QUARTERLY
REPORT
PACIFIC NORTHWEST
WATER LABORATORY
CORVALLIS, ORECON
OCTOBER 1- DECEMBER 31, 1968
FEDERAL WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL ADMINISTRATION
NORTHWEST REGION
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PACIFIC NORTHWEST WATER LABORATORY
QUARTERLY REPORT
October 1 through December 31, 1968
United States Department of the Interior
Federal Water Pollution Control Administration
Northwest Region, Corvallis, Oregon
January 1969
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CONTENTS
Page.
NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 1
NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM 6
Physiological Control Branch 6
Ecological Control Branch 7
WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM 13
Paper and Allied Products Research Branch 13
Food Wastes Research Branch 15
Special Studies Branch 18
NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM 20
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM 26
TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT 30
CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM 33
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INVESTIGATIONS 35
POLLUTION SURVEILLANCE 37
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NATIONAL COASTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM - 9841/1607
General Information
A directive was received from the Commissioner to participate in
all coastal studies of the Administration through consulting, technical
assistance, project review, and coordination of research.
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Chemical Oceanography Branch
Detailed plans were initiated for tracer experiments to measure
rates of atmospheric transfer on a small estuary; these will be appli-
cable to oxygen and nitrogen transfer studies. Requests were made to
the AEC for license to release tritium and radioactive tagged krypton
to the environment as a part of these studies.
A G. K. Turner Astro D. B. Fluorometer is being calibrated pre-
paratory to identification of the excitation and emission spectra
needed for use in airborne remote sensor equipment. Initial interest
is related to the quantisation of kraft mill effluents from airborne
equipment especially when such effluents are mixed with salt water.
Radar is also being considered for the remote sensing of such effluents.
Estuarine Diffusion of Pollutants Project
Work continues on a part-time basis on processing of Yaquina
River field data collected in the estuary. The mathematical model obtained
from the Alameda laboratory of FWPCA's Southwest Region is being extended
to provide temperature prediction in the Columbia River Estuary.
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A flow plan for the Columbia River temperature prediction model
has been completed. This plan of the estuary is based on a 2 1/2 minute
integration period in the explicit solution used. The procedure employed
to lay out the estuary involves a good deal of mental averaging and
integration and is thus subject to human error. To minimize this, a
new method for determining stability prior to running the actual computer
program is being examined. Local climatological data from Astoria,
Oregon, were used as input to a program to compute radiation terms in
the heat budget for July 1968. Data from Portland and Salem for the
same period will also be processed in order to examine the effect of
the location of meteorological reporting stations in the heat budget terms,
Coastal Distribution of Pollutants
Work continues and is now 70 percent complete on a state of the
art report on ocean outfalls.
Biological Assessment of Marine Pollution
Data analysis continues on evaluation of macro-invertebrate sub-
strate samplers and mid-water trawls. Trawling has now been terminated.
Grant and Contract Research
A contract was awarded to Seattle University to determine the
oxygen uptake of bottom materials disturbed by dredging and other
periodic disturbances.
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Technical reviews of preproposals and proposals for research
grants and contracts were provided on the following subjects: FWPCA
code designation, when available, follows each title.
1. Small Particle Aspect of a Pollution - 10000 DFD
2. Ocean Disposal of Industrial Wastes - WPRD 274-01
3. Big Eddies and Mixing Processes in the Great Lakes
WP 1139-01
4. The Problem of Thermal Pollution
5. Ocean Disposal of Thermal Wastes
6. Model of Dissolved Oxygen and Oxygen Demand Distribution
for Salt-Marsh Bordered Estuaries - 10000 DPG
7. A Study to Evaluate Means of Calculating Reaeration
Coefficients for Estuarine Systems — Preproposal
8. Wind Effects on Dispersion and Mixing in the Galveston
Bay Estuary — Preproposal
9. Verification of the Two-Dimensional Dynamic Temperature
Model -- Preproposal
10. Coliform Die-Away Study for the Galveston Bay System --
Preproposal
11. A Study to Evaluate the Application of Physical Hydraulic
Models (Vicksburg) to Prediction of Water Quality Parameters — Preproposal
Areas of Concern
Delays in negotiations for research contracts make it appear that
we will not be able to meet the deadline for the National Estuarine Study
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to include a report on the state of the art of estuarine modeling.
Reports and Papers
D. J. Baumgartner and W. A. Cawley. "Our Contaminated Coastal
Waters", Oceanology International November/December 1968, pp. 39-41.
D. J. Baumgartner, "Discussion of a paper by Ralph Mitchell and
J. Carrel 1 Morris, entitled, 'The Fate of Intestinal Bacteria in the
Sea1", Proceedings. Fourth Conference: International Association on
Water Pollution Research, Prague, Czechoslovakia, 1968.
