ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
REMOTE SENSING REPORT
BALTIMORE HARBOR
AND
WICOMICO RIVER BASIN
MARYLAND
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER!
DENVER. COLORADO
MARCH 1974
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ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF ENFORCEMENT
REMOTE SENSING REPORT
BALTIMORE HARBOR
WICOMICO RIVER BASIN
NATIONAL FIELD INVESTIGATIONS CENTER-DENVER
DENVER, COLORADO
MARCH 1974
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
GLOSSARY OF TERMS x
I. INTRODUCTION 2
II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 3
BALTIMORE HARBOR 3
Northwest Harbor (Area A) 3
Middle Branch and Upper Inner Harbor (Area B) . 4
Lower Inner Harbor and Curtis Bay (Area C) . . 4
Outer Harbor and Sparrows Point (Area D) . . . 4
Upper Back River (Area E) 4
WICOMICO RIVER 5
III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION 7
BALTIMORE HARBOR 7
WICOMICO RIVER 12
IV. STUDY TECHNIQUES 15
AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT DATA 15
SENSOR DATA 15
Cameras 15
Films and Filters 18
Camera Station 1 18
Camera Station 2 18
Camera Station 3 18
Infrared Line Scanner 19
GROUND TRUTH 21
DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS 22
ERROR ANALYSIS 24
V. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS
BALTIMORE HARBOR 25
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AT TIME OF FLIGHT ... 26
NORTHWEST HARBOR (AREA A) 28
General Observations 30
Specific Observations 30
MIDDLE BRANCH AND UPPER INNER HARBOR (AREA B) . . 57
General Observations 59
Specific Observations 59
LOWER INNER HARBOR AND CURTIS BAY (AREA C) . . . 77
General Observations 78
Specific Observations 78
iii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (Cont.)
Page
OUTER HARBOR AND SPARROWS POINT (AREA D) . . . . 109
General Observations ............. 110
Specific Observations ............. 110
UPPER BACK RIVER (AREA E) ............ 141
General Observations ............. 141
Specific Observations .............
VI. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS
WICOMICO RIVER .................. 143
VII. SATELLITE DATA ON BALTIMORE HARBOR AND
UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY ............... 153
LIST OF APPENDICES
Appendix
A Film Spectral Sensitivity Data,
Optical Filter Transmittance Data
B Development Processes for Black-White,
Color Reconnaissance Films
C Focal Length, Angle of View, and the
Effects of Focal Length and Altitude
LIST OF TABLES
IV-1 FLIGHT PARAMETER DATA 16
V-l WEATHER CONDITIONS, BALTIMORE HARBOR 27
V-2 TIDAL CONDITIONS, BALTIMORE HARBOR 29
iv
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No.
III-l Location Map, Baltimore Harbor
III-2 Location Map, Wicomico Basin
IV-1 Aircraft Sensor Locations
IV-2 Viewing Angle of Framing Camera
IV-3 Framing Camera
IV-4 Field of View of IRLS
IV-5 IRLS Optical Collection System
V-l Sub-Area Map of Baltimore Harbor
V-2 Location of Specific Observations
Area A, Northwest Harbor
V-3 Enlarged Thermal Map (Night)
Northwest Harbor
V-4 Isarthermal Map (Night)
Central Northwest Harbor
V-5 Detailed Observations
Central Northwest Harbor
V-6 Thermal Map (Day)
Northwest Harbor
V-7 Detailed Observations
Upper Northwest Harbor
V-8 Detailed Observation
Basin Area, Northwest Harbor
V-9 Detailed Observations
Center Pier Area, Northwest Harbor
V-10 Detailed Observations
Eastside, Lower Northwest Harbor
V-ll Thermal Map (Night)
Northwest Harbor
Page
8
9
16
17
17
20
20
Follows
Page 26
Follows
Page 56
32,46
34
35
36
38
40
44
50
52
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No.
V-12
V-13
V-14
V-15
V-16
V-17
V-18
V-19
V-20
V-21
V-22
V-23
V-24
V-25
V-26
Detailed Observations
Lazaretto Point; Lower Northwest Harbor
Locations of Specific Observations
Area B, Middle Branch & Upper Inner Harbor
Thermal Map (Night)
Upper Inner Harbor
Isarthermal Map (Night)
North Shore, Upper Inner Harbor
Enlarged Thermal Map (Night)
Upper Inner Harbor
Isarthermal Map of Outfall B-8
Inner Harbor
Thermal Map (Night)
Middle Branch and Upper Inner Harbor
Isarthermal Map (Night)
Middle Branch, Baltimore Harbor
Thermal Map (Day)
Middle Branch
Detailed Observations
West Shore, Upper Middle Branch
Detailed Observations
West Shore, Lower Middle Branch
Locations of Specific Observations
South Region of Area C, Baltimore Harbor
Thermal Map (Night)
West Shore, Inner Harbor
Thermal Map (Night)
North Shore, Curtis Bay
Detailed Observations
Stonehouse Cove
Page
54
Follows
Page 76
58
60
62
64
65,72
66
68
70
74
Follows
Page 108
80
82
84
vi
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No.
V-27 Thermal Map (Night)
Curtis Creek and Curtis Bay
V-28 Detailed Observations
West Shore, Curtis Bay
V-29 Detailed Observations
Western Shore, Lower Curtis Creek
V-30 Detailed Observations
East Shore, Lower Curtis Creek
V-31 Thermal Map (Day)
Curtis Bay
V-32 Locations of Specific Observations
North Region of Area C, Baltimore Harbor
V-33 Thermal Map (Night)
Central Inner Harbor
V-34 Isarthermal Map (Night)
Lazaretto Point Area
V-35 Thermal Map (Day)
East Shore, Inner Harbor
V-36 Thermal Map (Night)
Lower Inner Harbor
V-37 Isarthermal Map (Night)
of the Sellers Point
Power Plant Thermal Field
V-38 Locations of Specific Observations
Area D, Outer Harbor
V-39 Thermal Map (Night - 2100 Hours)
West Shore, Outer Harbor
V-40 Thermal Map (Night - 2120 Hours)
Hawkins Point Area
V-41 Thermal Map (Night - 2030 Hours)
West Shore, Outer Harbor
88,94
90
92
96
98
Follows
Page 108
100
102
104
105
106
Follows
Page 140
111,119
113
113
vii
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No. page
V-42 Isarthermal Map
Western Shore, Outer Harbor 115
V-43 Thermal Map (Night - 2120 Hours)
Stony Creek Area 116
V-44 Thermal Map (Day)
West Shore, Outer Harbor 117
V-45 Thermal Map (Day)
Bear Creek, Sparrows Point 120
V-46 Detailed Observations
Northwest Shore, Sparrows Point 122
V-47 Thermal Map (Day)
Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point 124
V-48 Thermal Map (Night)
Sparrows Point 125
V-49 Thermal Map (Night)
North Shore, Outer Harbor 126
V-50 Detailed Observations
West Shore, Sparrows Point 128
V-51 Isarthermal Map
Outfalls 009, 010, Oil, Bethlehem Steel
Corporation, Sparrows Point 130
V-52 Isarthermal Map
Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point 131
V-53 Detailed Observations
Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point 132
V-54 Detailed Observations
South Shore, Sparrows Point 134
V-55 Detailed Observations
Southeast Shore, Sparrows Point 136
V-56 Detailed Observations
East Shore, Sparrows Point 138
viii
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LIST OF FIGURES (Cont.)
Figure No. Page
V-57 Isarthermal Map of Old Road Bay 139
V-58 Locations of Specific Observations
Area E, Back River 142
VI-1 Study Subareas, Wicomico River Basin 144
VI-2 Paths of Water Movement
Chaptico Bay and Creek 146
VI-3 Paths of Water Movement
St. Clements Bay 147
VI-4 Paths of Water Movement
Upper Wicomico River Estuary 148
VI-5 Paths of Water Movement
Aliens Fresh Area 149
VI-6 Paths of Water Movement
Kerrich and Zekiah Swamp 150
VI-7 Paths of Water Movement
Zekiah and Gilbert Swamp Runs 151
VI-8 Paths of Water Movement
Lower Wicomico River Estuary 152
VII-1 Upper Chesapeake Bay
(Satellite Data - Green Channel) 154
VII-2 Upper Chesapeake Bay
(Satellite Data - Red Channel) 155
VII-3 Upper Chesapeake Bay
(Satellite Data - Infrared 1 Channel) 157
IX
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GLOSSARY OF TERMS
°C - Temperature in degrees Centigrade = 5/9
("Farenheit -32)
cm - Length in centimeters = 0.3937 inches or
0.03281 feet
gal. - Volume in gallons = 3.785 liters
Hg - Mercury
km - Distance in kilometers = 0.621 miles
2
km - Area in square kilometers = 100 hectares
or 0.3861 square miles
m - Length in meters = 3.281 feet or 1.094 yards
2
m - Area in square meters = 1.196 square yards
3
m /day - Flow rate in cubic meters per day = 0.000264 million
gallons per day
3
m /sec - Flow rate in cubic meters per second =22.8 million
gallons per day = 35.3 cubic feet per second
mm - Length in millimeters =0.1 centimeter
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I. INTRODUCTION
An aerial remote sensing study of Baltimore Harbor and the
Wicomico River Basin was conducted on 9 May 1973. This investigation
was undertaken at the request of the Department of Natural Resources,
State of Maryland.
The study encompassed the following areas:
a) The estuarine waters of the Patapsco River from the City of
Baltimore, Maryland to the Chesapeake Bay. This area Includes
the Northwest Harbor, Middle Branch, Curtis Bay, and the lower
reaches of Bear Creek and Old Road Bay near Sparrows Point.
b) The Wicomico River from State Highway 6 to the Potomac
River including Chaptico Bay, the lower sections of Hayden
Run, Aliens Fresh, St. Clement Bay and Clement Creek.
The purpose of the Baltimore Harbor study was to document the
presence of discharges of wastewater to the Harbor from municipal and
industrial sources, storm drains, and other unidentifiable sources.
Photographic and thermal infrared data were recorded during the day and
thermal infrared data were recorded at night using sensors mounted in
high performance reconnaissance aircraft. No ground truth was collected.
All observed discharges were compared to known municipal and industrial
wastewater discharges to identify locations of potential sources that
had not filed for waste discharge permits. In addition, the relative
magnitude, color, dispersion behavior and, in some cases, relative levels
of concentrations of the detected discharges and resulting plumes were
documented. Other indications of water quality degradation, such as
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oil slicks and algal blooms, were also documented. The thermal data for
both day and night conditions were analyzed to provide relative isarthermal*
data for the major discharges to define the dispersion patterns of the re-
sulting thermal fields. The lack of ground truth precluded the as-
signment of actual temperatures to observed thermal fields.
The Wicomico River Basin study was undertaken to document the presence
of surface and near-surface water on lands adjacent to this estuarine area
and to identify paths of movement of such water from the land into the
estuaries. Shellfish beds in the estuaries have been closed to commercial
harvesting for several years due to the detection of excessive fecal
coliform bacteria concentrations in the shellfish. Numerous hog farms
and residences with individual sewage disposal systems in the areas
adjacent to the estuaries are believed to be the sources of the bacterial
contamination. The paths of water movement documented by the study are
potential paths for movement of the bacteria from sources to shellfish beds.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources will use study data to trace
the drainage connections from each hog feedlot to the estuaries.
* Isarthermal is used to mean an area of the water surface displaying an
essentially constant temperature as contrasted with isothermal which
means a line of constant temperature.
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II. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
BALTIMORE HARBOR
A total of 174 active wastewater discharges, storm drain discharges
and indications of potential wastewater discharges were observed in the
study area. Only 67 (38 percent) of these could be identified as waste-
water discharges reported in Refuse Act Permit Program applications sub-
mitted to EPA in 1971. About 2,050 liters (540 gal.) of oil were recorded
in numerous oil slicks with the largest amount observed in Northwest Harbor,
Most of the Harbor waters were highly turbid, partially as a result of
rainfall preceding the study. Storm drains discharging surface runoff
probably account for some of the unknown discharges. Brown algal blooms
were observed at various locations in the Harbor.
The Harbor was divided into five sub-areas to facilitate presentation
of study results. Observations in each sub-area are summarized below.
Northwest Harbor (Area A)
Fifty-two actual or potential wastewater discharges and 4 indications
of water quality degradation were observed in this area. Only 17 (33 per-
cent) of the discharges could be identified with sources reported in per-
mit applications. Oil slicks in Northwest Harbor contained an estimated
1,160 liters (300 gal.) of oil, about 56 percent of the total amount of
oil detected in the entire Baltimore Harbor. The entire Northwest Harbor
was turbid.
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Middle Branch and Upper Inner Harbor (Area B)
Thirty-five discharges of wastewater or surface runoff from industrial
facilities were recorded in this area. Thirteen (37 percent) of these
corresponded to discharges reported in permit applications. Surface oil
slicks in this area contained an estimated 530 liters (140 gal.) of oil,
26 percent of the total recorded. The influent from the Patapsco River
was quite turbid and was cooler in temperature than the Inner Harbor.
Lower Inner Harbor and Curtis Bay (Area C)
Fifty-eight active wastewater discharges and seven indications of
water quality degradation were observed in this large area of the Inner
Harbor. Only 21 (36 percent) of the discharges were reported in permit
applications. Oil slicks recorded in this area contained only 250
liters (65 gal.) of oil, about 12 percent of the total documented. The
waters of Curtis Bay and lower Curtis Creek were dark brown while the
Inner Harbor waters contained large areas of heavy turbidity.
Outer Harbor And Sparrows Point (Area D)
Twenty-eight actual or potential wastewater discharges and 5 other
indications of water quality degradation were observed in the large
Outer Harbor area. Fifteen (54 percent) of these were associated with
sources reported in permit applications. Large amounts of brown algae
were present in this area.
Upper Back River (Area E)
Only one wastewater discharge, originating from a municipal wastewater
treatment plant, was recorded in this area. The River waters were highly
turbid. No brown algae were observed.
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WICOMICO RIVER
Numerous interconnections between estuarine waters and surface and
near-surface waters on adjacent lands were documented. These inter-
connections could provide paths for water movement into the estuaries,
thus creating potential means of transporting fecal coliform bacteria
from hog farms and private residences to shellfish beds.
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III. BACKGROUND INFORMATION
This study encompassed the estuarine waters of the Patapsco River
(Baltimore Harbor) [Figure III-l] and the Wicomico River Basin [Figure
III-2] in the State of Maryland. The two study areas are similar in
climatic conditions and both are tributary to Chesapeake Bay. However,
the two study areas have significant differences in physical, tidal, and
hydrologic characteristics as discussed in the following sections.
BALTIMORE HARBOR
Modified by man to support a variety of industrial and shipping
enterprises, Baltimore Harbor is a unique body of water. This harbor
was instrumental in the development of Baltimore as the State's largest
city (1973 population of 2,070,670), excellent port facilities, and
an industrial center. The industial and suburban development of the
metropolitan area followed the course of the Patapsco River upstream,
becoming rural near the headwaters of the river.
The study area is located at the mouth of the Patapsco River and
includes the estuarine waters from the City of Baltimore, Maryland to
the Chesapeake Bay, as well as a portion of Back River, an adjacent
tributary of Chesapeake Bay. Baltimore Harbor, also known as the
Patapsco River estuary, is divided into two areas. That body of water
lying west of the Outer Harbor Crossing, constructed between Sellers and
Hawkins Point, is known as Inner Harbor, and the portion lying to the
east of the bridge toward Chesapeake Bay is known as Outer Harbor.
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CD
•BALTIMORE HARRISBURS EXPRESSWAY
N
^O
FRIENDSHIP
SUSQUEHANNA RIVER
It
•0
f
0
1
">
L
5 10 15
1 1 1
SCALE IN MILES
Figure UN. Location Map • Baltimore Harbor
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POTOMAC RIVER
SCALE IN MILES
Figure 111-2 Location Map Wicomico Basin
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10
Tributary areas of interest in the Inner Harbor include Northwest
Harbor, Middle Branch and Curtis Bay.
The Harbor extends southeasterly from downtown Baltimore 16 km
(10 mi) to its point of entry into Chesapeake Bay where it is about
6.5 km (4.0 mi) wide. Within Inner Harbor the width varies between 2
and 4 km (1.2 to 2.5 mi). Few shallow (1 m) areas exist and more than
75 percent of the Harbor has a depth of 4 m (13 ft) or greater. Shipping
channels are maintained at depths of 8 to 12 m (25 to 39 ft) or more
through dredging operations.
The major stream entering Baltimore Harbor is the Patapsco River.
2 2
Draining an area of over 770 km (300 mi ), the average river discharge
3
for the past two decades has been about 4 m /sec (140 cfs). The river
flow has been regulated since 1954 by Liberty Reservoir which is used by
the City of Baltimore as a water supply. Prior to 1954 the average
3
river flow into the Harbor was 10 m /sec (360 cfs). Gwynns Falls and
Jones Falls, tributaries to the Harbor area of the Patapsco River, each
have an average flow of about 1 m /sec (35 cfs). The remaining tribu-
taries to the Harbor are small and would have an average combined flow
3
of about 1 m /sec. Maximum streamflow entering the Harbor has reached
3
3,200 m /sec; and at times during mid and late summer the total flow
3
into the Harbor has been less than 0.6 m /sec.
