5 10 KILOMETRES
Figure B.G.9
SEDIMENTATION DISTRIBUTION, MOBILE BAY
SOURCE: Chermock, R.L., 1974.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-14
-------
0 50 100 200 0 50100150 0 50 100 0 50 100
BLOWS PER FOOT
0 50 100
0 50 100
A-A'
NOTE;
DATA CONCERNING THE VARIOUS STRATA
HAVE BEEN OBTAINED AT BOREHOLE
LOCATIONS ONLY. THE SOIL BETWEEN
BOREHOLES HAS BEEN INFERRED AND
SO MAY VARY FROM THAT SHOWN.
CLAY
ETH3SILTY SAND
im CLAYEY SILT
£23 SAND
Tii BORING
-100
-110
0 50
0 50 100
0 50 100
0 50
BLOWS PER FOOT
0 50
-100
-110
Figure B.C.10
CROSS SECTIONS OF THE THEODORE PLANT SITE
•CROSS SECTIONS KEYED TO TOPOGRAPHIC MAP
PRESENTED IN FIGURE B.G.6
SOURCE: Palmer and Baker Engineering, Inc., 1975.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-G-15
-------
PLANT SITE
The surface material, which consists largely of silts and clays, has a
high bearing capacity; however, the bearing capacity is severely reduced
when the soil is wet or vibrated. The material is not suitable for road
fill unless stabilized in some manner and may have to be removed in some
areas where structural integrity is necessary.
STRUCTURE
The geologic formations in the area exhibit no outstanding structural
features other than a gentle southwest slope toward the Gulf of Mexico.
Subsurface data indicate no expression of tectonic activity.
GROUND WATER
Groundwater supplies are available from permeable sands of Miocene
through Holocene age throughout Mobile County. The principal producing
zones are in the Miocene-Pliocene aquifer. Individual beds in the aqui-
fer are generally 15 to 30 meters (50 to 100 feet) thick and are sepa-
rated by lenticular clays which may be as much as 36 meters (120 feet)
thick. Locally, sands and clays both thicken and thin unpredictably
(Reed and McCain, 1972). At the plant site the base of the Miocene-
Pliocene aquifer is at about 375 meters (1,250 feet) below msl (Reed and
McCain, 1972).
Recharge of the Miocene-Pliocene aquifer occurs by infiltration and by
downdip flow from areas north of Mobile. Aquifer properties are
summarized in Table B.G.I.
Wells within a 8.3-kilometer (5-mile) radius of the proposed site
include:
1. Alabama Refining Company (Sec. 12, T6S, R2W)
2. Mobile Water and Fire Authority District (Sec. 3, T6S, R2W)
3. Mobile Water and Fire Authority District (Sec. 4, T6S, R2W)
4. Nan Grey School (Sec. 4, T6S, R2W)
5. McWane Cast Steel Pipe Company (Sec. 7, T6S, R1W)
B-G-16
-------
PLANT SITE
6. McWane Cast Steel Pipe Company (Sec. 7, T6S, R1W)
7. Mobile Industry Board (Sec. 4, T6S, R2W)
8. Bellefontaine Nursery Company (Sec. 31, T6S, R1W)
9. Riverview Nursery Company (Sec. 6, T7S, R1W)
10. Bayley's Ranch Club (Sec. 6, T7S, R1W)
11. W.D. Nichols (Sec. 2, T7S, R2W)
12. H.J. Sonneborn (Sec. 12, T7S, R2W)
All of these wells range from approximately 15 to 150 meters (50 to 500 feet)
and tap either alluvial [up to 36 meters (120 feet)] or Miocene units.
Yields for wells drawing from alluvium deposits range up to 5.7 Ips
(90 gpm); wells drawing from Miocene deposits yield from 2.5 to 21 Ips
(40 to 330 gpm).
Wells drawing water from the Miocene-Pliocene aquifer generally obtain
good quality soft water; however, local water quality problems do occur.
High iron concentrations, corrosiveness, high dissolved solids, high
chloride concentrations, and sulfurous odor may occur due to local con-
ditions such as proximity to a river or to the bay. At Theodore, the
base of water with a dissolved solids concentration of less than
1,000 milligrams per liter is approximately 240 meters (800 feet) below
msl (Reed and McCain, 1972).
Studies by Robinson, .et !]_• (1956), indicate that chloride concentrations
in the ground water in the vicinity of Mobile are Increasing, indicating
progressive saltwater encroachment. The two wells of record closest to
Theodore and near the bay (Section 7, T6S, R1W) show chloride concentra-
tions ranging from 4.8 to 8.2 milligrams per liter. This concentration
does not seem to indicate saltwater intrusion in the plant area. Another
well in Section 4, T6S, R2W showed a higher chloride concentration of
240 milligrams per liter (Alabama Department of Public Health, Bureau of
Environmental Health, 1977; Reed and McCain, 1972).
&-G-17
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
GEOMORPHOLOGY
The proposed quarry site is also located in the Lime Hills subprovince,
an area of a southward sloping plain dissected by stream and river
action. In Monroe County relief is greatest in the northern part of the
county where streams flowing to the Alabama River drop to base level in
relatively short distances (Copeland, 1968).
The site is situated along the outside of a meander (cut bank) on the
east side of the Alabama River. The deepest part of the river in this
vicinity is along the eastern bank adjacent to Marshal Is Bluff. Depths
of about 6 meters (20 feet) have been measured.
Elevations within the property range from 3 meters (10 feet) msl to over
60 meters (200 feet) msl, with the greatest relief in the area near the
river.
Solution (karst) features occur in the area as closed depressions (sink-
holes). Surface drainage of the site is generally westward to the
Alabama River by way of several subbasins drained by Thompson Mill (also
known as Marshal Is), Hoi linger, and Randons creeks. Figure B.G.ll shows
the quarry site and indicates the locations of the topographic profiles
along Thompson Mill Creek and Hoi linger Creek which are given in
Figure B.G.12.
The drainage channels in the area form patterns typical of humid areas
with relatively flat-lying limestone near the surface. The drainage is
dendritic. Examples of stream channel shape and size are given in
Figure B.G.13.
As Indicated by the topographic map, Thompson Mill Creek meanders more
and has a lesser gradient [7.5 meters per kilometer (7.5 feet per
1,000 feet of channel)] than Hoi linger Creek. Hoi linger Creek has a
wider floodplaln at the confluence with the Alabama River.
B-G-18
-------
1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
Figure B.C. 11
PROPOSED QUARRY SITE*
•MAP KEYED TO TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILES
PRESENTED IN FIGURE B.G.12
SOURCE: USGS, 1974.
Environmental Science and Engineering, 1977.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED QAILLARD QUARRY
MONROEi
, ALABAMA
B-G-19
-------
TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF THOMPSON MILL CREEK
200
100
LONGITUDINAL PROFILE
INDEX LINE PROJECTED
TO CHANNEL
ALABAMA RIVER
1000
3000
5000
MA
MA
7000
9000 11,000
13,000
MC
MC MD
MO
CHANNEL CROSS SECTION
200 .
100
TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILE OF HOLLINGER CREEK
LONGITUDINAL PROFILE
ALABAMA RIVER
INDEX LINE PROJECTED
TO CHANNEL
1000 MOO
MOO
7000 MOO 11,000 13,000
MC' HO
18,000 A 17,000
CHANNEL CROSS SECTION
NOTE: HORIZONTAL AND VERTICAL SCALES IN FEET
Figure B.G.12
LONGITUDINAL AND CROSS SECTIONAL TOPOGRAPHIC
PROFILES*
1 THOMPSON MILL CREEK 2 HOLLINGER CREEK
•TOPOGRAPHIC PROFILES KEYED TO MAP PRESENTED
IN FIGURE B.G.11
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-G-20
-------
Figure B.G.13
MINOR TRIBUTARY TO THE ALABAMA RIVER
APPROXIMATELY 200 FEET FROM THE CONFLUENCE IN
THE VICINITY OF MARSHALLS BLUFF
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-G-21
-------
QUARRY SITE
Thompson Mill Creek tends to stay close to the southern boundary of its
stream valley. The landforms adjacent to the creek exhibit considerable
relief. Steep valley walls extend to the upper reaches of the creek.
Much of the streambed is over bedrock and/or coarse gravel. The lack of
turbidity in this rather fast-moving stream indicates a paucity of fine
materials (silt, clay) along the bed and banks.
STRATIGRAPHY
In the vicinity of the quarry site, sedimentary strata ranging from
upper Eocene limestone to Holocene terrace and alluvial deposits are
exposed as bluffs where the Alabama River or its tributaries have eroded
into the strata. Rocks of Oligocene age, generally the Marianna Lime-
stone, are at or near the surface over most of the quarry area. Some of
the higher areas have a cover of Quaternary high terrace deposits.
Alluvial material is found associated with the river and stream
floodplains (Scott, 1972).
In Monroe County formations ranging from Holocene to lower Eocene crop
out at the surface. The older rocks occur at the surface in the north-
eastern part of the county and the younger strata in the south. Quater-
nary alluvial, low terrace, and high terrace sediments occur throughout
the county. The outcrop pattern of the rocks is generally dendritic,
reflecting the soft nature of the limestones which are being eroded by
streams and rivers. The formations and pertinent information are
summarized in Table B.G.2.
Specific site geology was studied by Ideal Basic Industries, Inc., dur-
ing the exploratory phase of the project in 1960 and again in 1970.
Test holes were made to determine the thickness of overburden and thick-
ness of mineable stone. The geologic section encountered is shown in
Figure B.G.14. Generally the formations encountered range from the
Yazoo clay at the base through various Eocene and Oligocene limestones
covered by Pliocene or Pleistocene sands and clays and various soil
layers.
B-G-22
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.G.2. Important Formations and their Characteristics, Monroe County, Alabama
co
J, a
I
ro
co
o
c
1
)
SYSTEM
Quaternary
Tertiary
SERIES
Holocene
Pleistocene
Pliocene
Miocenp
Oligocene
STAGE
Vicksburg
FORMATION
Alluvium
Low terrace deposits
High terrace
deposits
Citronelle Fm.
(Undifferentiated)
Chickasawhay
Limestone
By ram Fm.
Ma ri anna
Limestone
Red Bluff Clay
(limestone facies)
LITHOLOGY
Gravel , sand ,
silt, clay
Gravel , sand ,
sandy clay
Gravel , sand,
sandy clay
Sand, gravel,
clay, limestone
Limestone
Limestone, clay
sandy clay
Limestone
Sandy limestone
THICKNESS
(FT.)
10-40
5-50
5-50
50-300
1-25
, 20-70
50-80
5-10
o
UD
I-H
1
O
o
f-l
AQUIFER
CHARACTERISTICS
Limited domestic
and stock use
Supplies water for most
farms and a few industries.
Mater is soft, low in dissolved
solids, but may be high in iron.
16-24ppm hardness; 0.23-4.8ppm
iron.
Probably not used.
Sufficient for domestic use.
Water is hard, alkaline.
Sufficient for municipal use.
Yields reported as high as
175gpm. Mater moderately hard:
83-118 ppm hardness; 92-135 ppm
bicarbonate; 0.04-0.46 ppm iron.
Relatively impermeable, not
important as a water supply.
OTHER
CHARACTERISTICS
This formation is
absent on most out-
crops .
The Glendon member
consists of 10-20
feet of hard lime-
stone locally called
"horsebone" because
of its weathering
characteristics.
JO
3>
•ya
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.C.2. Important Formations and their Characteristics, Monroe County, Alabama (Continued, page 2 of 2)
ERA
Cenozoic
SYSTEM
Tertiary
SERIES
Eocene
STAGE
Jackson
Clai borne
Wilcox
FORMATION
Oca la
Limestone
Yazoo Clay
Moodys Branch
Formation
Lisbon Fm.
Gosport Sand
Tall aha tta Fm.
Hatchetigbee Fm.
Tuscahoma Sand
Nanafalia Fm.
LITHOLOGY
Limestone
sandy limestone
Sandy silty
clay, silty
sand
Sand, sandstone
Sand, clay,
sandy clay
Gravelly sand,
sandstone
Si Its tone,
r.l ays tone,
gravelly sand
sandy clay
Clay, sand,
sandstone,
lignite
Sand, clay,
sandstone
Sand, sandy
clay, siltstone
miCKNESS
(FT)
25-75
10-30 m
CVJ
1
If)
3-20
30-200
40-100
135-275
250-275
200-225
AQUIFER
CHARACTERISTICS
Generally not used due to low
yield. Hard water, alkaline
Relatively impervious; not
used for water supply.
Yields reported up to 140 gpm
Water quality good, alkaline.
.09-1.3 ppm iron; 57-178 ppm
bicarbonate; 1.0-9.2 ppm
sulphate; 0.2-5.4 ppm nitrate;
3.0-7.1 ppm chloride; 0.1-0.2
ppm fluoride; 61-147 ppm hardness,
Some use made of this source.
Not used as a source of water.
Best potential for large
quantities of water; yields up
to 900 gpm reported. High in
dissolved solids, bicarbonate. So
alkaline. High in fluoride conter
OTHER
CHARACTERISTICS
Some springs are
developed at the
contact with the
Yazoo Clay.
ft,
t.
CO
CD
ro
Sources: Ivey, 1957.
Scott, 1972.
•ya
-<
in
-------
1 I / 10'-16'
Clay. Reddish brown to light gray.
Irregularly-bedded sandy clay,
sand and gravel.
La, Light gray to buff. Very hard
and crystalline. Called Horse-
bone.
Ls. Light cream. Soft, porous, high-
foasiliferous.
Ls. White. Dense, very hard.
Ls. Light cream. Soft, porous,
fossiliferoua.
La. White. Dense, very hard.
La. Light cream. Soft, porous, fos-
siliferous.
Argil. Ls. Gray to dark gray. Con-
tains abundant clay, black phos-
phatic sand, greenish black glau-
conitic sand.
Ls.Gray to light gray.Top 8"-lh"
hard, dense, very fossiliferous.
Rest soft, fossiliferous.
Coquina» Gray to light gray. Poorly
consolidated medium- to coarse-
sized quarts sand and sheila.
Abundant glauconite.
Ls. Buff to gray. Interbedded sandy
shell coquina and hard fossili-
feroua Is. Olauconitic. Abun-
dant medium- to coarse-sized
quarts sand. Lower 2'-3' very
hard, fossiliferous IB,
Clay. Bluish gray. Micaceous,
sandy* thin-bedded.
Figure B.G.14
COLUMNAR SECTION, PROPOSED QUARRY SITE
(Adapted from R.L.Stienmier, 1970)
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering. Inc.. 1977.
PROPOSED GAILLARO QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-G-25
-------
QUARRY SITE
The formations of economic importance in the quarry area, from oldest to
youngest, are: the upper member of the Deal a Limestone, the Red Bluff
Clay, the Marianna Limestone, and the Byram Formation ("horsebone").
These make up the limestones of commercially acceptable quality. Their
total thickness in the quarry area ranges from 0 to 28 meters (0 to 95 feet)
Apparently 28 meters (95 feet) is approximately the thickness of the
complete section (Ocala through Byram), and the intermediate values
represent various degrees of erosion.
Citronelle Formation and high terrace deposits blanket the surface of
the underlying limestone. It is composed of sand, clay, soil, and other
materials which are uneconomical to mine and must be removed to reach
the limestone. The thickness varies from 0 to 33 meters (110 feet) in the
quarry area. The overburden is thick in the upland areas, decreases in
the lower areas, and becomes thin or non-existent on slopes. Stienmier
(1970) places the Citronelle at the top of the geologic section at the
quarry; however, Scott (1972) does not show any surface expression of
Citronelle in the area.
The soils at the quarry site are primarily upland soils derived from
lime-bearing rocks and from unconsolidated deposits of sand, gravels,
and clays. The soils are generally acidic with a pH of 4.5 to 5.5
(Hyde, 1970). An east-west cross section of several boring logs at the
site is presented in Figure B.G.15. This shows the soil/slope relation-
ships which occur in the area. The sandy upland soils tend to grade
into sandy clays along the lower slopes with clay and silt content
increasing toward the river level. Along the streams draining the
property are primarily sands and gravels.
In areas where the vegetation has not been disturbed the soils are rela-
tively stable; on steep slopes in areas which have been logged there is
evidence of erosion.
B-G-26
-------
CD
I
CD
Figure B.G.15
SUBSURFACE PROFILE
SOURCE: Palmer and Baker Engineers, Inc., 1975.
NOTE:
DATA CONCERNING THE VARIOUS STRATA
HAVE BEEN OBTAINED AT BOREHOLE
LOCATIONS ONLY THE SOIL BETWEEN
BOREHOLES HAS BEEN INFERRED AND
SO MAY VARY FROM THAT SHOWN.
REGION IV
U.S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
-------
QUARRY SITE
STRUCTURE
Data from the test holes indicate that the strata strike northwest and
dip to the southwest at about 5.4 to 7.2 meters per kilometer (30 to
40 feet per mile). This is in accord with the regional geology for the
area. The top of the lower member of the Ocala Limestone (the proposed
base of the quarry) on the Gail lard quarry site ranges from greater than
22 meters (75 feet) msl in the northern areas to about 13 meters
(45 feet) in the south. The normal (mean) river stage is about 3 meters
(10 feet) msl.
Faulting has been detected by boreholes in Sections 22 and 27 of Town-
ship 6N, Range 5E. A minor fault was uncovered in the southwest corner
of Section 22, Township 6N, Range 5E, in a road cut. Displacement of
strata was about 1 to 2 meters (3 to 6 feet). The strike of the fault
was east, with the fault plane dipping north and being upthrown on the
north side. No surface expression was evident (Stienmier, 1971).
Several closed depressions which occur on the property may be sinkholes.
Because of the limestone rocks and the humid climate, a certain amount
of solutioning can be expected. Voids were commonly encountered in
drilling (Stienmier, 1971).
Thompson Mill Creek (also known as Marshalls Creek) exhibits an abrupt
change in direction in the southeast quarter of Section 15 which may be
an expression of an underlying structural feature.