George R. Ditsworth, "Environmental Factors in Coastal and
Estuarine Waters." Bibliographic Series - Volume 2, Coast of Washington.
Equipment
None acquired
Plans for 3rd Quarter, FY 1969
Chemical Oceanography Branch
Since areas of interest in chemical oceanography relate to sources
of trace elements and trace organic compounds, and the interaction of
such elements with a pollutant load, it is planned to investigate activa-
tion analysis and isotope dilution as analytical techniques available to
the program. All the required equipment for thSs work is available for
program use at the OSU Radiation Center.
Estuarine Diffusion of Pollutants Project
Development and testing of the temperature model for the Columbia
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River will continue. A method for reading hydrographic chart depths
directly to a keypunch operator will be studied as part of the input
data preparation for the math model. It is anticipated that schemati-
zation of an estuary can be simplified, input data to the model can be
automatically determined, and that stability can be predicted prior to
machine execution of the hydraulic portion of the model. The feasi-
bility of this method depends on being able to describe the geometry
of irregular finite elements of the schematization closely enough to
permit accurate determination of channel areas and junction volumes.
Comparisons of heat budget variation with location and season
will continue.
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NATIONAL EUTROPHICATION RESEARCH PROGRAM
9841/1601 and 9884/000
PHYSIOLOGICAL CONTROL BRANCH
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Physiology Section
Study has been initiated to determine the minimum and optimum
nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for growth of the green alga,
Selenastrum capricornutum. Growth with both ammonium and nitrate as
nitrogen sources is also being compared.
Algal Assay Procedures Section
The revised Provisional Algal Assay Procedures (PAAP) have been
approved by the Joint Industry/Government Task Force on Eutrophication
and are being prepared for publication.
A four-reactor unit for conducting continuous-flow algal assays
has been fabricated and initial test runs completed. Certain modifications
were indicated and are being completed. Two additional four-reactor
units are under construction.
Grants have been awarded to the University of North Carolina, the
University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Wisconsin to
study and evaluate the continuous culture method as a means of assessing
algal growth kinetics in different waters in comparison with the batch
culture technique.
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ECOLOGICAL CONTROL BRANCH
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Nutrient Control Section
A satisfactory modification of the University of Washington research
grant to study the effects of flushing on Moses Lake was attained. It
was agreed that they should apply for a no-cost extension of time through
September, 1969, to permit evaluation of data and the writing of a
final report. The project will be terminated at the end of September
1969.
At Detroit Lakes, background data were obtained on Lake Sal lie by
Dr. Joe Neel, and aquatic plant and sediment samples were sent to PNWL
for analysis of P, N, C, H, and trace metals. Plants of sufficient
length were separated into top, middle and lower fractions, and each
fraction analyzed separately to determine chemical variations within a
plant.
Laboratory studies have been initiated to study nutrient transport
across a thermocline. Successful growth of phytoplankton in the
"epilimnion" of a thermally stratified six-foot water column has been
accomplished. Development of the experiment will continue. A 14-foot
aluminum boat and outboard motor were purchased, initially for use on
Klein's Pond, where destratification experimental work will be carried
out beginning next quarter.
A program to determine nutrient contribution via precipitation is
in progress, with rain and snow sampling being carried out in the
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Corvallis area. Arrangements have been made to obtain snow samples from
the Waldo Lake region in January 1969. Analyses of collected snow and
rainwater are being carried out by Consolidated Laboratories. Development
of Waldo Lake by the U. S. Forest Service for recreational purposes has
led to planning a monitoring program by NERP to begin in the spring.
This highly oligotrophic lake will be watched for signs of enrichment.
Cooperation with Oregon State University is being discussed.
Sediment-Water Interchange Section
Sediment cores were obtained from Upper Klamath Lake in cooperation
with the U. S. Bureau of Reclamation. Sediment samples were obtained
from the Sal ton Sea, Lake Sal lie, and Shagawa Lake for analysis and
comparison with Upper Klamath Lake sediments.
Laboratory experiments to determine effect of sediments on growth
of algae in overlying water have been carried out, as well as experiments
on the prevention of sediment-water interchange of phosphorus. Those
experiments on the prevention of sediment-water interchange of P by
chemical precipitation reactions indicate that rare earth metal ions
(didymium) retard Selenastrum growth in Upper Klamath Lake water exposed
to sediment with or without mixing. Zirconium retards initial growth,
but aluminum and calcium did not visibly retard the algal growth under
the conditions of the experiment. These results will be further verified
by experiments in aquariums.