In addition to Baltimore Harbor proper, the study area also includes
the lower 12 km (7.5 mi) of the Back River, a shallow body of water just
north of the Patapsco estuary. This reach of river has a width averaging
about 1.3 km (0.8 mi). The embayment reaches depths of 8m (26 ft)
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11
just prior to entry into the Chesapeake Bay, but averages about 2.5 m
(8 ft). The total combined inflow into the embayment area of the Back
River averages about 0.5 m /sec (18 cfs).
Owing to the proximity to Baltimore, some industrial growth has
occurred at the end of the Back River embayment area, but most devel-
opment has come in the form of suburbs. As a result, one of the major
water uses in the area is that of waterfront recreation.
Due to the distance from the Atlantic Ocean, tidal effects are
dampened considerably by the time they reach Baltimore Harbor. Tides
inside the Harbor produce currents that are too weak and variable to
be predicted. Tides are semidiurnal with a mean and spring tide range
of 0.34 m (1.1 ft) and 0.40 m (1.3 ft), respectively. Lag times for
tidal changes are small with a high water and low water difference
through the Harbor itself of only 24 and 22 minutes, respectively.
During periods of low river flow, a stagnated water condition may exist
within Inner Harbor.
As determined from climatalogical data stations located at Baltimore,
the average annual precipitation in the Baltimore Harbor area is 1,100 mm
(43 in.); average snowfall is 450 mm (18 in.) per year; and the average
annual air temperature is 14°C (57°F). Average monthly air temperatures
range from 2°C (35°F) in January to 26°C (78°F) in July with extremes
ranging from -22°C (-7°F) to 42°C (107°F). High humidity (generally
exceeding 60 percent) occurs most of the year due to close proximity to
open water areas.
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12
Baltimore Harbor presents a special problem in water quality en-
forcement. Within the Baltimore metropolitan area and surrounding areas
of Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties, about 1,250 manufacturing firms
exist. Many of these firms discharge industrial wastes directly to
the Harbor or to storm drains discharging to the Harbor. Identification
of those industrial sources that are not connected to municipal sewerage
systems and that have not applied for a NPDES permit is a difficult task
complicated by the presence of numerous known waste discharges. In
addition to industrial sources, wastewaters and pollutants are dis-
charged to the Harbor from the City of Baltimore Patapsco Sewage Treat-
ment Plant, city storm drains, ships and boats, small tributary streams,
and spills of oil and other deleterious materials.
WICOMICO RIVER
The Wicomico River and St. Clement Creek/Bay study area is located
in southern Maryland about 65 km (40 mi) south and a little east of
Washington, D.C. The area is a low, hilly, heavily vegetated, rural area
with numerous farms and homesteads scattered throughout. Production of
livestock and raising cash and truck crops provide the major economic
activities of the area.
Both the Wicomico River and St. Clement Creek discharge to the
Potomac River about 50 km (31 mi) above its confluence with Chesapeake
Bay. Both embayments have shellfish beds which have been closed to
commercial fishing as a result of the detection of excessive concen-
trations of fecal coliform bacteria in the shellfish. The source
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13
of the bacterial contamination is thought to be various farms engaged in
hog production activities on lands adjacent to water bodies within the
area. This reach of the Potomac River links the Washington, D.C. metro-
politian area with other shipping centers of the East Coast.
The streams, water bodies, and adjacent land areas that were con-
sidered in the study area include: Pope Creek and adjacent lands (3
to 4 km in length); Zekiah Swamp Run and Aliens Fresh Run with lands
adjacent to the east and west (11 to 12 km in length); Wicomlco River
and adjacent lands on the east and north shores (20 km in length);
Chaptico Bay/Creek and adjacent lands (8 to 10 km); and St. Clements
Bay/Creek with lands adjacent on the east and west (12 to 14 km in
length).
Regular monitoring of stream flows occurs only on Chaptico Creek
3
and St. Clements Creek which have average annual flows of 0.3 m /sec
o
(10 cfs) and 0.6 m /sec (20 cfs), respectively. Maximum yearly flows
generally occur during early spring months with low flow periods during
late summer and early fall months. Chaptico and St. Clements Creeks
3 3
have recorded flow ranges from 0 to 220 m /sec and 0 to 125 m /sec,
respectively.
From miscellaneous measurements collected by the Geological Survey,
it is estimated that the average annual stream flows into Wicomico River
(including Aliens Fresh, Gilbert Swamp Run, and Chaptico Creek) total
3
about 2.0 m /sec (70 cfs). Minimum and maximum flows range between
•a 3
about 0.3 m /sec (10 cfs) to 425 m /sec (15,000 cfs), respectively. The
3
stream flow of Pope Creek is estimated to be 0.03 m /sec (1 cfs).
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14
Within both the Wicomico River and St. Clements Bay the tides are
semi-diurnal. High and low water time differences from the reference
station at Washington, D.C. vary between about 6 and 6-1/2 hrs. Within
Wicomico River the lag time for tidal changes is small with a high and
low water difference through the embayment of 18 and 23 minutes, respec-
tively. Mean and spring tide ranges are 0.6 m (1.9 ft) and 0.7 m (2.2 ft),
respectively, with fluctuations throughout the embayment about 0.12 m
(0.4 ft). At the entrance to the Wicomico River embayment, the maximum
flood and ebb tide velocities average 0.9 km/hr (0.5 knots) at time
intervals of 3-1/2 hrs. At the entrance to St. Clements Bay, tidal
currents are too weak and variable to be predicted. At Shipping Pt. in
St. Clements Bay, the mean and spring tidal ranges are 0.55 m (1.8 ft)
and 0.65 m (2.1 ft), respectively.
As determined from the climatalogical stations located at Charlotte
Hall and Leonardtown, Maryland, the average annual precipitation in the
basin is approximately 1,070 mm (42 in); the average annual air tempera-
ture in the Wicomico River basin is 14°C (57°F). Average monthly air
temperatures range from 3°C (37°F) in January to 26°C (78°F) in July
with extremes from -22°C (-8°F) to 38°C (101°F). High humidity occurs
most of the year due to vast marsh and open water areas.
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15
IV. STUDY TECHNIQUES
AIRCRAFT AND FLIGHT DATA
Two high-performance aircraft, specifically designed and equipped
for aerial reconnaissance work, were used to carry out this remote
sensing mission. One aircraft (A) was used for both the day and night
flights over the Baltimore Harbor study area while the other air-
craft (B) was used for the Wicomico River study area.
The flight parameter data that specify the values of the aerial
reconnaissance variables are summarized in Table IV-1. These variables
are important at the time the mission is flown and during the analysis
of the airborne data. With rare exception, the airspeed variations are
automatically processed in the aircraft computer system and, combined
with aircraft altitude, used to calculate the amount of photographic
stero overlap.
SENSOR DATA
Cameras
The sensors carried on board each aircraft were KS-87B aerial framing
cameras equipped with 152 mm (6 in.) focal length lens assemblies and an
infrared line scanner (IRLS). Aircraft A used three cameras while air-
craft B used only one camera. The sensors were mounted in the aircraft
in their respective vertical positions as shown in Figure IV-1.
The viewing angle of the KS-87B framing cameras was 41° centered
about the aircrafts nadir as shown in Figure IV-2. A diagram of a
typical framing camera is shown in Figure IV-3.
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16
TABLE IV-1
FLIGHT PARAMETER DATA
Parameter
Date of Flight
Time of Flight
(Eastern Daylight Time)
Air Speed
Altitude Above
Ground Level
Sensors
Location
Baltimore Harbor
9 May 1973
1350 to 1530
2030 to 2130
666 km/hr
(360 knots)
Wicomico River
9 May 1973
1400 to 1530
666 km/hr
(360 knots)
762 m (2500 ft) -Day- 1220 m (4000 ft)
792 to 870 m -Night- No Flight
(2600 to 2850 ft)
All
IRLS-''
-Day- 1 Camera, IRLS
-Night- No Flight
a/ Infrared Line Scanner.
LEGEND
1 KS-17 FRANINE CAMERAS
2 INFRARED LINE SCANNER
Figure IV-1. Aircraft Sensor Locations
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17
AIRCRAFT
ALTITUDE
GROUND LEVEL
Figure IV-2. Viewing Angle of Framing Camera
Focal Plane
Film
Guide
Shutter
Lens
Film Advances Frame by Frame
Figure IV-3. Framing Camera
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18
Films and Filters
The framing cameras on Aircraft A were up-loaded with different
film and optical filter combinations as follows:
Camera Station 1—Kodak S0-397 Aerographic Ektachrome Film with a
Wratten HF-3/HF-5 gelatin optical filter combination. This film is 127 mm
(5 in.) wide providing a true color transparency measuring 114 mm x 114 mm
(4.5 in. x 4.5 in.). The filter combination prohibits ultraviolet
light from reaching the film, thus eliminating the effects of atmos-
pheric haze.
Camera Station 2—Kodak 2402 plus-X Aerographic Film (127 mm wide)
with a Wratten 39 glass optical filter. This film-filter combination
provides a black-white negative having been exposed to near-ultraviolet
and deep-blue optical energy. This sensor was primarily used for the
detection of oil slicks.
Camera Station 3—Kodak 2443 Aerochrome Infrared Film with a
Wratten 16 gelatin optical filter. This film is also 127 mm wide
resulting in color transparencies measuring about 114 mm x 114 mm.
The Wratten 16 filter (deep orange in color) transmits a portion
of the visible optical spectrum (i.e., deep green, yellow, orange, and
red) along with the near-infrared energy from 7.0 to 1.0 microns. The
film presents a modified color or false color rendition in the processed
transparency unlike the more familiar true color films. It has an
emulsion layer that is sensitive to the near-infrared in addition to the
red and green layers, whereas the true color ektachrome films have red,
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19
green, and blue sensitive layers. (Every color film has various combin-
ations of red, green and blue dyes similar to the red, green and blue
dots on the front of a color television picture tube.) The modified or
false color rendition comes into play when the exposed image on the
infrared film is processed.
In the finished transparency, the scene objects (trees, plants,
algae) producing infrared radiation appear red while red and green
objects produce green and blue images, respectively. The most important
asset of this film is its capability of recording the presence of various
levels of chlorophyll in terrestrial and aquatic plant growth. The
leaves on a healthy tree will record as a bright red image rather than
the usual green. Unhealthy foliage will approach a brownish red color.
The orange filter is used to keep all blue light, which would cause an
unbalance in the normal red, green, and blue color balance, from reaching
the film.
Aircraft B was also configured as shown in Figure IV-1. Only one
camera was used for the Wicomico River area. It was up-loaded with
Kodak 2443 Aerochrome Infrared Film with a Wratten 16 gelatin optical
filter. This film-filter combination greatly eases the task of locating
surface water due to its false color rendition (foliage is shown as red
and water is blue).
Infrared Line Scanner
Each aircraft was equipped with an AN/AAS-10 Infrared Line Scanner
(IRLS) which is located on the underside of the aircraft as shown in
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20
Figure IV-1. While in operation it images an area along the flight path
of the aircraft. The width of the image area is dependent upon aircraft
altitude and is encompassed by a 120° field-of-view in crosstrack or
perpendicular to the flight path as shown in Figure IV-4.
• • i
}
AIRCRAFT
ALTITUDE
GROUND LEVEL
Figure IV-4. Field of View of IRLS
An IRLS converts variations in infrared energy emissions from
objects of different temperatures into a thermal map. The three basic
parts of an IRLS are the scanner optics, a detector array, and a record-
ing unit. The scanner optics collect the infrared emissions from
ground and water areas and focus them on the detectors as shown in
Figure IV-5.
Detector
Folding Mirror
Folding Mirror
Folding Mirror
Folding Mirror
r
A-
Incident Infrared energy
Figure IV-5. IRLS Optical Collection System
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21
The detectors, cryogenically cooled to 26° Kelvin, convert the
infrared energy collected by the scanner optics into an electronic
signal. This signal is processed electronically and subsequently
transformed into visible light through a cathode ray tube. This light
is then recorded on ordinary RAR black-and-white film 126 mm (5 in.)
wide. The recorded thermal map is 100 mm (4 in.) wide and its length
depends upon the length of a particular line of flight being imaged.
The IRLS has a sensitivity bandwidth from 8 to 14 microns, the so-
called thermal band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Applying Wien's
Displacement Law, this represents a temperature band from -66°C to 89°C.
The system has an instantaneous field-of-view of 1 milliradian by 1
milliradian. The total field of view is achieved by the rotating mirror
in the optical collection system, which is 120° by 1 milliradian. The
measured noise equivalent temperature (NET) of the IRLS is 0.32°C
with 100 percent probability of target detection. This represents an
effective measurement of the temperature resolution of the system.
The spectral sensitivity data for each film and the optical filter
transmittance curves are shown in Appendix A. Information regarding the
development process for each type of film is provided in Appendix B.
Appendix C contains information pertinent to aerial sensors in respect
to focal length, angle of view, and the effects of focal length and
altitude on scale and ground coverage.
GROUND TRUTH
No ground truth was obtained at the time of flight.
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22
DATA INTERPRETATION AND ANALYSIS
All data interpretations and analyses were carried out on the
original IRLS films rather than photographic prints of duplicated
transparancies because an additional image generation would create image
degradation in scale and color balance. The original films are the
following: true color transparencies, false color infrared transparencies,
black-and-white ultraviolet negative and the IRLS thermal image black-
and-white negative.
Standard image analysis techniques were employed in the reduction
of the aerial reconnaissance data which include the physical measure-
ments of distances and areas, and stereoscopic analysis of areas dis-
playing topographic gradients on land and in the water.
The reduced data were subsequently plotted on U. S. Geologic Survey
7.5 minute topographic maps (scale 1:24,000) and U. S. Coast and Geo-
detic Survey Nautical Charts (Scale 1:15,000). Scale is shown on each
photograph or thermal map in this report. To evaluate scale consistency,
the map scales were compared to the imagery empirical scales derived
from the optical focal length of each sensor and the altitude of the
aircraft above water level. Appendix C contains further information
regarding the effects of aircraft altitude upon image scale.
In the black-and-white IRLS film, temperature levels are repre-
sented by various shades of gray in the negative format or rendition.
Areas of low density (clear film) represent cooler temperatures, and as
the temperature of a particular target becomes warmer the density of
gray in the film also increases. Positive prints presented in this
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23
report reflect the reverse of the negative film. Cool areas are dark
while the warm areas are light gray.
A Spatial Data 704 Image Analyzer was used to convert the infrared
images into isarthermal maps. Isarthermal maps deliniate areas with
the same temperature (isartherms). The Image Analyzer uses a technique
called density slicing to divide the density range on a given infrared
image into 12 increments. Each increment thus represents a particular
density of gray on the image and a narrow temperature range closely ap-
proximating an isartherm. The density value of each increment is
accurate to within 0.03 density units over a range of 0 to 2 (density).
Each density increment is displayed on-the Image Analyzer screen in a
particular color. Each isarthermal map was prepared by tracing directly
from the color rendition on the Analyzer display screen.
An important factor must be mentioned at this point. The IRLS will
only record water surface temperatures since water is opaque in this
region of the infrared spectrum. The maximum depth penetration in
either fresh or salt water is 0.01 cm. Therefore, a submerged thermal
discharge can be detected from an aircraft with an IRLS only if the warm
wastewater reaches the surface of the receiving body of water. The
isothermal maps developed by this study thus represent surface tempera-
tures only and may not necessarily reflect subsurface temperature
distributions.
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24
ERROR ANALYSIS
Limitations can be placed on the accuracy or uncertainty of the
film analysis measurements carried out on the photographic and thermal
data. Measurements for linear distance and surface area were made with
scaling instruments and light table microscopes.
The uncertainty for linear distance (ALD) is:
ALD = + 2 x 10~ x photographic scale (meters) (1)
The photographic scale for Baltimore Harbor was 1:5,000. The value for
ALD = (+ 2 x 10~ X 5,000) meters = + 1 meter. A distance X, measured
on the original photographic film, is accurate to within + 1 meter.
The uncertainty for the surface area (ASA) is (rectangular):
ASA = + ALD (+ X + Y) (2)
2
For Baltimore Harbor ASA = + (+ X + Y) meter , (ALD = 1 meter).
For example, a rectangular area whose dimentions were X + 1 meter
2
and Y + 1 meter, would have the value [XY + (+ X + Y) ] meters .
The uncertainty in the IRLS is the measured system noise equi-
valent temperature which is + 0.32°C. Since no ground truth was taken
at the time of flight, no terrestrial instrumentation uncertainty has
entered into the analysis picture.
No atmospheric corrections were applied to the reconnaissance data
under the assumption that the atmospheric effect was constant through the
air column between the aircraft and the water during the short duration
of each phase of the mission. For the most part, the data was used for
qualitative analysis only owing to the lack of ground truth.
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25
V. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS
BALTIMORE HARBOR
This section presents the results of the analysis of the photo-
graphic and thermal infrared data obtained by day and night aerial
reconnaissance on 9 May 1973. Tidal and weather conditions existing at
the time of flight are summarized. Waste source data as reported in
Refuse Act Permit Program (RAPP) applications are also presented.