GROUND WATER
In the Monroe County area, both the water table and artesian systems are
used for water supplies. The properties of these aquifers are summar-
ized in Table B.G.2.
B-G-28
-------
QUARRY SITE
The quarry will cut into two formations of local importance as aquifers,
the Citronelle and the Marianna, as well as several units of minor
importance.
Because of river and stream erosion which has cut through all of the
limestone units above the Yazoo Clay (Ocala, Red Bluff, Marianna, and
Byram) and because of the relatively high permeability of the limestones
from solution channeling, it is expected that the water level will be
near or at the top of the Yazoo Clay (an impermeable layer) for some
distance from the river. There is active discharge into the creeks and
river (see Figure B.G.16).
The Citronelle has a relatively low permeability and is discontinuous.
Discharge from the Citronelle should create no problems to quarry opera-
tions, nor should the quarry affect water levels in the Citronelle
except to a local extent.
Several aquifer systems of importance underlie the Yazoo Clay at the
quarry site. The Eocene aquifers are discussed in Table B.G.2. Aqui-
fers in pre-Eocene rocks, which have potential for development as
groundwater supplies, include the Tuscaloosa Group and the Eutaw and
Ripley Formations (Upper Cretaceous).
Groundwater quality is generally soft in the sand aquifers but may be
high in iron. Limestone formations yield larger quantities of water but
are typically moderately hard to hard. Chlorides are low throughout the
area. Water quality is summarized in Table B.G.2.
A partial inventory of wells in the vicinity of the quarry site is given
in Table B.G.3 and their locations are shown in Figure B.G.17. All
these wells are along the eastern boundary of the property. The
determination of the formations from which these wells obtain water is
based on the depth of the well below the surface and the known eleva-
tions of geologic formations in the area.
B-G-29
-------
Figure B.G.16
SPRING DISCHARGING AT THE UPPER CONTACT OF THE
YAZOO FORMATION ALONG MARSHALLS BLUFF
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-G-30
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.G.3. Partial Well Inventory for Wells Near Gail lard Quarry
Site (see Figure B.C.17)
Well
No.
Location
Land Surface
Depth Dia- Elevation
(ft.) meter (ft. msl) Probable Aquifer
8
10
11
SW 1/4, SE 1/4,
NE 1/4, Sec. 26,
T6N, R5E
SW 1/4, SE 1/4,
NE 1/4, Sec. 26,
T6N, R5E
NW 1/4, SE 1/4,
NE 1/4, Sec. 26,
T6N, R5E
SE 1/4, NE 1/4,
Ne 1/4, Sec. 26,
T6N, R5E
SW 1/4, SW 1/4,
SW 1/4, Sec. 24,
T6N, R5E
SE 1/4, SE 1/4,
SE 1/4, Sec. 23,
T6N, R5E
NW 1/4, SW 1/4,
SW 1/4, Sec. 24,
T6N, R5E
SW 1/4, NE 1/4,
SW 1/4, Sec. 24,
T6N, R5E
NW 1/4, NE 1/4,
SW 1/4, Sec. 24,
T6N, R5E
NE 1/4, SE 1/4,
NW 1/4, Sec. 24,
T6N, R5E
210 2"
138 2"
250 2"
158 2"
180 4"
40-50
30 36"
165
160
155
157
157
150
150
165
112
250
Lisbon Formation—
Gosport Sand, below
Yazoo Clay
Lisbon Formation—
Gosport Sand, below
Yazoo Clay
Lisbon Formation—
Gosport Sand, below
Yazoo Clay
Lisbon Formation—
Gosport Sand, below
Yazoo Clay
Lisbon Formation—
Gosport Sand, below
Yazoo Clay
Water table aqui-
fer—Pliocene/
Pleistocene sand
Water table aqui-
fer—Pliocene/
Pleistocene sand
B-G-31
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.C.3. Partial Well Inventory for Wells Near Gaillard Quarry
Site (Continued, page 2 of 2)
Land Surface
Well Depth Dia- Elevation
No. Location (ft.) meter (ft. msl) Probable Aquifer
12 SE 1/4, NW 1/4, 38 - 245 Water table aqui-
SE 1/4, Sec. 13, fer—Pliocene/
T6N, R5E Pleistocene sand
13 SE 1/4, SE 1/4, - 36" 210 Water table aqui-
NE 1/4, Sec. 13, fer—Pliocene/
T6N, R5E Pleistocene sand
14 SE 1/4, NE 1/4, — — 165
NW 1/4, Sec. 2,
T5N, R5E
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-6-32
-------
Figure B.G.I7
LOCATIONS OF WELLS NEAR THE GAILLARD QUARRY
SITE
MAP KEYED TO TABLE B.G 3
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE i
, ALABAMA
B-G-33
-------
QUARRY SITE
The wells for which the depth is known are either:
1. Water table wells obtaining water from the surficial sands
(Pliocene/Pleistocene); or
2. Artesian wells tapping the Lisbon Formation and/or Gosport
Sand.
None of the wells obtains water from the Byram, Marianna, or Ocala.
Solution channels encountered in drilling at the quarry site suggest
that a high permeability may exist; the formations may dewater, at least
during part of the year, by discharge to streams and the river and thus
may be undesirable as a water source.
The water level in well number 9 is reported to be about 12 meters
(40 feet) below land surface. This level suggests that the aquifers
confined by the Yazoo Clay flow at land surface elevations below 42
meters (140 feet) msl.
B-G-34
-------
WATER RESOURCES
-------
PLANT SITE
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
WATER RESOURCES
PLANT SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
General Overview of Mobile Bay
Physiography
Mobile Bay, the northernmost estuary of the Gulf of Mexico, measures
50 kilometers (31 miles) north to south and has an average width of
17.4 kilometers (10.8 miles) (Tanner, et £]_.). Northerly and southerly
winds act upon this 50-kilometer (31-mile) fetch of open water to cause
significant local variations in astronomical tidal elevations. Mobile
Bay and the Mobile River delta cover approximately 1,200 square kilo-
meters (470 square miles) and have an average depth of 3 meters (10
feet) of water (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, 1977).
Of the total area, about 2 percent is tidal marsh, 4 percent "lakes,"
5 percent rivers, bayous, and connecting bays; and approximately
89 percent is open water (Crance, 1971). These values are variable as
a result of alluvial deposition, accretion of marine sediments along the
southern boundary, wind erosion of the shorelines, production and depo-
sition of biogenous materials, and eustatic sea level fluctuations.
Hydrodynamic Processes
Natural and man-made channels, deposit!onal areas, and disposal areas
for dredge spoil divide the bay physiographically. As a result of delta
formation in the northern bay, the east and west sides have gently
curving steep-sloped shorelines. These shorelines are continuations of
the uplands. The southern shoreline and tidal inlet are areas of long-
shore deposition which have narrowed the seaward opening of the estuary
and have created the Mississippi Sound-Mobile Bay system. The accretion
of 4.2 million metric tons (4.6 million tons) per year of suspended
sediments entering the bay from the Mobile River system (U.S. Army Corps
B-W-1
-------
PLANT SITE
of Engineers, Mobile District, 1977) builds up the northern shore.
Deposition exceeds subsidence in this region. As suspended particles
enter the bay from the river system, changes in water currents and
salinities cause them to flocculate and precipitate. The interior bay
sediments thereby become enriched in clays and silts while coarser
materials encircle the nearshore areas (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Mobile District, 1977). Bay sediments are primarily alluvial (deposited
by rivers and streams), biogenic (produced by organisms), or allo-
chemical (produced in situ by chemical reactions), or of marine origin.
The geometry of the bay is the primary determinant of the hydrodynamic
processes active in Mobile Bay. The 50-kilometer (31-mile) fetch is a
significant feature responsible for partial control of water surface
elevations. The complex bay bottom, formed by the delta, longshore
deposition, causeways (landfills), and man-made channels, disrupts and
slows circulation of bottom waters while surface waters move in response
to winds, tides, and freshwater inflow (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Mobile District, 1977).
Mobile Bay has a diurnal tide which varies in range from 36 centimeters
(1.2 feet) at the bay entrance to 45 centimeters (1.5 feet) at the head.
The weighted mean tide range of 42 centimeters (1.4 feet) over the sur-
face area of the bay creates a tidal prism of 411,000,000 cubic meters
(333,000 acre-feet) (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District,
1977).
Water Quality
The complex hydrodynamic processes at work in Mobile Bay result in
highly variable water quality throughout the system. In general, salin-
ities range from 5 to 15 parts per thousand and the turbidity is greater
than 10 Jackson Turbidity Units (JTU) during the winter and spring
periods of high freshwater inflow. During summer and fall periods of
low inflow from tributaries, salinities are higher (10 to 30 parts per
thousand) and turbidities lower (less than 10 JTU) (U.S. Army Corps of
Engineers, Mobile District, 1977).
B-W-2
-------
PLANT SITE
A saltwater wedge and the associated chemical and physical gradients are
present throughout the bay and lower Mobile River. Vertical stratifica-
tion of the water column is most pronounced during the summer period
when freshwater inflow is low and winds are calm (SARPC, 1976). Tidal
mixing processes alone are not strong enough to prevent formation of
stable density stratification caused by the combined effects of salinity
and temperature gradients. This stable density structure prevents
re-aeration of bottom waters. Consequently, normal respiration of ben-
thic organisms and biochemical oxygen demand of suspended and dissolved
organics often results in severe oxygen depression.
Extensive fish kills can occur during the summer. They are locally
known as "jubilees" and were observed as early as the 1860's. The kills
are explained as resulting from a complex interaction of offshore winds
and rising tides which displace oxygen-deficient waters from deep areas
into shallow areas (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District,
1977; SARPC, 1976). Epifaunal organisms may also be killed by the
oxygen deficiency.
Contamination by fecal bacteria is a serious problem throughout the
system and has resulted in the closure of large areas to shellfish
harvesting. Other water quality problems are being investigated by the
Mobile-Baldwin 208 study (SARPC, 1977) to identify point sources of pol-
lution (industrial and municipal), nonpoint cultural pollution sources
(agricultural runoff, urban runoff, industrial site runoff, and hydro-
graphic modifications), and natural pollution sources (river inflow of
nutrients and organics, and turbidity; salinity stratification and
stagnation; temperature shock) and relate them to observed receiving
water quality (see Table B.W.I).
Theodore Barge Canal and North Fork Deer River
The proposed plant site of Ideal Basic Industries is situated on the
Theodore Barge Canal, an appendage of Mobile Bay. The existing canal is
B-W-3
-------
00
Table B.W.I. Historical Water Quality Data, 1976
STATIOM: 21
PERIOD OF RECORD: April-October, 1976
LONG: LAT: T: Ri SECTION:
LOCATION; Mouth of Theodore Ship Channel (Deer River)
PLANT SITE
COUNTY: Mobile
MONITORING SEGMENT:
STREAM CLASSIFICATION: Fish and Wildlife
DATE/TIME
4-8-76/1510
4-20-76/1540
5-13-76/1430
7-15-76/1230
10-22-76/1150
DATE/TIME
4-8-76/1510
4-20-76/1540
5-13-76/1430
7-15-76/1230
10-22-7fi/1150
WEATHER DATA
•o
•a «
cos
•H Q. O,
3OTZ
10
9
25
Calm
16
o
So e
b O
5 Q 4J
NNE
S
S
-
NE
°C
Qi
ll
,8
2B
28
33
21
Cloud
Cover
Partly
Cloudy
Clear
Cloudy
Clear
Clear
PHYSICAL DATA
41 o,u
<9 Ofe
14.5
12
13
11.5
13
A***
§i
U1Q
5
5
5
5
5
cu
-
-
-
7.2
7.6
Water
Temperature
°C
I1
-
26.3
26
31.5
18.5
5'
21
24
25.5
30
18
1'OB
-
23.5
25
29.1
18
Dissolved
Oxygen
I1
-
6.9
6.4
5.3
7.4
5'
7.0
4.9
6.1
4.8
7.9
1'OB
-
3.8
5.2
1.3
7.4
CHEMICAL DATA (All units are Die/
in
a
o
a
1.9
2.2
2.5
2.6
1.6
0*
Z
0.16
0.12
0.03
0.02
0.02
z
0*
z
0.008
0.010
<0.005
0.005
<0.005
•x
z
0.035
0.027
0.040
0.090
0.090
CPZ
o z
0.24
0.49
0.21
0.36
0.50
o.
cT
B.
0.046
0.093
0.082
0.036
0.042
-
U)
a
328
399
3,520
5,340
13,200
0
0
a
-------
PLANT SITE
approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles) long, 60 meters (200 feet) wide,
and about 4 meters (12 feet) deep. Before being dredged in 1968, the
canal was a portion of the Middle Deer River streambed. The part of the
Middle Deer River that has not been dredged is a marshy bayou which
meanders in a northerly direction away from the Theodore Barge Canal for
about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) (Swingle and Bland, 1974). Traversing
the Ideal Basic Industries property and emptying into the canal is the
North Fork Deer River, a small tidal creek. North Fork Deer River has
an estimated net flow of 5.7 to 28 liters per second (0.2 to 1.0 cfs)
(SARPC, 1976) and an average width of about 6 meters (20 feet) as it
crosses the property. The North Fork maintains its flow from precipita-
tion [1,702 millimeters per year (67 inches per year)] and groundwater
seepage (SARPC, 1974). The Theodore Barge Canal drains an area of over
1,400 hectares (3,500 acres) (SARPC, 1976).
The existing barge canal has a trapezoidal cross-section with
approximate side slopes of 3:1. It maintains this geometry into the
Mobile Bay as the Hollingers Island Channel. The canal has a mean tide
of 45 centimeters (1.5 feet), little freshwater inflow, and is oriented
perpendicular to the predominant wind direction (Swingle and Bland,
1974). These physical features result in limited circulation and
stagnant bottom waters during most of the year.
Water samples were collected at three barge canal stations and at two
stations on the North Fork Deer River (Environmental Science and
Engineering, Inc., 1977). The locations of these stations are shown in
Figure B.W.I, and the water quality data are presented in Table B.W.2.
The Mobile 208 study (SARPC, 1976; see Table B.W.I), as well as recent
chemical data (Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977; see
Table B.W.2 and Figure B.W.2), documents a vertical dissolved oxygen
gradient in both the canal and the bay in fall and summer. The sharp
dissolved oxygen gradient (saturated at the surface, zero near the
bottom) exists when there is an attendant salinity gradient
(Figures B.W.2 and B.W.3). This dissolved oxygen stratification is a
B-W-5
-------
Figure B.W.1
WATER SAMPLING STATION
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977
B-W-6
-------
Table B.W.2. Water Quality of Theodore Industrial Park Area (Station PI, Lower North Fork Deer
River)
11
•vl
Parameters Storet N(
Date
Time
T-POa (mgP/1)
0-POa (mgP/1)
TKN (mgN/1)
NH3 (mgN/1)
N09-N03 (mgN/1)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/I)
Temp (°C)
Sp. Cond.
(umhos/cm)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness
(mg/1 0 CaC03)
Alkalinity
(mg/1 9 CaC03)
PH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% sat.)
Fecal Col.
(I/ 100 ml)
Fecal Strep.
(#/100 ml)
FC/FS
ci-
$04=
Chlor. a
(mg/m3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
>.
4/20
10:30
.14
.005
1.28
.05
.17
3.6
12
25.0
1,120
700
686
14
18
50
125
27.8
6.9
7.8
93
1,100
"230
4.8
—
—
_.
—
<3.0
1.1
5/17
12:45
.08
<.002
1.22
.08
.007
2.8
4.8
28.0
8,900
5,400
5,390
10
5.2
35
937
50.0
7.3
7.2
99
100
208
.48
—
334
—
—
0.67
5/31
13:45
<.02
<.002
1.30
.14
.084
2.4
<1.0
32.0
8,800
4,780
14,764
16
6.6
25
868
45.0
7.3
4.5
61
810
625
1.3
2,510
227
12.1
433
24
4.1
6/15
12:45
•
.
1.
•
.
2.
<1.
32.
16,490
11,400
11,385
15
5.
15
1,870
19.
6.
5.
75
24
3,500
•
5,540
828
7.
341
<3.
3.
12
006
30
05
051
4
0
8
3
0
8
3
01
44
0
0
6/30
12:20
.05
<.002
0.79
<.03
<.004
3.1
6.8
31.0
16,300
10,600
10,579
21
5.3
5
1,720
27.4
7.3
6.4
89
—
920
—
5,130
771
25.4
151
<3.0
<0.08
7/12
11:35
0.17
0.005
1.9
0.25
0.057
3.0
8.4
29.3
15,500
10,800
10,800
22
8.5
15
1,710
42
6.5
3.0
41
230
590
0.39
4,960
679
10.2
347
<3.0
0.49
7/28
13:20
0.20
0.010
1.9
0.10
0.051
2.4
10.0
31.0
19,800
12,800
12,800
24
7.2
25
2,220
45
6.6
5.0
70
600
1,400
0.43
6,490
832
7.49
752
5.0
<0.08
8/9
09:30
0
<0
1
0
0
3
10
31
10,350
6,080
6,060
17
7
25
1,100
38
7
4
60
170
73
2
3,090
425
29
419
<3
<0
.04
.002
.6
.12
.033
.4
.0
.0
.7
.2
.4
.33
.6
.0
.08
-------
Table B.W.2. Mater Quality of Theodore Industrial Park Area (Station P2, Barge Canal, East Property Boundary)
(Continued, page 2 of 5)
oo
CO
Parameters Storet No.
Date
Time
T-PO* (mgP/1)
0-POa (mgP/1)
TKN (mgN/1 )
NH3 (mgN/1)
N0?-N03 (mgN/1)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temp (°C)
Sp. Cond.
(umhos/cm)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness
(mg/1 C CaC03)
Alkalinity
(mg/1 P CaC03)
PH
DO (mg/1)
DO (X sat.)
Fecal Col.
(1/iOOml)
Fecal Strep.