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Selenastrum grows better in lake water in contact with Upper Klamath
Lake sediments than without contact with sediments. This has been veri-
fied with sediments containing both low and high soluble ortho phosphate
and ammonia in the sediment interstitial water. It is now proposed to
carry out an identical experiment with sediment from an oligotrophic lake.
These experiments have been conducted in both aquariums and beaker-size
equipment.
Interchange experiments in large glass columns with sediment low
in soluble nutrient content in the interstitial water indicate that
exchange of phosphorus and nitrogen occurs under both aerobic and
anaerobic conditions. The persistence of high concentrations of nitrite
in the overlying water indicates that the lake conditions are not simu-
lated. The experiments should be carried out at lower temperature, and
probably in the presence of algal growth and radiation.
Surprisingly high concentrations of soluble ortho phosphate (0.15
to 1 mg P/fc) and ammonia (3.5 to 16 mg N/fc) were found to be present in
interstitial water from sediments from Sal ton Sea, Shagawa, and Sal lie
Lakes.
Biological Control Section
No activity.
Shaqawa Lake Project
Field experiments initiated in September were terminated during the
first two weeks of October, and securing of weather-vulnerable equipment
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was begun October 15. The pilot plant was shut down during October
and November for maintenance, and to permit use of operators for other
priority work. Efforts since October have been directed toward com-
pletion of chemical analyses, data work-up, and repair and maintenance
of the pilot plant and pumping station. Sampling on Shagawa Lake has
been curtailed by unsafe ice.
As a result of experiments conducted in the test basins during the
summer, it appears as though the lake has very low response to growth of
blue-green algae after September 15; this is possibly a temperature
effect. It is further indicated that the flow rate of 65 GPM represents
insufficient residence time of lake water-effluent mixtures in the test
basins, and that appreciably lower flow rates will be more successful
in demonstrating differences in algal growth among the three basins.
A cooperative project with Cincinnati on freezing of alum sludge
was begun in December.
Grant and Contract Research
Technical reviews of preproposals and proposals for research
grants, demonstration grants, and contracts were provided on the follow-
ing subjects:
1. Provisional Algal Assay Procedures.
2. Factors Affecting the Structure of Diatom Communities.
3. Feasibility Study Involving the Use of Bark Derivatives
as Phosphate Adsorbents.
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4. Demonstration Project on Eutrophication of Surface
Waters.
5. Algal Production in Eutrophic Mountain Reservoirs.
6. The Biology and Response of Corixidae to Eutrophication.
7. Phosphate Retention by Lake Sediments.
8. Deposit-Water Interchange of Plant Nutrients in Lakes.
9. Water Quality and the Character of New England Clays.
10. Reclamation of Lakes by Removal of Phosphorus-Containing
Algae.
11. Eutrophication Factors in North Central Florida Lakes.
12. Eutrophication of New River, Broward County, Florida.
13. Proposal for Removing Algae Nutrients from Lakes.
Areas of Concern
Several questions remain to be resolved regarding Detroit Lakes.
It must be decided whether weed harvesting will begin during 1969, and
a decision is needed as to when Soil Conservation Service may begin
experimental spray irrigation with secondary effluent from Detroit Lakes.
It has not yet been possible to begin the PAAP tests on Shagawa
Lake pilot plant effluent mixtures which hopefully will guide the design
of experiments in the test basins next summer. Difficulties in obtaining
equipment and shortages in personnel are responsible for the delay.
Personnel shortages are probably the most serious problem confront-
ing the entire program. The addition of several positions at the lower
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GS levels would expedite existing projects enormously and permit more
necessary time for planning and coordination by supervisory personnel.
Plans for 3rd Quarter FY 1969
Present programs in Nutrient Control and Sediment-Water Interchange
will continue. Field work on Upper Klamath Lake will be restricted, but
some sampling of water and sediment through the ice will be done. Acqui-
sition of background data on Klein's Pond, prior to experimental manipu-
lation, will begin in January. The precipitation study will be expanded
to include snow samples from the Cascades and possibly Mary's Peak.
Shagawa Lake personnel will be concerned principally with sample anal-
ysis, data work-up, and preparations for the coming field year.
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WASTE TREATMENT RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM
9841/1204, 1206, 1210, 1301
The Waste Treatment Research & Technology Program includes
activities under four separate PPB codes assigned to this laboratory
and carried out by three branches of this program. Paper and Allied
Products Research is funded out of PPB Code 1204.
Food wastes research is conducted by personnel in the Food
Wastes Research Branch under responsibility delegated through PPB
1206 even though no positions or funds are currently assigned to
this activity. Those research activities conducted by this program
are staffed by personnel temporarily borrowed from Technical Programs.