Observed waste discharges and thermal plumes are evaluated with respect
to the reported magnitude and characteristics of known waste discharges
as well as with regard to tidal and weather conditions. Other observed
indications of potential waste discharges or water quality degradation
such as outfalls, foam, oil slicks, algal growths, and significant
changes in water color are also discussed.
Each significant observation of a known waste discharge, potential
discharge, or indication of water quality degradation is assigned an
identifying number. These numbers are overprinted in red on segments of
nautical charts to facilitate location on the ground. Where necessary
to show small details, sketch maps prepared by tracing the aerial photo-
graphs are presented. The extent and relative magnitude of significant
thermal plumes are defined by thermal maps and/or isarthermal sketches
prepared as discussed in Section IV. The lack of ground truth precluded
definition of actual thermal plume temperatures. The identifying num-
bers are also used to key detailed discussions in the text to map lo-
cations. Data recorded during day and night flights are appropriately
identified.
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26
To facilitate presentation of the data, the study area has been di-
vided into five sub-areas as shown in Figure V-l. Area A encompasses the
Northwest Harbor (Northwest Branch). Area B includes the Middle Branch
and the central portion of the Inner Harbor between the Middle Branch and
the Harbor Tunnel. Included in Area C are Curtis Bay, Curtis Creek, and
the remainder of the Inner Harbor (Harbor Tunnel to Outer Harbor Crossing
near Ft. Carroll). Area D encompasses the Outer Harbor, and a portion
of the Back River comprises Area E. These five areas are discussed
separately in following sections.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AT TIME OF FLIGHT
Weather conditions for the Baltimore Harbor area for the period 1 to
9 May 1973 are summarized in Table V-l. These conditons were observed at
Friendship International Airport located about 11 km (7 mi) southwest of
the Harbor.
During the 37-hour period preceeding the day flight a total of 8.13 mm
(0.32 in.) of rain had fallen, of which only 1.50 mm (0.06 in.) had
fallen during the early morning hours on the day of the flights. This
low rainfall amount coupled with the lack of significant antecedent
precipitation would indicate that surface runoff during the day flight
was minimal. Soil characteristics, however, would show high turbidity
and color in the runoff that did occur.
At the time of the day flight, the target area had scattered
clouds at an altitude of 1,280 m (4,200 ft) while during the night
flight the sky was virtually clear. Visibility was greater than 13 km
(8 mi).
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PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
-------
TABLE V-l
WEATHER CONDITIONS, BALTIMORE HARBOR2/
1 TO 9 MAY 1973
Date
Hay 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Day
Flight
Night
Flight
Maximum Air Temperature
Tlm«£' CO CF)
1700
1500
0900
1000
1700
1500
1400
1400
1500
1300s'
2000^
2100|.
2200—
ir observatl
23
29
21
13
17
21
23
19
26
23
19
17
16
74
84
69
56
62
70
74
66
78
74
67
63
60
Minimum Air Temperature
Time CO (°F)
0300
0500
2400
0600
0400
0500
0255
0500
2400
-
-
8
14
12
7
4
6
7
12
14
-
-
46
57
54
44
39
42
44
54
57
CONDITIONS
-
-
Relative5-'
Humidity
(percent)
53
52
84
53
37
33
37
72
60
DURING 9 M
60
59
65
72
Win<£'
Direction
135°
155°
245'
290"
290°
290°
110°
135°
315°
AY 1973 FLIGHTS
315°
} 270°
Speed
(km/hr)
16
23
14
29
23
23
24
26
23
23
6-8
(mph)
10
14
9
18
14
14
15
16
14
14
4-5
Barometric— .
Pressure Precipitation^-
(in. Hg) (mm) n*_\
30.05 • 0
29.96 0
29.6 3.6
29.97 0
29.94 0
30.08 0
29.96 0
29.66 6.6
29.66 1.5
4
29.66
29.87
0
0
0.14
0
0
0
0
0.26
0.06
-
— , ---—..—-..-.r ...» rw.. .. , UU.1....UUU1.C, ruiLyxailu, .Located BDOUE J.J. KB I/ mij SOUCtl Ot BaltlB
of Eastern Standard Time.
£/ Dally observations made at 1300 hours.
d/ Precipitation occurring during a 24-hour period ending at 1300 hours.
e/ Time of observation of current air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed and direction, and barometric pressure.
rvj
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28
The wind at midday was blowing from the northwest at 23 km/hr (14
mph). In the evening it had shifted to the west and dropped to 6 to 8
km/hr (4 to 5 mph).
Predicated tidal conditions for several locations in Baltimore
Harbor are shown in Table V-2. Prevailing weather conditions and the
low tide range in the Harbor would indicate that actual tide conditions
closely approximated predicted levels. The day mission was carried out
during the ebb tide phase between high-high tide and low-low tide, while
the night mission was conducted during a minor flood tide phase between
low-low tide and the low-high tide occurring early on 10 May 1973.
NORTHWEST HARBOR (AREA A)
Northwest Harbor (also known as Northwest Branch) is the northern-
most arm of the Inner Harbor [Figure V-l]. It extends about 5 km (3 mi)
from Fort McHenry northwestward to the Basin located adjacent to down-
town Baltimore [see Figure V-2, a foldout located at the end of the Area A
description, for more detail]. The Harbor is relatively deep with
navigation channels dredged to depths of 8 to 11 m (25 to 35 ft). The
shoreline consists almost entirely of piers and docks. This area is the
most heavily developed portion of Baltimore Harbor.
Jones Falls, a small stream, enters Northwest Harbor from the north
about 0.8 km (0.5 mi) to the east of its western terminus. The small
streamflow from Jones Falls coupled with urban runoff, industrial waste
discharges and tidal interchange introduce relatively minor volumes of
fresh inflow into Northwest Harbor. Water movements within the Harbor
are thus relatively limited.
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29
TABLE V-2
TIDAL CONDITIONS, BALTIMORE HARBOR
9 AND 10 MAY 1973
Date
May 9
9
9
9
10
9
9
9
9
10
9
9
9
9
10
9
9
9
9
10
Time^
0007
0556
1225
1900
0114
Fells
0013
0602
1230
1906
0119
0029
0618
1247
1918
0136
North
0005
0552
1223
1856
0112
Tide Height
(Meters)
Fort McHenry
0.30
0.06
0.40
0.03
0.34
(Feet)
1.0
0.2
1.3
0.1
1.1
Tide
Low High
High Low
High High
Low Low
Low High
Point (Northwest Harbor)
0.33
0.06
0.43
0.03
0.37
Middle Branch
0.27
0.06
0.37
0.03
0.30
Point (near Sparrows
0.27
0.06
0.37
0.03
0.30
1.1
0.2
1.4
0.1
1.2
0.9
0.02
1.2
0.1
1.0
Point)
0.9
0.2
1.2
0.1
1.0
Low High
High Low
High High
Low Low
Low High
Low High.
High Low
High High
Low Low
Low High
Low High
High Low
High High
Low Low
Low High
a/ Eastern Standard Time.
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30
General Observations
The general color characteristics of the surface waters of North-
west Harbor, as recorded by true color photography on 9 May 1973, are
shown in Figure V-2. The entire Harbor area was turbid, probably
reflecting the effects of urban runoff from light rains on 8 and 9 May.
Heavy turbidity (yellow-brown) was present from the Basin downstream
decreasing to moderate turbidity (yellow-gray) in the Turning Basin off
Fells Point. The heavy turbidity near the Basin could have resulted
from the Jones Falls inflow. From Fells Point to the green demarcation
line near the intersection of the East and West Channels, the water
became dark brown. The water on the south side of the green line was
yellow-gray in color and quite turbid. The color boundary at the green
line was quite pronounced, probably a result of tidal phasing. An oil
slick containing about 60 liters (16 gal.) of refined oil was observed
near the intersection of the East and West Channels.
Specific Observations
Identifying numbers for specific observations are overprinted in
red on Figure V-2, a section of U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Nautical
Chart 545 (Scale 1:24,000).
A-l (Day)—Two sunken ship hulls were covered with heavy growths of
brown algae.
A-2 (Day)—This water surface area was heavily covered with brown
algae (true color representation).
A-3 (Day)—An oil slick, containing about 40 liters (10 gal.) of
refined oil, was located at this position. No discharge was observed.
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31
A-4 (Day)—These three areas were heavily covered with brown
algae.
A-5 (Day)—The water in this dock area was gray-brown in color
and was dispersing slowly into the Harbor waters.
A-6 (Day)—Shore wash was present adjacent to a small tank farm
resulting in a yellow-gray discoloration in the immediate area of the
Harbor waters. There was no sign of a discharge at the time of flight.
A-7 (Day)—A structure that resembled an outfall structure was
located in the corner of this dock area. There was minor foaming action
around it. This particular area is within the Proctor and Gamble
Manufacturing Company facility. Two outfalls discharging cooling water
3
and surface runoff averaging 1,140 m /day (0.3 mgd) are reported in
this area, however no thermal patterns were recorded.
A-8 (Night)--A thermal discharge, originating within the Proctor
and Gamble facility on Locust Point, was recorded at this location. A
3
cooling water discharge averaging 19,700 m /day (5.2 mgd) is reposed here.
An enlarged view of the thermal field recorded by the IRLS is shown in
Figure V-3. Note that this is a positive print of the IRLS negative and
that light areas are warmer than dark areas. An Isarthermal map [Figure
/
V-4] of the thermal field was prepared using the techniques discussed in
Section IV. The numbers assigned to the different areas represent
temperature increments with No. 1 being the warmest and No. 7 the coolest.
The absence of ground truth precluded the assignment of actual temperatures
to each area. The temperature difference between the plume at the dis-
charge point (No. 4) and the ambient or background Harbor water (No. 7)
-------
OJ
r-j
\
Figure V-3 Enlarged Thermal Map (Night) • Northwest Harbor
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33
was three increments representing an estimated differential of about 1
to 2°C (2 to 4°F).
A-9 (Day)—Moderately heavy concentrations of brown algae were
observed in this dock area as sketched in Figure V-5. The heavy brown
color of the water precluded the detection of Proctor and Gamble
3
Company Outfall 001 reported to be discharging about 2,400 m /day (0.6
mgd) of cooling water.
A-9 (Night)—Water warmer than ambient harbor water was flowing
out of this triangular shaped area into the Harbor as seen in the night
thermal map [Figure V-3] and the isarthermal sketch [Figure V-4J. The
Proctor and Gamble Company Outfall 001 could have been the source of the
warm water.
A-10 (Day)—A thermal discharge(s) was recorded at this location as
shown in the day IRLS thermal map [Figure V-6]. Amstar Corporation
3
reported a discharge of condenser water averaging 76,800 m /day (20.3
mgd) at this location. The temperature within the thermal field near the
discharge was estimated to be about 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F) warmer than the
ambient temperature of the Harbor waters. The discharge had a pronounced
effect upon the color of the receiving water as shown in Figure V-5.
The Harbor waters were quite turbid, displaying a yellow-gray color,
while the water within the thermal plume was dark gray-green. There was
a noticeable damping of the surface capillary waves in the field.
A-10 (Night)—A comparison of the day and night thermal maps of
this area [Figures V-3 and V-6] indicates that the thermal plume was
much larger at night. As shown in the isarthermal sketch of the night
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34
Figure V 4 Isarthermal Map [Night] • Central Northwest Harbor
-------
NORTHWEST HARBOR
TURBID WATER
PROCTOR &
GAM BLE CO
LOCUST POINT
Figure V-5 Detailed Observations • Central Northwest Harbor
-------
\
V
\
m m
FORT MC HENRY
Figure V-6 Thermal Map (Day) • Northwest Harbor
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37
discharge [Figure V-4], the warmest area of the plume (No. 1) extends
into the dock/building area. The source of the condenser water is
physically located at this position within the Amstar Corporation build-
ing. The temperature difference between a point in the plume near the
discharge and the background Harbor waters was estimated to be 5 to 7°C
(9 to 13°F). The tide was in a minor flood phase during the mission.
A-ll (Night)*—The water in this particular area was about 0.5 to
1.0°C (1 to 2°F) warmer than the ambient Harbor waters. No distinct
discharge was detected. One known minor discharge is located at the
dock position indicated by the leftmost arrow in Figure V-2; however,
2
this outfall reportedly has a flow rate of only 1.5 m /day (400 gpd),
hardly enough to heat this large area in the Harbor.
A-12 (NighQ—The surface waters of this dock area were warmer by
0.5 to 1.0°C (1 to 2°F) than the background Harbor waters. This indi-
cation could not be directly related to a particular discharger. The
only known waste source in this location is Outfall 010 of the Bethlehem
3
Steel Corporation which reportedly discharges about 5.3 m /day (1,400
gpd) of acetylene generator drain water having an approximate discharge
temperature of 32°C (90°F) during the summer months.
A-13 (Night)—About one half of the water in this dock area was 0.5
to 1.0°C (1 to 2°F) warmer than the ambient Harbor water, which could
not be directly attributed to a particular discharge. Bethlehem Steel
Corporation reported a condensate drain in this area with a flow rate of
0.4 m /day (100 gpd) at a summer temperature up to 60°C (140°F).
* Observations A-ll through A-14 were not covered photographically during
the day mission but were covered with the IRLS.
-------
BASIN
\
k
\
NORTHWEST HARBOR
Y ELLOW BROWN
PILE
OIL SLIC K
Figure V-7 Detailed Observations • Upper Northwest Harbor
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39
A-14 (Night)—A small area of the surface waters in this dock area
was warmer than the ambient Harbor water by about 0.5°C (1°F). No
discharge was recorded in the airborne data. Bethlehem Steel Corpo-
ration reported a condensate drain (008) in this immediate area with a
flow rate of 0.23 m3/day (60 gpd) at a temperature of about 60°C (140°F)
during the summer months.
A-15 (Day)—An oil slick was present in this dock area at the time
of flight. It contained about 20 liters (5 gal.) of oil. The point
indicated by the arrow in Figure V-7 had the characteristics of a sub-
merged discharge which displayed a light gray color at the water surface
and the presence of oil. This area is within the Bethlehem Steel Corpo-
ration complex but their RAPP permit application did not report a dis-
charge at this location.
A-16 (Day)—A small, near-surface discharge having a light yellow-
gray color, was recorded at this position [Figure V-7]. Bethlehem Steel
Corporation reported two outfalls in this area of the dock facility
discharging 1,500 m /day (0.405 mgd) of compressor drain water and
•j
3 m /day (800 gpd) of boiler blowdown. These discharges are reported to
have a summer temperature range of 36 to 40°C (97 to 104°F). No thermal
discharge or thermal plumes were recorded at the time of flight. The
discharge did not appreciably discolor the receiving water.
A-17 (Day)—A small area, resembling a low volume submerged dis-
charge was recorded at this position. This area of influence was light
gray in color yielding only slight discoloration in the receiving water.
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40
A-22
Ebb Tide
(Day Flight)
A-21
Figure V 8 Detailed Observations Basin Area, Northwest Harbor
-------
This indication was also within the Bethlehem Steel Corporation complex.
Their permit application did not report the presence of a discharge at
this point.
A-18 (Day)—These areas of the water surface were covered by three
oil slicks containing less than 10 liters (3 gal.) of oil. The source
of the oil could not be established.
A-19 (Day)—This area of the Harbor contained significant amounts
of brown algae as indicated in Figure V-7.
A-20 (Day)—The yellow-brown substance in the pile shown in Figure
V-7 was leaching into the water in this dock area. There was a pile of
pieces of concrete positioned between the yellow-brown pile and the
water resembling a landfill operation.
A-21 (Day)—The water within the Basin, as shown in Figure V-8, was
a rather dark red-brown color exhibiting an appearance of high suspended
solids. There is no record of a discharge in this particular location.
A-22 (Day)—Yellow-brown discharges were entering the Basin from
numerous points in this area [Figure V-8]. At point "a", approximately
14 discrete plumes were observed in a distance of about 17 m (56 ft)
along the embankment. Numbers 1 and 2 in Figure V-8 indicate levels or
magnitudes of discoloration in the water with No. 1 being the greatest.
Points "b" and "d" displayed characteristics of a boil from a submerged
discharge. They did not further contribute significantly to discolor-
ation of the Basin waters which were already quite turbid. Point "c"
also had characteristics of a submerged discharge which contributed
significantly to the yellow-brown discoloration of the Basin waters. It
-------
42
had a discrete plume as shown in Figure V-8. The relative magnitude of
the resultant discoloration in the water was nearly No. 1.
A-22 (Night)—The effluent from point "a" was 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F)
warmer than the ambient Basin waters. The thermal field is shown in
Figure V-3.
A-23 (Day)—A yellow-brown discharge, nearly identical in color to
A-22 "a," was entering the Basin from the embankment position shown in
Figure V-8. There were no temperature differences recorded.
A-24 (Day)—A brown-green discharge was entering the dock waters
from this position. The resulting discoloration in this area was dis-
persing into the Harbor waters as shown in Figure V-8. A barge and
crane were present at the time of flight, with other indications that
suggested the construction of a superstructure in this area. There was
also a small pond adjacent to the dock that contained water of identical
color to that being discharged.
A-25 (Day)—The color of the water between Piers 3 and 6 was dark
brown. This discolored water was slowly moving out into the Harbor area
as shown in Figure V-2. The area between Piers 5 and 6 had the greatest
discoloration. The dark brown color was not due to the presence of
brown algae. The tide was in the ebb phase and the winds were from the
northwest at 23 km/hr (14 mph) at the time of flight which explains the
extent of the dispersal pattern shown.