U/lOOml)
FC/FS
ci-
S04=
Chlor. a
(mg/ni3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
4/20
11:15
.10
.006
.82
.07
.17
1.8
9.8
24.0
880
700
694
6.0
16
30
124
27.1
6.8
7.3
86
440
48
9.2
__
._
__
—
<3.0
0.3
5/17
12:00
.13
.004
1.20
.12
.018
2.5
2.9
26.9
9,310
6.070
6,061
9.0
4.4
23
1,030
54.0
7.4
9.5
81
52
38
1.37
__
254
__
—
__
6.8
5/31
12:37
.08
<.002
1.10
.11
.006
1.6
<1.0
29.0
9,810
8,180
8,172
8.0
3.9
15
1,430
34.0
6.6
7.0
90
160
86
1.86
4.350
417,
16.2
252
<3.0
3.5
6/15
12:00
0
<
4
2
31
17.200
11,500
11,483
17
5
10
1,900
67
7
10
151
2
70
5,680
792
13
189
<3
4
.18
.006
.89
.03
.016
.9
.5
.0
.7
.0
.0
.9
.03
.1
.0
.5
6/30
11:00
.
i!
.
<.
2.
7.
30.
15.300
10,220
10,184
16
4.
15
1,680
30.
6.
7.
104
—
20
-
5,050
709
25.
189
3.
<0.
04
002
0
04
004
7
2
8
1
0
9
6
-
6
8
08
7/12
09:15
0.24
0.019
1.9
0.02
<0.004
8.1
8.8
29.0
16,700
11.000
11.000
25
8.7
10.
1.780
43
6.6
1.0
14
560
170
3.29
5.290
709
14.6
194
<3.0
<0.08
//28
11:30
0.17
0.020
2.1
0.04
<0.004
7.0
8.3
31.4
19.400
12.800
12.800
14
6.2
15
2.240
44
7.0
6.3
89
<100
6
—
6.560
863
42.4
219
<3.0
<0.08
8/9
07:45
0.028
<0.002
1.5
0.16
0.040
4.0
4.5
31.0
10,620
6,200
6,190
6
4.4
20
1,150
39
7.0
5.1
70
25
12
2.08
3,220
459
18.4
219
<3.0
<0.08
-------
Table B.W.2. Water Quality of Theodore Industrial Paik Area (Station P3, Barge Canal at Mouth
of North Fork Deer River) (Continued, page 3 of 5)
Parameters Storet No.
Date
Time
T-POa. (mgP/1)
0-POa (mgP/1)
TKN (mgN/1 )
NH3 (mgN/1)
N02-N03 (mgN/1)
BOOK (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temp CC)
Sp. Cond.
(umhos/cm)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness
(mg/1 9 CaC03)
Alkalinity
(mg/1 9 CaC03)
pH
DO (mg/1)
DO (1 sat.)
Fecal Col.
(f/lOOml)
Fecal Strep.
(1/100 ml)
FC/FS
cr
S04=
ChTor. a
(mg/ni3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
4/20
11:45
.10
.007
.84
.08
.17
1.8
8.6
24.0
945
680
670
10
17
30
120
25.6
6.7
7.4
87
1,100
88
12.5
—
__
__
—
<3.0
0.23
5/17
11:40
.10
<.002
1.29
.09
.082
2.5
5.3
26.8
8,830
7,280
1,268
12
4.7
20
1,200
52.0
7.4
9.0
86
10
6
1.67
—
345
—
—
0.78
5/31
12:05
<.02
<.002
0.90
.14
<.004
2.5
2t'.2
9,940
8,560
8,550
10
3.9
15
1.490
34.0
6.6
7.7
94
34
120
.28
4,350
408
11.3
324
<3.0
5.0
6/15
11:45
.
0.
<.
.
4.
31 !
17,000
11,700
11,700
-
6.
15
1,910
62.
7.
11.
160
22
110
.
2,890
792
17.
189
<3.
4.
21
008
96
03
120
1
0
0
-
2
0
0
5
20
0
0
3
6/30
11:52
<.
0.
.
<.
1.
7.
30.
14,400
10,200
10,184
16
4.
10
1,580
24.
7.
7.
100
36
31
1.
4,840
679
32.
227
<3.
<0.
03
002
71
07
004
9
2
6
2
2
0
5
16
6
0
08
7/12
09:50
0.32
0.031
2.2
0.04
<0.004
G.2
8.6
29.0
16.600
11.200
11,200
19
7.2
15
1,760
44
6.3
2.5
34
r,900
82
96.3
5,410
740
30.2
271
<3.0
0.15
7/28
12:40
0.17
0.014
2.2
0.04
<0.004
8.3
8.5
31.0
19,800
12,900
12.900
11
7.2
15
2,220
45
7.1
7.7
108
27
42
0.64
6,510
863
31.6
286
<3.0
<0.08
8/9
09:00
0.047
0.004
2.0
0.12
0.022
4.4
5.6
31.0
10.620
6,300
6,290
7.2
5.1
20
1,130
35
7.4
6.0
82
8
7
1.14
3,270
492
25.4
219
<3.0
<0.08
-------
Table B.U.2. Water Quality of Theodore Industrial Park Area (Station P4, Barge Canal West
Property Boundary) (Continued, page 4 of 5)
CO
Parameters Storet No.
Date
Time
T-P04 (mgP/1)
0-POa (mgP/1)
TKN (mgN/1)
NH3 (mgN/1)
N02-N03 (mgN/1)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temp (°C)
Sp. Cond.
(umhos/cm)
TDsTmg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness
(mg/1 P CaC03)
Alkalinity
(mg/1 » CaC03)
pH
DO (mg/1)
DO (} sat.)
Fecal Col.
(1/100 ml)
Fecal Strep.
(I/ 100 ml)
FC/FS
ci-
S04=
Chler. a
(mg/ml)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
4/20
12:15
.08
.003
.86
.09
.18
<1.0
10
24.5
930
706
694
12
15
30
124
28.0
6.7
7.8
92
2,800
66
42.4
—
—
_.
—
<3.0
0.47
5/17
12:10
.10
<.002
1.29
.11
.028
2.8
2.5
26.5
9,120
5,800
5,790
10
4.3
20
980
46.0
7.6
10.9
71
90
22
4.09
—
263
_.
—
—
0.17
5/31
12:55
<.02
<.002
0.82
.15
.004
1.2
<1.0
27.2
9,720
8,110
8,103.6
6.4
2.8
15
1,390
35.0
6.5
8.7
107
240
140
1.71
4,340
408
11.0
179
<3.0
8.4
6/15
12:15
1
<
<
4
2
31
16,900
11,700
11,687
13
5
10
1,920
6
10
149
<2
60
<
5,680
792
23
189
<3
4
.23
.006
.1
.03
.004
.7
.5
.2
.8
~
.9
.7
.03
.2
.0
.4
6/30
11:25
•
<.
0.
•
<.
1.
6.
31.
15,800
10,600
10,585
14
4.
10
1,420
63.
6.
7.
101
>8,000
720
>11.
5,240
709
22.
151
<3.
<0.
02
002
91
08
004
1
3
0
1
2
9
3
1
4
0
08
7/12
10:20
0.20
0.004
2.2
0.05
<0.004
7.5
9.6
29.0
17,500
12,500
12,500
22
9.8
10
1,860
34
6.6
6.1
82
>6,000
60
100
5,600
771
15.9
233
<3.0
0.18
7/28
12:00
0.15
—
4.0
0.03
0.017
7.0
5.9
31.5
17.600
13,000
13,000
14
7.0
15
2,260
44
6.8
6.6
93
17
22
0.77
6,520
893
50.7
219
<3.0
<0.08
8/9
08:20
0.08
0.006
1.7
0.11
0.015
6.3
6.1
31.0
10,530
6,100
6,090
9
4.8
20
1,100
36
7.1
4.4
60
17
15
1.13
3,130
459
41.4
219
<3.0
4.6
•o
>
CO
-------
Table B.W.2. Water Quality of Theodore Industrial Park Area (Station P5, Upper North Fork Deer
River) (Continued, page 5 of 5)
CD
i
Parameters St
Date
Time
T-P04 (mgP/1)
0-POa (mgP/1)
TKN (mgN/1 )
NH3 (mgN/1)
N02-N03 (mgN/1)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temp (°C)
Sp. Cond.
(umhos/cm)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness
(mg/1 3 CaC03)
Alkalinity
(mg/1 0 CaC03)
PH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% sat.)
Fecal Col.
(f/100 ml)
Fecal Strep.
(1/100 ml)
FC/FS
ci-
S0a=
Chlor. a
(mg/m3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
oret No.
4/20
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
___
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
5/17
10:35
.13
<.002
3.17
.74
.015
15
21
25.0
675
421
418
3.0
13
100
51.0
172
6.85
0.5
6
90
690
0.13
_.
38.1
—
__
._
2.1
5/31
14:10
<.02
.004
1.6
.46
.127
5.1
8.1
34.0
619
3,550
3,544.4
5.6
7.8
60
84.0
111
7.3
6.2
86
1,040
132
7.88
22
61.7
11.5
1,680
15
12
6/15
13:20
.18
.040
3.3
.92
.060
3.8
13
31.0
510
525
515
10
15
45
54.0
381
7.6
3.4
47
Comp. Inhib.
30
—
37
69.3
—
1,100
22
4.4
6/30
12:40
.03
.006
3.1
2.2
.013
2.6
14
31.0
519
352
342
10
7.0
40
1,880
127
7.6
2.4
32
8,400
17
494
40
49.5
5.18
681
7.5
0.08
7/12
12:20
0.
<0.
4.
1.
0.
7.
25
27.
658
412
399
13
5.
40
140
140
6.
0.
3
76,000
450
15
002
2
8
010
8
5
6
9
25
7/28
11.00
0.
0.
2.
1.
0.
1.
15
28.
385
271
265
6
5.
45
160
97
7.
2.
33.
900
130
12
008
9
4
034
4
8
2
3
55
6
6.9Z
74
64.8
2.53
1,570
<3.0
0.62
43
37
2.82
1,350
<3.0
0.85
8/9
10:30
0.
<0.
2.
0.
0.
3.
10.
30.
286
250
240
5.
8.
55
218
68
7.
1.
25.
1,750
355
047
002
0
44
028
1
0
0
0
6
4
9
0
4.83
20
41
2.24
2,280
<3.0
1.1
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977. —<
ts>
-------
r=^ i \
**\ \
\ \ / /N
l\ V / \
\\ /
'
\ \ \
/ \ \ \
8/15 6/28 7/12
4/19
15 FEET
• 12 FEET
O- -O 9 FEET
« ® 6 FEET
® 9 3 FEET
DEPTH
DEPTH
DEPTH
DEPTH
DEPTH
'DISSOLVED OXYGEN VALUES ARE AVERAGES OF P2, P3, AND P4 FROM THREE CANAL STATIONS,
HIGH TIDE
Figure B.W.2
DISSOLVED OXYGEN* VS TIME AND DEPTH AT THE
THEODORE BARGE CANAL
SPRING AND SUMMER, 1977
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering. Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED i
MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
B-W-12
-------
25,000 _
o
J 20,000.
E
UJ
O
o
3
0
O
O
o
o
UJ
Q.
01
15,000_
10,000_
5.000 _
4/19
5/17
5/31
5/15
6/28
MONTH/DAY
7/12
15 FEET DEPTH
-« 12 FEET DEPTH
-O 9 FEET DEPTH
-» 6 FEET DEPTH
3 FEET DEPTH
•SPECIFIC CONDUCTIVITY VALUES ARE AVERAGES OF P2, P3, and P4 FROM THREE CANAL STATIONS,
HIGH TIDE
Figure B.W.3
SPECIFIC CONDUCTIVITY* VS. TIME AND DEPTH AT
THE THEODORE BARGE CANAL
SPRING AND SUMMER, 1977
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
US ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE. ALABAMA
B-W-13
-------
PLANT SITE
direct result of the poor flushing and limited vertical mixing char-
acteristic of dead-end, finger canals and channels that have limited
freshwater inflow. Flushing does occur in the early spring as a result
of the higher freshwater inflows from the Mobile River and local rain-
fall. Nutrient levels in the canal are high and support a highly pro-
ductive phytoplankton population which aggravates the dissolved oxygen
problem by increasing the organic loading on the lower stratification
layer.
The limited flushing results in poor water quality which is aggravated
by existing point source industrial discharges and by stormwater runoff
into the tributaries of the canal. The point source discharges are
listed in Table B.W.3. The nonpoint discharges are listed in Table
B.W.4. Past industrial discharges of phenol, BOD, COD, oil and grease,
nitrogen compounds, phosphorus compounds, and metals into North Fork
Deer River have resulted in significant degradation of the freshwater
marsh system. The point source and stormwater discharges from Marion
Oil Company (listed in Table B.W.3) will continue to cause localized
impacts in the headwaters of the marsh system. Point source discharges
from Degussa-Alabama, Kerr-McGee, and Airco, and stormwater runoff from
impervious surfaces on Airco, Kerr-McGee, and Degussa- Alabama property
will continue to generate wasteloads into the barge canal.
Nonpoint wasteloads were developed using the wasteload models EPAURA and
EPARRB (SARPC, 1976). These models were designed only to generate a
gross estimate of potential nonpoint wasteloads. The model outputs
presented have not been calibrated and verified with site-specific data.
In fact, model input data has been set from nonpoint source loading fac-
tors developed from loading studies in Atlanta, Georgia, and other urban
areas scattered around the country. Consequently, the nonpoint loadings
presented in Table B.W.4 must be analyzed and interpreted with care.
For example, the calculated wasteloads for suspended sediments are
questionable. The Ideal Basic Industries property (71 hectares)
(175 acres) has a calculated wet season average daily discharge of
4,054 kilograms (8,940 pounds) of sediment. This is a wet season load
B-w-14
-------
Table B.W.3.
Theodore Barge Canal Point Source Daily Flows and Loads (Ibs/day) (PH1:1977; PH2:1978
and Beyond)
Degussa-Ala
03
t
£
1
l-«
VI
Flow (MGD)
Flow (CFS)
TOC
TDS
TSS
Chlorides
N
Oil /Grease
Cr
Cd
Mn
Phenol
P
COD
BOD
PHI
1977
1.370
2.119
154
18515
571
10800
9
__
--
__
__
__
__
—
PH2
1992
1.501
2.324
154
18515
571
14622
507
__
--
—
__
__
__
~~
Kerr-McGee
PHI
1977
0
0
0
0
0
156124
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
PH2
1992
1.470
2.228
--
—
—
—
__
—
—
—
—
—
_.
—
•••
Airco
PHI
1977
.700
1.083
— -
—
199
--
__
58
5.9
—
—
5.9
4
--
™~
PH2
1992
.700
1.083
—
—
199
—
—
58
5.9
—
—
5.9
4
—
~™
Marion
PHI
1977
.050
.077
—
133
31
—
10.4
14
—
—
—
0.28
—
228
45
PH2
1992
.050
.077
—
133
31
—
10.4
14
—
—
—
0.28
—
228
45
Ideal
PHI PH2
1977 1992
__ _~
--
__
—
—
—
—
__
__
—
—
—
—
—
..
— Not available.
Source: SARPC, 1976.
to
I—I
m
-------
Table B.W.4. Theodore Canal Nonpoint Flows and Loads (Wet Season Average Dally Loads and Flows)*
00
I
Parameter
Flow (MGD)
COD
BOD
Sediment
Total Solids
N
P
K
Zn
Cu
Pb
N1
Hg
Cr
Cd
Degussa-Al
1.714
5150
1045
13260
83500
170
63
166
63
12
39
3.4
4.3
6.8
.17
Kerr-McGee
3.374
9850
2005
28220
160500
330
143
353
120
23
74
6.5
8.3
13.0
.32
Other Ind.
2.593
1875
383
46620
30600
104
60.7
583
23
4.5
14.1
1.25
1.55
2.5
.06
Open Area
1.481
1020
749
40
17450
.37
14
5
13
2.5
8
.7
.9
1.4
.035
Airco
1.616
4278
870
11440
70000
142
61
143
53
10
32
2.8
.36
5.6
.15
Ideal
.512
374
77
8940
6100
9
11.5
123
4.5
.9
2.8
.25
.31
.5
.012
Lone Star
.138
107
22
1980
1765
5.3
3.3
2.5
1.3
.25
.8
.07
.09
.14
.0035
Marion
1.735
5200
1065
1320
85000
161
64
17
64
12.3
39.4
3.4
4.37
6.9
.17
Suburban
.701
73
11
1140
2340
3.9
2.4
14
.6
.36
.42
.11
.13
.06
.017
* Wet months, storm every two days, 1/2 inch of rain over a two hour period, intensity of rainfall 1/4 inch/hour, average
wet season daily loads from infiltrative and erodible surfaces, plus 1/2 of a storm event "first flush" load from
impervious surfaces, constitute the total daily wet season nonpoint load.
Source: SARPC, 1976.
-------
PLANT SITE
of 58 kilograms per hectare (51 pounds per acre) per day. This loading
rate is an order of magnitude higher than similar values generated for
lands of similar slope, soil type, cover, and impervious surface
coverage (Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977). Ground
truth observations at the site did not provide evidence of severe
erosion that would be associated with such high loadings, except for
slumpage along the banks of the industrial canal.
Existing point source wasteloads from industrial organic oxygen-
demanding wastewater discharges are either low or undocumented.
Consequently, there is no available evidence that the dissolved oxygen
problem in the canal is attributable to industrial point source dis-
charges. The poor mixing and flushing due to the physical configuration
of the canal results in stratification. The natural organic sources and
nonpoint source organic wasteloads cause an oxygen gradient with severe
depletion in the bottom waters. Consequently, the canal has no
assimilative capacity for additional oxygen-demanding wasteloads.
Therefore, the recommendation has been made that the only point source
discharges to the canal which should be permitted are those which have a
better water quality than the canal waters and meet Alabama's Fish and
Wildlife Water Quality criteria (SARPC, 1977). This recommendation is
being implemented by the U.S. EPA.