Research activities under PPB Code 1210, Wood Products, and
1301, Forestry and Logging, are likewise supported by personnel
borrowed from Technical Programs and no positions or research funds
are available.
PAPER AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RESEARCH BRANCH - 9841/1204
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Polymers in Waste Treatment
Screening of numerous polymers to determine their effect on the
separation of suspended solids in wastes has been completed; pilot
plant studies were started to demonstrate practicability of those
polymers found useful in the screening tests.
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Research Needs in the Pulp and Paper Industry
A listing of research needs compiled by the American Paper
Industry has been completed and is currently being categorized.
Grant and Contract Research
The following active demonstration grant projects are monitored
through project office assignments to the Corvallis laboratory:
1. Pulp Manufacturers Research League, Appleton, Wisconsin,
WPRD 12-01-68.
2. Beet Sugar Development Foundation, Longmont, Colorado,
WPRD 43-01-67.
3. Mead Corporation, Chillicothe, Ohio, WPRD 55-01-67.
4. Crown-Zellerbach Corporation, Lebanon, Oregon, WPRD 69-01-68.
5. Robertson Pulp and Paper Laboratory, Raleigh, North Carolina,
WPRD 115-01-68.
6. Georgia Kraft Company, Macon, Georgia, WPRD 116-01-68.
7. Georgia Kraft Company, Rome, Georgia, WPRD 117-01-68.
8. Crown-Zellerbach Corporation, Camas, Washington,
WPRD 144-01-68.
The following active research grant project is monitored through
project officer assignment to the Corvallis laboratory:
University of Washington, Joseph L. McCarthy, 12040 DEH, "Studies
of Low Molecular Weight Lignin Sulfonates."
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Areas of Concern
Budget and manpower restrictions continued to prohibit the
initiation of meaningful in-house projects.
Plans for 3rd Quarter. FY 1969
Because of budget restrictions, most of the available staff
time will be occupied with the monitoring of grants. Work will
continue on the sorting of research needs and priority determinations
and participation will begin in the Crown-Zellerbach, Lebanon, Oregon
demonstration grant project.
FOOD WASTES RESEARCH BRANCH - 9841/1206
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
The cooperative two year pilot plant study with J. R. Simplot
Company, Burley, Idaho on the secondary treatment of potato processing
wastes was terminated July 1, 1968. Data analysis of this study has
been completed and a draft of the final report is being reviewed
internally prior to revision and submission to the Regional Office
for clearance.
A two-day meeting with the National Canners Association's (NCA)
Technical Committee on Waste Research was attended at NCA's labora-
tories in Berkeley, California. A summary of FWPCA's in-house activi-
ties and grant program in the Food Wastes Research Branch was presented.
NCA's ongoing and proposed projects were discussed in detail.
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A one-day meeting with industrial sponsors and staff of North
Star R&D Institute was attended in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to dis-
cuss progress and current status of grant number WPRD 49-01-68,
"Use of Fungi Imperfect! in Waste Control." Dr. W. B. Cooke,
Cincinnati Water Research Laboratory, is FWPCA's assigned project
officer.
Onsite visits were made to the following grantees: Snokist
Growers, R. T. French Company, and Dallas,Oregon to discuss current
status of projects.
No in-house activities were initiated during the quarter.
Grant and Contract Research
Current demonstration grant projects for which the branch chief
has been assigned as project officer include:
1. Snokist Growers, Yakima, Washington, WPRD 58-01-68. The
project is nearing its second and last year of operation. Data
analyses for the final report will be started during the next quarter.
2. R. T. French Company, Shelley, Idaho, WPRD 15-01-68. The
construction contract was awarded in November and some excavation
was completed.
3. Dallas, Oregon, WPRD 29-01-68. Most of the earthwork,
concrete work, and plant piping has been completed. Nearly all work
onsite has been terminated until early spring due to current rainy
season.
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4. University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, WP 01486.
Work is continuing on the State-of-the-Art paper on potato processing
wastes which is scheduled for completion May 31, 1969.
The following subjects of proposals and preproposals for grants
were reviewed during the quarter:
1. Aerated Storage and Off-Peak Pumping of Dairy Wastes
Cooperative.
2. Anaerobic Fermentation-Aerobic Stabilization Process for
Treating Waste Whey with Domestic Sewage.
3. Demonstration of an Improved Method of Sludge Disposal
from Joint Treatment Facilities of a Small City.
4. Development of Economical Solutions for Problems Resulting
from Conditions Imposed on Discharging Blue Cheese Plant Waste into
a Small Municipal Sewerage System.