A-25 (Night)—The water between Piers 4 and 5 as well as between
Piers 5 and 6 was 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F) warmer than the background Harbor
waters. The warm water between Piers 4 and 5 was slowly dispersing into
-------
the Harbor while that between Piers 5 and 6 was not showing indications
of dispersal. The tide was in a flood condition causing the warm water
in the latter location to remain confined to the dock area.
A-26 (Day)—The outflow from this waterway (Jones Falls) was
yellow-gray at the time of flight. The greatest discoloration was in
the area labeled No. 1 while No. 2 was of a lesser magnitude [Figure V-2].
This water, indicative of high suspended solids, was slowly flowing out
into the Harbor, also as shown. No discharges were visible in this
waterway from Pratt Street to the Harbor.
A-26 (Night)—The water from this area was about 2°C (4°F) warmer
than the ambient Harbor water near the Pratt Street crossover. The
surface waters gradually cooled with only a minor thermal field extending
out into the Harbor waters, as shown in Figure V-3. The tide was in
flood condition at the time of flight, causing the warmer water to be
retained in the upper reaches of this waterway.
A-27 (Day)—The water in the area indicated in Figure V-9 was yellow-
gray in color. Some of the discoloration was the result of inflow of
turbid water from Jones Falls (A-26). The cross-hatched areas in
Figure V-9 were oil slicks. The amount of oil contained in the slicks
was calculated to be 94 liters (25 gal.).
A-27 (Night)—The water in this area was about 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F)
warmer than the background Harbor waters [Figure V-3]. The warmer water
was slowly moving out into the Harbor.
A-28 (Day)—There was a concrete opening in the embankment at this
position at the end of Central Avenue [Figure V-9]. It appeared to be
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\
V
o
Figure V-9 Detailed Observations • Center Pier Area, Northwest Harbor
-------
an outlet for a storm drain system which may have possibly contributed
to the turbid condition of the water in this area.
A—29 (Day)—Outfall No. 001 from the Allied Chemical Corporation
facility was not visible at the time of flight because a barge was
docked at this shore position. This discharge reportedly consists of
3
cooling water with a discharge flow rate of 230 m /day (0.06 mgd) and a
summertime discharge temperature of 23°C (74°F).
A-29 (Night)—The entire surface area of the receiving water was
warmer than the background Harbor waters. No isolated thermal plume was
distinguishable in the airborne data.
A-30 (Day)—Outfall No. 002 (Allied Chemical Corporation) was also
not visible at the time of flight. This discharge reportedly consists
of boiler blowdown with a flow rate of 26 m /day (7,000 gpd).
A-31 (Day)—Allied Chemical Corporation was discharging wastewater
from this location at the time of flight. The effluent created no
significant discoloration in the receiving water. The extent of the
plume, as indicated by the damping of surface capillary waves, is shown
in Figure V-9. This outfall (No. 003) reportedly has a flow rate of
3
1,200 m /day (0.315 mgd) and an approximate summertime discharge temper-
ature of 27°C (80°F).
A-31 (Night)—This discharge should have significantly influenced
the night surface water temperatures discussed in A-27.
A-32 (Day)—A small volume of water adjacent to shore at this position
was less turbid than the balance of the receiving water, which is indic-
ative of a discharge that is reasonably clear with no great amounts of
-------
en
LOCUST POINT
Figure V-3 Enlarged Thermal Map (Night) • Northwest Harbor
-------
47
suspended solids or discoloration. Allied Chemical's Outfall 004 is
3
located at this position with a reported flow rate of 1,780 m /day (0.47
mgd) and a summertime discharge temperature of 34°C (94°F).
A-32 (Night)—This discharge could have contributed significantly to
the warm-water condition in this area. As shown in Figure V-3, the water
along this embankment is slightly warmer (lighter gray) than that in the
remainder of the waterway. No distinct thermal plume could be linked to
this discharge.
A-33 (Day)—Allied Chemical Corporation's Outfall 005 was discharging
a yellow-brown wastewater (process water) creating a small plume as shown
in Figure V-9. The tide was in an ebb phase at the time of flight causing
the plume to disperse into Harbor waters. The discharge flow rate and
3
summertime temperature were reported as 1,500 m /day (0.39 mgd) and 34°C
(93°F) respectively.
/
A-33 (Night)—This discharge in addition to Outfall 004 (A-32) could
have contributed significantly to the warm water effect observed in this
area of receiving water [Figure V-3]. The combined flow rate (004 and
005) would have been 3,300 m /day (0.86 mgd) at an approximate weighted
temperature of 34°C (94°F).
A-34 (Day)—Allied Chemical Corporation's Outfall 006 was discharging
a wastewater containing significantly less discoloration than that
recorded in the receiving water. The shape of the resultant plume is
shown in Figure V9. There was a very small thermal plume adjacent to
this shore position as seen in Figure V-6. This outfall has a reported
3
flow rate of 7,750 m /day (2.0 mgd) and a summertime discharge temperature
of 32°C (90°F). This effluent reportedly contains process water.
-------
48
A-34 (Night)—A thermal plume resulting from Outfall 006 was about
1.5 to 2.0°C (3 to 4°F) cooler than the ambient Harbor waters and 3.0
to 4°C (5 to 6°F) cooler than the overall surface temperature of the
receiving waters. The cool (darker) thermal plume is shown in Figure
V-3. Note that the field is moving out into the Harbor even though the
tide is in the flood phase.
A-35 (Day)—There was a skimmer placed across the mouth of this slip
[Figure V-9]. The water in the slip along the western boundary was heavily
discolored yellow-brown. There was no evidence of an active outfall
recorded.
A-36 (Day)—A yellow-gray substance was leaching into the Harbor
2
waters discoloring about 1,500 m of surface area. There was no evi-
dence of an outfall in the airborne data.
A-37 (Day)—The water in this area of the Northwest Harbor was dark
brown. The airborne data indicated the presence of brown algae due to a
trace of chlorophyll recorded in the near-surface waters. There was a
definite line of demarcation between the dark brown water and the
greenish water in the outer Harbor. No wastewater discharges were found
in this area.
A-38 (Day)—The water contained in the plume shown in Figure V-2,
was very dark brown and contained brown algae. There were no detectable
signs of an outfall at this position on the dock.
A-39 (Day)—The water in this area was nearly all dark brown,
partially due to the presence of brown algae. Along the eastern side of
this dock, as indicated by the red arrow on Figure V-2, there was a
-------
49
small, yellow-brown plume with characteristics indicative of a small
submerged outfall, although no positive source was found.
A-40 (Day)—A yellow-gray substance was recorded in the near sur-
face waters [Figure V-2]. The greatest concentration occurred in the
northwest corner of this rectangular dock area which was suspected to
contain the source. The balance of this dock area was dark brown in
color and contained significant amounts of brown algae.
A-41 (Day)—This area of water contained large areas of dark brown
water and brown algae.
A-42 (Day)—Numerous oil slicks containing about 60 liters (15
gal.) of refined oil were located in this particular water area. The
source of the oil could not be readily determined from the airborne
data.
A-43 (Day)—This pentagon shaped area [Figure V-2] of water was not
photographically covered during the mission. It was imaged with the
infrared line scanner with no thermal discharges recorded.
A-43 (Night)—There were no thermal discharges recorded in this
area at night.
A-44 (Day)—There was a yellow-brown substance in the water of this
area [Figure V-2]. The degree of discoloration was greatest where
labeled No. 1, while those areas labeled No. 2 and 3 were less dis-
colored. The source was probably within the area labeled No. 1. There
was a semicircular storm drain opening in the area labeled No. 2, as
indicated by the arrow.
A-45 (Day)—There were numerous oil slicks (containing refined oil)
-------
Numbered Areas Indicate
Brown Algae in the Water
Areas Labeled 'o' were Oil Slicks
Ul
LU
in
c
x
O i I Separator
A-48
A-46
A-47
vA-51
Figure V-10 Detailed Observations Eastside, Lower Northwest Harbor
-------
51
in this particular area of the Harbor waters [Figure V-2]. The amount
of oil contained in these slicks was calculated to be about 827 liters
(219 gal.).
A-46 (Day)—The numbered areas in Figure V-10 indicate the relative
concentration of dark brown water and the presence of brown algae in a
blooming state with No. 1 representing the heaviest relative concen-
tration of the brown effect and No. 4, the least concentration.
A-47 (Day)—The areas in Figure V-10 labeled with the letter "0"
contained numerous oil slicks. The total amount of oil in the slicks
was calculated to be about 54 liters (14 gal.).
A-48 (Day)—According to Exxon Oil and Refining Company's RAPP
permit application, their Outfall 001 is located at Position "a" in
Figure V-10. At the time of flight there was no active discharge at
this position. Instead, there were characteristics of a submerged dis-
charge at position "b". Either there were two outfalls in this area or
Outfall 001 was located at position "b" rather than "a". Outfall J01
discharges effluent from the oil separator, located adjacent to shore
3
[Figure V-10] with a reported flow rate of 61 m /day (16,000 gpd)
and a summertime discharge temperature of 28°C (82°F). There were two
oil slicks in this area along with one patch of grease on the water's
surface. Outfall 001 was most probably the source of the oil and
grease.
A-49 (Day)—Exxon's Outfall 002 was discharging a small amount of a
yellow-brown wastewater into this area. A small heavy oil slick was
adjacent to the outfall shore position. Oil slicks of any significance
-------
&-
-------
53
were quite a distance from this outfall [Figure V-10] indicating that
this discharge, an oil separator effluent, was most probably the source
of the oil at the outfall. This discharge has a reported flow rate of
o
590 m /day (0.156 mgd) with a summertime discharge temperature of 32°C
(90°F). A small thermal plume was recorded at the discharge [Figure V-6].
A-49 (Night)—The effluent from this outfall was several degrees
(Centigrade) wanner than the ambient Harbor waters. The thermal field
is shown in Figure V-ll.
A-50 (Day)—The color of the water in this area was dark yellow-
brown characterized by absence of the brown algae. A moderate discharge
identical in color to the receiving water was detected in this area
[Figure V-10]. There were also moderate amounts of small debris on the
water surface in this area.
A-51 (Day)—An elevated outfall was discharging a yellow-green
wastewater into the dock waters. A heavy yellow-green foam was
floating on the water surface around the impact point [Figure V-10].
The heavy or dense areas of this foam had an inherent optical reflec-
tance characteristic in the near infrared region. This is most usually
the fingerprint of algae (chlorophyll) in water. The true color data
clearly shows that this effect was definitly not brown algae. The true
color character of the foam was similar to that of green algae which is
atypical of an industrial wastewater. Because of the lack of ground
truth, the constituents of this foam-like substance could not be ascer-
tained. The diameter of the outfall pipe was only 24 cm (10 in.).
-------
LAZARETTO POINT
e
52
Figure V-12 Detailed Observations • Lazaretto Point; Lower Northwest Harbor
-------
55
A-52 (Day)—A yellow-gray wastewater was being discharged into this
dock area. No outfall was visible. A brief isoconcentration analysis
performed upon the airborne true color data revealed that the greatest
discoloration appeared in the small area labeled No. 1 near the end of
the dock [Figure V-12]. Nos. 2 and 3 represent areas of lesser discolor-
ation. There was only a minor temperature difference between this plume
and the Harbor waters [Figure V-6]. The area also marked by A-52 and
No. 4 [Figure V-12] contained the same discoloration but of a lesser
magnitude.
A-53 (Day)—A possible surface or near-surface outfall was located
at this position, about 3.8 m (12 ft) from the corner or apex of the
dock. The general water color in this area was very dark brown and the
disturbance in the water at this suspected position was somewhat lighter
brown with evidence of some turbulence.
A-54 (Day)—Large and small patches of brown algae were present
with the numbers reflecting the relative levels or concentrations of
chlorophyll.
A-55 (Day)—A possible outfall, located 9.1 m (30 ft) from the apex
of the dock and being 3.8 m (12.5 ft) in length before entering the
water, was recorded at this position [Figure V-12]. The pipe diameter
was about 20 cm (8 in.). There was no significant relative discolor-
ation in the water other than from the presence of brown algae.
A-56 (Day)—A light-gray colored substance was entering the water
at this point. A small area of surface foam was also present as shown
-------
56
in Figure V-12. A discrete outfall could not be seen from the airborne
data.
A-56 (Night)—A warm effluent was entering the water at this shore
position. The resultant thermal plume was about 2°C (4°F) warmer than
the background Harbor waters. The plume or field was being carried
northward with the flood tide as shown in Figure V-ll.
-------
PAGE NOT
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57
MIDDLE BRANCH AND UPPER INNER HARBOR (AREA B)
This portion of the study area covers the Middle Branch and the
segment of the Inner Harbor lying westward of a line extending south-
eastward from Fort McHenry to the Harbor Tunnel [see Figure V-13, a
foldout located at the end of the Area B discussion, for more detail].
Middle Branch is the western terminus of the Inner Harbor. It extends
about 3 km (2 mi) northwestward from the point where the Patapsco River
enters the broad waters of the Harbor. Gwynns Falls, a small stream,
enters the Branch from the west. Except in Spring Garden Channel, the
northern portion of the Branch is shallow, with depths less than 1 m
(3 ft) common. Channel depths are 6 to 8 m (20 to 25 ft). The western
and eastern shorelines of the Branch are industrialized while the southern
shore is relatively undeveloped.
The Fatapsco River, the main source of freshwater inflow to Balti-
more Harbor [see Section IV], enters the Inner Harbor from the south-
west. Sediment deposition from the River has produced shallow water
areas in most of the southwest quarter of this segment of the Inner
Harbor. In contrast, the northern half of the Harbor is relatively
deep, averaging more than 7 m (20 ft) with depths up to 12 m (40 ft)
recorded. The northern shore is industrialized while the southern shore
is relatively undeveloped.
Except during flood flows in Gwynns Falls, interchange of water in
the Middle Branch is limited. The Patapsco River inflows coupled with
the larger tidal prism increase the circulation within the Inner Harbor
relative to Middle Branch but water movements are still limited.
-------
X
FORT MC HENRY
Figure V-14 Thermal Map (Night) - Upper Inner Harbor
-------
59
General Observations
The general color and thermal characteristics of the surface waters
of Middle Branch and the upper portion of Inner Harbor are shown in
Figure V-13. Middle Branch and the northern half of Inner Harbor were
gray-brown in color and warm. In contrast, the mouth of the Patapsco
River and southern half of Inner Harbor were heavily discolored a
yellow-brown from suspended sediment, probably the result of the recent
light rains. The thermal infrared imagery indicated that the Patapsco
River inflow was significantly cooler than ambient Harbor waters. The
line of demarcation between these two waters was pronounced, indicating
that for the conditions observed, the Patapsco River inflow exerted
little effect on water movements in Middle Branch and the north half of
Inner Harbor.
Specific Observations
Identifying numbers for specific observations in Area B are over-
printed in red on Figure V-13, a section of U.S. Coast and Geodetic
Survey Nautical Chart 545.
B-l (Night)*—A large thermal field was recorded in this area
adjacent to the south edge of Fort McHenry National Monument. The
thermal field is clearly visible as the light area in Figure V-14, an
IRLS thermal map recorded by the night flight. The relative temperature
levels are sketched in Figure V-15, an isarthermal map. The warmest
* Observations B-l through B-8 were not photographed or covered with
the IRLS during the day flight.
-------
Figure Y-15 Isarttiermal Map (Night] • North Shore, Upper Inner Harbor
-------
61
surface water temperature is labeled No. 3. Thermal discharge was
not detected but was probably in this particular location. The dif-
ference in surface temperature between the field and the dark gray back-
ground river water was estimated to be 2.5 to 3.0°C (4 to 5°F).
B-2 (Night)—A small thermal plume was recorded in this particular
area [Figures V-14 and V-15]. The warm water could have been either
from a small discharge or washed into this area from another source.
The difference in temperature between this small thermal plume and the
cooler river water was about 0.5 to 1.0°C (1 to 2°F).
B-3 (Night)—A moderate thermal plume was recorded at this point
with the thermal discharge located in the eastern corner of the dock
area [Figure V-14]. The relative temperatures within the thermal field
are sketched on the isarthermal map, Figure V-15. The relative temper- •
ature difference between Area 2 and Area 5 was estimated to be 3 to 4°C
(5 to 7°F).
B-4 (Night)—A large thermal field was recorded in this area as
shown in Figure V-14. A positive source identification was not made,
but the area adjacent to shore (labeled No. 3) had the warmest surface
temperatures. The relative temperature difference between Nos. 3 and
5 was estimated to be 2 to 3°C (4 to 5°F) .
B-5 (Night)—A small thermal plume with a temperature increase of
only 0.5 to 1.0°C (1 to 2°F) was recorded at this location [Figure V-14].
The field was not sketched in Figure V-15 because the temperature dif-
ference was too small to be evaluated by the Image Analyzer for this
specific laboratory test set-up. The source of the warm water may pos-
sibly have been at the shore position indicated by the arrow on Figure
V-14.