Preliminary analysis of available water quality data and modeling
results strongly indicates that the existing dissolved oxygen levels in
the Theodore Barge Canal may have little, if any, effect on the Mobile
Bay system (SARPC, 1976; U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District,
1977). This conclusion is supported by information that indicates that
low dissolved oxygen levels in Mobile Bay are caused by the complex
hydrodynamic and ecological processes within the bay. These data and
observations demonstrate that when low levels are noted in the Theodore
Barge Canal, low levels have also been documented throughout the Bay
system.
B-W-17
-------
PLANT SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
From the water resources standpoint, the primary change at the plant
site by 1992 will be the construction of the Theodore Ship Channel along
the alignment of the present barge canal. This project will be executed
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District.
The ship channel project (see Figures B.W.4 and B.W.5) will involve:
1. A channel of 12-meter (40-foot) depth and 91-meter (300-foot)
bottom width, occupying a right-of-way 200 to 300 meters
(650 to 1,000 feet) wide;
2. A bay cut of 122-meter (400-foot) bottom width providing deep-
water access to the Mobile Bay channel;
3. A 17-hectare (42-acre) turning basin at the end of the ship
channel near Rangeline Road; and
4. An extension of the existing barge canal with 4-meter (12-foot)
depth west of Rangeline Road.
A second turning basin at the mouth of the land cut has been authorized
but will not be included in the initial construction program (U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, 1977).
The proposed ship channel and barge canal extension have been modeled
with the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratories model to determine
estimated water quality and residence times (SARPC, 1976). A theoreti-
cal dye study was performed and run for 20 tidal cycles. It was deter-
mined that at the landward terminus of the canal, 70.4 percent of the
dye would be removed after 20 days. It was concluded that this flushing
rate is too slow to effectively remove waste and will create a condition
where water quality can degrade below Fish and Wildlife Water Quality
Standards.
A combined industrial waste treatment facility with a common outfall
into Mobile Bay has been proposed for the Theodore Industrial Park.
Wastewater dispersion was modeled by the Army Corps of Engineers Mobile
Bay model and by the Dynamic Estuaries Model (DEM) (SARPC, 1976). The
B-W-18
-------
BALDWIN CO.
PROPOSED
IDEAL BASIC
PLANT SITE
HOLLINGERS;;/? 98
SISLAND iiiil
i APPROACH CHANNEL
PROPOSED
BARGE CANAL
EXTENSION I
>:;: DISPOSAL
ISLAND
PROPOSED
THEODORE
SHIP CHANNEL
HIP CHANNEL
ROJECT ARE
0 10
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
Figure B.W.4
PLAN VIEW OF PROPOSED CORPS PROJECT-
ENTIRE HARBOR
SOURCE: U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile Corps of
Engineers, 1975.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
B-U-19
-------
DO
I
rv>
o
PROPO
CANA
PROPOSED SHIP TURNING
.
HOLLINGERS ISLAND
T -- APPROACH CHANNEL
Figure B.W.5
PLAN VIEW OF PROPOSED CORPS PROJECT
SEE FIGURE B.W.4 FOR VIEW OF ENTIRE HARBOR.
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
SOURCE: U.S. Army Engineer District, Mobile Corps of Engineers, 1975
-------
PLANT SITE
Corps performed simulated dye studies at two locations with the physical
model of the bay to estimate the movement of industrial effluent from an
outfall. The DEM was run to determine the concentration gradients for
five alternative outfall locations.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, has reviewed an
application by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City
of Mobile for construction of the pipeline as shown in Figure B.W.6.
A proposed discharge point has been established, and the Corps is pre-
paring an Environmental Impact Statement on this project.
B-W-21
-------
THEODORE
* APPROVED P
PR
THEODO
CANAL E
PROPOSED
TURNING BAS |
ILE BA
HOLLINGERS ISLAND APPROACH CHANNEL
XX
Xx
Xs-
)INT OF DllffiHARGE
k
Figure B.W.6
PROPOSED WASTEWATER OUTFALL IN MOBILE BAY
0 2
SOURCE: Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile, 1977. SCALE IN KILOMETERS
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED CEMENT MANUFACTURING
PLANT THEODORE INDUSTRIAL PARK
MOBILE, ALABAMA
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
EXISTING ENVIRONMENT (1977)
Alabama and Mobile River Basins
General Description
The headwaters of the Alabama River flow out of the Blue Ridge Moun-
tains in northwest Georgia. Numerous tributaries flow out of the
well-defined valleys of the Blue Ridge and combine to form the Etowah
and Oostanaula Rivers. After falling some 259 meters (850 feet) out
of the mountains, these rivers unite at Rome, Georgia, and form the
Coosa River which flows southwesterly into Alabama. Just south of the
Coosa River is another major tributary to the Alabama River, the
Tallapoosa River. The Tallapoosa also rises in northwest Georgia and
flows southwest into Alabama. The Alabama-Coosa-Tallapoosa Basin is
shown in Figure B.W.7. The Coosa River Basin encompasses both the
Sand Mountain and Southern Appalachian Ridge and Valley Land Resource
Areas while the Tallapoosa River flows mainly through the Southern
Piedmont Land Resource Area.
The Coosa and the Tallapoosa Rivers converge just above Montgomery,
Alabama, at an elevation approximately 30 meters (100 feet) above mean
sea level. Here the Alabama River begins its 525-kilometer (315-mile)
southwesterly course, joining the Tombigbee River near Mai com, Ala-
bama, and forming the Mobile River.
From Montgomery to the mouth, the Alabama River flows through the
Southern Coastal Plain and Alabama and Mississippi Blackland Prairies.
These areas consist of gently rolling hills which dip southwesterly
toward the Gulf of Mexico. Because of the generally flatter topography
and the more easily worked alluvial sediments of the coastal plain,
the river in this area slows down, the slopes are reduced, and the
river takes on a slow-moving, meandering character.
The confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers is 72 river kilo-
meters (45 miles) upstream of Mobile. The Claiborne Lock and Dam
B-W-23
-------
TENNESSEE
QUARRY SITE
0 100
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
Figure B.W.7
MAP OF ALABAMA-COOSA-ETOWAH RIVER BASIN
(Adapted from Associated Water and Air Resources
Engineers, Inc., 1975).
SOURCE. Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-24
-------
QUARRY SITE
is approximately 37 river kilometers (23 river miles) upstream of the
proposed quarry site, which is 180 river kilometers (110 river miles)
from Mobile.
The confluence of the Alabama and Tombigbee rivers marks the head of
the Mobile River. Approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) downstream of
this confluence, the southerly flowing Mobile River enters a deltaic
floodplain and separates into a network of distributaries. This net-
work creates a braided stream pattern which extends approximately
56 kilometers (35 miles) to the head of Mobile Bay. The westerly
channel in this braided system is called the Mobile River and carries
about 25 percent of the annual average flow (Alabama Water Improvement
Commission, 1976). The eastern distributary is the Tensaw River,
which carries approximately 28 percent of the annual average flow.
The other major distributaries along this stretch are the Apalachee
and Blakeley rivers which account for 22 percent and 25 percent of the
annual average flow, respectively.
The low channel slopes of the Mobile River and of the basin distribu-
taries result in generally low current velocities. A large portion of
the Mobile River Basin waters are influenced by a diurnal tide. Much
of the Mobile River is subject to saltwater intrusion along the chan-
nel bottoms except during high flow periods.
Precipitation
Average annual precipitation in Alabama varies from about 1,270 mil-
limeters (50 inches) in the northwest and central portions of the
state to almost 1,778 millimeters (70 inches) east of Mobile, Alabama.
In the lower Alabama and Mobile River basins, mean annual precipita-
tion values display the greatest variation of any area of the state.
In northern Monroe County, precipitation averages 1,372 millimeters
(54 inches) per year. In the southern part of the county, this value
increases to 1,422 millimeters (56 inches) per year. Values continue
B-W-25
-------
QUARRY SITE
to increase to the south. At Mobile, mean annual precipitation is
almost 1,702 millimeters (67 inches).
Mean monthly and mean annual precipitation values for five stations in
southwest Alabama are shown on Table B.W.5. Precipitation is lowest
at the two northernmost stations, Thomasville and Greenville, whereas
precipitation is highest at the southernmost station, Mobile. Preci-
pitation is fairly uniform throughout the year in southwest Alabama.
The driest months are October and November; the wettest months are
March and July.
Topography
The Alabama River Basin encompasses five distinct land resource areas
characterized by differences in topography, soils, land use, and
climate. These areas are illustrated in Figure B.W.8.
The Southern Appalachian Ridge and Valley Land Resource Area occurs in
the northern portion of the Alabama River Basin. This area consists
of wide, gently rolling valleys and steep, rough ridges all trending
northeast/southwest. Elevations in the valleys range from 150 to
210 meters (500 to 700 feet) above mean sea level (msl), whereas ele-
vations on the higher ridges sometimes reach 610 meters (2,000 feet)
above msl. This area is known geologically as the Folded
Appalachians.
The Sand Mountain Land Resource Area occurs in the northwest portion
of the basin. This area is characterized by a series of plateaus
underlain by a sequence of thick shales and sandstones. The basal
sandstone outcrops and forms permanent cliffs overlooking the valleys
so that plateau margins stand out sharply.
The Southern Piedmont Land Resource Area comprises about 25 to 30 per-
cent of the basin. The area is characterized by rolling uplands
formed over deeply weathered, crystalline metamorphic rocks.
B-W-26
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.W.5. Monthly and Annual Norms of Temperature (°F) and Precipitation (Inches) In Southwest Alabama
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY JUNE
TInches ~T Inches ~T Inches ~T Inches T Inches ~T inches
STATION Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp.
Thomasvllle, Ala. 47.4 4.60 50.4 4.99 56.5 7.15 65.8 5.36 72.7 3.91 78.8 3.63
1941-1970
33 miles N-NW
of quarry site
Greenville, Ala. 49.2 4.79 52.3 5.06 57.9 6.81 66.8 5.23 73.5 3.99 79.2 4.20
1941-1970
62 miles NE of
of quarry site
Mobile, Ala. 61.1 4.71 64.1 4.76 69.5 7.07 78.0 5.59 85.0 4.52 89.8 6.09
1941-1970
63 miles SH of
quarry site
Brewton, Ala. 50.5 4.56 53.3 5.03 58.5 6.61 66.3 5.68 72.8 4.36 78.6 5.50
1941-1970
40 miles SE of
quarry site
Bay Mlnette, Ala. 51.7 4.64 54.4 4.73 59.8 7.29 68.0 5.50 74.6 4.86 79.8 5.84
1941-1970
42 miles S-SW
of quarry site
73
-<
to
-------
Table B.W.5. Monthly and Annual Norms of Temperature (°F) and Precipitation (Inches) In Southwest Alabama
(Continued, page 2 of 2)
JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER ANNUAL
^T Inches ^T Inches ^T Inches ^T Inches ^T Inches ^F Inches 'F Inches
STATION Temp. Preclp. Temp. Precip. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Preclp. Temp. Precip. Temp. Preclp.
Thomasvllle, Ala. 80.5 6.06 80.1 4.63 75.4 3.73 66.0 2.96 55.3 3.71 48.7 5.65 64.8 56.38
1941-1970
33 miles N-NW
of quarry site
Greenville, Ala. 80.8 6.44 80.5 4.45 76.1 4.54 66.8 2.31 56.4 4.21 50.3 5.46 65.8 57.49
1941-1970
62 miles NE of
quarry site
Mobile, Ala. 90.5 8.86 90.6 6.93 86.5 6.59 79.7 2.55 69.5 3.39 63.0 5.92 77.3 66.98
1941-1970
63 miles SW of
quarry site
Brewton, Ala. 80.3 7.65 80.1 5.71 75.6 5.21 65.9 2.80 56.1 4.12 51.1 5.28 65.8 62.51
1941-1970
40 miles SE of
quarry site
Bay Minette. Ala. 81.0 7.64 81.1 6.87 77.3 6.17 68.9 2.84 58.7 3.93 52.8 5.46 67.3 65.77
1941-1970
42 miles S-SU of
quarry site
Source: U.S. National Climatic Center, 1976.
73
-<
CO
-------
TENNESSEE
SOUTHEWPI&M
iRRY SITE
Figure B.W.8
MAJOR LAND RESOURCE AREAS OF THE ALABAMA
RIVER BASIN
(Adapted from Associated Water and Air Resources
Engineers, Inc., 1975).
SOURCE: Environmental Science and engineering. Inc., 1977.
° SCALE IN KILOMETERS100
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-29
-------
QUARRY SITE
Elevations generally range from 210 to 300 meters (700 to 1,000 feet)
above msl. The highest elevation In the state [Cheaha Mountain—
729 meters (2,390 feet)] occurs in this area. Though once a rich
cotton-producing area, the area today is used primarily for pine
plantations.
The Southern Coastal Plains Land Resource Area comprises most of the
southern half of the basin and is divided by the Alabama and Missis-
sippi Blackland Prairies Land Resource Area, more commonly termed the
Black Belt. The northern, or upper, portion of the Coastal Plain is
generally rolling land, while the lower Coastal Plain is smoother.
Elevations in the upper Plain vary from 90 to 180 meters (300 to
600 feet) above msl and in the lower Plain from 90 to 150 meters.
Distinct topographical changes, which trend east-west through the
Coastal Plain, reflect differential weathering and former higher sea
levels. The proposed quarry site is in the lower Coastal Plain.
The Black Belt Land Resource Area has a gently rolling topography
trending east-west through the basin. The name derives from the
rich, black soil which is prevalent in the area. The area is ideally
suited for agriculture and today is used as pastureland. Elevations
generally range from 30 to 90 meters (100 to 300 feet) above msl.
Flow
The Alabama River is gaged at several locations, and measurements of
streamflow and water elevation are made and collected by the USGS and
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Table B.W.6 summarizes the loca-
tions and types of data obtained for the various gages on the Alabama
River. Streamflow measurements are made at two locations on the
river—at Montgomery and at Claiborne.
At Montgomery, the river drains some 39,109 square kilometers (15,100
square miles). The average discharge of the river at this point over
the period 1928 to 1975 was 672 cubic meters per second (cms) [23,740
B-W-30
-------
Table B.U.6. USGS Gaging Stations on the Alabama River
Gaging Station
Name
USGS ID Miles Upstream Miles Upstream Type of Data Period of Drainage Area
Number From Mouth From Quarry Site Recorded Record Sq. Miles
Alabama River at
Montgomery, Ala.
02419988
296.9
243.9 Gage Heights 1890 to 15,000
Present
Alabama River near
Montgomery, Ala.
02420000
287.6
234.6 Discharge and 1927 to 15,100
Gage Heights Present
Alabama River at Jones Bluff 02421351
Lock and Dam near Benton, Ala.
245.4
192.4 Guge Heights 1972 to 16,300
Present
i
LO
Alabama River at Selma, Ala. 02423000 214.8
Alabama River at Millers 02427506 142.2
Ferry Lock and Dam near
Monroeville, Ala.
Alabama River at Claiborne, 02429500 76.1
Ala.
161.8 Gage Heights
89.2 Gage Heights
23.1 Discharge and
Gage Heights
1900-1913
1928-1970
1971 to
Present
1968 to
Present
1930 to
Present
17,100
20,700
22,000
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, 1975.
JO
3»
•ya
-------
QUARRY SITE
cubic feet per second (cfs)]. The maximum discharge occurred on
February 26, 1961, and was 8,014 cms (283,000 cfs); the minimum dis-
charge occurred on November 24, 1941, and was 68.5 cms (2,420 cfs).
At Claiborne, Alabama, just north of the proposed quarry site, stream-
flow in the Alabama River has been measured by the USGS since 1930.
The gage measures the discharge of approximately 57,000 square kilo-
meters (22,000 square miles). Over the period of record, the average
discharge at this point was 921 cms (32,540 cfs), and the maximum
discharge was 7,560 cms (267,000 cfs) (March 7, 1961). The average
monthly flows at Claiborne are plotted in Figure B.W.9.
Yields
Basin yields are useful in determining the relative characteristics of
basins. At Montgomery the average basin yield is 0.017 cms per square
kilometer (1.57 cfs per square mile), whereas in the reach between
Montgomery and Claiborne the basin yield is only 0.0139 cms per square
kilometer (1.27 cfs per square mile). Above Montgomery, the basin is
mountainous with steep slopes and very rapid runoff. Below, in the
coastal plain, slopes are more gentle and the topography is flatter.
These features allow more infiltration of rainwater and more evapo-
transpiration and thus reduce the basin yield. Basin yields over the
entire Alabama River Basin are shown on Figure B.W.1U.
Water Resource Projects on the Alabama River
The Alabama and Mobile Rivers connect the proposed quarry site to
Mobile by 95 river kilometers (59 river miles) of navigable waterway.
The original improvement of the Alabama River, authorized in 1878, was
a 1.2-meter (4-foot) deep channel from the mouth of the river to
Wetumpka, Alabama. River traffic below Claiborne was generally
limited to shallow draft movements of pulpwood and logs, crude oil,
and sand and gravel. Under authority of the Rivers and Harbors Act of
1945, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mobile District, began
B-W-32
-------
ALABAMA RIVER
AT CLAIBORNE
JFMAMJJASOND
MONTH
Figure B.W.9
AVERAGE MONTHLY FLOWS, ALABAMA RIVER AT
CLAIBORNE, 1965-1974
SOURCE: Alabama Water Improvement Commission, 1976.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-33
-------
TENNESSEE
ANNUAL RUNOFF IN INCHES
CUBIC FEET PER SECOND PER
SQUARE MILE IN PARENTHESES
13.57
(1.00)
QUARRY
20.36
(1.50)
Figure B.W.10
ALABAMA RIVER BASIN
(Adapted from Associated Water and Air Resources
Engineers, Inc., 1975)
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
0 100
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD >
MONROE i
,ALABAMA
B-W-34
-------
QUARRY SITE
improvements on the waterway from Mobile to near Wetumpka, Alabama,
in 1963.