5. Acid Whey Utilization and Disposal.
6. State-of-the-Art, Sugarbeet Processing Waste Treatment.
7. Dynamic Process Development for Biological Treatment of
Whey Bearing Wastes.
Areas of Concern
Lack of personnel assignment to PPB 1206.
Plans for 3rd Quarter - FY 1969
Complete final report on secondary treatment of potato processing
wastes. Continue assistance to Potato Processors of Idaho Association
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Continue project officer responsibilities on assigned grants and
visit other grantees in food waste treatment.
Increase efforts aimed at generating applications for grants
on joint, as well as industrial waste treatment, plus state-of-
the-Art papers.
SPECIAL STUDIES BRANCH - 9841/1210. 1301
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Forestry and Logging (1301)
A second draft has been prepared of the project plan for the
preparation of an industrial waste guide for logging operations to
minimize water quality degradation. This project will be staffed
by personnel borrowed from the Northwest Regional Office.
Wood Products (1210)
The final report on the Plywood Plant Glue Waste Study, Technical
Projects, has been submitted for publication. This study demon-
strates the feasibility of biological treatment of interior plywood
glues and outlines suggestions for significant reductions in waste
volumes through in-plant changes.
Laboratory pilot plant studies on aerobic and anaerobic treat-
ment of urea glue and steam vat condensate were continued during
the quarter. These studies are to provide supporting information
to research grant WPRD-174.
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Grant and Contract Research
In-plant changes have been completed to reduce waste strength
and volume,and design is underway on facilities for waste treatment
in connection with demonstration grant WPRD-174, Klamath Plywood
Corporation.
Areas of Concern
No funds or positions are currently assigned to the research
activities concerned with forest industries and the only efforts
possible are those conducted with borrowed personnel.
Reports and Papers
The final report of the Plywood Glue Waste Study has been com-
pleted and submitted for publication.
Plans for 3rd Quarter, FY 1969
Work will get underway during the quarter on two technical
projects related to forest industries research; namely, the Industrial
Waste Guide for the Logging Industry and the Log Storage and Handling
Project.
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NATIONAL THERMAL POLLUTION RESEARCH PROGRAM - 9841/1613
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Columbia River Study Project
See section on Biological Effects Research Program, page 26, this
report.
Technology Transfer
The "Industrial Waste Guide on Thermal Pollution" was published
and initial distribution made.
A Technical Seminar on Thermal Pollution was held November 25-26,
1968, at the Pacific Northwest Water Laboratory. This seminar (work-
shop), directed primarily to the engineer working at the desk who has
to come up with facts on which decisions are made, was attended by a
broad spectrum of representatives of State agencies and other Federal
agencies as well as FWPCA personnel.
We have been advised that the preparation of the state-of-the-
art document on thermal pollution by Vanderbilt University has been
delayed. The projected data for receipt of manuscript is now March
1, 1969.
Publication of the proceedings of the two Thermal Pollution Symposia
is expected sometime in the next few months.
Effects on Water Uses Other than Fish
Discussions have been held with engineering representatives of the
Eugene Water and Electric Board and their contractor, the Vitro Corporation,
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relative to a demonstration project that would utilize warm water for
irrigation. Mr. Alden Christiansen has been designated project officer
in the design of this proposal. The Eugene Water and Electric Board,
several power companies of the Northwest, the State pollution control
agency, and the Agriculture Department at Oregon State University will
be involved in this study.
Predictive Techniques
Detailed work plans have been developed for intermural research to
begin this spring on the subject of evaporation rates and the refining
of techniques for predicting various terms of the energy budget.
Techniques for Biologic "Base Line" in Heat Discharge Site Evaluation
Dr. Ronald Garton has conferred with senior biologists of FWPCA on
this matter and a report is in preparation.
Design and Efficiency of Cooling Towers
A model has been developed for predicting natural draft cooling
tower performance and efficiency as related to local meteorologic and
other independent variables. The first draft of the working paper has
been prepared. The synoptic report from Dr. Fred Decker, Associate
Professor, Physics, Oregon State University, on "Local Climatic Effects
of Cooling Towers," was scheduled for delivery in November; the report
has not yet been received but its delivery has been promised for early
in the third quarter.
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Technical negotiations were completed with E. Boll ay , Inc., for
contract on the "Theoretical Evaluation and Development of a Criteria
to Determine Inadvertent Weather Modification in the Vicinity of Cooling
Towers." The contract is being negotiated at Headquarters.
River Basin Planning for Thermal Pollution Control
No action this quarter.
General
Program Chief presented a paper titled, "Research in Thermal Pollu-
tion Control," at the Fourth American Water Resources Conference, New
York, New York, November 18, 1968.