-------
62
Figure V-16 Enlarged Thermal Map (Night) Upper Inner Harbor
-------
63
B-6 (Night)—A cool-water thermal field was emerging from the apex
of this triangular shaped dock area as indicated on Figure V-14. All
indications show that the source was at the apex. The infrared image of
this area was enlarged about five times to better define the source of
the cool water [Figure V-16]. The source is indicated by the arrow.
The temperature difference between this cool field labeled No. 7 and the
background river water labeled No. 6 was estimated to be 1 to 2°C (2 to
4°F) [Figure V-15].
B-7 (Night)—This warm thermal field (No. A), generally 1 to 2°C (2
to 4°F) warmer than the background river water (No. 6), was recorded
along the western side of the triangular dock area. It could not be
determined if this field resulted from a discrete source in this area or
if it was surface flow under the dock superstructure from indication B-8,
discussed next.
B-8 (Night)—A large thermal effluent was recorded at this location,
as shown in Figure V-14 and the enlarged thermal map in Figure V-16.
The temperature difference between the discharge (No. 1) and the receiv-
ing water (No. 6) was estimated to be 5 to 7°C (9 to 13°F). The result-
ant thermal field extended halfway across the Inner Harbor. A detailed
isarthermal sketch of this effluent and thermal field is presented in
Figure V-17.
B-9 (Day)—A dark gray wastewater was present in these two areas
[Figure V-13]. The one to the east of the rail car dock had a poorly
maintained stormdrain or outfall structure inland and adjacent to the
dark water. No flow into the Harbor waters was present at the time of
flight.
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64
B-8
8
Figure V-17 Isarthermal Map of Outfall B-8 - Inner Harbor
-------
YN'NS FALLS *V5»y/
wa*&-**-: \ -»V^•.'•-« 5
MIDDLE BRANCH
Figure V 18 Thermal Map (Night) - Middle Branch and Upper Inner Harbor
-------
Figure ¥-19 Isarthermal Map (Night) - Middle Branch, Baltimore Harbor
-------
67
B-10 (Day)—A light gray wastewater was being discharged into the
Harbor waters at this location [Figure V-13]. A pond on shore adjacent
to the discharge contained wastewater identical in color to that of the
discharge. This discharge was from Outfall 001 of the General Electric
3
Company with a reported flow rate of 710 m /day (0.188 mgd) of process
water.
B-10 (Night)—The thermal properties of the discharge were no dif-
ferent from the receiving water which was quite warm at the time of
this mission as shown in Figure V-18. The relative temperatures of this
area are presented in Figure V-19.
B-ll (Day)—General Electric Outfall 002 did not appear to be
active at the time of flight [Figure V-13]. It has a reported daily
3
flow rate of only 20 m /day (5,000 gpd) with a summertime temperature of
60°C (140°F). No thermal field was present.
B-ll (Night)—The presence of this individual outfall could not be
determined from the thermal data. If active at the time of this mission,
it most probably made a significant contribution to the large thermal
field present in this general area [Figure V-18].
B-12 (Day/Night)—The airborne data contained no indications that
this outfall (General Electric Outfall 003) was active at the time of
flight [Figure V-13]. It reportedly has a flow rate of 230 m /day (0.06
mgd) at a temperature of 30°C (86°F).
B-13 (Day/Night)—General Electric Outfall 005, which has a reported
3
flow rate and discharge temperature of 3.8 m /day (1,000 gpd) and 29°C
(85°F), respectively, presented no indications of being active at the
time of either mission.
-------
X
G W Y N N S FALLS
PATAPSCO RIVER
Figure V 20 Thermal Map [Day] • Middle Branch
-------
69
B-14 (Day)—A reddish-brown substance was found in the near-surface
waters at the end and along the west side of this dock.
B-15 (Day)—A small amount of dark brown wastewater was entering
the Middle Branch from this location. The water source was essentially
surface runoff. No plant growth was physically located in the paths
connecting this area and the receiving water.
B-16 (Day)—A small thermal discharge and resultant field were
recorded at this location [Figure V-20]. There was no significant
increase in temperature of the receiving water in this general area.
B-16 (Night)—The effects of this discharge and resultant thermal
field were much more pronounced during the night mission as shown in
Figure V-18. The temperature difference between the surface water at
the discharge point and the receiving water was estimated to be 3 to 4°C
(5 to 7°F). This discharge originated from within the Agriculture Divi-
sion, Allied Chemical Corporation. According to the permit application
3
this discharge had a flow rate of 1,514 m /day (0.4 mgd) with a summer-
time discharge temperature of 29°C (84°F).
B-17 (Night)—The presence of a cool area (1 to 2°C cooler than
ambient if it were water) was recorded at this position along the pipe-
line as shown in Figure V-18. This plume was coincident with the series
of right angle bends in the pipeline.
B-18 (Night)—Water whose temperature was slightly warmer than the
receiving water was entering the upper Middle Branch at the location
marked by "a". Warm-water indications were also recorded at locations
"b" and "c" [Figure V-18], although no sources were evident.
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70
B-22
IDDLE BRANCH
Figure V-21 Detailed Observations West Shore, Upper Middle Branch
-------
71
B-19 (Day)—This asymmetric, triangular shaped pond contained a
dark gray wastewater in the area labeled "A" and a dark yellow-brown
wastewater in that labeled "B" [Figure V-21]. The gray substance was
being discharged to the Middle Branch creating a plume of heavy dis-
coloration as shown.
B-19 (Night)—A substance was mixed with or floating on the sur-
face waters of the Harbor, coincident with this point of discharge and
extending nearly across the waterway as seen through the dark gray areas
in Figure V-18.
B-20 (Day)—A light gray wastewater was being discharged through
this canal into the Harbor waters [Figure V-21]. The effluent contained
some oil. There was a rather large oil slick consisting of about 480
liters (127 gal.) of refined oil. The source of the wastewater in the
canal appeared to be a storm drain type of structure. Other sources of
oil were not readily visible in the airborne data.
B-21 (Day)—A dredging operation was in progress at the time of
flight [Figure V-20]. There was some increase in turbidity in the
water.
B-22 (Day)—An orange-brown wastewater was being discharged into
the canal from a structure resembling the opening of a storm sewer.
There were no thermal indications associated with the effluent. The
3
Koppers Company, Inc. reportedly discharges 53 m /day (14,000 gpd) of
rinse water from an internal metal fabrication process. This discharge
may have contributed to the discoloration observed in the canal.
B-23 (Night)—A thermal discharge and resultant thermal field were
recorded at the location south of and adjacent to the railroad bridge
-------
72
i
/
jg^J
*&. .*
- *-*^
:
s~ ^--^:B-18.
MIDDLE BRANCH
GWYNNS FALLS
Figure V 18 Thermal Map (Night) - Middle Branch and Upper Inner Harbor
-------
73
[Figure V-13]. The temperature difference between the surface water
coincident with this discharge and the Middle Branch receiving water was
estimated to be 2 to 3°C (4 to 5°F). The Westport Electric Generating
Station has two cooling water discharges in this location with reported
3
flow rates and discharge temperatures of 572,000 m /day (151 mgd) and
31°C (87°F) for Outfall 001 and 19,000 m3/day (4.9 mgd) and 33°C (91°F)
for Outfall 004.
B-24 (Day)—A thermal discharge was recorded in the area of the
dock facility. The resultant thermal field is shown in Figure V-20.
The approximate position of the discharge is plotted in Figure V-22.
There was also an oil slick adjacent to the discharge containing 10
liters (3 gal.) of oil.
B-24 (Night)—The effects of this thermal discharge were far more
prominent during the night flight. The thermal field extended 900 m
(2,950 ft) from shore out into the Middle Branch waters [Figure V-18].
The temperature difference between the warmest waters within the thermal
field and the background Middle Branch waters was estimated to be 2 to
3°C (4 to 5°F). The Westport Electric Generating Stations' Outfalls
002, 003, 005, and 006 are located along this section of shoreline.
Reported cooling water flow rates and discharge temperatures are as
follows:
-------
74
V
B-24
\
B-25
B-
WESTPORT
B-
O
SKIMMERS
SLICK
Figure V-22 Detailed Observations - West Shore, Lower Middle Branch
-------
75
(m /day) -
511,000
432,000
- 66
265
(mgd)
135
114
0.02
0.07
(»C)
31
31
31
21
(°F;
87
87
88
70
Outfall Flow Rate Temperature
002
003
005
006
B-25 (Day) — A light gray wastewater was being discharged from under
a building through a small canal and into the Middle Branch waters at
this location. The effluent was slightly warmer than the receiving waters
[Figure V-20]. As shown in Figure V-22, there was a skimmer in place across
the discharge opening into the receiving waters. This discharge is within
the general vicinity of the Carr-Lowrey Company.
B-25 (Night) — This discharge was slightly cooler than the B-24 thermal
field as shown in Figure V-18.
B-26 (Day) — A wastewater originating from a junk pile was backing into
the Middle Branch waters from the shore location shown in Figure V-22. A
skimmer was in position across this area retaining floating materials.
B-27 (Day) — A skimmer was retaining a moderate amount of solid waste
materials at this location [Figure V-22].
B-28 (Day) — Oil was leaching into Smith Cove from two locations
(Marked A and B) within a large automobile junkyard. The resultant oil
slick contained about 22 liters (7 gal.) of oil.
B-29 (Day) — A light gray discoloration in the water appeared to be
coming from this shore position [Figure V-13] . There was a great deal of
rubbish on shore which precluded the positive identification of an outfall.
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76
B-29 (Night)—A warm spot along shore was also recorded at this
position as shown in Figure V-18.
B-30 (Day)—A thermal field slightly warmer than the Patapsco River
water was located in this cove [Figure V-20].
B-3Q (Night)—The thermal field was also present during this flight
as shown in Figure V-18.
B-31 (Night)—This rectangular shaped area was significantly hotter
than the ambient Inner Harbor water as indicated in Figure V-18. Compari-
son of this area in Figures V-18 and V-20 show the vivid contrast in
surface water temperature.
B-32 (Night)—A large warm thermal field was recorded in this area.
It is sketched on Figure V-13 and shown on the infrared thermal map
[Figure V-18].
B-33 (Day)—A dark brown substance or discoloration in the water
was recorded in and around an old dry-dock area. It may have been a
leachate. It was not brown algae.
B-34 (Night)—The surface waters in this embayment were 2 to 3°C
(4 to 5°F) warmer than the background (dark gray) waters in the Inner
Harbor.
B-35 (Day)—Three oil slicks that contained about 19 liters (5 gal.)
of refined oil were recorded in and around this dock area. The area to
the south of the dashed line [Figure V-13] was not covered photograph-
ically by the day mission. Maryland Shipbuilding and Drydock Company
reported four outfalls discharging cooling water, boiler blowdown and
sludge-tank wastewater to the Harbor in this immediate vicinity.
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77
LOWER INNER HARBOR AND CURTIS BAY (AREA C)
This section of the study area covers a major portion of Inner
Harbor between the Harbor Tunnel and the Outer Harbor Crossing [Figure
V-l]. Excluding Curtis Bay, the area is about 5 km (3 mi) long and
about 2.4 km (1.5 mi) wide. Fort McHenry Channel, about 13 m (42 ft)
deep, traverses the length of the Harbor. Water depths in the middle
half of the Harbor outside the Channel average 6 to 10 m (20 to 32 ft).
Disposal of spoil has produced shallower areas near shore but depths
exceeding 2m (6 ft) are common.
Colgate Creek, a small tidal stream, enters the Harbor from the
north. A channel dredged to 11 m (34 ft) connects Dundalk Marine Term-
inal, located at the mouth of Colgate Creek, to the Fort McHenry Channel.
Curtis Bay and Curtis Creek form a major arm of the Harbor comparable
in size to Northwest Branch [see Figure V-23, a foldout located at the
end of the Area C discussion, for more detail]. The portion of the Bay
and Creek included in the study area extends about 5 km (3 mi) south of
the Harbor to Arundel Cove. The Curtis Bay Channel, 13 m (42 ft) deep,
and the Curtis Creek Channel, ranging from 6 to 10 m (20 to 32 ft) deep,
produce deep-water conditions in much of this tributary area.
A major portion of the freshwater inflow to the Harbor enters Areas
A and B upstream from the Harbor Tunnel. This inflow coupled with the
significant upstream tidal prism would be expected to produce larger
displacements of water on each tidal cycle than characteristic of Areas
A and B.
The shorelines of Curtis Bay and Curtis Creek as well as the western
and northern shorelines of this Harbor section are moderately to heavily
-------
78
industrialized. The eastern and southern shorelines are less developed.
General Observations
Marked differences in the color of surface waters were observed at
various locations in Area C. The northern region had a yellow-gray
characteristic color with only isolated patches of brown algae. Along
the southern shore opposite Fort McHenry, the water contained a yellow-
brown turbidity that continued into Curtis Bay beyond Wagners and
Fishing Points. The waters of lower Curtis Creek and Curtis Bay from
Sledds Point to Hawkins Point were dark gray-brown with the exception of
Thorns Cove, discussed in the next section. The southern region of Area C
contained numerous patches of brown algae.
Specific Observations
Identifying numbers for specific observations in the Curtis Bay,
Curtis Creek and western and southern shoreline areas are overprinted
in red on Figure V-23, a section of the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey
Nautical Chart 545.
C-l (Night)*—A small, pronounced cool-water plume was recorded
in this dock area as shown in the night thermal map [Figure V-24] and
sketched in Figure V-23.
C-2 (Night)—A small, isolated warm spot on shore resembling a
small volume discharge was located here. The resultant thermal plume
was also quite small. A careful inspection of Figure V-24 indicated
* Indication numbers C-l through C-4 were not covered during the day
mission.
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79
the warm effect extended from shore toward the hot L-shaped building.
C-3 (Night)—Chevron Asphalt Company's Outfall 001 was discharging
a warm effluent creating a thermal field that extended beyond the end of
this dock area [Figure V-24]. The surface water temperature difference
between this field and the ambient harbor waters was about 1°C (2°F).
This outfall reportedly discharges process water with a flow rate of
1,360 m /day (0.36 mgd) and a summertime temperature of 45°C (115°F).
C-4 (Night)—A very warm thermal discharge was entering the small
dock area at this point, indicated by the red arrow [Figure V-23]. The
hot surface water was being retained by a skimmer or other similar device
as recorded in Figure V-24 and sketched in Figure V-23. The hot water
was moving past this retainer along the northwest bank (shown by arrow)
creating a thermal field in the large dock area.
C-5 (Day)—The water near shore in this general area was dark
brown containing significant amounts of brown algae. The water in the
Harbor just out from the docks was yellow-gray and very turbid. Also,
near a ship tied at this dock, a pink cohesive substance was floating on
the water surface. It was definitely not aquatic plant growth. This
type of indication has been recorded in other areas of the country in
association with a crude oil spill. The substance was the last remaining
constituent after the spill had degraded with time.
C-5 (Night)*—A thermal field was located around a ship at this
dock position. The source of the warm water could not be determined.
The field extended [Figure V-24] in the ebb tide direction even though
* Indications C-6, C-7 and C-9 through C-14 were not covered during
the day mission.
-------
THERMAL FIELD
Figure V 24 Thermal Map (Night) - West Shore, Inner Harbor
-------
81
the tide phase at the time of flight was well into flood condition
as referenced at Fort McHenry directly across the Harbor.
C-6 (Night)—A very small thermal field was recorded at this
shore position. Mobile and Shell Oil Companies reported discharges
at this location consisting of only storm runoff.
C-7 (Night)—A large thermal field completely filled this area
along shore as shown in Figure V-24. The source of the warm water
was not readily determined. It may have been an extension of the field
reported in C-4. The only known discharges in this area are from Shell
Oil Company Outfalls 005, 006 and 007, reportedly discharging surface run-
off only.
C-8 (Day)—The City of Baltimore Patapsco Sewage Treatment Plant
[Figure V-23] had a submerged outfall at this location. The effluent
was yellow-gray in color creating a plume that propagated in a south-
easterly direction as sketched in Figure V-23. There were no thermal
indications associated with this discharge.
C-9 (Night)—A warm thermal field nearly filled the surface water
of this dock area [Figure V-24]. The source of the warm water could not
be determined. The temperature difference between this field and the
Harbor waters was estimated to be 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F).
C-10 (Night)—A small isolated thermal field was located at the
immediate end of the dock facility at Wagners Point [Figure V-24]. The
source could not be determined from the airborne data.
C-11 (Night)—Small cool-water discharges were detected at these
two shore positions as shown in Figure V-25. These two positions were
reported by American Oil Company as abandoned existing outfalls.
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82
Figure V 25 Thermal Map (Night) - North Shore, Curtis Bay
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83
C-12 (Night)—A warm discharge and resulting small thermal field
was recorded at this location [Figure V-25]. The temperature differ-
ence between the surface waters near the discharge and the ambient
Harbor waters was estimated to be 4 to 6°C (7 to 11°F). This discharge
(process water) was Outfall 001 from the American Oil Company Refinery
3
with a reported flow rate of 3,270 m /day (0.864 mgd) at a summertime
discharge temperature of 29°C (84°F).
C-13 (Night)—A moderately cool discharge was recorded at this shore
position. American Oil Company reported a 20-cm (8-in.) outfall here
but did not report waste characteristics or flow rate.
C-14 (Nightj^—A small moderately warm thermal field was located
between these two small docks as shown in Figure V-24. In Figure V-25
(recorded about one hour later) the field had virtually disappeared.