Since that time, many improvements to navigation have been performed
on the Alabama River. These improvements have included the construc-
tion of three lock and dam structures—Claiborne, river kilometer
131.6 (river mile 81.8); Millers Ferry, river kilometer 229 (river
mile 142.3); and Jones Bluff, river kilometer 394.9 (river mile
(245.4)-and the maintenance of a 2.7-meter (9-foot) deep, 60-meter
(200-foot) wide navigation channel from the mouth of the river to
Montgomery (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1975). The channel to
Claiborne was opened to river traffic in 1969. In 1973,
1,770,000 metric tons (1,950,000 tons) of cargo were transported on
the waterway.
The Jones Bluff Lock and Dam consists of a navigation lock, gated
spillway, and a small hydroelectric power plant. The normal pool
elevation behind the dam is 38 meters (125 feet) above msl, and the
normal pool below the dam is 24 meters (80 feet) above msl. The 142-
kilometer (88-mile) long reservoir created by the dam (Jones Bluff
Lake) has a total capacity of 289,000,000 cubic meters (234,200 acre-
X
feet). As of 1975, the Jones Bluff project was 85 percent complete.
Millers Ferry Lock and Dam is located some 148 river kilometers (89
river miles) upstream of the proposed quarry site. The project con-
sists of an earthen dike on the right bank, a concrete-gravity gated
spillway in the river channel, and a powerhouse (three 25,000 kw
units). The 172-kilometer (103-mile) long reservoir behind the dam
has a total capacity of 409,300,000 cubic meters (331,800 acre-feet)
and is maintained at an elevation of 24 meters (80 feet) above msl.
The Millers Ferry project was completed in 1972.
The Claiborne Lock and Dam is located some 37 river kilometers (23
river miles) upstream of the proposed quarry site. The project con-
sists of a fixed crest and gated spillway extending across the river
channel and a navigation lock. Construction of the lock and gated
B-W-35
-------
QUARRY SITE
spillway was completed In 1969. The pool behind the dam (Claiborne
Lake) was raised to approximately 9.4 meters (31 feet) above msl, and
navigation through the lock was first permitted on November 15, 1969.
Early in December, 1969, the pool was raised to 9.8 meters (32 feet)
above msl and was maintained, except for a brief flood period, between
9.8 and 10 meters (32 and 33 feet) until the middle of May, 1970. The
fixed crest spillway section was completed in December, 1970.
The Claiborne Lock and Dam has no powerhouse and is primarily a navi-
gation structure. The minimum reservoir level of 9.8 meters (32 feet)
provides safe navigation depths to Millers Ferry Lock and Dam. The
Claiborne Lock and Dam is operated to re-regulate powerhouse releases
from Millers Ferry and to provide navigable depths in the channel
downstream from Claiborne. The minimum flow required for a 3-meter
(9-foot) channel depth is 241 cms (8,500 cfs). The project also
provides for public recreation and for conservation of fish and
wildlife (Lucas, 1977). The mean depth of Claiborne Lake is about
5 meters (16 feet), with depths to 12 meters (40 feet) just above the
lock and dam.
Systems of stone training dikes have been constructed at 13 locations
in the river below Claiborne. These dikes are intended to reduce
rates of shoaling in the navigation channel and thus reduce the amount
of maintenance dredging required.
In addition to the navigation projects discussed above, numerous flood
control projects have been completed in the reaches of the river
upstream from Claiborne.
B-W-36
-------
QUARRY SITE
GENERAL OVERVIEW OF IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES PROPERTY
The quarry site encompasses 1,633 hectares (4,035 acres) of rolling
hills on the eastern side of the Alabama River In Monroe County,
Alabama (see Figure B.W.ll). At the northern boundary of the
property, the Alabama River changes flow direction from southeasterly
to almost due south. Marshal Is Bluff bounds the eastern shore of the
river, and an extensive floodplain has developed along the western
shore. Four major streams drain the quarry site: McGirts Creek,
Thompson Mill Creek (also known as Marshal Is Creek), Hoi linger Creek,
and Randons Creek. All flow in a generally southwest direction. Four
small watersheds exist between McGirts Creek and Hoi linger Creek
immediately adjacent to the Alabama River. These watersheds are
referred to as Alabama River Tributaries Nos. 1, 2, 3, and 4. Table
B.W.7 lists the areas of each watershed.
Alabama River
Velocity Profile and Hydraulics at the Gaillard Tract
In June, 1977, river current velocities along a profile perpendicular
to flow (at the proposed docking facility) were measured. A Teledyne-
Gurley Model 662 current meter was used for the study. Velocities
were measured from surface to river bottom at five stations along the
profile. Depth soundings were taken concurrently.
The results of the investigation are shown in Figure B.W.12. The dis-
tribution of isovels displays sharpest gradients close to the river
banks. In addition, the isovels also show the effect of the upstream
river basin geometry upon current velocity structure. As the Alabama
River courses southward above the quarry site (Figure B.W.ll), it
makes a sweeping bend so that the convex side faces east. Centrifugal
force causes the swiftest currents to occur on the convex side of the
bend.
B-W-37
-------
Nw-x
—' QUARRY PROPERTY BOUNDARY
WATERSHED BOUNDARY
— STREAM
- INTERMITTENT STREAM
Figure B.W.11
WATERSHED MAP: McGIRTS CREEK, THOMPSON MILL CREEK, HOLLINGER CREEK.
RANDONS CREEK, ALABAMA TRIBUTARIES 1, 2, 3, AND 4
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
0 2
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.VI.7. Watershed Areas
Total Area
In Watershed
Watershed (Hectares)
McGirts Creek
Thompson Mill Creek
(Marshal Is Creek)
Alabama No. 4
Alabama No. 2
Alabama No. 1
Hoi linger Creek
Alabama No. 3
Randons Creek
TOTAL
161
1,777
34
42
17
874
27
14,324
(Acres)
397
4,392
84
104
42
2,160
68
35,394
—
Area in
Quarry Property
(Hectares)
30
385
34
42
17
592
27
506
1,633
(Acres)
73
952
84
104
42
1,462
68
1,251
4,035
%
Watershed
in Quarry
Property
18
22
100
100
100
68
100
4
—
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
B-W-39
-------
EAST BANK
DOCKING SITE
VELOCITY(CM/SEC)
200
300
MID RIVER
400
DISTANCE ALONG BASELINE (FEET)
500
600
WEST BANK
Figure B.W.12
VELOCITY PROFILE ALABAMA RIVER AT PROPOSED DOCKING FACILITY
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering. Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY. ALABAMA
-------
QUARRY SITE
The shorelines of the river are highly turbulent zones as evidenced by
the relatively steep velocity gradients (see Figure B.W.12). The
turbulent nature is compounded by lateral indentations along the river
banks and by tree snags which bring about increased turbulence and
eddies. The occurrence of eddies is determined by the size and
locations of shoreline recesses. Lateral velocity variations such as
these are primarily responsible for creating increased longitudinal
dispersion rates in rivers (Ward and Espey, 1971). However, small
scale features, such as individual eddies, may have poor exchange with
the main stream of flow. The water within an eddy may be entrained
for a considerable length of time while the turbulence created at its
boundaries may enhance dispersion outside the eddy.
The position of the high velocity currents typically indicates the
location of the naturally-maintained channel. The high velocity area
is nearest the eastern bank and extends to about mid-river. The span
of the river over which these swiftest currents flow coincides with an
area of coarse pebble gravel river bottom (see Figure B.W.13). The
coarse sediments indicate an area of scour or natural maintenance.
Sediments and Depositional Processes
A representative number of river sediment samples between Howard Land-
ing and Randons Creek was collected in June, 1977. Sediments were
taken using a ponar grab and were later sieved for grain size distri-
bution (Folk, 1974). The grain size classifications are mapped in
Figure B.W.13.
The sediments reflect the energy of the overlying waters. Along the
shores, slumping and mass wasting of the banks combine with sluggish
flow to deposit medium to muddy sand 6 to 15 meters (20 to 50 feet)
from the eastern shore. Sandy gravel extends from here to near mid-
river. This coarsest sediment is associated with the high velocity
currents of the river. The coarse gravel grades laterally (westward)
into a medium quartzose sand. Muddy sand occurs on the western shore
B-W-41
-------
,.HO WARD LANDING
:i::# PROPOSED DOCKING SITE
HOLLINGER CREEK
RANDONS CREEK
Figure B.W.13
ALABAMA RIVER SEDIMENTS
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
MUDDY SAND
MEDIUM WELL-SORTED SAND
GRAVELLY SAND
SANDY PEBBLE GRAVEL
MEDIUM SAND, CLAY LENSES
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-42
-------
QUARRY SITE
in an energy environment similar to the eastern bank. The gravelly
area represents the naturally maintained channel whereas the sandy
areas are zones of potential deposition or shoaling.
The deposition of silt and sand along the banks is quite evident in
the tributary valleys. An annual alternation of inorganic and organic
deposition takes place in portions of stream valleys subject to annual
river flooding. During late winter and early spring, the rain-swollen
stream valleys are reservoirs of alluvium. During the summer and fall,
the exposed stream valleys collect leaves, twigs, and other forest
litter. This organic debris is then buried by the succeeding alluvial
layer. This cyclic sedimentation takes place not only on the valley
floors, but also on low hanging tree limbs and fallen trunks. Periods
of intense rainfall and high stream flow may wash away one or more of
these layers, thus disrupting the sequence. Sedimentation and stream
erosion alternate in these areas so that the small valleys maintain a
youthful V-shape while upland areas mature.
Water Level Extremes and Flooding
Flooding of the Alabama River is most likely to occur in the late
winter and early spring, whereas low water levels generally occur in
the summer and autumn. The highest level recorded for the Alabama
River at Claiborne was 16.9 meters (55.6 feet) above msl on March 7,
1961. The discharge associated with that stage was 7,561 cms
(267,000 cfs). The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has identified this
event as one with a recurrence interval of approximately 100 years.
Extrapolating the stage elevation from the Claiborne gage downstream
to the proposed quarry site, river kilometer 85 (river mile 53) yields
a 100-year stage elevation at the site approximately 14 meters
(47 feet) above msl. Figure B.W.14 shows the 100-year floodplain at
the site as prepared by the U.S. Geological Survey. The floodplain
generally follows the 12-meter (40-foot) msl contour line.
B-W-43
-------
QUARRY PROPERTY BOUNDARY
APPROXIMATE BOUNDARY OF
100 YEAR PLOODPLAIN
STREAM
INTERMITTENT STREAM
Figure B.W.14
100-YEAR FLOODPLAIN AT PROPOSED QUARRY SITE
SOURCE: USGS, 1972.
Flood Prone Area Map: Flynns Lake, Alabama, and Frisco City, Alabama.
0 2
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
OUNTY, ALABAMA
-------
QUARRY SITE
Another storm, which occurred in April, 1976, has been identified by
the U.S. Arn\y Corps of Engineers as one with a recurrence interval of
approximately 10 years. This storm produced a stage elevation at the
Claiborne gage of approximately 15 meters (50 feet) above msl.
Downstream at the quarry site, the stage elevation produced by this
storm was estimated to be 13 meters (42 feet) above msl. Projected
stage elevations at the quarry site for various hydrologic events are
summarized in Table B.W.8.
The discharge associated with various flood events at points on the
Alabama River varies according to drainage area and storm magnitude.
Figure B.W.15 shows the variation of flood discharge with drainage
area for selected recurrence intervals.
Mean low water elevations have been estimated by the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers for various sites along the Alabama River. By utilizing
these values, the mean low water elevation at the quarry site was
estimated to be 2.9 meters (9.5 feet) above msl. Low flows at the
Claiborne gaging station have been recorded by the Geological Survey
of Alabama and are presented in Table B.W.9. The minimum 7-day low
flow at Claiborne was 158 cms (5,570 cfs) compared to the average flow
of the river at that point of 922 cms (32,540 cfs). The estimated
median 7-day low flow is 252 cms (8,900 cfs).
Water Quality
The quality of Alabama River water is highly variable and is strongly
influenced by river flow, rainfall, and season. Historical flow and
water quality data collected at a USGS station operated at Claiborne,
Alabama (see Table B.W.10) and water quality data collected by
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., at the proposed quarry
site docking facility (see Table B.W.ll) are plotted against time
(October, 1973, to September, 1974) in Figure B.W.16. Figure B.W.17
shows the locations of the Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc.
sampling stations at the quarry site.
B-W-45
-------
QUARRY SITE
Table B.W.8. Stage Elevations on the Alabama River
Stage Elevation msl at Stage Elevation msl at
Claiborne Gage Quarry Site (Projected)
River Kilometer River Kilometer 82
(River Mile 76) (River Mile 53)
Event
100-year
10-year
Mean Low Water
meters
16.9
15.2
3.8
(feet)
(55.6)
(50.0)
(12.5)
meters
14.4
12.9
2.9
(feet)
(47.4)
(42.4)
(9.5)
Sources: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
Kerr, 1977.
B-W-46
-------
PROPOSED
MONTGOMERY JONES BLUFF SELMA
(STATION 4200) DAM (STATION 4230)
z o
< o
OK
300
250
Zfi 200
m 111
gu-
ff O
S? 150
100
ALABAMA
MILLERS FERRY CLAIBORNE RIVER
(STATION 4275) (STATION 4295) CUT-OFF
50-YEAR FLOOD
1—
25-YEAR FLOOD
10-YEAR FLOOD.
—I
5-YEAR FLOOD
MEANANKUALFLOOD_
•-T
I
i
I
.-I
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22
DRAINAGE AREA IN THOUSANDS OF SQUARE MILES
23
Figure B.W.I5
VARIATION OF FLOOD-DISCHARGE WITH DRAINAGE AREA FOR SELECTED
RECURRENCE INTERVALS, ALABAMA RIVER
SOURCE: Gambel, 1965.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
-------
Table B.W.9. Minimum Average Flows and Median 7-Day Low Flows for the Alabama River at Claiborne
Drainage
Area
Sq. Km.
(Sq. Mi.)
Peri od
of
'Record
Lowest Mean Flow, in cfs, for Indicated Number of
Consecutive Days During Period of Record
1
15
30 60
120
Year Of
Occurrence
Estimated 7-Day Low
1939-61 cfs
Alabama River 56,980
at Claiborne (22,000), 1930-61 4,840 5,570 6,000 6,090 6,420 6,870
1954
8,900
Source: Pierce, 1966.
I
-C»
00
70
-<
CO
-------
Table B.W.10. Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama, October, 1971
to September, 1974
r MMILC IIVU BASIN
02429SOO ALABAMA tlVE* AT CLAUCHJK. AU.
(International Itrdrologlcal Decade River Stetlon)
UKATION.--Lat Sl'JI'W. lent 87'JO'*5". In a
-------
Table B.W.10. Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama,
October, 1971 to September, 1974 (Continued, page 2 of 8)
OU.C IIVC* 1*5 III
OI42UOO ALABAMA IIVU AT CLAIBOHNE. ALA --Cunllnuid
(Inlirnilloiul Hydiologlcil D«c MHOSI IUNITSI IDEG o IMG/LI
OCT.
06.
NOV.
04.
DEC.
09.
JAN,
IT.
FEB.
09.
MAR.
JO.
APR.
27.
-JUNF
OB.
JULY
AUG.
24.
SEP.
12.
DATE
NOV
Ok
JAN
IT
AUG
• • •
•
• • •
•
48 0 118
7780
4| 0 107
54 0 122
29 0 73
39 0 86
40 0 95
46 0 101
54 0 121
41 0 99
40 0 96
40 0 100
RADIOCHEHICAL ANALYSES
Ols- sus- nis- ols- sus-
SOLVED PENOFD SOLVED SOLVED PENflEO
GROSS GROSS GROSS GROSS GROSS
ALPHA ALPHA BETA BETA BETA
AS *S AS SR90 AS AS SP90
U-NAT. U-NAT. /Y90 CS-137 /Y90
IUG/UI lun/LI IPC/ll IPC/L) IPC/L)
1.8 .9 2.6 3.3 .6
1.2 5.2 2.6 3.3 2.9
«.4 .6 2.0 2.5 .6
7.0 27.0 9.2
23.0
7.2 22.0 1.0
7.4 12.0 8.9
6.6 11.0 9.6
7.0 9.0 11. 8
7.2 1S.S 10.2
7.2 20.5 9.6
7.4 26.0 8.4
7.2 29.5 9.2
7.2 29.5 6.6
7.1 29.5 9.0
DIS-
SOLVED DIS-
RA-226 SOLVED 015-
IPLAN- RA-226 SOLVED
CuET IRADON URANIUM
COUNT 1 METHOD) IUI
IPC/L) IPC/L) IUG/L)
.03 .06
.02 .06
«.I — .01
B-W-50
-------
Table B.W.10. Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama, October, 1971
to September, 1974 (Continued, page 3 of 8)
MOB lit lint BASIN
02429500 ALABAMA RIVER AT CLA1BOKMC. ALA.
(International Hydroluglcal Decade liver Section)
JtTIOH --Lac 31*J2't8". long 87'30'*i". In etc 2J. T. 7 N . R. S E.. Monroe County, at gaging elation near left bank on daunecreaa
tide of bridge on U S. Highway 84 at clalbornc. 0 » milt (0 8 ha) dovnalreaa from Llmciione Creek. 12 nllca (19 ka) wen of
Honroavlllc. end at Bile 16.1 (112 I Vo).
tUlNACE AREA --22.000 olj (»7.000 koj). approalmetely.
KRIOD OF RECORD. --Chenlc.l jnelyeee- Kerch 1166 to Sepleafetr 1961 (dally). October l»69 10 September 1973 (ninthly).
Water tcnperaturce March 1966 to Sepieober 19bB.
lErMRKS --HUci 1 lanroui aanplea of chemical data publlehrd far uaier year 196}
CHLM1CAL ANALYSES. WATER YEAR OCTOBER 1972, TO SEPTEMBER 1973
DIS- DIS-
CI IS- DIS- SOLVED SOLVED
INSTAN- DIS- 01 S- SOLVED SOLVED MAG- OIS- PO-
IANEOUS SOLVED TOTAL SOLVED MAN- CAL- HE- SOLVED IAS- BICtR-
01S- SILICA IRON IRON GANESE CIUM SIUM SODIUM SIUM BONATE
CHIRGE »sio2i IFEI IFEI I*NI ICAI IMGI INAI IKI IMCOSI
DATE ICFSI IMG/LI IUG/LI IIJG/L) CUG/L) IMG/LI IMG/LI IMG/LI IMG/LI CMG/LI
",,:.. »••
DEC.