The Program Chief conferred with the Regional Director and other
staff of the Great Lakes Region on Regional research needs for thermal
pollution control. While in Chicago, he also met with representatives
of the Argonne National Laboratory concerning cooperative research with
AEC. It is hoped that Argonne can be encouraged to develop physical
models of one or more proposed power plant sites on the Great Lakes that
can be used to test some of the theory being developed on transport and
behavior of heated discharges to large bodies of water.
Stimulated by the power industry, the staff has made a preliminary
study of methods for reducing the evaporative fraction in the cooling
process. Although the percentage of circulated water loss through
evaporation is relatively small, its volume can reach significant pro-
portions because of the tremendous volumes circulated. Evaporated
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water may be significant to potential meteorologic hazards and to the
overall water supply in water-short areas. Liaison has been established
with the power industry for continuing investigations.
Grants and Contracts
A research contract was awarded the Dynatech Corporation for "A
Technical Survey and Economic Analysis of Alternate Methods for Cooling
Condenser Discharge Water in Nuclear Power Plants."
Reviews of applications for research grants were made on the
following subjects:
1. Heat and Water Vapor Exchange Between Water Surface and
Atmosphere.
2. Thermal Stratification and Reservoir Water Quality
(Continuation).
3. A Proposed Study of the Effects of Heated Discharges in
the Great Lakes.
4. Thermal Pollution and Surface Water Temperature.
5. Effects of Thermal Stress on the Food-Web Structure and
Metabolism of Warm Water Communities. (Preliminary proposal)
6. Growth of Cladophora in Lake Michigan. (Preliminary
proposal)
7. Thermal and Industrial Pollution: Delaware River.
(Renewal)
8. Thermogravitational Thermal Diffusion in Liquids.
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9. Ecological Mitigation of Marine Thermal Discharges.
10. Biologically Allowable Thermal Pollution Limits.
11. Warm Water Irrigation Proposal.
Reviews of proposal or scope of work for contract research were
made on the following subjects:
1. Theoretical Evaluation and Development of a Criteria to
Determine Inadvertent Weather Modification in the Vicinity of Cooling
Towers.
2. Verification of the Two-Dimensional Temperature Model.
3. Research on the Physical Aspects of Thermal Pollution.
4. Feasibility Study of Nonthermal Pollution Power Generating
Stations.
Areas of Concern
The need for better technology to predict thermal behavior in the
"mixing zone" of a water body remains the top priority research need.
Discussion with Regional Directors and power industry representa-
tives are pointing up the importance of the coastal areas in the United
States, and the need for priority research therein. It appears that
the coast is going to be the preferred location for many new power plants.
Research on both the engineering aspects of heat transport and behavior
and the biologic effects should be given high priority.
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Reports and Papers
"Industrial Waste Guide on Thermal Pollution," published September
1968. Released for distribution January 10, 1969.
"Research in Thermal Pollution Control," Frank H. Rainwater,
Chief, National Thermal Pollution Research Program, presented at the
Fourth American Water Resources Conference, New York, New York, November
18, 1969.
Equipment
No major purchases.
Plans for 3rd Quarter. FY 1969
1. Conduct Technical Seminars (workshops) on Thermal Pollution
Control at Ada, Oklahoma; Athens, Georgia; Cincinnati, Ohio; Metuchen,
New Jersey, and Charlottesville, Virginia.
2. Distribute (within FWPCA) preliminary report on cooling towers.
3. Review, publish and distribute report on "Local Climatic Effects
of Cooling Towers."
4. Review State of the Art document leading to publication in the
4th quarter.
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BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS RESEARCH PROGRAM
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Thermal Pollution Studies
The facility at Bonneville for the simulation of adult salmon
migration through elevated temperatures was winterized and the elec-
tronic equipment has been stored at Corvallis. No further activity
is planned until spring, when and if spring Chinook become available.
In the tissue enzyme study arrangements have been completed for
acquiring juvenile sockeye, steelhead, coho and chinook from regional
hatcheries. Preliminary enzyme assays have been completed for coho on:
(1) a-hydroxybutryic dehydrogenase; (2) isocitric dehydrogenase;
(3) lactic dehydrogenase; (4) phosphohexose isomerase; (5) transaminase
(GO and GP); and (6) leucine amino naphthylamidase. Assays on five
additional enzymes were attempted, but these will require further
adaptation to achieve reliable results.
Until corrected, adverse water quality in the laboratory has
forced the delay of further experiments. Accordingly, a system for
recycling waste water was designed and requires only 2 L/min of supple-
mental water per 200-gallon tank. This is being tested regarding its
ability to enhance and to maintain acceptable water quality. Present
indications are very favorable.