This indication appeared to be an intermittent discharge from either
of two outfalls reported by the American Oil Company as abandoned
existing outfalls.
C-15 (Day)—A pond containing a dark brown wastewater was located
at position "a" [Figure V-23]. The pond outfall did not appear to be
active at flight time. The pond at position "b" was discharging a
yellow-gray wastewater. The B P Oil Corporation reported this discharge
3
contains surface runoff with a flow rate of 7 m /day (1800 gpd).
C-15 (Night)—A moderately warm thermal effluent, located at shore
position "a," was producing a small thermal plume along shore [Figure
V-25]. The temperature difference between the thermal plume and back-
ground surface waters was estimated to be 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F). This
-------
C-23
REFUSE
AREA
C-16
Submerged Outfall OO1'
Figure V 26 Detailed Observations - Storehouse Cove
-------
85
effluent was from Texaco Oil Company's Outfall 001 reportedly discharging
process wastewater and surface runoff with a flow rate of 600 m /day
(0.16 mgd).
C-16 (Day)^—A dark yellow-brown wastewater was entering Curtis
Bay from this shore location [Figure V-26]. The water was traveling
overland, originating from an industrial refuse area located within the
FMC Corporation industrial facility.
C-17 (Day)—This poorly maintained outfall structure was not active
at the time of flight. There were two ponds located across a road north
of this location in the FMC facility [Figure V-26].
C-18 (Day)—FMC Corporatin's Outfall 001 did not create a visable
plume during this mission. The submerged outfall extends about 198 m
(650 ft) from shore [Figure V-26]. The solid line on land was the
section of the pipe above ground. It measured about 25 cm (10 in.) in
i
diameter. The FMC RAPP application indicated that this discharge (pro-
3
cess water) had a flow rate of 9,420 m /day (2.49 mgd) with a summertime
temperature of 30°C (86°F).
C-19 (Day)—A light yellow-brown wastewater was flowing into Stone-
house Cove at this point. The water moved overland rather than through
a ditch or pipe. It created a small discolored area in the receiving
water as shown in Figure V-26. This was within the FMC Corporation
facility.
C-20 (Day)—A medium yellow-brown wastewater was flowing overland
and into Stonehouse Cove at this point. A yellow-brown plume was
recorded in the receiving water as shown in Figure V-26. The numbers
-------
86
C-23
REFUSE
AREA
C 1 6
Submerged Outfall OO11
Figure V-26 Detailed Observations - Stonehouse Cove
-------
87
2, 3 and 4 depict the relative concentration or magnitude in the water
with 2 being the greatest value. This location was within the FMC
Corporation facility.
C-21 (Day)—A ditch was carrying a small amount of wastewater
(surface runoff) within the FMC Corporation facility into Stonehouse
Cove. The discoloration in the receiving water was too great to
ascertain the effect of this discharge.
C-22 (Day)—A dense yellow-brown discharge was entering the
Stonehouse Cove waters at this indentation in the shoreline [Figure V-26]
Significant discoloration was present in the receiving waters, the
relative magnitudes of which are given by the areas numbered 1, 2, 3,
and 4 with 1 being the greatest value. This discharge was within the
FMC Corporation facility but was not included in their RAPP permit
application.
C-22 (night)—A warm thermal field in the Cove originated at this
location. It is the warmest area (surface water)in the Cove as seen in
Figure V-25.
C-23 (Day)—A yellow-brown wastewater was flowing out of a storm
drain structure adjacent to Patapsco Avenue. A surface skimmer was in
place across the drain. The resultant plume of discoloration in the
upper Cove waters was yellow-gray (outside the skimmer) as shown in
Figure V-26. Two relative levels of discoloration are indicated by
numbers 1 and 2.
C-23 (Night)—This area was characterized by a cool thermal field
as shown in Figure V-27.
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88
ah^^-^fr^1'*^
V* JSiC-231
fig 4ft ^^P^tf
2% ' J».. £»^^>w^«v
**
I ^ *
r«&> -. • ,., ..- w /j.,*
rfB C-27|
CABIN BRANCH
CURTIS CREE
ARUNDEL COVE
URTIS BAY
/
Figure V-27 Thermal Map (Night) - Curtis Creek and Curtis Bay
-------
89
C-24 (Day)—An oil slick containing about 30 liters (8 gal.) of
refined oil, extended across the Cove at this location. The heaviest
concentration appeared to be in the area indicated in Figure V-26.
C-25 (Day)—A light gray-brown wastewater closely approximating a
slurry was entering the Cove from this point as detailed in Figure V-26.
The relative levels of discoloration are depicted in this figure by the
numbers 1, 2 and 3 with 1 being the greatest. The wastewater moved from
an old refuse area through a log pile into the Cove.
C-26 (Day)—A yellow-gray wastewater was being discharged from this
surface outfall [Figure V-26] into the Cove waters. A small plume of
discoloration was present along shore.
C-26 (Night)—A cool thermal field was recorded at the west end
of Ore Pier early in the night mission [Figures V-25 and V-26]. The
field was dispersing in a southeasterly direction about one hour
later during this mission.
C-27 (Night)—A rather large, cool thermal field was present along
this area of shoreline. As shown in Figures V-25 and V-26, the field
extended from the end of the dock called Ore Pier around the right
angle to the end of Coal Pier. This indication (Night 1) was imaged
early in the night flight. The cool field had nearly disappeared about
one hour later as shown in Figure V-27. The cool field was present at
this time only at the end of Ore Pier and in the right angle at the
west end of Coal Pier (Night 2). This could be indicative of a batch
discharge.
C-28 (Day)—Solid waste was located along shore and in the water of
the apex of this dock area [Figure V-28]. There was only minor discolor-
ation in the water.
-------
90
C-28
YELLOW BROWN
-N-
m
D
U
C-32
FERRY POINT
YELLOW GRAY
Figure V-28 Detailed Observations • West Shore, Curtis Bay
-------
91
C-29 (Day)—Indications in the water at this particular location
suggest the presence of a submerged outfall. A small boil was positioned
near the southwestern corner of this dock area [Figure V-28]. The surface
waters in the area shown were discolored a light gray.
C-30 (Day)—A dark yellow-brown discoloration was recorded in this
dock area. The relative magnitude of the discoloration is shown in
Figure V-28 with 1 being the greatest. This dock area was occupied by
a ship demolition facility.
C-31 (Day)—Refuse along shore of the ship demolition facility was
leaching into the Bay waters causing a dark yellow-brown discoloration
as shown in Figure V-28.
C-32 (Night)—A moderate-sized cool thermal field nearly filled
the surface waters of the dock area as shown in Figures V-27 and V-28.
C-33 (Night)—A small cool thermal field was isolated in this
acute angled dock area [Figure V-28]. No active outfall was detected.
C-34 (Day)—Refuse located along shore was leaching into the
Bay waters resulting in a dark brown discoloration.
C-35 (Day)—A yellow-brown wastewater was flowing in from ditch "a"
as indicated in Figure V-28. A yellow-gray water was entering from
ditch "b." A yellow-gray leachate was coming from ditch "c." The
combined flow created a yellow-gray and a yellow-brown discoloration
in Curtis Creek as sketched in Figure V-28.
C-36 (Night)—Three adjacent warm-water effluents were flowing into
Cabin Branch from this shore position. The resultant thermal field
extended out into Curtis Creek as shown in Figure V-27. From west to
east these were Outfalls 001, 002 and 003 originating from within the
-------
92
-N
C-38
C-42
PENNINGTOM AW.T
WALNUT POINT
Figure V-29 Detailed Observations • Western Shore, Lower Curtis Creek
-------
93
Olin Corporation facility which manufactures sulfuric acid. Reported
outfall flow rates were as follows:
Summer Discharge
Flow Rate Temperature
Outfall 001 18,600 ml/day (4.9 mgd) 35°C (95°F)
Outfall 002 18,600 nu/day (A.9 mgd) 36°C (96°F)
Outfall 003 2,700 ni /day (0.7 mgd) 38°C (100°F)
Outfalls 001 and 002 discharge process water and Outfall 003 discharges
cooling water according to the Olin RAPP application.
C-37 (Night)—A small thermal discharge was recorded at this shore
position immediately to the east of the Pennington Avenue Bridge. This
physical location corresponded to that of Outfall 191 within the Hess
Oil and Chemical Company facility. The Company reported that this
•3
outfall discharges only 2 m /day (500 gpd) of surface runoff with a
discharge temperature of 23°C (74°F).
C-38 (Day)—A dark yellow-brown plume was recorded along the
southern Cabin Branch shore in the near vicinity of the Hess Oil Company
3
Outfall 196 [Figure V-29]. The outfall reportedly discharges 5.3 m /day
(1,400 gpd) of surface runoff.
C-39 (Day)^—A dark yellow-brown area of discolored water containing
a trace of oil was present at this shoreline position as shown in Fig-
ure V-29. This was the location of Outfall 193 of the Hess Oil Company
facility that reportedly discharges 6 m /day (1,600 gpd) of surface runoff,
C-39 (Night)—A small thermal plume was detected at this location
as shown in Figure V-27.
C-40 (Day)—A dark orange-brown plume and an oil slick extended out
into Curtis Creek from the base of the dock [Figure V-29]. The oil slick
-------
94
mm* *
J^
inH
9>HKR&,~-, i . x
CABIN BRANCH "» x ^*j^
' %*^ - 9R- o
i
CURTIS CREE
i
•I
ARUNDEL COVE
•m
j£ -i'^\ »»<^. -*•*'•*"
*< =-•* .je^s*,
K> ! ^^
:; V-27W M*"*'
* 4
PJ »
$ir*. *o k
.. Yf^fcl
*r ^o^ * usi»-. •
tlSir 4 c-52 *••*<»
•••
RTIS BAY
I^BHMHHI
/
Figure V-27 Thermal Map (Night) • Curtis Creek and Curtis Bay
-------
95
contained about 19 liters (5 gal.1) of refined oil. Hess Oil Company's
Outfall 192 was about 30 m (100 ft) south of this small dock as indi
3
cated by "a" in Figure V-29. The outfall reportedly discharges 3.8 m /day
(1,000 gpd) of surface runoff.
C-41 (Day)—A dark yellow-brown plume was recorded in this shore
indentation as shown in Figure V-29. There was a structure on the
shoreline at water level that may have been an outfall.
C-42 (Day)—Numerous oil slicks were recorded in this area with
the heaviest concentrations along shore as indicated by the arrows in
Figure V-29. The source of the oil could not readily be determined.
The slicks contained about 82 liters (22 gal.) of refined oil.
C-43 (Night)—Surface waters in Arundel Cove were estimated to be
8 to 10"C (14 to 18°F) warmer than the background waters in Curtis
Creek [Figure V-27]. Warm water was entering the Cove via a ditch adja-
cent to and along the west side of the railroad bridge. Warm water in
the Cove was slowly dispersing into Curtis Creek. The source of the
warm water was within the Diamond Shamrock Corporation with a reported
•j
flow rate of 2,650 m /day (0.7 mgd) and summertime temperature of
26°C (75°F).
C-44 (Day)—A rather dark yellow-brown wastewater was flowing into
Curtis Creek at this point. There were two open tanks below ground
level that contained water similar in color to that of the observed
discoloration in the receiving water [Figure V-30].
C-45 (Day)—The gold-brown soil in this area of Walnut Point was
backing into the creek waters.
-------
CURTIS CREEK
SUBMERGED
TANKS
C-51
CURTIS BAY
C-47
Figure V-30 Detailed Observations- East Shore, Lower Curtis Creek
-------
97
C-46 (Day)—Oil slicks were located along these sections of shore
line as shown in Figure V-30. The slicks contained about 43 liters
(11 gal.) of oil.
C-47 (Day)—The waters adjacent to shore from this dock to Sledds
Point were dark brown in color [Figure V-30]. The cross-hatched areas
depict the presence of chlorophyll or brown algae in a moderate concen-
tration.
C-48 (Day)—Numerous oil slicks were recorded in this area of Curtis
Creek [Figure V-30]. They collectively contained about 72 liters (19 gal.)
of oil.
C-48 (Night)—There was a large thermal field along this shore as
shown in Figure V-27.
C-49 (Day)—The concentration of brown algae was extremly heavy in
this area [Figure V-30].
C-50 (Day)—The water along these sections of shore line was yellow-
gray in color [Figure V-30]. The source could not be determined.
C-5Q (Night)—A large thermal field completely filled the surface
waters of this area as shown in Figure V-27. The warmest area was along
this section of shore line.
C-51 (Day)—These waters of Curtis Bay were dark yellow-green
[Figure V-30]. This discoloration was quite similar spectrally to the
water contained in the pond on Sledds Point. The discoloration was
greatest along the small section of shore indicated by arrow "a" in
Figure V-30. This area is within the W. R. Grace Company facility.
C-51 (Night)—Figure V-27 shows that the Sledds Point pond water
was quite warm. Also a warm discharge was located at arrow "a" of
Figure V-30.
-------
h
X
Figure V-31 Thermal Map (Day) • Curtis Bay
-------
99
C-52 (Day)—A yellow-gray wastewater was flowing from this ditch
into lower Curtis Bay [Figure V-23]. The discoloration was quite heavy
in the immediate area. This was Outfall 001 originating from within the
W. R. Grace Company. It reportedly discharges process water with a flow
3
rate of 7,570 m /day (2.0 mgd). The effluent was significantly warmer
than the waters of Curtis Bay as shown in Figure V-31. The temperature
difference was estimated to be 7 to 8°C (13 to 14°F).
C-52 (Night)—This discharge was quite hot during the night flight
as shown in Figure V-27. The temperature difference between the effluent
and the background surface waters of Curtis Bay was estimated to be 7 to
8°C (13 to 14°F).
C-53 (Day)—The water in these areas was dark gray-brown in color
[Figure V-23].
C-53 (Night)—The water in these areas was also slightly warmer than
the ambient waters of lower Curtis Bay. A hot spot in the water indi-
cated by the arrow labeled "a" in Figure V-23 was recorded during this
flight as shown in Figure V-24. The indication resembles a submerged
discharge.
C-54 (Day)—A large amount of yellow-brown wastewater was discoloring
the receiving waters from Leading Point throughout Thorns Cove [Figure V-23]
The relative magnitudes of discoloration are indicated by the numbered
areas with 1 being the greatest.
C-54 (Night)—The surface waters in this Cove area were 1 to 3°C (2
to 5°F) warmer than the ambient Patapsco River waters as shown in Figure
V-24.
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100
LAZARETTO PT
-i
/
INNER HARBOR
DUNDALK
TERMINAL
Figure V-33 Thermal Map (Night) • Central Inner Harbor
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101
The remainder of the specific observations in Area C are located
on the north and east shores of the Inner Harbor. Identification
numbers are overprinted in red on Figure V-32, a foldout located at
the end of the Area C discussion.
C-55 (Night)—A thermal discharge was located at this position on
Lazaretto Point as shown in Figure V-33. Ths discharge originated from
within the Kerr McGee Chemical Corporation facility which manufactures
fertilizer. The Corporation indicated that two outfalls were located
3
here. Outfall 001 reportedly discharges 1,900 m /day (0.5 mgd) of
process water with a summertime discharge temperature of 41°C (105°F).
No data were available on Outfall 002.
C—56 (Day)—Large amounts of brown algae were located in the areas
shown [Figure V-32]. The relative concentrations are given by the Numbers
1, 2 and 3 with 1 being the largest.
C-57 (Night)—A small thermal field extended from this dock area
out into the River waters as shown in Figure V-33.
C-58 (Night)—A thermal field was recorded along the west side of
this pier. The warmest spot in the field was at the southwest corner of
the pier as shown in Figure V-33.
C-59 (Day)—A dark yellow-brown wastewater was flowing into the dock
area from an open ditch [Figure V-32]. The discolored water was not
dispersing appreciably but a plume did extend beyond the end of the pier.
C-59 (Night)—The effluent from this discharge was significantly warmer
than the ambient river water. The thermal field did extend into the
river well beyond the pier area as shown in Figure V-33. An isarthermal
sketch of the field is shown in Figure V-34.
-------
Figure V 34 Isarthermal Map (Night) - Lazaretto Point Area
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103
C-60 (Day)—A yellow-gray wastewater was flowing in small volume
through an outfall structure positioned above water level into this dock
area [Figure V-32]. The source of the water was runoff from a small
area containing one large cylindrical tank.
C-61 (Day)—A brown-gray discoloration in the surface waters was
located at these two dock positions. No active outfalls were recorded.
C-62 (Day)—A yellow-gray plume extended across nearly three-fourths
of this dock area as sketched in Figure V-32. The head of the plume was
about 25 m (80 ft) from the west side of the wide dock area.
C-63 (Day)—Wastewater was percolating out of a large light-tan
pile of spoil and flowed into the Harbor creating only a small plume.
C-64 (Day)—The water in the mouth of Colgate Creek was about 1°C
(2°F) warmer than the ambient waters in the Patapsco River [Figure V-35].