01...
JAN.
12 ...
FEB.
01...
MAR.
01...
APR.
03...
13...
MAT
IS...
JULY
06...
AUG.
07...
SEP.
OS...
DATE
OCT.
19..
DEC.
01..
JAN.
12..
FEB.
01..
MAR.
01..
• PR.
03..
13..
IS..
JULT
06..
AUG.
07..
SEP.
OS..
15800
113000
49900
27400
136000
137000
84600
moo
80SO
7490
CAR-
BONATF.
IC01I
IMG/LI
. — —
* " —
. * —
. — -
. — —
„
• •—
. - *
. »-
0
0
4.8
-.
7.1
7.0
S.8
6.7
6.0
7.2
6.1
*. 4
DIS-
SOLVED
SULFaTE
ISQ4I
IMG/LI
--
9.2
8.8
8.2
7.4
S.2
6.2
S.4
6.6
6.8
6.8
60 28 13 3.9 8.6 2.0
.• 260 -• -• ~- "• *"•
380 10 8.7 2.6 3.3 1.4
290 30 9.4 2.7 3.S 1.3
220 20 12 I. 8 2.2 1.6
160 0 7.9 1.7 2.7 1.4
260 210 40 8.S 1.7 2.6 I.S
4SO 10 11 2.3 3.8 1.6
110 52 10 2.9 4.S 1.8
200 40 10 3.0 S.9 I.B
OIS- DIS-
SOLVED SOLVED DIS- AMMONIA ORGANIC
CHLO- FLUO- TOTAL SOLVED TOTAL NITRO- NITHO-
RIOE RIDE NITRATE NITRATE NITRITE GEN GEN
ICLI IFI INI INI INI INI INI
IMG/LI (KG/LI IMG/LI IMG/LI ING/LI IMG/LI IMG/LI
.2
•
7.4 .1 .z
.2 — .Oli — .47
3.6 .2 .4 — .009 -- .40
3.4 .4 .2
2.8 .2 .4 -- — .02 .45
2.4 .2 .2 — .012 .04 .19
2.0 .2 .2 — .00] .04 .27
,
3.4 .1 .4 .26
4.6 .1 — .20 .037 — .20
2.2 .1 .2 — .000 — .30
--
--
-•
--
--
••
»~
•-
43
48
B-W-51
-------
Table B.W.10.
Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama,
October, 1971 to September, 1974 (Continued, page 4 of 8)
HOBILZ RIVER MS IN
ON. 1«»00 ALABAMA RIVER AT CLAItORNE. A
CHEMICAL ANALYSES. UATtR YEAR OCTOBER U72 TO SEPTMCR l»7J--Contlnu.d
D4t[
OCT.
l«...
"*!»'...
III..
Ml
til'"
•*!..
DATE
OCT.
19...
01...
JAN.
12...
FEB.
01...
MAR.
01...
APR.
03...
13...
MAY
IS...
JULY
06...
AUG.
07...
SEP.
OS...
DATE
OCT.
19...
DEC.
01...
JAN.
12...
FEB.
01...
MAR.
01...
APR.
03...
13...
MAY
IS...
JULY
06...
AUG.
07...
SEP.
OS...
TOTAL
I»OH
IN
HOI TOM
POSITS
IUG/G)
—
..
__
..
650
_.
TOTAL
KJEL-
OAML TOTAL
NITRO- PMOS-
GEN PHORUS
INI IPI
IHG/LI IHG/LI
.052
.059
.17
.OTJ
.042
.on
.19 .11
.34 .12
.08
.11
.082
SPE-
CIFIC
CON-
DUCT-
ANCE PM
INICRO-
MHOSI IUNITSI
.. --
_• •-
_• -•
..
.- .-
..
•• — •
_. --
too T.a
7.0
TOT»L TOTAL
MANGA- NITRITE
NESE IN PLUS
BOTTO" NITUttE
OE- IN dOI.
POSITS OEP.
lub/61 IHG/KGI
_.
-. .-
..
64 .0
• • «_
DIS-
SOLVED
ORTHO.
PHOS-
PHORUS
IPI
IXG/LI
..
__
__
::
_.
_.
.007
—
TUR-
BID-
ITY
IJTUI
._
__
__
24
_.
60
35
35
IT
._
9
TOTAL
PMOS-
IN HOT-
TOM DE-
POSITS
IMG/KGI
-.
._
..
IB
m —
OIS- DIS-
SOLVED SOLVED
SOLIDS SOLIDS
IRESI-
-------
Table B.W.10.
Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama, October, 1971
to September, 1974 (Continued, page 5 of 8)
MOM LI RIVEN BASIN
021 mOO ALABAMA «IVE» AT CLA1BORKE. ALA.--Continued
CHEMICAL ANALYSES. HATE* TEAK OCTOBER 1«72 TO SEPTEMBER 197J--ConlInuid
0«TE
OCT.
DIS-
SOLVED
CAD-
MIUM
ICRI
iur./Li
TOTtL
M|UM IN
H1TTOM
Ot-
POSITS
lliG/Gl
ME «»-
VtLENT
C*40-
HIUM
ICRhl
lllG/L)
TOTAL
COSAl T
ICOI
IUG/L 1
OIS-
SOLVEO
COBALT
ICOI
IUG/L)
TOTAL
COBALT
IN
BOTTOM
DE-
POSITS
IUG/GI
TOTAL
COPPER
ICUI
lUb/LI
DIS-
SOLVED
COPPER
ICUI
IUG/L)
TOTAL
COPPER
IN
BOTTOM
DE-
POSITS
IIIG/GI
TOTAL
LEAD
IPBI
IUG/L 1
DIS-
SOLVED
LEAD
IPBI
IOG/LI
JIN.
APP.
13.
MAY
IS.
AUG.
OT.
SEP.
OS.
• •
• •
• •
• •
OATF
OCT.
19...
JAN.
12...
APR.
13...
MAY
IS...
AUG.
07...
SEP.
OS...
0
0
0
TOTAL
LEAD
IN
BOTTOM
DE-
POMTS
IUG/GI
--
«
..
_.
-------
Table B.W.10.
Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama, October,
1971 to September, 1974 (Continued, page 6 of 8)
MOBILE RIVIR BASIN
02429SOO ALABAMA RIVLR AT CLA1BOKNC. AIA
(Intern. lion. 1 Ifydfolof ical Decade (1HD) nation and N-itional
stream quality accounting network station)
4 »"l
sr :
Creek. 12 mile* (19 ko) «.est of Monroevl 1 le. and at «lle 76.1
DRAINAGE AREA. --22.000 ml1 (S7.000 km1). approiimately .
PERIOD OF RECORD. --Chemical analyses March I960 to September 1968 (dally). October I964 to September 1974
Water°teoiperalures. March 1966 to September 1968. Hay to September 1974
REMARKS. --Miscellaneous samples of chemical data published for -ater year 196S No specific conductance or temper
ature data for some days due to recorder malfunction.
CllrMlCAL ANALYSES. WATER YEAR OCTOBER 1973 TO SEPTEMBER 1974
DA1E
OCT.
16...
NOV.
IS...
DEC.
12...
JAN.
24...
FEB.
14...
MAH.
06...
APR.
16...
MAY
17...
JUNE
19...
JULT
23...
AUG.
20...
SEP.
19...
INSTAN-
TANEOUS
DIS-
CHAOGE
ICFSI
6700
11000
20SOO
79000
70100
3SOOO
106000
17AOO
16*00
13000
14700
16000
DIS-
SOL Vt D
SILICA
ISI02I
IMG/LI
6.1
5.7
7.0
7.1
7.7
7.1
6.2
6.3
6.C
5.3
6.9
IBON
IfEl
IUG/LI
OIS-
SOLVED
ICON
Iffl
IUO/LI
SUS-
PFNDEU
MAN-
GANESE
IMNI
IUG/LI
TOTAL
MAN-
f'ANfSE
IMNI
IUO/LI
390
90
l?0
20
6]
20
DIS-
SOLVED
MAN-
GAiitSE
IMNI
IUG/LI
17
DIS-
SOLVED
CAL-
CIUM
IC»>
IMG/L'
II
II
II
12
12
9.S
13
II
14
11
13
II
DIS-
SOLVED
MAG-
NE-
SIUM
IMC. I
IMO/LI
t.t
2.1
2.3
2.2
2.5
2.5
2.8
3.0
2.8
DIS-
SOLVED
sooiUM
INAI
IMG/LI
6.7
8.3
II
2.9
2.9
3.7
2.9
S.b
5.5
S.b
DIS-
SOLVED
PO-
TAS-
SIUM
IKI
IMG/LI
1.5
1.7
3.0
I.S
1.6
1.9
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.6
BICAH-
IHC03I
IMG/LI
57
56
3d
43
".7
DATE
OCT.
16...-
NOV.
IS...
DEC.
12...
JAN.
24...
FEB.
MAR.
06...
APR.
16...
MAY
17...
JUNE
19...
JULY
23...
AUG.
SEP""
19...
CAP-
BOMATE
ICO3I
IMG/LI
CIS-
SOLVCO
SULfkTE
ISOfcl
IhG/L I
7.7
7.6
B.4
7.6
6.9
5.8
7.0
6.0
6.4
6.5
6.0
6.1
OIS-
SOl VEO
CMLO-
HinE
ICLI
IMG/LI
7.0
5.7
6.fl
3.4
4.1
3.5
5.0
3.7
5.2
5.6
4.3
3.5
DIS-
SOLVfO
FLUO-
RIUE
-------
Table B.W.10. Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama, October, 1971
to September, 1974 (Continued, page 7 of 8)
MOBILE RIVER BASIN
02I19SOQ ALABAMA RIVtR AT CLAIBORNt. ALA. - -Cent iniied
CHLHtCM. ANALYSES. WATtR YEAR OCTOBtR 197} TO SfcPTEHBER 1974 --Continued
OAIE
OCT.
16...
NOV.
IS...
DEC.
12...
JAN.
2*...
FEB.
HAR.
06...
APB.
16...
HAT
IT...
JUNE
|9...
JULT
21...
AUG.
20...
SEP.
19...
DATE
OCT.
16...
NOV.
IS...
DEC.
12...
JAN.
FES'."
i*...
MAB.
06...
APR.
16...
IT...
JUNE
19...
JULT
21...
AUG.
20...
SEP.
IOTAI
G»N
Ihl
.71
.29
.*T
.IS
.«•*
..
.SO
• *0
• •»!
.6S
.6ft
2.7
IUB-
RIO-
111
UTUI
20
30
20
so
20
20
SO
ISO
100
10
20
20
0»TE
JUNC
19...
SEP.
14...
IOIAL
PnQuuS
IPI
IMf./L)
.07
.06
.02
.OS
.08
.06
.00
.06
.0*
.Ob
.08
.06
DIS-
SOLVED
OITGFN
ICG/LI
B.I
II.*
M.a
10. a
11.2
10.*
10.6
9.S
B.I
10.2
10.*
11.0
ioi AL
AbStNIC
US)
IUG/L 1
0
1
UIS-
SOtvtO
SOL IDS
IBISI-
OUt »I
180 C)
IHC/LI
III
7S
tl
60
6B
W>
6*
--
'I
•*
BO
111
BIO-
CKt»-
ICAL
01 TGEN
DE^AM)
IHC/L)
.8
2.0
1.6
1.8
--
1.0
*.l
*.B
1.9
--
--
"—
SuS-
PfNOEb
AfcSI NIC
liSI
IIIG/LI
0
0
Ols-
SOLVFO
I«1UH Of
COi.SII-
IHb/LI
6K
73
79
SS
57
S*
59
SB
6fc
5"«
6*
60
TOI«L
PHMO-
PLANK-
IUN
ICtLLS
PI ft
NLI
2S
--
110
MO
2*0
--
200
100
650
1100
120
*10
OIS-
^OLvcn
APSk NIC
IASI
IUG/LI
0
1
OIS-
SOLVt O
SOL ins
0«TI
1*10
22JO
*910
I2BOO
12400
S*BO
18300
2ThO
11*0
29SO
1180
1SOO
IMHE-
DIAIE
COt 1-
ros"
(COL.
PEB
100 HI 1
600
2*0
1*0
2700
970
--
2100
35
ZlflO
»20
110
170
IOTAL
CAD-
HI U"
ICDI
IUC/L 1
2
1
nlKD-
I.ISS
ICA.HGt
IHC/LI
19
*6
*5
19
19
11
*3
IT
*5
19
«s
19
f | CAL
COLl-
fOBH
ICOL.
PEP
100 «Li
2
13
12
*8*
85
100
ITO
C
9*0
7
2
16
SUS-
fENOLO
c«n-
H lU*
ICDI
IUG/LI
1
8
NON-
C»P-
HON
-------
Table B.W.10. Water Quality Data, Alabama River at Claiborne, Alabama,
October, 1971 to September, 1974 (Continued, page 8 of 8)
MOBILE RIVtR BASIN
02IJ9SOO ALABAMA IIVER A1 CLAlDOHNL. ALA.•-Con!I nutJ
CIILHICAL ANALYSIS. "ATLR ttAR OCTOBlll I9M TO SCPTLNBI R 19JI -Com inueJ
101*1
ilH- Ul«"
PIM1FP *Uli/|ii
*i PISMO ^uLvir in'11. HI NMI n
>li» b CO*'1'!!' CliP°l^ I * »!• I * »0
icoi iroi «cpi icni ir>'i Km -i '•"'
utl' luo/n ini./n luu/li n«6/l > iin-xii 11*1/11 <»'/ '<•'
JONt
I*...
St".
14...
»
D»t»
JUWI
IV...
11...
0 0
0 n
JUS-
inni PFI.PIII
'IOC Ilk T U»Wnil» V
1 Hf . ) 1 Ml. |
mr./ii IIH./LI
.1 .0
.? .1
1 »
* !•>
»••-
*
M'S-
f IT l>
f t' •»
lll«-
nis- tnT*i null n «ri|.v|i> tu>>- I
snivfi sill- ^li>-
PriCn^v feluM
IM|.» (S( I
IUl'/LI IIHi/l 1 I
.J •
. 1 P
I.ILI-
IM 1
IK./L 1
J
II
RADIOrilLHICAL
II* Tl
OIS- Sl.t-
^OLVCII t*t**UFI
COOSi (.bii^t
• •, K.
IDC /(.I lll>-/l
OIS- S"'"
II SOlVtQ Pfsi,lC
f-lOSS 'UOSi
»s •<
C1-I1J CS-117
1 IOC/LI Ifl/ll
OIS
sni «
f'""l
Stlt- IU'«l fi«l,M SI
hli m 71sr /IV 1
ISl 1 1 7M 1 /HI
iur./Ll (i* /i I IIH-/I I «i
1 b »
b |l> J
ANALYSES
S»S-
lll P| HALO I>IS-
,«. ivnss sui.vtn ni«-
• ml* <"->f *oivru
/Tifd /VQll VI l»*lini lot
IPC/LI (pr/LI lfC/L> ("'./LI
n
II
SUl M I-
lU'-t I
IP
1
1.*
I.T
l.S
a»ou>
PHYTOPLUIXTOH
1TJCOIT COHJOSITIOH
__ _
OCT it. BOV It DEC 18 jkx S ra il *ra it, MAY it jure 16 JULY ?3 *uc 86 sen
ACMNAjmOS
ACTHUSntDM
19
3
IT
is
CMLAHTKMCMAa
COCOOKCIB
CMUCimfLA
ncionuA
CUMCDiniM
RUCHUJIIILLA
LTW2U
HZLOSnU
BAV1CULA
VTRSCKLA
SCIXEDE9WS
is
20
28
SO
zj
1)
B
a
JO
t
2Z
22
SCMMDDIA
«nm>M
UBOCUTCKIS
TOUL
27
IB
2B
<>T
13
61
IT
11
1
s
IT
91
100
i
99
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, T974; 1975; 1977.
B-W-56-
-------
Table B.U.ll. Alabama River Water Quality Data, Station M6 (Quarry Site)
00
I
Storet No.
Parameters
T-P04 (mg P/l)
0-POA (mg P/l)
TKN (mg N/l)
NH3 (mg N/l)
N02-N03 (mg N/l)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temperature (°C)
Sp. Cond (umhos/im)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness (mg/1 @ CaCOa)
Alkalinity (mg/1 G CaC03)
pH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% saturation)
Fecal Coliform (# cc/ml)
Fecal Streptococci (# cc/ml)
FC/FS
ci-
S04=
Chlorophyll A (mg/m3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
Date and Time
4-19-77 6-2-77
10:50
<0.02
0.014
0.23
0.06
0.26
<1.0
1.6
27.0
152.0
100.0
85.0
15.0
17.0
20.0
38.0
32.0
6.6
8.5
105.0
16.0
1,400.0
0.01
5.0
9.7
3.79
360.0
—
— — — —
6-29-77
11:20
<.02
0.008
0.23
0.03
0.226
<1.0
4.7
30.0
133.0
104.0
92.0
12.0
15.0
25.0
80.0
34.4
6.8
8.2
108.0
10.0
180.0
0.06
__
9.9
5.38
341.0
__
--
7-27-77
08:10
0.069
0.017
0.89
0.08
0.209
<1.0
4.1
29.7
102
94
84
10
15
25
84
17
7.8
7.1
93.4
120
98
1.22
__
6.2
1.63
619
<3.0
<0.08
•30
33
CO
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
-------
100-
90-
x80
M
LL
O
. 70
1U
O
B
4
60-
O
a
50H
40-
30-
20-
10-
38
36
34-
32_
30-
528,
726,
O
:22.
g20-
at
16.
Q.
V)
12.
10-
8-
6-
4
2.