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Adverse Properties of Sulfite Waste Liquor
Coho salmon eggs from 15 mating pairs were spawned individually
in 17 different concentrations of (stored) SWL. Approximately 51,000
4
eggs were tested using about 200 eggs per test lot. Basic physiological
data were collected regarding salmon semen and ovarian fluid. After
the eggs reached eyed stage, fertilization success was inversely proportional
to the SWL concentration with some mating pairs and no effect was observed
with other mating pairs.
Artificial redds were constructed in two artificial streams; the
experimental section received 50 ppm SWL. Coho eggs and standpipes
were placed in the redd to determine subsequent hatching success and
changes in water velocity or quality due to SWL. At present the eggs
have incubated 55 days and the intra-gravel water velocity has decreased
from 800 to 200 cm/hr in the experimental section due to slime growth.
Possibly much of this work has been invalidated by adverse water quality
that caused a fish-kill within the laboratory.
Fish-Kill Investigations
A fish-kill occurred within this laboratory and killed the entire
stock of rainbow trout and all newly hatched coho sac-fry (about 30,000).
Chemical analyses have not revealed the cause of the kill but appropriate
action is being taken to determine the cause of the problem and correct
it.
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Areas of Concern
As before, the water supply for fish tanks is woefully inadequate
in quality. This has already negated, in part, a research investment
of about $5,000 and has delayed the study an additional year. Additionally,
it is seriously delaying the Tissue Enzyme Study.
The only solution to the above problems is the construction of the
proposed Biological Effects Laboratory. As yet, no construction money
has been allocated for this purpose.
Reports and Papers
The Program Chief presented a paper entitled "Preliminary Studies
of the Effects of Sulfite Waste Liquor on the Early Life Stages of
Pacific Salmon: Fertilization Through Hatching" at the annual meeting
of the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society.
Equipment and Facilities
Planning phases are progressing rapidly for the Biological Effects
Laboratory. The building layout has been completed and awaits the
next building conference.
Plans for 3rd Quarter. FY 1969
1. The Bonneville facility will be reactivated late in March and
tested before use in the adult salmon studies.
2. Efforts will be continued to resolve the water quality problems
in the wet lab.
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3. Assuming the above efforts are successful, in vitro studies
will be completed to determine denaturation temperatures for selected
enzymes in sockeye, steel head, coho and chinook; steel head eggs will
be spawned and incubated in SWL.
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TRAINING AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT - 9825/000
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Direct Training
The training course, "Basic Principles of Wastewater Treatment",
was presented for 24 trainees November 4-8, 1968. "Current Practices
in Water Microbiology" was cancelled due to lack of adequate enrollment.
The planning and writing of the "Design and Management of Sewage
Treatment for Small Federal Installations" manual was completed and
forwarded to Cincinnati for production. Pre-enrollment for the course
having the same title as the manual was so great that the course has
been scheduled twice at the Corvallis Laboratory and once in Anchorage,
Alaska.
Announcements have been distributed for the "Nutrient Removal and
Advanced Waste Treatment" seminar which will be held at the Lloyd
Center, Portland, Oregon on February 5-6, 1969. Pre-,enrollment indi-
cates excellent attendance.
Cooperative Area Manpower Planning System (CAMPS)
Governor McCall of Oregon reorganized the State Cooperative Area
Manpower Planning System Committee with the title "The Governor's Man-
power Coordinating Committee." Lyman Nielson was appointed by the
Governor as a member of this committee.
An institutional-type training program for sewage treatment plant
operators is being developed at Linn-Benton Community College with the
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target date of April 1 to begin instruction. Initial contacts with
the State of Idaho have been made relating to possible use of on-the-
job training for the training of operators in that state.
General
Approximately 67 people were given tours of the Laboratory and
an orientation to the role of the FWPCA in water pollution control.
Orientation, films and slides were presented for 100 teachers at an
in-service training meeting in Salem, Oregon. A water pollution con-
trol film was loaned to various groups and shown to approximately 200
viewers. A continuous showing of a film on water pollution control
was provided at an Open House for approximately 273 guests.
The Training Branch provided assistance with arrangements for the
Thermal Pollution Seminar in November. More than one hundred visual
aids were made for use in this seminar.
Equipment
Diazo process equipment was purchased for use in making overhead
transparent visual aids.