C-65 (Day/Night)—The effluents from the Riverside Electric (Sollers
Point) Power Plant were clearly recorded during the day flight as
shown in Figure V-35. The size of the resulting thermal field was con-
siderably larger during the night flight as shown in Figure V-36 ex-
tending out into the Harbor almost to Ft. Carroll to the east of the
Outer Harbor Crossing. An isarthermal sketch of this field during the
night flight is shown in Figure V-37. Figure V-35 clearly indicates
that Outfall 001 was the dominant source of the warm water creating the
thermal field. Outfall 001 had a reported cooling-water flow rate of
1,360,000 m /day (360 mgd) with a summertime discharge temperature of
30°C (86°F). Outfall 002 had a cooling-water flow rate of only 2,730 m3/day
-------
COLGAT CREEK
Figure V-35 Thermal Map (Day) • East Shore, Inner Harbor
-------
C-65
\,
FORT MC HENRY CHANNEL
!
IS*. - 4
THERMAL FIELD FT. CARROLL
OUTER HARBOR
CROSSING
Figure V-36 Thermal Map (Night) - Lower Inner Habor
-------
Figure V 37 Isarthermal Map (Night) - if the Sillers Piiit Power Plait Thermal Field
-------
107
(0.72 mgd) with the same discharge temperature as Outfall 001. Consider-
ing the ratio of flow rates the thermal effects caused by 002 would be
insignificant compared to those induced by 001. There was a third thermal
discharge (Outfall 003) in the power plant facility having a flow rate of
3
only 265 m /day (0.07 mgd) which was insignificant compared to the effects
of Outfall 001.
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PAGE NOT
AVAILABLE
DIGITALLY
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109
OUTER HARBOR AND SPARROWS POINT (AREA D)
Outer Harbor is the segment of the Patapsco River Estuary extending
from the Outer Harbor Crossing to Chesapeake Bay, a distance of about 11
km (7 mi) [Figure V-l]. Study Area D covered most of the Outer Harbor
and the lower reaches of tributary tidal waters [see Figure V-38,
a foldout located at the end of the Area D discussion, for more detail].
Outer Harbor averages 3 to 4 km (2 to 2.5 mi) wide with several tidal
arms extending an additional several kilometers away from the Harbor.
On the north, Bear Creek and Old Road Bay are sizeable embayments
located west and east of Sparrows Point. To the south, Stony and Rock
Creek embayments enter the Harbor.
In the main Harbor area, water depths away from navigation channels
range from less than 1 m (3 ft) near shore to an average of 5 m at (16 ft)
mid-river. Mid-bay depths of 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) in the tidal
tributaries are common. Brewerton Channel, the main navigation channel
entering Inner Harbor, traverses the length of Outer Harbor and is 13 m
(42 ft) deep. Three shallower dredged channels connect the Sparrows
Point area to the main channel.
The western shoreline of Outer Harbor and the Sparrows Point area
are highly industrialized. In contrast, the southern and northeastern
shorelines support residential and recreational developments.
Although tidal currents in the area are relatively small, proximity
to Chesapeake Bay coupled with the large upstream tidal prism would
indicate that tidal effects would be of greater significance in the
movement of effluent plumes than in other Harbor areas. Surface water
-------
110
movements could also be substantially affected by wind currents as a
result of the large water area.
General Observations
Surface waters of the Outer Harbor displayed a general dark gray-
brown color. Large amounts of brown (red) algae were present with small
to moderate sized areas of high suspended solids. With the exception of
specific thermal fields discussed below, the variations in temperature
of the surface waters were not significant.
Specific Observations
Identifying numbers for specific observations are overprinted in
red on Figure V-38, a section of U. S. Coast and Geodetic Nautical Chart
549 (Scale: 1:40,000).
D-l (Day)—The water in this small area was dark gray-brown in
color. Three barges appeared to be unloading at the time of flight. An
approach to a bridge (the Outer Harbor Crossing) was under construction.
D-2 (Day)—A dark yellow-gray turbidity field was present around
the tip of Hawkins Point. The source of the suspended solids was not
readily determined.
D-3 (Night)—A small warm spot was recorded in the surface waters
at this location [Figures V-39 and V-40]. The thermal source could not
be located. There was no pronounced thermal plume associated directly
with this indication.
D-4 (Night)—A small thermal discharge was located adjacent to a
warm pond as shown in Figures V-39 and V-40. The Glidden Company
reported a storm drain at this location.
-------
V
\
ROCK CREEK
„„ , STONY CREEK ...
, ,n*
V
i RIVIERA BEACH
THERMAL FIELD
HAWKINS PT
Figure V-39 Thermal Map (Night • 2100 Hours) - West Shore , Outer Harbor
-------
112
D-5 (Night)—Two submerged thermal discharges were located at the
points shown. Figure V-41 is a thermal map of this area recorded at
about 2030 hours (EDT), 9 May 1973, the first of a series of three
thermal maps. A warm line connecting the two discharges occurred about
1.5 hours after low-low tide. The warm indications shown in Figure V-39
were recorded about 30 minutes later (2100 hours EDT). The warm line
had virtually disappeared. Finally, this area was also imaged at about
2120 hours EDT [Figure V-40]. The thermal field in this general area
had greatly increased in size during the 50-minute time period. The
tide was in a flood phase as indicated by the line of demarcation in
surface water temperatures shown in the lower middle section of Figure
V-38. The Glidden Company reported these outfalls discharge mixed
process wastewaters with a combined flow rate of 119,000 m /day
(31.4 mgd) and a temperature of 24°C (76°F).
D-6 (Night)—Warm water from a lagoon located within the T'en~ ^cott
Refining Corporation facility was being discharged to Outer Harbor at
this particular shore position. The lagoon discharge and resultant
thermal field are shown in Figures V-39, V-40 and V-41. Figure V-40
shows a cool field adjacent to the discharge occurring during the flood
tide phase. An isarthermal sketch of the resultant areas of constant
temperature with No. 1 being/the warmest. The realtive temperature
difference between Area 1 and Area 5 was estimated to have been 4 to 6°C
(7 to 10°F). This isartherm was derived from thermal imagery recorded
about 2100 hours EDT. The source of the warm water in the lagoon was
3
Kennecott process and cooling water with a reported flow rate of 550 m /
day (0.145 mgd) and a summer time temperature of 24°C (75°F).
-------
113
HAWKINS PT-
,0-3
D-4
D-5
OUTER
HARBOR
KENNECOTT REFINING
Figure Y-40 Thermal Map (Night • 2120 Hours) • Hawkins Point Area
4 w
4-
/
SWAN CREEK
LAGOON
D-6
OUTER
HARBOR
D-8
Figure V-41 Thermal Map (Night - 2030 Hours] • West Shore , Outer Harbor
-------
114
D-7 (Night)—Some of the warm water in the lagoon discussed in D-6,
was being discharged into Outer Harbor at this shore position [Figure V-
39]. In the Kennecott permit application, this shore position was
labeled "dyke outfall."
D-8 (Night)—A moderate sized lagoon was discharging warm water.
The surface temperature of the lagoon was about 4 to 6°C (7 to 11°F)
warmer than the Harbor water. The source of the warm water appeared to
be a second (larger) pond along Swan Creek, immediately west of the first
pond, and partially fed by water originating from within the Kennecott
Refining Corporation facility as shown in Figures V-41 and V-43. It is
noteworthy to mention that the temperature of the water of these two
lagoons was nearly equal to that of the river water during the day
mission as shown in Figure V-44. The thermal plume is shown in the
isarthermal sketch [Figure V-42].
D-9 (Night)—A small thermal discharge was recorded at this posi-
tion along shore. The resultant thermal field was small in area as shown
in Figures V-41 and V-43. There was a pond or lagoon containing water 4
to 6°C (7 to 11°F) warmer than the Harbor waters, located adjacent to a
small tank farm [Figure V-43], that may have been the source of warm
water.
D-10 (Night)—The thermal discharges from the H. A. Wagner Gener-
ating Station were creating a large thermal field as shown in Figure V-
39. The field was 4.8 km (3 mi) in length and extended 960 m (2,800 ft)
into the Patapsco River from the discharges. The relative isar-
thermal sketch of this field is shown in Figure V-42. The surface
temperature of the area labeled No. 1 was estimated to be 7 to 9°C
-------
Figure V-42 Isarthermal Map • Western Shore, Outer Harbor
-------
116
H A WAGNER GENERATING STA
Figure V 43 Thermal Map (Night • 2120 Hours) • Stony Creek Area
-------
117
/
Figure V-44 Thermal Map (Day) • West Shore, Outer Harbor
-------
118
(13 to 16°F) warmer than the surface temperature of the river waters.
The largest thermal field [Figure V-39] was produced by the discharge
from Outfall 001 with a reported flow rate of 1,770,000 m /day (467 mgd)
and a summertime temperature of 32°C (89°F). The discharge from Outfall
002 created a much smaller thermal field than Outfall 001 [Figure V-39]
and appeared significantly cooler. Its reported flow rate was 1,660,000
3
m /day (438 mgd), only 6 percent smaller than the discharge from 001.
It had a summertime discharge temperature of 31°C (88°F). The thermal
map [Figure V-43] recorded about 20 minutes later than Figure V-39
clearly shows that the dispersion characteristics of the Outfall 002
effluent had changed significantly in the flood tide phase from that
indicated in the earlier thermal map.
D-ll (Night)—The surface waters in Cox Creek were significantly
warmer than the ambient waters of the Outer Harbor [Figure V-43]. There
was a sharp thermal boundary across the mouth of the creek. The dis-
charges discussed in D-10 did not significantly contribute to this
condition.
D-12 (Night)—A small thermal discharge was entering the Patapsco
River at this location on Riviera Beach [Figure V-39]. There was a
small pond located adjacent to shore that may have been the source of
the warm water.
D-13 (Night)—A thermal discharge was recorded at this shore posi-
tion adjacent to two small docks. The resultant thermal field is shown
in Figure V-39. The source of the warm water was not readily deter-
mined .
-------
\
\
ROCK CREEK .^^ ^»~ - STONY CREEK Q-10
••*» '
* RIVIERA BEACH
:
D-12
*
-
.
THERMAL LO
Figure V-39 Thermal Map (Night • 2100 Hours) • West Shore , Outer Harbor
-------
120
Figure V-45 Thermal Map (Day) - Bear Creek, Sparrows Point
-------
121
D-14 (Day)—The water in this area of Bear Creek was dark gray-brown
and contained a significant amount of suspended solids. The surface
waters of this area were somewhat warmer than the Creek background
waters as shown in Figure V-45. This indication was in the immediate
zone of influence of Outfall 015 within the Bethlehem Steel Corporation's
Sparrows Point Facility as shown by arrow "a" [Figure V-38]. This
3
discharge reportedly consists of 7,600 m /day (2.0 mgd) of piocess water
3
and 9,800 m /day (2.6 mgd) of non-contact cooling water. The summertime
average temperature was given as 31°C (87°F) for the combined discharge
and the pH range was 4.0 to 7.6. Bethlehem's Outfalls 018 and 019 were
i
located about 270 m (880 ft) south of Outfall 015. No flow rate infor-
mation was available for these outfalls.
D-15 (Day)—Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall 014 was producing
a small thermal field at this shore position [Figure V-45]. The discharge
reportedly consists of 303,000 m /day (80 mgd) of process water and
3
8,300 m /day (2.2 mgd) of non-contact cooling water with an average
summertime temperature of 32°C (90°F).
D-16 (Day)—The surface waters in this immediate area were quite
dark brown and an isolated thermal plume was recorded as shown in Figure
V-45. This area is sketched in detail in Figure V-46. The source of
the indication could not be determined.
D-17 (Day)—A thermal field was present in this area as shown in
Figure V-47 and sketched in Figure V-46. The source of the warm water
was not readily determined. Surface water within the thermal field was
somewhat less turbid than the background water. The estimated temper-
ature difference between the surface waters of the field and the
-------
BEAR CREEK
\
OVERAGE
Figure ¥46 Detailed Observations • Northwest Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
123
Patapsco River waters was about 2 to 4°C (4 to 7°F).
D-17 (Night)—The thermal field was also present during the night
flight but not as warm as the above. During this mission a warm indi-
cation was recorded on shore as shown in Figure V-48 and sketched in
Figure V-46. The warm water extended from this shore position in a
southerly direction toward the pier.
D-18 (Day)—A thermal field between two piers was recorded in this
•
area along with numerous oil slicks. The field is shown in Figure V-47
as it was moving out into the Patapsco River waters. The estimated
difference in temperature between the surface waters of the field and
the river waters was 2 to 4°C (4 to 7°F). The oil slicks are sketched
in Figure V-46. The amount of oil contained in these slicks was about
61 liters (16 gal.).
D-18 (Night)—The thermal field was also present in this dock area
during the night mission. The source of the warm water was in the
northeastern corner of the dock area as shown in Figure V-48. This
discharge was from Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall 013 with a
3
reported flow rate of 28,400 m /day (7.5 mgd) of process water and
51,100 m /day (13.5 mgd) of non-contact cooling water with a summertime
average temperature of 33°C (92°F).
D-19 (Day)—Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall 012 was dis-
charging warm water at the apex of this dock area. With the tide in an
ebb phase at the time of flight, the warm water was flowing out into the
Patapsco River and impinging upon a still warmer thermal field (to be
discussed in D-20) as shown in Figure V-47. This discharge reportedly
-------
\
THERMAL FIELD
SPARROWS POINT
i D-18
| SUN REFLECTION
f
SUN REFLECTION
Figure V-47 Thermal Map (Day) - Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
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DIGITALLY
-------
127
3
consisted of 466,000 m /day (123 mgd) of process and non-contact cool-
ing water with a summertime temperature of 33°C (92°F).
D-19 (Night)—The thermal field resulting from Outfall 012 was also
>
moving out into the warmer D-20 thermal field as shown in Figure V-48.
This was occurring during a flood tide condition from low-low tide to
low-high tide. The surface temperature of this field was estimated to
be 3°C (5°F) cooler than that of D-20 and 2 to 3°C (4 to 5°F) warmer
than the background Patapsco River waters. The discharge and thermal
field are also shown in Figure V-49 recorded about 21 minutes later than
Figure V-48.
D-20 (Day)—Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfalls 009, 010 and
Oil were discharging from this shore position as shown in Figure V-50.
Oil in the form of surface oil slicks was moving from the rectangular
discharge basin out into the Patapsco River. The amount of oil in the
slicks was calculated to be 57 liters (15 gal.). There was also a large
thermal field present which resulted from the combined discharge as
shown in Figure V-47. This combined discharge reportedly consisted of
3
327,000 m /day (86.4 mgd) of process and non-contact cooling water with
an average summertime temperature of 39°C (102°F).
D-20 (Night)—The combined discharge of Outfalls 009, 010 and Oil
created a more prominent thermal field than recorded during the day
flight [Figure V-48]. With the tide progressing from a slack condition
into the flood phase, the thermal field possessed sharper thermal bound-
aries in the Patapsco River than during the day flight. The field was
density sliced and subsequently synthesized into the isarthermal map
-------
PAT A PSCO RIVER
\
• PHOTOGRAPHIC
• • « G E
Figure V 50 Detailed Observations West Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
129
Figure V-51. Two separate areas in this map are labeled No. 1, the
warmest indication. The estimated surface temperature difference
between the No. 1 area and the background river waters was 6 to 8°C (11
to 14°F). Approximately twelve minutes later this thermal field was
again imaged as shown in Figure V-49. The field covered a much larger
surface area at the later time, extending further out into the river and
southward even though a flood tide condition was present. The two black
lines across the outer boundaries of the field were caused by Harbor
boat traffic, indicating that the water below the surface was signifi-
cantly cooler than at the surface by about 2 to 4°C (4 to 7°F). An
isarthermal map of the field in Figure V-49 is provided as Figure V-52.
A detailed study of the size and location of each relative isartherm in
Figures V-51 and V-52 would provide the evolvement data for the field
during this short time interval.
D-21 (Day)—A gray-colored runoff wastewater was entering the mud
flat from the paths labeled "a" through "e" in Figure V-53. The turbid
water then entered the Patapsco River along the paths indicated by
arrows "f" and "g." The effluent caused a yellow-gray turbid condition
in the river as depicted in the figure.
D-22 (Day)—A small volume of wastewater was flowing along the
ditch labeled "h" in Figure V-53. The effluent subsequently entered the
geometrically shaped slip. Any resultant discoloration in the receiving
water was not recorded because of large concentrations of brown algae as
indicated in Figure V-53 by the areas labeled Nos. 1, 2 and 3 with 1
as the greatest concentration. Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall
-------
130
2O
ROWS
Figure V-51 Isarthermal Map - Outfalls 009, 010, Oil
Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Sparrows Point
-------
Figure V 52 Isarthermal Map - Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
\
PATAPSCO RIVER
figure V 53 Detailed Observations Southwest Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
133
020 also discharges to this waterway. It is a submerged line carrying a
3
reported 530 m /day (0.14 mgd) of process water to the Patapsco River at
an average temperature of 41°C (105°F) with a pH range from 0.3 to 2.1.
D-22 (Night)—The surface waters at the apex of this geometrical
slip were estimated to be 1 to 2°C (2 to 4°F) warmer than the ambient
river waters. This is shown in Figure V-49 and in the isarthermal map
[Figure V-52].
D-23 (Day)—A yellow-gray turbid water was washing out of this mud
flat into the Patapsco River causing a yellow-gray turbid field to be
present as shown in Figure V-53.
D-24 (Day)—This small ditch was discharging an orange-gray waste-
water into a lagoon [Figure V-53]. This color was present only in the
upper section of the lagoon while the lower section was gray-green.