140
130.
120.
110-
100-
90
UJ
S70-
tfl
UJ
Q.
w
W50,
40.
30-
20-
10-
100-
90-
80-
ro-
40-
30-
20-
10-
10/7311/7312/73 1/74 2/74 3/74 4/74 5/74 6/74 7/74 8/74 9/74
DISCHARGE (CFS)
TURBIDITY (JTU)
D- 4
SUSPENDED SEDIMENT LOAD (T/DAY)
SUSPENDED SEDIMENT (mg/l)
Figure B.W.16
ALABAMA RIVER FLOW, TURBIDITY, AND
SUSPENDED SEDIMENTS
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
SOURCE: USGS. 1974.
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-58
-------
Figure B.W.I7
WATER SAMPLING NETWORK
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
SOURCE: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-W-59
-------
QUARRY SITE
Comparison of the plot of average monthly flows of the Alabama River
(see Figure B.W.16) and the plot of monthly Instantaneous flows for
October, 1973, to September, 1974, indicates that this water year was
representative of the average monthly flow pattern of the river.
Peak flow rates occur during the snowmelt of late winter and early
spring and then rapidly fall to minimum flow rates in the summer and
fall. The turbidity and suspended sediment patterns observed in 1973
to 1974 are typical Alabama River values. The mass movement of
suspended sediments in the river closely follows the rate of flow.
Consequently, most of the annual suspended sediment load is trans-
ported during the winter-spring maximum flow period. Thirty-seven to
sixty-six percent of these suspended sediments are less than 0.062
millimeters (0.0024 inches) in diameter.
Turbidity in the river does not correlate with flow rate. Maximum
turbidities (greater than 75 NTU) occur during the low flow period in
early summer. A possible explanation could be the greater incidence
of high intensity thunderstorms during this time of the year combined
with the intensive plowing and cultivating of spring and summer crops
within the river basin. Suspended sediment concentrations do not
correlate with turbidity during the winter-spring-summer wet season.
However, during the late summer-early fall, low flow dry period,
turbidity and suspended solids are both low.
Specific conductivity appears to vary inversely with river flow, pos-
sibly because the rapid influx of low conductivity rainwater into the
river during the wet season. Preliminary analysis of all other water
quality parameters listed in Table B.W.ll does not provide discernible
trends. With the exception of the turbidity and suspended solids
loads discussed above, there is no evidence of a severe water quality
problem in the Alabama River.
Thompson Mill Creek (Marshalls Creek)
Thompson Mill Creek (MarshalIs Creek) is the northernmost permanent
stream draining the quarry property. Like Hollinger and Randons
B-W-60
-------
QUARRY SITE
creeks, Thompson Mill Creek flows in a southwesterly direction. Rising
in Section 8, Range 6 East, Township 6 North, just south of U.S. High-
way 84, Thompson Mill Creek flows some 9.3 kilometers (5.8 miles) and
empties into the Alabama River about 1 kilometer (0.6 mile) north of
the proposed dock site. For roughly half of its total length the
creek is intermittent, flowing only during the wetter times of the
year.
The Thompson Mill Creek watershed, which is roughly 1.3 kilometers
(0.8 miles) wide and 10 kilometers (6 miles) long, comprises approxi-
mately 1,777 hectares (4,392 acres) and is characterized by rolling
hills and deep, narrow valleys. Elevations near the headwaters
approach 90 meters (300 feet) above msl. The average slope of the
stream is 0.97 percent, the steepest of the three creeks draining the
quarry property. In the lower reaches of the creek, the stream bed is
made up of gravel and limerock and the stream banks are very steep,
rising almost vertically from the edge of the narrow floodplain.
Limerock outcrops are prevalent along the southern bank of the creek.
Several springs also discharge along the steep banks, the result of
ground water moving laterally over a dense impermeable layer of Yazoo
clay.
Land within the Thompson Mill Creek watershed is primarily in pasture
and native woodland. Timber harvesting is currently occurring in the
lower portion of the watershed, whereby more pastureland is being
developed.
A baseflow measurement was made approximately 1 kilometer (0.6 miles)
upstream from the confluence with the Alabama River at Station M2 (see
Figure B.W.17). On June 29, 1977, base flow was observed to be
75 liters per second (2.65 cfs), and a yield of 4.37 liters per second
per square kilometer (0.40 cfs per square mile) was calculated.
B-W-61
-------
QUARRY SITE
Water quality data for April 15, June 2, June 29, and July 27, 1977,
are presented in Table B.W.12. During baseflow conditions, this creek
has very low turbidity (less than 3.6 JTU) and suspended solids (less
than 5.6 mg/1); very low biochemical oxygen demand (less than
1.2 mg/1), total organic carbon (less than 6.9 mg/1), and color (less
than 5.0 CPU); low orthophosphate and total phosphate; low ammonia
(less than 0.04 mgN/1); low total Kjeldahl nitrogen (less than
0.16 mgN/1); low sulfate (less than 5.0 mg/1); moderately high
nitrate-nitrite (0.74 to 1.58 mgN/1); and moderately high hardness
(greater than 103 mg/1 as calcium carbonate) and alkalinity (greater
than 92.0 mg/1 calcium carbonate). These data confirm that the stream
and its watershed are in a natural state and that there are no major
sources of organic contamination or erosion within the watershed. Low
chlorophyll ji and dissolved oxygen levels near saturation indicate
high water quality. The higher values for hardness, alkalinity,
nitrate- nitrite, specific conductance, and total dissolved solids are
typical of waters which have extensive contact with limestone
formations both underground and in the streambed. Temperature data
indicate that the extensive tree canopy effectively shades the creek
bed.
Hollinger Creek
Hoi linger Creek is a small stream which flows southwest through the
central portion of the proposed quarry property, emptying into the
Alabama River approximately 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles) south of the
proposed dock. The creek rises in Sections 13 and 24, Township 6
North, Range 5 East (see Figure B.W.17) and flows approximately
6.4 kilometers (4 miles) before joining the Alabama River. For the
first 2.7 kilometers (1.7 miles), Hollinger Creek is intermittent,
flowing only during wet periods of the year.
The Hollinger Creek watershed comprises some 874 hectares
(2,160 acres) of rolling hills used primarily for pastureland. The
B-W-62
-------
Table B.W.12. Thompson Mill Creek (MarshalIs Creek) Water Quality Data: Station M2
I
CT>
U>
Storet No.
Parameters
T-P04 (mg P/l)
0-P04 (mg P/l)
TKN (mg N/l )
NH3 (mg N/l)
N02-N03 (mg N/l)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temperature (°C)
Sp. Cond (umhos/im)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness (mg/1 @ CaCOs)
Alkalinity (mg/1 @ CaC(h)
PH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% saturation)
Fecal Col i form (# cc/ml)
Fecal Streptococci (# cc/ml)
FC/FS
ci-
S04=
Chlorophyll ^ (mg/m3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
--
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
4-19-77
12:25
0.07
0.013
0.16
<0.03
0.89
1.2
<1.0
18.0
180.0
119.0
114.0
5.0
3.4
5.0
103.0
111.0
7.8
9.4
99.0
--
—
--
—
__
--
--
__
— —
Date
6-2-77
7:15
<0.02
0.006
0.04
0.04
0.96
<1.0
<1.0
19.3
305.0
140.0
134.0
5.6
3.6
<5.0
104.0
92.0
7.2
8.5
90.0
120.0
1,200.0
0.10
5.0
<5.0
1.19
107.0
__
— —
and Time
6-29-77
10:50
<0.02
0.011
0.03
0.03
1.58
<1.0
1.8
24.5
202.0
143.0
140.0
<5.0
0.9
5.0
120.0
95.3
7.8
8.7
103.0
32.0
1,300.0
0.02
4.0
<5.0
1.48
<80.0
__
— —
7-27-77
09:05
0.069
0.021
<0.02
0.04
0.739
<1.0
6.9
23.7
191
133
130
<5.0
1.2
5.0
130
180
8.5
8.3
96.5
130
170
1.31
__
<5.0
0.54
153
<3.0
<0.08
to
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
-------
QUARRY SITE
watershed is roughly 6.4 kilometers (4 miles) long and about 1.6 kilo-
meter (1 mile) wide. At the headwaters, elevations are approximately
55 meters (180 feet) above msl and drop to 3 meters near the mouth.
The average slope is 0.81 percent. As the creek proceeds southwest-
erly and drains an increasingly larger area, the channel becomes more
deeply incised into the easily erodible alluvial soils in the area.
Near the mouth, bluffs as high as 24 meters (80 feet) occur on both
banks (bluffs are usually higher on the southern bank). The streambed
in the more downstream reaches of the creek consists primarily of
gravel and sand, with occasional outcrops of limerock along the steep
banks.
Land use within the Hollinger Creek watershed is restricted to native
woodlands and pastureland. At present, approximately 35 to 40 percent
of the basin remains in native timber. Most of this timber occurs at
the extreme northern end of the watershed, along the eastern drainage,
and near the mouth. Timber currently is being harvested and the land
rooted and converted to improved pasture. Land is being cleared down
to the streambeds and on slopes that exceed 20 percent. This activity
is creating a very severe potential for erosion.
A baseflow measurement was made at Station M5 approximately 1.35 kilo-
meters (0.84 miles) upstream from the confluence with the Alabama
River. On June 29, 1977, the base flow was measured at 19 liters per
second (0.67 cfs). A yield of 6.5 liters per second per square
kilometer (0.23 cfs per square mile) was calculated.
Baseflow water quality data for Hollinger Creek are presented in
Table B.W.13. Prior to July 27, 1977, the stream had very low
turbidity (less than 3.3 NTU) and suspended solids (less than 5 mg/1);
very low biological oxygen demand (less than 1.8 mg/1), total organic
carbon (3.1 mg/1), and color (less than 5.0 CPU); low orthophosphate
and total phosphate (less than 0.017 mgP/1 and less than 0.09 mgP/1
respectively); low ammonia (less than 0.08 mgN/1); moderate total
Kjedahl nitrogen (less than 0.34 mgN/1); low sulfate (less than
B-W-64
-------
Table B.W.13. Hollinger Creek Baseflow Water Quality Data: Station M5
00
I
Ul
Storet No.
Parameters
T-P04 (mg P/l)
0-P04 (mg P/l)
TKN (mg N/l)
NH3 (mg N/l)
N02-N03 (mg N/l)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temperature (°C)
Sp. Cond (umhos/im)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness (mg/1 @ CaCOs)
Alkalinity (mg/1 @ CaCOs)
pH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% saturation)
Fecal Coliform (# cc/ml)
Fecal Streptococci (# cc/ml)
FC/FS
ci-
S04=
Chlorophyll A (mg/m3)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
01045
01051
71900
Date and Time
4-19-77
12:00
0.07
0.017
0.07
0.07
0.30
1.8
<1.0
21.0
169.0
120.0
118.0
<5.0-
3.3
5.0
11.3
93.8
7.2
9.0
100.0
—
—
—
__
__
--
--
—
— —
6-2-77
8:25
<0.02
0.009
0.17
0.08
0.31
<1.0
<1.0
20.0
378.0
150.0
148.0
<5.0
1.2
<5.0
124.0
114.0
7.0
8.3
90.0
87.0
810.0
0.11
3.0
<5.0
1.45
143.0
—
— —
6-29-77
11:45
0.04
<0.002
0.34
0.05
0.36
<1.0
3.1
27.8
280.0
179.0
176.0
<5.0
2.0
5.0
144.0
130.0
7.7
7.6
96.0
12.0
540.0
0.02
4.0
<5.0
2.60
114.0
—
— —
7-27-77
10:00
0.097
0.013
1.6
0.14
0.360
2.5
11
25.1
270
195
166
29
12
10
168
130
8.3
6.5
77.3
1,600
1}860
0.86
__
<5.0
1.10
552
<3.0
0.45
-<
CO
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
-------
QUARRY SITE
5.0 mg/1); low nitrate-nitrite (less than 0.36 mgN/1); and moderately
high hardness (less than 144 mg/1 as calcium carbonate) and alkalinity
(less than 130 mg/1 as calcium carbonate). These data indicate that
there were no significant sources of organic pollution within the
watershed and that extensive contact with limestone formations results
in a buffered, hard water.
Temperatures of Hoi linger Creek are higher than Thompson Mill Creek
(MarshalIs Creek). These higher temperatures reflect the lack of tree
canopy over the streambed where pasture has been developed. Although
much of the watershed has been converted to pasture and there is
evidence of severe rill and gully erosion in the pasture, erosion did
not have a noticeable effect on baseflow water quality prior to
July 27, 1977. A 20-millimeter (0.8-inch) rainfall event on June 29
and 30, 1977, was monitored at Station M5 to determine hydrologic and
water quality response. The storm event peak flow of approximately
0.113 cms (4 cfs) occurred 3 hours after rainfall commenced.
Turbidity, suspended solids, biological oxygen demand, total
phosphate, and orthophosphate in Hoi linger Creek were increased by the
storm runoff. The effects of the storm runoff on all other parameters
were negligible.
The water quality degradation noted during this storm appears to be
primarily due to erosion of lands which have been recently cleared and
stumped. Direct observations of rill and gully formations verified
the conclusion. However, storm event monitoring was not performed on
any other watershed on the quarry site. Consequently, there are no
baseline data on storm runoff water quality in a watershed that has
not been impacted by clear cutting and conversion to improved
pasture.
The observed storm was not of high intensity and it fell on dry, sandy
soil that had not received its normal rainfall for the year. Conse-
quently, it is anticipated that more severe erosion will occur when
normal rainfall activity returns.
B-W-66
-------
QUARRY SITE
The results for July 27, 1977, baseflow water quality sampling con-
trast with previous results because of the effect of logging and land
clearing operations upstream. Turbidity and suspended solids
increased significantly over the previous sampling events from 3.3 NTU
and less than 5 mg/1 to 12 NTU and 29 mg/1, respectively. Nutrients
and organic carbon concentrations also increased due to runoff from
burned areas.
Randons Creek
Randons Creek is the southernmost of the creeks which drain the quarry
site property. It is also the largest, draining some 14,323 hectares
(35,394 acres). Randons Creek rises in Section 16, Range 7 East,
Township 6 North, approximately 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of
Frisco City, Alabama. The creek proceeds westerly for approximately
10 kilometers (6 miles) before turning to the southwest, paralleling
Hoi linger and Thompson Mill (MarshalIs) creeks (see Figure B.W.17),
and eventually joining Lovetts Creek before emptying into the Alabama
River. The overall length of the creek is 25.4 kilometers
(15.8 miles), with the first 2.9 kilometers (1*8 miles) classified as
intermittent. The watershed averages 5.3 kilometers (3.3 miles) in
width.
Randons Creek basin consists of rolling hills and plateaus dissected
by relatively steep stream valleys. The bulk of the watershed
supports native woodlands. Pastureland is scattered throughout the
basin but is most concentrated in the southeastern portion of the
watershed, around the community of Frisco City. Approximately
one-half of this community is within the Randons Creek watershed.
Because of its large drainage area, Randons Creek is quite different
from Thompson Mill (Marshal Is) and Hoi linger creeks. Along its nearly
26-kilometer (16-mile) length, the creek drops just over 120 meters
(400 feet). Maximum elevations near the headwaters are approximately
B-W-67
-------
QUARRY SITE
126 meters (420 feet) above msl. The average slope of the stream Is
0.49 percent, by far the lowest of the three creeks draining the
property. Because of the lower slope, the stream bottom near the mouth
is primarily sand and silty sand. In the lower portion of the basin,
the floodplain is considerably wider than those of the other two
streams, and the stream banks are not as steep.
A baseflow measurement was made at Station Ml approximately 3 kilo-
meters (2 miles) upstream of the confluence with the Alabama River.
On June 24, 1977, base flow was observed to be 1.23 cms (43.3 cfs),
with a yield of 9 liters per second per square kilometer (0.82 cfs per
square mile).
Water quality data for Randons Creek are presented in Table B.W.14.
Alkalinity, hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and pH
values for Randons Creek are much lower than for Thompson Mill or
Hoilinger creeks. The lower values reflect the limited contact Randon
Creek waters have with limestone in the watershed. Turbidity,
suspended solids, and color values are higher in Randons Creek because
of the influence of agricultural lands and Frisco City. No water
quality problems were documented in the creek.
McGirts Creek
Part of McGirts Creek forms the northern boundary of the property and
flows in a southwesterly direction into the Alabama River. The flow
in McGirts Creek is intermittent.
McGirts Creek watershed comprises approximately 161 hectares
(397 acres). However, only 30 hectares (73 acres) are within Ideal's
property, and this area is primarily in native woodland.
Alabama Tributaries Nos. 1. 2. 3. and 4
Four small watersheds exist adjacent to the Alabama River between
McGirts and Hollinger creeks (Figure B.W.ll). They consist of steep
B-W-68
-------
Table B.W.14. Randons Creek Baseflow Water Quality Data: Station Ml
Storet No.
Parameters
T-P04 (mg P/l)
0-P04 (mg P/l)
TKN (mg N/l)
NH3 (mg N/l)
N02-N03 (mg N/l)
BOD5 (mg/1)
TOC (mg/1)
Temperature (°C)
Sp. Cond (umhos/im)
TS (mg/1)
TDS (mg/1)
SS (mg/1)
Turbidity (NTU)
Color (CPU)
Hardness (mg/1 @ CaCOs)
Alkalinity (mg/1 @ CaOh)
PH
DO (mg/1)
DO (% saturation)
Fecal Col i form (# cc/ml)
Fecal Streptococci (# cc/ml )
FC/FS
ci-
$04=
Chlorophyll A (mg/m^)
Iron (ug/1)
Lead (ug/1)
Mercury (ug/1)
4-19-77
10:15
00665
00671
00625
00610
00630
00310
00680
00010
00094
00500
70300
00530
00076
00080
00900
00410
00400
00299
00301
31616
31679
—
00940
00945
__
01045
01051
71900
Date
6-2-77
9:00
0.04
<0.002
0.17
0.06
0.38
<1.0
<1.0
19.5
155.0
90.0
78.0
12.0
18.0
1.5.0
48.0
40.0
6.5
8.5
92.0
<2.0
112.0
<0.02
4.0
<5.0
1.36
903.0
<3.0
— —
and Time
6-29-77
10:15
0.04
<0.002
0.02
<0.03
0.473
<1.0
2.3
23.5
98.0
81.0
78.0
<5.0
6.4
10.0
58.0
45.0
7.0
8.0
94.0
160.0
760.0
0.21
4.0
<5.0
0.93
681.0
<3.0
— —
7-27-77
10:45
0.15
0.008
1.5
0.03
0.462
1.2
3.7
23.2
97.6
81
75
6.4
6.8
15
88
42
7.2
7.7
88.5
270
1,270
0.21
3.7
<5.0
0.38
752
<3.0
0.37
Source: Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc., 1977.