Plans for 3rd Quarter FY 1969
Training courses are planned as follows:
Design and Management of Sewage Treatment for Small
Federal Installations Jan 5-10, 1969
" (Alaska^ Jan 20'24
(Alaska; Feb 1Q.14
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Nutrient Removal and Advanced Waste
Treatment - Seminar, Portland, Oregon Feb 5-6
Chemical Analyses for Water Quality,
Corvallis, Oregon Mar 10-21
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CONSOLIDATED LABORATORY SERVICES PROGRAM
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
The laboratory continued to reduce its analytical backlog; from
September 30 to December 31 it was reduced from 900 to 381 analyses.
An analytical Quality Control Program for automated silica deter-
minations has indicated deterioration of a commercial silica standard.
*
The ammonia nitrogen analyses using the Technicon are now being
run at two levels with two colorimeters. The range of ammonia values
can be handled from 0.01 mg/1 to 200 mg/1. Samples have been handled
with ammonia concentrations of less than 0.01 mg/1 to 145 mg/1 without
resorting to dilution.
Oxygen uptake studies are being made on dredge sludges. An E.I.L.
probe with recorder is used to monitor uptake.
Areas of Concern
Kjeldahl digestion equipment is still awaiting assembly because
of missing parts.
Reports and Papers
Rough draft of PNWL Analytical Methods Manual has been completed.
Equipment
The Turner Model 210 Spectrofluorometer and Recording Ratio spectro-
photometer has been delivered and the equipment is operational.
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Plans for 3rd Quarter. FY 1969
Work to be continued on analytical quality control program.
Kjeldahl nitrogen and total phosphorus analysis with Technicon digestion
unit will be attempted. Determination of cyanide by fluorometric
techniques will be evaluated.
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TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND INVESTIGATIONS - 9818A/000
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Flathead Lake Study
The final report is being reviewed for publication.
Middle Snake River Study
A third field survey was completed in which samples from 25
stations were analyzed for DO and temperature. Data from three field
surveys is being compiled. Additional survey work is contemplated for
the late summer of 1969.
Columbia River Thermal Effects Study
Manpower assistance complete. Project is under supervision of
the National Thermal Pollution Research Program.
Dredging Study
Laboratory assistance started September 1968 is now complete.
Project is supervised by TA&I, Northwest Region.
Kraft Mill Ocean Outfall Survey
Technical assist is being rendered for this study. Project is
being supervised by TA&I, Northwest Region.
Treatment Plant Operational Data Survey
A review of plant & State operational data was made for a repre-
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sentative number of plants in the States of Oregon, Washington and
Idaho. A report of this survey is now being prepared.
National Estuarine Study
Project under supervision of TA&I, Northwest Region. Collected
and assembled data for industrial and municipal waste discharges into
Coos, Yaquina, Tillamook, and Young's Bays; The Columbia River from
the mouth to Bonneville; and the Willamette River from the mouth to
Oregon City. Project was started and completed during the quarter.
Plans for 3rd Quarter, FY 1969
A survey of two Kraft Mill ocean outfalls will be made for the
State of Oregon. A bacteriological study of municipal waste outfalls
in Puget Sound may be started.
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POLLUTION SURVEILLANCE - 9822/000
Status of Projects and Significant Accomplishments
Sampling at all Regional surveillance stations continues with
additional locations and/or analyses included at the request of other
FWPCA or State programs to the extent possible. Meetings were held with
all FWPCA units in the Region to determine their needs for water quality
data. Subsequently a meeting was held with the USGS Districts in the
Region to become familiar with their data collection programs and to
begin talking of coordination of USGS/FWPCA data collection activities.
State program officials were contacted and plans for Federal/State
coordination of data collection were discussed.
A seminar was held to inform all potential STORE! users in the
Region of the modifications and increased capability of STORET. At
that time a demonstration of the "terminal model 1978" in the Regional
office was demonstrated.
A program for flagging water quality standards violations was
developed for use with the SHAVES system and presented to Regulatory
Branch personnel for review.
Seventeen new surveillance stations were added at the request of
the Basin Planning Activity to provide data for appraisal of proposed
water regulation projects.
Water Pollution Surveillance System stations previously operated
by cooperating volunteers have been absorbed into the Regional Surveillance
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program and are now operated entirely by FWPCA personnel. Printouts
of surveillance data are provided to all concerned agencies on a quarterly
basis.
The Inventory of Municipal Waste Facilities was reviewed to
assure accuracy prior to final printing.
Reports and Papers
A "working paper" on the use of plankton as a pollution surveillance
parameter has been drafted and final revisions are presently being made.
The report will be available for limited distribution in the spring of
1969.
Equipment
No new equipment.
Plans for 3rd Quarter. FY 1969
Routine sampling will continue at all surveillance stations.
As time and manpower permit specific field studies will be con-
ducted to provide information required in order to recommend corrective
action at below-standard locations.
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