There was no apparent discharge into the Patapsco River.
D-24 (Night)—The surface temperature of the water in this lagoon
was greater than that of the background river water as shown in Figure
V-49. There was also a small thermal field along the west side of the
small peninsular projection indicative of a discharge from the lagoon to
the river. The field is shown in Figure V-49 and V-52. Bethlehem Steel
Corporation's Outfalls 007 and 008 were located in this small area.
3
Outfall 007 reportedly discharges 1,200 m /day (0.32 mgd) of cooling
water. Flow data on Outfall 008 was not available.
D-25 (Day)—A light gray-brown substance was leaching into the
Patapsco River waters from this point as shown in Figures V-53 and V-54.
Trucks were dumping loads of soil at the end of this point during this
mission.
-------
134
r GRAY - BROWN
d ,Y E L L O W - BROWN
r G R A
GRAY BROWN
L IOHT GRAY
BROWN LEACHATE
PATA
PSCO
Figure V 54 Detailed Observations • South Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
135
D-26 (Day)—Four areas along shore were discharging turbid water
into the Patapsco River creating a moderate-sized yellow-gray turbid
field as shown in Figure V-54. The numbered areas indicate the relative
magnitudes of turbidity with No. 1 being the greatest. A landfill oper-
ation was in progress at the time of flight. There were small thermal
discharges associated with indications "b" and "e" as shown in Figure
V-47. The resultant field extended eastward because of the ebb tide
condition.
D-27 (Night)—A thermal field occupied nearly all the surface
waters in this dock area during the night mission. Bethlehem Steel
Corporation reported a total of five outfalls in this area. They are
labeled "a" through "e" in Figure V-54 and are identified as follows:
a - Outfall 002 d - Outfall 005
b - Outfall 003 e - Outfall 006
c - Outfall 004
The warm effluents from Outfalls 002 and 003 ("a" and'V) are shown in
Figures V-48 and V-49. The surface water is so warm that the individual
effluents from Outfalls 004, 005 and 006 were not distinguishable in the
3
thermal data. Outfall 002 reportedly discharges 8,340 m /day (2.2 mgd)
each of process and non-contact cooling water with an average summertime
temperature of 35°C (95°F); Outfall 003 discharges 5,300 m3/day (1.4
mgd) of non-contact cooling water at 34°C (94°F); Outfall 004 discharges
3
4,900 m /day (1.3 mgd) of noncontact cooling water at 35°C (95°F); and
3
Outfall 006 discharges 0.8 m /day (200 gpd) of process water. No flow
information was reported for Outfall 005.
-------
WHITE CRUSTAT ION
LEACHING INTO WATfcR
I
D-28
NOTE ARROWS INDICATE PATHS
OF LAND RUNOFF
PATAPSCO RIVER
Figure V 55 Detailed Observations - Southeast Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
137
D-28 (Day)—Numerous locations along the southern shoreline (east
side) of Sparrows Point [Figure V-55] were contributing land runoff
creating a turbidity field in the Patapsco River. In the area labeled
"A" there were two small ponds containing a gray-brown wastewater that
were discharging to the river. The source of the wastewater could not
be determined. However, there were two large rectangular lagoons across
the roadway that contained a dark gray-brown wastewater. No evidence
was found that indicated the presence of leaching from the lagoons under
the roadway into the small ponds along shore.
D-29 (Day)—Several paths for land runoff water were recorded in
this area. The main paths and small ponds affected are shown in Figure
V-56.
D-30 (Day)—A dark gray-brown plume was present in Old Road Bay as
a result of Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall 001. The plume is
•j
shown in Figure V-56. The effluent reportedly consisted of 158,000 m /
day (41.7 mgd) of process water and 1,490,000 m /day (394 mgd) of non-
contact cooling water with an average discharge temperature of 33°C
(92°F).
D-30 (Night)—During the night flight, Outfall 001 was causing a
large thermal field in Old Road Bay as shown in Figure V-48. The field
displayed a clockwise spiral circulation pattern. In Figure V-49,
recorded about 12 minutes after Figure V-48, the hook on the spiral had
revolved in the clockwise direction about 34° of arc. The tide was in
flood phase at the time of flight. An isarthermal map [Figure V-57] of
the thermal field was constructed from the image in Figure V-48. It is
indicated that the warmest water (No. 1) did not come to the surface
-------
LAND RUNOFF AREA
SURFACE WATER PATHS
JONES CREEK
OLD ROAD BAY
Figure V 56 Detailed Observations East Shore, Sparrows Point
-------
D-3O
IOUTFALL
Figure V-57 Isarthermal Map of Old Road Bay
-------
140
until it had been reflected from the eastern shore of Old Road Bay. The
areas labeled No. 1 were about 5 to 7°C (9 to 13°F) warmer than the
background river waters.
D-31 (Day)—Bethlehem Steel Corporation's Outfall 016 was discharg-
ing gray-brown wastewater into Jones Creek creating a small plume
[Figure V-56].
D-32 (Day)—A small light gray-brown plume was recorded adjacent to
shore at this point [Figure V-38]. Bethlehem Steel Corporation's
Outfall 017 was also located at this point. It had a reported flow rate
of 2,650 m3/day (0.7 mgd).
D-33 (Night)—A large thermal field extended out of this area into
Chesapeake Bay as shown in Figures V-48 and V-49. The source of the
warm water was not known. However, the warmest surface water tempera-
ture was located at the shore position indicated in Figure V-57. The
area labeled No. 1 was estimated to be 5 to 7°C (9 to 13°F) warmer than
the background waters in Chesapeake Bay, south of the thermal field in
Figure V-49.
-------
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141
UPPER BACK RIVER (AREA E)
The Back River is a tidal atm of Chesapeake Bay north of Baltimore
Harbor across the Fatapsco River Neck. The study area encompassed the
upper portions of the River as shown in Figure V-l. This area of the
River is relatively shallow, averaging 1 to 2 m (3 to 6 ft) deep. A more
detailed map of the study area is presented in Figure V-58, a segment of
U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Nautical Chart 549 (Scale 1: 40,000).
General Observations
This section of the Back River was characterized by highly turbid,
yellow-brown waters. No traces of brown algae were found in this area.
Specific Observations
E-l (Day)—A submerged discharge was active during the time of the
mission at the position shown in Figure V-58. The plume extended in an
easterly direction about 280 m (900 ft) before dispersing. There was no
significant discoloration associated with this plume in reference to the
background river water. The concentration of suspended solids appeared
to be higher in the plume than was present in the background river water.
-------
FIXED BRIDGES
HOR CL 45 FT
VERT .CL 12 FT
FIXED BRIDGE
HOR CL 46 FT
YERT CL 14 FT
DVHD PAR CABS
MJTH CL 34 FT
Figure V-58 Locations of Specific Observations • Area E, Back River
-------
143
VI. RESULTS AND EVALUATION OF DATA ANALYSIS
WICOMICO RIVER
The Wicomico River and St. Clement Bay study area is described in
Section III with the location shown in Figure III-2. These estuarine
waters support active shellfish beds that were closed to commercial
harvesting after detection of excessive concentrations of fecal coliform
bacteria in the shellfish. Numerous hog farms and residential areas are
located in the lowlands adjacent to these waters. Runoff from the hog
farms and seepage from cesspools and septic tanks used for domestic
sewage disposal are potential sources of bacterial contamination.
The general area was flown in order to record the presence of sur-
face and near-surface water and to detect potential paths of movement of
such water from the lowlands into the embayments. The water paths
documented could provide potential means for transporting bacteria from
the hog farms and sewage disposal facilities to the shellfish areas.
Information on the locations of the hog farms was not available to
NFIC-Denver.
Seven distinct linear flight lines were flown within the general
area of the Wicomico River Basin. The geographical limits of the areas
covered by these flights are shown in Figure VI-1.
Two types of infrared sensors were used to identify surface and
near-surface water areas. An IRLS was used to provide a black-and-white
thermal map of each area. The second sensor was a camera equipped with
-------
144
Gf ORGE A'A^HINC. ION
BIRTHPl ACF NATIONAL
MONUMEN?
Figure VI-1 Study Subareas, Wicomico River Basin
-------
145
a film-filter combination (see Section III) designed to provide an
infrared film transparency ideally suited to the separation of water and
foliage areas.
The infrared thermal maps of six of the areas were used as base
maps for locating and identifying water paths [Figures VI-2 through
VI-7]. A U.S. Geological Survey topographical map was used as a base
map for the seventh area [Figure VI-8]. The geographical coverage of
each of these maps is shown in Figure VI-1.
Water paths identified by the infrared film are overprinted in red
on the black-and-white thermal maps. Areas labeled "wet" are black on
the thermal map, while the areas that are light-gray to white contain
virtually no surface or near-surface water. The potential paths of
water movement were observed to be quite complex, necessitating this
method of data presentation.
-------
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153
VII. SATELLITE DATA ON BALTIMORE HARBOR
AND UPPER CHESAPEAKE BAY
Data recorded by the Earth Resources Technology Satellite (ERTS)
were obtained to provide a means for comparing the characteristics of
Baltimore Harbor waters with background Chesapeake Bay waters. Imagery
for three data channels (red, green and infrared I) recorded on 1 June
1973 at 1114 hours EOT and covering the entire Upper Chesapeake Bay area
at an approximate scale of 1:430,000 was used for this comparison.
Figure VII-1 is a negative print of the ERTS data recorded in the
green region of the optical spectrum. Spectral data of land and water
are characterized by low contrast levels in this green band. In this
print, dark areas are light and light areas are dark in the real world.
In the Baltimore Harbor area, a turbidity field in the Inner Harbor
resulted from the Patapsco River influent. This turbidity appears as a
darker gray area in Figure VII-1. The level of turbidity in upper
Northwest Harbor was also significant. A large discolored area in Outer
Harbor extended from Hawkins Point into Chesapeake Bay. The upper
reaches of Back River were significantly discolored. Patches of dis-
coloration were recorded in Chesapeake Bay and in the delta of the
Susquehanna River.
The land-to-water contrast is far greater in the ERTS red channel
[Figure VII-2] than in the green; dark water areas are more pronounced,
indicating the presence of suspended sediment. Discolored areas in the
Patapsco River, upper Northwest Harbor and the Hawkins Point areas noted
in the green channel data were more pronounced in the red channel imagery.
-------
154
Scale 1 : 430,000
•*
I*
MIDDLE BRANCH
'
RBIDITY FIELD!
BACK RIVERj
T
PATAPSCO RIVER
JWF*
* 4?
»w
. *•„ ;
£>«*
»
CHESAPEAKE
Figure VII I Upper Chesapeake Bay (Satellite Data • Green Channe
-------
155
Scale 1 : 430,000
' '"
•' ' "
.
,'-»*' - > -
/*•.. . *PC,_
r "V,
.Vsv-: ,: 4
•*>*. ..r, -<
i- m ffSK--^>? . ,,* .
. -%'_ > *5 s&i/t
-
JW
Figure VII-2 Upper Chesapeake Bay (Satellite Data • Red Channel)
-------
156
Of interest is a white area extending from Outer Harbor nearly across
Chesapeake Bay. The cause of this color variance is not known.
In Figure VII-3, the first near-infrared channel with a bandwidth
of 0.7 to 0.8 microns, there were small areas of discoloration near
Hawkins Point and in Old Road Bay adjacent to Sparrows Point, and a
trace in upper Northwest Harbor. Such discoloration is usually indi-
cative of the presence of chlorophyll. As reported in Chapter V, there
were large amounts of brown algae present in these areas about three
weeks prior to the date of this image. There were also areas of dis-
coloration in the Chesapeake Bay and in the Susquehanna River delta.
There was no sign of discoloration in data recorded on Channel 7, the
second near-infrared channel. Channel 7 data are therefore not pre-
sented in this report.
-------
157
Scale 1 : 430,000
PATAPSCO Rl
SPARROWS POINT
CHESAPEAKE BAY
Figure VII -3 Upper Chesapeake Bay (Satellite Data - Infrared I Channel)
-------
APPENDIX A
FILM SPECTRAL SENSITIVITY DATA
OPTICAL FILTER TRANSMITTANCE DATA
-------
The spectral curves for each film and optical filter used
during this reconnaissance program are provided on the following
pages:
i) SO-397 with HF3/HF5 filter combination
ii) 2403 with 47A
iii) 2443 with 16.
In order to obtain the optical band width B (X) of each film-
filter combination let F(A) be the transmittance function of the
respective filter and S(X) be the spectral sensitivity function for
the particular film. Then
B(X) = ** S(X) F(X) dX.
-------
Kodak Ektachrome EF Aerograph!c Film
SO-397 Development Process EA-5
Ye 1 low forming
ayer
Cyan forming
layer
Magenta forming
layer
Normal Exposure, D = 1.00
above minimum density
Sensitivity = reciprocal of exposure
(ergs/cnr) required to produce specified
density above density of base plus fog
500 600
Wavelength in Nanometers
.11 3
it £2
! 10X II
100%
200 300 400 500 600
700
800 MO
HF-3
and
HF-5
300
400 900 600
WWCLENQTH (NMMtm)
700
800
800
AAB*
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MAPPING FILMS
KODAK Pius-X AEROGRAPHic Film 2402
(ESTAR Base)
Spectral Sensitivity Curves:
D-19
«50 500 550
WAVELENGTH (nm)
Sensitivity — Reciprocal of the exposure in ergs/cm2 required to produce the indicated density (D) above
gross fog.
.1% 3
1% t
200300400500600 700 800900
S
I I
1 10 % 1
100% 0
200300400500600 700 800
WAVELENGTH (Nanometers)
Blue. Glass contrast filter for printing motion-picture duplicates.
39
(GLASS)
AAA
900
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INFRARED-SENSITIVE FILMS
KODAK AEROCHROME Infrared Film 2443
(ESTAR Base)
KODAK AEROCHROME Infrared Film 3443
(ESTAR Thin Base)
Critical users of these two films should determine the actual sensitometric characteristics
of their particular batch of film by using their own specialized techniques. The keeping
conditions for these films have an effect on their sensitometric response.
Spectral Sensitivity Curves:
400 650
.VAVf ItNGlH Infill
Sensitivity = Reciprocal of the exposure (ergs/cm') required to produce a density of 1.0 above D min.
Measurements were confined to the 400 to 900 nanometer region.
Spectral Dye Density Curves:
200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900
AAB 100 % 0
200
300
400 500 600 700
WAVELENGTH (Nanometers)
Orange. Permits greater overcorrection of sky than No. 15. Absorbs
small amount of green.
900
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APPENDIX B
DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES FOR BLACK-WHITE,
COLOR RECONNAISSANCE FILMS
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The film was processed in processors manufactured by Eastman
Kodak Company. The infrared and true-color Ektachrome films were
processed in the Ektachrome RT Processor, Model 1811, Type M,
Federal Stock Number 6740-109-2987PK, Part Number 460250. This machine
uses Kodak EA-5 chemicals. The temperature of the respective chemicals
in the processor and the film process rate, in feet per minute, are
the important parameters. Their values were specified as follows:
1) Prehardner 115°F
2) Neutralizer 115°F
3) First Developer 115°F
4) First Stop Bath 115°F
5) Color Developer 120°F
6) Second Stop Bath 120°F
7) Bleach 125°F
8) Fixer 120°F
9) Stablizer 120°F
The film process rate was 9 feet per minute. The nine chemical
baths, mentioned above, comprise the EA-5 process used for the
color films. The temperature and pressure of the fresh water supplied
to the processor was 120°F and 45 pounds per square inch minimum
respectively. The fresh water is used to wash the film immediately
before entering the dryers.
The black and white film 2403 was processed in a Kodak Versamat
Model 11-CM processor using Kodak 641 chemicals. This process contains
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only two chemical baths which are the developer and fixer. During
processing, these were maintained at 85°F with a film process rate
of 12 feet per minute. Fresh water temperature was maintained at
85°F with a pressure greater than 45 pounds per square inch.
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APPENDIX C
Focal Length, Angle of View, and the Effects of Focal Length and Altitude
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The focal length of the aerial sensors affects the size (or scale)
of the resulting imagery. At any given altitude, the image size
chan'ges in direct proportion to changes in focal length. Also for a
given focal length, the image size is inversely proportional to the
altitude.
The angle of view of a sensor is a function of the focal length
and the image format size. The importance of the angle of view is
its relationship to the amount of target area recorded in the imagery.
Refer to the following diagrams: A. Focal length of a simple lens.
B. Effect of focal length on scale and ground coverage. C. Effect
of altitude on scale and ground coverage.
Reproduction of
point at mfimty-
[—- Focal Length —
Point at
Lens Axis
Infinity
-Parallel light rays from infinite
distance and a single point source.
Diagram A. Focal Length of a Simple Lens
Focal length is the distance from the lens (A) to the film (B)
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3-Inch Focal Length /'
20,000
C
rvLi
6-Inch Focal Length
30.000 Ft
12-Inch Focol Length
,500 Ft
/—5,000 Ft
18-Inch Focal Length
DIAGRAM B Effect of Focal Length on Scale and Ground Coverage
ic.so: Ft
5.000 Ft
—7A— 7,500 Ft
3-Inch Focal Length
DIAGRAM C Effect of Altitude on Scale and Ground Coverage
GPO e;3 • 644
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