•yo
-<
CO
I—I
m
-------
QUARRY SITE
ravines which channel water directly to the river. They do not have
defined channels, and during dry periods there is no water flow.
The largest of the watersheds is Alabama Tributary No. 2. This
watershed is roughly circular in shape and drains over 40 hectares
(100 acres). Average slope is 6.2 percent, though slopes as high as
25 percent exist along the southern wall of the ravine. Land within
the watershed is primarily in native timber. Where slopes allow,
particularly in the northern two-thirds of the basin, timber harvest-
ing is occurring, and tree cover is less dense than along the ravine
banks. One small area of pasture exists in the northeast corner of
the watershed.
The Alabama Tributary No. 1 drains only 17 hectares (42 acres). Ini-
tial development of the proposed quarry site will occur within this
watershed. Average slope is 7.5 percent, and steeper slopes exist
along the ravine banks. Because of its steep slope, nearly the entire
watershed consists of native timber. A small limestone quarry exists
in the extreme northwest corner of the basin.
The watershed of Alabama Tributary No. 3 is slightly less steeply
sloped than in Tributaries 1 and 2, especially in the southern part of
the watershed. Land use within the watershed is mostly in native
woodland.
The watershed of Alabama Tributary No. 4 actually consists of two
small watersheds. Both watersheds are adjacent to the Alabama River
but one lies north of the mouth of Thompson Mill Creek (MarshalIs
Creek) and the other lies to the south. The topography in Alabama
Tributary No. 4 watershed is similar to that in the Alabama Tributary
No. 1 and No. 2 watersheds. The watershed lacks a definite channel
and is mostly in native woodland.
B-W-70
-------
QUARRY SITE
No water quality data were collected from these tributaries or from
McGirts Creek, and no historical data are available. Streams 1 and 2
were flowing in June, 1977, as a result of inflow from several springs
and seeps in the watersheds. Water quality is expected to be similar
to that observed in Thompson Mill Creek or in ground waters flowing
from limestone bearing strata. The water would be highly buffered and
moderately hard. Inorganic nitrogen, from geological sources, could
be high. Suspended solids, total and orthophosphates, color, sulfates,
and chlorophyll a_ should all be low.
B-W-71
-------
QUARRY SITE
PROJECTED 1992 ENVIRONMENT
Alabama River
The navigation project below Claiborne was completed to authorized
channel configurations and depths in 1975-1976. No plans to improve
this system are active at this time. The Corps of Engineers has
undertaken a restudy of extending the barge canal upstream to Rome,
Georgia, by constructing locks on existing dams on the Coosa River. A
multiple-purpose water resource study and additional work in the
interest of flood control, power generation, navigation, and other
uses, has also been completed by the Corps. Resubmission of proposed
projects is pending expression of further interest by local
proponents.
Annual maintenance of the navigation channel will be required in late
spring to remove sedimentation because of winter and spring floods.
Minor bank stabilization projects and training dikes will be con-
structed in a continuing attempt to control shoaling. However, no
major projects are planned for the Alabama-Mobile River system below
Claiborne Lock.
No navigation or flood control projects are planned. Consequently,
except for shoaling and maintenance dredging, there should be no
change in the circulation and hydrology of the Alabama River. Spring
floods will continually modify the banks and channels of the river.
Water quality in the river may deteriorate as lands upstream are
cleared for agriculture and converted into urban regions.
Thompson Mill Creek (Marshalls Creek)
Extensive land clearing started in 1977 to harvest timber resources
and to develop improved pasturelands within part of the watershed.
The extent of these activities cannot be precisely projected to the
year 1992. However, the timber management plan on file with the Soil
Conservation Service does indicate that substantial areas of forest
B-W-72
-------
QUARRY SITE
will be cleared within the Thompson Mill (Marshalls) watershed. If
land management practices similar to those being followed in the
Hoi linger Creek watershed are implemented in the Thompson Mill Creek
watershed, there will be a significant long-term change in baseflow
water quality. Water temperatures will increase because of reduced
forest canopy; specific conductivity, total dissolved solids, and
alkalinity will increase as a result of higher rates of soil leaching
and erosion from rainfall runoff; and ammonia and total Kjeldahl
nitrogen will increase as a result of higher rates of erosion and
export of organic detritus and cattle wastes. Short-term impacts on
the creek will be severe because of erosion caused by runoff from
cleared lands on steep slopes that are neither revegetated nor
stabilized. Observations on Hoi linger Creek indicate that short-term
erosion and sediment impacts resulting from land clearing are
reversible if the land surface is properly stabilized.
Hollinger Creek
Over 90 percent of the Hollinger Creek watershed will be converted to
improved pasture by 1992. Since much of this land will be on steep
slopes, it is probable that substantial erosion will occur. If this
erosion is not prevented or controlled, long-term water quality
degradation in Hollinger Creek will occur.
Randons Creek
Projections of development within the Randon Creek watershed are not
available. However, it is anticipated that Frisco City will continue
to expand into the watershed and that additional land will be cleared
for agriculture. These activities will increase the nonpoint loads on
the creek and will have an undefined detrimental effect on water
quality.
Only 4 percent of the proposed quarry property is located within Ran-
dons Creek watershed. Consequently, future timber and land management
B-W-73
-------
QUARRY SITE
practices on the property should have minimal impact on Randons
Creek.
Alabama Tributaries No. 1 and 2
Logging operations have taken place in these watersheds and probably
will continue in the future. Because slopes are steep and short, land
disturbance will result in substantial erosion. Eroded sediments
will be transported into the Alabama River very quickly. Once logged,
these steep slopes will be difficult to stabilize. Consequently, it
is probable that uncontrolled logging practices, similar to current
practices, will accelerate erosion of cleared lands and cause severe
water quality degradation.
McGirts Creek and Alabama Tributaries No. 3 and 4
Both of these watersheds are presently native woodlands, but it is
possible that they may be cleared and converted to pasture. As in the
Alabama Tributary No. 1 and No. 2 watersheds, clearing of the land
will result in substantial erosion. Unless the areas disturbed are
stabilized, erosion will accelerate and cause severe water quality
degradation.
B-W-74
-------
ARCHAEOLOGY
-------
PLANT SITE
APPENDIX B. BASELINE
ARCHAEOLOGY
PLANT SITE
Prior to an archaeological-historical investigation of the plant site,
historic literature, topographic maps, aerial photographs, and previous
site surveys pertaining to the area were reviewed. In addition, a
review of the National Register of Historic Places indicated that no
historic sites were located in the vicinity.
An on-site "walk-over" archaeological-historical survey was conducted
under the supervision of Mr. N. Read Stowe, Archaeologist, University of
South Alabama. All roads, ditches, creek banks, and cleared and eroding
areas were investigated for possible features and artifacts. The
vegetation was examined since calciphile vegetation in an otherwise acid
soil is often an indicator of buried sites.
No archaeological or historical sites were recorded during the survey.
Artifacts present on the site represent recent garbage that has been
placed there in the last ten years.
B-A-R-1
-------
QUARRY SITE
QUARRY SITE
Prior to inspection of the quarry site, historical literature pertaining
to the area was reviewed. In addition to the literature search, a
review was made of previous archaeological surveys of the area on file
at the University of South Alabama Archaeology Laboratory. The surveys
on file established the locations of 56 archaeological sites dating from
the Transitional-Paleo Indian Period to the Historic Period. Although
none of the previous surveys or excavations conducted included the Ideal
quarry site, they provided data for predicting the types of sites which
might occur in the area, as well as the chronological framework for the
region.
SURFACE SURVEY
Between July 12, 1977, and July 31, 1977, a "walk-over" surface survey
was conducted at the quarry site. Stream banks, plowed fields, ero-
sional ditches, recently logged areas, logging roads, and wooded areas
were examined for archaeological/historical sites. A total of 15 sites,
8 archaeological and 7 historic, were recorded during the survey. Of
the 15, only 2 were of special interest, Ideal Site Nos. 6 and 8 (see
Figure B.A.Q.l).
Site No. 6 is located in the northwest quarter of the northwest quarter
of section 22. The site is wooded, with varying amounts of underbrush.
The soil is sandy with little gravel present. Approximate elevation of
this site is 49 meters.*
Artifacts indicate a Mississippian site dating from about 1300 A.D.
Historic ceramics on this site appear to indicate the presence of a late
19th century historic house:
1. Prehistoric:
2 Quartzite Hammerstones
1 Sandstone Scraper
1 Burned Sandstone Rock
*Note: All data in this section are given only in metric units as is
standard archaeological practice.
B-A-R-2
-------
o
0 0.5 1
SCALE IN KILOMETERS
= SITE DESIGNATIONS
Figure B.A.Q.1
ARCHAEOLOGICAL-HISTORICAL SURVEY OF IDEAL
BASIC INDUSTRIES QUARRY SITE, PERDUE HILL,
ALABAMA
SOURCE. University of South Alabama, Archaeological
Research Laboratory, 1977.
REGION IV
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
AGENCY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
STATEMENT FOR IDEAL BASIC INDUSTRIES
PROPOSED GAILLARD QUARRY
MONROE COUNTY, ALABAMA
B-A-R-3
-------
QUARRY SITE
1 Bifacial Tallahatta Quartzite Blade
2 Broken Tallahatta Quartzite P-l Projectile Points
1 Tallahatta Quartzite P-l Projectile Point Base
15 Tallahatta Quartzite Flakes
7 Quartzite Flakes
1 Broken Quartzite Pebble
1 Smooth Pebble
1 Shell Tempered Moundville Incised Sherd
1 Shell Tempered Incised Sherd
1 Shell Tempered Blackfilm Incised Sherd
3 Shell Tempered Blackfilm Plain Sherds
2 Sand Tempered Plain Sherds
13 Shell Tempered Plain Sherds
2. 2 Blue Transferware.
Site No. 8 is located in the southwest quarter of the southwest quarter
of section 15, at an elevation of approximately 15 meters (see Fig-
ure B.A.Q.l). Situated on a limestone bluff at Dale Ferry Landing, the
site is heavily wooded with oak, cedar, and underbrush. Limestone walls
and foundations, as well as what appears to be a ferry crossing, are
present on the site.
Recovered artifacts indicate a middle to late 19th century occupation of
this site:
a. Prehistoric:
None
b. Historic:
1 Iron Pot (Bottomless)
2 Iron Rods
5 Iron Spikes
1 Stretched Chain Link
1 Iron Bar (Farm Implement)
1 Whole Brick.
EXCAVATION
Field work was performed from October 18, 1977, to November 2, 1977.
The trees and brush in the area surrounding Site No. !Mn57 were removed
with a D-6 dozer to make the site more accessible. Then ten 2-meter and
B-A-R-4
-------
QUARRY SITE
nine 1-meter squares were excavated to depths ranging from 10 centi-
meters (1 level) to 60 centimeters (6 levels). The excavation revealed
three strati graphic levels:
1. Zone A, a shallow loamy layer, extends from the surface to an
average depth of 10 to 15 centimeters. Portions of Zone A have
been disturbed by cultivation. Numerous artifacts were re-
covered from the cultivated area. In test pits outside the
cultivated sector, Zone A is much thinner, with numerous roots
and few artifacts.
2. Zone B, a light yellow-brown layer of sandy soil with scattered
quartzite pebbles, extends from 15 to 60 centimeters below the
surface. The soil gradually becomes more orange in color
toward the bottom of this zone, as the proportion of clay
increases. In squares excavated outside the cultivated area,
this zone is often abbreviated and shows signs of erosion.
Numerous artifacts were recovered from Zone B.
3. Zone C is a culturally sterile layer of orange-red clay en-
countered 50 to 60 centimeters below the surface. Excavation
in the majority of the test pits was abandoned in Zone C.
Excavation revealed a number of artifacts, two features, and one burial.
The artifacts recovered from Zone A included plow shares, medicine
bottles, snuff cans, and a tractor seat. These were mixed with small
aboriginal pot sherds and Tallahatta quartzite flakes. Analysis of
these artifacts indicates a late prehistoric component extensively
disturbed by early 20th century and, possibly, late 19th century culti-
vation. Zone B was relatively undisturbed and produced fewer historic
artifacts. The prehistoric artifacts recovered from this level include
an assortment of stone tools, projectile points, flakes, and spalls, as
well as pottery sherds somewhat larger than the sherds in Zone A.
Zone C yielded no artifacts.
B-A-R-5
-------
QUARRY SITE
Feature No. 1 was a dark brown circular stain in Square No. N2E14, first
encountered at a depth of about 45 centimeters (level 5). The stain,
approximately 19 centimeters in diameter, was 77 centimeters from the
north profile and 91 centimeters from the east profile. It extended
vertically, to an undetermined depth, from Zone B into the sterile zone
which was encountered at the bottom of level 6. Inside the feature were
small bits or charcoal, burnt sandstone, cracked quartzite pebbles, and
a Tallahatta quartzite flake. The same square produced a large stemmed
projectile point at a depth of 50 centimeters.
Feature No. 2 was a large, dark grey-brown, irregularly shaped stain in
Square No. N59W30. The feature was encountered at a depth of about 15
to 20 centimeters and extended about 50 centimeters at the deepest
point. This stain, approximately 160 centimeters across at the widest
point, was apparently a late prehistoric pit intrusive into the yellow-
brown sandy zone from the bottom of Zone A. The pit contained the larg-
est concentration of prehistoric artifacts encountered. Shell-tempered,
plain pottery was the most abundant ceramic type, although numerous
large sherds of incised pottery were also recovered. Tallahatta quartz-
ite flakes, a stemmed projectile point, and chunks of limestone were
also excavated from Feature No. 2. This feature, which produced at
least one partially restorable vessel, has been tentatively identified
as a Mississippian refuse pit.
Burial No. 1 consisted of a fragmentary portion of a human skull encoun-
tered in Square No. S9E25. The skull, approximately 16 centimeters in
diameter, was in a very poor state of preservation, and it was not
possible to remove it intact. In all, 54 skull fragments and a human
molar were recovered. The extremely friable bone was coated with a glue
solution for preservation, and a limited amount of reconstruction was
accomplished. There was no apparent pit and no artifacts recovered in
direct association.
Artifacts were carried to the University of South Alabama Archaeological
Laboratory, where they are presently undergoing analysis and
B-A-R-6
-------
QUARRY SITE
identification. The artifacts have been classified into five categories
and totaled.
Historic ceramics
Other historic
Aboriginal ceramics
Lithics
Organic
Total
Historic ceramics, making up 10 percent of the artifacts recovered,
include such types as creamware, earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain.
The "other historic" category, which includes all other historic arti-
facts such as glass, metal, and building material, accounts for 26 per-
cent of the total. Many of the historic artifacts were picked up from
the surface at Site No. !Mn57 due to the recent component (e.g., rubber
tire fragments, bottles, and wire nails).
Although a house location was found on Site No. !Mn57 during the initial
survey in August, 1977, the number of historic artifacts is misleading
if taken at face value. Five of the ten 2-meter squares excavated were
located in the area of the house site so that the historic component is
over-represented. More accurately, the aboriginal component may be
under-represented because the historical component is concentrated in a
small area whereas the aboriginal component is spread out over the
entire area surveyed. Aboriginal ceramics, which were the most abundant
artifacts at the site, constitute over a third of the total recovered.
Most of these were plain body sherds without any identifying
characteristics other than tempering material.
The majority of the lithic materials recovered are composed of Talla-
hatta quartzite, a source of which can be found in nearby Clarke County,
Alabama. The lithic evidence includes 29 assorted tools (blades,
scrapers, hammerstones, cutting stones, etc.), 9 projectile points, and
4 steatite fragments (including one large steatite sherd).
B-A-R-7
-------
QUARRY SITE
The organic evidence includes bone, shell, charcoal, and nut shells.
The 54 skull fragments from the burial account for about half of the
organic count. The associations, prehistoric or historic, of all the
organic remains have not yet been determined.
CONCLUSIONS
Site No. !Mn57 is a multi-component site involving an historic house
site, a Mississippian component, a Woodland component and an Archaic
component.
The historic component, which was very evident over a large portion of
the site, yielded numerous artifacts (many related to farming
activities) of late 19th to early 20th century origin.
The Mississippian (late prehistoric) component was most obvious in
Feature No. 2. It was less obvious in the area of cultivation with a
few small shell-tempered sherds recovered in Zone A mixed with sand and
clay tempered sherds and many historic artifacts. Evidently, much of
the Mississippian component has been destroyed by cultivation and
erosion.
The Woodland component was demonstrated by the number of large, stemmed
projectile points, blade tools, sand and sand/clay tempered pottery.
Portions of this component have also been disturbed by cultivation;
however, the majority remains intact.
An archaic (pre-ceramic) component was indicated by the presence of
steatite fragments, including a large steatite vessel sherd. This
component may become more evident as work in the University of South
Alabama Archaeological Laboratory continues.
Artifacts were scrutinized and placed in stratigraphic order to facili-
tate analysis, and artifact tables were compiled. The archaeologist's
final report was submitted to the Alabama Historical Commission in
B-A-R-8
-------
QUARRY SITE
March, 1978, with a complete account of the required test excavations.
This report included a discussion of the salvage activities and the
approval of the Alabama Historical Commission is pending.
B-A-R-9
------- |